cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Informing efforts to prevent family maltreatment among airmen: A focus on personal resilience

ABSTRACTFamily maltreatment is a serious public health concern within civilian and military populations. The U.S. Air Force Family Advocacy Program (FAP) delivers services to active-duty Air Force ...
Contemporary Incidence, Predictors, and Outcomes of Acute Kidney Injury in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Interventions : Insights From the NCDR Cath-PCI Registry

Objectives This study sought to examine the contemporary incidence, predictors and outcomes of acute kidney injury in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions. Background Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a serious and potentially preventable complication of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) that is associated with adverse outcomes. The contemporary incidence, predictors, and outcomes of AKI are not well defined, and clarifying these can help identify high-risk patients for proactive prevention. Methods A total of 985,737 consecutive patients underwent PCIs at 1,253 sites participating in the National Cardiovascular Data Registry Cath-PCI registry from June 2009 through June 2011. AKI was defined on the basis of changes in serum creatinine level in the hospital according to the Acute Kidney Injury Network (AKIN) criteria. Using multivariable regression analyses with generalized estimating equations, we identified patient characteristics associated with AKI. Results Overall, 69,658 (7.1%) patients experienced AKI, with 3,005 (0.3%) requiring new dialysis. On multivariable analyses, the factors most strongly associated with development of AKI included ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) presentation (odds ratio [OR]: 2.60; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.53 to 2.67), severe chronic kidney disease (OR: 3.59; 95% CI: 3.47 to 3.71), and cardiogenic shock (OR: 2.92; 95% CI: 2.80 to 3.04). The in-hospital mortality rate was 9.7% for patients with AKI and 34% for those requiring dialysis compared with 0.5% for patients without AKI (p Conclusions Approximately 7% of patients undergoing a PCI experience AKI, which is strongly associated with in-hospital mortality. Defining strategies to minimize the risk of AKI in patients undergoing PCI are needed to improve the safety and outcomes of the procedure.
Electrophysiological Recording and Analysis of Insect Chemosensory Responses

The elegant behavioral experiments of Dethier (1955) on the chemosensory control of feeding in the blow fly set the stage for the first recordings of individual cell responses by Hodgson et al. (1955). The animals clearly accepted some substances and rejected others, leading Dethier to infer that one chemosensory cell coded for acceptance and another for rejection. When electrophysiological techniques became available, the resulting data indicated that more than one sensory cell mediates each of these behaviors. Further electrophysiological experimentation led to the elucidation of how salt-, sugar-, and water-sensitive cells can interact to regulate feeding behavior (Dethier, 1976). Since then many investigators have incorporated electrophysiology as an invaluable tool in conjunction with behavioral experiments for elucidating the chemosensory basis of behavior.
Propagation of Impulse-Like Waveforms Through the Ionosphere Modeled by Cold Plasma

In this chapter, we have studied the propagation of short, impulse-like pulses propagating through the ionosphere. The ionosphere is modeled by simple, cold plasma. The impulse response of such a plasma model is known to consist of two terms. The first term is the impulse itself and the second term contains a Bessel function of first order. This means that the impulse propagates as an impulse followed by a long, oscillatory tail. The numerical example studied here is that of the prototype impulse radiating antenna (IRA). Closed-form expressions are developed for the prototype IRA waveform propagation through the cold-plasma model of the ionosphere. The results are cross-checked with numerical evaluation via a convolution process that uses the known impulse response.
Unpersons: Can We Love Them into Existence?

Unperson: Noun, meaning a person regarded as nonexistentAs a lifetime lover of words, I enjoy receiving a free daily message from A.Word.A.Day in my email. If you are not familiar with this service...
The effects of tranexamic acid on blood loss and transfusion rate in colorectal surgery.

Abstract Background The present study aimed to evaluate safety of tranexamic acid (TA) administration and to assess bleeding risk in colorectal surgery (CRS). Methods Retrospective cohort study including consecutive patients undergoing elective CRS by a single surgeon between August 2014 and May 2015. All patients received 1 g of TA intravenously at induction and at closure. Demographics, operative and postoperative details were prospectively assessed and compared to a historical control cohort. Results 213 patients were evaluated. TA did not increase complications, readmissions, or reoperation rates. Significant postoperative hemoglobin (Hgb) drop (≥3 g/dL) (TA: n = 6, 7.4%, Control: n = 22, 16.6%; p = 0.193) and transfusion rates (intraoperative: TA: n = 2, 2.5%, Control: n = 2, 1.5%; p = 0.586, postoperative: TA: n = 1, 1.2%, Control: 9, 6.8%; p = 0.065) were not statistically different. Conclusions Postoperative hemoglobin drop and transfusion rates were not decreased statistically. Further study is warranted given the large clinical differences in favor of TA.
Opioid binding sites in the midgut of the insect Leucophaea maderae (Blattaria).

Abstract The demonstration in the midgut of the insect Leucophaea of specific high affinity binding sites for a synthetic opioid represents the first report on neuropeptide binding in the digestive system of an invertebrate. Binding of the enkephalin analog DAMA (D-ALA 2 -Met 5 -enkephalinamide) is monophasic, saturable with respect to the concentration of the radioligand used, and stereospecific.
Dolly Parton, Gender, and Country Music

Dolly Parton, Gender, and Country Music is the first scholarly monograph to address Dolly Parton as a musician and media figure. Author Leigh H. Edwards has written about Parton previously, most no...
Review and Comparison of Computational Approaches for Joint Longitudinal and Time‐to‐Event Models

Joint models for longitudinal and time-to-event data are useful in situations where an association exists between a longitudinal marker and an event time. These models are typically complicated due to the presence of shared random effects and multiple submodels. As a consequence, software implementation is warranted that is not prohibitively time consuming. While methodological research in this area continues, several statistical software procedures exist to assist in the fitting of some joint models. We review the available implementation for frequentist and Bayesian models in the statistical programming languages R, SAS, and Stata. A description of each procedure is given including estimation techniques, input and data requirements, available options for customization, and some available extensions, such as competing risks models. The software implementations are compared and contrasted through extensive simulation, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. Data from an ongoing trial on adrenal cancer patients is used to study different nuances of software fitting on a practical example.
Abstract 166: Female Gender Disparity Observed in STEMI System Time Performance Metrics

Background: We suspect female disparities exist in STEMI system time performance metrics. Reducing time sensitive steps in STEMI care reduces time to reperfusion and improves outcomes. A recent AHA statement on acute myocardial infarction in women reports a need for more data on gender differences in STEMI care. In response, we sought to add to the body of knowledge on this subject by examining and sharing gender specific time performance data from 2 large rural STEMI systems of care. Methods: Data was combined, and retrospectively analyzed for female gender disparities by examining STEMI activation cases from 2 large rural mid-west STEMI systems of care. The Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PPCI) capable hospitals are located in Duluth, Minnesota, and Fargo, North Dakota. We evaluated 636 consecutive cases from May 2013 through March 2016, and organized them into 3 different settings: PPCI capable hospital emergency departments, non-PCI capable facilities that transfer for PPCI, and EMS field activations transported to a PPCI capable hospital. Findings: Upon evaluation of all cases, 73% were male, and 27% were female. We found 12 STEMI performance metrics showing longer times for females compared to males, and 5 were statistically significant. These times include: door to ECG time in a PCI capable hospital (7 vs 5 min, p=0.027), patient time spent in the ED of a PPCI capable hospital (46 vs. 43 min, p=0.022), door to ECG in a Non-PCI capable hospital (7 vs 6 min, p=0.030), Non-PCI hospital call until EMS arrival to transport the patient (25 vs 16 min, p=0.037), and symptom onset to 911 call when EMS activates STEMI Alert from the field (45 vs 30 min, p=0.013). Conclusion: We report data on 12 common STEMI System time performance metrics, which appear to take longer with females, of which 5 were statistically significant. The reasons for these differences are unknown. Further research and education of gender disparities in STEMI system time performance metrics appears warranted.
Four Principles for a Base Money Regime

What does an ideal base money look like? I maintain that it is (1) stable, (2) demand-elastic, (3) global, and (4) incentive-compatible. I conclude that, since most real world monies fall short of the ideal on one margin or another, one must consider the trade offs when ranking the available alternatives.
The optimal dose of succinylcholine for rapid sequence induction: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials

The evidence base for the widely accepted standard regimen of succinylcholine for rapid sequence induction (1.0 mg kg− 1) remains unclear. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials comparing any succinylcholine regimen with the standard regimen (1.0 mg kg− 1) and reporting on intubating conditions and/or apnoea times. Results were expressed as absolute risk differences (ARD) for dichotomous data and mean differences (MD) for continuous data. We retrieved six trials with relevant data of 864 patients (ASA 1 or 2, aged 18–65 years, body mass index < 30 kg m− 2). Four regimens (0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6 mg kg− 1) were compared with 1.0 mg kg− 1 in at least three trials each, and three (0.8, 1.5, 2 mg kg− 1) in one each. With 0.3 to 0.5 mg kg− 1, the likelihood of excellent intubating conditions was significantly decreased (ARD − 22% to − 67%). With 0.3 and 0.4 mg kg− 1, but not with 0.5, 0.6, 0.8, 1.5 and 2.0 mg kg− 1, the likelihood of unacceptable intubating conditions was significantly increased (ARD + 22% and + 32%, respectively). With 2.0 mg kg− 1, but not with 0.8 or 1.5 mg kg− 1, the likelihood of excellent intubating conditions was significantly increased (ARD + 23%). Apnoea times were significantly shorter with regimens ≤0.8 mg kg− 1 (MD − 1.0 to − 3.4 min) but were not reported with 1.5 or 2.0 mg kg− 1. With succinylcholine regimens ≤0.5 mg kg− 1, excellent intubating conditions are less likely and apnoea times are shorter, compared with 1 mg kg− 1. With 0.3 and 0.4 mg kg− 1, unacceptable intubating conditions are more common. Succinylcholine 1.5 mg kg− 1 does not produce more often excellent conditions compared with 1 mg kg− 1, while 2.0 mg kg− 1 does, but the database with these regimens is weak and apnoea times remain unknown. Limited information size and strong statistical heterogeneity decrease the certainty of the evidence.
Multifunctional Tunable Polymethacrylates for Enhanced Shear Stability and Wear Prevention

This paper describes the design, synthesis, and characterization of linear, polar, and non-polar polymethacrylates designed for use as lubricant viscosity index improvers with enhanced shear and an...
Fatal Error: Artificial Creative Intelligence (ACI)

Computer-generated algorithmic art has undergone significant developments since its emergence in the 1960s. With further integration of art and technology in the 21st century, artists continue to respond, take risks and challenge the ways computers can be thought of as a creative medium. This project specifically addresses speculative forms of artificial intelligence particularly the possibilities for creative collaboration between human and machine-generated embodiments of poetic expression. The Artificial Creative Intelligence (ACI) is a fictional AI Poet whose spoken word poetry signals the horizon of a new type of authorship that questions the philosophical implications of artificial intelligence for creative practitioners.
Management of primary skin cancer during a pandemic: Multidisciplinary recommendations.

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, providers and patients must engage in shared decision making regarding the pros and cons of early versus delayed interventions for localized skin cancer. Patients at highest risk of COVID-19 complications are older; are immunosuppressed; and have diabetes, cancer, or cardiopulmonary disease, with multiple comorbidities associated with worse outcomes. Physicians must weigh the patient's risk of COVID-19 complications in the event of exposure against the risk of worse oncologic outcomes from delaying cancer therapy. Herein, the authors have summarized current data regarding the risk of COVID-19 complications and mortality based on age and comorbidities and have reviewed the literature assessing how treatment delays affect oncologic outcomes. They also have provided multidisciplinary recommendations regarding the timing of local therapy for early-stage skin cancers during this pandemic with input from experts at 11 different institutions. For patients with Merkel cell carcinoma, the authors recommend prioritizing treatment, but a short delay can be considered for patients with favorable T1 disease who are at higher risk of COVID-19 complications. For patients with melanoma, the authors recommend delaying the treatment of patients with T0 to T1 disease for 3 months if there is no macroscopic residual disease at the time of biopsy. Treatment of tumors ≥T2 can be delayed for 3 months if the biopsy margins are negative. For patients with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, those with Brigham and Women's Hospital T1 to T2a disease can have their treatment delayed for 2 to 3 months unless there is rapid growth, symptomatic lesions, or the patient is immunocompromised. The treatment of tumors ≥T2b should be prioritized, but a 1-month to 2-month delay is unlikely to worsen disease-specific mortality. For patients with squamous cell carcinoma in situ and basal cell carcinoma, treatment can be deferred for 3 months unless the individual is highly symptomatic.
Preeclampsia and Kidney Disease: Deciphering Cause and Effect

Preeclampsia and chronic kidney disease have a complex, bidirectional relationship. Women with kidney disease, with even mild reductions in glomerular filtrate rate, have an increased risk of developing preeclampsia. Preeclampsia, in turn, has been implicated in the subsequent development of albuminuria, chronic kidney disease, and end-stage kidney disease. We will discuss observational evidence and mechanisms linking the two disease processes. Preeclampsia is characterized by an imbalance in angiogenic factors that causes systemic endothelial dysfunction. Chronic kidney disease may predispose to the development of preeclampsia due to comorbid conditions, such as hypertension, but is also associated with impaired glycocalyx integrity and alterations in the complement and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone systems. Preeclampsia may lead to kidney disease by causing acute kidney injury, endothelial damage, and podocyte loss. Preeclampsia may be an important sex-specific risk factor for chronic kidney disease. Understanding how chronic kidney disease increases the risk of preeclampsia from a mechanistic standpoint may open the door to future biomarkers and therapeutics for all women.
Ongoing Professional Practice Evaluation for Emergency Medicine Physicians in a Large Health Care System

Objective Ongoing professional practice evaluation (OPPE) is designed to identify professional practice trends that affect quality and safety of practicing physicians. Focused professional practice evaluation (FPPE) is employed when physician nonconformance is identified. The goal of this novel OPPE initiative was threefold: (1) meet The Joint Commission's accreditation standards, (2) assess documentation for compliance and risk, and (3) maintain procedural competency to provide optimal patient care. Methods A quality assurance project with OPPE program development was initiated in 18 emergency departments across a large health care system. First, a monthly comprehensive peer review meeting assessed cases across the system for medicolegal risk. Physicians with reasonable practice concerns were identified and referred to FPPE. Second, a standardized OPPE chart review was performed biannually by a quality assurance committee assessing all physician charts for clinical care, medicolegal risk, and quality. Last, completion of a procedure lab every three years was required to maintain competency. Outcomes For systemwide peer review in 2019, 47 cases were referred and 12.8% had quality concerns. For standardized OPPE chart review, 221 physicians were reviewed on 1,219 charts on the following metrics: insufficient medical decision making, diagnoses not medical/legally supported, and charts with red flags. Nine physicians (4.1%) and 17 charts (1.4%) were deficient in all three measures, and 8 physicians (3.6%) had deficiencies in ≥ 50% of their charts. For procedure lab competency, 19.0% of physicians completed the lab in 2019 with no quality concerns. Conclusion A structured OPPE algorithm can aid large health care systems in identifying deviations from practice standards for which additional FPPE can be beneficial.
Threaten me softly: A review of potential dating app risks

Abstract The potential abuse of dating applications (apps), including during the current lockdowns due to COVID-19, has resulted in a growing community of research to learn to what extent the impacts of these apps have on the individual's psychological and physiological being, as well as the presumed security of their sensitive information. In this paper, we seek to review the existing literature that encompasses the issues surrounding dating apps. Specifically, we focus on crimes that can occur from the use of dating apps, potential mitigation strategies, the physiological and psychological effects on not only the general population, but also minority groups, and lastly, an assessment on the associated cybersecurity risks and potential digital artifacts of interest in criminal investigations. Although research on dating apps will continue to struggle with the ever-changing technological landscape, it is important to examine best practices and mitigation strategies that dating app developers can utilize to create safer platforms. Finally, we conclude this paper with a number of potential research opportunities.
Analysis of Active and Passive Tobacco Exposures and Blood Pressure in US Children and Adolescents

Importance Hypertension is a leading cause of cardiovascular disease in adults; preclinical associations between hypertension and cardiovascular disease are seen in childhood. Nicotine is a known toxin, but its association with pediatric hypertension is unclear. Objective To test the hypothesis that tobacco exposure is associated with the presence of elevated blood pressure in US children and adolescents and that this association is dose dependent. Design, Setting, and Participants This cross-sectional study used data from the 2007 to 2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a population-based nationally representative sample of US children and adolescents. Children were eligible if they were aged 8 to 19 years at the time of participation in the main NHANES study. Exclusion criteria included those of the main NHANES study, inability to complete testing, or missing questionnaires. Of the 10 143 participants in NHANES aged 8 to 19 during the study years, 8520 were included in the analysis. Analysis was conducted from October 12, 2019, to July 9, 2020. Exposures Tobacco exposure, defined as serum cotinine levels greater than 0.05 µg/L, or reporting living with a smoker or smoking themselves. Main Outcomes and Measures Elevated blood pressure, classified as greater than 90% for a child’s age, sex, and height according to the 2017 American Academy of Pediatrics Clinical Practice Guidelines. The a priori hypothesis that there is a positive association between tobacco exposure and elevated blood pressure in the study population was tested. Analysis included logistic regression with adjustment for possible confounders. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were conducted. Results A total of 8520 children were included in the analysis, representing 41 million US children. The mean (SD) age of the participants was 13.1 (0.05) years, 51% (95% CI, 49%-52%) were male, and 58% (95% CI, 54%-62%) were non-Hispanic White individuals. Participants with any tobacco smoke exposure were more likely than those without exposure to be older (mean [SD] age, 13.3 [0.07] years vs 12.8 [0.06] years), male (53% [95% CI, 51%-55%] vs 49% [95% CI, 47%-50%]), and non-Hispanic Black individuals (19% [95% CI, 16%-22%] vs 10% [95% CI, 8%-12%]). The odds of having elevated blood pressure was 1.31 (95% CI, 1.06-1.61) for any tobacco exposure after adjustment; odds were similar across subgroups and remained significant in multiple sensitivity analyses. Conclusions and Relevance This study suggests that tobacco exposure is associated with elevated blood pressure in US children and adolescents. This modifiable risk factor represents a target for further research into reducing hypertension in children and adolescents.
MEKiAUTO: A phase I/II open-label study of combination therapy with the MEK inhibitor cobimetinib, Immune-checkpoint blockade with atezolizumab, and the AUTOphagy inhibitor hydroxychloroquine in KRAS-mutated advanced malignancies.

TPS450Background: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and colorectal carcinoma (CRC) are aggressive diseases which account for the third and second leading causes of cancer-related death, respe...
Role of Dietary Nutrition, Vitamins, Nutrients, and Supplements in Cardiovascular Health

Supplement use remains common in USA, primarily due to public interest in improving health and well-being. Vitamins, minerals, and macronutrient supplement formulations remain some of the most commonly used; however, few have been systematically studied regarding their role in promoting cardiovascular health. Fairly consistently, diets rich in many of these compounds have been found in epidemiologic studies to confer benefit; however, existing interventional or cohort studies generally have failed to find pervasive evidence of benefit with some exception. Notably, the heterogeneity of different compounds is paralleled by the heterogeneity of studies, with differing formulations, dosing, populations studied, and outcomes limiting interpretation and generalizability. Still, both consumer and research interest remain strong in evaluating the impact these supplements have on improving cardiovascular health. This chapter will outline existing literature for some of the most commonly used supplements, including major limitations—and promise—for the use of these supplements in populations with average and elevated risk for cardiovascular disease and outcomes.
Just Keep it Real

When I was working as a graduate assistant in my university’s teacher certification program, a colleague told the students a story from the previous year that has stayed with me. At least at the time, all the teacher-education candidates taught summer school classes as part of their initial semester, mostly to students who had not managed to pass the same class during the school year.
Evaluation of the MicroScan rapid neg ID3 panel for identification of Enterobacteriaceae and some common gram-negative nonfermenters.

Automated identification and susceptibility testing methods have become the mainstay of clinical microbiology laboratories and have provided laboratory staff with an efficient means of organism classification, thereby giving physicians the availability of rapid and generally accurate results that is necessary to guide therapy. Errors do occur, however, and as competing resources put more demands on shrinking laboratory staffs, expertise in recognizing errors and evaluating questionable results from these instruments is diminishing. This places a greater demand on the manufacturer to provide an instrument and a database that are as free from error as possible. However, the laboratory is no less accountable for undetected errors that may or may not result in an adverse outcome for patients. As new versions of databases become available, it is critical that appropriate evaluations be conducted in order to provide laboratory staff with unbiased data from which to make purchasing decisions. The update that resulted in the MicroScan Rapid Neg ID3 (RNID3) panel was designed to improve accuracy in the identification of common human clinical taxa by modifying the biochemical tests in the panel by replacing 10 tests on the RNID2 panel with new substrates. The new panel also eliminated the need for a mineral oil overlay on the decarboxylase tests and increased the shelf life from 6 months to 1 year when stored at 2 to 8°C. In this study, the MicroScan RNID3 panel was evaluated using members of the Enterobacteriaceae and some common gram-negative nonfermenters. (Part of this research was presented at the 99th General Meeting of the American Society for Microbiology, Chicago, Ill., 30 May to 3 June 1999.)
Splitting sets in integral domains

Let D be an integral domain. A saturated multiplicatively closed subset S of D is a splitting set if each nonzero d E D may be written as d = sa where s E S and s'D n aD = s'aD for all s' E S. We show that if S is a splitting set in D, then SU(DN) is a splitting set in DN, N a multiplicatively closed subset of D, and that S C D is a splitting set in D[X] 4==> S is an lcm splitting set of D, i.e., S is a splitting set of D with the further property that sD n dD is principal for all s E S and d E D. Several new characterizations and applications of splitting sets are given.
Extension of metal oxide laser ionization mass spectrometry to analytes with varied chemical functionalities.

RATIONALE Applications of metal oxide laser ionization mass spectrometry (MOLI MS) have been limited to compounds that provide protons for ionization upon adsorption to a metal oxide surface. The addition of a small molecule, which can act as a proton source and extend MOLI MS applications to a wider variety of analytes, was investigated. METHODS Mass spectrometric measurements were made with a PerSeptive Biosystems Voyager DE-STR MALDI mass spectrometer, using NiO-based MOLI to generate ions. NiO was pretreated in this study with a number of small molecules to act as proton sources during ionization. Peptides, monosaccharides, and a crude oil sample were analyzed with pretreated and untreated NiO. RESULTS Candidate small molecule proton donors were evaluated based on their effect on signal-to-noise ratio and peak intensity for tristearin. The best performing proton source was used for subsequent analyses. The analysis of monosaccharides, peptides and compounds in heavy crude oil was enhanced by the use of proton source treated NiO for MOLI MS. Proton/cation exchange following ionization was observed. CONCLUSIONS Addition of a proton source to NiO enhanced the MOLI MS response for peptides, carbohydrates, and compounds in a crude oil sample. Efficient ionization of these samples effectively extended applications of MOLI MS beyond lipid analytes containing esters. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enabling Enterprise in Ascending Markets: Profile #3 Advancing Development by Supporting Successful Entrepreneurs

Whether in rich countries or poor, economic growth is sustainable only when it is based on the growth of productive business. Rapidly expanding firms offer jobs, provide needed services, and introduce innovations that are the source of economic vibrancy locally, nationally, and globally.Persistently poor places do not lack for entrepreneurs, but they do lack high-growth companies. In low-income countries, the contributions to economic output and employment made by formally registered small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are less than one-third those made by their counterparts in high-income countries. This disparity is evidence of impediments that exist in poor places to the development of high growth enterprises.A variety of NGOs, foundations, and corporations have developed successful models for providing business owners in persistently poor places the support they need to turn their proven ventures into rapidly growing drivers of development.
Global Conformational Transitions in Escherichia coli Primary Replicative Helicase DnaB Protein Induced by ATP, ADP, and Single-stranded DNA Binding MULTIPLE CONFORMATIONAL STATES OF THE HELICASE HEXAMER

The direct evidence of dramatic conformational changes of the DnaB hexamer, induced by nucleotide binding, and the presence of multiple conformational states of the enzyme have been obtained by using analytical sedimentation equilibrium, sedimentation velocity studies, and the rigorous fluorescence titration technique. Equilibrium sedimentation measurements show that in the presence of the ATP nonhydrolyzable analog, AMP-PNP, the DnaB helicase fully preserves its hexameric structure. However, in the presence of the saturating concentration of AMP-PNP, the sedimentation coefficient of the hexamer is s20,w = 11.9 +/- 0.2 compared to the sedimentation coefficient s20,w = 10.5 +/- 0.2 of the free DnaB helicase hexamer. This large sedimentation coefficient change indicates dramatic global conformational transitions of the hexamer, encompassing all six subunits, upon binding the ATP analog. In the presence of ADP, the sedimentation coefficient is s20,w = 11.4 +/- 0.2, indicating that the conformation of the ADP form of the hexamer is different from the ATP form. The sedimentation coefficient of the ternary complex DnaB-(AMP-PNP)-depsilonA(pepsilonA)19, s20,w = 12.4, suggests that the DnaB helicase undergoes further conformational changes upon binding single-stranded DNA (ssDNA). The large global structural changes correlate with the functional activities of the enzyme. In the absence of the ATP analog, the hexamer exists in a "closed" conformation which has extremely low affinity toward ssDNA. Upon binding the ATP analog, the DnaB hexamer transforms into a "tense" state which binds ssDNA with an affinity of approximately 4 orders of magnitude higher than in the absence of the nucleotide. In the presence of ADP, the DnaB hexamer assumes a "relaxed" conformation. The functional difference between these two conformations is reflected in the much weaker allosteric effect of ADP on the ssDNA binding with the affinity constant approximately 3 orders of magnitude weaker than in the presence of the ATP analog (tense state).
Critical issues in single crystal growth of PMN-PT by seeded polycrystal conversion

Pb(Mg/sub 1/3/Nb/sub 2/3/)O/sub 3/-35mol%PbTiO/sub 3/ [PMN-35PT] single crystals have been produced via the Seeded Polycrystal Conversion process by embedding a seed crystal in a polycrystalline ceramic matrix, and inducing the single crystal boundary to migrate at the expense of the smaller matrix grains. Maintaining single crystal growth until full conversion of the polycrystal can only be achieved with an improved fundamental understanding of the factors that influence the migrating boundary. The present work addresses, in particular, the roles of liquid phase content and chemistry, sintering atmosphere, and defects such as twin boundaries. Characterization of the liquid film thickness and composition at key interfaces during the firing/growth cycle are discussed. Implications regarding the effect of PbO content on single crystal growth mechanisms are also presented.
Diagnosis of Neuroblastoma by Electron Microscopy of Bone Marrow Aspirates

Three patients are reported in whom the diagnosis of neuroblastoma was made following electron microscopy of a bone marrow aspirate. The ultrastructure of neuroblastoma cells is distinctive, and they can be distinguished by electron microscopy from cells of the other tumors with which neuroblastoma is often confused by light microscopy. The rapidity with which the diagnosis can be obtained through use of this procedure argues for its adoption in any patient in whom the diagnosis is suspected and who has tumor cells in bone marrow. Early initiation of appropriate therapy is made possible, and elaborate diagnostic procedures may be avoided.
Canadian Investment in Northern New York: Impact of Exchange Rates on Foreign Direct Investment

This paper investigates the determinants of Canadian direct investment in Northern New York, focusing on the influence of changing foreign exchange rates. Hypotheses are formulated that new investment should be positively related to the value of the U.S. dollar while expansions of existing facilities ought to be unrelated to exchange rate movements. These predictions are supported by the data. Since Canadian investment is found to behave quite differently from domestic-source investment, we conclude that other factors besides exchange rates account for much of this difference.1
P-60: Comparison of Temporal Properties of Various Glass-type 3D-Displays

Temporal properties of glass-type 3D-displays were measured with two V(Λ) detectors and an amplifying circuit. Corresponding parameters such as frequency, average luminance, transmittance, rise/fall time, and crosstalk were calculated from the measured waveforms. Major contribution to the crosstalk of shutter-glass type displays is demonstrated as slow fall time of panels.
Serologic response of Rio Grande wild turkeys to experimental infections of Mycoplasma gallisepticum.

The serologic response of Rio Grande wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo intermedia) to Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) was determined. Free-ranging turkeys were caught in southern Texas, shipped to the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and housed in isolation facilities. Fourteen birds were exposed to MG, by intratracheal and intranasal inoculation. Eight birds received sterile broth only. Two wk prior to the end of the experiment, MG exposed turkeys were stressed by challenge with a serologically unrelated mycoplasma. Serum from all exposed birds reacted positively for MG antibody by the rapid plate agglutination (RPA) procedure within 2 mo postexposure (PE) and all but one remained positive for 14 mo PE. Less than one half of the exposed birds developed positive MG antibody titers detectable by the hemagglutination inhibition (HI) test within 2 mo PE, and by 10 mo PE, none had positive titers. Antibody was detected by the HI test in two of 11 infected turkeys, 14 mo PE, and titers increased significantly w...
Process Dependence of Microstructure and Properties of Sintered Aluminum Nitride for Electronic Packaging

The development of secondary phases due to additions of Y2O3 during sintering of aluminum nitride was studied. Depending on the heat treatment conditions and the amount of Y2O3 added, different proportions of AlYO3, Al5Y3O12 and Al2Y4O9 were found at the grain boundaries. Temperatures ≿1850°C also resulted in loss of Y2O3 and/or Y-aluminate, yielding some γ-Al2O3. The mechanical properties and the thermal conductivity of the sintered product were observed to be dependent on the grain boundary phase constitution and hence the specific heat treatment condition.
Tumour necrosis factor and other cytokines in murine lupus

Investigations into the structure, expression and functional status of cytokines, as well as on the possible utility of their agonists and antagonists as therapeutic agents in lupus, have received prominent attention. In fact, mouse strains predisposed to lupus (NZBxW, BXSB, MRL- lpr ) have long constituted the primary resource to investigate the role of cytokines in autoimmunity. An additional impetus for such investigations in recent years has been provided by the discovery that T cells may be polarised during an ongoing immune response into the so called TH1 and TH2 subsets, which display distinct cytokine profiles and effector functions. Thus, following antigen recognition, cytokines present at the site of priming together with other factors, such as type of antigen presenting cell, amount of antigen, co-stimulatory molecules, affinity and duration of exposure direct the induction of either TH1 cells, which secrete IL2, IFNγ and TNFβ, or TH2 cells, which secrete IL4, IL5, IL6, IL10 and IL13.1 Another cytokine, IL12, produced by activated macrophages and dendritic cells, is a strong inducer of TH1 cells in which the β-subunit of its receptor is retained but lost on TH2 cells. The former cells then provide protection from intracellular pathogens, activate phagocytes, induce IgG2a antibodies, and promote DTH responses, whereas the latter cells provide protection from extracellular pathogens, activate eosinophils, induce IgE mediated allergic reactions, and generally promote humoral responses in which IgG1 predominates. The molecular events associated with this polarisation have not been fully eludicated, but certain protooncogenes, kinases and transcription factors seem to play a part.2-6 Based on this T cell division, it has been hypothesised that organ specific autoimmune diseases such as IDDM should be mediated by TH1 cells, whereas humorally mediated autoimmune diseases such as lupus …
Autoimmunity, Polyclonal B-Cell Activation and Infection:

It is widely believed that autoimmunity is an integral part of the immune system, and that genetic, immunologic, hormonal, environmental and other factors contribute to the pathogenesis of autoimmune disease. Thus, autoimmune disease may represent an abnormal expression of immune functions instead of loss of tolerance to self, and it can be organ specific or systemic in its manifestations. We review the various factors that contribute to the development of autoimmune disease; we also review the mechanisms of polyclonal B-cell activation, with emphasis on the role of infectious agents. We consider systemic lupus erythematosus in humans and in experimental animals as prototypic autoimmune disease, and we summarize data to indicate that polyclonal B-cell activation is central to the pathogenesis of systemic autoimmune disease. The effect of polyclonal B-cell activation, brought about by injections of a B-cell activator-lipopolysaccharide from Gram-negative bacteria-is sufficient to cause autoimmune disease in an immunologically normal host. In fact, autoimmune disease can be arrested if excessive polyclonal B-cell activation is suppressed; alternatively, autoimmune disease can be exacerbated if polyclonal B-cell activation is enhanced. We explore the mechanism of tissue injury when autoimmune disease is induced or exacerbated, and we consider the pathogenic roles of autoantibodies, immune complexes, complement, the blood cell carrier system, and the mononuclear phagocyte system. Although polyclonal B-cell activation may be the mechanism whereby various factors can cause or exacerbate systemic autoimmune disease, polyclonal B-cell activation may cause autoimmune disease on its own.
No Child Left Behind and the Assault on Teachers' Professional Practices and Identities.

Abstract This Bernsteinian analysis conceptualizes No Child Left Behind legislation in the United States as a recent and deliberate shift towards a “performance” model of official pedagogic discourse. The paper posits that this shift carries the capacity to fundamentally alter teachers' professional practices and identities. It examines particularly whether the policy shift has impacted the professional practices and identities of pre-service and early career teachers, whose training has been completed in the wake of No Child Left Behind, differently than it has impacted the professional practices and identities of their veteran counterparts.
Ineffectivity of metallic salts in induction of somatic crossing-over and mutations inGlycine max L. (Merrill)

Summary Seeds of variety L65-1237 of Glycine max (soy-bean) were soaked up to 28 h in aqueous solutions of AlK(NO 3 ) 2 , CuSO 4 and FeSO 4 and their different mixtures, in concentrations ranging from 1–50 p.p.m. Analysis of the two simple leaves and the first compound leaf (for chlorophyll development) in the heterozygous ( Y 11 y 11 ) and homozygous ( y 11 y 11 ) plants indicated that the chemicals tested do not increase the frequency of mutations or somatic crossing-over a studied by spot counts on the leaves.
Temperature dependence of ion beam mixing of InGaAs marker layers in GaAs

Ion beam mixing of In0.20Ga0.80As quantum well marker layers in GaAs following 1 MeV Kr ion irradiation has been measured as a function of irradiation temperature and fluence. Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS) was used to measure the diffusion of the ln0.20Ga0.80As layer following irradiation at various temperatures. Rutherford Backscattering (RBS) and channeling methods were used to determine the extent of the amorphization as a result of the implantation. The mixing parameter of the In 0.20Ga0.80As in the GaAs matrix increased from ~120 A5/eV at 77K to ~160A5/eV in the temperature range of 300K-450K, but decreased somewhat at 573K. This behavior of In0.20Ga0.80As marker layers will be compared to AlAs marker layers which show similar temperature dependence. These results are interpreted on the basis of thermal spikes and crystal structure.
Identification of human, mouse, and rat retinoic acid receptor α using monoclonal antibodies

Monoclonal antibodies that recognize the human, mouse, and rat retinoic acid receptor α (RARα) protein have been generated using synthetic peptides. Less well-characterized monoclonal antibodies were also generated against the RARβ and RARγ protein. Monoclonal antibodies of the IgG1 (Rα10) and IgG2a (Rα13) isotypes effectively and specifically recognize both the human and mouse RARα protein. Preincubation of the antibodies with the synthetic RARα peptide, but not with the RARβ or RARγ peptides, blocked recognition of the ∼55 kDa RARα protein on western blots. These monoclonal antibodies also detected differing levels of RARα in various rat tissues. These monoclonal antibodies will serve as powerful reagents to study the structure and regulation of the retinoic acid receptor protein.
Compensation policies and financial characteristics of real estate investment trusts

Abstract This study shows real estate investment trusts' (REITs) characteristics and compensation incentives vary with compensation method. Formula-based compensation encourages advisors to generate cash from their assets, whereas discretion-based compensation encourages cash conservation. Consequently, dividend yields are 82 percent of formula REITs' total returns, but only 33 percent of discretion REITs'. Partly due to REITs switching from formula-based to discretion-based compensation, the number of discretion REITs has grown while the number of formula REITs has declined. Average formula REIT return performance is inferior and switches tend to follow a period of poor financial performance; performance improves after such changeovers.
P.1.13 Autophagy and the pathogenesis of congenital muscular dystrophies

Congenital muscular dystrophies are childhood-onset muscle diseases characterized by weakness, significant disabilities and early mortality. In general, CMDs are caused by mutations in genes associated with the dystrophin-associated transmembrane complex. Their primary pathomechanism is likely contraction-induced muscle cell injury due to impaired membrane anchorage. In addition, abnormalities in downstream pathways have been described in experimental models of CMDs. One such pathway is autophagy, an essential intracellular process responsible for removing damaged organelles and long-lived proteins. Altered autophagy has been observed in several disorders, and improving autophagy is proposed as a therapeutic consideration for a broad range of diseases. The overarching goal of this research is to identify new therapeutic strategies for CMDs, and autophagy is an attractive potential target, as well studied, FDA approved drugs exist that modulate its activity. The specific goals of this study are to establish the relationship between CMD disease pathogenesis and autophagy and to determine the impact of modulating autophagy on CMD disease progression. We predict that aberrant autophagy is a common feature of CMDs and that interventions that improve autophagy can reverse aspects of disease pathology and improve overall disease outcome. To accomplish these goals and test these hypotheses, we have used a combined approach of study of biopsy material from patients with CMDs and utilization of zebrafish models of disease. We have determined the burden of aberrant autophagy in CMD biopsies as compared to other congenital muscle diseases. We have also tested the ability of both genetic manipulations and specific drugs that modulate autophagy to alter the CMD phenotype in our zebrafish models. In total, we present data that comprehensively examines the role of autophagy in CMDs and evaluates the potential of altering autophagy as a therapeutic modality.
Animated Frustration or the Ambivalence of Player Agency

Frustration is an everyday experience for many users of game media. Distinct from related sensations such as difficulty, frustration is perhaps best characterized as when the agency of the player becomes obstructed. This can lead to the feeling of an ambivalent, uncooperative relationship with the game machine. This article will focus on two examples to demonstrate some of the possible manifestations of frustration in game media. The first, “Steel Battalion: Heavy Armor,” will deal with motion control gestures that are misinterpreted by the game in a way that obstructs the player’s ability to interact with the game. The second, “Papers, Please,” will consider repetitive gameplay that limits the player’s actions. Drawing on recent scholarship in animation studies, both cases will be approached as a form of what Sianne Ngai describes as “animatedness,” the feeling of becoming an automaton and of having one’s agency frustrated by technology.
Control of Energy Transport in Conjugated Polymers Using an Ordered Mesoporous Silica Matrix

How fast does energy transfer along a conjugated polymer chain, and how fast between chains? A semiconducting polymer/mesoporous silica composite, which provides just enough space for one polymer chain per pore (see Figure), provides the answer through investigations of the polymer's luminescence anisotropy, with remarkable results.