cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Microprocessor-Based Controller for a Liquid Hydrogen Target Refrigerator

A microprocessor-based cryogenic refrigerator controller developed at the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory provides automatic cooldown and subsequent monitoring of liquid hydrogen targets. The controller performs the initial cooldown of the cryogenic system and provides continuous monitoring of the important system parameters. An alarm is sounded to summon an operator in the event of any parameter exceeding predetermined limits.
Normal Distribution of Regional Cerebral Blood Flow Measured by Dynamic Single-Photon Emission Tomography

Regional CBF (rCBF) was measured quantitatively using the inert-gas washout technique with xenon-133 and single-photon emission computed tomography. Tomographic data were reconstructed by filtered back projection, and flow was calculated according to the double-integral method. Ninety-seven subjects ranging in age from 20 to 59 years received a single examination; eight of these received a second examination within 1 h of the first; seven others received a second examination separated from the first by 1–10 days. Transverse-section images were obtained at 2, 6, and 10 cm above and parallel to the canthomeatal line (CML). Cortical gray matter flows were obtained from 12 brain regions in the slice 6 cm above the CML, and cerebellar and inferior cerebral gray matter flows were obtained from 4 regions in the slice 2 cm above the CML. Mean gray matter flow was 72 ± 12 ml/min/100 g, with highest flows in the parietal lobes and visual cortex. No significant differences in rCBF occurred when a second study follow...
Simulation of Sandia Flame D Using Velocity-Scalar Filtered Density Function

The joint velocity―scalar filtered mass density function methodology is employed for large eddy simulation of Sandia National Laboratories' flame D. This is a turbulent piloted nonpremixed methane jet flame. In velocity―scalar filtered mass density function, the effects of the subgrid-scale chemical reaction and convection appear in closed forms. The modeled transport equation for the velocity―scalar filtered mass density function is solved by a hybrid finite difference/Monte Carlo scheme. For this flame, which exhibits little local extinction, a flamelet model is employed to relate the instantaneous composition to mixture fraction. The simulated results are assessed via comparison with laboratory data and show favorable agreements.
Cyberbullying: a cross-cultural perspective

Numerous studies conducted in different countries have focused on empirical research and literature reviews on prevalence, consequences, and strategies relative to cyberbullying; however, there is a lack of research regarding cyberbullying from a cross-cultural perspective. This article reviews recent research on cyberbullying and presents information on prevention and intervention from an international perspective.
Chemical and electrochemical conditions on steel under disbonded coatings: the effect of previously corroded surfaces and wet and dry cycles

A cell was used to model disbonded regions of a tape-coated, buried steel pipeline under impressed current cathodic protection (CP). Deaeration within the crevice causes prerusted steel surfaces made up of γ-FeO(OH) to reduce to Fe3O4 as long as the crevice is filled with solution even in the absence of CP. The rate at which potential decreased to the more negative direction was slower than previously reported for bare steel. A combination of high alkalinity, low oxygen concentration and appropriate applied potential, work together to form magnetite and as a result to mitigate corrosion on pipelines.
Cell-Compatible, Multicomponent Protein Arrays with Subcellular Feature Resolution†

Recent developments in micro/nano-scale technology have enabled the generation of extracellular matrix (ECM) protein microarrays with well-defined geometries. These patterned surfaces have shown utility for the study and control of a variety of cellular behaviors.[1–7] In particular, the patterning of proteins with feature sizes smaller than a single cell have demonstrated potential application for use as tools to control cellular activity.[4, 8] To date, most research has been limited to studies with single protein factors due to technical limitations of existing printing methods. Herein, we describe the development of a microscale direct writing (MDW) technology for the generation of complex ECM protein arrays at subcellular feature size with multiple components. Automated printing techniques based on atomic force microscopy were developed to allow programmable generation of cell-compatible surfaces with multiple ECM proteins, at a subcellular feature size of 6–9 microns. Cell-compatible, two component ECM protein arrays were systematically generated with varying spacing and composition. These arrays were then studied for their effects on cellular attachment and spreading of a model cell line, human myofibroblasts. Interestingly, the precise tuning of spacing and placement two components at subcellular resolution can lead to an increase in cellular alignment. Given the complexity of the in vivo cellular microenvironment, we believe the MDW methods described here could prove generally applicable for the study and optimization of biomaterial surfaces.
Solubilization and partial purification of a microsomal 3-ketosteroid reductase of cholesterol biosynthesis.

Abstract The rat liver microsomal enzyme that catalyzes NADPH-dependent reduction of 3-ketosteroid intermediates of cholesterol biosynthesis from lanosterol has been solubilized. Although the specific activity has been enhanced only modestly, 24-fold, the solubilized and partially purified reductase can be obtained free of 4-methyl sterol oxidase (also NAD(P)H dependent) and 4α-steroidoic acid decarboxylase (NAD dependent) that are the other two constitutive enzymes of microsomal sterol 4-demethylation. In addition, the isolated protein can be incorporated into artificial phospholipid membranes with retention of activity. Thus, the partially purified 3-ketosteroid reductase is suitable for reconstitution with other enzymes and electron carriers to achieve the 10-step oxidative removal of the 4- gem -dimethyl group of sterols. Both the solubilized and microsomalbound enzyme are essentially inactive with NADH. Also, similar sterol substrate specificities with 4α-monomethyl- and 4,4-dimethyl-3-ketosteroids, pH optima, and other properties of microsomal-bound and solubilized 3-ketoreductase are observed. As observed for other microsomal enzymes the K m of the solubilized enzyme is significantly lower than that of the membrane-bound enzyme. Membrane-bound 3-ketosteroid reductase is stimulated two- to- threefold by cytosolic Z protein (fatty acid binding protein), but stimulatory activity is lost after solubilization of the microsomal enzyme. Stimulation could not be restored by incorporating the partially purified reductase into an artificial membrane. Stimulation can be reversed by titration of Z-protein with either fatty acids or anti-Z-protein immunoglobulin. Thus, Z protein may modulate several microsomal enzymic activities of sterol biosynthesis in concert by exhibiting affinities for the membrane as well as low-molecular-weight cofactors, substrates, and metabolic effectors.
The Problem of the Theater in Early Judaism

Abstract Some scholars have characterized Jewish participation in Roman theatrical institutions as a departure from normative Judaism, while others have distinguished Jews in the diaspora, who attend the theaters, from Jews in Palestine, who criticize and reject them. Both of these narratives are inadequate because scholars have failed to analyze the sources in terms of the cultural and discursive dynamics of Roman theater-going in general. Critiques and accommodations of the theater are common among Jews who lived in both the diaspora and Palestine, for the nature of theatrical culture itself provided Jews with opportunities for vigorous dialogical give-and-take under a Roman imperium in which theaters and their shows were of utmost political and social importance.
Effect of alkaline medium on the production and excretion of B-lactamase by Escherichia coli

The effects of pH on the production of a secreted protein were investigated. Growth ofEscherichia coli in alkaline media caused a large decrease in the specific activity of β-lactamase but had little effect on the level of other cytoplasmic and periplasmic enzymes. Proteolytic degradation was at least partly responsible for the low β-lactamase activity. The pH of the fermentation medium also affected the permeability of the outer membrane causing an increase in the excretion of periplasmic enzymes and lipopolysaccharide into the culture medium.
Hydrogen radical and hydroxyl radical hydrogen abstraction reaction from formyl fluoride studied with hybrid density functional theory methods

Abstract With the goal of reducing flame velocity in combustion reactions, this study focused on the conversion of hydrogen and hydroxyl radicals into relatively unreactive hydrogen and water molecules through the inter-conversion of formyl fluoride to fluoroformyl radicals. Hybrid DFT computational methods were employed to confirm these results. Based on this, the fluoroformyl radical-assisted transformation of the hydrogen and hydroxyl radicals into hydrogen and water molecules was discussed.
Right latissimus dorsi cardiomyoplasty augments left ventricular systolic performance.

Abstract We hypothesized that the right latissimus dorsi cardiomyoplasty augments left ventricular performance. Five dogs underwent staged right latissimus dorsi cardiomyoplasty. Ventricular function was studied 1 to 3 weeks later. Left ventricular pressure was measured with a micromanometer and left ventricular dimensions with piezoelectric crystals. Inferior vena caval occlusion was used to vary preload. Pressure-volume data were collected with the muscle unstimulated and stimulated at 1:2 and 1:1 muscle/heart ratios. The end-systolic pressure-volume relation (mm Hg/mL), stroke work, preload recruitable stroke work, left ventricular end-diastolic volume, and the diastolic relaxation constant were calculated and expressed as mean ± standard deviation. Stimulated beats at a 1:2 ratio showed an increase in stroke work of 42.1% (978 ± 381 to 1,390 ± 449 g • cm; p 3 ; p = 0.05) compared with the unstimulated beats. With the stimulator on at 1:1, smaller changes occurred: stroke work increased 9% (1,167 ± 390 to 1,273 ± 363 g • cm; not significant) and preload recruitable stroke work increased 27% (63.9 ± 22.7 to 80.9 ± 23.1 g • cm/cm(su3); p = 0.05). There were no significant changes in the end-systolic pressure-volume relation. The diastolic relaxation constant did not change at 1:1 (36 ± 9.7 to 37 ± 6.4 ms; not significant) or 1:2 (36 ± 9.3 to 39 ± 8.Z ms; not significant). Left ventricular end-diastolic volume was unchanged at 1:1 (34 ± 10.7 to 32 ± 10.3 mL) and at 1:2 (31 ± 9.0 to 32 |+- 8.7 mL). Right unconditioned latissimus dorsi cardiomyoplasty in anesthetized dogs with normal hearts resulted in enhanced systolic work and contractility with no change in diastolic relaxation at stimulation rates of 1:2 and 1:1.
Food Fortification and Supplement Use—Are There Health Implications?

Dietary supplements are a multi-billion dollar industry in the U.S., and their use is increasing exponentially. Additionally, many foods and beverages are increasingly being fortified with single or multiple vitamins and minerals. Consequently, nutrient intakes are exceeding the safe limits established by the Institute of Medicine. In this paper, we examine the benefits and drawbacks of vitamin and mineral supplements and increasing consumption of fortified foods (in addition to dietary intake) in the U.S. population. The pros and cons are illustrated using population estimates of folic acid, calcium, and vitamin D intake, highlighting concerns related to overconsumption of nutrients that should be addressed by regulatory agencies.
Is bad news always bad? The impact of Floyd Landis's rise and fall on Phonak.

In the space of one week, cyclist Floyd Landis went from hero to villain when his remarkable comeback to win the 2006 Tour de France was nullified by a positive drug test. I use event study techniques to analyse the impact of Landis's rise and fall on the profitability of Phonak, his team's sponsor. I find that neither his spectacular win nor his rapid fall had an immediate impact on Phonak but that there was a significant cumulative abnormal return to Phonak stock in the wake of these events. I conclude that Phonak benefited from both the good and bad news about Landis.
Adaptive stabilization of discontinuous Galerkin methods for nonlinear elasticity: Motivation, formulation, and numerical examples

The goal of this paper is to motivate, introduce and demonstrate a novel approach to stabilizing discontinuous Galerkin (DG) methods in nonlinear elasticity problems. The stabilization term adapts to the solution of the problem by locally changing the size of a penalty term on the appearance of discontinuities, with the goal of better approximating the solution. Consequently, it is called an adaptive stabilization strategy. The need for such a strategy is motivated through two- and three-dimensional examples in nonlinear elasticity. The proposed scheme is simple to implement and compute, and its performance is demonstrated with two- and three-dimensional numerical examples. The accuracy of the proposed method is compared against a conforming method of the same order and a DG method with a traditional form of stabilization. Results for trilinear hexahedral elements indicate that the new stabilization strategy is more robust and more accurate when compared to a traditional form of stabilization. However, conforming trilinear hexahedral elements proved to be more computationally efficient for the examples shown here. A two-dimensional example with linear triangular elements showed comparable performances between the proposed method and a conforming one.
Ecological Effects of Shoreline Armoring on Intertidal Habitats of a Puget Sound Urban Estuary

Shoreline armoring is extensive in urban areas worldwide, but the ecological consequences are poorly documented. We mapped shoreline armoring along the Duwamish River estuary (Washington State, USA) and evaluated differences in temperature, invertebrates, and juvenile salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) diet between armored and unarmored intertidal habitats. Mean substrate temperatures were significantly warmer at armored sites, but water temperature similar to unarmored habitats. Epibenthic invertebrate densities were over tenfold greater on unarmored shorelines and taxa richness double that of armored locations. Taxa richness of neuston invertebrates was also higher at unarmored sites, but abundance similar. We did not detect differences in Chinook (O. tshawytscha) diet, but observed a higher proportion of benthic prey for chum (O. keta) from unarmored sites. Given that over 66% of the Duwamish shoreline is armored—similar to much of south and central Puget Sound—our results underscore the need for further ecological study to address the impacts of estuary armoring.
Theoretical structure of the polar regions of the tropocollagen molecule.

The theoretical conformations of poly (Gly-Ala-Glu) have been studied. This peptide was chosen as a model for the glycine led triads of the polar regions in collagen. The most favorable conformations are found to be based on the extended and folded forms of the 27 helix (27a and 27b). It is suggested that triple-strand structures of folded 27 helices exist in the polar collagen regions, and a structural model is presented which is in accord with recent ultrastructural deformation studies. It is a necessary condition for this structure that glycine occur in the lead of the peptide triads. In regions of the collagen molecule where the primary sequence does not contain triads (e.g., in the telopeptide region), random structures based on energy minimization of peptide neighbors are considered briefly. It seems likely that such regions contain an admixture of left-hand α, polyproline II, and 27 helix structures.
Implications of Concurrent Measures of Viewer Behavior

Carter's “signaled stopping” technique is used here under different instructions to examine two quite different cognitive phenomena during television viewing of marital interactions from feature films: a change to the cognitive state of “thinking” (rather than just watching), and the momentary perception of action “meaningful for the couple's relationship.” A variety of evidence supports the distinction and suggests directions for further applications of the technique.
Towards interfacing dissimilar quantum systems

We report on an experimental implementation of an interface between quantum dots (QD) and parametric downconversion (PDC). We present a PDC source compatible with QD emission and our efforts to demonstrate such compatibility.
The duration of anticoagulation bridging therapy in clinical practice may significantly exceed that observed in clinical trials

Background Clinical trials involving frequent, standardized monitoring of the international normalized ratio (INR) demonstrated that a short course of low-molecular-weight-heparin (LMWH) can successfully bridge patients to oral anticoagulation. However, rigidly performed INR testing is often not feasible in the outpatient setting in actual clinical practice. The purpose of this study was to determine if the anticoagulation results of clinical trials of LMWH bridging therapy are also achieved in a single-center clinical practice setting.
Sampling schedule optimization of embedded wireless sensors for degradation monitoring

Inexpensive wireless sensors can be embedded in structural materials to detect defects. These sensors provide in-situ diagnosis of the system's health, thus invaluable information to decision makers for system maintenance and repair. For example, lamb wave sensors that are embedded in carbon fiber composites can monitor the material integrity by detecting and quantifying fiber delaminations and breakages. Although they are relatively easy to be deployed, their lifetimes are limited due to power consumption and they cannot be replaced without interrupting the operation of system. In this paper, we discuss a sampling method that is based on the material's degradation model for activating sensors and collecting health information. We are interested in predicting the time of failure with a few numbers of signals and with statistical efficiency. Our method is good for the in-situ health monitoring, where the system's failure time is of concern and the sensor's power conservation is required.
Pressurized liquid extraction in environmental analysis

A critical evaluation of recent literature utilizing pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) for environmental analysis is presented by compound class. Overall, the extraction efficiency of PLE, using the appropriate solvent, temperature and pressure for extraction, is similar to that of Soxhlet extraction. PLE has been used for some classes of compounds that are thermally labile (e.g., explosives) and may require acidic conditions for extraction (e.g., organometallic compounds). References to recent applications are presented emphasizing studies which utilize unspiked, natural matrices and studies that compare PLE to alternate extraction techniques.
Mitochondrial nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase: nonidentical modification by N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide and N-(ethoxycarbonyl)-2-ethoxy-1,2-dihydroquinoline at the NAD(H) binding site.

Abstract The energy-linked nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase (TH) purified from bovine heart mitochondria is inhibited by the carboxyl group modifiers, N,N ′-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCCD) and N -(ethoxycarbonyl)-2-ethoxy-1,2-dihydroquinoline (EEDQ). With either reagent, complete activity inhibition corresponds to modification of one carboxyl group per 2 mol (monomers) of this dimeric enzyme, suggesting half-site reactivity toward DCCD and EEDQ [ D. C. Phelps, and Y. Hatefi (1984) Biochemistry 23 , 4475–4480; 6340–6344]. It has also been shown in the former reference that DCCD appears to modify TH at the NAD(H)-binding site. The present paper presents data suggesting that EEDQ also binds at or near the NAD(H)-binding domain of TH, but at a site not identical to that of DCCD: (i) TH modified with and inhibited ~85% by EEDQ could be further labeled with [ 14 C]DCCD to the extent of 70% of the maximum in the same time period that unmodified TH was modified by [ 14 C]DCCD to near saturation (1 mol DCCD/ TH dinier); (ii) DCCD-modified TH did not bind to NAD-agarose, while EEDQ-modified TH showed partial affinity for NAD-agarose; (iii) 5′-AMP completely protected TH against modification by DCCD, but showed only a weak protective effect against EEDQ; (iv) by contrast, NMNH, which is a TH substrate and binds to the NADH site, did not protect TH against DCCD, but completely protected the enzyme against attack by EEDQ. The results are consistent with the possibility that DCCD modifies TH where the 5′-AMP moiety of NAD(H) binds, while EEDQ modifies the enzyme where the NMN(H) moiety of NAD(H) resides.
Political parties and voter privacy: Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and United States in comparative perspective

Political parties are among the most lax, unregulated organizations handling large volumes of personally identifiable data about citizens’ behavior and attitudes. We analyze the privacy practices of political parties in Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, and United States to assess the current state of electorate data, compare regulatory efforts, and offer policy recommendations. While data has long been a part of political practice, there has been a revolution over the last decade in the opportunities for gathering, storing, and acting upon data. Candidates, parties, lobby groups and data–mining firms collect massive amounts of data. They trade analytical tools, databases, and consulting expertise on a vast and unregulated market. In these practices, political actors routinely violate the privacy norms of many citizens. There are also documented cases of data breeches in all four countries. Meanwhile, political parties face relatively few restrictions on their use of data, and have developed a wide variety of largely voluntary privacy policies that are inadequate. We argue that some straightforward policy oversight would significantly improve the way personal records are handled by political actors.
The Effects of Cocaine Preexposure on the Acquisition of Cocaine-Induced Taste Aversions

Abstract In separate experiments, rats received either five intraperitoneal or five subcutaneous injections of cocaine (once daily or spaced every fourth day) prior to receiving repeated saccharin–cocaine pairings (during taste aversion conditioning). Both spaced and massed subcutaneous cocaine preexposure attenuated the subsequent acquisition of taste aversions induced by cocaine. Specifically, aversions in the preexposed subjects were acquired at a slower rate and/or to a lesser degree than those acquired by subjects preexposed to the cocaine vehicle and injected with cocaine during conditioning. Spaced and massed intraperitoneal cocaine preexposure had only a weak or no effect, respectively, on the subsequent acquisition of cocaine-induced taste aversions. Specifically, subjects receiving spaced intraperitoneal injections of cocaine during preexposure differed from nonpreexposed subjects on only a single conditioning trial, and subjects receiving massed intraperitoneal injections of cocaine during preexposure displayed aversions comparable to those of nonpreexposed subjects. Although the effects of subcutaneous cocaine preexposure were similar to those reported with other drugs within the aversion design, it is clear that the preexposure effect with cocaine is dependent upon the specific parameters of preexposure. Several possibilities for these differential effects of cocaine preexposure were discussed, including the influence of changing the route of administration from preexposure to conditioning (i.e., from IP to SC) and the differential masking of the aversive effects of cocaine during conditioning by differential sensitization to cocaine’s reinforcing properties following SC and IP preexposure. Although the present series of experiments did not directly address the mechanism(s) underlying the attenuating effects of cocaine peexposure on aversion learning, several possibilities were noted, including adaptation or tolerance to the aversive effects of cocaine and sensitization to its rewarding effects.
The effect of heptyl-physostigmine, a new cholinesterase inhibitor, on the central cholinergic system of the rat.

Heptyl-physostigmine (Heptyl-Phy; MF-201) is a new carbamate derivative of physostigmine (Phy) with greater lipophilicity and longer inhibitory action on cholinesterase (ChE) activity than the parent compound. Following single dose administration of 5 mg/kg heptyl-Phy i.m., maximal whole brain acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition (82%) if reached at 60 min. Inhibition of plasma BuChE butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) remains close to the steady state level (60%) between 120 and 360 min. At 360 min, whole brain AChE activity is still 67% inhibited compared to controls. Inhibition of AChE activity displays brain regional differences which are more significant at 360 min. At this time point, AChe activity in cerebellum is only 40% inhibited while frontal cortex and medial septum are still 80% inhibited. Increases in acetycholine (ACh) levels also show regional differences, however, there is no direct relationship between AChE inhibition and ACh increase. The electrically evoked [3H]ACh release in cortical slices was inhibited only by the highest concentration of heptyl-Phy tested (10−4M). At this concentration ChE activity was 97% inhibited in vitro. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that heptyl-Phy compares favorably to other reversible cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEI), particularly to Phy as far as producing a more long-lasting inhibition of AChE and a more prolonged increase of ACh in brain with less severe side effects. Therefore, it represents an interesting candidate for cholinomimetic therapy of Alzheimer disease (AD).
Perceptions of educational needs for patients after myocardial infarction

Abstract Twelve physicians, 33 nurses, and 30 patients completed questionnaires to elicit similarities and differences in perceptions of educational needs of postmyocardial infarction (MI) patients. Results, using chi-square analysis, indicated that the three groups generally agreed upon which areas should be included in education programs for such patients. The topics rated most important by all three groups were: “knowing the signs and symptoms of a heart attack”; “knowing how to modify or change personal risk factors”; “knowing the names, dosages, and side effects of medications”; and “knowing personal risk factors”. Congruence of perceived educational needs of post-MI patients should not be misconstrued to mean that an educational needs assessment for these patients is not necessary.
Clustering of maternal–fetal clinical conditions and outcomes and placental lesions

Objective To identify by an inductive statistical analysis mutually similar and clinically relevant clinicoplacental clusters. Study Design Twenty-nine maternofetal and 49 placental variables have been retrospectively analyzed in a 3382 case clinicoplacental database using a hierarchical agglomerative Ward dendrogram and multidimensional scaling. Results The exploratory cluster analysis identified 9 clinicoplacental (macerated stillbirth, fetal growth restriction, placenta creta, acute fetal distress, uterine hypoxia, severe ascending infection, placental abruption, and mixed etiology [2 clusters]), 5 purely placental (regressive placental changes, excessive extravillous trophoblasts, placental hydrops, fetal thrombotic vasculopathy, stem obliterative endarteritis), and 1 purely clinical (fetal congenital malformations) statistically significant clusters/subclusters. The clusters of such variables like clinical umbilical cord compromise, preuterine and postuterine hypoxia, gross umbilical cord or gross chorionic disk abnormalities did not reveal statistically significant stability. Conclusion Although clinical usefulness of several well-established placental lesions has been confirmed, claims about high predictability of others have not.
The Pediatric Asthma Control and Communication Instrument for the Emergency Department (PACCI-ED) improves physician assessment of asthma morbidity in pediatric emergency department patients.

AbstractObjectives: To determine whether the Pediatric Asthma Control and Communication Instrument for the Emergency Department (PACCI-ED), a 12-item questionnaire, can help ED attendings accurately assess a patient’s asthma control and morbidity. Methods: This was a randomized-controlled trial performed at an urban pediatric ED of children aged 1–17 years presenting with an asthma exacerbation. Parents answered PACCI-ED questions about their children’s asthma. Attendings were randomized to view responses to the PACCI-ED (intervention group) or to be blinded to the completed PACCI-ED (control group). The two groups were compared on their empirical clinical assessment of: (1) chronic asthma control categories, (2) asthma trajectory (stable, worsening or improving), (3) patient adherence to controller medications, and (4) burden of disease for the patient’s family. The validated PACCI algorithm was used as the criterion standard for these four outcomes. Accuracy of clinical assessment was compared between i...
Autoimmune mechanisms in peripheral neuropathies

In certain patients with demyelinating neuropathy and plasma cell dyscrasia, there are IgM monoclonal antibodies that recognize a carbohydrate epitope shared by myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) and at least two acidic glycolipids in the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The structures of the two acidic lipids have been elucidated as a new class of glycosphingolipids, termed sulfoglucuronyl glycolipids (SGGLs). SGGLs have been demonstrated to be present in myelin, axolemma, and other glia-related membranes in PNS of several animal species, as well as in human dorsal root ganglia and sympathetic ganglia. In rabbits sensitized with sulfoglucuronyl paragloboside (SGPG), a major SGGL in PNS, antibodies developed with reactivities toward SGPG and MAG. The animals also showed moderate weakness, a slowed nerve conduction velocity, and evidence of conduction block. Recently we also found SGPG in rat brain microvessels. This finding supports our hypothesis that autoantibodies may first interact with endothelial cell-bound antigens and that this might change the permeability of the blood-brain or blood-nerve barrier to permit the entry of these autoantibodies into the nervous system. Our data are consistent with the concept that an autoimmune response against the sulfoglucuronyl residue may participate in the pathogenesis of immune-mediated neuropathy.
Maximizing the Educational Power of History Movies in the Classroom.

Cinematic feature films are a big part of youth popular culture. When blockbuster movies are about historical topics, it is reasonable for teachers to be drawn to using them in the classroom to motivate students interest. This article overviews research on film in the history classroom and describes three learning functions that history movies can have fact and ficion; constructing the past and the people in it; and reacting to the past.
Clinical and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Outcomes After Surgical Repair of Complete Proximal Hamstring Ruptures: Does the Tendon Heal?

Background:The use of validated outcome questionnaires and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) when assessing outcomes after surgical treatment of proximal hamstring avulsions has been limited.Purpose:To comprehensively evaluate clinical, functional, and radiological outcomes in patients treated with surgical repair for complete proximal hamstring avulsions.Study Design:Case series; Level of evidence, 4.Methods:A retrospective review of 15 consecutive patients was performed. Outcome measures included the Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE), visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, Proximal Hamstring Injury Questionnaire, Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), Harris Hip Score (HHS), and Tegner Activity Scale (TAS). Physical examination was performed by an independent sports medicine fellow. Magnetic resonance imaging of the lower extremity was used to assess tendon healing and muscle quality after repair.Results:Thirteen of 15 (87%) eligible patients were available for follow-up at a mean 36.9 months (r...
Development of custom FPAA hardware for faster-than real-time analysis of power system dynamics

In this work, the authors examine the development of field-programmable analog array-based (FPAA) computation tools for faster-than real-time analysis of power system dynamics. They review hardware results yielded by two existing power system emulator prototypes as well as discuss the design and implementation of a third that facilitates the study of large power systems via improved modularity, increased computational analog block (CAB) density, and application-specific adaptation. This work focuses on issues related to hardware scalability, prototype size, actuation and data acquisition, batch-mode FPAA configuration, as well as board fabrication; it highlights the authors' continued work in the field of analog power system emulation. One innovative aspect of this work is that it employs custom FPAA boards developed by researchers at The College of New Jersey and Drexel University.
Comprehensibility of approved jury instructions in capital murder cases

This research explored the comprehensibility of jury instructions in the penalty phase of murder trials. Data were collected to ascertain whether miscomprehension of jury instructions limits the law's ability to direct juror discretion in a manner consistent with the Eighth Amendment's proscription against cruel and unusual punishment. Citizens willing to impose the death penalty were presented in 2 experiments with 4 sets of instructions (i.e., baseline instructions, instructions used at trial, instructions revised according to Eighth Amendment holdings, and model instructions written in nontechnical language). Results demonstrated high confusion with the trial instructions, little improvement with revised instructions, significant but case-specific improvements with model instructions, and a strong relationship between miscomprehension and willingness to impose death.
A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of topiramate for the treatment of comorbid cocaine and alcohol dependence

Abstract Background Topiramate increases GABAergic activity and antagonizes the AMPA/kainate subtype of glutamate receptors. Through these mechanisms of action, topiramate may reduce alcohol and cocaine reward and may reduce alcohol and cocaine craving. Topiramate has been shown to reduce drinking in persons with alcohol dependence, and reduce relapse in stimulant-dependent patients. The current trial was intended to test the ability of topiramate to promote cocaine and alcohol abstinence among patients addicted to both drugs. Methods The study was a double-blind, placebo-controlled, 13-week trial involving 170 cocaine and alcohol dependent subjects. After achieving a period of cocaine and alcohol abstinence, subjects were randomized to topiramate, 300 mg daily, or identical placebo capsules. In addition, subjects received weekly individual psychotherapy. Primary outcome measures included self-reported alcohol and cocaine use, and thrice weekly urine drug screens. Secondary outcome measures included cocaine and alcohol craving, Addiction Severity Index results, cocaine withdrawal symptoms, and clinical global improvement ratings. Results Topiramate was not better than placebo in reducing cocaine use on the a priori primary outcome measure, or in reducing alcohol use. Topiramate was not better than placebo in reducing cocaine craving. Topiramate-treated subjects, compared to placebo-treated subjects, were more likely to be retained in treatment and more likely to be abstinent from cocaine during the last three weeks of the trial. Subjects who entered treatment with more severe cocaine withdrawal symptoms responded better to topiramate. Discussion Topiramate plus cognitive behavioral therapy may reduce cocaine use for some patients with comorbid cocaine and alcohol dependence.
Excimer laser ablation of a YBa2Cu3O7−δ target in a vacuum: characterization of the mass and energy of ejected material

A quadrupole mass spectrometer has been used to measure the mass and energy distributions of neutral material ejected in the laser vaporization of a YBa2Cu3O7t-δ target in vacuum under geometry and laser conditions relevant to the pulsed laser deposition for film growth. All metal atoms as well as common metal oxides were observed. The time-of-flight (TOF) energy distributions showed large populations of species having energies between 10 and 100 eV. The shapes of the TOF energy spectra did not lend themselves to the application of simple models for the event.
A variant of sparse partial least squares for variable selection and data exploration.

When data are sparse and/or predictors multicollinear, current implementation of sparse partial least squares (SPLS) does not give estimates for non-selected predictors nor provide a measure of inference. In response, an approach termed “all-possible” SPLS is proposed, which fits a SPLS model for all tuning parameter values across a set grid. Noted is the percentage of time a given predictor is chosen, as well as the average non-zero parameter estimate. Using a “large” number of multicollinear predictors, simulation confirmed variables not associated with the outcome were least likely to be chosen as sparsity increased across the grid of tuning parameters, while the opposite was true for those strongly associated. Lastly, variables with a weak association were chosen more often than those with no association, but less often than those with a strong relationship to the outcome. Similarly, predictors most strongly related to the outcome had the largest average parameter estimate magnitude, followed by those with a weak relationship, followed by those with no relationship. Across two independent studies regarding the relationship between volumetric MRI measures and a cognitive test score, this method confirmed a priori hypotheses about which brain regions would be selected most often and have the largest average parameter estimates. In conclusion, the percentage of time a predictor is chosen is a useful measure for ordering the strength of the relationship between the independent and dependent variables, serving as a form of inference. The average parameter estimates give further insight regarding the direction and strength of association. As a result, all-possible SPLS gives more information than the dichotomous output of traditional SPLS, making it useful when undertaking data exploration and hypothesis generation for a large number of potential predictors.
Sense classification of verbal polysemy based-on Bilingual Class/Class Association

In the field of statistical analysis of natural langauge data, the measure of word/class association has proved to be quite useful for discovering a meaningful sense cluster in an arbitrary level of the thesaurus. In this paper, we apply its idea to the sense classification of Japanese verbal polysemy in case frame acquisition from Japanese-English parallel corpora. Measures of bilingual class/class association and bilingual class/frame association are introduced and used for discovering sense clusters in the sense distribution of English predicates and Japanese case element nouns. In a small experiment, 93.3% of the discovered clusters are correct in that none of them contains examples of more than one hand-classified senses.
Leg strength in peripheral arterial disease: Associations with disease severity and lower-extremity performance

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study was to determine relationships between lower-extremity arterial obstruction, leg strength, and lower-extremity functioning. Design The study design was cross-sectional. A total of 514 outpatients (269 with ankle-brachial index [ABI] Main outcome measures Strength in each leg, 6-minute walk, 4-meter walking velocity, accelerometer-measured physical activity, and a summary performance score were measured. The summary performance score is a composite measure of lower-extremity functioning, ranging from 0 to 12 (12 = best). The leg with the lower ABI was defined as the "index" leg, and the leg with higher ABI was defined as the "contralateral" leg. Results Index leg ABI levels were associated linearly and significantly with strength for hip extension ( P P P = .066), and knee flexion ( P = .003), adjusting for known and potential confounders. In adjusted analyses, the index ABI was also associated linearly and significantly with strength in the contralateral leg. Adjusting for confounders, including ABI, knee extension strength, was associated independently with functional measures. Conclusion Among patients without prior leg revascularization, strength in each leg is highly correlated with the lower-leg ABI. Leg strength is associated independently with functional performance. Further study is needed to determine whether lower-extremity resistance training improves functioning in patients with peripheral arterial disease.
Studies on the non-enzymic conversion of dopa to melanin. I. Studies on autoxidation☆☆☆

Abstract 1. 1. The autocatalyzed oxidation of 3,4-dihydroxyphenyl- dl -alanine (dopa) terminated with the over-all consumption of 8 μatoms oxygen/ μmole dopa. During the period of most rapid oxidation, the rate of oxygen uptake was 14 μatoms/μmole dopa. 2. 2. The autoxidation was inhibited by benzene sulfinate. 3. 3. The oxidation of dopa measured spectrophotometrically as dopa disappearance and manometrically as oxygen uptake followed first-order reaction kinetics with respect to time and initial dopa concentration after the lag period. 4. 4. Small amounts of intermediate products were formed during the oxidation of dopa at 37 °, while larger amounts, predominantly dopa-chrome, accumulated during oxidation at 100 °. 5. 5. Added dopachrome decreased the lag period of dopa oxidation, while added 5,6-dihydroxyindole was much less effective. 6. 6. The oxidation of dopa was catalyzed by hydroxyl ions. A hypothesis accounting for the observed effects of hydroxyl ion is presented.
Synthesis of hydroxymethyl-21-crown-7 and hydroxymethyl-24-crown-8

Abstract Reactions of 3,6-dioxa-4-(benzyloxymethyl)-1,8-octanediol with appropriate ditosylates followed by hydrogenolysis produced two new functionalized crown ethers.
Genetic diversity in black howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra) from Belize.

To assess the level of genetic variation in a threatened black howler monkey (Alouatta pigra) population, we examined 36 allozyme loci and restriction fragment profiles of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Mean heterozygosity at allozyme loci was only 0.021 and 5.6 percent of the loci were polymorphic. Analyses of mtDNA also revealed low genetic diversity com- pared with other primates. F-statistics revealed no significant genetic hetero- geneity among troops within the Bermudian Landing preserve, but did indicate a deficiency of heterozygotes at one of the two loci. We explore several explanations for this result, which is unexpected in a socially structured primate. Low genetic diversity in this population may reflect its history of demographic bottlenecks.Am. J. Phys.Anthropol. 102:329-336, 1997. r 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Simulating spatial cross-correlation in vehicular networks

Wireless channels are defined by the presence and motion of objects between and around the communicating stations. As parts of the environment change, so do the channels between stations that are nearby. While the impact of environmental changes on individual channals has been studies extensively, the spatial autocorrelation across multiple channels, which we will call spatial cross-correlation, has received little attention. These effects are important whenever protocols use multiple channels in real time, such as in multi-hop networks. This paper studies the trade-offs between different ways of simulating spatial channel cross-correlation in the context of vehicular networks. We compare independent stochastic, locally cross-correlated stochastic, and explicitly geometric models in terms of both their complexity and the network-level performance they induce. Our results generally favor the geometric approach. Geometric models have higher precision and lower complexity than cross-correlated stochastic models, although collecting the detailed input needed for geometric models can be expensive. As a result, we propose a hybrid approach that combines geometric and stochastic approaches, depending on whether the impact of physical changes has a major or more minor impact on the channels.
Performance enhancement of polyaniline-based polymeric wire biosensor

We demonstrate here the performance enhancement of polyaniline-based biosensor using screen-printing technology and pulse mode measurement technique. Screen-printed silver electrodes were made on a nitrocellulose membrane and the distance between the two electrodes was approximately 550 microm. Resistance of the electrodes had an average of 1.4 Omega with a standard deviation of +/-0.4 Omega. The surface of nitrocellulose membrane was modified by glutaraldehyde to immobilize streptavidin. Biotinylated anti-mouse IgG was conjugated with polyaniline-coated magnetic nanoparticles. Formation of polyaniline-coated magnetic nanoparticles was confirmed by a transmission electron microscope image. The polyaniline was used as an electric signal transducer for the monitoring of the biospecific binding event. An electrical response induced by the streptavidin-biotin interaction was measured by pulse mode measurement. This measurement method reduced the resistance caused by interfacial capacitance. Dose-dependent resistance changes were also successfully analyzed by the pulse mode polymeric wire biosensor. Results showed that the pulse mode measurement technique enhanced the performance of the polyaniline-based polymeric wire biosensor by reducing the interfacial effects. This approach could be helpful in samples with high interfering background materials, such as food and clinical specimens.
Processing of magnetotelluric data

Abstract The processing of magnetotelluric data involves concepts from electromagnetic theory, time series analysis and linear systems theory for reducing natural electric and magnetic field variations recorded at the earth's surface to forms suitable for studying the electrical properties of the earth's interior. The electromagnetic field relations lead to either a scalar transfer impedance which couples an electric component to an orthogonal magnetic component at the surface of a plane-layered earth, or a tensor transfer impedance which couples each electric component to both magnetic components in the vicinity of a lateral inhomogeneity. A number of time series spectral analysis methods can be used for estimating the complex spectral coefficients of the various field quantities. These in turn are used for estimating the nature of the transfer function or tensor impedance. For two dimensional situations, the tensor impedance can be rotated to determine the principal directions of the electrical structure. In general for real data, estimates of the apparent resistivity are more stable when calculated from the tensor elements rather than from simple orthogonal field ratios (Cagniard estimates), even when the fields are measured in the principal coordinates.