cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Sensory Impairment and Health Care Satisfaction Among Medicare Beneficiaries.

Importance Satisfaction with care is associated with improved quality of care and health outcomes. Sensory impairment can be a barrier to effective communication and access to care, and this may result in reduced satisfaction with care. Objective This study examined the association between sensory impairment and health care satisfaction among Medicare beneficiaries. Design, setting, and participants This cross-sectional study used data from the 2017 Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey (MCBS), a nationally representative in-person survey of Medicare beneficiaries. Functional sensory impairment was categorized as no sensory impairment, hearing impairment, vision impairment, and dual sensory impairment. Patient dissatisfaction included responses on quality of care, ease to get to a doctor, out-of-pocket costs paid, information given, and doctors' concern with overall health rather than an isolated symptom or disease. Exposures Self-reported functional sensory impairment. Main outcomes and measures Multivariable-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) of the association between dissatisfaction with care and sensory impairment. Results A total of 10 783 respondents representing 44 736 889 Medicare beneficiaries (8944 [85.3%] aged ≥65 years, 5733 [52.9%] women, and 8195 [75.5%] non-Hispanic White) were included. Dual sensory impairment compared with no sensory impairment was associated with the highest odds of dissatisfaction across outcomes, including quality of care (OR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.12-2.08). Compared with no sensory impairment, having dual sensory impairment (OR, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.40-2.37), hearing impairment (OR, 1.67; 95% CI, 1.29-2.17), or vision impairment (OR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.18-2.08) were associated with dissatisfaction with the information provided about what was wrong. Those with hearing impairment (OR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.03-1.86) or dual sensory impairment (OR, 2.03; 95% CI, 1.55-2.66) were more likely to be dissatisfied with doctors' concern with overall health compared with those with no sensory impairment. Having dual sensory impairment or vision impairment only was associated with greater odds of dissatisfaction with ease to get to a doctor (dual sensory: OR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.24-2.30; vision: OR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.14-2.31) and out-of-pocket costs paid (dual sensory: OR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.04-1.54; vision: OR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.07-1.61). Conclusions and relevance These findings contribute to the growing body of literature on sensory impairment and patient satisfaction and have implications for health care system planning and spending to provide patient-centered care for older adults.
Gait biomechanics: A clinically relevant outcome measure for preclinical research of musculoskeletal trauma.

Traumatic injuries to the musculoskeletal system are the most prevalent of those suffered by United StatesMilitary Service members and accounts for two-thirds of initial hospital costs to the Department of Defense. These combat-related wounds often leave survivors with life-long disability and represent a significant impediment to the readiness of the fighting force.There are immense opportunities for the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine (TE/RM) to address these musculoskeletal injuries through regeneration of damaged tissuesas a means to restore limb functionalityand improve quality of life for affected individuals.Indeed, investigators have made promising advancements in the treatment for these injuries by utilizing small and large preclinical animalmodels to validate therapeutic efficacy of next generation TE/RM based technologies. Importantly, utilization of a comprehensive suite of functional outcome measures, particularly those designed to mimic data collected within the clinical setting, is critical for successful translation and implementation of these therapeutics.To that end, the objective of this review is to emphasizethe clinical relevance and applicationof gait biomechanics as a functional outcome measure for preclinical research studies evaluating the efficacy of TE/RM therapies to treat traumatic musculoskeletal injuries. Specifically, common musculoskeletal injuries sustained by Service members - including volumetric muscle loss, post-traumatic osteoarthritis, and composite tissue injuries - are examined as case examples to highlight the use of gait biomechanics as an outcome measure usingsmall and large preclinical animal models. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Ecosystem services benefits from the restoration of non-producing US oil and gas lands

Fossil fuel infrastructure has important land-use impacts within the United States, including the environmental consequences of affected land that persists beyond the lifespan of wells. Here, we estimate the ecoregion-specific fifty-year present-value net benefits of restoring lands that are associated with non-producing wells in the conterminous United States on the basis of select ecosystem services—agricultural sales and carbon sequestration. We identify more than 430,000 restorable wells that occupy more than 800,000 ha of land. The present value of ecosystem services benefits was US$21 billion (2018) while the restoration costs were US$7 billion. Deciduous forests, grasslands and Mediterranean ecoregions had large net benefits, whereas arid and semi-arid regions were often negative. Focusing on select ecoregions of the United States would provide higher returns on investment in the form of environmental and economic benefits. Although our results suggest an ecoregional hierarchy, the restoration of all abandoned fossil fuel lands will have benefits at the local, regional and national scales, including food security, protection of biodiversity and restoration-related job opportunities. Fossil fuel infrastructure impacts land use. This study estimates the present value from restoring lands with non-producing gas wells at US$21 billion at a restoration cost of US$7 billion. Deciduous forests, grasslands and chaparral had especially high net benefits.
Multisector Parabolic Equation Method for Scattering From Impenetrable Objects in Fluid Waveguides

Parabolic equation methods are a robust and efficient tool for modeling long-range acoustic propagation in range-dependent waveguides. A lesser known, but equally effective, application of parabolic equations is to the scattering problem. In this paper, we study the applicability and accuracy of the multisector parabolic equation approach to scattering from impenetrable objects – first developed approximately two decades ago for convex objects and recently extended to more complex scatterers – in waveguides in two and three dimensions. We benchmark the method in two dimensions in a range-dependent waveguide consisting of two different fluid media and find very good agreement with finite element methods for both forward scattering and backscattering, including the case where the scatterer is located at the interface between the media. Finally, we provide an example of scattering in a large three-dimensional waveguide, which would be extremely computationally intensive using alternate approaches, but is practical using the parabolic equation method.
Contentious Cogovernance and Prefiguration: A Framework for Analyzing Social Movement–State Relations in Public Education:

This article offers a framework for analyzing social movement participation in public education through a focus on universities in Brazil. It builds on the literature on social movement–state relat...
Explaining Mercosur's Survival: Strategic Sources of Argentine-Brazilian Convergence

This article aims to address a fundamental question for analysts and students of MERCOSUR: what explains the bloc’s survival despite its recurrent crises and frequent pessimistic forecasts predicting its collapse? It argues that the maintenance of co-operation after 1999, when the economic and political economy rationale of the project had almost disappeared, is best understood in terms of the convergent strategic interests of MERCOSUR partners. This convergence of interests in the continuity of the regional regime reflects three types of strategic incentives. First, defensive considerations reflecting external forces and a shared sense of vulnerability vis-a`-vis the external environment have provided the main motivation for partners to engage in negotiations and attempt to move the process of integration forward. Secondly, the offensive incentives faced by Brazil, given its relatively stronger position within the region have also worked to foster regional co-operation. But besides these power considerations, the sustainability of co-operation has been at least partially assisted by an emerging process of socialisation among executive officials taking place within regional institutions. These processes of increased interaction and enmeshment have reinforced interests in regional integration, giving way to positive incentives to maintain MERCOSUR.
Unstable angina

The recent availability of novel antiplatelet and antithrombin agents has revolutionized the therapeutic options for intermediate- and high-risk unstable angina (UA). Current guidelines recommend aspirin, unfractionated heparin (UFH), and antianginal therapy. Low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) and direct thrombin inhibitors have significant theoretical advantages and apparent clinical benefits compared with UFH and are good alternatives in selected patients. Glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa receptor inhibition reduces the future risk of myocardial infarction (MI) and may reduce the incidence of death in patients with unstable angina. In particular, these drugs should be considered for use in combination with aspirin and UFH in patients undergoing an “early invasive” approach. Coronary revascularization plays an important role in high-risk patients and in those with refractory angina, but its routine application continues to be controversial. Issues regarding the use of LMWH in combination with GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors and during percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) are being addressed in clinical trials. Ideally, the incidence of serious cardiac events in patients with UA will continue to decrease with the ongoing search for potent drug combinations that achieve early control of intracoronary thrombosis.
Designing and validating a Markov model for hospital-based addiction consult service impact on 12-month drug and non-drug related mortality.

Introduction Addiction consult services (ACS) engage hospitalized patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) in care and help meet their goals for substance use treatment. Little is known about how ACS affect mortality for patients with OUD. The objective of this study was to design and validate a model that estimates the impact of ACS care on 12-month mortality among hospitalized patients with OUD. Methods We developed a Markov model of referral to an ACS, post-discharge engagement in SUD care, and 12-month drug-related and non-drug related mortality among hospitalized patients with OUD. We populated our model using Oregon Medicaid data and validated it using international modeling standards. Results There were 6,654 patients with OUD hospitalized from April 2015 through December 2017. There were 114 (1.7%) drug-related deaths and 408 (6.1%) non-drug related deaths at 12 months. Bayesian logistic regression models estimated four percent (4%, 95% CI = 2%, 6%) of patients were referred to an ACS. Of those, 47% (95% CI = 37%, 57%) engaged in post-discharge OUD care, versus 20% not referred to an ACS (95% CI = 16%, 24%). The risk of drug-related death at 12 months among patients in post-discharge OUD care was 3% (95% CI = 0%, 7%) versus 6% not in care (95% CI = 2%, 10%). The risk of non-drug related death was 7% (95% CI = 1%, 13%) among patients in post-discharge OUD treatment, versus 9% not in care (95% CI = 5%, 13%). We validated our model by evaluating its predictive, external, internal, face and cross validity. Discussion Our novel Markov model reflects trajectories of care and survival for patients hospitalized with OUD. This model can be used to evaluate the impact of other clinical and policy changes to improve patient survival.
Recreational Marijuana Laws and the Use of Opioids: Evidence from Nsduh Microdata

Recent studies have concluded that state laws legalizing medical marijuana can reduce deaths from opioid overdoses. Using data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, a survey uniquely suited to assessing drug misuse, we examine the relationship between recreational marijuana laws (RMLs) and the use of opioids. Standard difference-in-differences (DD) regression estimates indicate that RMLs do not affect the likelihood of misusing prescription pain relievers such as OxyContin, Percocet, and Vicodin. Although DD regression estimates provide evidence that state laws legalizing recreational marijuana can reduce the frequency of misusing prescription pain relievers, event-study estimates are noisy and suggest that any effect on the frequency of misuse is likely transitory. Institutional subscribers to the NBER working paper series, and residents of developing countries may download this paper without additional charge at www.nber.org.
Oral History and the Study of the Judiciary

This essay, which is a review of William Domnarski’s “Federal Judges Revealed” (Oxford University Press, 2008), explores the usefulness of oral history as a vehicle for understanding the judiciary. “Federal Judges Revealed” presents the insights gleaned from a study of over 100 oral histories given by Article III judges, ranging across the span of the judges’ lives. The essay first explores the methodological strengths and weaknesses of oral history as a general matter, and then further develops the analysis through a review of three oral histories given by the late Seventh Circuit Judge Thomas Fairchild. The essay then turns specifically to Domnarski’s book, outlining the ways in which it contributes to our understanding of judges and the judiciary.
Evolving Antithrombotic Strategies in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Results From a Survey Among US Cardiologists

Background Many patients treated with oral anticoagulants for atrial fibrillation undergo percutaneous stent implantation, where dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) is also recommended. The current evidence to support triple oral antithrombotic therapy (TOAT) in these patients is limited, and new strategies are being discussed to optimize outcomes. Hypothesis There will be variation in antithrombotic strategies in patients with atrial fibrillation needing stenting. Methods We surveyed US-based cardiologists serving as clinical investigators in academic sites and posted an online “question of the month” on cardiosource.org. Results Seventy-five (10.7%) responses were received to the email survey and 119 to the online question. Bare-metal stenting (BMS) was a priori preferred over drug-eluting stenting (DES) for 50.6% of patients. Only 8.8% of the responders chose newer anticoagulants in addition to DAPT as the preferred oral anticoagulant. For duration of TOAT, 79.4% of physicians recommended stopping DAPT at 1 month when BMS was used in patients presenting without acute coronary syndrome (ACS) vs 57.4% in patients with ACS. In patients implanted with a DES, 73.5% and 76.5% preferred stopping DAPT at 6 to 12 months (no ACS vs ACS, respectively). When asked which of the 2 antiplatelet agents they would recommend stopping after the above durations, 50% chose to quit aspirin. Conclusions The survey highlights an interest in the new strategy of dropping aspirin, but the lack of concrete evidence triggers undesired diversity in clinical approaches. High-quality data on the efficacy and safety of such interventions are needed to further consolidate these approaches.
Effect of Lubricant Jet Location on Spiral Bevel Gear Operating Temperatures

An experimental study was conducted to determine the effect of lubricant jet location on spiral bevel gear bulk temperatures. Transient surface temperatures were also measured. Tests were conducted on aircraft quality spiral bevel gears in a closed loop test facility. Thermocoupled pinions and an infrared microscope were used to collect the pertinent data. A single fan jet lubricated the test gears. Lubricant flow rate (lubricant jet pressure) and applied torque were also varied. The results showed that jet placement had a significant effect on the gear bulk temperatures.
The Fate of Dietary Pyridoxine-β-Glucoside in the Lactating Rat

(/sup 3/H)5'-O-(beta-D-glucopyranosyl) pyridoxine (PN-glucoside) and (/sup 14/C)pyridoxine (PN) were orally administered to lactating rats. Milk was collected from the dam, and the stomach contents and liver were collected from the suckling pups 24 and 48 h after administration. Analysis of the isotopic ratio (/sup 3/H//sup 14/C) in the milk and stomach contents indicated that the secretion of /sup 3/H in the milk was 20-25% as great as the secretion of /sup 14/C. The only labeled form of /sup 3/H and /sup 14/C in the stomach contents was pyridoxal phosphate (PLP), indicating that PN-glucoside was hydrolyzed to PN and subsequently metabolized prior to secretion by the mammary gland. The isotopic ratio in the livers of the pups was similar to that of the stomach contents. Furthermore, the relative distribution of the two isotopes among the hepatic metabolites of the pups was similar. The results of this study indicate that intact PN-glucoside is not secreted in milk, although vitamin B-6 derived from the limited hydrolysis and metabolism of PN-glucoside is delivered to the mammary gland for secretion.
The Impact of Innovation: Evidence from Corporate Bond ETFs

Using distinct features of corporate bond ETFs, financial innovation is found to have a significant and long-term positive valuation impact on the systemically important underlying. A one standard deviation increase in ETF ownership reduces high yield and investment grade bond spreads by 20.3 and 9.2 basis points, respectively, implying an average monthly price increase of 1.03 % and 0.75%. Two novel quasi-natural experiments exploit exogenous changes in ETF eligibility to confirm the effect. Examining theoretical explanations for the effect, ETFs are found to decrease liquidity trader participation, increase institutional ownership, and insignificantly or negatively impact the liquidity of individual bonds.
Assessment of discrepancies in load models across transient stability software packages

Newer dynamic load models are being developed in industry through field-tests, to better represent the actual system response. Some of these models are quite complex, and include feeders, distribution transformers and various types of static and dynamic loads, thus resulting in more than a hundred parameters per model. This paper presents a methodology on how such complex dynamic load models in commercial software packages can be tested for errors such as software bugs, or implementation differences across the packages. The key lies in testing individual components of such models, through comparisons of simulation results from different packages. This method could be particularly useful where actual PMU data is not available for validating parts of load models. Case studies show that implementation differences exist due to incomplete documentation or bugs, and the techniques in this paper can be useful in finding and addressing the discrepancies in these evolving load models.
Motor and Speech Disorders in Classic Galactosemia

Purpose To test the hypothesis that children with classic galactosemia and speech disorders are at risk for co-occurring strength and coordination disorders.
The adjective. Comparison

An adjective modifying a noun generally stands immediately before it, as in English. When it does, it usually takes the ending -e
Adult Age‐Related Differences in the Misinformation Effect for Context‐Consistent and Context‐Inconsistent Objects

Summary The present study examined age-related differences in the misinformation effect for objects that were consistent or inconsistent with their environmental settings. Young and older adults viewed one of two slide sequences, each containing context-consistent items (e.g., a blender in a kitchen setting or a saw in a woodshop setting) and context-inconsistent items (a saw in a kitchen setting or a blender in a woodshop setting). After receiving misinformation through post-event narratives, participants received tests of yes/no recognition requiring remember/know judgments (Experiments 1–3) and source monitoring (Experiments 2 and 3) for slide details. Although age-related differences in the misinformation effect were nonreliable, older adults tended to report misinformation as remembered more often than young adults, and source monitoring tests reduced the misinformation effect for both age groups. Misinformation effects were equivalent or larger for inconsistent objects than for consistent objects. Theoretical and practical implications of these results are discussed. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Low-power investigation of TE/sub 0n/ and TM/sub 0n/ mode Vlasov launchers (gyrotron applications)

Preliminary results of experimental and theoretical investigation of TE/sub 0n/ and TM/sub 0n/ mode Vlasov launchers that might be used with some gyrotrons are discussed. Experimental radiation patterns taken directly from the half-cylinder baffle and also from the parabolic-cylinder reflector that it feeds are presented. Variations of the half-cylinder baffle and orientation position of the parabolic reflector are considered. >
Applications of soft x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy in materials science

Soft x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy provides an element and angular momentum selective measure of the valence band density of states in complex materials. Results are presented demonstrating the use of SXF both as a means of solving materials problems and as a means of increasing the fundamental understanding of low energy excitation processes in various types of materials. As examples of materials applications, the authors discuss the L spectra of Si in various environments, and describe radiation damage studies in Beryl. Fundamental new insights are provided by the study of SXF spectra excited near an x-ray threshold. For such excitation, recent work demonstrates that an electronic Raman scattering process can greatly modify the normal fluorescence spectrum. The authors discuss near threshold studies of graphite, h-BN and NiS to demonstrate that the nature of the electronic excitation processes differs dramatically in various classes of materials and provides important new insights into their properties.
Measurement of 1210nm Laser Induced Thermo-Elastic Expansion in Tissue Phantoms with Nanoparticles Using Swept Source Phase-Sensitive OCT

We demonstrate experimental results for measurement of thermo-elastic expansion of laser excited tissue phantoms containing near-infrared absorbing nanoparticles we call nanorose. Our technique uses excitation at 1210nm and PhS-OCT at 1328nm.
Obesity Prevention Policies in U.S. States and Localities: Lessons from the Field

Obesity is a complex problem requiring large-scale, population-based solutions. Public policy strategies have been identified as critical tools in obesity prevention efforts as they can benefit all who are exposed rather than simply changing individual behaviors one at a time. This paper reviews the peer-reviewed scientific U.S.-based literature published between January 2012 and March 2013 to examine the influence of state laws and local policies on changes to school and other environments, individual activity and nutrition-related behaviors, and obesity and weight outcomes. Virtually all recent studies have focused on policies directed at the school environment and, across-the board, the evidence was mixed. Most studies were cross-sectional, focused on policy implementation in schools and other settings rather than impacts on individual behaviors or obesity. Opportunities exist for impact studies focusing on a broader spectrum of policies as well as for continued policy actions at all levels of government.
Inactivation of the MEK/ERK pathway in the myocardium during cardiopulmonary bypass.

Abstract Objectives: A general pro-inflammatory response after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) may involve changes in signal transduction and in part be responsible for arrhythmias and myocardial dysfunction after cardiac surgery. The MEK/ERK (mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase/extracellular regulated kinase) pathway is common to many stimuli and may play a pivotal role in morbidity associated with CPB. We investigated the changes in MEK/ERK pathway and related enzymes after CPB in pigs. Methods: We examined ventricular and atrial tissue from pigs before 90 minutes of normothermic CPB and after 90 minutes of post-CPB perfusion. The activities and protein levels of kinases MEK1/2, ERK1/2, a cellular tyrosine kinase (c-Src), protein kinase B (Akt), and the protein levels of mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase (MKP-1) were studied by immunoblotting ventricular and atrial myocardium lysates and labeling sections with antibodies that recognize the activated forms of the kinases and the phosphatase. Control pigs were subjected to sternotomy and heparinization but not CPB. Results: We found a consistent inactivation of MEK/ERK pathway in both ventricular and atrial myocardium with an increase in MKP-1, a negative regulator of ERK1/2. The activities and protein levels of c-Src and Akt were not significantly modified before or after CPB, suggesting a certain degree of specificity for the MEK/ERK pathway. Such changes were not observed in controls. The decrease of ERK1/2 and MEK1/2 phosphorylation 90 minutes after termination of CPB (as well as the increase of nuclear MKP-1 protein levels) was also apparent by confocal microscopy. Conclusions: These results collectively reveal a prevalence of inhibitory mechanisms in the MEK/ERK signal transduction machinery in myocardium subjected to CPB. (J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2001;121:773-81)
Critical examination of the uniformity requirements for single-photon emission computed tomography.

It is generally recognized that single‐photon emission computed tomography(SPECT) imposes very stringent requirements on gamma camera uniformity to prevent the occurrence of ring artifacts. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between nonuniformities in the planar data and the magnitude of the consequential ring artifacts in the transaxial data, and how the perception of these artifacts is influenced by factors such as reconstruction matrix size, reconstruction filter, and imagenoise. The study indicates that the relationship between ring artifact magnitude and imagenoise is essentially independent of the acquisition or reconstruction matrix sizes, but is strongly dependent upon the type of smoothing filter applied during the reconstruction process. Furthermore, the degree to which a ring artifact can be perceived above imagenoise is dependent on the size and location of the nonuniformity in the planar data, with small nonuniformities (1–2 pixels wide) close to the center of rotation being less perceptible than those further out (8–20 pixels). Small defects or nonuniformities close to the center of rotation are thought to cause the greatest potential corruption to tomographic data. The study indicates that such may not be the case. Hence the uniformity requirements for SPECT may be less demanding than was previously thought.
In situ kinetics of self-assembly by surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy

Using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopy in the Kretschmann configuration, we followed the self-assembly of organic ultrathin films which resulted from exposure of gold surfaces to solutions of CH3(CH2)n-1SH (n = 8, 12, 16, and 18) in ethanol and heptane. We monitored film growth in situ and continuously for up to 72 h with an overall thickness resolution of <1 A. Film dielectric constants, necessary for accurately calculating average film thicknesses from SPR spectra, were determined unambiguously for fully formed films by comparing spectra from organic films in different solvents. In addition, we introduce a novel two-color SPR experiment with which we can obtain both film thickness and film dielectric constant without changing solvents. We studied the chain length dependent and concentration dependent kinetics of film formation in ethanol and found that there are at least three distinct kinetics steps. The kinetics of the first, most rapid, step and the third, slowest, step can be described w...
Oligoclonal IgG in multiple sclerosis and subacute sclerosing panencephalitis brains.

Abstract IgG was obtained from multiple sclerosis (MS) and subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) brain materials by elution at neutral and acid pH, and by freezing and thawing. Serum, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and brain eluates were compared by isoelectric focussing (IEF) with sensitive peroxidase-anti-IgG staining. In 3 MS cases, different plaques or regions of the same brain had IgG patterns with some common and some different bands. Pooled white matter eluates contained the summation of bands seen in individual plaques or regions. Comparison of serum, CSF, and neutral and acid brain eluate IgG patterns showed many common bands but also unique bands. In two SSPE cases, eluates from different regions of the same brain showed virtually identical IgG patterns. Comparisons of serum, CSF, and neutral and acid eluates of the same brain also showed a common pattern of bands. Similarities in IgG patterns of sera, CSF, and regional brain eluates, from single cases of SSPE, suggest a common response to the same antigen in all regions or compartments. Differences in IgG patterns of sera, CSF, pooled brain eluates, and plaques or regional eluates from single cases of MS, suggest: either that (a) all MS oligoclonal IgG is ‘nonsense’ antibody in terms of disease pathogenesis, or (b) much of the MS oligoclonal IgG is ‘nonsense’ antibody, present as part of a specific oligoclonal immune reaction.
Inhibition of Steroid Δ-Isomerase of the Bovine Adrenal Gland by Substrate Analogues1

The substrate analogues, 2α-cyano-17β-hydroxy-4,4,17α-trimethylandrost-5-en-3-one and 17β-hydroxy-2-hydroxymethylene-17α-methyl-5α-androstan-3-one, act as competitive inhibitors of steroid Δ-isomerase of the bovine adrenal gland. The inhibitor steroids have high affinities for the enzyme system(s); one molecule of each inhibitor is bound per active site. (Endocrinology 83: 873, 1968)
The Numic Spread: A Computer Simulation

We develop a mathematical model for the spread of Numic-speaking peoples across the Great Basin in the second millennium A.D., in accord with the ideas of Bettinger and Baumhoff (1982), who suggested a competitive interaction between the Numic and Prenumic peoples of the region. We construct differential equations representing two competing populations that spread by a diffusion process across an area representing the Great Basin. The demographic variables are fixed to agree with ethnographic data, while the migration rates are fitted to the estimated time for the completion of the spread. The model predicts a spatial distribution of the Numic languages in satisfactory agreement with observations and suggests new avenues of investigation.
Binuclear Cyclometalated Platinum(II) 4,6-Diphenyl-2,2‘-bipyridine Complexes: Interesting Photoluminescent and Optical Limiting Materials

The UV−vis spectra, emission spectra and lifetimes, transient absorption characteristics, and optical limiting performances of three binuclear cyclometalated platinum(II) 4,6-diphenyl-2,2‘-bipyridine complexes with bis(diphenylphosphino)methane (dppm), bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane (dppe), and bis(diphenylphosphino)propane (dppp) bridging ligands have been investigated. All three complexes exhibit concentration-dependent photoluminescence in CH3CN at room temperature and 77 K, and the emission energy is affected by the length of the bridging ligand. [Pt2L2(μ-dppm)](ClO4)2 (1) (L = 4,6-diphenyl-2,2‘-bipyridine) shows a broad, structureless emission band at about 667 nm when the complex concentration is higher than 6.0 × 10-5 mol/L, which can be attributed to a 3[dσ*,π*] state due to metal−metal interactions. [Pt2L2(μ-dppe)](ClO4)2 (2) and [Pt2L2(μ-dppp)](ClO4)2 (3) essentially exhibit no metal−metal interactions between the two platinum centers, and their emission can be ascribed to a 3MLCT (metal-to-ligand...
Resemblance of a Strain of Swine Influenza Virus to Human A-prime Strains.

Conclusions1. A strain of swine influenza virus (Oti), isolated in 1939, has been re-investigated by serological means and found antigenically to resemble some members of the human A-prime influenza virus group.2. Significant increases in the levels of anti-body against this swine strain of influenza virus were detected in the convalescent blood specimens of children who had had experience during the A-prime influenza epidemic of early 1947. High titers of antibody were also found against the current A-prime strains.3. Adults involved in the same epidemic also showed significant antibody increases against the same swine strain and the current A-prime and Type A strains.4. Results of cross hemagtglutination inhibition tests with specific ferret anti-sera supported the observations made from the serological tests with human sera.5. The relationship of this swine strain to members of the A-prime group has been discussed.
Preparation of ethynylsilanes from polychloroethylenes

Abstract General methods for the preparation of organosilylacetylenes from chloroethylenes are described. Symmetrical bis(trialkylsilyl)acetylenes are obtained in good yield from tetrachloroethylene, lithium and trialkylhalosilanes at −80° in tetrahydrofuran. When lithium and tetrachloroethylene are similarly allowed to react at −80° and then quenched with organosilicon halides, (chloroethynyl)triorganosilanes, R 3 SiCCCl, are produced. These can be coupled with lithium and chlorosilanes to give unsymmetrically substituted bis(organosilyl)acetylenes. Trichloroethylene, lithium and trialkylchlorosilanes give fair yields of ethynyltrialkylsilanes, R 3 SiCCH. Symmetrical bis(organosilyl)acetylenes can also be prepared from cis - or trans -1,2-dichloroethylene, alkyllithium compounds and chlorosilanes. The reaction between tetrachloroethylene, lithium and organochlorosilanes appears to take place through chloroethynyllithium as an intermediate.
EFFECT OF GLYCINE BETAINE ON THE SUCROSE CATABOLISM OF AN L-LYSINE PRODUCING MUTANT OF BREVIBACTERIUM LACTOFERMENTUM

Effect of exogenous betaine on the growth of an l-lysine-producing mutant of Brevibacterium lactofermentum was examined in a medium containing different carbon sources such as glucose, fructose, or sucrose. The growth rate decreased significantly with a rise in temperature when sucrose was the carbon source. Both the specific sucrose consumption rate and the invertase activity of the mutant decreased with the culture period when the cultivation temperature was 35°C. The addition of betaine restored both growth and invertase activity on medium containing sucrose as the carbon source at 35°C. Betaine protected the invertase activity against the inactivating effects of high temperature in vitro. Furthermore, the addition of exogenous invertase into production medium at 35°C restored the growth rate to that at 32°C. These results indicated that growth decreased on medium containing sucrose at 35°C due to a decrease in invertase activity, and that addition of betaine was an effective way to enhance growth on this medium at a higher temperature.
Developmental anatomy of the tailed frog (As cap hits truei): a primitive frog with large eggs and slow development

The embryonic and early larval development of Ascaphus was studied by culturing embryos at 11 °C. Twenty stages of normal development are morphologically defined by using a standard staging system for anuran amphibians. Cleavage stages are distinctive. The first cell division is unique because two separate furrows develop and then fuse to form a single cleavage plane. The large, yolky cytoplasm continues to influence cell divisions, and a blastula develops with very large vegetal cells and small, irregular shaped animal cells. There is a conspicuous, translucent blastocoel in the late blastula, and during gastrulation this structure is displayed forward by the internal migration of cells. Except for slight differences in proportions, the gastrula and neurula stages resemble the typical anuran pattern. Circulation (stage 20) begins when large vitelline veins develop on the yolk sac and direct the return of blood flow to the heart. At hatching, the tadpole has a large yolk sac, little skin pigmentation, and no gills. Mouthparts and opercular coverings of the branchial arches develop slowly. Hind limb buds develop at the base of the tail, but they are soon concealed as a skin membrane develops and covers these structures. The reproductive strategy for this primitive and highly aquatic frog is unusual: there is a small number of large eggs that develop slowly and produce tadpoles that continue this slow developmental process.
Computation with DNA on surfaces

DNA computation has the potential to tackle computationally difficult problems that have real-world implications. The parallel search capabilities of DNA make it a valuable tool to approach problems that have a large number of possible solutions, for which conventional computers have limited potential. Surface science can play a significant role in harnessing the parallel nature of DNA for computation. This article briefly reviews conventional computing architecture, discusses DNA computation, and describes the role of surface science in DNA computation.
Organization of arm movements. Motion is segmented

Abstract A kinematic analysis of human arm trajectories which underlie the production of learned, continuous movements (such as drawing of ‘figure 8s’ and stars) in free space is presented. The objective of this investigation was to see if a set of rules, which had been identified previously and which are appropriate for generating circular or elliptical motion of the wrist in an arbitrary plane, also hold true for arbitrary, learned trajectories provided one additional assumption is made: that apparently continuous complex movements are composed of unit segments. The results presented in this paper are consistent with this hypothesis. Furthermore, as predicted by the hypothesis, the wrist trajectory deviates little from planar motion in each segment while the plane of motion can change abruptly from one segment to the next.
On the modeling of the performances of the human brain in a two-choice task involving decoding and memorization of simple visual patterns.

The quantitative, aspects of the decoding and storage processes of simple visual patterns by the human brain are considered, on the basis of the performances obtained in a set of two-choice experiments. Strings of patterns (colored lights or simple geometrical patterns) were used in which the densities of the two patterns throughout the string were either constant or asymmetric. The subjects were required to indicate the pattern which was presented more frequently. A nonlinear model for the storage and decision processes was devised from these data which accurately predicted the performance under experimental conditions different from those originally used. Among the prominent features of the brain processes suggested by the model are the necessity for a nonlinear summation of the decoded information and its decay with time.
Papulonodular mucinosis associated with systemic lupus erythematosus: Possible mechanisms of increased glycosaminoglycan accumulation

Abstract Background: The mechanism for the production of papulonodular mucinosis in patients with lupus erythematosus (LE) is not known. Objective: Our purpose was to determine whether fibroblasts in a patient with LE and papulonodular mucinosis produced more mucin than normal fibroblasts and whether this mucin production could be stimulated by the patient's serum. Methods: Skin fibroblasts from a patient with systemic LE and massive papulonodular mucin deposition, as well as normal fibroblasts, were incubated in the presence of serum from the patient or from a healthy volunteer. The production of glycosaminoglycan by fibroblasts was analyzed. Results: Fibroblasts from the patient produced more glycosaminoglycan than did normal fibroblasts. Glycosaminoglycan production was increased in all cells when incubated in the presence of the patient's serum. Conclusion: Cutaneous mucin deposition in patients with papulonodular LE skin lesions is associated with increased glycosaminoglycan production by dermal fibroblasts. Our preliminary observations suggest glycosaminoglycan production by these fibroblasts appears to be stimulated by a factor, (or factors) in the patient's serum that is yet to be identified.
Effect of Reinforcing Carbon Fiber Morphology on Tribological Behavior of PEEK Polymers

This paper evaluates the effect of reinforcing carbon fiber morphology on friction and wear behavior of polyether ether ketone (PEEK) under relatively severe high-speed sliding contact conditions. Three materials are evaluated in the study: (1) un-reinforced PEEK, (2) short and randomly oriented carbon fiber reinforced PEEK (450FC30), and (3) continuous woven fiber reinforced PEEK (CPK53). Test results show that the existence and morphology of the reinforcement has a significant effect on both the wear and friction under these severe contact conditions.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Thermal expansion of oriented poly(methyl methacrylate)

The thermal expansivities along (α∥) and perpendicular (α⊥) to the draw direction of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) with extrusion draw ratios 1 ≤ λ ≤ 4 have been measured between 150 and 298 K. As λ was increased from 1 to 4, α∥ decreased 2–3 times, whereas α⊥ increased only 20–35%. The orientation function f calculated from thermal expansivity using the aggregate model is found to change linearly with birefringence, indicating that each property provides a sensitive measure of molecular orientation. For PMMA, however, only thermal expansivity can give an absolute f, with results at 150 K in reasonable agreement with previous studies using other techniques. At higher temperature, i.e., above ambient, PMMA side-group motions are excited, expanding volume, and calculations based on the aggregate model may not be valid.
Autoionization of Ba 6p1/2nk states in static and microwave fields below the Inglis-Teller limit.

Measurements of the autoionization rates of 6p/sub 1/2/nk states of Ba in the presence of static and 9-GHz microwave fields have been performed using a multistep laser excitation technique. For field amplitudes below 1/3n/sup 5/, which defines the Inglis-Teller limit, the measured rates in both static and dynamic fields are in good agreement with a simple Stark-effect model. The rates show an n/sup -4/ scaling rather than the familiar n/sup -3/ dependence observed in zero field. We also report the first observation of forced autoionization by microwaves. Connections between our measurements and the physical situation in plasmas are discussed, including implications for dielectronic recombination.
Molecular mechanisms regulating bovine ovarian follicular selection.

Transcription profiling of ovarian follicles. Understanding the mechanisms by which a single follicle is selected for further ovulation is important to control fertility in mammals. However, development of new treatments is limited by our poor understanding of molecular mechanisms regulating follicular selection. Our hypothesis is that genes involved in the control of cell proliferation and apoptosis are differentially regulated during follicular selection. Our objective was to identify these new genes. Bovine follicles were collected and gene expression levels were measured using microarrays. First, follicles were allocated to three groups, according to the time spent from the initiation of follicular wave to surgery (24 H, 36 H, and 48–60 H). Fifty-seven genes are differentially expressed at a false discovery rate of 5%. These genes are involved in the control of lipid metabolism (P-value = 0.0005), cell proliferation (0.007), cell death (0.003), cell morphology (0.003), and immune response (0.003). Follicles were also grouped into four categories, according to the expected time of deviation (early deviation; 8 mm, mid-deviation; 8.5 mm, late deviation; 9 mm, dominant follicles; ≥10 mm). One hundred and twenty eight genes are differentially expressed between these four groups, including genes involved in cell proliferation (0.00002), cell death (0.0006), cell-to-cell signaling (0.003), cell morphology (0.003), lipid metabolism (0.0004), and immune response (0.00007). The expression levels of 10 genes were confirmed using quantitative real time PCR. As expected, we identified new differentially regulated genes involved in the control of cell growth and apoptosis. We also discovered a potential role for immune cells, and in particular macrophages, in follicular selection. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 76: 351–366, 2009. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A Regenerative Decode-and-Forward Wireless Network with Multihop Relays under Channel Uncertainty

This paper studies channel uncertainty effects on the regenerative decode-and-forward (DF) wireless relay network. A wireless network consisting of a one-source, N-multihop relays, and one-destination without the direct link between the source and the destination is studied. Detection schemes are proposed using the power constraints, and designed for a network experiencing uncertain channels. The proposed detection schemes employ the maximum ratio combiner (MRC) principle. It is applied at relays to optimally detect the originally transmitted messages from the source, and at the destination to optimally detect the relays' transmitted messages. Using the proposed MRC detection schemes, Monte-Carlo simulations are presented to evaluate the system performance. Different levels of channel uncertainty, locations of uncertainty and different number of links experiencing uncertainty were studied. Some existing detectors were simulated for comparisons purpose.
Exact Three-Order-Statistic Confidence Bounds on Reliable Life for a Weibull Model with Progressive Censoring

Abstract A progressive-censoring model arises from a life test of a sample of items in which one or more of the survivors may be removed from the test at the time of any failure. Such a model is often more realistic for actual failure data which must be analyzed by a statistician than one in which all survivors are assumed to be removed from test simultaneously. This paper deals with the situation in which the underlying failure-time distribution for the population sampled is the two-parameter Weibull distribution. The reliable life for the population is defined to be the 100 (1-R) percent point of the failure-time distribution, where R is a specified population survival proportion, or reliability. An exact confidence bound on reliable life based on three observed ordered failure times is derived for this progressive-censoring model. The criterion used for selecting the order numbers of the three failure times upon which the bound is based depends upon computed values of the power function of the test ass...
Criminal-Justice Implications of the Macho Personality Constellation

This article outlines a script theory of macho personality and discusses its potential forensic application in the understanding of criminal behavior, the prediction of future dangerousness, and th...
THE DEVELOPMENT OF A SPREADSHEET-AIDED-ENGINEERING DESIGN TOOL FOR PARACHUTES

A spreadsheet-aided engineering design tool has been developed to assist in the parachute design process. The new tool was developed during FY96 and utilized in the design of the flight termination parachute system for a 1900 lb. payload. Many modifications were made during the initial utilization of this tool. Work on the tool continues as the authors attempt to create an application tool for the parachute engineer.