cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The challenges of an aging tetralogy of Fallot population.

Introduction: Advancements in surgery and management have resulted in a growing population of aging adults with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). As a result, there has been a parallel growth in late comp...
Towards Better Model Understanding with Path-Sufficient Explanations.

Feature based local attribution methods are amongst the most prevalent in explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) literature. Going beyond standard correlation, recently, methods have been proposed that highlight what should be minimally sufficient to justify the classification of an input (viz. pertinent positives). While minimal sufficiency is an attractive property, the resulting explanations are often too sparse for a human to understand and evaluate the local behavior of the model, thus making it difficult to judge its overall quality. To overcome these limitations, we propose a novel method called Path-Sufficient Explanations Method (PSEM) that outputs a sequence of sufficient explanations for a given input of strictly decreasing size (or value) -- from original input to a minimally sufficient explanation -- which can be thought to trace the local boundary of the model in a smooth manner, thus providing better intuition about the local model behavior for the specific input. We validate these claims, both qualitatively and quantitatively, with experiments that show the benefit of PSEM across all three modalities (image, tabular and text). A user study depicts the strength of the method in communicating the local behavior, where (many) users are able to correctly determine the prediction made by a model.
In Search of Democracy

1. Introduction: In Search of Democracy Part I. The Dynamics and Foundations of Democracy 2. The Quality of Democracy (with Leonardo Morlino) 3. Measuring Democracy (with Emily Green and William Gallery) 4. Is Democracy in Decline? 5. Why Democracies Survive 6. Civil Society and Democratic Consolidation 7. Liberation Technology 8. Hybrid Regimes 9. Why Are There No Arab Democracies? Part II. In Search of Democracy in Africa 10. Class Formation in the Swollen African State 11. Class, Ethnicity and the Democratic State: Nigeria, 1950-66 12. Issues in the Constitutional Design of a Third Nigerian Republic 13. Progress and Retreat in Africa: The Rule of Law versus the Big Man 14. Promoting Real Reform in Africa 15. Petroleum To the People (with Jack Mosbacher) Part III: In Search of Democracy in Asia 16. The Coming Wave of East Asian Democracy 17. Why China's Democratic Transition Will Differ From Taiwan's 18. Hong Kong's Democratic Prospects 19. Indonesia's Place in Global Democracy 20. Burma's Political Opening Part IV: Promoting Democracy: Policy Implications 21. Empowering the Poor: What Does Democracy Have to Do with It? 22. Promoting Democracy in Post-Conflict and Failed States 23. Promoting Democracy: Enduring Tensions and New Opportunities
Genetic Control of the Transport of Hexose Phosphates in Escherichia coli: Mapping of the uhp Locus

A number of mutations affecting the transport of hexose phosphates in Escherichia coli were ordered within the uhp locus. Three-point crosses by transduction or conjugation allowed the ordering of the alleles relative to the adjacent pyrE marker. The same linear map was obtained by both methods. This, combined with the regulatory properties of revertants of these mutants, allowed a tentative identification of two genes, one presumably coding for the transport system (uhpT) and the other(s) specifying a regulatory element (uhpR). The order of these is pyrE-uhpT-uhpR. Mutants exhibiting constitutive expression of the transport system were isolated. This behavior is genetically linked to the uhp locus, but more precise localization was not possible.
Aesthetic Rhinoplasty Utilizing Various Techniques Depending on the Abnormality

The nose is the central and most prominent aesthetic facial landmark. It divides the face in half and defines many of the common measures of facial proportions. Preoperative consultation, anesthesia, techniques, postoperative care, revisional surgery, and adjuvant procedures, as well as special situations in primary aesthetic rhinoplasty, are discussed. A simple systematic approach to rhinoplasty that will help link cause and effect for the surgeon is described. The use of the external direct approach allows immediate feedback on the operating table, improving the consistency of results.
The role of certainty (and uncertainty) in attitudes and persuasion

Psychological certainty plays a key role in shaping people's thoughts, judgments, attitudes, and behaviors. This article provides an overview of recent work on attitude certainty , which has been the subject of considerable attention in the social and consumer psychology literatures. In particular, this article describes the consequences of feeling certain or uncertain of an attitude, outlines the metacognitive appraisals that shape people's feelings of certainty or uncertainty, and highlights recent developments suggesting that strategically inducing uncertainty during message processing can enhance message impact. In essence, whereas uncertainty can stimulate processing and create a desire for information, certainty helps give an attitude durability and impact.
Current state of transcatheter mitral valve repair with the MitraClip

Background: Many patients affected with mitral valve regurgitation suffer from multiple comorbidities. The MitraClip device provides a safe means of transcatheter valve repair in patients with suitable mitral valve anatomy who are at prohibitive risk for surgery. We describe our early procedural outcomes and present a summary of the current state of MitraClip technology in the United States. Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of initial high-risk or inoperable patients who underwent MitraClip placement at our institution after completion of the EVEREST II study. We examined the primary outcome of 30-day mortality, and secondary outcomes included extent of reduction of mitral regurgitation (MR), New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class improvement, length of stay, and major complications. Results: A total of 115 high-risk patients (mean Society of Thoracic Surgeons predicted risk of mortality 9.4%±6.1%) underwent the MitraClip procedure at our institution between March 2009 and April 2014. Co-morbidities including coronary artery disease (67.8%), pulmonary disease (39.1%) and previous cardiac surgery (44.3%) were common. The device was placed successfully in all patients with a 30-day mortality of 2.6%. All patients demonstrated 3+ or 4+ MR on preoperative imaging, and 80.7% of patients had trace or 1+ MR at hospital discharge. NYHA class improved substantially, with 79% of patients exhibiting class III or IV symptoms pre-procedure and 81% reporting class I or II symptoms at one month follow-up. Conclusions: The MitraClip procedure provides a safe alternative to surgical or medical management for high-risk patients with MR and suitable valve anatomy. A comprehensive heart team approach is essential, with surgeons providing critical assessment of patient suitability for surgery versus percutaneous therapy as well as performance of the valve procedure.
An evaluation of factors affecting professional obsolescence of information technology professionals

Design and development of effective information technology (IT) based systems depends upon a staff of competent information technology professionals (ITPs). Due to the rapid pace of technological innovation, diverging application of IT, and changing role responsibilities of ITPs, it is becoming increasingly difficult for ITPs to maintain up-to-date professional competency. Recent research suggests that, because of outmoded knowledge and skill deficiencies among their IT staff, some firms purposely forgo implementation of emergent technologies. Although not previously examined in IT research, professional obsolescence threats have been acknowledged and evaluated in referent research. Psychologists studying the engineering discipline have suggested individual characteristics, nature of work, and organizational climate as being important determinants of obsolescence. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the relationships between manageable work context factors and degree of professional competency, or conversely obsolescence of ITPs. Structural equation modeling is employed in evaluating the plausibility of the direct-effects model of professional competency. This field study used questionnaires to obtain 161 usable self-report responses from systems analysts. Validity of self-reports were verified using cross-reference ratings from respondents supervisors. The results of this study suggest that individual personality differences and factors of the work environment do effect professional competency levels. Overall, the research model accounted for 44% of the variance in information technologist professional competency.
Normal Pulse Voltammetry as Improved Quantitative Detection Mode for Amperometric Solvent Polymeric Membrane Ion Sensors

A normal pulse voltammetric detection mode for amperometric solvent polymeric membrane ion sensors is described. These sensors function on the basis of ion transfer voltammetry into an organic membrane phase of high viscosity. To avoid sensor drift, it is required that sample ions extracted within a measurement period are quantitatively stripped off the sensing membrane before the next measurement step. The time required for complete back extraction of previously extracted ions must be substantially longer than for the uptake process. Indeed, more than 40% of extracted ions are predicted to remain in the membrane phase if the stripping time equals the uptake time. This suggests that cyclic voltammetry is generally an inadequate method for a reliable application/characterization of these sensors. The pulsed method imposes discrete potential pulses onto the membrane that are incrementally changing with time to cover the total desired potential range. Between each uptake pulse a sufficiently long stripping pulse around 0 V is applied. Optimization of uptake and stripping times are performed, and comparative data with cyclic voltammetry are shown. Normal pulse voltammetric detection scans show strictly the current response for the ion uptake process, and are free of superimposed stripping waves. This characteristic aids in elucidating the nature of each observed wave and can therefore also be used for qualitative purposes. The scans also show higher sensitivity than in classical cyclic voltammetry. Experiments are here limited to ionophore-free membranes as model systems.
Monitoring Intracellular Calcium Ion Dynamics in Hair Cell Populations with Fluo-4 AM

We optimized Fluo-4 AM loading of chicken cochlea to report hair-bundle Ca2+ signals in populations of hair cells. The bundle Ca2+ signal reported the physiological state of the bundle and cell; extruding cells had very high bundle Fluo-4 fluorescence, cells with intact bundles and tip links had intermediate fluorescence, and damaged cells with broken tip links had low fluorescence. Moreover, Fluo-4 fluorescence in the bundle correlated with Ca2+ entry through transduction channels; mechanically activating transduction channels increased the Fluo-4 signal, while breaking tip links with Ca2+ chelators or blocking Ca2+ entry through transduction channels each caused bundle and cell-body Fluo-4 fluorescence to decrease. These results show that when tip links break, bundle and soma Ca2+ decrease, which could serve to stimulate the hair cell’s tip-link regeneration process. Measurement of bundle Ca2+ with Fluo-4 AM is therefore a simple method for assessing mechanotransduction in hair cells and permits an increased understanding of the interplay of tip links, transduction channels, and Ca2+ signaling in the hair cell.
524 AN EVALUATION OF THE PARENTERAL MAGNESIUM (Mg) LOAD TEST IN WEANLING RATS FED FIVE LEVELS OF Mg

A test is needed to evaluate the adequacy of a mammal's nutritional status of Mg during life. A normal kidney avidly retains Mg during deficiency and clears excessively high blood levels, but renal handling of intermediate levels is not known. To test the reliability of a parenteral Mg load test, groups of weanling (40.3±0.4 g) rats were fed purified diets containing 20% casein with five levels of Mg (Table) for one week. The rats were then tested using an intraperitoneal dose of 15 mg of magnesium/kg body weight (Fed. Proc. 39: Abst. 4086, 1980). Analyses for Mg were made using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Analysis of variance testing for C ,D,E showed NS for weight gain, but P<0.001 for other parameters. The test appears to be valid, but is not as exact a guide to the Mgnutritional status as data found by chemical analysis of bone. The recommended dietary level of Mg for growing rats, 40 mg/100 g diet, appears to be suboptimal. Support: Life Seekers; SLU Dept. Ped.-Adolesc. Med; Cardinal Glennon Hosp. for Children Research Fnd.
Simultaneous fermentation of D-xylose and glucose by Candida shehatae

Mixtures of xylose and glucose were anaerobically fermented with the yeastCandida shehatae. Cells previously grown aerobically on glucose fermented glucose and xylose sequentially. Cells grown aerobically on xylose fermented glucose and xylose simultaneously, with no lag in xylose consumption. The best results were obtained with cells grown aerobically on xylose and inoculated into a 75∶25 mixture. 25 g/L of ethanol and 25 g/L of xylitol were obtained from 120 g/L of carbohydrates within 50 hours.
MTF and Integration Time versus Fill Factor for Sparse-Aperture Imaging Systems

Telescopes and imaging interferometers with sparsely filled apertures can be lighter weight and less expensive than conventional filled-aperture telescopes. Sparse-aperture systems can be characterized by their fill factor, which is the ratio of the area of a given aperture to the area of a filled aperture having comparable theoretical resolution. We show that the modulation transfer function (MTF) at the midrange spatial frequencies tends to be proportional to the fill factor. Using signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) expressions for various sources of noise, we derive the relationship between the integration time, needed to achieve a given SNR, and the fill factor. For example, for a fixed, sparse array, the integration time is proportional to the inverse cube of the fill factor for photon noise, to the inverse square of the fill factor for readout noise, and to the inverse fourth-power of the fill factor for dark current.
A Comparison of the Performance of Hydrocarbon Fuels in a Uni-Element Combustor

Abstract : Hydrocarbon fuels are being considered for many boost applications due to their higher energy densities compared with hydrogen. RP-1 has been the standard hydrocarbon fuel for the past several decades. However, there is a wide variety of potential hydrocarbon molecules ranging from the common to the exotic that also could be used as fuels. These compounds have potentially higher energy content compared to RP-1, which could lead to engine performance gains. AFRL/PRS has undertaken the task of examining the potential capabilities of a wide range of these hydrocarbon molecules to determine their overall performance as a rocket fuel. In this paper, the authors discuss the initial stages of combustion performance testing of these potential new fuels. The initial sets of fuels that are being characterized include several common hydrocarbon propellants, such as RP-1, JP-7, JP-8, JP-10, and Butane in a sub-scale, uni-element combustor. To ascertain differences between injectors, several injector styles were tested with these fuels and the results were examined to determine the test conditions necessary for making the most accurate assessment. Initial results indicate that this first set of fuels behave as expected. C* efficiency was relatively high, typically exceeding 95%. The variation between fuels (with the same injector) also was relatively low, indicating that the injector and chamber design used are suitable for performance testing with a wide variety of fuels. The present study has established a consistent baseline and shown that the results from this combustion chamber are highly repeatable. It should be noted that fuel performance is just one area that needs to be studied for these high performing molecules to become useful as rocket fuels. In conjunction with the combustion performance testing, efforts are underway to examine other properties, such as regenerative cooling capability, coking and corrosion behavior, and lubricity. (7 figures, 4 refs.)
Views of potential research participants on financial conflicts of interest: barriers and opportunities for effective disclosure.

BACKGROUND: There is little guidance regarding how to disclose researchers’ financial interests to potential research participants. OBJECTIVE: To determine what potential research participants want to know about financial interests, their capacity to understand disclosed information and its implications, and the reactions of potential research participants to a proposed disclosure statement. DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS: Sixteen focus groups in 3 cities, including 6 groups of healthy adults, 6 groups of adults with mild chronic illness, 1 group of parents of healthy children, 1 group of parents of children with leukemia or brain tumor, 1 group of adults with heart failure, and 1 group of adults with cancer. APPROACH: Focus group discussions covered a range of topics including financial relationships in clinical research, whether people should be told about them, and how they should be told. Audio-recordings of focus groups were transcribed, verified, and coded for analysis. RESULTS: Participants wanted to know about financial interests, whether or not those interests would affect their participation. However, they varied in their desire and ability to understand the nature and implications of financial interests. Whether disclosure was deemed important depended upon the risk of the research. Trust in clinicians was also related to views regarding disclosure. If given the opportunity to ask questions during the consent process, some participants would not have known what to ask; however, after the focus group sessions, participants could identify information they would want to know. CONCLUSIONS: Financial interests are important to potential research participants, but obstacles to effective disclosure exist.
An Investigation of Electrochemomechanical Actuation of Conductive Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) Nanofiber Composites

A polymer-based nanofiber composite actuator designed for contractile actuation was fabricated by electrospinning, stimulated by electrolysis, and characterized by electrochemical and mechanical testing to address performance limitations and understand the activation processing effects on actuation performance. Currently, Electroactive polymers (EAPs) have provided uses in sensory and actuation technology, but have either low force output or expand rather than contract, falling short in capturing the natural kinetics and mechanics of muscle needed to provide breakthroughs in the bio-medical and robotic fields. In this study, activated Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fibers have demonstrated biomimetic functionalities similar to the sarcomere contraction responsible for muscle function. Activated PAN has also been shown to contract and expand by electrolysis when in close vicinity to the anode and cathode, respectively. PAN nanofibers (~500 nm) especially show faster response to changes in environmental pH and improved mechanical properties compared to larger diameter fibers. Tensile testing was conducted to examine changes in mechanical properties between annealing and hydrolysis processing. Voltage driven transient effects of localized pH were examined to address pHdefined actuation thresholds of PAN fibers. Electrochemical contraction rates of the PAN/Graphite composite actuator demonstrated up to 25%/min. Strains of 58.8%, ultimate stresses up to 77.1 MPa, and moduli of 0.21 MPa were achieved with pure PAN nanofiber mats, surpassing mechanical properties of natural muscles. Further improvements, however, to contraction rates and Young’s moduli were found essential to capture the function and performance of skeletal muscles appropriately.
Detecting the expression of human endogenous retrovirus E envelope transcripts in human prostate adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND The expression of human endogenous retrovirus (HERV) mRNA and proteins was associated recently with diseases that include human malignancies. The authors report that, in the current study, transcripts encoding the envelope region of an HERV family, HERV-E, were expressed in human prostate carcinoma. METHODS RNA was isolated from various prostate tissues and was tested for the expression of various HERV envelope (env) genes by reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis, RNA in situ hybridization (ISH), and Northern blot analysis. Variants of HERV that appeared in prostate carcinoma tissues were sequenced, and HERV-E was expressed in prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems. RESULTS In the current study, the authors found that the mRNA of the env gene of one particular family of HERVs, HERV-E, was expressed in some prostate carcinoma tissues (38.8% positive; n = 49 specimens) but not in normal prostate tissues using RT-PCR, RNA ISH, and Northern blot assays. The expression of HERV-E transcripts in prostate tumor epithelial cells was confirmed further by ISH using an HERV-E specific antisense probe. Approximately 50% of the cDNA of HERV-E obtained from prostate carcinoma specimens contained no stop codon and expressed proteins in prokaryotic or eukaryotic expression systems. Furthermore, the expression of both HERV-E and ERV3 (another class of HERV) was detected in the same prostate carcinoma tissues. CONCLUSIONS The expression and distribution of multiple HERV-E endogenous retroviral elements in prostate carcinoma, but not in normal control specimens, suggests that they may serve as novel tumor markers for the early diagnosis and immunotherapy of patients with prostate carcinoma. Cancer 2003;98:187–97. © 2003 American Cancer Society. DOI 10.1002/cncr.11451
Effect of Mechanical Injury on the Ascorbic Acid Content of Potatoes

Effects of two types of mechanical injury (wounding and bruising) on the ascorbic acid content of Belrus cultivar tubers were compared. Wounding involved cutting slices (1 mm) and strips (10 × 20 mm) and both slices and strips exhibited a highly significant increase (p < 0.01) in ascorbic acid following wounding. The largest increase (400%) occurred in slices after 2 days. Ascorbic acid decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in the bruised halves as compared with the unbruised halves. Maximum decrease in ascorbic acid (347%) of bruised tissue occurred after 2 days storage at 5°C. The unbruised halves appeared to synthesize ascorbic acid when compared with the controls, the maximum increase (144%) occurring after 2 days storage at 5°C.
3D SiC/Si normally-off MOSFET for high power high speed applications

An optimized power system requires the integration of more than one technology. In this paper we present a 3D 3C-SiC/Si MOSFET, where high performance power devices can be integrated with low cost Si technology. Using the numerical analysis simulator Silvaco Atlas to simulate the device performance, it was found that these devices can provide double the current while occupying less than 33% of the substrate area of a lateral device with the same gate length and width. The device simulation shows that the breakdown voltage can reach 265V and the drain current can reach 0.5 A/mm at V g =4 V. The stability of this device with temperature makes it an excellent candidate for high power applications.
GABAergic and glycinergic neural inhibition in excitatory frequency tuning of bat inferior collicular neurons

This study examined the effect of GABAergic and glycinergic inhibition on excitatory frequency tuning curves (FTCs) of inferior collicular (IC) neurons of the big brown bat, Eptesicus fuscus. The excitatory FTCs of 70 IC neurons were either V-shaped (57, 81%), closed (11, 16%), or double-peaked (2, 3%). By means of a two-tone stimulation paradigm, inhibitory FTCs were obtained at one frequency flank only (low-frequency flank: 11, 16%; high-frequency flank: 7, 10%), at both frequency flanks (36, 51%) of excitatory FTCs, or between two excitatory FTCs (2, 3%). IC neurons that had inhibitory FTCs typically had larger Q 10 and Q 30 values (i.e., sharper excitatory FTCs) than neurons that did not have inhibitory FTCs. Neurons with inhibitory FTCs at both frequency flanks had larger Q 10 and Q 30 values than neurons with inhibitory FTCs at one frequency flank only. IC neurons with a small difference between excitatory and inhibitory best frequencies typically had sharper excitatory frequency tuning. Bicuculline (an antagonist for GABAA) application produced a greater degree of abolishing inhibitory FTCs than strychnine (an antagonist for glycine) application. Application of both drugs was most effective in abolishing the inhibitory FTCs of IC neurons. The implications of these findings for bat echolocation are discussed.
A comparison between parent identification of young bright children and subsequent testing

Eighty‐four 4‐, 5‐, and 6‐year‐olds in Saturday and summer classes offered at Towson State University for gifted children, ages 4–12, were tested using the Woodcock‐Johnson Psycho‐Educational Battery and Raven's Progressive Matrices, after being accepted only on parent recommendation. Test results confirmed the accuracy of parent recommendation, the high ability and achievement levels of the children, and their variability within achievement. Program adaptations resulting from the testing included more mathematics teaching, more individualized instruction, more parent meetings, and allowance for inadequate handwriting skills and emotional and social variability.
Reservation and Market Demands for Sweet Potatoes at the Farm Level

years. Analysis of the trends suggests that total onfarm use of sweet potatoes is responsive to the price which producers receive for the quantities entering commercial channels. With on-farm use responding to price changes, determination of market price and the allocation of total production between farm uses and commercial sales must be analyzed simultaneously to identify and measure the impact of various determinants affecting the separate demand components. The results of a simultaneous estimation of the demand components for sweet potatoes and the use of these relationships to project prices and allocations of sweet potato crops in 1980 are presented below.
Effects of patch shape on the number of organisms

This study examined effects of habitat patch shape on the abundance of organisms. The effects of patch shape were considered in terms of (1) immigration and emigration of organisms. (2) the amount of available resources in a patch and (3) spatial and temporal heterogeneity of the organisms and environment. I hypothesized that (1) the number of organisms would increase as patch shape elongates because organisms are more likely to encounter an elongated patch, (2) the number of organisms in a patch would remain constant for all patch shapes where the number of organisms in a patch was limited by the amount of resources, because patch shape does not change the patch area that is directly associated with the amount of patch resources, and (3) spatial and temporal variation of the abundance of organisms would increase as patch shape elongates because an elongated patch is more likely to interact with the variable surrounding matrix. Common millipedes,Oxidus gracilis, and their habitat, plywood boards of five shapes (width:length ratio; 1∶1, 1∶4, 1∶9, 1∶36, 1∶144) with an area of 900 cm2 were placed in forest and old field and the number of millipedes appearing under the boards was monitored. Significantly higher mean number of millipedes under the boards was observed at a patch with an elongated shape in the forest and the old field. A significant positive correlation was observed between perimeter length of a patch and the number of millipedes in the old field. The temporal and spatial variation of the number of millipedes was high in the old field. The spatial and temporal variation was higher for boards with elongated shape.
On Differences in Meaning between Normals and Neurotics

In a recent study Luria (1959) attempted to investigate some differences between people in therapy and individuals who had never been in therapy. More specifically, Luria was interested in finding out if these two groups of individuals differed with respect to the meaning they assigned to certain concepts; the measuring instrument used in assessing meaning consisted of the semantic differential (Osgood, Suci, & Tannenbaum, 1957). While several groups were used for the therapy (T) and control (C) conditions, the major comlparisons were berween two matched groups of 25 Ss each (16 females and 9 males). The T group was selected from a pool of clients involved in therapy within a university setting. Luria does not indicate whether or not the T group was tested before or after therapy had begun, rhough the implication is that the testing was done early in therapy. Ss in both groups were asked to rate 15 concepts (MY SPOUSE, MY MOTHER, MY FATHER, ME, CHILD, MY DOCTOR or [MY THERAPIST or MY COUNSELOR], LOVE, MY JOB, MENTAL SICKNESS, PEACE OF MIND, FRAUD, SELF-CONTROL, HATRED, CONFUSION, and SEX) on the semantic differential. The semantic differential consisted of 10 scales, three for each of the evaluative, potency, and activity factors, as well as the additional scale relaxecdtense. In analyzing the results of these ratings, however, Luria discarded seven of the concepts and used only the findings obtained on the eight concepts of ME, MY MOTHER, MY FATHER, MENTAL SICKNESS, PEACE OF MIND, HATRED, CONFUSION, and SEX. The rationale glven for excluding the other seven concepts was based on a portion of the study which dealt with the test-retest reliability of the ratings. Luria states that the variability on these seven concepts was low, and that their inclusion "would have inflated the estimates of reliability." One might expect that low variability of ratings would have spuriously deflated any estimate of reliability, as such a restriction in range of scores typically results in a lower coefficient of correlation (McNemar, 1955). This, however, is not the important issue. What is important is that this prompted Luria to include o?zly rhe eight concepts listed above in the evaluation of differences between the T and C groups. The differences between the T and C conditions were analyzed by means of chi square. For each oB the three factors and for the relaxed-tense scale, 'The author would like to thank Melvin Zax for helpful comments on this paper.
Differential and Opposing Regulation of PAI-1 Promoter Activity by Estrogen Receptor α and Estrogen Receptor β in Endothelial Cells

To investigate the molecular mechanisms involved in the estrogen-dependent control of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) gene expression in vascular cells, we compared the transactivation properties of estrogen receptors (ERα and ERβ) in regulating the activity of a human PAI-1 promoter reporter construct in transfected bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs). ERα increased PAI-1 promoter activity in BAECs by an estrogen-dependent mechanism, whereas ERβ suppressed PAI-1 promoter activity by an estrogen-independent mechanism. The suppressive activity of ERβ was dominant over the inductive activity of ERα. Mutation of a putative estrogen response element (ERE) located at position −427 in the proximal promoter abolished the ERα action without influencing the suppressive effects of ERβ. Mutation of either AP1-like site did not eliminate the ERα or ERβ actions at the PAI-1 promoter, suggesting that other promoter elements are involved in these responses. These mutations significantly reduced the −3.4kbp...
Water wave interaction with a floating porous cylinder

Abstract The interaction of water waves with a freely floating circular cylinder possessing a side-wall that is porous over a portion of its draft is investigated theoretically. The porous side-wall region is bounded top and bottom by impermeable end caps thereby resulting in an enclosed fluid region within the structure. The problem is formulated based on potential flow and linear wave theory and assuming small-amplitude structural oscillations. An eigenfunction expansion approach is then used to obtain semi-analytical expressions for the hydrodynamic excitation and reaction loads on the structure. Numerical results are presented which illustrate the effects of the various wave and structural parameters on these quantities. It is found that the permeability, size and location of the porous region may have a significant influence on the horizontal components of the hydrodynamic excitation and reaction loads, while its influence on the vertical components in most cases is relatively minor.
Botulinum Toxin Management of Upper Facial Rhytidosis and Blepharospasm

Botulinum toxin is a neuromuscular blocking agent produced by Clostridium botulinum that has been proven to be an effective agent in the treatment of facial dystonia and upper facial rhytidosis. Since the original description of the toxin by Alan Scott [1] for strabismus 3 decades ago, the clinical use of this medication has expanded in an exponential fashion. Although the cosmetic benefits of botulinum toxin have become widely known, the full potential of this agent is yet to be realized. Its applications have grown to include treatment of a variety of disorders spanning many subspecialties including gastroenterology, pain management, otolaryngology, ophthalmology, dermatology, and neurology. Botulinum toxin is considered as a potential treatment in any situation involving inappropriate or exaggerated muscle contraction. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of botulinum toxin (Botox; Allergan Pharmaceuticals, Inc, Irvine, CA) to treat blepharospasm and strabismus in 1989. In December 2000, approval was given to treat cervical dystonia, a neurologic movement disorder causing severe neck and shoulder contractions, in December 1989. In April 2002, the FDA announced the approval of botulinum toxin type A (Botox Cosmetic; Allergan) to improve temporarily the appearance of glabellar lines. The product’s manufacturer has marketed botulinum toxin type A for this new indication, and the use of this product has skyrocketed. This article discusses the development of the use of botulinum toxin and then focuses on its benefits in treating facial dystonia and upper facial rhytidosis.
Some thoughts on Sun-weather relations.

Recent measurements of variations in the total solar irradiance now offer a quantitative mechanism through which year-to-year changes in solar activity may influence surface temperature. It follows that at least a part of the global warming of the last century could be ascribed to changes in solar output, and that effects of solar radiative forcing may need to be taken into account in predictions of greenhouse warming. A number of questions still remain, however, before this thesis rests on a firm foundation.
Scalable nanohelices for predictive studies and enhanced 3D visualization.

Spring-like materials are ubiquitous in nature and of interest in nanotechnology for energy harvesting, hydrogen storage, and biological sensing applications. For predictive simulations, it has become increasingly important to be able to model the structure of nanohelices accurately. To study the effect of local structure on the properties of these complex geometries one must develop realistic models. To date, software packages are rather limited in creating atomistic helical models. This work focuses on producing atomistic models of silica glass (SiO2) nanoribbons and nanosprings for molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Using an MD model of “bulk” silica glass, two computational procedures to precisely create the shape of nanoribbons and nanosprings are presented. The first method employs the AWK programming language and open-source software to effectively carve various shapes of silica nanoribbons from the initial bulk model, using desired dimensions and parametric equations to define a helix. With this method, accurate atomistic silica nanoribbons can be generated for a range of pitch values and dimensions. The second method involves a more robust code which allows flexibility in modeling nanohelical structures. This approach utilizes a C++ code particularly written to implement pre-screening methods as well as the mathematical equations for a helix, resulting in greater precision and efficiency when creating nanospring models. Using these codes, well-defined and scalable nanoribbons and nanosprings suited for atomistic simulations can be effectively created. An added value in both open-source codes is that they can be adapted to reproduce different helical structures, independent of material. In addition, a MATLAB graphical user interface (GUI) is used to enhance learning through visualization and interaction for a general user with the atomistic helical structures. One application of these methods is the recent study of nanohelices via MD simulations for mechanical energy harvesting purposes.
Characterization of 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal-modified peptides by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry using data-dependent acquisition: neutral loss-driven MS3 versus neutral loss-driven electron capture dissociation.

Reactive oxygen species generated during oxidative stress can lead to unfavorable cellular consequences, predominantly due to formation of 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE) during lipid peroxidation. Data-dependent and neutral loss (NL)-driven MS3 acquisition have been reported for the identification of HNE adducts by mass spectrometry-based proteomics. However, the limitation associated with this method is the ambiguity in correct assignment of the HNE modification site when more than one candidate site is present as MS3 is triggered on the neutral loss ion. We introduce NL-triggered electron capture dissociation tandem mass spectrometry (NL-ECD-MS/MS) for the characterization of HNE-modification sites in peptides. With this method performed using a hybrid linear ion trap-Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR) mass spectrometer, ECD in the FTICR unit of the instrument is initiated on precursor ions of peptides showing the neutral loss of 156 Da corresponding to an HNE molecule in the prescan acquired ...
THE CANID FAUNA OF THE JUNTURA FORMATION (LATE CLARENDONIAN), OREGON

ABSTRACT Canids were important members of Clarendonian faunas from the Great Plains and the southwestern part of North America, but they remain little studied in the northwestern portion of the continent. We present an overview of the canid fauna of Oregon's Juntura Formation, the best-preserved Clarendonian fauna from the northwest United States. The fauna is dominated by borophagines. The genus Carpocyon is reported for the first time in the Northwest and is represented from Juntura by postcrania. Most positively identifiable borophagine remains can be attributed to two species of Epicyon: E. saevus and E. haydeni. Only one specimen is attributable to the Caninae, showing that, as elsewhere, this subfamily remained a minor part of canid faunas until late in the Miocene. The presence of Epicyon and the absence of Aelurodon and Borophagus in the Juntura fauna provide support for the suggestion that these borophagine genera underwent a rapid ecological succession in the Northwest that constrains regional b...
Direct observation of ordering in (GaIn)P

Gax In1 − x Pepilayers grown under a range of growth conditions by organometallic vapor phase epitaxy (OMVPE) on GaAs substrates have been studied in the electron microscope. The results show the presence of an ordering of the group III sublattice parallel to some of the {111} planes. Dark-field images directly reveal ordered domains of different orientations that appear not to be perfect, but contain many planar defects parallel to the growth surface.
Nanotechnology field observations: scouting the new industrial west

Abstract Public awareness and governmental involvement in overseeing the responsible development of nanotechnologies is lagging far behind the rapid pace of nanotechnology development and commercialization. Numerous products containing nanomaterials are already on the market and many more complex products are sure to follow. This paper highlights some of the recent work conducted by the Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies, a partnership between the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars and The Pew Charitable Trusts. The paper summarizes the Project's research and findings regarding nanotech oversight, public awareness and attitudes, and work to develop a more strategic approach to addressing the potential risks associated with nanotech-based materials and products. We present these observations as a set of field notes from the rapidly changing “nanofrontier.”
Penicillamine-Induced Rapidly Progressive Glomerulonephritis in Patients With Progressive Systemic Sclerosis: Successful Treatment of Two Patients and a Review of the Literature

Although D-penicillamine has been used effectively in the management of a variety of diseases such as cystinuria, Wilson's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and progressive systemic sclerosis, several toxic drug reactions have been observed with prolonged administration of this agent. One of the most serious side effects is the renal changes that occur following several months of use. We now report two patients with scleroderma who developed serologic evidence of lupus and crescentic glomerulonephritis during treatment with D-penicillamine. Both patients responded to pulse methylprednisolone and subsequent daily steroids. We also review the current information available on the variety of penicillamine nephropathies.
Low temperature heat capacity and magnetic study of the quasicrystalline decagonal Al7 8Mn2 2 alloy

Abstract Low temperature heat capacity and magnetization measurements are reported for the quasicrystalline decagonal (T-phase) alloy Al7 8Mn2 2. The heat capacity measurements were performed over the temperature range from 0.5 to 5.0 K and for applied magnetic fields of zero and 12.7 kOe. In this range, the heat capacity is characterized by a broad anomaly near 1 K and no field dependence. The dc magnetization, which was measured from 1.7 to 300 K and with magnetic fields up to 50 kOe, indicates an effective number of one 25.6 μB localized moment for approximately every 240 Mn atoms. The magnetic susceptibility follows the Curie-Weiss law for T ≧ 15 K, while a spin-glass-like ordering is observed at 7.8 K. Comparisons are made with similar measurements previously reported for the related quasicrystalline icosahedral (I-phase) Al8 0Mn2 0 alloy.
Transgenic parasites accelerate drug discovery

Parasitic neglected diseases are in dire need of new drugs either to replace old drugs rendered ineffective because of resistance development, to cover clinical needs that had never been addressed or to tackle other associated problems of existing drugs such as high cost, difficult administration, restricted coverage or toxicity. The availability of transgenic parasites expressing reporter genes facilitates the discovery of new drugs through high throughput screenings, but also by allowing rapid screening in animal models of disease. Taking advantage of these, we propose an alternative pathway of drug development for neglected diseases, going from high throughput screening directly into in vivo testing of the top ranked compounds selected by medicinal chemistry. Rapid assessment animal models allow for identification of compounds with bona fide activity in vivo early in the development chain, constituting a solid basis for further development and saving valuable time and resources.
The “Common Cold” in Frail Older Persons: Impact of Rhinovirus and Coronavirus in a Senior Daycare Center

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the incidence and impact of rhino-virus and Coronavirus infections in older persons attending daycare. DESIGN: Prospective descriptive study. SETTING: Three senior daycare centers in Rochester, New York. PATIENTS: Frail older persons and staff members of the daycare centers who developed signs or symptoms of an acute respiratory illness MEASUREMENTS: Demographic, medical, and physical findings were recorded on subjects at baseline and during respiratory illness. Nasopharyngeal specimens for viral culture as well as acute and convalescent sera for Coronavirus 229E enzyme immunoassay (EIA) were obtained for all illnesses. RESULTS: During the 44 months of study, 352 older persons experienced 522 illnesses. Thirty-five (7%) of 522 cultures were positive for rhinovirus and 37 (8%) of 451 serologies were positive for Coronavirus 229E infection. The clinical syndromes associated with rhinovirus and Coronavirus infection were similar and characterized by nasal congestion, cough, and constitutional symptoms. No patient died or was hospitalized, but approximately 50% had evidence of lower respiratory tract involvement. The average illness lasted 14 days. During the same period, 113 staff developed 338 respiratory illnesses. Eight percent were identified as Coronavirus and 9% as rhinovirus. Cough, sputum production, and constitutional symptoms were significantly more common among older persons. CONCLUSIONS: Rhinovirus and Coronavirus 229E are common causes of moderately debilitating acute respiratory illnesses among older persons attending daycare.
AREVA HTR Concept for Near-Term Deployment

This paper introduces AREVA's High Temperature Reactor (HTR) steam cycle concept for near-term industrial deployment. Today, nuclear power primarily impacts only electricity generation. The process heat and transportation fuel sectors are completely dependent on fossil fuels. In order to impact this energy sector as rapidly as possible, AREVA has focused its HTR development effort on the steam cycle HTR concept. This reduces near-term development risk and minimizes the delay before a useful contribution to this sector of the energy economy can be realized. It also provides a stepping stone to longer term very high temperature concepts which might serve additional markets. A general description of the current AREVA steam cycle HTR concept is provided. This concept provides a flexible system capable of serving a variety of process heat and cogeneration markets in the near-term.
The optimal use of standby suppliers: A decision-analysis approach

Today's supply chains are becoming not only more efficient, with the aid of advanced information technologies, but also riskier, due to the tight interconnectedness of numerous chain links that are prone to breakdowns, disruptions, bankruptcies or disasters. Although many studies focusing on business risks in various contexts have been presented in the literature over the years, research effort devoted to understanding the risks associated with suppliers, outsourcing and the supply market has been limited, especially from a quantitative point of view. A company must of course pay for the use of a standby supplier but, much like an insurance policy, this often can be a prudent approach. The extra cost will be paid out all the time, while the benefits of the standby supplier will not be utilised the majority of time. However, when needed, the benefits of the standby supplier may be so critical that it more than pays for itself to have a standby supplier available. The decision model that we discuss in this ...