cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lung Ultrasound in Respiratory Failure and Pneumonia

Lung ultrasonography is emerging as a powerful clinical tool in the intensive care unit due to its accessibility, noninvasiveness, and accuracy. While it is not intended to replace traditional imaging altogether, it offers the ability to augment one’s bedside clinical decision making and provides the ability to repeatedly assess a patient as their disease process evolves over time. A variety of respiratory disorders can be diagnosed expeditiously through the use of lung ultrasound, including pneumonia and pulmonary edema, and causes of respiratory failure can be differentiated through use of this technology. In order to maximally and safely utilize the information gained from lung ultrasonography, the operator must possess strong competencies in the acquisition and interpretation of the images.
Development and clinical validation of a targeted RNAseq panel (Fusion-STAMP) for diagnostic and predictive gene fusion detection in solid tumors

Abstract RNA sequencing is emerging as a powerful technique to detect a diverse array of fusions in human neoplasia, but few clinically validated assays have been described to date. We designed and validated a hybrid-capture RNAseq assay for FFPE tissue (Fusion-STAMP). It fully targets the transcript isoforms of 43 genes selected for their known impact as actionable targets of existing and emerging anti-cancer therapies (especially in lung adenocarcinomas), prognostic features, and/or utility as diagnostic cancer biomarkers (especially in sarcomas). 57 fusion results across 34 samples were evaluated. Fusion-STAMP demonstrated high overall accuracy with 98% sensitivity and 94% specificity for fusion detection. There was high intra- and inter-run reproducibility. Detection was sensitive to approximately 10% tumor, though this is expected to be impacted by fusion transcript expression levels, hybrid capture efficiency, and RNA quality. Challenges of clinically validating RNA sequencing for fusion detection include a low average RNA quality in FFPE specimens, and variable RNA total content and expression profile per cell. These challenges contribute to highly variable on-target rates, total read pairs, and total mapped read pairs. False positive results may be caused by intergenic splicing, barcode hopping / index hopping, or misalignment. Despite this, Fusion-STAMP demonstrates high overall performance metrics for qualitative fusion detection and is expected to provide clinical utility in identifying actionable fusions.
Genome Sequences of Brevundimonas naejangsanensis Strain FS1091 and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens Strain FS1092, Isolated from a Fresh-Cut-Produce-Processing Plant

ABSTRACT The complete genome sequences of Brevundimonas naejangsanensis strain FS1091 and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain FS1092, which were isolated from a commercial fresh-cut-produce-processing facility, were determined. Both FS1091 and FS1092 have one circular chromosome of approximately 3.15 and 4.24 Mb, respectively.
Behavioral Characteristics of Effective Crew Leaders

The behaviors of effective versus less effective captains as they form and lead their crews in line operations are analyzed. The research examines real work groups in an actual organization with a specific and consequential task to perform and is based on a normative model of work group effectiveness. Selection of captains is outlined, as well as data collection over the course of six months of crew and cockpit observations including over 300 hours of direct crew observations and 110 hours of actual flight time. Common characteristics of the effective leaders as well as the deviations of the less effective are described, and organizational implications are assessed. The concept of 'shells' depicted as a series of concentric circles moving outward from the group's task execution at the center is introduced and discussed.
A Detailed Analyis of SIRS Versus SIRS-2 Critiques

This commentary reviews and critiques three recent SIRS/SIRS-2 comparison studies that reported strongly worded criticisms of the SIRS-2 and appeared to conclude that the original SIRS was far more accurate than its revision. Research designs and methodological considerations for replication research are outlined, and these comparison studies are systematically evaluated regarding their strengths and limitations. As a particularly concerning finding, SIRS/SIRS-2 comparison studies have routinely collapsed SIRS-2 classification categories (genuine, indeterminate-general, indeterminate-evaluate, and feigning) rather than following its well-defined decision rules, rendering comparison study results inapplicable to the SIRS-2 Decision Model. Relevant issues are discussed more generally so that scholars and practitioners may draw their own thoughtful conclusions about the psychometric strengths of the SIRS-2 and its utility for clinical and forensic practice.
Modeling Optimal Stopping in Changing Environments: a Case Study in Mate Selection

Optimal stopping problems require people to choose from a sequence of values presented sequentially, under the constraint that it is not possible to return to an earlier option. Usually, the distribution from which values are drawn is the same for each option in the sequence. We consider an extension in which the distributions change in a known way over options. Based on an experimental task involving mate selection, we study people’s optimal stopping behavior in two different changing environments. Basic empirical results, and a cognitive modeling analysis, find evidence that people use relatively simple cognitive strategies to set internal thresholds that guide their decision-making. Using the model-based analysis, we reach some conclusions about the nature of individual difference in strategy use and the optimality of the thresholds people use. In particular, we find that while people are sensitive to environmental distributions, they typically use thresholds that start too low for early options, and often decrease their thresholds too quickly.
A Matter of Perspective: The Lawyer’s Place in Society

It is clear that poor individual experiences with lawyers, and the media’s tendency to portray the legal profession simplistically and negatively, will not disappear in the near future. Neither will the human tendency to stereotype and generalize. But through educating individuals about the complexities and competing interests involved in our legal system, I believe that the societal tone might slowly shift. There is great value in pushing people to understand that which they criticize. Whether or not people think favorably of the legal profession, my experiences have shown that both adolescents and adults can use role playing to help them appreciate how difficult it is to balance the spectrum of interests that make up a legal dispute. The more individuals see the world through the eyes of the lawyer, the more they will be able to appreciate the challenges inherent in the job, and the more they will respect the legal profession.
Usable Security Case of Remote Web Access

Various organizations such as the European Union (EU) use Remote Web Access (RWA) [1], as it enables their staff members to work from any place and at any time. Working from remote locations has its drawbacks. Cyberattacks can take place. Therefore, organizations need to secure the user identification technique (UIT). This research talks about the challenges of UIT associated with RWA and explores solutions on how to make RWA secure as well as user-friendly. However, surveys showed that users were not satisfied with these security measures, as it affected the usability of the platform. This research focuses on designing a secure and user-friendly UIT for RWA.
Primary central nervous system lymphoma in scleroderma: A case series

Many studies have demonstrated an increased risk of cancer in patients with rheumatologic diseases, including systemic sclerosis. Less explored is the role of immunosuppressive therapy as a contrib...
Molecular characterization of high-grade serous ovarian cancers occurring in younger and older women.

Abstract Objectives To determine if the mutational landscapes and genomic features of homologous recombination DNA repair defects (HRD) vary between younger and older patients with high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC). Methods Younger and older women were defined as bottom and top age quartiles, respectively. HGSOCs from 15 younger (median 49 years, range 35–53) and 15 older women (median 72 years, range 70–87) were subjected to whole-exome sequencing (WES). For validation, HGSOC WES data were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), including 38 younger (median 45 years, range 34–50) and 30 older women (median 74 years, range 68–84). Mutational profiles, BRCA1/2 status, genomic HRD features, and for TCGA cases RNA-sequencing-based HRD transcriptomic signatures were assessed. Results In the institutional cohort, pathogenic germline BRCA1/2 mutations were more frequent in younger (5/15) than older women (0/15, p = 0.042). No somatic BRCA1/2 mutations were identified. HGSOCs from older patients preferentially displayed aging-related mutational signatures and, in contrast to younger patients, harbored CCNE1 amplifications (3/15, 20%). In the TCGA cohort, pathogenic germline BRCA1 (younger 8/38, older 0/30, p = 0.007) but not BRCA2 mutations (young 3/38, older 4/30, p = 0.691) were more frequent in younger patients. Again, no somatic BRCA1/2 mutations were identified. HGSOCs from younger women more frequently displayed genomic features of HRD (all, p Conclusions HGSOC patients diagnosed at an older age less frequently harbor pathogenic BRCA1 germline mutations and genomic features of HRD than younger women. Individualized treatment options, particularly pertaining to use of PARP inhibitors, in older women may be warranted.
Lifestyle Factors and Parkinson's Disease Risk in a Rural New England Case-Control Study.

Introduction. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is an age-related neurodegenerative disease likely caused by complex interactions between genetic and environmental risk factors. Exposure to pesticides, toxic metals, solvents, and history of traumatic brain injury have been implicated as environmental risk factors for PD, underscoring the importance of identifying risk factors associated with PD across different communities. Methods. We conducted a questionnaire-based case-control study in a rural area on the New Hampshire/Vermont border, enrolling PD patients and age- and sex-matched controls from the general population between 2017 and 2020. We assessed frequent participation in a variety of recreational and occupational activities and surveyed potential chemical exposures. Results. Suffering from “head trauma or a concussion” prior to diagnosis was associated with a fourfold increased risk of PD. Adjustment for head trauma negated any risk of participation in “strenuous athletic activities.” We observed a 2.7-fold increased risk of PD associated with activities involving lead (adjusted ). Conclusion. Implicating these factors in PD risk favors public health efforts in exposure mitigation while also motivating future work mechanisms and intervention opportunities.
Electrical Injury and Lightning Injury: A Review of Their Mechanisms and Neuropsychological, Psychiatric, and Neurological Sequelae

Exposure to electrical current via industrial or residential accidents or lightning strikes is a serious and growing concern in today's medical community. The sequelae that result are referred to as electrical injury (EI) or lightning injury (LI). The relevant principles in electricity are reviewed with particular attention given to their damaging capabilities on the body. Specific neuropsychological, psychiatric, and neurological signs and symptoms as well as objective measures of psychological and neuropsychological functioning and brain imaging in victims of EI and LI, are reviewed from past research. Important issues relevant to researchers in the field are discussed. Finally, the role that neuropsychology might play in this area is outlined.
Burden Self-Image

Abstract A model in which burden self image (perception of self as a burden on one's caregiver) is a mediating variable between depressive symptoms and health status, financial resources, spirituality, reciprocal behavior, and appraisal of caregiver behavior among older chronically ill care recipients was proposed and tested. Data from 286 elders revealed that burden self image, reciprocal behavior, and gender had a direct effect on depressive symptoms. Burden self image was predicted by poorer health status, fewer financial resources, less spiritual activity, and negative appraisal of caregiver behavior. Increased spiritual activity, more financial resources, better health status, and younger age predicted increased reciprocal behavior. The model accounted for 46% of the variance in depressive symptom scores.
Essential Commodities and Racial Justice: Using Constitutional Protection of Japan’s Indigenous Ainu People to Inform Understandings of the United States and Japan

When two Ainu landowners refused to agree to the government's expropriation of their land for the construction of a dam near their home in Nibutani Village, they sparked a legal battle that would come to reshape relations between Japan's dominant Wajin majority and the indigenous Ainu people. The 1997 Nibutani Dam decision represented the first time the Japanese nation-state acknowledged the Ainu people as a distinct ethnic minority group and recognized a long history of Ainu oppression. The innovative legal reasoning of the decision was rooted in both Japanese constitutional law and international human rights law, and its legal analysis has far-reaching implications for the future of both the Ainu people and other indigenous peoples around the world. This article presents a detailed history of the Wajin majority's often unjust and antagonistic interactions with the indigenous Ainu and the history of the Nibutani Dam case itself. This historical framework provides the context for an examination of the unique constitutional jurisprudence employed in the Nibutani Dam decision and the larger implications of the decision as it relates to racial justice and the rights of indigenous minorities generally. Finally, this article explores how American scholarship on race justice, writings in critical race theory, illuminate questions about indigenousness, race, and ethnicity in Japan. The author's annotated translation of the complete Nibutani Dam decision is also available on SSRN at http://ssrn.com/abstract=1635447.
Simulation of LNG vapour spread and dispersion by finite element methods1

Abstract Two finite element models, one based on solving the time-dependent, two-dimensional conservation equations of mass, momentum, and energy, with buoyancy effects included via the Boussinesq approximation, the other based on solving the otherwise identical set of equations except using the hydrostatic assumption, are described and used to predict some aspects of the vapour dispersion phenomena associated with LNG spills. A number of controlled numerical experiments, representing a reasonable expected range of LNG spill scenarios and atmospheric conditions, have been carried out. Based on a comparison of the results obtained with these finite element models, some data regarding the applicability and limitations of the hydrostatic assumption for predicting LNG vapour spread and dispersion are established.
Affective learning companions: strategies for empathetic agents with real-time multimodal affective sensing to foster meta-cognitive and meta-affective approaches to learning, motivation, and perseverance

This thesis has developed an affective agent research platform that advances the architecture of relational agents and intelligent tutoring systems. The system realizes non-invasive multimodal real-time sensing of elements of user's affective state and couples this ability with an agent capable of supporting learners by engaging in real-time responsive expressivity. The agent mirrors several nonverbal behaviors believed to influence persuasion, liking, and social rapport, and responds to frustration with empathetic or task-support dialogue. Pilot studies involved 60 participants, ages 10-14 years-old, and led to an experiment involving 76 participants, ages 11-13 years-old, engaging in the Towers of Hanoi activity. The system (data collection, architecture, character interaction, and activity presentation) was iteratively tested and refined, and two "mirroring" conditions were developed: "sensor driven non-verbal interactions" and "pre-recorded non-verbal interactions". The development and training of the classifier algorithms showed the ability to predict frustration/help seeking behavior with 79% accuracy across a pilot group of 24 participants. Informed by the theory of optimal experience (Flow) and a parallel theory of a state of non-optimal experience (Stuck), developed in this thesis, the effects of "affective support" and "task support" interventions, through agent dialogue and non-verbal interactions, were evaluated relative to their appropriateness for the learner's affective state. Outcomes were assessed with respect to measures of agent emotional intelligence, social bond, and persuasion, and with respect to learner frustration, perseverance, metacognitive and meta-affective ability, beliefs of one's ability to increase one's own intelligence, and goal-mastery-orientation. A new simple measure of departure dialogue was shown to have a significant relationship with the more lengthy and explicit social bond Working Alliance Inventory survey instrument; its validity was further supported through its use in assessing the social bond relationship with other measures. Over-estimation of the duration of the activity was associated with increased frustration. Gender differences were obtained with girls showing stronger outcomes when presented with affect-support interventions and boys with task-support interventions. Coordinating the character's mirroring with intervention type and learners' frustration was shown to be important. (Copies available exclusively from MIT Libraries, Rm. 14-0551, Cambridge, MA 02139-4307. Ph. 617-253-5668; Fax 617-253-1690.)
Neuromodulation of the pudendal, hypogastric, and tibial nerves with pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation in the treatment of urinary urge incontinence.

Objectives. The hypothesis of the study is that adding percutaneous tibial nerve neuromodulation (Urgent PC, Uroplasty Inc., Minneapolis, MN, USA) with pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation (Evadri System, Hollister Inc., Libertyville, IL, USA) is safe, and more successful than either therapy alone for the treatment of urge incontinence. Material and Methods. Two hundred and fifty-six female patients with urge incontinence or mixed incontinence were included in this investigation. Patients were treated sequentially (on the same day) with both pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation and percutaneous tibial nerve neuromodulation twice per week at the Southern Arizona Urogynecology Center, Tucson, Arizona. Results. At three months 93% of the patients were dry. The remaining 7% of patients had a mean improvement of 84% in their incontinence episodes. The median follow-up is now 19 months. There were no adverse side events. Conclusions. Neuromodulation of the pudendal, hypogastric, and tibial nerves is a highly effective treatment for urge incontinence, and superior to either treatment alone by a factor of greater than two times (see Table 1). Table 1. Cure (Dry) Rates for PFMR Alone, PTNS Alone, and the Combination of Two Cure (dry) rates (%) * References 9–12. † References 20, 22. ‡ Current manuscript. PFMR, pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation; PTNS, percuataneous tibial nerve neuromodulation. PFMR* 30.2–33 PTNS† 45–46 Combination (PFMR & PTNS)‡ 93
Embedded System Co-Design

Embedded system designers, in varied industry segments that include consumer electronics, automotive control, and medical equipment, are facing increased pressure to create products quickly and inexpensively. Moreover, they must create product families that offer customers a wide-range of cost, function, and performance tradeoffs. Another trend is the increasing level of integration, performance, and programmability achievable in off-the-shelf integrated circuits including microprocessors, programmable logic, and devices such as LCDs, network interface controllers, and speech generators. Designers find using these devices to be advantageous because of their low cost and the way they facilitate rapid realization of designs not only for prototyping but for production as well. In fact, with embedded controllers now found in everything from automobiles to smart credit cards, many products have declining lifetimes that make custom integrated circuits a less economically viable option. Thus, the coupling of these two trends is leading to new dominant issues in embedded system design: rapid integration of new components and portability of design specifications to more than one realization. Rapid integration is needed to take advantage of emerging devices (processors, sensors, actuators), re-design of portions of existing designs, and to support rapid prototyping. Portability is needed to keep up with continually shifting technology as well as the development of product families. Ideally, a single description of design functionality should have a long lifetime and be realized in a myriad different ways.
Management of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) by the family nurse practitioner: a timeline for anticipated referrals.

Purpose: This article reviews characteristics of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and appropriate timing of referrals by the nurse practitioner (NP). Data sources: Selected research and clinical articles. Conclusion: Management of patients with ALS by the NP requires anticipation of needed referrals based on symptom assessment and knowledge of the common timeline of ALS progression. Close collaboration with specialists such as neurologists, pulmonologists, and a palliative care team provides patients and families with much needed support and improves outcomes. Implications for practice: Anticipating and initiating appropriate and timely referrals for patients with ALS may improve quality of life for patients with this devastating condition.
Structuring the Cherokee Nation Justice System: The History and Function of the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service:

On July 4, 1986, a Cherokee tribal member was shot in the leg and arrested by a deputy in Adair County, Oklahoma. In a subsequent civil action, the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that absent a statutory grant of authority by Congress or consent from the tribe itself, Oklahoma law enforcement officers have no criminal jurisdiction “in Indian country” unless the crime is committed by a non-Indian against another non-Indian or the crime is a victimless crime committed by a non-Indian. Realizing that they were no longer protected by the state, the Cherokee Nation responded by creating its own Marshal Service. This article describes the evolution of that agency, checkerboard jurisdiction, and the need for cross deputization. In particular, the article addresses the recent political tribal crisis that almost devastated the newly formed Marshal Service and the tribe's current struggle to regain stability in the politically charged aftermath.
Performance analysis of home streaming video using Orb

A new paradigm in video streaming is emerging, that of personal video servers in the home streaming video to remote clients on the Internet. The potential impact of such technologies demands careful study to assess performance and impact. This project studies one such personal video streaming system called Orb in a closed network environment, allowing us to control network bandwidths. Our performance evaluation focuses on Orb's method of bandwidth estimation, video performance and bitrates, and resource usage during transcoding. Analysis shows Orb uses simplistic, but effective, methods of determining available bandwidth, dynamic temporal and spatial scaling, and significant CPU cycles when transcoding. The results should be useful for subsequent comparison with other home streaming technologies and capacity planning for network providers.
Compression molding of sheet molding compounds in plate‐rib type geometry

The flow of fiber-reinforced composite materials in a plate-rib type mold geometry during compression molding was investigated using a series of sheet molding compounds (SMC). Material anisotropy in relation to the amount and the length of the reinforcing fibers was analyzed. The influence of the interfacial friction between the SMC charge and the mold surfaces on the flow and sink mark formation was also examined. The results were explained qualitatively by computer simulation
High- brightness injection- seeded soft-X-ray-laser amplifier using a solid target

We demonstrate the generation of an intense soft-x-ray-laser beam by saturated amplification of high harmonic seed pulses in a dense transient collisional soft-x-ray-laser plasma amplifier created by heating a titanium target. Amplification in the 32.6 nm line of Ne-like Ti generates laser pulses of subpicosecond duration that are measured to approach full spatial coherence. The peak spectral brightness is estimated to be {approx}2x10{sup 26} photons/(s mm{sup 2} mrad{sup 2} 0.01% bandwidth). The scheme is scalable to produce extremely bright lasers at very short wavelengths with full temporal and spatial coherence.
Freundlich adsorption isotherms of agricultural by-product-based powdered activated carbons in a geosmin–water system

The present study was designed to model the adsorption of geosmin from water under laboratory conditions using the Freundlich isotherm model. This model was used to compare the efficiency of sugarcane bagasse and pecan shell-based powdered activated carbon to the efficiency of a coal-based commercial activated carbon (Calgon Filtrasorb 400). When data were generated from Freundlich isotherms, Calgon Filtrasorb 400 had greater geosmin adsorption at all geosmin concentrations studied than the laboratory produced steam-activated pecan shell carbon, steam-activated bagasse carbon, and the CO2-activated pecan shell carbon. At geosmin concentrations < 0.07 microg/l for the phosphoric acid-activated pecan shell carbon and below 0.08 microg/l for a commercially produced steam-activated pecan shell carbon obtained from Scientific Carbons, these two carbons had a higher calculated geosmin adsorption than Filtrasorb 400. While the commercial carbon was more efficient than some laboratory prepared carbons at most geosmin concentrations, the results indicate that when the amount of geosmin was below the threshold level of human taste (about 0.10 microg/l), the phosphoric acid-activated pecan shell carbon and the Scientific Carbons sample were more efficient than Filtrasorb 400 at geosmin removal.
Direct and highly regioselective and enantioselective allylation of β-diketones

The enantioselective allylation of ketones is a problem of fundamental importance in asymmetric reaction design, especially given that only a very small number of methods can generate tertiary carbinols. Despite the vast amount of attention that synthetic chemists have given to this problem, success has generally been limited to just a few simple ketone types. A method for the selective allylation of functionally complex ketones would greatly increase the utility of ketone allylation methods in the chemical synthesis of important targets. Here we describe the operationally simple, direct, regioselective and enantioselective allylation of β-diketones. The strong tendency of β-diketones to act as nucleophilic species was overcome by using their enol form to provide the necessary Bronsted-acid activation. This reaction significantly expands the pool of enantiomerically enriched and functionally complex tertiary carbinols that may be easily accessed. It also overturns more than a century of received wisdom regarding the reactivity of β-diketones.
Social support, neuropsychological performance, and depression in HIV infection.

The present study was designed to examine the impact of neuropsychological performance on the relationships between stress, social support, and depression in 217 HIV-infected men. Using path analysis, the contributions of four domains of cognitive functioning (memory, attention, executive function, and psychomotor speed), IQ, and relevant psychosocial variables to depression were evaluated. In the model which best fit the data, cognitive domains did not contribute directly to depression, but contributed significantly to psychosocial variables which affected levels of depression. Attention and executive function contributed to reduced illness-related disability; while higher IQ was associated with fewer stressful life events. Number of stressful life events and level of illness-related disability were associated with depressive symptoms. Higher IQ led to greater numbers of social contacts, which was associated with fewer reported symptoms of depression. These findings suggest that better neuropsychological performance may lead to reduced stress and perceived disability, and more available social contacts. By these multiple paths, different domains of cognitive ability contribute indirectly to ameliorating depression in HIV-infected men. (JINS, 2002, 8, 436–447.)
Thermodynamics of the Fm3m ⇄ Pm3m transition in the potassium and rubidium halides

Abstract The Fm3m ⇄ Pm3m phase transition in the potassium and rubidium halides has been examined by a dilatometric method from 25°C to temperatures near the melting point. The pressure ( P tr ) and volume change (Δ V tr ) measured for these polymorphic transitions were treated by method of least squares. Averages of P tr and Δ V tr at 25° were taken from this work and from data in the literature. These average values of P tr . and Δ V tr were used to calculate the P Δ V work for this transition; the entropy change (Δ S tr ) was calculated from the average value of Δ V tr and the temperature coefficient, ( dP tr dT ). Data are also given for P tr , Δ V tr and Δ S tr at the triple point (Fm3m ⇄ liquid ⇄No solid-solid transition was observed in KF below 800°C and 45 kb. The following trends are noted. At constant pressure, the entropy change Δ S (Fm3m → Pm3m) is positive for the potassium salts KCl, KBr and KI; for the rubidium halides it is negative. The transition volume Δ V (Fm3m → Pm3m) in all cases decreases as the temperature increases.
Cross-modality sensory integration in the control of feeding in Aplysia

Cross-modality sensory integration controlling feeding in the marine mollusc Aplysia was examined by dissociating chemical and tactile components of seaweed stimuli which evoke biting responses. The chemical stimuli were graded concentrations of seaweed extract perfused over the tentacles and lips of the animals. The tactile stimulus was a glass probe applied to these same structures. Tactile stimuli were found to be ineffective in evoking repeated biting responses, whereas chemical stimuli evoked repeated though irregular responses. Combined chemical and tactile stimuli evoked regular biting. Mean interresponse intervals for combined stimuli were significantly less than those measured for chemical or tactile stimuli alone. When the concentration of the chemical stimulus was systematically varied, the addition of a tactile stimulus shifted the function relating chemostimulus strength to biting frequency toward greater responsiveness. The results suggest that cross-modality sensory integration provides Aplysia with feature detection capabilities which enhance the ability of the animal to detect appropriate food objects in the environment.
The early onset dystonia protein torsinA interacts with kinesin light chain 1.

Early onset dystonia is a movement disorder caused by loss of a glutamic acid residue (Glu302/303) in the carboxyl-terminal portion of the AAA+ protein, torsinA. We identified the light chain subunit (KLC1) of kinesin-I as an interacting partner for torsinA, with binding occurring between the tetratricopeptide repeat domain of KLC1 and the carboxyl-terminal region of torsinA. Coimmunoprecipitation analysis demonstrated that wild-type torsinA and kinesin-I form a complex in vivo. In cultured cortical neurons, both proteins co-localized along processes with enrichment at growth cones. Wild-type torsinA expressed in CAD cells co-localized with endogenous KLC1 at the distal end of processes, whereas mutant torsinA remained confined to the cell body. Subcellular fractionation of adult rat brain revealed torsinA and KLC associated with cofractionating membranes, and both proteins were co-immunoprecipitated after cross-linking cytoplasmically oriented proteins on isolated rat brain membranes. These studies suggest that wild-type torsinA undergoes anterograde transport along microtubules mediated by kinesin and may act as a molecular chaperone regulating kinesin activity and/or cargo binding.
The Molecular Mechanisms of Anesthetic Action: Updates and Cutting Edge Developments from the Field of Molecular Modeling

For over 160 years, general anesthetics have been given for the relief of pain and suffering. While many theories of anesthetic action have been purported, it has become increasingly apparent that a significant molecular focus of anesthetic action lies within the family of ligand-gated ion channels (LGIC’s). These protein channels have a transmembrane region that is composed of a pentamer of four helix bundles, symmetrically arranged around a central pore for ion passage. While initial and some current models suggest a possible cavity for binding within this four helix bundle, newer calculations postulate that the actual cavity for anesthetic binding may exist between four helix bundles. In either scenario, these cavities have a transmembrane mode of access and may be partially bordered by lipid moieties. Their physicochemical nature is amphiphilic. Anesthetic binding may alter the overall motion of a ligand-gated ion channel by a “foot-in-door” motif, resulting in the higher likelihood of and greater time spent in a specific channel state. The overall gating motion of these channels is consistent with that shown in normal mode analyses carried out both in vacuo as well as in explicitly hydrated lipid bilayer models. Molecular docking and large scale molecular dynamics calculations may now begin to show a more exact mode by which anesthetic molecules actually localize themselves and bind to specific protein sites within LGIC’s, making the design of future improvements to anesthetic ligands a more realizable possibility.
Inherent Association Between Academic Delay of Gratification, Future Time Perspective, and Self-Regulated Learning

We review the association between delay of gratification and future time perspective (FTP), which can be incorporated within the theoretical perspective of self-regulation of learning. We propose that delay of gratification in academic contexts, along with facilitative beliefs about the future, increase the likelihood of completing academic tasks. Discussed are (a) classic and current theoretical views of delay of gratification, (b) FTP and its association with delay of gratification, (c) evidence for the association between delay of gratification and FTP that enhances our understanding of academic success from a self-regulated learning approach, and (d) implications for instruction, and considerations of FTP for understanding achievement-related delay. Suggestions for further research are also discussed.
Solitons and singular solitons for the Gardner–KP equation

Abstract We present in this work a reliable treatment for the Gardner–KP (GKP) equation. The Hirota’s bilinear method is used to obtain multiple-soliton solutions for this completely integrable equation. Multiple singular soliton solutions are obtained as well. The study highlights a variety of multi-solitary wave and multi-singular solitary solutions of the Gardner–KP equation.
Evidence for an unusual coordination geometry for ethylene on Cu(110)

Abstract Studies of ethylene adsorption on Cu(110) by temperature programmed desorption (TPD) and reflection-absorption infrared spectroscopy (RAIRS) are presented. Ethylene coordinate weakly to Cu(110) and desorbs molecularly intact below 225 K. RAIRS spectra at 100 K show two strong modes; one, the CC stretching mode, at 1522 cm −1 and the other, the CH 2 scissors mode, at 1261 cm −1 . No CH 2 wagging mode is observed. These data indicate that the ethylene retains most of its π character upon adsorption, but unlike on other transition-metal surfaces binds with its molecular plane perpendicular to the surface and its CC bond tilted away from the surface plane.
Modulated fluorophore signal recovery buried within tissue mimicking phantoms.

Optically modulated fluorescence from ∼140 nM Cy5 is visualized when embedded up to 6 mm within skin tissue mimicking phantoms, even in the presence of overwhelming background fluorescence and scatter. Experimental and finite element analysis (FEA)-based computational models yield excellent agreement in signal levels and predict biocompatible temperature changes. Using synchronously amplified fluorescence image recovery (SAFIRe), dual-laser excitation (primary laser: λ = 594 nm, 0.29 kW/cm2; secondary laser: λ = 710 nm, 5.9 kW/cm2, intensity-modulated at 100 Hz) simultaneously excites fluorescence and dynamically optically reverses the dark state buildup of primary laser-excited Cy5 molecules. As the modulated secondary laser both directly modulates Cy5 emission and is of lower energy than the collected Cy5 fluorescence, modulated Cy5 fluorescence in phantoms is free of obscuring background emission. The modulated fluorescence emission due to the secondary laser was recovered by Fourier transformation, yi...
ENDOTHELIAL PHAGOCYTOSIS: AN ELECTRON-MICROSPOPIC STUDY.

Abstract The RES of rats and mice was “overloaded” by repeated injections of colloidal carbon, and the non-RES vascular endothelium was examined by electron microscopy for evidence of phagocytosis. Phagocytosis of carbon was demonstrated in the endothelium of small myocardial vessels, in the endocardium, in pulmonary capillary endothelium, in the aorta, and in glomerular and peritubular capillary endothelium. Some carbon remained in the endothelium of the heart vessels for at least 7 days after overloading. Carbon particles were also present in circulating mononuclear cells and in perivascular phagocytes. This study thus confirms—at the level of the electron microscope—the ability of vascular endothelium outside the RES to perform phagocytosis.
Epidemiology of chronic kidney disease and anemia.

Anemia is a common comorbidity of chronic kidney disease (CKD). As the diseased kidney loses its ability to produce the erythropoietin essential to the production of hemoglobin, anemia ensues. The age-related rise in CKD makes anemia in CKD a problem of increasing prevalence among residents of long-term care facilities. CKD refers to the entire continuum of renal disease that progresses from mildly impaired kidney function (stage 1, glomerular filtration rate [GFR] ≥90 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ) to significant deterioration, requiring dialysis or kidney transplant in what is categorized as stage 5 (GFR 2 ). The definition of anemia is controversial. The WHO defines anemia as hemoglobin
ON UNSTEADY-MOTION THEORY OF MAGNETIC FORCES FOR MAGLEV SYSTEMS

Motion-dependent magnetic forces are the key elements in the study of magnetically levitated vehicle (maglev) system dynamics. This paper presents an experimental and analytical study that will enhance our understanding of the role of unsteady-motion-dependent magnetic forces and demonstrate an experimental technique that can be used to measure those unsteady magnetic forces directly. The experimental technique is a useful tool for measuring motion-dependent magnetic forces for the prediction and control of maglev systems.
CASSCF study into the mechanism for predissociation of the allyl radical

A theoretical study has been carried out on the allyl radical in its ground and first excited electronic states. Complete active space self-consistent field (CASSCF) calculations show the presence of a conical intersection between the ground and first excited electronic states (∼400 cm−1 above the adiabatic excited state energy), reached by decreasing the CCC angle and twisting the CC bonds. The presence of this conical intersection provides a likely explanation for the very rapid predissociation in the excited electronic state. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2006
The effects of chlorination of wastewater on fertilization in some marine invertebrates

Unchlorinated domestic sewage was found to be a relatively weak inhibitor of external fertilization in 3 marine invertebrates. Chlorinated sewage was a potent spermicide, active in inhibiting fertilization in concentrations of available chlorine as low as 0.05 ppm. Sodium hypochlorite in seawater duplicated the effect, and excess sodium thiosulfate terminated it. The possibility of chlorine disinfection affecting reproductive success in the vicinity of outfalls is discussed.
A Conceptual Analysis of Differential Item Functioning in Terms of a Multidimensional Item Response Model

Differential item functioning (DIF) has been informally conceptualized as multidimensionality. Recently, more formal descriptions of DIF as multidimensionality have become available in the item response theory literature. This approach assumes that DIF is not a difference in the item parameters of two groups; rather, it is a shift in the distribution of ability along a secondary trait that influences the probability of a correct item response. That is, one group is relatively more able on an ability such as test-wiseness. The parameters of the secondary distribution are confounded with item parameters by unidimensional DIF detection models, and this manifests as differences between estimated item parameters. However, DIF is con founded with impact in multidimensional tests, which may be a serious limitation of unidimen sional detection methods in some situations. In the multidimensional approach, DIF is considered to be a function of the educational histories of the examinees. Thus, a better tool for unde...
Multiband theory of quantum-dot quantum wells: Dim excitons, bright excitons, and charge separation in heteronanostructures

Electron, hole, and exciton states of multishell CdS/HgS/CdS quantum-dot quantum well nanocrystals are determined by use of a multiband theory that includes valence-band mixing, modeled with a 6-band Luttinger-Kohn Hamiltonian, and nonparabolicity of the conduction band. The multiband theory correctly describes the recently observed dark-exciton ground state and the lowest, optically active, bright-exciton states. Charge separation in pair states is identified. Previous single-band theories could not describe these states or account for charge separation.
On site indexing of 1980 U.S. census of population housing

Abstract Printed reports from the 1980 Census of Population and Housing, selected special ones prepared from summary tape files, and the neighborhood statistics series are indexed in this paper. Part I lists and describes the reports, while Part II provides alphabetic subject access. The combining of information derived from various media (paper, magnetic tapes, and microfiche) makes this index unique. Data was compiled using dBASE II software. A brief discussion of the software and the file structure of the census index, and a short bibliography about dBASE II applications in libraries is offered. The author will forward a copy of the data in PC/MS DOS format to those requesting it, upon receipt of two double-sided, double-density disks.
EFFECTS OF OIL SPILL CLEANUP TECHNIQUES ON A SALT MARSH

ABSTRACT On January 28, 1979, an oil spill occurred in the lower Neches River near Port Neches, Texas. Southerly winds carried oil into Bessie Heights Marsh affecting some of the vegetation which is primarily Spartina patens. This study was designed to assess the effects of three methods of oil spill cleanup and to determine which method was least harmful to the marsh. All methods begin with absorption and low-water-pressure washing followed by either (1) burning, (2) cutting and removing, or (3) leaving the affected vegetation alone. Grams per square meter of harvested vegetation, numbers of individuals, numbers of taxa, and diversity of macroinvertebrates were subjected to analysis of variance to test for differences within and between selected treatments. Chi square values utilizing numbers of individuals for all taxa occurring in at least 50 percent of the sample plots were also calculated. Statistical analysis of data indicated that burning the impacted vegetation had the most harmful effect. Leaving...
The Gender Factor in Soviet Mass Politics: Survey Evidence from Greater Moscow

Based on a representative sample of 504 respondents from the Moscow oblast of the Soviet Union, gender differences in both political and non- political variables (which may serve to explain the connection between gender and the political) were investigated. With controls for age, edu cation, income and membership in the Communist party, women were found to be more favorable to the Communist party, less in favor of radical change, less politically interested and efficacious, more likely to vote but less likely to be involved in unconventional participation. Several inter vening variables were examined as possible explanations for these gender differences, including feminist orientation, compassion, religiosity and fatigue.
Inhalational Anthrax: Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Management

Anthrax, a disease of great historical interest, is once again making headlines as an agent of biological warfare. Bacillus anthracis, a rod-shaped, spore-forming bacterium, primarily infects herbivores. Humans can acquire anthrax by agricultural or industrial exposure to infected animals or animal products. More recently, the potential for intentional release of anthrax spores in the environment has caused much concern. The common clinical manifestations of anthrax are cutaneous disease, pulmonary disease from inhalation of anthrax spores, and GI disease. The course of inhalational anthrax is dramatic, from the insidious onset of nonspecific influenza-like symptoms to severe dyspnea, hypotension, and hemorrhage within days of exposure. A rapid decline, culminating in septic shock, respiratory distress, and death within 24 h is not uncommon. The high mortality seen in inhalational anthrax is in part due to delays in diagnosis. Classic findings on the chest radiograph include widening of the mediastinum as well as pleural effusions. Pneumonia is less common; key pathologic manifestations include severe hemorrhagic mediastinitis, diffuse hemorrhagic lymphadenitis, and edema. Diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion. Treatment involves supportive care in an intensive care facility and high doses of penicillin. Resistance to third-generation cephalosporins has been noted. Vaccines are currently available and have been shown to be effective against aerosolized exposure in animal studies.
Membrane potentials of smooth muscle cells of isolated resistance vessels.

SummaryThe microelectrode technique was used to measure membrane potentials from branches of the saphenous and deep caudal epigastric arteries supplying skeletal muscle and of the superior mesenteric artery of rats and guinea pigs. We found no significant differences in membrane potentials of cells from the different sources. Although KCl and epinephrine produced some depolarization of this vascular smooth muscle, the magnitude of the depolarization did not appear to reflect the magnitude of the contractile response and there was no suggestion of a spike discharge; activation of the contraction produced by these agents must be initiated through a nonelectrical pathway.