cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vertical ground reaction force 2 years after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction predicts 10-year patient-reported outcomes.

Disruptions in knee biomechanics during walking following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury have been suggested to lead to the development of premature knee osteoarthritis (OA) and to be potential markers of OA risk and targets for intervention. This study investigated if side-to-side differences in early stance peak vertical ground reaction force (vGRF) during walking 2 years after ACL reconstruction are associated with longer-term (10 years post-reconstruction) changes in patient-reported outcomes. Twenty-eight participants (mean age: 28.7 ± 6.4 years) with primary unilateral ACL reconstruction underwent gait analysis for assessment of peak vGRF and completed Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) surveys at 2 years post-surgery (2.2 ± 0.3 years) and completed surveys at follow-up 10 years post-surgery (10.5 ± 0.9 years). Associations between changes (10-2 years) in patient-reported outcomes and between limb-differences in vGRF were assessed with Pearson or Spearman's ρ correlation coefficients and exploratory backwards elimination multiple linear regression analyses. Differences in vGRF between symptomatic progressors and non-progressors were also assessed. The side-to-side difference in vGRF was related to the variability in longer-term changes in patient-reported outcome metrics and distinguished symptomatic progressors from non-progressors. Participants with higher vGRF in the reconstructed (ACLR) limb versus the contralateral limb had worsening of IKDC (R = -0.391, p = 0.040), KOOS pain (ρ = -0.396, p = 0.037), KOOS symptoms (ρ = -0.572, p = 0.001), and KOOS quality of life (R = -0.458, p = 0.014) scores at follow-up. Symptomatic progressors had greater vGRF in the ACLR limb as compared to the contralateral limb at baseline than non-progressors (p = 0.023). These data highlight associations between a simple-to-measure gait metric and the development of long-term clinical symptoms after an ACL injury.
Debt Weight: The Consumer Credit Crisis in New York City and Its Impact on the Working Poor

The number of consumer debt cases filed in New York City Civil Court has exploded in recent years. In 2006 alone, approximately 320,000 such cases were filed in the five boroughs; this number is comparable to the total number of civil and criminal cases filed in the federal trial courts nationwide that year. Almost $1 billion in claims were made against New York City residents in consumer debt filings in 2006; in that year, we estimate that creditors ultimately obtained judgments of almost $800 million. In many ways, New York City Civil Court has become the “credit card court”, with a majority of the cases filed throughout the five boroughs classified as consumer debt cases. The impact of this judgment debt is profound. Once a judgment is obtained by a creditor against a debtor, the situation goes from bad to tragic. A creditor with a judgment can garnish wages and freeze bank accounts. Often, due to additional penalties, interest, fees and costs, the ultimate judgment obtained far exceeds any original debt that might have accrued. Sometimes, the defendant never owed the alleged debt, which may have been the result of identify theft, mistaken identity, clerical errors, or illegal fees and charges. Once an account is frozen, a debtor under such a crushing weight may be unable to pay rent bills, utilities, obtain medicine and pay for food and other necessities. A judgment will invariably show up on credit reports and such a black mark on a credit report will make it more difficult to find an apartment, get a better job, and obtain credit. For the working poor, the judgment blocks their climb up the economic ladder, and they cannot obtain better housing or a better job, or get a loan for a car or home. The total amount of judgments obtained against city residents in 2006, approximately $800 million, is the equivalent of building one new stadium for the Mets every year. Against this backdrop, this report is an attempt to understand the manner in which creditors are using the Civil Court of the City of New York to collect debts. To this end, the Urban Justice Center reviewed 600 randomly selected cases, all filed in February of 2006, in the five borough courthouses of the Civil Part of New York City Civil Court. The results of our research are striking.
Investigation of a New Alternate Arm Modular Multilevel Converter Topology for HVDC Applications

This paper introduces an improved hybrid voltage source converter topology that belongs to the alternate arm converter topologies family proposed for HVDC applications. It constitutes cascaded switches in the converter upper arms and string of submodules made up of an active switch and a diode in the lower converter arms. The proposed converter topology features lower number of active switches compared to the conventional modular multilevel converter and other alternate arm converter topologies proposed for HVDC applications. Therefore, it provides significant reduction in the converter power loss, footprint, and cost. The basic operation principle of the proposed converter and its associated control strategy that regulate the power exchange between the converter, the ac network and the dc network is explained. The dimensioning of the converter (the number and voltage rating of the devices required for the converter) is discussed in detail. In addition, comparison of the proposed converter topology with other similar converter topologies in terms of device count, output voltage level, dc fault blocking capability and converter power loss is presented. Preliminary experimental results validating the basic operation of the converter are also presented.
Miscellaneous Mercuration Reactions

There are a few mercuration reactions which do not fit neatly into any of the preceding chapters, but, nevertheless, seem important enough to mention. These are organized according to the element added to the olefin or alkyne alongside mercury, starting with oxygen and proceeding to sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus and certain metals.
AACE/ACE disease state clinical review: diagnosis and management of midgut carcinoids.

ABSTRACT Objective: Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are a collection of complex tumors that arise from the diffuse endocrine system, primarily from the digestive tract. Carcinoid tumors most commonly originate from the small intestine. These tumors are either referred to as small intestinal neuroendocrine tumors or midgut carcinoids (MGCs). The purpose of this review article is to survey the diagnostic and therapeutic pathways for patients with MGC and provide an overview of the complex multidisciplinary care involved in improving their quality of life, treatment outcomes, and survival. Methods: The current literature regarding the diagnosis and management of MGCs was reviewed. Results: Dry flushing and secretory diarrhea are the hallmarks of the clinical syndrome of MGC. Managing MGC requires attention to the overall symptom complex, including the physical effects of the tumor and biomarker levels. The somatostatin analogs (SAs) octreotide and lanreotide are highly efficacious for symptomatic improvement. M...
SU-E-T-271: Direct Measurement of Tenth Value Layer Thicknesses for High Density Concretes with a Clinical Machine

Purpose: Use of high density concrete for radiation shielding is increasing, trading cost for space savings associated with the reduced tenth value layer (TVL). Precise information on the attenuation properties of high-density concretes is not readily present in the literature. A simple approximation is to scale the TVLs from NCRP 151 according relative increase in density. Here we present measured TVLs for heavy concretes of various densities using a built-in shielding test port. Methods: Concrete densities tested range from 2.35 g cc−1 (147 pcf) to 5.6 g cc−1 (350 pcf). Measurements were taken using 6MV, 6FFF, and 10FFF on a Varian Truebeam linear accelerator. Field sizes of 4x4, 9x9 and 30x30 cm2 were measured. A PTW 31013 Farmer chamber with a buildup cap was positioned 5.5 m from isocenter along the beam CAX. Concrete thicknesses were incremented in 5 cm intervals. Comparison TVLs were determined by scaling the NCRP 151 TVLs by the density ratio between the sample and standard density. Results: The trend from the first to equilibrium TVL was an increase in thickness, compared with MC modeling, which predicted a decrease. Measured TVLs for 6 MV were reduced by as much as 8.9 cm for TVL₁ and 3.4 cm for TVLE compared to values scaled from NCRP 151. There was 1–3 mm difference in TVL between measurements done at 4x4 versus 30x30 cm2. TVL₁ for 6FFF was 1.1 cm smaller than TVL₁ for 6MV, but TVLE was consistent to within 4 mm. TVL₁ and TVLE for 10FFF were reduced by 8.8 and 3.7 cm from scaled NCRP values, respectively. Conclusions: We have measured the TVL thicknesses for various concretes. Simple density scaling of the values in NCRP 151 is a conservatively safe approximation, but actual TVLs may be reduced enough to eliminate some of the expense of installation. Daniel Harrell and Jim Noller are employees of Shielding Construction Solutions, Inc, the shielding construction company that built the vault discussed in this abstract. Manjit Chopra is an employee of Universal Minerals International, Inc, the company that provided the aggregates for the high density concretes used in the vault construction.
Ruminative Response Style and the Severity of Seasonal Affective Disorder

Research generally has supported the hypothesis of the Response Style Theory that a ruminative response style is associated with a greater severity of depression episodes. However, no published research has applied this theory to seasonal affective disorder (SAD). We examined the relationship between response style and severity of winter symptoms in a longitudinal study of individuals previously diagnosed with SAD. Eighteen participants kept accounts of their mood and their responses to mood for 14 consecutive days in the fall. Statistical modeling of these data yielded measures of response style for each participant. Ruminative response style, but not distracting response style, predicted symptom severity in winter, controlling for severity in the fall. As suggested by the Dual Vulnerability Hypothesis of SAD, ruminative response style interacted with fall vegetative symptom severity to predict winter nonvegetative symptom severity. Results also suggest that distracting response style may consist of two different types of response.
Asymptotic expansions for the coefficients of analytic functions

Abstract : Under suitable hypotheses concerning the analytic function f(z) = Sum from n=o to infinity of (alpha sub n)z to the nth power, it is shown that alpha sub n has an asymptotic expansion for large n. This result is used to estimate the number of idempotent elements in the symmetric semigroup on n elements. (Author)
A New Technique for Observer Design for Implicit Systems

We propose a new technique for observer design for linear implicit systems. A very general observer system is first formed from the given system matrices. By using different minimization techniques on this system. a number of known observer design techniques can be derived. In addition, by using, a minimization based on a minimal covering system. In certain cases it is possible to obtain an observer of lower order than standard techniques.
The Effects of Visual Stimuli on the Spoken Narrative Performance of School-Age African American Children.

Purpose This study investigated the fictional narrative performance of school-age African American children across 3 elicitation contexts that differed in the type of visual stimulus presented. Method A total of 54 children in Grades 2 through 5 produced narratives across 3 different visual conditions: no visual, picture sequence, and single picture. Narratives were examined for visual condition differences in expressive elaboration rate, number of different word roots (NDW) rate, mean length of utterance in words, and dialect density. The relationship between diagnostic risk for language impairment and narrative variables was explored. Results Expressive elaboration rate and mean length of utterance in words were higher in the no-visual condition than in either the picture-sequence or the single-picture conditions. NDW rate was higher in the no-visual and picture-sequence conditions than in the single-picture condition. Dialect density performance across visual context depended on the child's grade, so t...
Late-Onset Corynebacterium Endophthalmitis Following Laser Posterior Capsulotomy

Four months following uncomplicated cataract extraction, a patient underwent Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy. Three days later, she presented with pain, hand motions vision, and severe anterior uveitis and vitritis. A coincident retinal detachment led to a delay in diagnosing the etiology of this intraocular inflammation. After recurrent episodes of inflammation that were initially responsive to corticosteroids, the patient underwent a vitrectomy, lens explantation, capsulectomy, and intravitreal antibiotic injections, which resulted in complete resolution of the intraocular inflammation with a best-corrected visual acuity of 20/60. Corynebacterium species was ultimately cultured from the capsular tissue. The release of sequestered bacterial organisms must be considered in the differential diagnosis of persistent or unusually intense inflammation following laser posterior capsulotomy.
Does EBV alter the pathogenesis of malaria

Summary Plasmodium falciparum infections have been implicated in immune deficiencies resulting in ineffective control of Epstein–Barr virus, thereby increasing the risk of endemic Burkitt lymphoma in children. However, the impact of Epstein–Barr virus infections on the development of immunity to P. falciparum has not been studied in depth. In this review, we examine novel findings from animal co-infection models and human immuno-epidemiologic studies to speculate on the impact of acute gammaherpesvirus co-infection on malarial disease severity. Children are often concurrently or sequentially infected with multiple pathogens, and this has implications for understanding the development of protective immunity as well as in the evaluation of vaccine efficacy.
Intergovernmental Transfers: The Vertical Sharing Dimension

There is both a horizontal and a vertical dimension to the structure of an intergovernmental transfer (Bahl and Linn, 1992). The vertical share is the total pool of funds to be allocated to subnational governments, while the horizontal shares are the amounts received by individual subnational governments. Most research (and most political attention) is devoted to the latter. The subject of this paper is vertical sharing. We are interested in the question of whether the claim of subnational governments (SNG) on national revenues has been increasing over time. This research paper therefore investigates three issues. The first is the trend and cross-country variation in the level of the vertical share. The second is the range of the practice in vertical sharing. Third, we offer some criteria by which the practice in vertical sharing might be evaluated.
Method of irregularly sampled zero crossings with a spherical reference wave for very dense wavelength-division multiplexing

An arrayed waveguide grating (AWG) design method, believed to be novel, is proposed to achieve large channel count in a single stage. The method of irregularly sampled zero crossings with a spherical reference wave (MISZCSW) applies nonperiodic or irregular placement of apertures of the grating structure combined with holographic techniques based on zero crossings with a virtual spherical reference wave. As a result, the restriction of free spectral range (FSR) for the regular AWG is eliminated, and thus high channel count (>500) can be achieved in a single stage with reasonable noise level.
Analysis of Non-Uniform Gain for Control of a Deformable Mirror in an Adaptive-Optics System

The Air Force Research Laboratory's (AFRL) Sodium Guidestar Adaptive Optics for Space Situational Awareness program (NGAS) sponsored research on spatially non-uniform gain for the servo-loop controller of an adaptive optics (AO) system. The edge subapertures of a Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor have lower signal-to-noise ratios and are more susceptible to measurement errors than fully illuminated center subapertures. These measurement errors produce errant commands over the corresponding edge actuators and can induce instabilities over these regions in strong turbulence conditions. The Non-uniform Gain Experiment (NUGE) concentrated on the development and experimental analysis of spatially varying gain maps on the servo-loop controller of a deformable mirror. The goal was to improve AO system performance and mitigate instabilities that can occur over the edge actuators of a deformable mirror. A gain map with a ring of lower filter gains b over just the outer actuators was experimentally shown to increase the overall Strehl ratio of the AO system in all of the tested turbulence conditions. A Gaussian gain map was also shown to significantly reduce the overall residual phase variance over the edge actuators thereby reducing the formation of the instabilities. Experiments were conducted at the Starfire Optical Range (SOR), AFRL, Kirtland AFB.
A dynamic programming framework for non-preemptive scheduling problems on multiple machines: extended abstract

In this paper, we consider a variety of scheduling problems where n jobs with release times are to be scheduled non-preemptively on a set of m identical machines. The problems considered are machine minimization, (weighted) throughput maximization and min-sum objectives such as (weighted) flow time and (weighted) tardiness.We develop a novel quasi-polynomial time dynamic programming framework that gives O(1)-speed O(1)-approximation algorithms for the offline versions of machine minimization and min-sum problems. For the weighted throughput problem, the framework gives a (1 + e)-speed (1 − e)-approximation algorithm. The generic DP is based on improving a naive exponential time DP by developing a sketching scheme that compactly and accurately approximates parameters used in the DP states. We show that the loss of information due to the sketching scheme can be offset with limited resource augmentation. This framework is powerful and flexible, allowing us to apply it to this wide range of scheduling objectives and settings. We also provide new insight into the relative power of speed augmentation versus machine augmentation for non-preemptive scheduling problems; specifically, we give new evidence for the power and importance of extra speed for some non-preemptive scheduling problems.This novel DP framework leads to many new algorithms with improved results that solve many open problems, albeit with quasi-polynomial running times. We highlight our results as follows. For the problems with min-sum objectives, we give the first O(1)-speed O(1)-approximation algorithms for the multiple-machine setting. Even for the single machine case, we reduce both the resource augmentation required and the approximation ratios. In particular, our approximation ratios are either 1 or 1 + e. Most of our algorithms use speed 1 + e or 2 + e. We also resolve an open question (albeit with a quasi-polynomial time algorithm) of whether less than 2-speed could be used to achieve an O(1)-approximation for flow time. New techniques are needed to address this open question since it was proven that previous techniques are insufficient. We answer this open question by giving an algorithm that achieves a (1 + e)-speed 1-approximation for flow time and (1 + e)-speed (1 + e)-approximation for weighted flow time.For the machine minimization problem, we give the first result using constant resource augmentation by showing a (1 + e)-speed 2-approximation, and the first result only using speed augmentation and no additional machines by showing a (2 + e)-speed 1-approximation. We complement our positive results for machine minimization by considering the discrete variant of the problem and show that no algorithm can use speed augmentation less than 2log1−en and achieve approximation less than O(log log n) for any constant e > 0 unless NP admits quasi-polynomial time optimal algorithms. Thus, our results show a stark contrast between the two settings. In one, constant speed augmentation is sufficient whereas in the other, speed augmentation is essentially not effective.
The intravenous self-administration of antihistamines by rhesus monkeys.

Abstract Rhesus monkeys were trained to lever press for infusions of cocaine during daily, 1-h experimental sessions. Following stabilization of the cocaine-maintained baselines, various antihistamines were substituted for cocaine to determine whether they would be self-administered. The results indicated that all monkeys tested self-administered tripelennamine and chlorpheniramine. One monkey out of the four self-administered pyrilamine, but only at a single (300 μg/kg) high dose. Phenyltoloxamine, cimetidine and hydroxyzine were not self-administered. These results further illuminate differences amongst H 1 antagonists in their potential for self-administration and, when examined in context with other reports, suggest that stimulant-like properties may help mediate their reinforcing effects when present.
Interpreting urban carbon monoxide concentrations by means of a computerized blood COHb model.

A practical, inexpensive computer model for estimating the level of blood carboxyhemoglobin (percent COHb) as a function of time for measured carbon monoxide concentrations (ppm CO) was developed from data from published studies on the assimilation of CO into the blood of human subjects. The model was designed to consider more realistically the dynamic characteristics of urban CO concentrations measured continuously at air monitoring stations, and it was applied to a year's CO data measured at the San Jose CA, air monitoring station (8760 hourly values). The results indicate that the model can be used by local air pollution control agencies to calculate and print out estimated COHb levels alongside continuous CO concentration data. According to the model, the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for CO sometimes were violated in San Jose without exceeding 2% COHb, as well as the converse: 2% COHb was exceeded without violating the standards. The model's estimated COHb levels also provided an adv...
Beta-carotene 15,15'-dioxygenase activity is responsive to copper and iron concentrations in rat small intestine.

Objective: Previous in vitro studies have suggested that β-carotene 15,15′-dioxygenase is an iron-dependent enzyme. However, in vivo, it is difficult to alter iron tissue concentration by varying dietary iron because of homeostatic control. On the other hand, an interaction between iron and copper has been shown, i.e., copper-deficiency results in an increase of iron in rat liver. Therefore, we hypothesized that intestinal iron concentration could be increased by copper-deficiency. Our objective was to examine the effects of iron as affected by dietary copper on β-carotene 15,15′-dioxygenase activity in the small intestine.Methods: Weanling male Sprague-Dawley rats (40 to 45g) were divided into four dietary groups: two copper-adequate groups (6.0 μg Cu/g diet) and two copper-deficient groups (0.6 μg Cu/g) combined with either normal iron (44 μg Fe/g) or high iron (87 μg Fe/g). Iron and copper concentrations were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry and the dioxygenase activity by reverse phas...
Human plantarflexor stiffness to multiple single-stretch trials.

Abstract The purpose of this investigation was to determine the influence of different stretch velocities, different rates of pre-stretch force development, and different pre-stretch muscle lengths on the intrinsic stiffness exhibited by the quasi-statically contracting active human plantarflexors during multiple single-stretch trials at 20–60% of maximum isometric contraction. Subjects were positioned prone, with the knee flexed 1.57 rad (90°), shank stabilized, and foot secured in a hard plastic orthotic. Slowly increasing isometric plantarflexion force was produced until the plantarflexors were stretched by a rapid 0.2 rad (12°) dorsiflexion movement. Plantarflexion forces and ankle positions were determined during these stretches as well as during resting stretches when the muscle was inactive. Resting forces were subtracted from the active trials, forces converted to torques, and stiffnesses determined for the first 62 ms of the stretch. The slope of the stiffness vs pre-stretch torque relationship averaged 4.30±0.34 Nm rad −1 Nm −1 . Little difference was found between stiffness determined through the single-stretch method and the results of previous studies employing different mechanical inputs. Differences in stiffnesses with different stretching velocities were caused by computational artifact rather than by differences in intrinsic muscular reaction. Faster rates of pre-stretch force increase prior to the stretch resulted in slightly lower stiffnesses. Different pre-stretch muscle lengths apparently did not result in different stiffnesses. The shape of the torque vs displacement curve was remarkably insensitive to the planned manipulations of the testing conditions, responding in a stereotypical manner.
ASCT in follicular lymphoma.

The use of autologous stem-cell transplantation in the treatment of follicular lymphoma remains controversial. Results from the GOELAMS trial show a higher progression-free survival rate in patients treated with autologous stem-cell transplantation compared to those treated with chemotherapy.
Compound 48-80 decreases adenosine 3'5'-monophosphate formation in rat peritoneal mast cells.

Praparat 48/80 unterdruckt die Bildung von 3′,5′-AMP aus Adenin in isolierten peritonealen Mastzellen. Es konnte keine zeitliche Verschiebung zwischen dieser Unterdruckung und der Histamin freisetzenden Wirkung von Praparat 48/80 festgestellt werden.
Palliative care for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Summary Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of mortality and disability worldwide. For many patients, maximal therapy for COPD produces only modest relief of disabling symptoms and these symptoms result in a significantly reduced quality of life. Despite the high morbidity and mortality, patients with COPD do not receive adequate palliative care. One reason these patients may receive poor quality palliative care is that patient–physician communication about palliative and end-of-life care is unlikely to occur. The purpose of this review is to summarize recent research regarding patient–physician communication about palliative care for patients with COPD. Understanding the barriers to this communication may be an important step to improving communication about end-of-life care and improving patient-centered outcomes. Further research is needed to develop and test interventions that can enhance patient–physician communication about palliative and end-of-life care for patients with COPD.
Multiplexed Label-Free Biosensor Chip Based on Nanoscale Electrical Double Layer Capacitance Sensing

We report the design, fabrication and testing of a microchip that exploits a capacitive detection scheme for multiplexed label-free biomolecular assays. The detection scheme is based on the nanoscale gap parallel-plate capacitor formed by the electrical double layer at the interface of a metal electrode and an ionic solution, which is sensitive to biological reactions at the electrode surface. Since the nanogap is obtained by electrical and chemical control, no nano-patterning techniques are needed and the simple device structure facilitates sensor readout, multiplexing, and packaging. Finally, this sensing technique is universal and can be applied to detection of diverse biological entities such as proteins and cells.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Selective agenesis of mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons in Nurr1-deficient mice.

Abstract Nurr1, a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily of transcription factors, has been found to be essential for the development of ventral midbrain dopamine (DA)ergic neurons. To study the regional selectivity and phenotypic specificity of regulation by Nurr1 of the genesis of DAergic neurons, we examined DAergic, serotonin (5-HT)ergic, norepinephrine (NE)ergic, cholinergic, glutamate (GLU)ergic, and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic neurons in the brains of Nurr1-deficient mice by immunohistochemistry and biochemistry. We demonstrated that in homozygous Nurr1-deficient mice (Nurr1−/−), DAergic neurons were totally absent in substantia nigra and ventral tegmental area, but preserved in other regions including diencephalon and hypothalamus, olfactory bulb (OB). Levels of DA in Nurr1−/− mice were decreased by 98% in striatum (Str) and 65% in OB. NEergic neurons in locus ceruleus, 5-HTergic neurons in raphe nuclei, and cholinergic neurons in basal forebrain and other regions were not changed. A 30% reduction of NE was found in the Str of Nurr1−/− mice. The levels of GLU and GABA and the activity of choline acetyl transferase in the brains of Nurr1−/− mice were not significantly altered. Our results demonstrate a selective and specific deficit of DA and absence of DAergic neurons in the mesencephalic structures of Nurr1-deficient mice, which resembles the pattern similar to that seen in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). This model may contribute to our understanding of the mechanisms influencing DAergic cell survival in PD.
Defective kinesin heavy chain behavior in mouse kinesin light chain mutants.

Conventional kinesin, kinesin-I, is a heterotetramer of two kinesin heavy chain (KHC) subunits (KIF5A, KIF5B, or KIF5C) and two kinesin light chain (KLC) subunits. While KHC contains the motor activity, the role of KLC remains unknown. It has been suggested that KLC is involved in either modulation of KHC activity or in cargo binding. Previously, we characterized KLC genes in mouse (Rahman, A., D.S. Friedman, and L.S. Goldstein. 1998. J. Biol. Chem. 273:15395–15403). Of the two characterized gene products, KLC1 was predominant in neuronal tissues, whereas KLC2 showed a more ubiquitous pattern of expression. To define the in vivo role of KLC, we generated KLC1 gene-targeted mice. Removal of functional KLC1 resulted in significantly smaller mutant mice that also exhibited pronounced motor disabilities. Biochemical analyses demonstrated that KLC1 mutant mice have a pool of KIF5A not associated with any known KLC subunit. Immunofluorescence studies of sensory and motor neuron cell bodies in KLC1 mutants revealed that KIF5A colocalized aberrantly with the peripheral cis-Golgi marker giantin in mutant cells. Striking changes and aberrant colocalization were also observed in the intracellular distribution of KIF5B and β′-COP, a component of COP1 coatomer. Taken together, these data best support models that suggest that KLC1 is essential for proper KHC activation or targeting.
Quantum noise and squeezing in an optical parametric oscillator with arbitrary output-mirror coupling. III. Effect of pump amplitude and phase fluctuations.

Quantum fluctuations and squeezing of the signal field generated by a degenerate optical parametric oscillator are sensitive to the phase and amplitude fluctuations of the second-harmonic pump. The analysis reported here extends our previous calculations for a perfectly monochromatic noise-free pump to allow for finite pump amplitude and phase fluctuations. We treat the typically intense pump field with its fluctuations as a classical Gaussian stochastic process in two limits: first, when the pump has amplitude fluctuations but its phase is fixed and second, when its phase diffuses but its amplitude is fixed. Since pump amplitude noise affects the evolution of the signal field multiplicatively, it has a lesser impact on the quantum fluctuations of the signal than pump phase diffusion which compromises such fluctuations via the extreme phase sensitivity of the parametric amplification process. For the latter limit, our calculations extend the work of Gea-Banacloche and Zubairy [Phys. Rev. A 42, 1742 (1990)] to cavities with arbitrary transmission coefficients for the bounding mirrors.
A new impact parameter theory for collision induced lineshifts

Abstract A new impact-parameter theory for collision induced line-shifts is described. Comparisons with other theories are discussed. The lineshift oscillation in DCl (0–2) perturbed by HCl is calculated. The effect of velocity averaging is also considered.
Reflection: A Key Component to Thinking Critically

The ability to think critically is an important trait of all members of society. With today’s multinational, multicultural, complex issues, citizens must be able to sift through large amounts of various data to make intelligent decisions. Thinking critically must be a focus of higher education in order to provide the intellectual training for its students to participate in this world. This qualitative study examined critical reflection through student writing as seen in three different college settings. Structured reflections were analyzed using Marzano’s New Taxonomy of Educational Objectives (2001). La capacite d’exercer son esprit critique est une caracteristique importante de tous les membres de la societe. De nos jours, les enjeux sont multinationaux, multiculturels et complexes. Les citoyens doivent etre capables de filtrer de grandes quantites de donnees diverses pour prendre des decisions intelligentes. L’enseignement superieur doit etre axe sur la pensee critique afin de procurer aux etudiants la formation intellectuelle qui leur permettra de participer au monde qui les entoure. La presente etude qualitative se penche sur la reflexion critique dans les ecrits des etudiants de trois differents colleges. Les chercheurs ont analyse les reflexions structurees a l’aide de la nouvelle taxonomie des objectifs pedagogiques de Marzano (2001).
Redox-Dependent Modulation of Aconitase Activity in Intact Mitochondria

It has previously been reported that exposure of purified mitochondrial or cytoplasmic aconitase to superoxide (O(2)(-)(*) or hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) leads to release of the Fe-alpha from the enzyme's [4Fe-4S](2+) cluster and to inactivation. Nevertheless, little is known regarding the response of aconitase to pro-oxidants within intact mitochondria. In the present study, we provide evidence that aconitase is rapidly inactivated and subsequently reactivated when isolated cardiac mitochondria are treated with H(2)O(2). Reactivation of the enzyme is dependent on the presence of the enzyme's substrate, citrate. EPR spectroscopic analysis indicates that enzyme inactivation precedes release of the labile Fe-alpha from the enzyme's [4Fe-4S](2+) cluster. In addition, as judged by isoelectric focusing gel electrophoresis, the relative level of Fe-alpha release and cluster disassembly does not reflect the magnitude of enzyme inactivation. These observations suggest that some form of posttranslational modification of aconitase other than release of iron is responsible for enzyme inactivation. In support of this conclusion, H(2)O(2) does not exert its inhibitory effects by acting directly on the enzyme, rather inactivation appears to result from interaction(s) between aconitase and a mitochondrial membrane component responsive to H(2)O(2). Nevertheless, prolonged exposure of mitochondria to steady-state levels of H(2)O(2) or O(2)(-)(*) results in disassembly of the [4Fe-4S](2+) cluster, carbonylation, and protein degradation. Thus, depending on the pro-oxidant species, the level and duration of the oxidative stress, and the metabolic state of the mitochondria, aconitase may undergo reversible modulation in activity or progress to [4Fe-4S](2+) cluster disassembly and proteolytic degradation.
Nomenclatural notes on Aster (Asteraceae)—III. The status of a. Sandwicensis

Plants ofAster sandwicensis (A. Gray in H. Mann) Hieron. belong inA. subulatus Michaux but are recognized as taxonomically distinct from those of var.subulatus. A new combination is needed:A. subulatus var.sandwicensis (A. Gray in H. Mann) A. G. Jones, comb. nov.Chamisso s.n. (G-DC!) is chosen as the lectotype.
A multiple criteria approach to data envelopment analysis

In this paper, we present a Multiple Criteria Data Envelopment Analysis (MCDEA) model which can be used to improve discriminating power of DEA methods and also effectively yield more reasonable input and output weights without a priori information about the weights. In the proposed model, several different efficiency measures, including classical DEA efficiency, are defined under the same constraints. Each measure serves as a criterion to be optimized. Efficiencies are then evaluated under the framework of multiple objective linear programming (MOLP). The method is illustrated through three examples in which data sets are taken from previous research on DEA's discriminating power and weight restriction.
Transnational Sexualities in One Place Indonesian Readings

The term “transnational sexualities” has come into use to move beyond the limited and simplistic dichotomy of local-global. The term “local-global” in relation to sexualities suggests the difference between traditional or oppressed sexualities and a Western-defined liberated gay-ness (Manalansan 1997). “Transnational” in contrast points to the lines that crosscut the binary; it suggests that the “global” and “local” thoroughly infiltrate each other (Grewal and Kaplan 1994). “Transnational sexualities” insists on the recognition that particular genders and sexualities are shaped by a large number of processes implicated in globalization, including capitalism, diasporic movements, political economies of state, and the disjunctive flow of meanings produced across these sites.
Toward a better understanding of lead times in MRP systems

Abstract Lead times in MRP systems represent the planned amount of time allowed for orders to flow through the manufacturing system. Setting lead times is a major issue in the operation of MRP systems. There exists, however, very little documentation on just how lead times should be set. This study examines the effects lead times have on MRP-based manufacturing logistics systems. In particular, it examines the effects that lead times have on backlogs, order tardiness, and finished component inventories. A major finding is that changes to the level of planned lead times have both transient and steady state effects that may not necessarily operate in the same direction. A simple methodology is presented for setting the level of planned lead times when the criterion is finished component inventory.
Leupeptin's effect on organ weight, RNA, DNA, and protein content after long bone fracture in the rat

Abstract Long bone fracture in the rat is accompanied by enhanced urinary nitrogen loss reflecting changes in protein synthesis and breakdown. The effects of leupeptin, an inhibitor of lysosomal proteases, were assessed on organ weights, RNA, DNA, and protein content after injury in the rat. Two groups of 8-week-old rats were studied: The first group received left femoral fracture. Half of these received leupeptin (25 μmole ip/day), and the remainder received saline. The second group served as uninjured pair-fed controls, with half receiving leupeptin and half receiving saline. On Days 0, 1, 2, 4, and 7 after injury, animals were sacrificed and organs were removed for determination of weight, RNA, DNA, and protein content. All injured rats lost weight, with maximum loss occurring on Day 4. Food intake was also reduced. Pair-fed rats lost the same amount of weight as injured ones, and leupeptin could not prevent whole body weight loss. Expressed as percentage of total body weight, livers from leupeptin-treated injured rats weighed 10% greater than saline-treated ones on Days 2, 4, and 7 after injury ( P P P
Vibrational Spectra of Some Benzoyl Halides: C 6 H 5 COCl, C 6 D 5 COCl, and C 6 H 5 COBr

The infrared and Raman spectra of benzoyl chloride, benzoyl chloride-d5, and benzoyl bromide have been measured between 75 and 4000 cm−1. Assignments for the fundamental modes of vibration are presented.
Formation of urea and guanidine by irradiation of ammonium cyanide.

Aqueous solutions of ammonium cyanide yield urea, cyanamide and guanidine when exposed to sunlight or an unfiltered 254 nm ultraviolet source. The prebiotic significance of these results is discussed.
Electronic parameter determination for potassium chromate by coherent anti‐stokes Raman spectroscopy

Two separate methods of spectral analysis have been used to analyze the CARS spectra of K2CrO4 at pump wavelengths near its electronic transition. The Jacobian least-squares line-fitting method requires initial guesses for parameters and returns directly the best iteratively fitted parameters. These were then used to plot the relative magnitudes of the Lorentzian and dispersive components, i.e. imaginary and real terms, respectively, of these bands. The FREIGHT–CARS method of spectral phase extraction was used to yield directly the relative values of the Lorentzian and dispersive components. A comparison of the values obtained by both methods shows a fundamental agreement between the relative magnitudes of these parameters. In both analyses, the Lorentzian contribution to the resonance region is seen to approach a maximum near the electronic absorption.
Waiting for entry: What determines admission to gifted programs

This article addresses two related situations that result from widespread use of individualized intelligence testing for admission to Missouri gifted educational programs in elementary and secondary schools. One is that students are placed on waiting lists with rank ordering determined by the same‐IQ tests that qualify them. The second is that IQ testing sometimes serves as both qualifier at entry, and as a program outcome measure. The implications of these two problems are discussed. A case analysis of one school district's selection criteria is presented.
Trends in kidney donation among kidney stone formers: a survey of US transplant centers.

Background: Living kidney donation is on the rise and acceptance criteria for potential donors are evolving to include more ‘complex’ patients such as kidney stone formers. Transpla
Long-term progression-free survival after early autologous transplantation for mantle-cell lymphoma

Autologous hematopoietic progenitor SCT (HPCT) has been studied both as a consolidative and salvage maneuver in mantle-cell lymphoma (MCL), and may improve failure-free survival rates as well as overall survival. We describe 21 patients with MCL who received autologous HPCT at Emory University Hospital as part of the primary treatment strategy. Sixteen patients were in CR1 and five in PR1 at the time of HPCT. The most commonly used induction chemotherapy was the hyper-CVAD (cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin and dexamethasone) regimen with or without rituximab. At the last follow-up, 17 patients were in continuous CR, and there were four relapses. There were no transplant-related deaths. With a median follow-up of 54 months from HPCT, 5-year progression-free survival and overall survival are 73% and 76%, respectively. Our retrospective analysis provides the longest follow-up to date for patients with MCL who received an autologous HPCT as part of primary treatment. This lengthy follow-up helps define the natural course of MCL after autologous transplantation.
An experimental study of a supercritical trailing-edge flow

An experimental study has been conducted of a transonic, turbulent, high-Reynolds-number blunt trailing-edge flow. The model shape and the surface pressure distribution are characteristics of a modern supercritical airfoil under shock-free conditions. Reynolds number and pressure gradient scaling of the boundary layer are relevant to airfoil applications. The data set is exceptionally accurate and consistent, with the momentum balance accounting for the flux of momentum to within 1 percent, except in the immediate vicinity of the blunt trailing edge. The experimental flow exhibits strong viscous-inviscid interaction and higher-order boundary-layer effects including strong adverse streamwise pressure gradient, significant normal pressure gradients associated with surface and streamline curvature, and significant wake curvature. Navier-Stokes calculations with a two-equation K-epsilon turbulence model predict the correct pressure distribution which demonstrates the utility of these engineering tools. The experiment approaches separation at the strailing edge. However, in comparison to the experiment, the calculations predict too high skin friction and insufficient displacement thickness growth. An analysis of the turbulent and mean flow fields reveals the turbulence model defects are likely in modeling the dissipation source and sink terms, and in the eddy viscosity relation.
Isolation and characterization of the ZWF1 gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, encoding glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase

Abstract Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) catalyzes the first step of the pentose phosphate pathway, a reaction that generates NADPH. We have isolated ZWF1 the Saccharomyces cerevisiae gene that encodes G6PD, and identified its transcript and transcription start point. Expression of ZWF1 appears not to be regulated, consistent with its ‘housekeeping’ role. Null mutants lacking G6PD appear to grow normally, but are more sensitive than wild type to oxidizing agents that presumably reduce the level of NADPH. This suggests that G6PD has a major role in NADPH production in yeast. Regulation of GALI expression appears normal in zwfl mutants, suggesting that the pentose phosphate pathway is not involved in glucose repression. The predicted amino acid sequence of yeast G6PD is highly similar to the sequence of the Drosophila, human, and rat enzymes, except near its N terminus, where the yeast and Drosophila sequences diverge from that of human and rat.
A review of in-line/off-line defect characterization techniques applied to control and improve electronic grade silicon wafer manufacturing processes

The main silicon wafer quality requirements and associated characterization techniques will be illustrated in the paper through the discussion of some key examples of recently installed or traditionally used analytical tools applied for process and product control in manufacturing line or for new product developments.
Oxygen Reduction Kinetics in Low and Medium Temperature Acid Environment: Correlation of Water Activation and Surface Properties in Supported Pt and Pt Alloy Electrocatalysts

Kinetics of oxygen reduction reaction on supported Pt and several Pt alloy electrocatalysts (PtCo/C and PtFe/C) have been investigated in terms of the effect of alloying on the initiation and extent of surface oxide formation (water activation: xH2O + Pt*(M) → (M)Pt−[OH]x + xH+ + xe-). For this, a systematic RRDE investigation has been conducted in trifluoromethane sulfonic acid (TFMSA) as a function of concentration (in the range 1 to 6 M) which corresponds to a change in mole ratio of water/acid from 50:1 in 1 M to 4:1 in 6 M TFMSA. This change in relative amount of water in the various concentrations can also be indirectly correlated to the relative humidity in an operating PEM fuel cell. The scope of this effort was (a) to confirm the shift and lowering of water activation on supported Pt alloy electrocatalysts relative to Pt at lower concentrations (1 M); (b) to compare the inherent activity for ORR on supported Pt and Pt alloy nanoparticles without the effect of oxide formation via activation of wa...