cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chapter 11 – Mollusca: Bivalvia

Publisher Summary This chapter introduces general biology, morphology, ecology, physiology, life histories, evolution, and classification of bivalve molluscs found in freshwaters of North America. The freshwater bivalves of North America are represented by two native groups, the freshwater mussels (Unionoidea) and the pill, fingernail, and pea clams (Sphaeriidae), as well as two widely publicized invasive genera, Corbicula and Dreissena. The North American fauna of freshwater bivalves is the richest in the world, with about 350 species of mussels and clams, nine or so of which are exotic. The latter includes Asian clams and zebra mussels. Molluscs, are major deposit and suspension feeders within permanent lakes, streams, and large rivers, where they are often the largest invertebrates in body mass. Freshwater mussels are considered to be part of a guild of freshwater, sedentary filter feeders. These molluscs have interesting and important ecological interactions with their environments. Given the processes they perform and their high biomass in rivers where they are abundant, freshwater mussels have the potential to have strong effects by modifying the habitat and controlling the availability of resources to other organisms.
E-012 Predictors of aneurysm recurrence after endovascular embolization with the smart coil system

Background/Objective Endovascular aneurysm embolization is effective and safe. However, the angiographic recurrence continues to be an issue after endovascular embolization. In this study, we aimed to report the rate of recurrence at 1-year follow up angiography and to investigate the predictors of recurrence. Methods We used the SMART registry to identify subgroup of patients who underwent endovascular embolization with SMART coils and had one year follow up angiography. The primary outcome of this study was angiography recurrence at 1 year. We used stepwise regression analysis to identify the predictors of recurrence. Results A total of 466 patients were included of whom 78 (16%) had recurrence at 1 year follow up angiography. Mean age was 60 years and 74% were female. 112 (24%) of treated aneurysms were ruptured and 125 (27%) were ≥4 mm in size. On Multivariate analysis, Immediate post procedure Raymond II and III (vs Raymond I), neck size ≥4 (vs. Conclusion In this study we identified the predictors of aneurysm recurrence after endovascular embolization with SMART coils. Disclosures M. Anadani: None. M. Sattur: None. E. Almallouhi: None. S. Al kasab: None. A. Spiotta: None.
Telemedicine HCV treatment in department of corrections results in high SVR in era of direct-acting antivirals.

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) is common in the Department of Corrections (DOC). Telemedicine is an effective way to treat HCV. The goal of this report was to demonstrate high SVR rate in DOC patients using telemedicine irrespective of the HCV genotype (GT) and DAAs used. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data were prospectively collected. A total of 870 DOC patients were evaluated and completed HCV therapy June 2015-December 2019 with SVR data were included. The mean age was 50 years, 90% were male, 63% were Caucasian, the majority (79%) had GT 1, 92% were treatment naive, and 80% had advanced fibrosis (FIB-4 ≥ 3.25 and/or transient elastography ≥ 9.5 kPa). The overall SVR was 97% and was similar among all DAAs irrespective of age, sex, race, HIV status, fibrosis level, GT, ribavirin use, prior treatment experience or DAA duration. We conclude that HCV treatment in the DOC through telemedicine is achievable and highly effective with overall SVR 97%, irrespective of the underlying GT or DAA regimen used and can eliminate HCV in this microenvironment and reduce the overall burden of HCV.
Review Essay: The Buddha’s Wizards

The Buddha’s Wizards: Magic, Protection, and Healing in Burmese Buddhism by Thomas Nathan Patton. New York: Columbia University Press, 2018. US $60 (hardcover). xxxiv + 187 pp. ISBN: 9780231187602.
Abstract TMP97: Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction Correlates With Increased Blood Pressure Variability After Acute Ischemic, But Not Hemorrhagic, Stroke

Background: Elevated blood pressure variability (BPV) in the days after acute stroke onset is associated with worse outcome. However, the mechanism of increased BPV remains unknown, but may be due ...
COVID-19 and the Well-being of Children and Families.

* Abbreviation: COVID-19 — : coronavirus disease 2019 No one is immune to the effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Although the United States has >4 million confirmed cases and >144 000 deaths at the time of this writing,1 COVID-19’s effects on individuals and communities extend far beyond hospitalizations and mortality. Pandemics disturb individual and community well-being through direct effects of the illness and through emotional isolation, economic loss, work and school closure, and inadequate distribution of needed resources, among others.2 Previous research highlights consequences of pandemic mitigation efforts (such as quarantine) on stress, depression, fear, anger, boredom, stigma, and other negative states.3 Adults already report worse psychological well-being now as compared to before COVID-19.4 Because data suggest that children might less frequently transmit5 or become severely ill from the virus,6,7 the unique consequences that COVID-19 exerts on children risk being overlooked. Data on child and family well-being during COVID-19 are sparse, yet recent reports of increased family violence are ominous.8 Given the body of knowledge of the damaging effects of toxic stress and adverse childhood experiences on … Address correspondence to Ryan J. Coller, MD, MPH, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin–Madison, 600 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53792. E-mail: rcoller{at}pediatrics.wisc.edu
Primary Versus Salvage Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty for Displaced Proximal Humerus Fractures in the Elderly: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BackgroundThere is currently no established consensus on best treatment for complex proximal humerus fractures (PHFs) in the elderly. Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) is a viable option i...
The Pilgrim’s Voice: A Prelude to Korean American Prophetic Preaching

“Where are you from?” Korean North Americans are asked this question often when they first meet people from the dominant culture in the United States. 1 The question carries political, sociological...
Congenital pseudarthrosis of the forearm treated with induced membrane technique: A case report.

Abstract Congenital pseudarthrosis of the forearm (CPF) is an uncommon entity frequently described in association with neurofibromatosis type 1. Surgical treatment Is required. This is a challenging pathology in pediatric orthopedic surgery due to the difficulty of achieving a satisfying result in terms of bone defect healing. Many techniques are described such us free vascularized fibula, illizarov and induced membrane. We describe a first case of the forearm non union associated with neurofibromatosis type 1 successfully treated with 2 steps of induced membrane. Whatever the technique selected it’s remain challenging problem in pediatric orthopaedic.
Water and Collagen Content Are High in Pancreatic Cancer: Implications for Quantitative Metabolic Imaging

In magnetic resonance metabolic imaging, signal from the water content is frequently used for normalization to derive quantitative or semi-quantitative values of metabolites in vivo or ex vivo tumors and tissues. Ex vivo high-resolution metabolic characterization of tumors with magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) provides valuable information that can be used to drive the development of noninvasive MRS biomarkers and to identify metabolic therapeutic targets. Variability in the water content between tumor and normal tissue can result in over or underestimation of metabolite concentrations when assuming a constant water content. Assuming a constant water content can lead to masking of differences between malignant and normal tissues both in vivo and ex vivo. There is a critical need to develop biomarkers to detect pancreatic cancer and to develop novel treatments. Our purpose here was to determine the differences in water content between pancreatic tumors and normal pancreatic tissue as well as other organs to accurately quantify metabolic differences when using the water signal for normalization. Our data identify the importance of factoring the differences in water content between tumors and organs. High-resolution proton spectra of tumors and pancreatic tissue extracts normalized to the water signal, assuming similar water content, did not reflect the significantly increased total choline observed in tumors in vivo without factoring the differences in water content. We identified significant differences in the collagen 1 content between Panc1 and BxPC3 pancreatic tumors and the pancreas that can contribute to the differences in water content that were observed.
Rescue of Infectious Sindbis Virus by Yeast Spheroplast-Mammalian Cell Fusion

Sindbis virus (SINV), a positive-sense single stranded RNA virus that causes mild symptoms in humans, is transmitted by mosquito bites. SINV reverse genetics have many implications, not only in understanding alphavirus transmission, replication cycle, and virus-host interactions, but also in biotechnology and biomedical applications. The rescue of SINV infectious particles is usually achieved by transfecting susceptible cells (BHK-21) with SINV-infectious mRNA genomes generated from cDNA constructed via in vitro translation (IVT). That procedure is time consuming, costly, and relies heavily on reagent quality. Here, we constructed a novel infectious SINV cDNA construct that expresses its genomic RNA in yeast cells controlled by galactose induction. Using spheroplasts made from this yeast, we established a robust polyethylene glycol-mediated yeast: BHK-21 fusion protocol to rescue infectious SINV particles. Our approach is timesaving and utilizes common lab reagents for SINV rescue. It could be a useful tool for the rescue of large single strand RNA viruses, such as SARS-CoV-2.
A Two-Step Method for Testing Many Moment Inequalities

This article considers the problem of testing a finite number of moment inequalities. For this problem, Romano, Shaikh, and Wolf proposed a two-step testing procedure. In the first step, the proced...
The journey to crime and victimization

The offender’s journey to crime has attracted much attention in mobility triangle research, whereas the journey to victimization and the spatial distance between the offender’s and the victim’s res...
A differentiability criterion for continuous functions

We show that, with the exception of the symmetric derivative, each limit of the form $$\begin{aligned} \lim _{h\rightarrow 0}\frac{Af(x+ah)+Bf(x+bh)}{h},\qquad (A+B=0,Aa+Bb=1), \end{aligned}$$ is equivalent to the ordinary derivative, for all continuous functions at x. And, up to a non-zero scalar multiple, these are the only criteria for differentiating all continuous functions at x, by taking limits of first order difference quotients with two function evaluations.
usEPs as a Possible Immunotherapy

That usEPs could ablate tumors was a significant finding in the use of this technology for cancer therapy. The finding that usEPs could also induce immunity was a bonus for this treatment as possible immunotherapy. However, the data to support this immune induction by usEPs had several different sets of suggestive evidence. One approach showed slower tumor growth in immunocompetent mice vs. growth in immunodeficient mice. A second approach showed the slower growth of a secondary tumor after ablation of a primary tumor, suggesting that the primary treatment caused an immune response that slowed secondary tumor growth. The presence of CD4+ T-cells in the primary treated tumors and CD4+ cells in the untreated secondary tumor was used as evidence. However, the CD4+ cells require further characterization to differentiate CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ T-regulatory immunosuppressor cells (Tregs) from CD4+ CD44+ with the presence or absence of CD62L+ as T-central or T effector memory cells, respectively. The strongest evidence for usEP-induced immunity indicated the complete absence of secondary tumor growth after primary tumor treatment. Such responses were present in cancer models in the ectopic mouse liver, orthotopic mouse breast, and rat liver cancers. The absence of secondary tumor growth is called vaccine effects or in situ vaccination. Thus, the treatment of the primary tumor induces immunity and vaccinates the animals by the usEP treatment. The latter two cancers exhibited early decreases in immunosuppressor Tregs and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC), which resolve suppression of immune responses, and increases in dendritic cells (DCs) in the TME that could identify antigens and induced immunity. The rat liver cancer model also showed activation of the innate immune natural killer (NK) cells with specific activation markers in its TME and the presence of effector and central memory cells in the mouse breast and rat liver (TME), which were cytotoxic. An ectopic mouse pancreatic cancer model that did not show a vaccine effect failed to show a decrease in Tregs and MDSC in the TME and blood and did not show activated T-cells, suggesting immunosuppression prevented an immune response. Continued studies will determine immunity, cell death mechanisms, and ICD factors (calreticulin, ATP, and HMGB1) in other immunogenic cancer models.
Protein N‐Glycosylation in the Baculovirus–Insect Cell Expression System and Engineering of Insect Cells to Produce “Mammalianized” Recombinant Glycoproteins

Baculovirus expression vectors are frequently used to express glycoproteins, a subclass of proteins that includes many products with therapeutic value. The insect cells that serve as hosts for baculovirus vector infection are capable of transferring oligosaccharide side chains (glycans) to the same sites in recombinant proteins as those that are used for native protein N-glycosylation in mammalian cells. However, while mammalian cells produce compositionally more complex N-glycans containing terminal sialic acids, insect cells mostly produce simpler N-glycans with terminal mannose residues. This structural difference between insect and mammalian N-glycans compromises the in vivo bioactivity of glycoproteins and can potentially induce allergenic reactions in humans. These features obviously compromise the biomedical value of recombinant glycoproteins produced in the baculovirus expression vector system. Thus, much effort has been expended to characterize the potential and limits of N-glycosylation in insect cell systems. Discoveries from this research have led to the engineering of insect N-glycosylation pathways for assembly of mammalian-style glycans on baculovirus-expressed glycoproteins. This chapter summarizes our knowledge of insect N-glycosylation pathways and describes efforts to engineer baculovirus vectors and insect cell lines to overcome the limits of insect cell glycosylation. In addition, we consider other possible strategies for improving glycosylation in insect cells.
CW operation of a monolithically integratable two-mode cross-coupled optical flip-flop with etched laser mirrors

Summary form only given. We report the first room temperature, continuous wave operation of an optical flip-flop in which there are two stable lasing states, in close analogy to a S-R latch in electrical circuits. Bistable laser diodes have important applications as optical memory elements in future high-speed all-optical time-division switching systems, as demonstrated by Suzuki, see J. of Lightwave Technology, vol.LT-4, p.894, 1986. Compared with the two section, single mode bistable laser diode used in their experiment which must be turned off electrically, this device can be reset by the application of an optical trigger and is therefore more flexible.
Cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases of rabbit renal cortex. Characterization of brush border membrane activities.

Abstract Cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase activity in brush border membranes, isolated from proximal tubule cells of the rabbit renal cortex, was investigated. Brush border cAMP phosphodiesterase activity was tightly bound to the membrane and was distinguished from the soluble phosphodiesterase activity of the renal cortex cytosol. Multiple forms of the brush border membrane cAMP phosphodiesterase activity, dependent on the concentration of substrate, were found. When assayed with 1 μ m or 1 m m cAMP, activities differed in pH optimum, effects of various divalent cations, inhibition by metal ion chelators and reactivation by metals, thermolability, sensitivity to inhibitors and specificity. Renal brush border membranes also possessed cGMP phosphodiesterase activity. cAMP was a relatively poor inhibitor of the hydrolysis of 1 μ m cGMP and the hydrolysis of 1 μ m cAMP was virtually insensitive to cGMP. These findings suggest that the low substrate concentration-dependent cAMP phosphodiesterase was distinct from the low substrate concentration-dependent cGMP phosphodiesterase. Heat-stable effectors of phosphodiesterase activity were found in the renal cortex. One effector activated soluble cAMP phosphodiesterase. Activation was decreased by EGTA, enhanced by Ca2+ and diminished by preincubating the effector with proteolytic enzymes. The other heat-stable effector inhibited brush border membrane phosphodiesterase activity. Inhibition was unaffected by metal ions, unaffected by preincubating the effector with proteolytic enzymes, but diminished by preincubation with phospholipase C and neuraminidase. It is suggested that changes in the activity of the enzyme (or enzymes), which in turn controls, in part, the effective concentration of cAMP at its site (or sites) of action in the renal cell, may be significant in regulating hormonal-dependent transport in the proximal tubule.
The Development and Migration of Concepts from Donor to Borrower Disciplines: Sublanguage Term Use in Hard & Soft Sciences

Academic disciplines, often divided into hard and soft sciences, may be understood as "donor disciplines" if they produce more concepts than they borrow from other disciplines, or "borrower disciplines" if they import more than they originate. Terms used to describe these concepts can be used to distinguish between hard and soft, donor and borrower, as well as individual discipline-specific sublanguages. Using term frequencies, the birth, growth, death, and migration of concepts and their associated terms are examined.
Abstract P336: Diabetes and Impaired Fasting Glucose are Associated with Pulse Wave Velocity in Older Adults: the ARIC Study

Introduction: Arterial stiffness measured by pulse wave velocity (PWV) predicts cardiovascular disease and mortality. Diabetes and impaired fasting glucose (IFG) have been related to arterial stiffness in smaller studies. We assessed whether diabetes and impaired fasting glucose are associated with greater arterial stiffness measured by PWV in older adults, and to evaluate gender as a modifier. Methods: PWV data on 5,147 men and women with mean age of 75.5 years (range 66-90) examined in 2011-2013 by the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study were analyzed. Diabetes was defined as fasting glucose >126 mg/dl or on hypoglycemic agents and IFG as non-diabetics with fasting glucose 100-125 mg/dl. Technicians measured carotid-femoral (cfPWV) and brachial-ankle (baPWV) velocities at least twice using the Omron VP-1000 plus system (Colin Co., Ltd., Komaki, Japan). The mean of the last two available measurements was used. The path length for cfPWV was calculated by: path length (cm) = carotid to femoral distance (cm) - (suprasternal notch - carotid distance (cm)). Path length for baPWV was automatically calculated using height-based formulas. Multivariable linear regression was used to model the cross-sectional association between diabetes status and PWV. The multivariable association of age categories with PWV was evaluated for comparison to the effect size of diabetes. Results: Participants were 57% female, 20% African-American, and 73% hypertensive. Among them 1,354 had diabetes (26%) and 2,295 (45%) had impaired fasting glucose. After adjustment for age, race-center, gender, heart rate, hypertension, BMI, and smoking status (current, former and never), cfPWV was 87 cm/s higher on average for those with diabetes, and 21 cm/s higher for those with IFG, as compared to those free of diabetes or IFG. In comparison, a 4 year increase in age (after multivariable adjustment) was associated with 64 cm/s higher cfPWV among non-smokers without diabetes. Estimates for baPWV were smaller than those for cfPWV but showed a similar pattern. There was no significant interaction by gender (P >0.1). Conclusion: Diabetes and impaired fasting glucose are both associated with arterial stiffness in older adults. We estimate that the magnitude of the cross-sectional effect of diabetes on arterial stiffness is equivalent to 4 years of arterial aging.
Public realm design

Abstract Urban design frameworks have superseded the rigid master plan concept and replaced it with a flexible design strategy. They form a tool which can produce and manipulate three dimensional models, through easily accessible computer graphics, rather than cumbersome and inflexible architectural models. In such a process, the public realm plan does not normally concern itself with finite building proposals but shows an arrangement which might include, for example, streets, pedestrian networks, other movement systems, and public places. A study of Cincinnati challenges the conventional block by block approach to urban renewal and redevelopment. Among the rustbelt cities of Ohio, Cincinnati has distinguished itself in its rapid and successful downtown regeneration over the past decade. Yet its relative unpopularity as far as shoppers are concerned suggests that something more imaginative than ad hoc development is required. The downtown study attempts to provide possible strategies and solutions.
Prevalence and correlates of adolescent dating violence in Bangkok, Thailand

The development of social capital among families living in low-income neighborhoods has become a popular poverty reduction and economic advancement strategy. However conceptual scholarship suggests the broad use of social capital has diminished its importance. Scholars have begun to identify the multiple and overlapping characteristics of social capital and the field now needs empirical studies to show how specific types of social capital are important for families living in low-income neighborhoods. This study tests the relationship between three types of social capital (informal bonding social capital, formal bonding social capital and formal bridging social capital) and important outcomes for families in these neighborhoods. Data for the study come from a national neighborhood survey conducted by the Annie E. Casey Foundation (N=6,031). Findings confirm a differentiated relationship between the three types of social capital and family outcomes. Study findings suggest that applying a broad understanding of social capital to interventions in low-income communities may be inadequate and instead interventions should match a "type" of social capital to the community's presenting issue(s).
Satellite Imagery Analysis: What Can Hospital Parking Lots Tell Us about a Disease Outbreak?

Data mined from satellite imagery could serve as an early indicator of socially disruptive events like epidemics, especially in countries with limited surveillance resources.
Ribonucleotide Reductase: Recent Advances

Ribonucleotide reductases (RNRs) catalyze the conversion of nucleotides to deoxynucleotides and play an essential role in nucleic acid metabolism in all organisms. RNRs have been divided into three classes. They share a structurally homologous subunit where the reduction occurs, with the chemistry being initiated by thiyl radical-mediated abstraction of the nucleotide's 3′-hydrogen atom. The classification of RNRs is based on the different strategies used to generate the transient thiyl radical. The class Ia and Ib RNRs use a diferric-tyrosyl radical cofactor, the class II RNRs use adenosylcobalamin, and the class III RNRs use a glycyl radical generated by a [4Fe4S]1+ cluster and S-adenosylmethionine. This article focuses on the recent advances in our understanding of the in vitro and in vivo mechanisms of formation of the metallocofactors in the class I RNRs in E. coli and S. cerevisiae. The discovery of a new class of RNR, class Ic, whose active cofactor is proposed to be an MnIVFeIII cluster, and a summary of recent insights into the chemistry of the novel cofactor are also described. Finally, the current understanding of the unprecedented role of the metallocofactor in radical propagation over 35 A in the class Ia—and presumably class Ib and Ic—RNRs is presented. Keywords: diiron-carboxylate protein; manganese-iron cluster; proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET); unnatural amino acid incorporation (Schultz method); native protein ligation methods; diferric-tyrosyl radical cofactor; intermediate X; metallocofactor biosynthesis; metallocofactor maintenance and regulation; Escherichia coli; Saccharomyces cerevisiae; Chlamydia trachomatis
Effect of Information Systems Resources and Capabilities on Firm Performance: A Resource-Based Perspective

We draw on the resource-based theory to examine how information systems (IS) resources and capabilities affect firm performance. A basic premise is that a firm's performance can be explained by how effective the firm is in using information technology (IT) to support and enhance its core competencies. In contrast to past studies that have implicitly assumed that IS assets could have direct effects on firm performance, this study draws from the resource complementarity arguments and posits that it is the targeted use of IS assets that is likely to be rent-yielding. We develop the theoretical underpinnings of this premise and propose a model that interrelates IS resources, IS capabilities, IT support for core competencies, and firm performance. The model is empirically tested using data collected from 129 firms in the United States. The results provide strong support for the research model and suggest that variation in firm performance is explained by the extent to which IT is used to support and enhance a firm's core competencies. The results also support our proposition that an organization's ability to use IT to support its core competencies is dependent on IS functional capabilities, which, in turn, are dependent on the nature of human, technology, and relationship resources of the IS department. These results are interpreted and the implications of this study for IS research and practice are discussed.
Futuna, catalyseur de la symbiose des deux artistes : Aloi Pilioko et Nicolaï Michoutouchkine

Les arts non occidentaux sont a la mode avec l’ouverture du musee du quai Branly a Paris. Mais sait-on que depuis plus de quarante-cinq ans deux artistes, Aloi Pilioko et Nicolai Michoutouchkine ont consacre toute leur energie pour promouvoir l’art du Pacifique, sans parti pris entre les arts traditionnels et les arts contemporains ! Aloi Pilioko est originaire de l’ile de ‘Uvea (Wallis) ; Nicolai Michoutouchkine, francais d’origine russe, est tombe sous le charme de l’ile de Futuna. Nous verrons ainsi comment les iles Wallis-et-Futuna representent le lieu de gestation de l’interet de ces deux artistes pour le Pacifique.
Birthing Internal Images: Employing the Cajita Project as a Contemplative Activity in a College Classroom

This chapter addresses the growing interest in employing contemplative teaching and learning practices in college classrooms. The authors introduce the cajita project, a contemplative activity, which they have employed in their classrooms to help students become reflective, socially conscious scholar–practitioners in student affairs.
Upper-limb function in Australian children with traumatic brain injury: A controlled, prospective study.

Abstract Wallen MA, Mackay S, Duff SM, McCartney LC, O'Flaherty SJ. Upper-limb function in Australian children with traumatic brain injury: a controlled, prospective study. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2001;82:642-9. Objective: To describe upper-limb function in children with mild and severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), by using both quantitative and qualitative measures. Design: Controlled, prospective cohort study with assessment points initially, at 6 months, and at 2 years after TBI. Setting: A tertiary pediatric trauma center in Australia. Patients: Fifty-one children, ranging in age up to 14 years, who were consecutive admissions with TBI. On the basis of initial and persisting abnormal coma score and persistence of posttraumatic amnesia, they were assigned to either a mild ( n = 26) or a severely injured ( n = 25) group. Thirty children admitted with non-TBI trauma were recruited as a control group. Main Outcome Measures: Quantitative measures included Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency and Peabody Developmental Motor Scales. Qualitative measures included Brunnstrom Recovery Stages (adapted), categoric scales of muscle tone, grasp used when handwriting, quality of writing product, bilateral activity, and splint use. Results: There was little difference between the groups on the standardized assessments for subjects who could complete the tests. Qualitative measures showed the severe TBI group to have more difficulties with gross arm control, hand control, and hand function. Conclusion: Children with severe TBI experience more and persisting difficulties with upper-limb function. It is essential to include both quantitative and qualitative measures in this type of research. © 2001 by the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Selective oxidation pretreatments for the enhanced desulfurization of coal

Abstract The desulfurization of selectively oxidized coals and unoxidized control coals was investigated using mild pyrolysis and various base treatments. Both an Illinois No. 6 and an Indiana No. 5 coal were selectively oxidized with peroxyacetic acid in the pretreatment step and then treated with various hydroxide and carbonate bases, using either water, methanol or ethanol as the solvent. Reaction variables investigated include reaction temperature, reaction time, pyrolysis pressure, and the level of oxidation in the pretreatment step. In general, it was found that selective oxidation, when combined with subsequent desulfurization reactions, always led to greater sulfur removal. In addition, the reactivity of the sulfur in the coal towards desulfurization was apparently enhanced by the selective oxidation pretreatment. Thus, the severity of desulfurization conditions can be reduced by employing this pretreatment. Sulfur removals of up to 95% were obtained in some cases. Usually the most effective treatments involved carbonate bases under supercritical alcohol conditions. The desulfurization of some selectively oxidized, sulfur containing model compounds was also observed under similar reaction conditions.
Radioactive Standards and Methods of Testing Instruments Used in the Measurement of Radioactivity

A summnary of the program for standardization of radioisotopes at the National Bureau of Standards is given in this paper, with some of the reasons for need of absolute measurements of radioisotopes in particular uses. This is accompanied by an outline of some of the methods used to ascertain characteristics of commercial instruments used in the measurement of radioactivity, with particular emphasis on those methods used at the National Bureau of Standads for this purpose.
Posttranslational processing of progrowth hormone-releasing hormone.

The prepro-GH-releasing hormone (prepro-GHRH; 12.3 kDa) precursor, like other neuropeptide precursors, undergoes proteolytic cleavage to give rise to mature GHRH, which is the primary stimulatory regulator of pituitary GH secretion. In this study we present the first model of in vitro pro-GHRH processing. Using pulse-chase analysis, we demonstrate that at least five peptide forms in addition to GHRH are produced. The pro-GHRH (after removal of its signal peptide, 10.5 kDa) is first processed to an 8.8-kDa intermediate form that is cleaved to yield two products: the 5.2-kDa GHRH and GHRH-related peptide (GHRH-RP; 3.6 kDa). GHRH-RP is a recently described peptide derived from proteolytic processing of pro-GHRH that activates stem cell factor, a factor known to be essential for hemopoiesis, spermatogenesis, and melanocyte function. Further cleavage results in a 3.5-kDa GHRH and a 2.2-kDa product of GHRH-RP. Like GHRH, there is GHRH-RP immunostaining in hypothalamic neurons in the median eminence as detected ...
Amount of ground-water recharge in the southern High Plains

For the last six years the United States Geological Survey, in cooperation with the State Engineer of New Mexico, has been making somewhat intensive studies of ground-water in the part of the High Plains that lies in New Mexico, and in 1933 and 1934 the Geological Survey, with funas allocated by the Public Works Administration, made an extensive reconnaissance-survey of the ground-water conditions in the southern High Plains. These studies have resulted in considerable data that throw much light on the quantity of recharge to the ground-water in this area. An estimate of the quantity of recharge is of immediate value for this area, because the use of ground-water is constantly being increased. In addition, it has a general value in serving as a criterion for estimating recharge in other areas in the Southwest for which fewer data are available. Estimates of the recharge in the High Plains as previously made without the advantage of quantitative data have ranged from less than three or four inches a year [see 1 of “References” at end of paper] to less than six inches [2]. The work of the last few years indicates they should be greatly reduced.
Demonstration and evaluation of a method for assessing mediated moderation

Mediated moderation occurs when the interaction between two variables affects a mediator, which then affects a dependent variable. In this article, we describe the mediated moderation model and evaluate it with a statistical simulation using an adaptation of product-of-coefficients methods to assess mediation. We also demonstrate the use of this method with a substantive example from the adolescent tobacco literature. In the simulation, relative bias (RB) in point estimates and standard errors did not exceed problematic levels of ±10%, although systematic variability in RB was accounted for by parameter size, sample size, and nonzero direct effects. Power to detect mediated moderation effects appears to be severely compromised under one particular combination of conditions: when the component variables that make up the interaction terms are correlated and partial mediated moderation exists. Implications for the estimation of mediated moderation effects in experimental and nonexperimental research are discussed.
The singularity and the library

Purpose – This article aims to consider what libraries might be used for after machines become smarter than humans.Design/methodology/approach – The article considers how Vernor Vinge's novel Across Realtime and his essay “The coming technological singularity” inform possible library futures.Findings – Libraries might become havens for humans left out of the high‐tech future, or museums for defunct technologies, or vanish completely.Originality/value – The article expands discussion of the library's future beyond the foreseeable.
Affect and retrieval of personal memories

The relationship of pleasantness and intensity of affect to retrieval of reallife experiences was investigated in three experiments. Subjects reported the first specific personal experience that came to mind for a series of prompt words. Latency of report was regarded as a measure of memory accessibility. The first study compared retrieval time for prompts that sampled affects varying in pleasantness and intensity. Experiments II and III assessed the possible contributions of demand characteristics and implicit inferential processes to retrospective judgments of feelings. Judgments of the intensity of feeling engendered when the events occurred were inversely related to report latency. Results support the conclusion that intensity ratings were reliable indices of memory information rather than inferences or reconstructions mediated by report latency. Other characteristics of recollections such as pleasantness, recency, or relative frequency of the specific affects were not correlated with report latency. Two explanations of the findings are considered: an arousal hypothesis and an extent-of-processing hypothesis. The latter provides the most adequate account and relates the present findings to a more general theory of memory processes. The results are also relevant to investigations of mood-dependent retrieval.
Systemic Reform in a Federated System: Los Angeles at the Turn of the Millennium.

I synthesize some of the lessons we have learned about systemic school reform in order and derive two explicit hypotheses about when such reforms are likely to be more and less successful. The first hypothesis focuses on program implementation: to achieve success, any systemic reform must overcome challenges at each stage of the policy-making process, from agenda-setting to policy choice to implementation. The second hypothesis focuses on the federated nature of education policymaking in the United States: any successful systemic reform must offer a program that aligns local efforts with state and sometimes federal policy. I derive and test more specific hypotheses related to recent systemic reform efforts in the Los Angeles region—especially the Los Angeles Annenberg Metropolitan Project, or LAAMP—which ran from 1995 through 2001. The case confirms the hypotheses and enables a clearer understanding of systemic school reform.
Plasmon spectrum of two-dimensional electron systems with Rashba spin-orbit interaction

The dielectric function and plasmon modes of a two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) are studied in single- and double-quantum-well structures with Rashba spin-orbit interaction (RSOI) in the framework of the random-phase approximation. The RSOI splits each parabolic energy subband of a 2DEG into two nonparabolic spin branches and affects the electronic many-body correlation and dielectric properties of the 2DEG. The influence of the RSOI on the 2DEG plasmon spectrum in single quantum wells appears mainly in three ways: (1) an overall frequency lowering due to the energy band deformation; (2) a weak frequency oscillation stemming from the spin-split energy band; and (3) an enhancement of the Landau damping as a result of the emerging of the interbranch single-particle-excitation spectrum. In double quantum wells, the above effects are enhanced for the optic plasmon mode but diminished for the acoustic one.
Patients who abuse drugs

Discussion of the management of patients with a history of substance abuse often focuses on preoperative diagnosis and perioperative pain management. The avoidance of perioperative morbidity depends on understanding the pathophysiology associated with the long-standing use of drugs of abuse. The purpose of this article will be to review the long-term effects of commonly abused drugs and current concepts of the management of patients with these conditions. Many substances, including nicotine, marijuana (THC), and caffeine can be considered substances of abuse that can alter homeostasis. For purposes of this discussion, alcohol, cocaine, and heroin will be used as examples of the effects of depressants, stimulants, and narcotics on perioperative patient management.
The effects of longitudinal roughness elements upon the turbulent boundary layer

Velocity profiles and bursting statistics were measured in the presence of cylindrical longitudinal roughness elements (LREs) and compared to similar work by Johansen and Smith (1986). An algorithm was devised to detect low speed streaks (LSS) from the hot-wire rake data, allowing an estimation of the LREs' ability to reduce spatial randomness of the sublayer structure. The velocity profiles agree with Johansen and Smith's result that the effects of the LREs are felt only for y(+) less than about 15. The analysis of the bursting statistics and LSS algorithm output shows that the flow relaxes back to a flat plate boundary layer between the LREs. A crude first approximation is that the LREs simply impose the no-slip boundary condition at an elevation equivalent to their diameter. While the LREs might serve as a nucleation site for the LSS, spatial randomness of the structure is affected only very close to the LREs.
Strategic responses to automobile emissions control: A game-theoretic analysis

Abstract This paper examines the dynamics of standard-setting regulation under technological uncertainty and asymmetric information about technological capability. A two-period model which allows fully strategic action is developed and applied to the regulation of automobile emissions, a situation in which standards have been used to “force” innovation. It is found that the initial level of R & D activity caused by regulation increases with the intrinsic technical capability of industry. This result done not depend on marginal productivities of research that favor high-capability types and implies that a poor-capability industry will not attempt to compensate for its inability to innovate with increased research activity. It is also found that the regulator's ability to induce investment is greater when R & D is likely to be unsuccessful.
John Clarke of Hull's Argument for Psychological Egoism

John Clarke of Hull, one of the eighteenth century's staunchest proponents of psychological egoism, defended that theory in his Foundation of Morality in Theory and Practice. He did so mainly by opposing the objections to egoism in the first two editions of Francis Hutcheson's Inquiry into Virtue. But Clarke also produced a challenging, direct argument for egoism which, regrettably, has received virtually no scholarly attention. In this paper I give it some of the attention it merits. In addition to reconstructing it and addressing interpretive issues about it, I show that it withstands a tempting objection. I also show that although Clarke's argument ultimately fails, to study it is instructive. It illuminates, for example, Hutcheson's likely intentions in a passage relevant to egoism.
Corrosion Resistance of Mg-Li Alloys Subjected to Different Heat Treatment

Casting Mg-Li alloy samples were subjected to annealing and aging treatment respectively, and the corrosion resistance of different samples was investigated by immersion test and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurement in 3.5% NaCl solution. The results show that the corrosion resistance of the as-cast sample is the best,the aged sample is the second, and the annealed sample is the worst to resist corrosion.
Age-related DNA fragmentation in two varieties of Drosophila melanogaster, Phaseolus (cotyledons), and three tissues of the mouse.

Abstract Agarose gel electrophoresis showed that no age-related DNA fragmentation occured in wild-type or vestigial wing Drosophila , or in DNA from mouse brain and heart. DNA from mouse liver possessed a large fragment, estimated at 24 megadaltons, in all ages tested. Phaseolus cotyledon DNA possessed a fragment of approximately 3.5 megadaltons in both imbided seeds and 12-day-old cotyledons. Thus, there appeared to be no age-related increase in the break-down of DNA into large fragments.
Laparoscopic versus open resection of hepatic colorectal metastases

Background This study was undertaken to assess the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic versus open resection of hepatic colorectal metastases (CRM). Methods We reviewed retrospectively of all patients undergoing initial resection of CRM at a single institution between 1995 and 2010. The study cohort consisted of all patients undergoing laparoscopic resection and a cohort of patients undergoing open resection matched on a 4:1 basis by propensity scoring. Variables analyzed included patient and tumor characteristics, short-term outcomes, and OS and disease-free (DFS) survivals. Results The 35 patients in the laparoscopic cohort and 140 patients in the open cohort were equivalent in terms of age, Charlson Comorbidity Index, tumor characteristics, and Clinical Risk Score. Similar proportions of patients in the laparoscopic and open groups underwent synchronous colectomy (9% in both; P = .976) and major hepatectomy (54% vs 51%; P = .705). Blood loss (202 vs 385 mL; P Conclusion Laparoscopic resection of hepatic CRM seems to be a beneficial alternative to open surgery in appropriately selected patients.
Effects of three years of low-dose thiazides on mineral metabolism in healthy elderly persons

Summary In this clinical trial of 12.5 or 25 mg/day of hydrochlorothiazide, the urine calcium showed significant decreases from placebo in men at one year, but the effects had waned by 3 years. Serum bicarbonate was consistently greater in the thiazide than in the placebo groups throughout the three years. These effects could be beneficial to the skeleton.
Transverse optical patterns for low-light-level optical switching

We demonstrate that Sisyphus cooling of atoms leads to a new source of nonlinear optical interaction that drastically increases the interaction strength. This increased coupling leads to low-threshold pattern formation, with applications in single-photon switching.
Optimising PROFINET IRT for fast cycle times: A proof of concept

The PROFINET IEC 61158 standardized Real Time Ethernet (RTE) protocol, Class C, has traditionally been limited by an artificially imposed 250us cycle time, originating from the requirement to ensure that full-sized legacy Ethernet frames can be transmitted in a single cycle through a network. Occasionally, especially in the case of high performance motion-control systems, this minimum cycle time is inadequate implying that if PROFINET is to be used in such applications either the PROFINET standard must be modified, or another protocol is used. This paper describes the implementation, in a low-cost FPGA, of a completely PROFINET compatible IP including several performance enhancements of the PROFINET standard and associated design features enabling PROFINET to be used in applications with cycle times lower than 31.25us. The paper includes a critical evaluation of the results including comparisons with other RTE protocols.
Are Integrated Conservation-Development Projects (ICDPs) Sustainable? On the conservation of large mammals in sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract Initiatives to link rural development and species conservation, known as integrated conservation-development projects (ICDPs), have been launched with considerable fanfare and funding around the world. Although ICDPs hold appeal as broader ecological efforts than the conservation and development strategies that preceded them, they also suffer conceptual flaws that may limit their appropriateness and potential sustainability, at least when applied to the protection of large African mammals.
Organizing consultation-liaison services in the general hospital

The growth of general hospital psychiatry allows the general medical setting to increase as an entry point for the emotionally ill. The consultationliaison service is the clinical vehicle to serve this population. Previous strategies are reviewed and new models are suggested for this service.