cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analysis of safety and efficacy of live attenuated encephalitis vaccine combined with immunization with live attenuated vaccine against varicella

Objective To investigate the effect of live attenuated encephalitis vaccine immunization, the effectiveness and safety of live attenuated vaccine against varicella joint vaccination. Methods From January 2015 to December 2016, 400 children with vaccination in Yuncheng Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention were selected in this research.They were randomly divided into two groups according to the digital table, with 200 cases in each group.The control group received live attenuated encephalitis vaccine strengthening immunization, the observation group received live attenuated encephalitis vaccine immunization and live attenuated vaccine against varicella joint vaccination.The positive rate of neutralizing antibody and the incidence of adverse reactions were compared between the two groups. Results The positive rate of encephalitis neutralizing antibody in the observation group was 94.50%, which was significantly higher than 86.00% of the control group (χ2=8.211, P 0.05). Conclusion The use of live attenuated encephalitis vaccine to enhance immunity and live attenuated varicella vaccine combined inoculation of vaccine can effectively improve the immunity of children to encephalitis virus, and it is safe and reliable. Key words: Immunization; Enhancement; Vaccine, Inactivated; Encephalitis; Varicella vaccine
Improved clouds over Southern Ocean amplify Antarctic precipitation response to ozone depletion in an earth system model

Increasing precipitation on the Antarctic Ice Sheet (AIS) in a warming climate has the potential to partially mitigate Antarctica’s contribution to sea level rise. We show that a simple, physically motivated change to the shallow convective cloud phase in the Community Earth System Model (CESM)—improving a long-standing bias in shortwave cloud forcing over the Southern Ocean—leads to an enhanced response of precipitation when the model is forced with realistic stratospheric ozone depletion, with other radiative forcing remaining constant. We analyze two ozone-forced ensemble experiments with the CESM version 1.1: one using the standard version of the model and the other using the cloud-modified version. The standard version exhibits a precipitation increase on the AIS of 34 gigatons year−1; the cloud-modified version shows an increase of 109 Gt year−1. The cloud-modified version shows a more robust, year-round poleward shift in the westerly jet and storm tracks, which brings more precipitation to the AIS, compared to the standard version. Greater surface warming and larger-amplitude stationary waves further increase the Antarctic precipitation response. The enhanced warming in the cloud-modified version is explained by larger positive shortwave cloud feedbacks, while the enhanced poleward jet shift is associated with a stronger meridional temperature gradient in the upper troposphere—lower stratosphere. These results illustrate (1) the sensitivity of forced changes in Antarctic precipitation to the mean state of a climate model and (2) the strong role of atmospheric dynamics in driving that forced precipitation response.
Third-Order Møller-Plesset Theory Made More Useful? The Role of Density Functional Theory Orbitals.

The practical utility of Moller-Plesset (MP) perturbation theory is severely constrained by the use of Hartree-Fock (HF) orbitals. It has recently been shown that the use of regularized orbital-optimized MP2 orbitals and scaling of MP3 energy could lead to a significant reduction in MP3 error [Bertels, L. W.; J. Phys. Chem. Lett. 2019, 10, 4170 4176]. In this work, we examine whether density functional theory (DFT)-optimized orbitals can be similarly employed to improve the performance of MP theory at both the MP2 and MP3 levels. We find that the use of DFT orbitals leads to significantly improved performance for prediction of thermochemistry, barrier heights, noncovalent interactions, and dipole moments relative to the standard HF-based MP theory. Indeed, MP3 (with or without scaling) with DFT orbitals is found to surpass the accuracy of coupled-cluster singles and doubles (CCSD) for several data sets. We also found that the results are not particularly functional sensitive in most cases (although range-separated hybrid functionals with low delocalization error perform the best). MP3 based on DFT orbitals thus appears to be an efficient, noniterative O(N6) scaling wave-function approach for single-reference electronic structure computations. Scaled MP2 with DFT orbitals is also found to be quite accurate in many cases, although modern double hybrid functionals are likely to be considerably more accurate.
Report of the ALCTS Technical Services Workflow Efficiency Interest Group Meeting. American Library Association Midwinter Meeting. Philadelphia, PA, January 2020

The ALCTS Technical Services Workflow Efficiency Interest Group (TSWEIG) held its meeting at the American Library Association Midwinter Meeting in Philadelphia. Co-chairs, Jesse A Lambertson and Gi...
An outpatient telehealth elective for displaced clinical learners during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, medical schools suspended clinical rotations. This displacement of medical students from wards has limited experiential learning. Concurrently, outpatient practices are experiencing reduced volumes of in-person visits and are shifting towards virtual healthcare, a transition that comes with its own logistical challenges. This article describes a workflow that enabled medical students to engage in meaningful clinical education while helping an institution’s outpatient practices implement remote telemedicine visits. A 4-week virtual elective was designed to allow clinical learners to participate in virtual telemedicine patient encounters. Students were prepared with EMR training and introduced to a novel workflow that supported healthcare providers in the outpatient setting. Patients were consented to telehealth services before encounters with medical students. All collected clinical information was documented in the EMR, after which students transitioned patients to a virtual Doxy.me video appointment. Surveys were used to evaluate clinical and educational outcomes of students’ participation. Elective evaluations and student reflections were also collected. Survey results showed students felt well-prepared to initiate patient encounters. They expressed comfort while engaging with patients virtually during telemedicine appointments. Students identified clinical educational value, citing opportunities to develop patient management plans consistent with in-person experiences. A significant healthcare burden was also alleviated by student involvement. Over 1000 total scheduled appointments were serviced by students who transitioned more than 80 % of patients into virtual attending provider waiting rooms. After piloting this elective with fourth-year students, pre-clerkship students were also recruited to act in a role normally associated with clinical learners (e.g., elicit patient histories, conduct a review of systems, etc.). Furthermore, additional telemedicine electives are being designed so medical students can contribute to patient care without risk of exposure to COVID-19. These efforts will allow students to continue with their clinical education during the pandemic. Medical educators can adopt a similar workflow to suit evolving remote learning needs.
Decreased Incidence of Rib Fractures in Pregnant Patients After Motor Vehicle Collisions.

BACKGROUND Rib fractures are common after motor vehicle collisions. The hormonal changes associated with pregnancy decrease the stiffness and increase the laxity of cartilage and tendons. The effect of these changes on injury mechanics is not completely understood. OBJECTIVES To compare the incidences of chest wall injury following blunt thoracic trauma between pregnant and nonpregnant women. METHODS The authors conducted a retrospective review of female patients seen at a level I trauma center from 2009 to 2017 after a motor vehicle collision. Patient characteristics were compared to determine if pregnancy affected the incidence of chest wall injury. Statistics were calculated with SPSS version 24 and are presented as mean (SD) or median (interquartile range). RESULTS In total, 1618 patients were identified. The incidence of rib/sternal fracture was significantly lower in pregnant patients (7.9% vs 15.2%, P = .047), but the incidence of intrathoracic injury was similar between the groups. Pregnant and nonpregnant patients with rib/sternal fractures had similar Injury Severity Score results (21 [13-27] vs 17 [11-22], P = .36), but pregnant patients without fractures had significantly lower scores (1 [0-5] vs 4 [1-9], P < .001). CONCLUSIONS Pregnant patients have a lower rate of rib fracture after a motor vehicle collision than nonpregnant patients. The difference in injury mechanics may be due to hormonal changes that increase elasticity and resistance to bony injury of the ribs. In pregnant trauma patients, intrathoracic injury without rib fracture should raise concerns about injury severity. A multicenter evaluation of these findings is needed.
Risk and clinical outcomes of acute myocardial infarction and acute ischemic stroke following gram-negative bloodstream infection

Abstract Objectives This retrospective cohort study examines incidence, risk factors, and clinical outcomes of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and acute ischemic stroke (AIS) within one year of gram-negative bloodstream infection (GN-BSI) based on predefined clinical criteria. Methods Hospitalized adults with GN-BSI at Prisma Health-Midlands hospitals in South Carolina, USA from 2010 through 2015 were identified. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to determine incidence of AMI and AIS within one year after GN-BSI. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to examine risk factors for AMI or AIS and impact on 1-year mortality. Results Among 1292 patients with GN-BSI, 263 and 17 developed AMI and AIS within 1-year with incidences of 23.4% and 1.9%, respectively. Majority of AMI were type 2 (164; 62%); 99 patients had type 1 AMI with incidence of 8.9%. Age >65 years (hazard ratio [HR] 1.52, 95% CI: 1.17–1.99), prior coronary artery disease or stroke (HR 1.74, 95% CI: 1.34–2.25), hypertension (HR 1.55, 95% CI: 1.13–2.15), end-stage renal disease (HR 1.52, 95% CI: 1.09–2.08), and quick Pitt bacteremia score (HR 1.55 per point, 95% CI: 1.40–1.72) were predictors of AMI/AIS. Development of type 1 AMI or AIS after GN-BSI was independently associated with increased 1-year mortality (HR 1.47, 95% CI: 1.03–2.07). Conclusions AMI and AIS occur frequently within one year of GN-BSI and have negative impact on 1-year survival. Future randomized clinical trials are needed to determine the most effective clinical interventions for prevention of AMI/AIS following BSI in high risk patients and improve survival after these events.
Heartbeat: early intervention for rheumatic mitral stenosis.

Rheumatic mitral stenosis (MS) remains the most common type of valvular heart disease worldwide yet there are few studies on optimal timing of intervention in asymptomatic patients. Postulated benefits of intervention before symptom onset include prevention of left atrial dilation, atrial fibrillation (AF) and pulmonary hypertension leading to fewer thromboembolic events, less heart failure, preserved exercise capacity and in improved quality of life. In this issue of Heart , Kang and colleagues1 report a randomised clinical trial of in 374 patients with severe MS (valve area 1.0–1.5 cm2) comparing early percutaneous mitral commissurotomy (PMC) to conventional care. The primary composite endpoint of PMC-related complications, cardiovascular mortality, cerebral infarction and systemic thromboembolic events occurred in seven patients in the early PMC group (8.3%) compared with nine patients in the conventional care group (10.8%) (HR 0.77; 95% CI 0.29 to 2.07; p=0.61) at a median follow-up of 6 years (figure 1). Figure 1 Summary of the MITIGATE (mitral intervention vs conventional management in asymptomatic mitral stenosis) trial. MS, mitral stenosis; PMC, percutaneous mitral commissurotomy. Karthikeyan2 points out that there is only a sparse evidence base for management of mitral stenosis. Although this study by Kang and colleagues1 is commendable, replication in larger studies in countries with endemic rheumatic heart disease is needed. In the meanwhile, ‘even minimally symptomatic patients …
Fabrication of SiGe HBT BiCMOS Technology

SiGe HBT BiCMOS technology is the obvious groundbreaker of the Si heterostructures application space. To date virtually every major player in the communications electronics market either has SiGe up and running in-house or is using someone elses SiGe fab as foundry for their designers. Key to this success lies in successful integration of the SiGe HBT and Si CMOS, with no loss of performance from either device. Filled with contributions from leading experts, Fabrication of SiGe HBT BiCMOS Technologies brings together a complete discussion of these topics into a single resource. Drawn from the comprehensive and well-reviewed Silicon Heterostructure Handbook, this volume examines the design, fabrication, and application of silicon heterostructure transistors. A novel aspect of this book the inclusion of numerous snapshot views of the industrial state-of-the-art for SiGe HBT BiCMOS technology. It has been carefully designed to provide a useful basis of comparison for the current status and future course of the global industry. In addition to the copious technical material and the numerous references contained in each chapter, the book includes easy-to-reference appendices on the properties of Si and Ge, the generalized Moll-Ross relations, integral charge-control relations, and sample SiGe HBT compact model parameters.
A measure of social behavior in team-based, multiplayer online games

Video games have become a platform for social interaction. Across three studies, we develop a scale to measure social behavior in team-based, multiplayer online games -- the Sociality in Multiplayer Online Games (SMOG) Scale -- and provide evidence for its initial construct validity. We reviewed all measures relating to video games (N=253 measures) to determine whether there was a need for such a scale. As a pilot study, we conducted two focus groups (N=16) to inform item generation. In Study 1 (N=250), we ran an exploratory factor analysis on the items. The SMOG scale was made of two orthogonal factors, assessing anti-social behavior (destructive, SMOG-D) and pro-social (constructive, SMOG-C) behavior. In Study 2 (N=104), we conducted a confirmatory factor analysis and provided evidence supporting initial construct validity of the SMOG: when statistically controlling for age, sex, and frequency of game-play, dominance positively predicts both SMOG-D and SMOG-C scores; and affiliation negatively predicts SMOG-D and positively predicts SMOG-C. We developed a scale measuring social behavior in team-based video games: SMOG-6.The model included two factors: constructive and destructive social behavior.Interpersonal orientation (dominance and affiliation) predicted SMOG-6 subscales.
Methylation of GATC sites is required for precise timing between rounds of DNA replication in Escherichia coli.

We have used the Koppes and Nordstrom (Cell 44:117-124, 1986) CsCl density transfer approach for analysis of DNA from exponentially growing, isogenic Escherichia coli dam+ and dam mutant cells to show that timing between DNA replication initiation events is precise in the dam+ cells but is essentially random in the dam cells. Thus, methylation of one or more GATC sites, such as those found in unusual abundance within the origin, oriC, is required for precise timing between rounds of DNA replication, and precise timing between initiation events is not required for cell viability. Both the dam-3 point mutant and the delta(dam)100 complete deletion mutant were examined. The results were independent of the mismatch repair system; E. coli mutH cells showed precise timing, whereas timing in the isogenic E. coli mutH delta(dam)100 double mutant was random. The mechanism is thus different from the role of Dam methylation in mismatch repair and probably involves conversion of hemimethylated GATC sites present in daughter origins just after initiation to a fully methylated state.
The physical examination in clinical genetics

The genetics physical examination provides an objective tool that supplements medical and familial historical information in an effort to identify a unifying etiology for a child, fetus, or adult with multiple birth defects, developmental problems, or other abnormal findings present. The genetics examination, while similar to any general medical examination, has several facets that distinguish it. First, it is necessary to understand the art and science of “dysmorphology”, the study of abnormal form. Precise observation and accurate description, followed by careful collation, interpretation, and categorization of any physical differences present are required to reach an accurate genetic diagnosis. Here, we review the general principles and specific components of the genetic physical exam, as well as how to integrate the physical exam findings into the overall medical genetic evaluation. Keywords: dysmorphology; congenital anomaly
Effective Column Length in Polygon Shaped Frames

Circular buildings and elevated water tanks usually consist of polygon shaped space frames having vertical columns and horizontal beams arranged in the shape of regular polygon. For maximum effectiveness against lateral loading the minor axis of columns should be in the tangential direction of the circumscribing circle. The study is based on the stiffness method developed by Renton except that the effect of gusset plates is neglected for simplicity. In addition, a method is developed such that the effective length may be determined approximately by considering a single elastically supported column using the alinement chart given.
Muller cells of chicken retina synthesize 11-cis-retinol

The amounts of endogenous retinyl palmitate, retinol and retinaldehyde were measured in the neural retina and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) of predominantly cone (chicken), rod (rat) and more mixed (cat, human) retinae. The ratio of 11-cis to all-trans isomers of retinyl palmitate and retinol in the neural retina and the RPE increases progressively with the increase in diurnality of the species from rat to chicken. The membrane fractions of both chicken and bovine RPE enzymically isomerize all-trans retinol to 11-cis-retinol. Chicken neural retina membranes enzymically form 11-cis-retinol and all-trans-retinyl palmitate from all-trans-retinol. Light and electron microscopy revealed no contamination of chicken neural retina by RPE. Muller cells from chicken retina were isolated, cultured and characterized by immunocytochemical localization of cellular retinaldehyde-binding protein. Cultured chicken Muller cells form all-trans-retinyl palmitate, 11-cis-retinol and 11-cis-retinyl palmitate from all-trans-retinol and release most of the 11-cis-retinol into the medium. The results indicate that chicken neural retina and Muller cells in particular synthesize 11-cis-retinoids from all-trans-retinol.
The Role of Magnetohydrodynamics in Heliospheric Space Plasma Physics Research

Magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) is a fairly recent extension of the field of fluid mechanics. While much remains to be done, it has successfully been applied to the contemporary field of heliospheric space plasma research to evaluate the ‘macroscopic picture’ of some vital topics via the use of conducting fluid equations and numerical modeling and simulations. Some representative examples from solar and interplanetary physics are described to demonstrate that the continuum approach to global problems (while keeping in mind the assumptions and limitations therein) can be very successful in providing insight and large scale interpretations of otherwise intractable problems in space physics.
Heart failure simulating an acute surgical abdomen. Report of two cases of nonocclusive ischemia or infarction of the bowel.

Abstract Congestive heart failure may cause findings simulating an acute surgical abdomen due to acute mesenteric vascular insufficiency. Two cases without clinical shock are presented. At laparotomy neither was found to have a mesenteric vascular occlusion or frank intestinal infarction. With vigorous therapy of cardiac failure 1 survived. The other died but had previously survived a similar episode when treated medically. There is evidence to suggest that reduced cardiac output with mesenteric angiospasm and intestinal ischemia is the primary cause of the abdominal findings in these cases. The patient in congestive heart failure with this clinical picture is unlikely to have a surgically treatable lesion and is a poor operative risk. Proper management would seem to be vigorous therapy of the cardiac failure.
Surgical education research.

There are a number of associations with a strong commitment to surgical education, the principal ones being the Association for Surgical Education (ASE), the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Committee on Education, and the Association of Program Directors in Surgery (APDS). The mission of the Association for Surgical Education is to promote, recognize, and reward excellence, innovation, and scholarship in surgical education. Membership is available to medical students, residents, and faculty [1]. Information concerning this association is available on their Website (http://www.surgicaleducation.com). Among the many resources available through the ASE is the Surgical Educators’ Handbook that has a section specifically devoted to research in education. A second good resource is A Manual for Researchers in Surgical Education that covers topics such as surgical education publications, educational research design, and statistics. The ASE also has a research committee that assists individuals in the pursuit of surgical education. They offer a surgical education research fellowship (SERF) as well. This is an intense fellowship that provides instruction on surgical education techniques and includes workshops, home study, and an assigned research mentor. The fellow is required to develop, conduct, write, and present a structured research project in education. The American College of Surgeons Division on Education is responsible for providing the overall direction, guidance, and coordination for the spectrum of educational activities sponsored by the American College of Surgeons [2]. Within this committee, there are subcommittees on continuing education, medical student edu-
Cytoplasmic polarization of periodontal ligament fibroblasts. Implications for cell migration and collagen secretion.

The fibroblasts of the periodontal ligament and especially those of the transseptal ligament are characteristically elongated with their long axes parallel to the principal fiber bundles. Their cytoplasmic orgamelles are polarized suggesting that secretory products are released from one end of the cell. The nucleus occupies the anterior pole of the cell. Cytoplasmic processes or lobopodia, containing numerous cytoplasmic filaments, extend from the anterior pole of the cell. The Golgi complex is situated in a large area of the cell between the nucleus and the distal end of the cell. Granular endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria and numerous small vesicles are dispersed throughout most part of the cell. Intracellular collagen, akthough present in many areas of the cell, appears to be most abundant in the distal parts of the cell. Administration of colchicine in vivo, blocked collagen secretion and dereased cell elongation and polartity. Results of and analysis of the orientation and polarization of the fibroblasts in the periodontal tissues appear to support the concept that these cells undergo active migration in vivo along existing substrata and that migration may be coupled to collagen secretion.
Lithium (1-Pentynyl)(2-tributylstannylvinyl)cuprate

[–] C19H36CuLiSn (MW 453.75) InChI = 1S/C5H7.3C4H9.C2H2.Cu.Li.Sn/c1-3-5-4-2;3*1-3-4-2;1-2;;;/h3,5H2,1H3;3*1,3-4H2,2H3;1-2H;;; InChIKey = BBWHPDDHEIFKIF-UHFFFAOYSA-N (mixed organocuprate; introduces angular acetylene equivalent to enones via vinylstannanes) Preparative Method: prepared in situ by first monolithiating trans-1,2-Bis(tributylstannyl)ethylene with n-Butyllithium in THF at −78 °C, then transferring the anionic solution via cannula to a mixture of 1-Pentynylcopper(I) and Hexamethylphosphorous Triamide at −40 °C.1 Handling, Storage, and Precautions: air- and moisture-sensitive. Use in a fume hood.
Learning, action and consciousness: a hybrid approach toward modelling consciousness

This paper is an attempt at understanding the issue of consciousness through investigating its functional role, especially in learning, and through devising hybrid neural network models that (in a qualitative manner) approximate characteristics of human consciousness. In doing so, the paper examines explicit and implicit learning in a variety of psychological experiments and delineates the conscious/unconscious distinction in terms of the two types of learning and their respective products. The distinctions are captured in a two-level action-based model CLARION. Some fundamental theoretical issues are also clarified with the help of the model. Comparisons with existing models of consciousness are made to accentuate the present approach.
A Family of Anti-σ70 Proteins in T4-type Phages and Bacteria that are Similar to AsiA, a Transcription Inhibitor and Co-activator of Bacteriophage T4

Anti-σ70 factors interact with σ70 proteins, the specificity subunits of prokaryotic RNA polymerase. The bacteriophage T4 anti-σ70 protein, AsiA, binds tightly to regions 4.1 and 4.2 of the σ70 subunit of Escherichia coli RNA polymerase and inhibits transcription from σ70 promoters that require recognition of the canonical σ70 −35 DNA sequence. In the presence of the T4 transcription activator MotA, AsiA also functions as a co-activator of transcription from T4 middle promoters, which retain the canonical σ70 −10 consensus sequence but have a MotA box sequence centered at −30 rather than the σ70 −35 sequence. The E. coli anti-σ70 protein Rsd also interacts with region 4.2 of σ70 and inhibits transcription from σ70 promoters. Our sequence comparisons of T4 AsiA with Rsd, with the predicted AsiA orthologs of the T4-type phages RB69, 44RR, KVP40, and Aeh1, and with AlgQ, a regulator of alginate production in Pseudomonas aeruginosa indicate that these proteins share conserved amino acid residues at positions known to be important for the binding of T4 AsiA to σ70 region 4. We show that, like T4 AsiA, Rsd binds to σ70 in a native protein gel and, as with T4 AsiA, a L18S substitution in Rsd disrupts this complex. Previous work has assigned σ70 amino acid F563, within region 4.1, as a critical determinant for AsiA binding. This residue is also involved in the binding of σ70 to the β-flap of core, suggesting that AsiA inhibits transcription by disrupting the interaction between σ70 region 4.1 and the β-flap. We find that as with T4 AsiA, the interaction of KVP40 AsiA, Rsd, or AlgQ with σ70 region 4 is diminished by the substitution F563Y. We also demonstrate that like T4 AsiA and Rsd, KVP40 AsiA inhibits transcription from σ70-dependent promoters. We speculate that the phage AsiA orthologs, Rsd, and AlgQ are members of a related family in T4-type phage and bacteria, which interact similarly with primary σ factors. In addition, we show that even though a clear MotA ortholog has not been identified in the KVP40 genome and the phage genome appears to lack typical middle promoter sequences, KVP40 AsiA activates transcription from T4 middle promoters in the presence of T4 MotA. We speculate that KVP40 encodes a protein that is dissimilar in sequence, but functionally equivalent, to T4 MotA.
The relation of sulphonated compounds to the textile industry

From the foregoing, it is right easily seen that the sulphonated compounds have a close relation to the textile industry, especially that section which deals with scouring, dyeing, mercerizing, printing and finishing of yarns and fabrics.
An improved instrument for implanting micropellets in the brain

Abstract An instrument is described for preparing and implanting minute pellets in the brain. It makes possible accurate intracerebral implantation of chemicals without attaching cannulas to the skull.
Potential Scenarios of Concern for High Speed Rail Operations

Currently, multiple operating authorities are proposing the introduction of high-speed rail service in the United States. While high-speed rail service shares a number of basic principles with conventional-speed rail service, the operational requirements on a high-speed rail system are typically more demanding than those for conventional-speed operations. The operating environment will require specialized maintenance and inspection procedures, enhanced protection or grade-separation of highway-rail crossings, effective separation of other rail traffic, and detection of potential hazards along the track to help ensure the safety of the system. With the required implementation of positive train control (PTC) by passenger-carrying rail operators, the frequency and/or severity of several types of railroad accidents can be decreased. While all of these measures will contribute to the overall system safety, incidents that pose a threat to passenger and crew safety may still occur that cannot be prevented through the design of the operating environment alone. It is important to consider these types of incidents when selecting the rail vehicles for use in a particular operation, and include appropriate crashworthiness and occupant protection measures. This paper presents a series of example scenarios of some of the potential hazards that may affect the safe operation of high-speed passenger trains in the United States. These situations are drawn from actual accidents that have occurred in the U.S. and abroad. The scenarios provide a starting point for discussing system safety features, which includes vehicle crashworthiness and occupant protection features. As an operating environment may be designed to limit the likelihood of certain types of incidents from occurring, three different hypothetical high-speed operating environments are discussed in this paper. While the number of potential scenarios varies with each operating environment, in all environments it is important to consider the need for a train’s crashworthiness features to mitigate the consequences of potential incidents.
Serum lipid responses to ethyl-p-chlorophenoxyisobutyrate with different dietary fats

Abstract The effect of CPIB on cholesterol and triglyceride concentration in serum was studied in rats given diets with three different fats at the level of 20 per cent. Half of the diets with the three fats, corn oil, beef tallow, and medium chain triglyceride (MCT) were supplemented with exogenous cholesterol (2 per cent) and 1:1 mixture of cholic acid-sodium cholate (1 per cent). Rats receiving food without CPIB served as control animals. CPIB failed to show serum cholesterol lowering effect on all the three dietary fats. On the contrary a marked elevation in serum cholesterol was noted in rats given diets with tallow and MCT. Lack of serum cholesterol lowering effect was further observed in the face of drastic cholesterol-cholic acid diet. Effect on serum triglyceride level was slight and ambiguous, a consistent decrease in triglycerides was noted on saturated fat diets while a notable increase was observed on corn oil diet. With exogenous cholesterol in the diet no serum triglyceride lowering effect of CPIB was observed on all the three dietary fats. The results of present work indicate that level and type of dietary fat and presence of cholesterol in the diet seem to be important factors in the serum lipid lowering effect of CPIB.
Nuclear data sheets for A=56

Nuclear structure data available through December 1976 are compiled, and adopted level properties are given. The bulk of the data is presented pictorially for easy comparison. Experimental details, references, and additional comments, where required, are given in the text. All drawings, tables, and comments are reproduced from the computerized Evaluated Nuclear Structure Data File (ENSDF). Any additions or corrections desired by the users should be addressed to the compilers for maintenance and updating of the computer file.
The social network of carbon monoxide in medicine

Networking between cells is critical for proper functioning of the cellular milieu and is mediated by cascades of highly regulated and overlapping signaling molecules. The enzyme heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) generates three separate signaling molecules through the catalysis of heme – carbon monoxide (CO), biliverdin, and iron – each of which acts via distinct molecular targets to influence cell function, both proximally and distally. This review focuses on state-of-the art developments and insights into the impact of HO-1 and CO on the innate immune response, the effects of which are responsible for an ensemble of functions that help regulate complex immunological responses to bacterial sepsis and ischemia/reperfusion injury. HO-1 exemplifies an evolutionarily conserved system necessary for the cellular milieu to adapt appropriately, function properly, and ensure survival of the organism.
The effects of dopamine on depressed myocardial function following coronary embolization in the closed-chest dog.

Severe myocardial depression was induced in 12 anesthetized closed-chest dogs by mercury embolization of the left coronary artery and the effects of dopamine infusion (5 μg per kilogram per minute) studied. Coronary embolization produced decreases in cardiac output (CO) of 52 per cent, stroke volume (SV) of 49 per cent, left ventricular peak dPdt (LVdPdt) of 29 per cent, stroke work (SW) of 60 per per cent, LV systolic pressure (LVSP) of 14 per cent, and an increase in systemic vascular resistance (SVR) of 77 per cent. LV end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) increased from 7 to 18 mm. Hg. After 20 minutes of dopamine, CO increased 30 per cent, SV 31 per cent, SW 46 per cent, LVdPdt 64 per cent, and LVSP 8 per cent; SVR decreased 18 per cent and LVEDP was 14 mm. Hg (all changes p < 0.05). Heart rate and mean aortic pressure did not change. After 60 minutes of dopamine, slight deterioration occurred but most parameters were still significantly improved. Thirty minutes after stopping dopamine, marked circulatory deterioration recurred. Persistent ventricular dysrhythmias occurred in 6 dogs, in 4 of whom dopamine dosage had to be decreased to 2.2 μg per kilogram per minute because of persistent ventricular tachycardia. It is concluded that dopamine will improve depressed myocardial function following acute coronary arterial embolization, at least temporarily, but that the incidence of serious ventricular dysrhythmias may well limit its use.
Human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells attenuate liver ischemia-reperfusion injury and promote liver regeneration.

Background Ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) of the liver is a well-known cause of morbidity and mortality after liver transplantation. Effective treatment strategies aimed at decreasing hepatic IRI injury and accelerating liver regeneration could offer major benefits in liver transplantation, especially in the case of partial allografts. Human adipose–derived mesenchymal stem cells (HADMSCs) are an attractive source for regenerative medicine because of their anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties. We hypothesized that HADMSCs attenuate IRI and promote liver regeneration. Methods Mice were subjected to 60 minutes of partial IRI with or without 70% partial hepatectomy. Animals were treated with HADMSCs. Liver IRI was evaluated with serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, serum interleukin-6, and histopathology. Liver samples were stained for specific markers of liver regeneration. Results Histology, serum interleukin-6, and alanine aminotransferase release revealed that treatment with HADMSCs attenuated liver injury compared with control patients. Improved animal survival and increased number of regenerating cells were observed in HADMSC-treated animals who underwent IRI and partial hepatectomy compared with the control group. Conclusion HADMSC represents a potential therapeutic strategy to decrease IRI and promote regeneration in liver transplantation.
A psycholinguistically and neurolinguistically plausible system-level model of natural-language syntax processing

We describe a psycholinguistically and neurolinguistically plausible model of natural-language processing by the human brain. This model is based on the work of Gerard Kempen and coworkers at Leiden and Nijmegen who have developed computational models of language generation and of language recognition. We show how to use our own brain modeling approach to develop a neurolinguistically plausible model based on the Kempen psycholinguistic model. Our model is implemented as a set of inter-communicating brain modules that run in parallel. These brain modules have the same structure and control regime as other nonlinguistic brain modules. They approximately correspond to Broca's and temporal lobe areas.
A rule-based system for automatically evaluating student concept maps

Concept maps have been heralded as an effective learning tool to help students integrate new concepts into their existing set of knowledge. They are also useful for evaluating student learning and helping to illuminate where learning has occurred and where invalid or incomplete ideas are held by the student. We have developed a web-based concept map construction and rule-based evaluation system called the Concept Mapping Tool (CMT) that is being deployed at the university level. After students use the drawing facility of CMT to construct individual concept maps for a particular topic that was presented in a course, they can then use the rule-based evaluation system to grade their concept maps against a criterion concept map created by the course instructor. Students are given immediate feedback on how to improve their concept maps, and they can use CMT iteratively to improve their understanding of the topic at hand. The rule-based evaluation or grading system is modeled in part on a manual system for the consistent scoring of concept maps. Our tests of the system show that there is a strong positive correlation (>0.80) between the scores on students' concept maps given by the course instructor grading manually and by the CMT rule-based evaluation system.
Pathological Changes in Peripheral Nerves in Experimental Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

The peripheral nerve pathology is described in experimental fetal alcohol syndrome. The marked retraction and shrinkage of axons with vacuolar spaces in the periaxonal area are the striking features. The direct toxicity of ethanol or its metabolites on the nerve fibers is considered to be the cause for pathological changes. Additional biochemical factors, pyridoxal phosphate dependent enzyme-depletion in the genesis of nerve damage, is proposed.
A vibrational spectral study of hydrated tantalum phosphate (TaPO5) phases

Abstract Infrared and Raman spectra were measured for various hydrated tantalum phosphate (TaPO 5 ) materialsafter dehydration at various temperatures, and the spectral differences were interpreted on the basis of structure. The structural nature of water along with protonated phosphate and TaO 6 groups in the amorphous hydrated materials was discussed.
7c Treatment of Hodgkin's disease: the role of radio-and/or chemotherapy in advanced stages

Summary In recent years, anthracycline-containing single, alternating or ‘hybrid’ combination chemotherapy regimens have achieved superior results in the treatment of patients with advanced Hodgkin's disease to those with single regimens of the MOPP type. A number of studies also suggest the superiority of combined modality regimens with chemotherapy and radiation therapy to chemotherapy alone among this group of patients. These studies and recent analyses of prognostic factors among patients treated with these current treatment approaches have been the subjects of this brief review.
Species‐specific in vitro pharmacological effects of the cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) selective ligand AM1241 and its resolved enantiomers

Background and purpose: Racemic (R,S) AM1241 is a cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2)-selective aminoalkylindole with antinociceptive efficacy in animal pain models. The purpose of our studies was to provide a characterization of R,S-AM1241 and its resolved enantiomers in vitro and in vivo. Experimental approach: Competition binding assays were performed using membranes from cell lines expressing recombinant human, rat, and mouse CB2 receptors. Inhibition of cAMP was assayed using intact CB2-expressing cells. A mouse model of visceral pain (para-phenylquinone, PPQ) and a rat model of acute inflammatory pain (carrageenan) were employed to characterize the compounds in vivo. Key results: In cAMP inhibition assays, R,S-AM1241 was found to be an agonist at human CB2, but an inverse agonist at rat and mouse CB2 receptors. R-AM1241 bound with more than 40-fold higher affinity than S-AM1241, to all three CB2 receptors and displayed a functional profile similar to that of the racemate. In contrast, S-AM1241 was an agonist at all three CB2 receptors. In pain models, S-AM1241 was more efficacious than either R-AM1241 or the racemate. Antagonist blockade demonstrated that the in vivo effects of S-AM1241 were mediated by CB2 receptors. Conclusions and implications: These findings constitute the first in vitro functional assessment of R,S-AM1241 at rodent CB2 receptors and the first characterization of the AM1241 enantiomers in recombinant cell systems and in vivo. The greater antinociceptive efficacy of S-AM1241, the functional CB2 agonist enantiomer of AM1241, is consistent with previous observations that CB2 agonists are effective in relief of pain. British Journal of Pharmacology (2007) 151, 1061–1070; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707303
Patterning the flower.

The angiosperms, or flowering plants, are the most abundant plant group on the earth today. They have evolved sophisticated reproductive structures, the flowers, which have long attracted interest from gardeners, poets, and artists from around the world. Scholars, too, have focused on studying flowers, and floral morphology is one of the most common characters used in the classification of the angiosperms. This is largely because differences in floral forms are so dramatic, and yet flowers from a particular species are remarkably consistent in their development and final morphology. Flowers arise from florally determined shoot apical meristems. Meristems are small populations of stem cells, which divide in a stereotypical fashion to produce both daughter cells which go on to form organs, as well as daughters to replenish the meristematic population. During vegetative development, cells on the flanks of the shoot apical meristem proliferate to form the vegetative structures, the leaves with their associated axillary buds. Once a plant has been induced to flower, some or all of the meristems can become committed to forming a flower. The floral organs arise sequentially on the flanks of the floral meristem: first the sepals, followed by the petals, stamens, and finally carpels (Fig. 1). The sepals protect and enclose the bud, while the petals in many species serve to attract pollinators. The sepals and petals surround the stamens, which produce the pollen, and the carpels, which contain the ovules. This review will focus on two related issues: p
The impact of the Suwannee River Sill on the surface hydrology of Okefenokee Swamp, USA

Abstract Okefenokee Swamp, located in southeastern Georgia and northeastern Florida, is one of the largest freshwater wetland complexes and a National Wildlife Refuge in the United States. A low earthen dam, the Suwannee River Sill, was built on the largest outlet stream of Okefenokee Swamp in the early 1960s. The purpose was to raise the water level and thus reduce fire frequency in this National Wildlife Refuge. In this study, hydrologic conditions in the swamp prior to (1937–1962) and after (1963–1986) sill construction were compared by statistical procedures. An average 9 cm increase in swamp water level at the Suwannee Canal Recreation Area was attributed to the sill. Increased precipitation and decreased evapotranspiration during the study period caused another 5 cm increase in water levels. Seasonal changes in climatic factors were also responsible for seasonal changes in water levels and streamflow in the pre- and post-sill periods. Although the effect of the sill on water level was more significant during dry periods, it is doubtful that the Suwannee River Sill actually prevented occurrence of severe fibres in the post-sill period, which was wetter than the period before sill construction. The sill diverted 2.6% of swamp outflow from the Suwannee River to the St. Mary's River. Diversion of flow was more marked during low flow periods. Therefore, the discharge of the St. Mary's River in the post-sill increased more than the discharge of the Suwannee River and its variability became lower that of the Suwannee River. The relationships between swamp water level, streamflow and precipitation were also changed due to construction of the sill.
Calcium Antagonists and Renal Protection: Current Status and Future Perspectives

Since the introduction of calcium antagonists three decades ago, attention has focused on their beneficial effects on the management of symptomatic coronary artery disease, and on their ability to lower blood pressure. Although the renal vasodilatory properties of calcium antagonists were described as early as 1962 [1], this seminal finding was virtually ignored. Only during the past decade, has there been a rediscovery of this important effect and an increasing awareness that this class of drugs has beneficial effects on kidney function [2-6]. The demonstration that calcium antagonists can reverse renal vasoconstriction has eventuated in their recent utilization to augment renal perfusion in clinical settings in which renal hemodynamics are compromised. In addition, increasing evidence provides a theoretical framework for considering that calcium antagonists acting through mechanisms independently of their ability to alter renal microcirculatory dynamics, may retard progression of renal disease. The purpose of this review is to briefly consider the salutary effects of calcium antagonists both in settings of acute renal insufficiency, and independently their ability to retard progression of renal disease in patients with essential hypertension.
Computational results on an algorithm for finding all vertices of a polytope

This paper provides answers to several questions raised by V. Klee regarding the efficacy of Mattheiss' algorithm for finding all vertices of convex polytopes. Several results relating to the expected properties of polytopes are given which indicate thatn-polytopes defined by “large” numbers of constraints are difficult to obtain by random processes, the expected value of the number of vertices of polytope is considerably less than Klee's least upper bound the expected performance of Mattheiss' algorithm is far better than Klee's upper bound would suggest.
The Relation of Twin Infanticide to Status of Women, Societal Aggression, and Material Well-Being

Abstract Three theories for the existence of twin infanticide in nonliterate societies were tested. Strong support was found for the theory that twin infanticide results from male dominance and a relatively inferior status for women. Mild support was found for a theory that twin infanticide results from difficult conditions for mothers in raising twins. No support was found for the theory that twin infanticide is a reflection of general aggressiveness in the societies.