cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A clinical quality assessment comparing actual practice to standard of care in patients with anaphylaxis

Abstract Rationale Current Joint Council practice parameters define the standard of care for anaphylaxis to include an allergist follow-up and a prescription for subcutaneous epinephrine at discharge. Since anaphylaxis is potentially fatal and causes significant morbidity, we investigated the frequency of patients with anaphylaxis receiving the standard of care. Methods All patients evaluated for anaphylaxis from January 2000 through May 2003 were identified by ICD-9 codes. The study site was a tertiary care community hospital. We determined whether patients received a prescription for subcutaneous epinephrine and an order for an allergist follow-up by a review of medical records. We also assessed for differences in quality indicators by the discharge location (emergency department, outpatient clinic, inpatient), gender, and cause for anaphylaxis. Results Ninety-seven patients with anaphylaxis were evaluated within this study period. Only nineteen (19.5%) received a prescription for subcutaneous epinephrine at discharge; twenty-six (26.8%) received instructions for an allergist follow-up. There was no statistically significant difference in practice among discharge locations, gender, and cause for anaphylaxis. Conclusions A majority of patients with anaphylaxis do not receive standard of care at discharge. Given the national emphasis on clinical quality, interventions to improve the quality of care for anaphylaxis are warranted. Education of the hospital personnel may improve the care of patients with anaphylaxis.
Idiopathic premature ventricular contractions successfully ablated from the epicardial right ventricular outflow tract

A case of idiopathic premature ventricular contractions successfully ablated from the epicardial right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) via the subxiphoid pericardial approach was described. The sites with earliest endocardial and epicardial ventricular activation were located adjacent to each other in the RVOT and at both sites, double potentials were recorded. Coronary angiography was helpful for identifying the ablation site.
Patency of Cryopreserved Saphenous Vein Grafts as Conduits for Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

Study objective To determine the angiographic patency of cryopreserved saphenous vein grafts used as conduits during coronary artery bypass surgery and whether this is affected by postoperative immunosuppressive therapy. Design and setting A retrospective review of medical records and coronary angiograms of patients at a university hospital. Patients Eleven patients undergoing 12 coronary artery bypass operations during which a total of 26 distal coronary anastomoses were created using cryopreserved vein grafts. Measurements Eight postoperative coronary angiograms were performed in 10 patients surviving longer than 1 week. All angiograms were performed on the basis of symptoms of suspected myocardial ischemia. Angiographic results, postoperative anticoagulation, and therapy with immunosuppressive agents were analyzed. Results Seventeen cryopreserved vein grafts were studied; one (6%) was patent, 12 (71%) were occluded, and 4 (23%) were stenosed. In patients treated with azathioprine, seven of the eight cryopreserved vein grafts were occluded. In patients not receiving immunosuppression, five were occluded, three were stenosed, and one was patent. All internal mammary grafts were widely patent. Conclusion Cryopreserved vein grafts have a poor angiographic patency which did not appear to be affected by immunosuppressive therapy with azathioprine. The use of this graft should be restricted and alternative arterial conduits utilized.
Report of the Committee on the Dynamics of Streams, 1951–1953

The report of the Committee consists of a survey of current activities compiled by Committee members in correspondence with known workers in the field of stream dynamics. The following is a compilation of work being carried out by the Hydrology Branch and the Hydraulic Laboratory, Design and Construction Division, United States Bureau of Reclamation. Some of the work is being done on a cooperative basis with other agencies.
RADIATION-INDUCED MALIGNANT GLIOMAS: IS THERE A ROLE FOR REIRRADIATION?

Purpose To review the literature regarding the role of radiotherapy (RT) in the treatment of patients with radiation-induced malignant gliomas (RIMGs). Methods and Materials A PubMed search of English-language articles dealing with RIMG was performed, yielding 52 articles with 92 patients available for review. Results Initial tumor types treated with RT included brain tumor in 37 patients (40%), acute lymphoblastic leukemia in 33 (36%), benign disease in 11 (12%), and other in 11 (12%). Median time from RT to development of an RIMG was 8.75 years (range, 2.5–61 years). The RIMG occurred within 10 years after RT in 81% of patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma, 59% of patients with brain/other, and 18% of patients with benign conditions ( p = 0.002). Type of RIMG was glioblastoma in 69 (75%) and anaplastic astrocytoma in 23 (25%). One-, 2-, and 5-year overall survival rates were 29.3%, 7.3%, and 0% for patients with glioblastoma and 59.7%, 30.3%, and 20.2% for patients with anaplastic astrocytoma. For the 85 patients with data regarding treatment for RIMG, 35 underwent reirradiation to a median dose of 50 Gy (range, 30–76 Gy). For patients undergoing reirradiation, 1-, 2- and 5-year overall survival rates were 58.9%, 20.5%, and 6.8%. For those not undergoing reirradiation, they were 15.1%, 3%, and 0% ( p = 0.0009). Conclusions The RIMG appeared earlier in patients treated for leukemia and lymphoma and latest for those treated for a benign condition. Patients who underwent reirradiation for RIMG have longer survival times compared with those not receiving RT.
ALTERATION OF THE SPECIFICITY OF BRAIN tRNA METHYLTRANSFERASES AND OF THE PATTERN OF BRAIN tRNA METHYLATION IN VIVO BY METHIONINE SULFOXIMINE

Recently, we showed that the formation of [3H1-3-methyl histamine from intraventricularly administered [3H]-histamine is accelerated in the brains of mice pretreated with the convulsant L-methionine-dl-sulfoximine (MSO) (1). We also reported that tRNA methyltransferases derived from brains of MSO-treated rats methylate heterologous tRNA in vitro more extensively than tRNA methyltransferases prepared from brains of control animals (2). In the present communication we describe changes in methylation of individual bases in specific Escherichia coli tRNAs following their incubation with tRNA methyltransferases of MSO-treated rat cerebella. Preliminary results of a study of the effect of MS0 on the methylation of bases in total rat brain tRNA in vivo are also presented. Eighteen-day-old Sprague-Dawley male rats were injected with 0.94 m-mole/kg of MS0 i.p. 3 hr before death, i.e. midway through the preconvulsant period. Measurements of tRNA methyltransferase activity were carried out on dialyzed O-80% ammonium sulfate precipitates prepared from high-speed supernatant solutions (165,000 g, 150 min) of cerebella of saline and MSO-treated animals. In the in vivo
The Effect of Lubricants on Gear Tooth Surface Fatigue

This paper presents some of the results of a recent investigation on the effect of lubricants on gear tooth surface fatigue (pitting). The work described comprises the development of a laboratory test procedure for exploratory purposes, and the determination of the performance of a number of lubricants using this procedure. It was found that bulk lubricant viscosity, as measured by the conventional viscometric method, did not have a predominant effect on gear tooth surface fatigue. Examination of the development of scuffing and pitting on the gear teeth indicates that the initial incidence of scuffing and the initial incidence of pitting were unrelated. It was further noted that as pitting became advanced, severe scuffing of the pitted teeth would almost invariably result. On the other hand, there was no evidence that severe scuffing would lead to gear tooth pitting. Presented as an American Society of Lubrication Engineers paper at the Lubrication Conference held in Toronto, Canada, October, 1957.
Ecological Interactions, Social Organization, and Extinction Risk in African Wild Dogs

The conservation of wild dogs depends on the persistence of small populations because African wild dog ( Lycaon pictus ) populations are low in density, are limited by range loss, and are often restricted to parks containing fewer than 100 adults. Although major limiting factors for wild dog populations have been identified, including interspecific competition and diseases, such factors have not been translated into extinc- tion risk. To assess wild dog extinction risks, we used individual-based simulations constructed from data from a 6-year field study in the Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania. Our simulations predicted that extinction risk for wild dogs was extremely sensitive to competition with lions. Extinction rates ( for periods as short as 20 years) rose sharply to near 1.0 when lion populations exceeded moderate densities (approximately 110- 140 lions/1000 km 2 ). This prediction is remarkably consistent with, and highlights, ecological processes that may be responsible for recent patterns of extinction among wild dog populations. Infectious diseases that kill adults, such as rabies, also reduced population persistence if they increased mortality by $ 0.3 and occurred at average intervals of # 10 years. In contrast, diseases killing only pups, such as canine parvovirus, had weaker effects on persistence. Although persistence declined sharply for mean litter sizes # 6, persistence was unaffected by increasing mean litter size above its normal range (i.e., 8-12 in Selous). Increasing mean pack size from typical levels reduced extinction risk, but reproductive suppression may set an upper limit on pack size. Although the risk of extinction for 20- to 100-year time frames was appreciable for many realistic ecolog- ical and demographic conditions, even low immigration rates substantially increased persistence probabili- ties. Active management to mitigate the effects of interspecific competition, facilitate dispersal among popula- tions, or augment population size appears essential for wild dog conservation.
Sound propagation between two adjacent rectangular workstations in an open-plan office—part I: mathematical modeling

Abstract This paper describes the development of a mathematical model of sound propagation between adjacent workstations in an open-plan office. The model is valid for adjacent rectangular workstations consisting of small enclosures made up of partial-height screens or panels. The new model adds the effects of side and back panels to the primary effect of the common separating screen that was considered in a previous model. In both models, reflections are included using an image source technique and expressions are developed to identify those image sources that represent actual reflection paths. The orientation of openings into the workstations is also considered. Comparisons with measured attenuations of sound propagation between adjacent workstations are included. They verify that the model can quite accurately predict the expected speech privacy between workstations in an open-plan office.
Poverty as a Predictor of Child Maltreatment: A Brief Analysis

ABSTRACT One current theory is that abuse occurs not as a result of personal shortcomings, but as the result of poverty, isolation, and other factors outside of the control of the individual. This is supported by empirical evidence that demonstrates a strong relationship between poverty and child abuse. A serious effort to help children would provide universal day care for all children and families, health care for all families, adequate housing, and a range of treatment programs for drug-addicted parents. Finally, we need to remove the stigma from families and encourage families to seek help before they are in crisis.
Semi-Quantitative X-Ray Diffraction Analysis of Fly Ash by the Reference Intensity Ratio Method

A protocol for relatively inexpensive and rapid semi-quantitative x-ray diffraction analysis of fly ash mineralogy by the Reference Intensity Ratio (RIR) method is described. RIR’s for the common crystalline phases in fly ashes derived from low rank and bituminous coal are given. The method is semi-quantitative for some phases because of unavoidable overlaps of the stronger peaks suitable for quantitation. Use of the protocol is illustrated with the four fly ash Standard Reference Materials supplied by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Recommendations for implementation of this protocol in other laboratories and for improvements in quantitation of fly ash mineralogy are given.
4-Aminopyridine does not increase m.e.p.p. frequencies at junctions depolarized by potassium

Summary 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) is known to produce large increase in quantal acetylcholine release from stimulated motor nerve terminals. It has been suggested that the drug might act directly on Ca2+ channels to increase Ca2+ influx. This possibility was tested at frog neuromuscular junctions depolarized in elevated [K+]out. The 4-AP did not increase miniature end-plate potential frequencies. Also, 4-AP did not alter the increase in frequency that follows a rise in [Ca2+]out at a depolarized junction. Therefore, under these conditions, 4-AP does not appear to change Ca2+ entry into or elimination from the nerve terminal. The results support the hypothesis that 4-AP acts by lengthening the nerve terminal action potential.
Chronic methylphenidate effects on learning in an F2 generation.

Summary This study investigated chronic methylphenidate effects on the learning of undrugged second generation offspring. Seventy-two albino rats were tested on avoidance conditioning. The results indicated that (a) the learning of the undrugged offspring was affected, (b) differential sex effects were obtained, and (c) some difficulty was encountered in reproduction.
Fault Structures in Rapidly Quenched Ni-Mo Binary Alloys

Fault structures in two Ni-Mo alloy ribbons (Ni-28 at. pct Mo and Ni-35 at. pct Mo) cast by a free jet chill block melt spinning process were studied. Thin foils for TEM studies were made by electrochemical thinning using an alcohol/butyl cellosolve/perchloric acid mixture in a twin jet electropolishing device. The samples displayed typical grains containing linear faulted regions on the wheelside of the two alloy ribbons. However, an anomalous diffraction behavior was observed upon continuous tilting of the sample: the network of diffraction spots from a single grain appeared to expand or contract and rotate. This anomalous diffraction behavior was explained by assuming extended spike formation at reciprocal lattice points, resulting in a network of continuous rel rods. The validity of the model was confirmed by observations of a cross section of the reciprocal lattice parallel to the rel rods.
Micropenis: gender, erotosexual coping strategy, and behavioral health in nine pediatric cases followed to adulthood.

Abstract In nine cases of micropenis followed from pediatric age until adulthood (aged 22 to 31) the adult penis size was 2.5 SD below the mean or smaller, with one exception. Pubertal virilization was inadequate in six cases, in five of which there was also a history of neglecting follow-up and androgen-replacement therapy. In six cases there was a low incidence of erotosexual activity. In three there was a long-term pair-bonded attachment. There was one case of homosexual hustling, one of homosexual pair-bondedness, and one of homosexual attraction frustrated by the concealment of a skin-grafted phalloplasty. In the latter two cases, there was a history of agonizing over the option of possible sex reassignment and contemplating death by suicide. In one other case there was a history of paraphilic sadomasochism, in fantasy only, with a woman victim. The juvenile experience of micropenis in the family, the clinic, and the community may dislocate what should be the normal juvenile erotosexual rehearsal play and fantasy of uncomplicated heterosexual differentiation.
The effect of the frequency and duration of PSA measurement on PSA doubling time calculations in men with biochemically recurrent prostate cancer

The effect of the frequency and duration of PSA measurement on PSA doubling time calculations in men with biochemically recurrent prostate cancer
New technique for measuring excited-state lifetimes in ions using rapid Doppler switching

A new and accurate method for measuring lifetimes of excited ionic states is described. The method employs selective laser excitation and rapid Doppler tuning to convert the spontaneous exponential decay of the excited state into a spatial variation of fluorescence intensity. The technique has been tested on the 6p /sup 2/P/sub 3/2//sup 0/ Ba II level and our final result of 6.35 +- 0.09 nsec is in excellent agreement with previous high-precision measurements. The method should make it possible to routinely achieve 1 percent accuracy measurements of ionic lifetimes longer than a lower limit of a few nanoseconds, set by transit-time broadening and ion-beam velocity spread.
Low Power III–V InGaAs MOSFETs featuring InP recessed source/drain spacers with I on =120 µA/µm at I off =1 nA/µm and V DS =0.5 V

We report InGaAs-channel MOSFETs using recessed InP spacer layers in the regrown source and drain. By replacing narrow band-gap InGaAs with wide band-gap InP within the high-field region near the drain end of the channel, band-to-band tunneling (BTBT) leakage is significantly reduced. A 30 nm gate length device using InP spacers shows a minimum I off ∼60 pA/µm, approximately 100∶1 smaller than a similar device using InGaAs source/drain spacers. A FET using InP spacers, with 45 nm gate length, and with a 3 nm ZrO 2 gate oxide shows I on =150 µA/µm at I off =1 nA/µm and V DS =0.5 V. The low off-state leakage current observed with InP source/drain spacers makes InGaAs MOS technology viable for low-power logic.
Satellites as the Panacea to Transboundary Limitations for Longer Term Flood Forecasting

Abstract This article presents a brief overview of the challenges associated with long-term flood forecasting, as experienced by many flood-prone developing nations, due to transboundary limitations. The potential of satellite rainfall data to overcome such limitations is highlighted. The article also discusses the limitations of rainfall estimates from space-borne platforms due to their high degree of uncertainty in measurement. This is contrasted by the vantage of space that makes them immune to transboundary limitations of real-time sharing of rainfall data across boundaries. Since the availability of satellite rainfall is expected to magnify with the proposed Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission in 2013, it is important for flood forecasting agencies in developing countries to initiate a range of error propagation studies in order to assess the true worth of globally available satellite rainfall data.
Structure of D-AKAP2:PKA RI Complex: Insights into AKAP Specificity and Selectivity

A-kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs) regulate cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) signaling in space and time. Dual-specific AKAP 2 (D-AKAP2) binds to the dimerization/docking (D/D) domain of both RI and RII regulatory subunits of PKA with high affinity. Here we have determined the structures of the RIalpha D/D domain alone and in complex with D-AKAP2. The D/D domain presents an extensive surface for binding through a well-formed N-terminal helix, and this surface restricts the diversity of AKAPs that can interact. The structures also underscore the importance of a redox-sensitive disulfide in affecting AKAP binding. An unexpected shift in the helical register of D-AKAP2 compared to the RIIalpha:D-AKAP2 complex structure makes the mode of binding to RIalpha novel. Finally, the comparison allows us to deduce a molecular explanation for the sequence and spatial determinants of AKAP specificity.
Calculation of resident groundwater concentration by post-processing particle-tracking results

A post-processing technique that allows relatively simple random walk particle-tracking results to be extrapolated to transport scenarios of considerably more complexity has traditionally been used to calculate flux at specified monitoring locations. Previous extensions of the post-processing approach to calculate resident groundwater concentrations could not disentangle concentrations of mobile and immobile mass in dual-porosity systems, which limited their utility. A variant of the post-processing method that allows for the calculation of resident concentrations of mobile and immobile mass is introduced and tested. The resulting combination of methods—random walk particle tracking without retention processes followed by post-processing to add the effects of retention—is a powerful and practical strategy for assessing the transport of radionuclides or other contaminants in field-scale applications.
Update on animal models of migraine.

Migraine is a severe and debilitating disorder of the brain that involves a constellation of neurological symptoms alongside head pain. Its pathophysiology is only beginning to be understood, and is thought to involve activation and sensitization of trigeminovascular nociceptive pathways that innervate the cranial vasculature, and activation of brain stem nuclei. Much of our understanding of migraine pathophysiology stems from research conducted in animal models over the last 30 years, and the development of unique assays in animals that try to model specific aspects of migraine pathophysiology related to particular symptoms. This review will highlight some of the latest findings from these established animal models, as well as discuss the latest in the development of novel approaches in animals to study migraine
Regioselective nitration of tryptophan by a complex between bacterial nitric-oxide synthase and tryptophanyl-tRNA synthetase.

Abstract Bacterial nitric-oxide synthase proteins (NOSs) from certain Streptomyces strains have been shown to participate in biosynthetic nitration of tryptophanyl moieties in vivo (Kers, J. A., Wach, M. J., Krasnoff, S. B., Cameron, K. D., Widom, J., Bukhaid, R. A., Gibson, D. M., and Crane, B. R., and Loria, R. (2004) Nature 429, 79–82). We report that the complex between Deinococcus radiodurans NOS (deiNOS) and an unusual tryptophanyl-tRNA synthetase (TrpRS II) catalyzes the regioselective nitration of tryptophan (Trp) at the 4-position. Unlike non-enzymatic Trp nitration, and similar reactions catalyzed by globins and peroxidases, deiNOS only produces the otherwise unfavorable 4-nitro-Trp isomer. Although deiNOS alone will catalyze 4-nitro-Trp production, yields are significantly enhanced by TrpRS II and ATP. 4-Nitro-Trp formation exhibits saturation behavior with Trp (but not tyrosine) and is completely inhibited by the addition of the mammalian NOS cofactor (6R)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-l-biopterin (H4B). Trp stimulates deiNOS oxidation of substrate l-arginine (Arg) to the same degree as H4B. These observations are consistent with a mechanism where Trp or a derivative thereof binds in the NOS pterin site, participates in Arg oxidation, and becomes nitrated at the 4-position.
Structural and functional modularity of proteins in the de novo purine biosynthetic pathway

It is generally accepted that naturally existing functional domains can serve as building blocks for complex protein structures, and that novel functions can arise from assembly of different combinations of these functional domains. To inform our understanding of protein evolution and explore the modular nature of protein structure, two model enzymes were chosen for study, purT-encoded glycinamide ribonucleotide formyltransferase (PurT) and purK-encoded N5-carboxylaminoimidazole ribonucleotide synthetase (PurK). Both enzymes are found in the de novo purine biosynthetic pathway of Escherichia coli. In spite of their low sequence identity, PurT and PurK share significant similarity in terms of tertiary structure, active site organization, and reaction mechanism. Their characteristic three domain structures categorize both PurT and PurK as members of the ATP-grasp protein superfamily. In this study, we investigate the exchangeability of individual protein domains between these two enzymes and the in vivo and in vitro functional properties of the resulting hybrids. Six domain-swapped hybrids were unable to catalyze full wild-type reactions, but each hybrid protein could catalyze partial reactions. Notably, an additional loop replacement in one of the domain-swapped hybrid proteins was able to restore near wild-type PurK activity. Therefore, in this model system, domain-swapped proteins retained the ability to catalyze partial reactions, but further modifications were required to efficiently couple the reaction intermediates and achieve catalysis of the full reaction. Implications for understanding the role of domain swapping in protein evolution are discussed.
Dispersal and Movement Behavior of Neonate European Corn Borer (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) on Non-Bt and Transgenic Bt Corn

Neonate movement and dispersal behavior of the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hubner) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), were investigated under controlled conditions on Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) and non-Bt corn, Zea mays L., to assess plant abandonment, dispersal from their natal plant, and silking behavior after Bt and non-Bt preexposure. With continuous airflow, neonates on a Bt corn plant for 24 h abandoned that plant 1.78 times more frequently than neonates on a non-Bt corn plant. Indirect evidence indicated that at least one third of the neonates were capable of ballooning within 24 h. In the greenhouse, some neonates were recovered after 24 h from plants 76 and 152 cm away that likely ballooned from their natal plant. After 1 h of preexposure on a Bt corn leaf, neonates placed on a new corn leaf and observed for 10 min began silking off of a new Bt leaf significantly sooner than a new non-Bt leaf. Results suggest that neonates are unable to detect Bt in the corn within 10 min but that they can detect it within the first hour.
The kinetics of the absorption of hydrogen by LaNi5Hx suspended in aqueous solutions

Abstract The kinetics of the absorption of hydrogen by LaNi5Hx suspended in pure water and in a 0.1% surfactant solution were studied. The pure water system behaves similarly to those employing the organic solvents studied previously. The same rate equation is obeyed and the rate-limiting process is the dissolution of hydrogen in the liquid phase. The activation energy was found to be 15.5 ± 1.3 kJ (mol H2)−1. The absorption rates in the surfactant suspension were substantially higher than in the pure water system, but the data was scattered and could not be fitted to the usual rate equation. The effects of corrosion of LaNi5 by the aqueous solutions are discussed. The rates of dissolution of hydrogen in pure water and the surfactant solution obeyed first-order kinetics; the respective activation energies were determined to be 15.4 ± 1.4 and 11.9 ± 1.4 kJ (mol H2)−1.
A Study of the energy dependence of the mean, truncated mean, and most probable energy deposition of high-energy muons in sampling calorimeters

Abstract We have extracted the momentum dependence of the mean, the truncated mean and the most probable value of the energy deposited in a segmented, iron-scintillator, hadron calorimeter by high-energy muons. Data were drawn from a sample of momentum-analyzed, high-energy muons produced in charged-current neutrino interactions. The truncated mean energy deposition of high-energy muons traversing 20 calorimeter segments increases by approximately 16% per 100 GeV c increase in muon momentum over the range 25−125 GeV c ; the most probable energy deposition increases by approximately 7%. These results are important for experiments at high-energy colliders (e.g., Tevatron, SSC and LHC) which use the d E d x of high-energy muons to calibrate the response of electromagnetic and hadron calorimeters with tower geometry. The data are in qualitative agreement with GEANT3 (v3.15/308a) simulations.
Fecundity, developmental time, and population growth rate: an analytical solution.

Abstract Population growth rate is affected by both developmental time and net fecundity, and we have investigated the relative importance of these two factors. Simple analytical expressions, derived for both discrete and continuous models, show that the increase in fecundity required to duplicate the effect of a unit shift in development is directly proportional to population growth rate and inversely proportional to survival rates. Our analysis requires no assumptions about the form of the maternity or survivorship functions. While these results agree well with the widely held notion that “ r -selection” favors fast development time, they generate the somewhat paradoxical prediction that “ K -selection” should favor high reproductive output. The resolution of this problem probably involves constraints not included in most current analyses.
Gender Differences in Responding to Sad Emotional Appeal: A Moderated Mediation Explanation

ABSTRACT An experiment was conducted to investigate gender differences in response to public service advertising with sad emotional appeal vs. rational appeal. Results showed that females showed more favorable attitude towards helping when exposed to the sad emotional appeal ad than the rational appeal ad. However, males showed no significant differences in attitude to helping in the two conditions. Such gender differences in effectiveness of sad emotional appeal were found to be mediated by ad evoked empathic emotions.
Neural networks for smart structures with fiber optic sensors

This paper discusses an application of artificial neural networks in smart structures with fiber optic sensors. Emphasis is on using a novel neural network approach to characterize the Impact signals from the embedded sensors. A recurrent network is proposed for control of stress in the composite material. Preliminary results on a composite with embedded multimode fiber indicates that the speckle pattern of the optical fiber can be characterized for stress measurements. This new sensing technique will simplify the measurement components as compared to the conventional methods. 2.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Implementation of chapter 2 of ECIA in Texas

Abstract The implementation of Chapter 2 of ECTA is occurring during a period of major curricular and school finance reform in Texas. Chapter 2 has been warmly received by state policy-makers and most school districts. The transaction costs of participating in Chapter 2 are clearly below those of the antecedent categorical programs. The relaxation of expenditure constraints has had a significant impact on resource allocation within former ESAA districts, which were the major losers of funds. Districts differ widely in items purchased and targeting of benefits. Further ways of reducing transactions costs are recommended.
Influence of Chiral Ionic Liquids on the Excited-State Properties of Naproxen Analogs

The synthesis and decolorization of chiral room-temperature ionic liquids based upon 1-methyl imidazole and chloromethyl menthyl ether is reported. The excellent optical quality of these solvents permits the investigation of the effects of the two enantiomers on the excited-state photophysics of (S)-N-methyl-2-pyrrolidinemethyl 2(S)-(6-methoxy-2-naphthyl)propionate [(S,S)-NPX-PYR]. Whereas in conventional bulk polar solvents such as acetonitrile, (S,S)-NPX-PYR is known to execute excited-state intramolecular electron transfer and to form exciplexes, in these chiral solvents these nonradiative processes are absent. The chiral solvents do, however, induce a small but reproducible (∼10%) stereodifferentiation in the fluorescence lifetime of (S,S)-NPX-PYR as well as in the parent compound, (S)-naproxen. To our knowledge, this is the first example of chiral ionic liquids inducing such an effect on photophysical properties.
Deterministic Global Optimization for Parameter Estimation of Dynamic Systems

A method is presented for deterministic global optimization in the estimation of parameters in models of dynamic systems. The method can be implemented as an ∈-global algorithm or, by use of the interval-Newton method, as an exact algorithm. In the latter case, the method provides a mathematically guaranteed and computationally validated global optimum in the goodness-of-fit function. A key feature of the method is the use of a new validated solver for parametric ordinary differential equations (ODEs), which is used to produce guaranteed bounds on the solutions of dynamic systems with interval-valued parameters, as well as on the first- and second-order sensitivities of the state variables with respect to the parameters. The computational efficiency of the method is demonstrated using several benchmark problems.
Rapid induction of behavioral and neurochemical tolerance to cocaethylene, a model compound for agonist therapy of cocaine dependence.

Rationale: Tolerance to abused drugs may impact on patterns of abuse, and in the case of agonist therapies, may be beneficial in that it reduces the reward value of a given dose of abused drug. Cocaethylene, a psychoactive metabolite resulting from concurrent alcohol and cocaine consumption, was examined because of its use in human research studies of drug reward mechanisms, and its potential as a model compound for an agonist based therapy for cocaine dependence. Objective: Comparisons were made between cocaine and cocaethylene in the acute development of tolerance to the neurochemical and behavioral effects of cocaine. With chronic exposure, tolerance to the behavioral effects of cocaine was examined. Methods: In awake rats with a microdialysis probe in the nucleus accumbens and a jugular catheter, an IV bolus/3-h infusion of cocaine or cocaethylene and a subsequent cocaine challenge was administered while extracellular dopamine and locomotion were monitored. Chronic IV treatment with cocaine, cocaethylene, and a water control was accomplished for 7 days using osmotic minipumps attached to jugular catheters. Animals were then challenged with an IV bolus of cocaine. Results: With acute treatment, the IV bolus of cocaethylene at the beginning of the infusion period resulted in an initial behavioral activation equivalent to that caused by cocaine, after which there was a striking difference in that the cocaethylene group displayed a return to predrug levels of activity, while the cocaine group showed high levels of activity throughout the 3-h period. Both cocaethylene and cocaine resulted in an initial increase in the extracellular concentration of dopamine. However, after that initial increase, levels of dopamine dropped in the cocaethylene group while the cocaine group levels remained elevated. A 1-week infusion of cocaine or cocaethylene resulted in tolerance to the behavioral activating effects of a subsequent cocaine challenge. Conclusions: These results demonstrate a rapid induction of tolerance to the behavioral and neurochemical properties of cocaethylene, resulting in a diminished behavioral response to a cocaine challenge both acutely, and after 7 days. The relevance of these data for the use of cocaethylene as a model compound for an agonist approach to therapy for cocaine dependence is discussed.
Lymphatic Vessel Dynamics in the Uterine Wall

During pregnancy, maternal uterine blood vessels undergo dramatic vascular remodeling. However, until now, little was known about whether the lymphatic circulation experiences similar changes and whether these vessels interact with placental cells that invade maternal tissue. Recent studies demonstrate that lymphatic vessels in the uterine wall are highly compartmentalized where their presence is mostly restricted to the deeper layers. In humans, this arrangement changes during pregnancy when extensive lymphangiogenesis occurs at the maternal-fetal interface. Placental cytotrophoblasts stimulate lymphatic growth in vivo and in vitro suggesting that they play a role in triggering pregnancy-induced decidual lymphangiogenesis. These data indicate that lymphatic vessels may have important functions at the implantation site during pregnancy.
Ovarian hyperandrogenism in adolescents and young women with type I diabetes is primarily related to birth weight and body mass index

Objective To clarify the effects of insulin therapy on ovarian androgen production, hyperandrogenism and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in adolescents and young women with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Design Case-control study. Setting Children's research hospital. Patient(s) Fifty-four consecutive T1D subjects (age, 15–25 years), without residual endogenous insulin secretion, treated by intensive insulin therapy (multiple injection therapy [MI] or continuous SC insulin infusion [CSII]); and one-hundred fifty age-matched healthy women. Intervention(s) Analysis of the prevalence and risk factors of ovarian hyperandrogenism and PCOS in T1D adolescents and young women. Main Outcome Measure(s) Biometric, glycemic, and metabolic parameters. Evaluation of androgen levels and ovary ultrasound during the early follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. Result(s) Androgen levels were significantly higher in T1D subjects than in the control group (T, 68.8 ± 23.4 vs. 46.1 ± 20.8 ng/dL). Four subjects (7.4%) were affected by PCOS according to the Rotterdam criteria. No correlation was evident between HbA1c% and androgen levels. No significant differences were evident between subjects on MI or CSII therapy. Multivariable linear regression analysis showed a direct and independent effect of age and body mass index on T levels. T levels were also negatively affected by birth weight. Conclusion(s) Androgen levels are significantly increased in T1D adolescents and young women treated by intensive insulin therapy. The presence and severity of ovarian hyperandrogenism seem to be primarily related to common risk factors such as age, low birth weight, overweight, and obesity.
Binding and uptake of MPTP by preparations of human and animal brain.

Abstract 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) is known to cause parkinsonism in man and animals, producing acute behavioral effects within minutes of administration. This syndrome has been attributed to specific effects on dopaminergic systems. MPTP blocked the binding of haloperidol to membranes from rat and human brain (IC 50 = 2.5 μ M), but it did not block the binding of flupenthixol to these membranes. These results indicate that MPTP is a ligand for D-2 dopamine receptors but not for D-1 dopamine receptors. Synaptosomes from rat, mouse or guinea-pig corpus striatum or from monkey caudate nucleus exhibited little ability to take up MPTP from the incubation medium. The synaptosomes took up at least 20–50 times more dopamine than MPTP. These results indicate that MPTP could cause acute effects by binding to dopamine receptors and that the specific toxicity MPTP exerts for dopaminergic neuron is not primarily based on the specific uptake of MPTP into these neurons.
Response of a silicon photodiode to pulsed radiation

Both the integrated-charge and the peak-voltage responsivity of a 1-cm2 Si photodiode optimized for the extreme ultraviolet have been measured with 532-nm-wavelength pulsed radiation. The peak power of the optical pulse is varied from 35 mW to 24 kW with a pulse width of 8.25 ns. A decrease in responsivity is observed with increasing pulse energy, and a model is presented that accounts for the observed loss of responsivity. The integrated-charge responsivity decreases because the presence of photogenerated majority carriers increases the direct recombination rate. The peak-voltage responsivity is reduced because the electric susceptibility of the electrons and holes in the depletion region increases the capacitance of the device. The influence of an applied reverse bias on both responsivities is investigated. The integrated-charge responsivity is found to be identical, with a 1% uncertainty, to the cw responsivity of the device if the energy dependence is considered.
Aircraft noise social cost and charge mechanisms – a case study of Amsterdam Airport Schiphol

Abstract The increasing trend of charging for aircraft noise nuisance to encourage the sustainable development of the air transport industry has resulted in a need to evaluate the real social costs of such externalities for the formulation of effective charge mechanisms. After comparing the current charge mechanisms at world airports as well as reviewing existing externality measurements, mathematical models are developed to calculate the noise social cost in monetary terms, and noise charge mechanisms are subsequently established. The hedonic price method is applied to calculate the annual social cost of aircraft noise during the landing and take-off stages of the flight. This is done by estimating the implicit costs of aircraft noise imposed through a decline in property values in the vicinity of the airport. The empirical results, using Amsterdam Airport Schiphol as the case study, show that the current noise charge level imposed by the Dutch Government is lower than the actual noise social cost resulting from aircraft movements. Several noise charge mechanism scenarios are derived according to the modelling results, as well as the environmental objectives of the airport related authorities.
The public and the meme machine: a response to Jarvis

This is a reply to:Jarvis, Jason L. 2014. “Digital image politics: the visual rhetoric of Anonymous.” Global Discourse. 4 (2–3): 326–349. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/23269995.2014.923633.
Laryngeal factors in voiceless consonant production in men, women, and 5-year-olds.

Voicing control in stop consonants has often been measured by means of voice onset time (VOT) and discussed in terms of interarticulator timing. However, control of voicing also involves details of...
Production waters associated with the Ferron coalbed methane fields, central Utah: chemical and isotopic composition and volumes

This study investigated the composition of water co-produced with coalbed methane (CBM) from the Upper Cretaceous Ferron Sandstone Member of the Mancos Shale in east-central Utah to better understand coalbed methane reservoirs. The Ferron coalbed methane play currently has more than 600 wells producing an average of 240 bbl/day/well water. Water samples collected from 28 wellheads in three fields (Buzzards Bench, Drunkards Wash, and Helper State) of the northeast–southwest trending play were analyzed for chemical and stable isotopic composition. Water produced from coalbed methane wells is a Na–Cl–HCO3 type. Water from the Drunkards Wash field has the lowest total dissolved solids (TDS) (6300 mg/l) increasing in value to the southeast and northeast. In the Helper State field, about 6 miles northeast, water has the highest total dissolved solids (43,000 mg/l), and major ion abundance indicates the possible influence of evaporite dissolution or mixing with a saline brine. In the southern Buzzards Bench field, water has variable total dissolved solids that are not correlated with depth or spatial distance. Significant differences in the relative compositions are present between the three fields implying varying origins of solutes and/or different water–rock interactions along multiple flow paths. Stable isotopic values of water from the Ferron range from +0.9‰ to −11.4‰ δ18O and −32‰ to −90‰ δ2H and plot below the global meteoric water line (GMWL) on a line near, but above values of present-day meteoric water. Isotopic values of Ferron water are consistent with modification of meteoric water along a flow path by mixing with an evolved seawater brine and/or interaction with carbonate minerals. Analysis of isotopic values versus chloride (conservative element) and total dissolved solids concentrations indicates that recharge water in the Buzzards Bench area is distinct from recharge water in Drunkards Wash and is about 3 °C warmer. These variations in isotopes along with compositional variations imply that the Ferron reservoir is heterogeneous and compartmentalized, and that multiple flow paths may exist.
Systematics and biogeography of snubnose darters, genusEtheostoma (Teleostei: Percidae) from the black warrior river system Alabama

Abstract Members of the Etheostoma chermocki species group, formerly known only as the Warrior snubnose darter, were examined from throughout their ranges for products of 44 presumptive gene loci. Polyallelic loci support the specific recognition of E. chemocki and indicate that E. bellator is actually a composite of three distinct evolutionary species diagnosable on the basis of both fixed allelic products and significant allele frequency differences. Based on other studies, these species are also diagnosable using traditional morphological characteristics. Eheostoma bellator is the most widely distributed species, while the two new species are endemic to the upper Sipsey and Locust forks of the Black Warrior River system. Phylogenetic evaluation of 30 variable loci and all possible bifurcating trees indicate that the E. chermocki species group is not a monophyletic assemblage. Rather, some species of the group are more closely related to E. simoterum and E. ramseyi in the Tennessee and Alabama river drainages, respectively. Diversification within the Etheostoma chemrocki species group was probably associated with the complex break-up of the Appalachian River System, once connecting the upper Tennessee River and rivers of the current Mobile Basin, and drainage exchanges between the Locust Fork of the Black Warrior River and the adjacent Cahaba or Coosa rivers.
Effect of Outpatient Treatment of Febrile Neutropenia on the Risk Threshold for the Use of CSF in Patients with Cancer Treated with Chemotherapy

Abstract Objectives Febrile neutropenia (FN) in patients with cancer treated with chemotherapy has traditionally been managed with inpatient broad-spectrum antibiotics until the infection and neutropenia have resolved. A newer strategy is outpatient oral or intravenous antibiotics in selected patients after an initial hospitalization. We sought to determine these costs, both overall and relative to those of traditional management, and the optimal role of prophylactic colony-stimulating factor (CSF) in patients at greatest risk for FN. Methods Existing economic decision models were modified by incorporating a treatment strategy for FN in which patients are classified as high- and low-risk according to criteria described by Talcott. Low-risk patients were assumed to be treated as outpatients. Overall costs with the revised economic model were assessed and sensitivity analyses were performed. Results The costs of an episode of FN were estimated as 1) no CSF: $13,355; 2) CSF with hospitalization for FN: $8677; and 3) CSF with risk stratification and outpatient management in low-risk patients: $8188. The risk threshold for the cost-effective use of CSF was only slightly lower with outpatient treatment. When all patients with FN are treated as inpatients and the cost of hospitalization is $1750/day the risk threshold for FN at which prophylactic CSF becomes cost-effective is 16%. It is 15% when low-risk patients are treated as outpatients. Conclusions Outpatient treatment slightly decreases the risk threshold for FN at which prophylactic CSF becomes cost-effective. The limited economic effect of this strategy may be because the patients who were at greatest risk of complications had significantly longer lengths of stay and accounted for most of the hospitalization costs.
Protein science: discriminating taste of prions.

Prions are infectious proteins that are involved in brain-wasting disorders such as mad cow disease. In yeast, specific sequences of amino acids in prions seem to mediate prion propagation and cross-species transmissibility.