cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Rare Case of Epicardial Lead Strangulation of Left Ventricular Inflow

Abstract This is an unusual case of left atrioventricular groove strangulation by an abandoned epicardial pacing lead associated with mild left ventricular inflow obstruction, left atrial enlargement, and new atrial tachycardia that resolved with surgical lead removal. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.)
Community-Led Research Priority Setting for Highly Vulnerable Communities: Adaptation of the Research Prioritization by Affected Communities Protocol:

While community engagement can occur at all levels of research development, implementation, and dissemination, there is a great need for participation from those with lived experience in the develo...
Association of Geriatric Events With Perioperative Outcomes After Elective Inpatient Surgery.

Abstract Background Older adults undergoing surgery are at risk for geriatric events (GEs: delirium, dehydration, falls or fractures, failure to thrive, and pressure ulcers). The prevalence and association of GEs with clinical outcomes after elective surgery is unclear. Materials and methods Using the 2013-2014 National Inpatient Sample, we analyzed hospital admissions for the five most common elective procedures (total knee arthroplasty, right hemicolectomy, carotid endarterectomy, aortic valve replacement, and radical prostatectomy) in older adults (age ≥ 65). Our primary variable of interest was presence of any GE. Logistic regression estimated the association of GEs with (1) age group and (2) perioperative outcomes (mortality, postoperative complications, prolonged length of stay, and discharge to skilled nursing facility). Results Of 1,255,120 admissions, 66.5% were aged ≥65. The overall rate of any GE was 2.4% and increased with age (55-64 y: 1.5%; 65-74: 2.2%; ≥75: 4.1%; P Conclusions GEs are strongly associated with poor perioperative outcomes. Efforts should focus on mutable factors responsible for GEs to optimize surgical care for older adults.
TPCPF: A Three Phase Continuation Power Flow for Voltage Stability Analysis of the Distribution Systems with DERs

This paper presents a three-phase unbalanced continuation power flow tool (TPCPF) to analyze the voltage stability of distribution systems with high penetration of distributed energy resources (DER). Analyzing distribution system voltage stability with DER will allow high penetration of renewable energy required for sustainability. Developed algorithm can analyze voltage stability for both the meshed and radial system as well as for the balanced and unbalanced three-phase distribution systems. Developed tool allows the voltage stability analysis of the system in order to facilitate the proper planning, operation, control and management of the distribution system. The impact of DER) on the voltage stability of several test cases have been analyzed considering constant power (PQ) and regulated-voltage (PV) modes of operation of DER units. Results demonstrate that developed continuation power flow tool can be used to perform voltage stability analysis for active distribution systems.
Differential Effects of Riboflavin and RRR-α-Tocopheryl Acetate on the Survival of Newborn RCS Rats with Inheritable Retinal Degeneration

The dystrophic RCS rat is one of the most important animal models available for investigating retinal degeneration. In addition to the characteristic progressive loss of neural retina the strain is hampered by a high rate of mortality during the first week of life. Death rate during this period is greatly influenced by diet. A 69% reduction in mortality was achieved by supplementing a purified diet with double the amount of AIN-76 vitamin mix. The objective of this study was to identify vitamin(s) in the AIN-76 mix responsible for the enhanced survival. The experiment determined the effect on survival of independently doubling the concentration of each vitamin present in the AIN-76 vitamin mix. This was done by single addition of individual vitamins to a complete purified diet. Survival was determined in litters whose mothers and grandmothers had been provided the supplemented diets as their sole source of food. Supplementation with riboflavin increased mortality by 19%, whereas RRR-alpha-tocopheryl acetate supplementation reduced the mortality by 73%. The effect of RRR-alpha-tocopheryl acetate was equivalent to that achieved by supplementation with complete vitamin mix. First-week survival of pups (born alive) rose from 72.3% +/- 11.0 to 92.5% +/- 3.8 when the level of vitamin E was increased from 50 to 100 IU/kg diet.
Flow cytometry applications of MHC tetramers.

Publisher Summary Quantitative analyses of T-cell responses have proven essential to the understanding of a vast array of immunological phenomena, ranging from the basis of T-cell memory to protection against tumors to evaluation of vaccine-induced responses. Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) tetramers have proven extremely powerful reagents for both simple quantitation and fine-level characterization of T-cell immune responses. The chapter presents the materials and methods for the flow cytometric analysis of the tetramers. The tetramer data can be analyzed by techniques such as plotting tetramer data and gating. Tetramer staining is a physical approach to the identification of antigen-specific T cells that does not directly provide functional information. One of the most important uses of tetramers is the identification of antigen-specific T cells that are deficient in one or more functions. The tetramer staining can be combined with functional assays such as intracellular cytokine staining, proliferation by carboxy fluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester (CFSE)-based methods, and T-Cell degranulation. The availability of new flow cytometers capable of measuring other fluorescent parameters opens the possibility of simultaneous use of tetramers labeled with different fluorophores, but the reagents will have to be developed and characterized. Protocols for combining tetramers with functional assays also need to be developed.
Separation potential of educable retarded and intellectually normal boys as a function of motor performance.

Abstract The relationship between motor performance and intelligence has been well established as low but positive. This paper explores this relationship in terms of the accuracy of discrimination possible–based on motor performance data only–between subject-groups representing two levels of intelligence. Seventy-one boys of normal intelligence and 71 educable retarded boys were administered 47 motor performance and physique measures. Utilizing separate factor analyses, 16 variables were recognized as common across the derived factor structures of the two groups. These factor defined variables formed the basis for the calculation of separation accuracies via a weighted and an unweighted method. A discriminant function analysis utilized a weighted method. From application of this method, better than 94% of the intellectually normal boys were correctly identified. Also more than 84% of the educable boys were correctly identified. An unweighted separation analysis involving the development of person-clusters...
Sea Changes in Consumer Financial Protection: Stronger Bureau and Stronger Laws

After the financial crisis of 2008, Congress responded by enacting new laws that changed the direction and theoretical underpinning of consumer protection in the financial sector. The Consumer Financial Protection Agency, formed by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, is a new and stronger agency for consumers. Two pieces of legislation, the Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act (Title XIV of Dodd-Frank), and the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure Act (Credit CARD Act) of 2009, are stronger laws ensuring the safety of consumer financial products. These new legislative and regulatory developments mark a shift from the rational consumer theory that underlay the great disclosure statutes of the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, such as the Truth in Lending Act, and toward the rising influence of behavioral economics as a guiding force in consumer protection. This article examines the new agency and the new laws, explains how they differ from the prior governmental structure and precepts, compares and contrasts rational consumer theory and behavioral economics theory, demonstrates how the new developments are a reflection of the modern theory, and then analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of this new approach.
Natural Killer Cells for Osteosarcoma

Natural killer (NK) cells are lymphocytes of the innate immune system that have the ability to recognize malignant cells through detection of a variety of cell-surface indicators of stress and danger. Once activated through such recognition, NK cells release cytokines and induce target cell lysis through a variety of mechanisms. NK cells are increasingly recognized as important mediators of other immunotherapeutic modalities, including cytokines, antibodies, immunomodulators, and stem cell transplantation. Adoptive immunotherapies with NK cells are being tested in early-stage clinical trials, and recent advances in manipulating their number and function have caused a renewed emphasis on this cancer-fighting cell. In this chapter we address the evidence for NK cell recognition of osteosarcoma in vitro and in vivo, discuss new therapies that are directly or indirectly dependent on NK cell function, and describe potential approaches for manipulating NK cell number and function to enhance therapy against osteosarcoma.
Differential regulation of the two glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase genes during Drosophila development.

Abstract Drosophila melanogaster contains two genes encoding glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, Gapdh-1 and Gapdh-2. The two genes are highly conserved in their coding sequences but not in their noncoding and flanking sequences. We report that both genes are expressed at higher levels in larval, late pupal, and adult stages than in embryonic, early, and midpupal stages. However, a major difference in the expression of the two genes is observed in the adult stage, during which the level of the Gapdh-1 transcript decreases over fourfold, while that of the Gapdh-2 transcript remains at a constant high level. In addition, the Gapdh-1 transcript appears highly enriched in the thorax section compared with the head and abdomen sections, while the Gapdh-2 transcript is evenly distributed. Analyses of the expression patterns of the two Gapdh hybrid genes, GAP1/2 and GAP2/1, revealed that the two genes have a distinct organization of their regulatory sequences. The principle regulatory sequences of Gapdh-2 reside upstream of the translation start, while the principle sequences specifying the level and developmental pattern of Gapdh-1 expression reside downstream of the translation start.
Introduction to High-Pressure Science

To a common person pressure is just one of the parameters that describe a thermodynamic state. We all hear about it in everyday weather forecasts, and most of us do not associate it with anything particularly unique. Probably the most intuitive idea of the effect of high-pressure comes from movies, where submarine sinking to the bottom of the ocean is gradually crushed by the surrounding water, until its hull implodes. Why, then hundreds of scientists throughout the world spent their lifelong careers studying high-pressure phenomena? Despite all the developments in experimental technologies and instrumentation, modern scientist has very few tools that allow him or her to “grab” two atoms and bring them, in a very controllable way, closer together. Being able to achieve this task means the ability to directly probe interatomic interaction potentials and can cause transformations as dramatic as turning of a common gas into solid metal. Before the reader delves into more advanced topics described later in this book, this introductory chapter aims to explain several elementary, but extremely important concepts in high-pressure science. We will start with a brief discussion of laboratory devices used to produce pressure, address the issue of hydrostaticity, elastic and plastic compression, and will conclude with a short discussion of unique effects of anisotropic stress.
Effects of soy isoflavones and phytate on homocysteine, C-reactive protein, and iron status in postmenopausal women

Background: Soy protein or its components may protect against the atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors total homocysteine (tHcy), C-reactive protein (CRP), and excess body iron, which generally increase with menopause. Objective: The primary objective of this study was to determine the independent effect of the soy protein components isoflavones and phytate on CVD risk factors in postmenopausal women. The secondary objective was to identify factors [blood lipids, oxidative stress indexes, serum ferritin, plasma folate, plasma vitamin B-12, and body mass index (BMI)] contributing to tHcy and CRP concentrations. Design: In a double-blind, 6-wk study, 55 postmenopausal women aged 47-72 y were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 soy protein (40 g/d) isolate treatments: native phytate and native isoflavone (n = 14), native phytate and low isoflavone (n = 13), low phytate and native isoflavone (n = 14), or low phytate and low isoflavone (n = 14). We measured iron indexes, tHcy, CRP, and BMI. Results: Soy protein with native phytate significantly reduced tHcy (P = 0.017), transferrin saturation (P = 0.027), and ferritin (P = 0.029), whereas soy protein with native isoflavones had no effect on any variables. At baseline, BMI was highly correlated with tHcy (r = 0.39, P = 0.003) and CRP (r = 0.55, P < 0.0001), whereas HDL cholesterol was correlated with CRP (r = -0.30, P = 0.02). Multiple regression analysis showed that LDL cholesterol and BMI contributed significantly (R 2 = 19.9%, P = 0.003) to the overall variance in tHcy. Conclusion: Consuming phytate-rich foods and maintaining a healthy weight may reduce atherosclerotic CVD risk factors in postmenopausal women.
Diabetes Complications--Why Is Glucose Potentially Toxic?

Individuals with diabetes can lead quite normal lives when their blood sugar is controlled by insulin injections. But these injections cannot maintain blood glucose at concentrations as low and stable as they are in normal individuals. The resulting highe r glucose concentrations eventually lead to the complications of diabetes—damage to blood vessels, heart disease, blindness, stroke, and kidney failure. In a report in this week's issue (Ishii et al. , p. 728), a new inhibitor of protein kinase C is shown to inhibit some indices of glucose toxicity in an animal model of diabetes. In their Perspective, Porte and Schwartz discuss how close we are to being able to treat these complication s in patients.
A cytochemical study of lymphocystis tumor cells in vivo.

Lymphocystis, a virus caused, tumor producing disease of marine and fresh water fish was studied using various cytochemical methods for general proteins, histones, both classes of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA), and polysaccharides including mucopolysaccharides and acid mucopolysaccharides. Special interest is afforded the Feulgen-positive cytoplasmic inclusions which accompany the virus infection of the cells, and concomitant increases in RNA and protein. Particular attention is given the chemistry and formation of the acid mucopolysaccharide capsule which develops around individual cells following viral infection. Possible significance of the capsule is discussed.
Fibrin but Not Adsorbed Fibrinogen Supports Fibronectin Assembly by Spread Platelets EFFECTS OF THE INTERACTION OF αIIbβ3 WITH THE C TERMINUS OF THE FIBRINOGEN γ-CHAIN

We investigated the assembly of soluble fibronectin by lysophosphatidic acid-activated platelets adherent to fibrinogen or fibrin. More fibronectin was assembled by activated platelets spread on fibrin matrices than by platelets spread on adsorbed fibrinogen. The difference between platelets adherent to fibrinogen and fibrin occurred under both static and flow conditions. Similar differences were seen in binding of the 70-kDa N-terminal fragment of fibronectin that recognizes fibronectin assembly sites on adherent cells. Antibody and peptide blocking studies demonstrated that αIIbβ3 integrin mediates platelet adhesion to fibrinogen, whereas both αvβ3 and αIIbβ3 mediate platelet adhesion to fibrin. The hypothesis that engagement of the C-terminal QAGDV sequence of the fibrinogen γ-chain by αIIbβ3 inhibits the ability of the platelet to assemble fibronectin was tested by several experiments. Activated platelets adherent to adsorbed mutant fibrinogen lacking the QAGDV sequence (γΔ5FG) were assembly-competent, as were platelets adherent to adsorbed normal fibrinogen that had been pretreated with the 7E9 antibody to the C terminus of the γ-chain. Moreover, adsorbed normal fibrinogen but not γΔ5FG suppressed the ability of co-adsorbed fibronectin to direct assembly of soluble fibronectin by spread platelets. The suppressive effect was lost when a surface of co-adsorbed fibronectin and fibrinogen was pretreated with 7E9. These results support a model in which the engagement of αIIbβ3 by the C-terminal sequence of the fibrinogen γ-chain initiates signals that suppress subsequent fibronectin assembly by spread platelets. This interaction is less dominant when platelets adhere to fibrin, resulting in enhanced fibronectin assembly.
BOUNDARY-CONFORMING MAPPING APPLIED TO COMPUTATIONS OF HIGHLY DEFORMED SOLIDIFICATION INTERFACES

A new boundary-conforming mapping is developed for the calculation of highly deformed cellular solidification interfaces in a model of directional solidification of a binary alloy. The mapping is derived through a variational formulation that is designed so that the grid penetrates the grooves between cells along the interface without causing a loss of ellipticity of the mapping equations. A finite element/Newton method is presented for simultaneous solution of the free boundary problem described by the solutal model of directional solidification and the mapping equations. Results are compared to previous calculations and demonstrate the importance of accurate representation of the interface shape for understanding the solution structure.
5,6-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid mobilizes Ca2+ in anterior pituitary cells

Summary Luteinizing hormone releasing hormone stimulates the concomitant release of luteinizing hormone and 45 Ca 2+ from prelabeled anterior pituitary cells. Indomethacin (10 μM) and nordihydroguaiaretic acid (10 μM) had no effect on the luteinizing hormone releasing hormone-stimulated release of either luteinizing hormone or 45 Ca 2+ . Eicosatetraynoic acid (10 μM) blocked both luteinizing hormone releasing hormone-stimulated luteinizing hormone secretion and luteinizing hormone releasing hormone-stimulated 45 Ca 2+ efflux. 5,6-Epoxyeicosatrienoic acid stimulated both luteinizing hormone secretion and 45 Ca 2+ efflux from anterior pituitary cells. Additionally, 5,6-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid closely mimics the ability of luteinizing hormone releasing hormone to increase intracellular free calcium. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that 5,6-EET alters calcium homeostasis in a manner similar to that observed during luteinizing hormone releasing hormone stimulation of luteinizing hormone release.
Redox potential-pH properties of the flavoprotein l-amino-acid oxidase

Abstract The redox potential-pH characteristics of the enzyme l -amino-acid oxidase ( l -amino-acid: oxygen oxidoreductase (deaminating), EC 1.4.3.2) have been measured in the pH range 6.2 to 8.3 at 4°C. All potentials are reported versus the standard hydrogen electrode. Consistent with the protonation states proposed for the anionic red semiquinone and anionic dihydroquinone forms of the flavin coenzyme, the first electron potential is independent of pH (-0.056 ± 0.006 V), while the second electron transfer potential is pH-dependent, exhibiting a 0.060 V/pH unit slope. At all pH values investigated, the percentage of semiqinone species observed matches closely that calculated from measured potential separations. The semiquinone species is thermodynamically stable, as indicated by formation of semiquinone, similarity of redox potentials in oxidative and reductive directions, and by the slope of Nernst plots.
A Rating Scale for Student Evaluation of Residence Hall Counselors

This study is concerned with the development of a forced-choice rating scale for systematically evaluating the performance of residence hall counselors. Students with 2 or more years of experience living in residence halls supplied over 5,000 descriptive behavior statements concerning both favorable and unfavorable aspects of counselor behavior. Item validation reduced the number of statements to 96 for inclusion in the rating scale. 64 of the items are capable of discriminating between effective and ineffective counselors while 32 of the items are not capable of such discrimination. The scale is composed of 32 triads, each consisting of 2 discriminating and 1 non-discriminating statement. All items are about equal in terms of their preference by student raters, thus forcing a critical choice between triad statements on the part of the student rater. Administration of the developed rating scale yielded a satisfactory split-half reliability of .74.
Direct Delivery Mechanisms of Morphogen Dispersion

This Presentation focuses on how morphogen signaling proteins disperse across developmental fields. Although the steady-state distributions of morphogen signaling proteins have been described well in a number of contexts, the mechanisms that generate these distributions have remained uncertain. Results presented here show that these proteins transfer from producing to target cells at points of direct contact, even when the producing and target cells are not immediate neighbors.
The Reader's Theatre Script for “Lifelong Impact: Adult Perceptions of Their High School Speech and/or Theatre Participation”

This article includes a reader's theatre script adapted from a full-length qualitative study, “Lifelong Impact: Adult Perceptions of Their High School Speech and/or Theatre Participation.” The report first reviews reader's theatre as an arts-based form of research representation and presentation, then surveys key figures from qualitative inquiry and theatre education involved with interdisciplinary collaborations. The coauthors then discuss one of their key learnings from their experiences with performing the research, labeled “reinteracting the data”—a triple compound word of acting, reacting, and interacting with the dramatized text and our audiences.
Creep and substructure formation in an Al-5% Mg solid solution alloy

Abstract The creep behavior of Al-5% Mg divides into three distinct regions at a testing temperature of 827 K. In region III at τ ≳ 0.5 MPa, the stress exponent is 3.1, the activation energy is 149 ± 10 rmkJmole−1, and substructural observations reveal an essentially random distribution of dislocations. In region II at 0.2 M Pa ≲ τ ≲ 0.5 MPa, the stress exponent is 4.4, the activation energy is 139 ± 5 rmkJmole−1, and substructural observations reveal the formation of subgrain boundaries. In region I at τ ≲ 0.2 MPa, the stress exponent is 1.0 and the activation energy is 162 ± 30 rmkJmole−1. It is demonstrated that these three regions are consistent with viscous glide (class A), dislocation climb (class M), and Harper-Dorn creep, respectively.
Projection methods and singular two point boundary value problems

The use of collocation methods and singular splines applied to singular two point boundary value problems is studied. Existence, uniqueness and convergence rates are obtained.
The influence of age and presentation order upon children’s free recall and learning to learn

Free recall and clustering performance were studied in children of ages 4 and 9–10 years. Nine different lists were presented, each for three trials, with three lists presented per day. The lists were composed of conceptually related or unrelated items. Each list type was presented consistently with all the items randomized, with conceptually related items grouped together, or with unrelated items arbitrarily grouped together. Performance was generally higher for the older children, but no evidence was found in either age group of learning-to-learn effects of recall or category clustering.
Crystal Stability of A X 2 Compounds in Terms of Three-Ion Interactions

By taking into account three-ion exchange interactions in solids of $A{X}_{2}$ compounds, it is shown how the observed stability relations can be explained on a quantitative basis. The analysis is an extension of those given earlier for stability of rare-gas crystals, of solids of the alkali halides, and of II-VI and III-V compounds whose ions are isoelectronic with rare-gas atoms. Of the compounds $A{X}_{2}$, $A$ denotes an element of columns II, IV, or VI of the periodic table, $X$ a corresponding element of the columns I, II, VI, or VII. All ions considered are isoelectronic with rare-gas atoms. As before, the stability analysis is based on a first-and second-order perturbation calculation, starting from complete ionicity in zeroth order of approximation, with Gaussian-type effective electron wave functions for the ions. The structures considered are (the ideal lattices of) fluorite, two types of rutile, anatase, cadmium chloride, cadmium iodide, cuprite, quartz, and cristobalite; a comparison is made between the static lattice energies of these structures. The effect of polarization energy on crystal stability is considered in detail in the framework of the Born-Mayer model; Madelung constants for all structures were determined on the basis of the Bertaut method. The theory accounts for all observed stability relations; except that for the compound Ti${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ the fluorite structure is found to be more stable than a rutile lattice on the basis of closed-shell electron configurations of the Ti ion. In particular, a quantitative explanation is given for the difference in lattice energy between the cadmium iodide and cadmium chloride structures (6,3 coordination) and between the $\ensuremath{\beta}$-quartz and $\ensuremath{\beta}$-cristobalite lattices (4,2 coordination).
CMIP5 historical simulations (1850–2012) with GISS ModelE2

Observations of climate change during the CMIP5 extended historical period (1850-2012) are compared to trends simulated by six versions of the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies ModelE2 Earth System Model. The six models are constructed from three versions of the ModelE2 atmospheric general circulation model, distinguished by their treatment of atmospheric composition and the aerosol indirect effect, combined with two ocean general circulation models, HYCOM and Russell. Forcings that perturb the model climate during the historical period are described. Five-member ensemble averages from each of the six versions of ModelE2 simulate trends of surface air temperature, atmospheric temperature, sea ice and ocean heat content that are in general agreement with observed trends, although simulated warming is slightly excessive within the past decade. Only simulations that include increasing concentrations of long-lived greenhouse gases match the warming observed during the twentieth century. Differences in twentieth-century warming among the six model versions can be attributed to differences in climate sensitivity, aerosol and ozone forcing, and heat uptake by the deep ocean. Coupled models with HYCOM export less heat to the deep ocean, associated with reduced surface warming in regions of deepwater formation, but greater warming elsewhere at high latitudes along with reduced sea ice. All ensembles show twentieth-century annular trends toward reduced surface pressure at southern high latitudes and a poleward shift of the midlatitude westerlies, consistent with observations.
Overexposures to Lead at a Covered Outdoor Firing Range

Significant overexposures to airborne lead were found in a covered, outdoor firing range among seven cadets during firing of conventional, nonjacketed, lead bullets. The mean lead concentrations in general area air samples and personal-breathing-zone air samples were 68.36 μg/m3 and 128.46 μg/m3, respectively, calculated as an 8h, time-weighted average (TWA). Eight (44%) of 18 area air samples, taken as far as 50 yards from the firing line, and 10 (67%) of 15 personal breathing zone air samples exceeded the current Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard for occupational exposure to airborne lead (50μg/m3). Blood lead levels (using a t-test) were found to increase significantly in all cadets after day 2 (p < 0.0001) and day 5 (p < 0.0007) of firing conventional, nonjacketed, lead bullets. None of the blood level values exceeded the OSHA standard of 40 μg/dl. A strong positive correlation (r = 0.92; p < 0.000001) existed between personal-breathing-zone air lead levels and the number o...
Space Shuttle ground processing with monitoring agents

To ensure that all shuttle systems are ready for launch, KSC engineers monitor tens of thousands of telemetry measurements. This intense data monitoring occurs constantly during ground processing, peaking in the weeks leading up to launch. KSC engineers developed and deployed a software agent $the NASA Engineering Shuttle Telemetry Agent - to assist in this around-the-clock monitoring. NESTA acts as a software agent for the NASA engineer. For this discussion, we define an agent as rule - based, autonomous software that reacts to its environment and communicates results to a human $the NASA engineer.
The relationship among motivational environment, autonomous self-regulation and personal variables in refugee youth: implications for mental health and youth leadership.

This study examined the influence of motivational conditions and personal variables of refugee youth on self-regulation to perform roles in a leadership programme designed for refugee youth. Eighteen refugee youth participated in this study, selected from those previously engaged in a pilot study (veterans, n = 4) and those newly recruited (novices, n = 14). Data for self-regulation were collected using the Situational Self-Regulation Questionnaire for Participation. Hierarchical linear modelling was utilized to test the study hypotheses. Results indicated that three personal variables including gender, experience in an autonomy-supportive environment and interaction effects between these two variables explained 37% of variance between participants in self-regulation. Furthermore, the type of motivational environment was a significant indicator, explaining the level of self-regulation. Participants in an autonomous-supportive environment reported 3.84 units higher self-regulation than those in a controlle...
Thermal disintegration of carbon fullerenes.

The process of thermal disintegration of carbon fullerenes is simulated by molecular dynamics using a tight-binding-force model. The most commonly observed fragments after the disintegration of carbon fullerenes are dimers, rings, and multiple rings. The fragmentation temperatures are obtained for fullerenes ranging from C[sub 20] to C[sub 90]. The fragmentation temperature increases almost linearly with the cluster size for small cages ([ital n][le]58), but becomes almost constant for larger fullerenes ([ital n]=60 and [ital n][ge]70). The effets of electronic entropy on the fragmentation temperature of fullerene are also discussed.
Selling the self: career portfolios and the new common-sense of immaterial capitalism

This article presents a discourse analysis of a popular guide to composing career portfolios. Comprised of documents from work, school, and personal life, career portfolios chart workers’ personal trajectories from past to present to future. Job applicants use these texts to sell themselves to potential employers. In explaining how to compose portfolios, it is argued, the guide examined in this article (re)produces and circulates common-sense ideas about work in our current era. Central to these common-sense notions are: personal investment in work; deterritorialization of socio-cultural resources (e.g. ways of thinking, speaking, and interacting developed in non-work domains); and reterritorialization of these same resources in the domain of work. To explore these common-sense ideas, I engage Michael Hardt and Antonio Negri's arguments about immaterial capitalism and the deterritorialization and reterritorialization of labor.
Numerical simulations of cantilever beam response with saturation control and full modal coupling

Numerical simulations of the response of a uniform, cantilever beam subjected to a base excitation are performed. A saturation absorber is implemented to control the beam response. In previous investigations of similar configurations, the inertial and structural properties of the piezoelectric actuators have been neglected, resulting in an analytical model of a uniform beam. This investigation includes the nonuniformities in the beam properties that are introduced when piezoelectric actuators are bonded to the uniform beam. The resulting coupling between uniform, cantilever beam modes is fully included in the analytical model. It is shown that this modal coupling has a significant effect on the beam response, which is not present when modal coupling is neglected.
On the real and complex least mean square adaptive filter algorithms

The real and complex LMS adaptive algorithms are compared. In general, it is shown that, with respect to the weights, the real algorithm is not equivalent to the real part of the complex algorithm. However, when the algorithm is configured as an ALE with sinusoidal inputs, the mean weight behavior of the real algorithm is identical to the real part of the mean weight of the complex algorithm. This result is useful because there are simplicities in the analysis of the complex model that do not exist in the analysis of the real model Some of these simplicities are discussed.
Social-cognitive behaviors and higher-order thinking in educational computer environments

Abstract We examined group differences in social-cognitive behaviors exhibited by 48 3rd graders in Logo or computer-based writing environments and the role of these behaviors in accounting for posttreatment differences in higher-order thinking. Logo children exhibited more work-related and off-task behavior, information seeking from partner and cognitively-based resolution of cognitive conflicts and less typing and social negotiation of cognitive conflict. Support was provided for the mediational role of information seeking, social negotiation of social conflict and especially cognitively-based resolution of cognitive conflict. Thus, Logo may foster cognitive growth by engendering cognitively-based resolution of cognitive conflicts.
Acute digitalis poisoning: The role of intravenous magnesium sulfate

Abstract Acute digitalis poisoning is a complex emergency with a reported mortality rate of 3% to 25%.' In severe overdose, the sodium, potassium-adenosine triphosphatase system is severely inhibited, leading to cardiac dysrhythmias and an elevation of the serum potassium. Magnesium, a cofactor regulating this ion transport system, can successfully treat acute digitalis-induced rhythm disturbances and restore the transmembrane potassium gradient. This paper discusses the cellular mechanism involved in digitalis toxicity and reviews the literature concerning the use of magnesium in acute cardiac glycoside poisoning.
Transmembrane Segment Packing of the Na+/Ca2+ Exchanger Investigated with Chemical Cross-Linkers

The Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger (NCX1) is a plasma membrane protein important in regulating Ca(2+) in cardiac myocytes. The topological model is comprised of nine transmembrane segments (TMSs). To gain insights into the TMS packing arrangement of NCX1, we performed cysteine cross-linking experiments. Pairs of amino acids in different TMSs were mutated to cysteine on the backbone of a cysteineless NCX1. The mutated exchangers were expressed in an insect cell line and treated with cysteine-specific chemical cross-linkers followed by SDS-PAGE to determine the proximity of the introduced cysteines. Previously, we showed that TMSs 2, 3, 7, and 8 are near one another and that residues in TMSs 1 and 2 are close to TMS 6. In this report, we use the same approach to provide evidence for the arrangement of the remaining three TMSs (4, 5, and 9). We present a computer-generated two-dimensional model of transmembrane packing that minimizes the lengths of all cross-links.
The luminosity curve as affected by the relation between rod and cone adaptation.

Previous experimental determination of the luminosity curve of the eye at intermediate intensities has shown a series of transitional curves intermediate between rod and cone, the appearance of which has been attributed to rod-cone interaction. However, examination of mesopic curves predicted on the basis of no interaction indicates that their major characteristics are dependent instead on the relation between rod and cone functional levels. Residual discrepancies between predicted and empirical curves require the assumption of summation between the two mechanisms at wavelengths for which sensitivity is nearly equal for both. In addition to contributing to an understanding of relations between rod and cone function, the analysis emphasizes the lack of validity of mesopic curves for photometric calculations.
A daily rhythm in norepinephrine content in regions of the hamster brain

Abstract 1. 1. A daily rhythm in norepinephrine content was demonstrated in the brain-stem, diencephalon, and cerebral cortex of hamster (Mesocricetus auratus)— exposed to a 12 : 12-hour light-dark lighting regime for a month or longer and then sacrificed at intervals over a 24-hour period. 2. 2. The rhythms in brain-stem and cerebral cortex were reproducible, with the peak in norepinephrine content in each area occurring during the late light phase. 3. 3. The norepinephrine rhythm in the brain-stem was demonstrated when different methods for norepinephrine extraction were utilized.
Dissertation research in school psychology: 1967–73

Abstract Reports the results of a categorical analysis designed to ascertain the kinds of dissertation research completed for the doctoral degree in school psychology during the years 1967–1973. Major areas of research emphasis were delineated although trend analysis revealed no significant trends over the seven-year period.
Temperature and concentration effects on electrolyte transport across porous thin-film composite nanofiltration membranes: Pore transport mechanisms and energetics of permeation.

Abstract The influence of temperature and concentration on nanofilter charge density and electrolyte pore transport mechanisms is reported. Crossflow filtration experiments were performed to measure transport of several electrolytes (NaCl, NaNO 3 , NaClO 4 , CaCl 2 , MgCl 2 , and MgSO 4 ) across two commercially available thin-film composite nanofiltration membranes in the range 5–41 °C. Experiments were also performed with selected salts in the range 1–50 meq/L to quantify concentration effects. Three different approaches, irreversible thermodynamics, extended Nernst–Planck formulation, and theory of rate processes, were employed to interpret retentions of these symmetric and asymmetric electrolytes at varying temperature and concentration. Increasing feed water temperature slightly increased electrolyte reflection coefficients and only weakly increased permeability compared with neutral solutes. Electromigration and convection tended to counteract each other at high fluxes explaining the weak temperature dependence of the reflection coefficient. Changes in membrane surface charge density with temperature were attributed to increased adsorption of electrolytes on the polymer constituting the active layer. Activation energy of permeation for charged solutes was primarily determined by the Donnan potential at the membrane–feed water interface. Electrolyte permeation was shown to be an enthalpy-driven process that resulted in small entropy changes. Increasing sorption capacity with temperature and low sorption energies indicated that co-ion sorption on polymeric membranes was an endothermic physicosorption process, which appears to determine temperature dependence of electrolyte permeation at increased feed concentrations.
Carrier capture in cylindrical quantum wires

We present quantum mechanical calculations of electron capture rates in cylindrical quantum wires via polar‐optical phonon scattering. The capture rate dependence on quantum wire radius and lattice temperature is investigated. An oscillatory behavior of the electron capture rate is observed as a function of the quantum wire radius at the temperatures considered in this study (20–300 K). However, the amplitude of these oscillations decreases significantly at large wire radii and high lattice temperatures.
Self Assembly of Rubisco Activase Monitored by Fluorescence Fluctuation Spectroscopy

RuBisCO Activase (Rca) is a protein that belongs to the AAA+ family of the ATPases which utilizes the energy derived from ATP hydrolysis to release firmly bound sugar phosphates from the active site of the Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBisCO). The challenge associated with structure and functional investigation of Rca can be attributed to its exceptionally low thermo-stability, high degree of size polydispersity and tendency toward subunit aggregation.In this work we have successfully employed fluorescence fluctuation methods to study the nucleotide-dependent stoichiometry of fluorescently tagged Rca for a wide range of concentrations. Our results show a stepwise assembly pathway of Rca under different assay conditions. In presence of Mg+2 -ADP, the oligomerization state of Rca is largely dominated by monomers at concentrations below 0.5 μM. The state of oligomerization gradually changes in steps of two subunits. The most probable model for this assembly supports the dissociation coefficients of ∼4, 1, 1 μM for the monomer-dimer, dimer-tetramer and tetramer-hexamer equlibria respectively. Continued assembly at even higher concentrations suggests self association through the formation of spiral arrangements that grow along the helical axis.
Healthcare utilization in the first year after pediatric traumatic brain injury in an insured population.

OBJECTIVE:: To compare the healthcare use by children with and without a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the year following injury to understand whether children access primary care. PARTICIPANTS:: Children 0 to 15 years with a TBI (N = 545) and (N = 2310) uninjured age and sex-matched comparisons. SETTING:: A full benefits healthcare plan from 2000 to 2007. MAIN MEASURES:: Mean annual healthcare utilization. RESULTS:: Children with TBI had higher mean annual outpatient visits (4.2 vs 3.5, P = .001), but similar mean annual general pediatric visits (2.7 vs 2.8, P = .3) than comparison children. More cases than comparisons attended a general pediatric visit (80.0% vs 73.3%, risk ratio = 1.1, 95% CI: 1.0-1.1). However, approximately 50% of children older than 7 years who had an intracranial injury did not attend a general pediatric visit and those were slightly more likely to receive specialty care (adjusted risk ratio = 1.1, 95% CI: 1.0-1.2). These children did not appear to be substituting specialty for primary care. CONCLUSIONS:: Children with a full benefits insurance plan do not access primary care routinely after TBI. These findings present a challenge for designing a system to screen children after TBI. Language: en
Metabolism of americium-241 in man: an unusual case of internal contamination of a child and his father

The metabolism of americium-241 has been studied during an 8-year period in an adult male and his son who, at the ages of 50 and 4 years, respectively, were accidentally and unknowingly contaminated within their home by means of inhalation. Chelation therapy with calcium trisodium pentetate was more effective in enhancing the removal of americium-241 from the child than from the father.
Study on Characteristics of Wind Power Output in Jing-Jin-Tang Grid

In this paper, the wind resources and planning in Jing-jin-tang grid are firstly introduced. The focus is on the analysis of characteristics of wind power output in Jing-jin-tang grid. The analysis data is from the actual wind running power and load in the whole year. The indicators considered are wind power penetration, proportion of wind output power, guaranteed capacity, effective output, etc. The results studied have the important significance for grid planning and operation.
Geographic variation in human papillomavirus vaccination uptake among young adult women in the United States during 2008–2010

Very little is known about geographic variation in human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine uptake among young adult women in the US. To investigate this, we analyzed data from 12 US states collected through the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System between 2008 and 2010. Among 2632 young adult women (18-26 years old) who responded to HPV vaccine uptake questions, weighted vaccine initiation and completion rates were: 28.0% and 17.0% overall, 14.0% and 6.6% in the South, 28.7% and 19.3% in the Midwest/West, and 37.2% and 23.1% in the Northeast (P<0.001), respectively. Log-binomial regression analysis showed that women living in the South were less likely to initiate (adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) 0.71, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.60-0.83) or complete (aPR 0.61, 95% CI, 0.53-0.71) the HPV vaccine series compared to women living in the Northeast. Interventions programs to improve HPV vaccine uptake in the Southern states are warranted.
Increases in the Number of Reactive Glia in the Visual Cortex of Macaca fascicularis Following Subclinical Long-Term Methyl Mercury Exposure

Abstract The number of neurons, astrocytes, reactive glia, oligodendrocytes, endothelia, and pericytes in the cortex of the calcarine sulcus of adult female Macaca fascicularis following long-term subclinical exposure to methyl mercury (MeHg) and mercuric chloride (inorganic mercury; IHg) has been estimated by use of the optical volume fractionator stereology technique. Four groups of monkeys were exposed to MeHg (50 μg Hg/kg body wt/day) by mouth for 6, 12, 18, and 12 months followed by 6 months without exposure (clearance group). A fifth group of monkeys was administered IHg (as HgCl2; 200 μg Hg/kg body wt/day) by constant rate intravenous infusion via an indwelling catheter for 3 months. Reactive glia showed a significant increase in number for every treatment group, increasing 72% in the 6-month, 152% in the 12-month, and 120% in the 18-month MeHg exposed groups, and the number of reactive glia in the clearance group remained elevated (89%). The IHg exposed group showed a 165% increase in the number of reactive glia. The IHg exposed group and the clearance group had low levels of MeHg present within the tissue; however, the level of IHg was elevated in both groups. These results suggest that the IHg may be responsible for the increase in reactive glia. All other cell types, including the neurons, showed no significant change in number at the prescribed exposure level and durations. The identities of the reactive glial cells and the implications for the long-term function and survivability of the neurons due to changes in the glial population following subclinical long-term exposure to mercury are discussed.
Antibody formation: premature initiation by endotoxin or synthetic polynucleotides in newborn mice.

THE competence of animals to respond immunologically develops for different antigens at different stages of ontogeny1. Thus C57 Bl mice do not form antibodies to sheep red blood cells (sRBC) during the first 10 days after birth even though such newborns can respond to a number of other antigens2. We and others previously demonstrated that antibody formation to sRBC can be “turned on” prematurely when newborns are given macrophages from adults at or near the time of antigen administration3,4. More recently we observed that such premature antibody formation can be achieved without the transfer of macrophages provided that the antigen is administered in conjunction with bacterial endotoxin (LPS) or double-stranded synthetic polynucleotides, agents that are known to enhance the metabolic activities of macrophages5–7.