cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Improved Electrical Properties Displayed by Mg2+-Substituted Cobalt Ferrite Nano Particles, Prepared Via Co-precipitation Route

In this reported study, magnesium-substituted cobalt ferrite nanoparticles (Co1−xMgxFe2O4, x = 0.0, 0.20, 0.35, 0.50) have been investigated. The samples were prepared via a wet chemical co-precipitation route and were calcinated at 800 °C for 6 h. The structural, electrical, and dielectric properties of these samples were studied using XRD, SEM, FTIR, impedance analyzer, and LCR meter. The XRD diffractograms established the development of FCC spinel arrangement with decreasing crystallite size from 20 to 30 nm without any additional impurity peak confirming the purity of the samples synthesized. The FTIR spectra established the existence of tetrahedral (A) and octahedral (B) lattice sites in the structural arrangement. The SEM images showed uniform nano-spherical particle formation with minimum porosity. No extra phase or impurity was found, confirming the effectiveness of the co-precipitation route. The dielectric properties of the synthesized samples measured at ambiance temperature against frequency range of 103 Hz to 5 MHz showed massive enhancement of dielectric constant (on the order of 104 at 100 Hz) which was comparable to traditional ceramics (having a dielectric constant in the range of 104–106), which are often rendered suitable for capacitor applications. Furthermore, the low values of dielectric loss tangent at high frequencies verified its potential usage in microwave applications. A significant contribution of both long- and short-range order in hopping as well as an increase in grain boundary density was confirmed by complex electric modulus analysis. The DC electrical resistivity measurement against increasing temperatures was done, showing a typical decreasing trend with increasing temperature, validating the semiconductor nature of synthesized nanoparticles with varying compositions. The drift mobility was further calculated from the DC resistivity data.
953-P: Real-World Effectiveness of Once-Weekly Semaglutide (Sema OW) from a U.S. Commercially Insured and Medicare Advantage Population

Background: This study presents real-world evidence on effectiveness of sema OW in a large cohort of T2D patients. Methods: Claims and lab result data were used to identify T2D patients who initiated sema OW between 2/1/18 - 4/30/19 (index as first claim). Patients selected had ≥1 A1c result within ≤3 months pre- and ≥3 months post-index. All patients and a group of patients persistent on sema OW (those with a sema OW prescription with days supply dispensed overlapping/in proximity of date of post-index A1c measurement) were assessed for A1c changes and were split into 4 subgroups: GLP-1 naive, GLP-1 experienced and either group with pre-index A1c >9%. Results: Of 1,888 patients initiating sema OW, 57.8% were GLP-1 naive. A1c was significantly reduced in all patients (-0.9%) and subgroups (p Conclusion: Initiation of sema OW was associated with significant reduction in A1c and an increase in reaching A1c Disclosure J. Visaria: None. C. Uzoigwe: Employee; Self; Novo Nordisk Inc. C. Swift: Employee; Self; Novo Nordisk Inc. Stock/Shareholder; Self; Novo Nordisk Inc. Y.M. Paprocki: Employee; Self; Novo Nordisk Inc. Stock/Shareholder; Self; Novo Nordisk A/S. V. Willey: Employee; Self; HealthCore. Funding Novo Nordisk
Stable Dissipative Kerr Solitons in a AlGaAs Microresonator through Cryogenic Operation

We demonstrate stable microresonator Kerr solitons in an Al 0.2 Ga 0.8 As-on-insulator resonator thanks to cryogenic quenching of the thermorefractive effect. Reaching such a phase-stable state is a prerequisite to fully exploit the potential of this platform.
Cloning of the human platelet F11 receptor: a cell adhesion molecule member of the immunoglobulin superfamily involved in platelet aggregation: Presented in part at the XVIIth Congress of the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis, Washington, DC, August 14-21, 1999.

Abstract This study demonstrates that the human platelet F11 receptor (F11R) functions as an adhesion molecule, and this finding is confirmed by the structure of the protein as revealed by molecular cloning. The F11R is a 32-/35-kd protein duplex that serves as the binding site through which a stimulatory monoclonal antibody causes platelet aggregation and granule secretion. A physiological role for the F11R protein was demonstrated by its phosphorylation after the stimulation of platelets by thrombin and collagen. A pathophysiological role for the F11R was revealed by demonstrating the presence of F11R-antibodies in patients with thrombocytopenia. Adhesion of platelets through the F11R resulted in events characteristic of the action of cell adhesion molecules (CAMs). To determine the structure of this protein, we cloned the F11R cDNA from human platelets. The predicted amino acid sequence demonstrated that it is an integral membrane protein and an immunoglobulin superfamily member containing 2 extracellular C2-type domains. The structure of the F11R as a member of a CAM family of proteins and its activity in mediating adhesion confirm each another. We conclude that the F11R is a platelet-membrane protein involved in 2 distinct processes initiated on the platelet surface. The first is antibody-induced platelet aggregation and secretion that are dependent on both the FcγRII and the GPIIb/IIIa integrin and that may be involved in pathophysiological processes associated with certain thrombocytopenias. The second is an F11R-mediated platelet adhesion that is not dependent on either the FcγRII or the fibrinogen receptor and that appears to play a role in physiological processes associated with platelet adhesion and aggregation.
Development and Assessment of Cooperative V2X Applications for Emergency Vehicles in an Urban Environment Enabled by Behavioral Models

Statistically, emergency vehicles (EVs) encounter a higher risk of getting involved in accidents during their missions than other road users. The successful completion of these missions can be facilitated by new applications. Simulations may support the development of applications, as it is not possible to test them in a real traffic system. Simulation of Urban Mobility (SUMO) is one possible tool to conduct simulations of real traffic systems. However, SUMO is not capable of modelling a realistic behavior of EVs, new types of infrastructure, and individual vehicles (IVs) concerning EVs by a predefined function. We propose models for each of the missing pieces towards an integrated approach to simulate EVs in an urban environment. Therefore, we adjust them with a video analysis and simulate them. Further, an assessment analyzes their usability as a reference for testing new applications. In order to identify supportive applications, we created and carried out a survey with 252 EV drivers. The deduced applications are a traffic light preemption via V2I and an automated formation of a rescue lane via V2V. We assess the models and applications by evaluating the travelling time, a speed profile of the EV, and speed profiles of the IVs. Additionally, we show the usefulness of the two applications for the EV as well as the IVs.
Recent Studies in the English Renaissance

ELR bibliographical articles are intended to combine a topical review of research with a reasonably complete bibliography. Scholarship is organized by authors or titles of anonymous works. Items included represent combined entries listed in the annual bibliographies published by PMLA, YWES, and MHRA from 1970 through, in the present instance, mid-2001 with additional items. The format used here is a modified version of that used in Recent Studies in English Renaissance Drama, ed. Terence P. Logan and Denzel S. Smith, 4 vols. (Univ. of Nebraska Press, 1973–78). The ELR series is edited by Elizabeth H. Hageman of the University of New Hampshire and supported by the Department of English, UNH.
Black Race Coefficient in GFR Estimation and Prevalence of CKD-Related Complications

eGFR from serum creatinine–based equations informs diagnosis and staging of CKD. The guideline-recommended Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) creatinine-based equation includes age, sex, and race (Black versus non-Black) variables and increases the eGFR estimate by
Synthesis of a zwitterionic N-Ser–Ser-C dimethacrylate cross-linker and evaluation in polyampholyte hydrogels

Polyampholyte hydrogels are attractive materials for tissue engineering scaffolds as they offer a wide variety of features including nonfouling, selective protein delivery, and tunable physical characteristics. However, to improve the potential performance of these materials for in vivo applications, there is a need for a higher diversity of zwitterionic cross-linker species to replace commonly used ethylene glycol (EG) based chemistries. Towards this end, the synthesis of a dipeptide based zwitterionic cross-linker, N-Ser–Ser-C dimethacrylate (S–S) from N-Boc-L-serine is presented. The strategy utilized a convergent coupling of methacrylated serine partners followed by careful global deprotection to yield the zwitterionic cross-linker with good overall yields. This novel cross-linker was incorporated into a polyampholyte hydrogel and its physical properties and biocompatibility were compared against a polyampholyte hydrogel synthesized with an EG-based cross-linker. The S–S cross-linked hydrogel demonstrated excellent nonfouling performance, while promoting enhanced cellular adhesion to fibrinogen delivered from the hydrogel. Therefore, the results suggest that the S–S cross-linker will demonstrate superior future performance for in vivo applications.
Non-Markovian Reinforcement Learning using Fractional Dynamics.

Reinforcement learning (RL) is a technique to learn the control policy for an agent that interacts with a stochastic environment. In any given state, the agent takes some action, and the environment determines the probability distribution over the next state as well as gives the agent some reward. Most RL algorithms typically assume that the environment satisfies Markov assumptions (i.e. the probability distribution over the next state depends only on the current state). In this paper, we propose a model-based RL technique for a system that has non-Markovian dynamics. Such environments are common in many real-world applications such as in human physiology, biological systems, material science, and population dynamics. Model-based RL (MBRL) techniques typically try to simultaneously learn a model of the environment from the data, as well as try to identify an optimal policy for the learned model. We propose a technique where the non-Markovianity of the system is modeled through a fractional dynamical system. We show that we can quantify the difference in the performance of an MBRL algorithm that uses bounded horizon model predictive control from the optimal policy. Finally, we demonstrate our proposed framework on a pharmacokinetic model of human blood glucose dynamics and show that our fractional models can capture distant correlations on real-world datasets.
Lambdoid Phages and Shiga Toxin

This chapter summarizes what is known about stx-encoding phages, it is not all-inclusive. Researchers begin with a brief discussion of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), present general information on lambdoid phages, and finally segue into a discussion of the main subject, stx-encoding phages. Shiga toxins are members of a family of bacterial toxins known as AB5 toxins, which are composed of one A subunit associated with five B subunits. In vitro studies suggest that, once it is in the lumen, Stx prevents the apoptosis of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) and induces superoxide production by these cells, which can lead to increased endothelial damage. The excised phage genome enters the lytic cycle and is ready to be transcribed and replicated, leading to the packaging of progeny DNA into phage particles that are ultimately released by phage-directed lysis of the bacterial host. The induced fraction can be greatly increased if lysogens are treated with DNA-damaging agents that activate the expression of the SOS system. Specifically, the bacterial RecA protein activated by bound single-stranded DNA binds and facilitates autocleavage of the phage repressor, causing prophage induction. Clinically, the antibiotic treatment of STEC infections has been correlated with a significantly higher incidence of secondary sequelae such as HUS. The authors focus their discussion on the stx-encoding phages that have been best characterized biologically: H-19B and 933W.
Rubella Virus and Central Nervous System Disease

Rubella was first recognized as a distinct disease entity in the early 1800’s (68). For the next 125 years, rubella virus was considered to cause only a mild morbilliform rash, occasional fever and a rather predictable lymphadenopathy. Predominantly a childhood disease, rubella is endemic throughout the world and is associated with epidemics which occur every six to nine years.
SU-E-J-93: Development of Pre-Contoured Human Model Library in DICOM-RT Format for the Epidemiological Study of the Radiotherapy Patients

Purpose: Prior to 3D conformal radiation therapy planning, patient anatomy information was mostly limited to 2D beams-eye-view from the conventional simulator. To analyze the outcomes of such treatments for radiation late effects, 3D computational human models are often used in commercial treatment planning systems (TPSs). However, several underlying difficulties such as time-consuming manual delineation procedures of a large number of structures in the model have always limited its applications. Primary objective of this work was to develop a human model library for the epidemiological study by converting 3D-surface model organs to DICOM-RT format (DICOM-RT structure) using an in-house built software. We converted the ICRP reference human models to DICOM-RT models, which can be readily adopted for various dose calculations. Methods: MATLAB based code were utilized to convert the contour drawings extracted in text-format from the 3D graphic-tool, Rhinoceros into DICOM-RT structure format for 50 different organs of each model using a 16GB dual-core processor. The conversion periods were measured for each DICOM-RT models, and the reconstructed structure volumes were validated against the original 3D-surface models in the TPS. Ten reference hybrid whole-body models (8-pediatric and 2-adults) were automatically processed to create DICOM-RT computational human model library. Results: Mean contour conversionmore » period was found to be 580 (N=2) and 394.5 (N=8) seconds for 50 organs in the adult and pediatric models respectively. A good agreement for large organs (NRMSD <1.0%) and small organs (NRMSD <7.7%) was also observed between the original volumes and corresponding DICOM-RT structure volumes of the organs. Conclusion: The ICRP reference human models were converted into DICOM-RT format to support the epidemiological study using a large cohort of conventional radiotherapy patients. Due to its DICOM-compatibility, the library may be implemented to many other different applications. We also expect to develop the library by including additional models in future.« less
New buffer materials for high T c superconducting

We have tested La2O3, Gd2O3, Y2O3, Dy2O3, and PrO1.82 as new buffer materials for highTc superconducting thin films. These oxides are structurally compatible with the superconductors. The cubic phase of La2O3 cannot be stabilized and Nd2O3 films have mixed cubic and hexagonal phases in the temperature and pressure ranges used in the experiment. All other oxides are suitable and also chemically compatible with YBa2Cu3O7-δ superconductor. YBa2Cu3O7-δ thin films on these buffer materials have a superconducting transition temperature of 90 K. (100) oriented films of these oxides were not obtained on R-plane sapphire without a CeO2 seed layer.
The Importance of Quality Prekindergarten Programs for Promoting School Readiness Skills

This chapter summarizes the extensive body of research that has examined associations between prekindergarten quality and children's school readiness, describes the methodological limitations and conceptual problems with these studies, and discusses the contributions of developmental theories to informing the design and structure of prekindergarten settings in ways that best support children's school readiness. The goal of this chapter is to refocus the definition of high-quality prekindergarten on those aspects of programs that directly impact children's development. The result will help to identify the policies and program improvement efforts that are most likely to amplify the impacts of attending prekindergarten on children's school readiness and their later success.
WILLIOT EQUATIONS FOR STATICALLY INDETERMINATE STRUCTURES (IN COMBINATION WITH MOMENT EQUATIONS IN TERMS OF ANGULAR DISPLACEMENTS)

THE USEFULNESS OF THE WILLIOT DIAGRAM OF DEFLECTION EQUATIONS FOR STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS IS ILLUSTRATED. WHEN COMBINED WITH MAXWELL'S THEORUM OF RECIPROCAL DISPLACEMENTS, IT IS THE QUICKEST SOLUTION FOR STATICALLY INDETERMINATE REACTIONS IN CONTINUOUS SPANS, TWO-HINGED ARCHES, AND SIMILAR STRUCTURES. IT ALSO SERVES IN DETERMINING THE ANGULAR DISPLACEMENTS OF MEMBERS IN SECONDARY STRESS ANALYSIS. A PROBLEM WAS RECENTLY ENCOUNTERED IN STRESS DISTRIBUTION THAT WOULD NOT YIELD TO AN EXACT OR EVEN TO A SATISFACTORY SOLUTION BECAUSE OF THE LACK OF SUFFICIENT EQUATIONS, UNTIL THEY WERE DISCOVERED IN THE GEOMETRIC PROPERTIES OF THE WILLIOT DIAGRAM. THE DEVELOPMENT IS DESCRIBED OF THE WILLIOT STRAIN EQUATIONS AND IT IS SHOWN HOW THEY WERE COMBINED WITH MOMENT EQUATIONS EXPRESSED IN TERMS OF ANGULAR DISPLACEMENTS TO MEET THE SITUATION. THE EXPEDIENT IS DESCRIBED OF EXPRESSING MOMENTS IN TERMS OF ANGULAR DISPLACEMENTS AS THE VEHICLES BY WHICH SOLUTIONS CAN BE OBTAINED FOR SOME TYPES OF TOWERS FOR SUSPENSION BRIDGES FOR STATICALLY INDETERMINATE STRESSES. IF THE STRUCTURE IS STATICALLY INDETERMINATE, IN ORDER TO COMPUTE THE APPROXIMATE STRESSES REQUIRED FOR DESIGNING, IT IS NECESSARY TO FORMULATE A TENTATIVE DESIGN FOR MAKING CERTAIN ASSUMPTIONS AS TO THE PROBABLE BEHAVIOR OF THE STRUCTURE. THE ASSUMPTIONS MUST CLOSELY APPROXIMATE ACTUAL CONDITIONS. THE PATTERN OF WIND BRACING MAKES A TOWER FOR A SUSPENSION BRIDGE STRUCTURE MANY TIMES STATICALLY INDETERMINATE. THE DESIGN BEGINS AND PROCEEDS IN A SERIES OF FOUR APPROXIMATIONS FOLLOWED FINALLY BY A REVIEW. EACH APPROXIMATION INCLUDES A COMPUTATION OF STRESSES BASED ON CERTAIN ASSUMPTIONS, FOLLOWED BY A TENTATIVE DESIGN. AS ONE APPROXIMATION FOLLOWS ANOTHER THE ASSUMPTIONS WERE EITHER CORRECTED OR ELIMINATED SO THAT EACH TENTATIVE DESIGN APPROACHED MORE CLOSELY THE FINAL DESIGN. THIS PROCESS WAS CONTINUED UNTIL ALL ASSUMPTIONS EXCEPT ONE WERE ELIMINATED. SINCE THE EXTERNAL FORCES ACTING ON EACH POST WERE THE SAME, THEIR ELASTIC CURVES WERE ASSUMED TO BE IDENTICAL. THIS ASSUMPTION POSTULATED EQUAL BENDING MOMENTS AND SHEARS, EQUAL AND OPPOSITE AXIAL WIND STRESSES IN THE TWO POSTS, AND EQUAL VALUES OF ANGLES FOR CORRESPONDING JOINTS AND MEMBERS.
The Influence of Smoking on the Peri-Implant Microbiome

Smokers are at high risk for 2 bacterially driven oral diseases: peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to use a deep-sequencing approach to identify the effect of smoking on the peri-implant microbiome in states of health and disease. Peri-implant biofilm samples were collected from 80 partially edentulous subjects with peri-implant health, peri-implant mucositis, and peri-implantitis. Bacterial DNA was isolated and 16S ribsomal RNA gene libraries sequenced using 454-pyrosequencing targeting the V1 to V3 and V7 to V9 regions. In total, 790,692 classifiable sequences were compared against the HOMD database for bacterial identification. Community-level comparisons were carried out using UniFrac and nonparametric tests. Microbial signatures of health in smokers exhibited lower diversity compared to nonsmokers, with significant enrichment for disease-associated species. Shifts from health to mucositis were accompanied by loss of several health-associated species, leading to a further decrease in diversity. Peri-implantitis did not differ significantly from mucositis in species richness or evenness. In nonsmokers, by contrast, the shift from health to mucositis resembled primary ecological succession, with acquisition of several species without replacement of pioneer organisms, thereby creating a significant increase in diversity. Again, few differences were detected between peri-implantitis and mucositis. Thus, our data suggest that smoking shapes the peri-implant microbiomes even in states of clinical health, by supporting a pathogen-rich community. In both smokers and nonsmokers, peri-implant mucositis appears to be a pivotal event in disease progression, creating high-at-risk-for-harm communities. However, ecological succession follows distinctly divergent pathways in smokers and nonsmokers, indicating a need for personalized therapeutics for control and prevention of disease in these 2 cohorts.
DNA-binding domain of human c-Myc produced in Escherichia coli.

Abstract We have identified the domain of the human c-myc protein (c-Myc) produced in Escherichia coli that is responsible for the ability of the protein to bind sequence-nonspecific DNA. Using analysis of binding of DNA by proteins transferred to nitrocellulose, DNA-cellulose chromatography, and a nitrocellulose filter binding assay, we examined the binding properties of c-Myc peptides generated by cyanogen bromide cleavage, of mutant c-Myc, and of proteins that fuse portions of c-Myc to staphylococcal protein A. The results of these analyses indicated that c-Myc amino acids 265 to 318 were responsible for DNA binding and that other regions of the protein (including a highly conserved basic region and a region containing the leucine zipper motif) were not required. Some mutant c-Mycs that did not bind DNA maintained rat embryo cell-cotransforming activity, which indicated that the c-Myc property of in vitro DNA binding was not essential for this activity. These mutants, however, were unable to transform established rat fibroblasts (Rat-1a cells) that were susceptible to transformation by wild-type c-Myc, although this lack of activity may not have been due to their inability to bind DNA.
Fernando Ortiz and Allan Kardec: spiritism and transculturation

This essay explores the importance of Kardec's Spiritism in Fernando Ortiz's beginnings and in his long, often roundabout, inquiry leading to the notion of "transculturation". In his formative years Ortiz was deeply influenced by Lombroso but also, like so many other writers and intellectuals, by Kardec. He published fundamental essays on Spiritism, especially on the implications of reincarnation for spiritual and social hierarchies. Kardec's doctrine of the spiritual progress of the soul allowed Ortiz to argue for a more inclusionary national project. Kardecism also provided metaphors that run like a thread through Ortiz's major works on African cultures in Cuba and in his poetics. The "transmigration" of the souls, with its possibilities of endless new beginnnings, enabled Ortiz to introduce a spiritual and political element into the far-ranging idea of transculturation.
AN ANALOG CROSS-CORRELATOR FOR THE ANALYSIS OF PHYSIOLOGICAL TRANSDUCERS.

Corss-correlation of activity recorded from the peripheral nerves permits the sorting of the electrical activity as to direction and velocity. Since corss-correlation is the description of a random process, only natural forms of stimulation can be used. This method of analysis permits the determination of the number of all-or-none action potentials travelling up and down a nerve trunk in response to physiological stimuli such as touch, pressure, pain, etc. Thus, information as to the functions of physiological transducers can be obtained. All-or-none spikes which are buried in noise can be extracted by the process of cross-correlation so that even unmyelinated fiber activity in intact nerve trunks can be detected and quantified. Since afferent and efferent activity can be sorted out simultaneously, reflex arcs can be studied. and quantified. An analog cross-correlator is described which performs the necessary operations for cross-correlation of peripheral nerve activity. In addition, a technique is described for an “on-line” analysis of physiological data which permits the correlation of neural activity with physical changes in the environment.
Introductory Courses and the Teaching Assistant.

A prevalent format for teaching introductory courses is the lecture and discussion system, which, typi cally, involves a professor who handles mass lectures and assigns graduate students to smaller discussion or recita tion sections. In a recent study of the lecture/discussion format at Cornell University, Farley (1) found that stu dent reactions to the field of sociology, to the content of introductory sociology classes, and to their professors were influenced by the students' assessment of the gradu ate teaching assistant assigned to them. Briefly, both stu dent appraisals of the quality of professors' lectures and their expressed interest in sociology varied consistently with their reactions to discussion sections. To the extent that these findings hold true in other settings, it would appear that graduate teaching assistants play an extra ordinarily important role in the initial instruction?and possibly the recruiting?of undergraduate students in a particular field. Given the lack of pedagogical training in many graduate programs along with the frequent reliance on graduate teaching assistants, there is reason to examine carefully their role in the instruction of undergraduate students. As sociologists, we are, of course, primarily concerned with instruction in introductory sociology. We suggest, how ever, that the issues raised here are by no means unique to our field. Indeed, they are critical to any department which employs a form of the lecture/discussion format for teaching its introductory course. In this paper, two questions are raised: does the gradu ate teaching assistant influence reactions to introductory sociology? And, from where do students feel they derive the gist of the course?the large lecture hall or the small discussion section?
Field Validation of the MTI Actigraph and BodyMedia Armband Monitor Using the IDEEA Monitor

Objective: Accelerometers offer considerable promise for improving estimates of physical activity (PA) and energy expenditure (EE) in free-living subjects. Differences in calibration equations and cut-off points have made it difficult to determine the most accurate way to process these data. The objective of this study was to compare the accuracy of various calibration equations and algorithms that are currently used with the MTI Actigraph (MTI) and the Sensewear Pro II (SP2) armband monitor. Research Methods and Procedures: College-age participants (n = 30) wore an MTI and an SP2 while participating in normal activities of daily living. Activity patterns were simultaneously monitored with the Intelligent Device for Estimating Energy Expenditure and Activity (IDEEA) monitor to provide an accurate estimate (criterion measure) of EE and PA for this field-based method comparison study. Results: The EE estimates from various MTI equations varied considerably, with mean differences ranging from −1.10 to 0.46 METS. The EE estimates from the two SP2 equations were within 0.10 METS of the value from the IDEEA. Estimates of time spent in PA from the MTI and SP2 ranged from 34.3 to 107.1 minutes per day, while the IDEEA yielded estimates of 52 minutes per day. Discussion: The lowest errors in estimation of time spent in PA and the highest correlations were found for the new SP2 equation and for the recently proposed MTI cut-off point of 760 counts/min (Matthews, 2005). The study indicates that the Matthews MTI cut-off point and the new SP2 equation provide the most accurate indicators of PA.
Solid-Supported Bilayer Lipid Membranes from Lipid Mixtures: Structure and Composition

Biological membranes are of overarching importance for all aspects of cell structure and function in living organisms. Planar tethered bilayer lipid membranes (tBLMs) are synthetic membrane models stabilized by the proximity of a solid substrate that enhances its long-time stability by orders of magnitude.[1,2] A nanometer-thin hydration layer between the bilayer and the substrate ensures that the biomimetic lipid membrane remains fluid with in-plane lipid dynamics similar to that in vesicles.[3] In this work we establish tBLMs composed of binary and ternary lipid mixtures as more complex, and hence more realistic, membrane models. Such membranes may be used for studies of protein-membrane interactions.[4] Biophysical properties of mixed tBLMs vary significantly with bilayer composition. We report a structural and compositional characterization by neutron reflectometry of tBLMs that comprise various lipid compositions including cholesterol. With specific deuteration of selected bilayer components, such studies enable the determination of volume fractions of individual lipid species in the asymmetric tBLM. A new composition-space model was developed to interpret neutron reflectivity data of such systems. This model enables for the first time to extract more detailed information about the bilayer leaflet proximal to the substrate and lets us explore in more detail the distribution of lipid components across the bilayer. Such a detailed structural and compositional assessment is the prerequisite for more detailed studies of the association of amyloid-beta oligomer particles with membranes in studies on the origin of Alzheimer's disease.[4]Supported by the NIH (1P01AG032131) and the AHAF (A2008-307).[1]D.J. McGillivray, et al.2007. Biointerphases 2:21-33.[2]F. Heinrich, et al. 2009. Langmuir 25:4219-4229.[3]S. Shenoy, et al. 2009. Soft Matter, submitted.[4]G. Valincius, et al., 2008. Biophys. J. 95:4845-4861.
Toward a Record Retention Policy.

An academic library working group was charged in 2005 to create a records retention schedule and policy applicable to records containing personally identifiable information of library patrons. This group conducted a survey and extensive research, culminating in an adopted library records retention schedule and policy implemented in 2006.
Stress testing in young low-risk patients with potential acute coronary syndromes

Abstract Objective Young patients are at low risk for an acute coronary syndrome (ACS); however, many of these patients still enter a "rule-out ACS" pathway and receive stress testing. We hypothesized that stress testing in patients younger than 40 years without known coronary disease will not identify patients at high risk for 30-day adverse cardiovascular events. Methods We conducted a cohort study of patients younger than 40 years evaluated in the emergency department for potential ACS. Patients were excluded if they used cocaine, had known cardiac disease, or had an abnormal electrocardiogram. Patients were followed up in-house; follow-up was performed by direct telephone contact and medical record review. The main outcome was a composite of death, acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and revascularization at 30 days. Comparisons between patients with and without stress testing were done using χ 2 or t test, as appropriate; 95% confidence intervals were reported for the main outcomes. Results Of 8816 patient visits, 1144 patients met inclusion criteria. Within 30 days, 82 patients (7.2%) received stress testing, 2 of whom led to cardiac catheterization. Death (n = 2), AMI (n = 3), and revascularization (n = 1) were not different between patients who did and did not receive stress testing (2.4% [0.2%-8.5%] vs 0.4% [0.1%-1.0%]). Conclusion The 30-day cardiovascular complication rate is not different between young patients without known heart disease who do and do not receive stress testing when they present with symptoms of a potential ACS. Testing of young patients at low risk for disease should be reconsidered.
Pacemaker Malfunction Following Transthoracic Countershock

Electrical cardioversion or defibrillation may be necessary in patients with implanted artificial cardiac pacemakers. Sudden discharge of high electrical energy employed in DC transthoracic countershock procedures may damage the sensitive pacemaker circuitry and result in malfunction. We report a case in which, following synchronized DC countershock, a non-programmable demand pacemaker functioned in the R-wave triggered mode rather than the R-wave inhibited mode as designed. Further, the pacemaker output voltage was reduced to about half its specified output. Such a malfunction may not be readily apparent, and requires careful analysis following electric shock. (PACE, Vol. 4, September-October, 1981)
Endothelium-dependent responses in autogenous femoral veins grafted into the arterial circulation of the dog.

Abstract Endothelium-dependent responses differ in arteries and veins of the dog. Experiments were performed to determine whether chronic grafting of veins into the arterial circulation would alter the endothelium-dependent responses of the veins. Segments of femoral veins were grafted to the femoral artery of the dog. 6 wk after surgery the venous grafts were removed from the dog, cut into rings, and suspended in organ chambers for isometric tension recording. In some rings the endothelial cells were removed. Acetylcholine and alpha 2-adrenergic agonists did not cause endothelium-dependent relaxations in venous grafts. The calcium ionophore (A23187) initiated such relaxations which were not mediated by prostanoids. Endothelium-dependent relaxations were also observed in venous grafts to ADP, thrombin, and arachidonic acid. In segments of graft where myo-intimal hyperplasia was prominent, relaxations to ADP, thrombin, and A23187 were blunted and in some segments contractions were observed. These results demonstrate the ability of the endothelium of venous grafts to initiate changes in tone of the smooth muscle.
Spin Polarized Photoemission Studies of Quantum well States in Thin Films

Spin polarized photoemission is used to study the electronic structure of noble metals deposited on ferromagnetic substrates. Studies of Ag deposited on an Fe (001) substrate reveal a series of minority spin interface or quantum well states with binding energies dependent on the thickness of the silver. Similar behavior is observed for Cu films deposited on a fee Co (001) substrate. Tight-binding Modeling reproduces many of the observations and shows that hybridization of the sp-bands with the noble metal d-bands cannot be ignored.
A note on inventories and commercial paper yields

Abstract Winters [Winters, D. B. (October 2002) Commercial paper: A colossal market. The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis-National Economic Trends, Cover Page], shows that the amount of non-financial commercial paper outstanding is positively correlated to the amount of total business inventory. In this paper, we extend his work by showing that total business inventory has a significant impact on the non-financial commercial paper yields. We use regression analysis for studying the relationship between inventories and their impact on the spread between commercial paper and Treasury bills. Our results have implications for money market arbitrage, monetary policy, working capital management for corporations and stock valuation.
FeSO4 Amendments Stimulate Extensive Anaerobic PCB Dechlorination

Anaerobic microbial reductive dechlorination of PCBs is important because it removes the chlorine substituents that block aerobic metabolism and it reduces PCB toxicity. Although this process occurs widely in nature, its extent is often limited to dechlorination of some of the chlorines in the meta positions of biphenyl. In this report we demonstrate the ability to achieve nearly complete meta plus para dechlorination of Aroclor 1242. This involves the additions of FeSO4 to PCB contaminated sediments and results in ∼90 mol % of the total PCBs being converted to aerobically degradable ortho-substituted mono- and dichlorinated congeners. We propose that iron sulfate provides two mutually beneficial effects leading to its stimulation of anaerobic PCB dechlorination. Sulfate stimulates growth of sulfate reducing organisms responsible for PCB dechlorination, while Fe2+ reduces sulfide bioavailability and hence toxicity by forming the insoluble precipitate FeS. Ferrous sulfate is an inexpensive, innocuous compo...
Fentanyl transmucosal tablets: current status in the management of cancer-related breakthrough pain.

Breakthrough pain is a newly recognized pain category that was first described by Portenoy and Hagen in 1990. The term describes pain that increases in intensity to “break through” chronic pain that is being controlled by a scheduled opioid regimen. The development of fluctuations in pain intensity is challenging due to their unpredictable nature, rapid onset, and need for rapid treatment intervention. Breakthrough pain has been treated by using an extra opioid dose in addition to the scheduled opioid being used for pain. Recommendations for dose and frequency are based on expert opinion only, and have included dosing based on a percentage of the total opioid dose. Other recommendations include increasing the regularly scheduled opioid dose. Clinical trials have now focused on delivery of opioids that have both potency and a rapid onset of action. Lipophilic opioids have received a substantial amount of study due to their quick absorption and rapid onset of analgesia. Lipophilic opioids that have been studied to date include transmucosal fentanyl, sublingual fentanyl, intranasal sufentanil, and oral and sublingual methadone. Initial clinical trials have established the superiority of transmucosal fentanyl as a breakthrough analgesic when compared with immediate-release oral opioid formulations. Problems with bioavailability have led to a search for newer formulations of transmucosal delivery. Newer formulations, such as fentanyl transmucosal tablets, have been developed to ensure superior delivery for the patient suffering from breakthrough pain. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the current status of transmucosal tablet formulations for cancer breakthrough pain.
A SURVEY OF PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT SYSTEMS IN STATE TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENTS

State departments of transportation are investing suabstantial time and effort in developing performance measurement systems to help manage more effectively in a period of unprecedented change. Based on information obtained from a mail survey, review of documents, and follow-up telephone interviews, this article examines conventional and leading-edge approaches to performance measurement in these large public works agencies, which have often been characterized as being "data rich/information poor." Compared with the traditional operations-oriented management information systems, the new generation of performance measures emerging in departments of transportation tend to be more outcome-oriented and more strategically focused, with much greater emphasis on quality and customer service.
Apheresis in grade 4 bone marrow transplant associated thrombotic microangiopathy: A case series

Bone marrow transplant-associated thrombotic microangiopathy (BMT-TM) ranges in severity from a self-limited to a fatal disorder. There has been no specific therapy for this condition. We have previously described a clinical grading system for BMT-TM, based upon lactate dehydrogenase level (LDH) and percentage fragmented cells (FC) as follows: grade 0, normal or increases LDH and % FC or = to 1.3%; grade 2, increases LDH and FC = 1.3-4.8%; grade 3, increases LDH and FC = 4.9-9.6%; and grade 4, increases LDH and FC > or = to 9.7%. Patients with grade 4 BMT-TM usually have fulminant disease and generally succumb. This study summarizes results using a variety of apheresis procedures in a series of 16 patients with grade 4 BMT-TM. The apheresis procedures consisted of plasma exchange (with replacement with fresh frozen plasma or cryo-poor plasma), and protein A immunoadsorption (PAI). The PAI exchanges were not done concurrently with plasma exchange procedures. Fifteen patients had undergone an allogeneic BMT and the 16th patient had undergone an autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplant. Half showed hematologic improvement with a downstaging of their TM to grades 1-3. All non-responders died a median of 11 days following the onset of grade 4 BMT-TM. The median survival in the responders was significantly (P = 0.001) increased to 218 days with three responders surviving more than 400 days following the onset of this severe complication. These results suggest a role for apheresis in the treatment of this lethal complication. Nevertheless grade 4 BMT-TM represents a major complication of BMT; the median survival in this group of 16 patients with grade 4 BMT-TM was only 31 days.
Growth of adeno-associated satellite virus under conditions of arginine deprivation

Abstract Adeno-associated satellite viruses need participation of a helper adenovirus for their complete replication cycle in susceptible cells. Omission of exogenous arginine from the growth environment renders the adenovirus helper incapable of complete maturation. However, even in the absence of adenovirus particles, viable satellite virus can be isolated from the system. These particles, although originally infectious, lose infectivity rapidly and are less stable morphologically than satellite viruses produced under standard nutritional conditions. Particles are found in the nucleus and in the cytoplasm indicating that transport of viral components is not inhibited. In addition, type 4 satellite virus particles harvested from arginine-deficient growth conditions lack the hemagglutinin normally associated with the mature type 4 virion.
Rural isolation and the availability of hospital services

Abstract This study empirically examines some important factors affecting the geographic distribution of hospitals. Using 1996 cross-sectional data on hospital locations in Texas, we employ a count-data methodology to estimate the impact of demand and rural isolation on the frequency of hospital service in a given geographical area. Using the model's estimates, we calculate the population thresholds needed to support a given frequency. Results suggest that population, population density, per capita income, and rural isolation are important factors in determining the number of hospitals in an area. Our methodology and results provide a means to inform and evaluate policy decisions regarding the designation of medically underserved areas.
The temperature dependence of the standard-state thermodynamic properties of aqueous nonelectrolytes

Abstract Recent experimental studies of the standard-state heat capacities of aqueous nonelectrolytes at high temperatures make it possible to test predictions made with theoretical equations of state and correlation algorithms. Existing predictive methods are qualitatively correct and produce quantitative results that are in reasonable agreement with the new experimental data at temperature ≤ 350°C, but much better results are possible using new data. Regression of the new data for CO 2 (aq), H 2 S(aq), CH 4 (aq), NH 3 (aq), and SO 2 (aq) leads to revised parameters for the revised Helgeson-Kirkham-Flowers (HKF) equation of state. New correlations based on these parameters allow revised regressions of older data for Xe(aq), Ar(aq), and C 2 H 4 (aq) and lead to new predictions for several other aqueous nonelectrolytes. These predictions are tested against experimentally determined equilibrium constants for reactions involving several other aqueous nonelectrolytes, including He(aq), Ne(aq), Kr(aq), Rn(aq), H 2 (aq), N 2 (aq), O 2 (aq), and CO(aq). The correlations developed are used to make predictions for a variety of other aqueous nonelectrolytes, allowing incorporation of these species into models of geochemical processes.
Dimensions of Pluralism in Economics

AbstractRecent debates about the nature and desirability of pluralism in economics suffer from a lack of clarity about the meaning of pluralism. This paper attempts to remedy some aspects of this problem by distinguishing between different dimensions of pluralism, that is, epistemological, ontological, methodological, normative and prescriptive dimensions. Although, in principle, these dimensions are distinct, they are difficult to keep apart because of the relations that exist in terms of choices made in the different dimensions. It is argued that the recognition of these distinctions and relations allows for a resolution of some of the debates about pluralism.
The Effects of Varying Chromosome Arm Dosage on Maize Plant Morphogenesis

Maize is an especially well-suited species for studying the effects of aneuploidy on plant development. We used B-A translocations and testers that were crossed seven times into inbred W22 to generate a dosage series for 14 chromosome arms. This is the first report of dosage effects on maize morphogenesis using inbred B-A stocks and inbred tester stocks. We compared plants containing one dose or three doses of each of the 14 chromosome arms with plants containing two doses for seven measured traits. These were leaf width, leaf length, plant height, ear height, internode length, ear node circumference, and tassel branch number. We observed the typical maize aneuploid syndrome wherein one dose was more widespread and more severe in its effects than three doses. All but two of the one-dose effects were negative, and all of the three-dose effects were negative. The occurrence of positive responses by hyperploid plants in our earlier B-A-A study and the absence of any positive responses among the hyperploids reported for the 14 simple B-A translocations tested for dosage effects in the present study and previously may reflect gene dosage interaction between the two chromosome arm segments present in the B-A-A translocations. The overall congruence of our results with those of previous studies suggests that the traits measured are quantitative traits controlled by multiple genes whose activities provide a balanced regulation that transcends individual inbred lines or diverse genetic backgrounds and that such genes may be especially abundant in chromosome arm 1L.
Structure of an aluminophosphate EMM-8: a multi-technique approach.

The crystal structure of an aluminophosphate, EMM-8 (ExxonMobil Material #8), was determined in its calcined, anhydrous form from synchrotron powder diffraction data using the computer program FOCUS. A linkage of double four-ring (D4R) building units forms a two-dimensional framework with 12-MR and 8-MR channels, and differs from a similar SAPO-40 (AFR) framework only by the relationship between paired D4R units. Rietveld refinement reveals a fit of the model to the observed synchrotron data by Rwp = 0.1118, R(F2) = 0.1769. Local environments of the tetrahedral phosphorus and aluminium sites were established by solid-state NMR, which detects distinct differences between as-synthesized and calcined materials. Distinct, reversible changes in the local symmetry of the P and Al atoms were observed by NMR upon calcination and subsequent hydration. These NMR data provided important constraints on the number of tetrahedral (T) atoms per unit cell and the connectivities of the T atoms. Detailed local structural information obtained by solid-state NMR thereby guided the ultimate determination of the structure of AlPO EMM-8 from the powder data. Comparisons are made to the recently published crystal structure of the fluoride-containing, as-synthesized SSZ-51, indicating that the unit-cell symmetry, axial dimensions and framework structure are preserved after calcination.
Retained uterine fundus after vaginal hysterectomy

Abstract We report a case of a 53-year-old female with a retained uterine fundus, presenting 2 years following a vaginal hysterectomy. It is important for imagers to be aware that morcellation techniques can result in retained portions of the uterus following vaginal hysterectomy.