cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Method for endogenizing capital in the United States Environmentally-Extended Input-Output model

Each year businesses, governments, and homeowners in the United States invest around one fifth of gross domestic product into the creation of capital assets such as buildings, machinery, and software to enable production and consumption. Use of capital is typically included to some extent in environmental life cycle assessments of goods and services but is not incorporated into most environmentally extended input‐output (EEIO) models, including the US Environmental Protection Agency's USEEIO. Capital assets are typically created in years prior to their use, so a challenge lies in distributing the impacts of their creation over time. In this work, a highly detailed capital flow matrix approach is followed to distribute the use of fixed capital assets to consuming industries. Data from the US Bureau of Economic Analysis's Fixed Asset Accounts is merged with its Industry Accounts data by the creation of concordance tables. Public highways and streets are partially reallocated to industries operating vehicles. The resulting capital use matrix is later combined into a modified USEEIO. “Housing” is found to be the largest consumer of fixed assets, followed by general government, fossil fuel extraction, and financial industries involved in leasing. Construction, vehicles, and machinery are mostly used by industries in the form of fixed assets. The types of fixed assets used by industries are consistent with expectations: housing is dominated by structures, transport by equipment, and information industries by intellectual property products.
Consanguinity and Autism

Consanguinity can increase the risk for autosomal recessive conditions, along with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Rarely outside of the genetics community is this discussed. Understanding its impact on the development of ASD and increasing awareness for physicians is important. ASD is a polygenic multifactorial disorder associated with morbidity and burden of care. Studies have confirmed its heritability, suspecting to an autosomal recessive transmission. Consanguinity increases the risk for uncovering recessive disorder and its role as an independent contributor for the development of ASD should be examined. With consanguinity being a known risk factor for autosomal recessive conditions, clinicians should routinely screen for it when evaluating for ASD, as this is inconsistently done. If suspected, genetic testing should be also recommended. Understanding current risk as well as future risk and providing families with the education to make the most informed decisions is necessary.
Extranodal NK/T-Cell Lymphomas: The Role of Natural Killer Cells and EBV in Lymphomagenesis

Natural killer (NK) cells are lymphocytes involved in innate and adaptive immune functions. They are the presumed cell of origin of distinct hematolymphoid malignancies, including aggressive NK-cell leukemia and extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTL). This review focuses on the role of NK cells and Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) in ENKTL pathogenesis.
6-DoF Force/Torque Sensor

This study has development of a 6-DoF force/torque sensor for the robot arm, including the design, analysis, implementation and test verification of the sensing structure, digital multi-axis read circuit and nonlinear calibration module. We has build-up a multi-axis force/torque platform to test the 6-DoF force/torque sensor which we developed. The test results show that the force/torque range of the 6-DoF force/torque sensor can reach Fx/Fy/Fz=±980N/±980N/±980N and Tx/Ty/Tz=±156Nm/±156Nm/±156Nm respectively, while the maximum nonlinearity is 0.67%, the maximum hysteresis is 0.48%, and the maximum Crosstalk is 1.08. %.
E-090 Novel aspiration catheter with hydro-separator technology for tough clots

Background Large clot burden and fibrin clots remain challenging for mechanical thrombectomy. The aim of this study is to assess a new-generation aspiration system with hydro-separator technology that works regardless of clot size or composition. Materials and Methods The Neurostar thrombectomy system is comprised of a 6F Neurostar catheter and a Saline Drive Unit (SDU) with a peristaltic pump, which creates a stream of saline on the tip of the catheter to macerate the thrombus during aspiration (hydro-separator). The Neurostar catheter as well as two commercially available thrombectomy devices, the Solitaire FR stent retriever and Sofia Plus aspiration catheter, were tested to compare single-pass recanalization performance in challenging situations. Fibrous clots and cohesive erythrocyte-rich clots were produced from porcine blood. A segment of fibrous clot was placed in the MCA distal to M1 and proximal to M2 in a tortuous in-vitro intracranial vascular model, or a relatively long (20 mm) erythrocyte-rich clot was placed in the middle segment of the M1. Mechanical thrombectomy using each device was repeated 10 times with fibrous clots and erythrocyte-rich clots. Success recanalization was defined as clot removal without visible fragmentation or migration. Results The Neurostar catheter led to significantly better single-pass recanalization performance (18/20) compared to the Sofia Plus aspiration catheter (11/20) and Solitaire FR stent retriever (10/20). All of the recanalization procedures with the Sofia Plus required complete removal of the catheter because the clot was stuck at the tip or could not be ingested entirely. In contrast, the Neurostar catheter could ingest the clot and remain at the site of occlusion in all of the successful single pass recanalization procedures. Conclusions Mechanical thrombectomy with the new aspiration system with hydro-separator resulted in higher success rates than a commercially available stent retriever and aspiration catheter in this experimental model. Further in vivo studies should be performed to confirm its performance. Disclosures N. Kaneko: 2; C; Walk Vascular. L. Guo: None. Y. Komuro: None. S. Tateshima: 2; C; Walk Vascular, Medtronic.
Creative and resourceful: How human, social, and psychological resources affect creative workers’ ability to rebound after failure

In this research, we use the resource-based view to explore how creative workers leverage individual-level intangible resources to transition after a setback. Empirically, we match two complementary data sources: 1474 project failures by creative workers seeking capital on Kickstarter.com and post-failure market transitions by these individuals (i.e., published works on Amazon.com ). Our results indicate that intangible human resources increase the likelihood and speed of post-failure transitions. We examine two moderating effects and find that intangible social resources strengthen this relationship, while intangible psychological resources weaken this relationship. These findings contribute to the emerging literature on creative work and transitioning after initial project failures. Moreover, resource-based view scholars have called for more research at the micro-level and in the early stages of resourcing. We therefore extend the resource-based view by considering the role of individual-level intangible resources at the earliest stages of creative development.
Immunotyping Provides Equivalent Results to Immunofixation in a Population with a High Prevalence of Monoclonal Gammopathies.

BACKGROUND Serum immunofixation (IF) is a common laboratory test used to diagnose and monitor patients with monoclonal gammopathies. Similarly, immunotyping (IT) by capillary electrophoresis can confirm the presence of a monoclonal protein (M-protein) and determine its isotype. The goal of this study was to compare the ability of IT and IF to detect M-proteins. METHODS IT and IF results for 1000 waste clinical serum samples were obtained. All results were interpreted blindly by reviewers who were experienced in each technique. Results were compared by band. Results were also compared to patient history to determine if the original clone was present. We determined the sensitivity of IT and IF alone and in combination with additional tests. Finally, we evaluated the impact of reviewer training on the sensitivity of IT. RESULTS IT and IF were concordant in 721/773 (93%) samples with a history of an intact M-protein and in 143/172 (83%) samples with a history of a free light chain (FLC) M-protein. IF was significantly more sensitive than IT for the detection of FLC M-proteins (P < 0.0001). However, IF was not more sensitive than IT for detection of intact M-proteins (P = 0.1272) or when each test was combined with the FLC ratio or urine immunofixation (P = 0.2812 and P = 0.6171, respectively). Finally, after training, inexperienced reviewers improved their IT sensitivity by 19%. CONCLUSION IT provides equivalent results to IF for the detection of monoclonal proteins. Training and experience are critical to the accurate interpretation of IT.
Reduced efficacy of perampanel in patients with severe motor and intellectual disabilities syndrome and drug-resistant epilepsy: A single-center analysis from Japan.

Abstract People with severe motor and intellectual disabilities syndrome (SMIDS) have multiple comorbidities and high mortality rates. This study examined whether there is a difference in the efficacy and tolerability of perampanel (PER) between patients with drug-resistant epilepsy with or without SMIDS. The study identified 65 patients with drug-resistant epilepsy who underwent PER treatment as adjunctive therapy. The 50 % responder rate was 22 % (14/65) overall and 11 % (5/44) in patients with SMIDS versus 43 % (9/21) in patients without SMIDS (p
Data-Driven Quadratic Kernel Synthesis for Nonlinear Ultrasound Imaging

Tissue Harmonic Imaging (THI) is a well studied method that reconstructs images using second harmonic echo data. However, the use of a band-pass filter to extract harmonic components reduces the signal bandwidth and hence degrades the axial resolution. Pulse Inversion (PI) is a promising technique that overcomes the issue of bandwidth and preserves axial resolution, but introduction of image artifacts due to tissue motion makes this method somewhat undesirable for processing in vivo data. In order to address the above mentioned issues, we have proposed a data-driven quadratic Volterra filter capable of capturing specific nonlinear frequency interactions to selectively enhance image quality without losing spatial resolution. The kernel synthesis is a multi-step procedure which analyzes the individual SVD decomposed kernels, filters them with 2D Gaussian filters to retain the desired frequency interactions and finally sums up the kernels coherently to reclaim the bandwidth. An in vivo dataset with and without contrast agents is used to demonstrate image quality improvement with no loss of axial resolution. The reconstructed nonlinear images also report enhancement in specificity of the heterogeneous perfusion of the tumor. Additionally, the proposed method is observed to reject acoustic artifacts and improve lateral resolution.
International Law from Below: Development, Social Movements and Third World Resistance

Abbreviations Preface and acknowledgements Introduction Part I. International Law, Development and Third World Resistance: 1. Writing Third World resistance into international law 2. International law and the development encounter Part II. International Law, Third World Resistance and the Institutionalization of Development: the Invention of the Apparatus: 3. Laying the groundwork: the Mandate system 4. Radicalizing institutions and/or institutionalizing radicalism? UNCTAD and the NIEO debate 5. From resistance to renewal: Bretton Woods institutions and the emergence of the 'new' development agenda 6. Completing a full circle: democracy and the discontent of development Part III. Decolonizing Resistance: Human Rights and the Challenge of Social Movements: 7. Human rights and the Third World: constituting the discourse of resistance 8. Recoding resistance: social movements and the challenge to international law 9. Markets, gender and identity: a case study of the Working Women's Forum as a social movement Part IV. Epilogue References Index.
The Constitution and the Tenure of Federal Judges: Some Notes from History

Almost every generation since the founding of this nation has raised the question, in one form or another, for good reasons and bad, whether federal judges are removable from their offices by means other than impeachment and for causes other than the commission of "high crimes or misdemeanors." The issue has never been successfully framed for a definitive resolution by the Supreme Court. Those who would bestow a monopoly of constitutional construction on the Court have, therefore, to face the problem without adequate judicial authority on which to rest argument. Nor have the other branches of the national government, equally sworn to uphold the Constitution, afforded a clear answer to the problem. The materials collected in this article, largely from non-judicial sources, are offered with the thought that a few pages of history may be worth a Supreme Court dictum. For the issue has once again been raised in the Senate. This time the objective of the legislators appears to be benign. It does not derive from the conflicts engendered by an unpopular judiciary. The bill introduced in the first session of the 91st Congress' had its origins in a bill offered in the 90th Congress and
Sexting girls: technological sovereignty and the digital

This essay explores the contemporary fact of girls sexting. Instead of theoretically granting girls a form of technological sovereignty while sexting as sexual empowerment, it pauses to take a selfie of the adult subjects – parents, educators, and sex-positive feminists and queers – attached to this form of agency for girls. If sexuality remains an alluring reparative trap by offering, through a reverse discourse sustained by the plasticity of girlish whiteness, a way of transforming girls as objects into subjects, this essay problematizes that gesture as a racially normative one, reading it further alongside the relation of technology to sexual difference. To speculate on how the scenography of sexting could be seen differently by adults, this essay suspends the search for authentic meaning and knowledge, following an intuition that we cannot presently see anything behind the image of the sext. After examining how criminal law breaks the tension in the definition of “the girl” between vulnerability and a...
Specification and Implementation of Abstract Data Types

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the specification and implementation of abstract data types (ADT). A data structure is to be identified with the operations that are applicable to it, and the only way to generate an instance of the data structure is by means of a sequence of applications of the operations. This is called data abstraction. The chapter deals with the problems associated with data abstraction, including the traversible stack syndrome, functional and procedural programming, and synchronization problems. The chapter distinguishes between the operational approach and the algebraic approach of specifications. Algebraic specifications provide clear descriptions of the computational objects in a self-contained way. An operational specification depends on a representation domain. The chapter discusses modularization, that is, the decomposition of a program into a set of functionally distinct units, and the importance of data types with respect to program correctness, and why data types should be defined in terms of operations.
Cloning of mitogen- and antigen-reactive B lymphocytes on filter paper discs. II. Paratope frequencies within the mitogen-selected repertoire.

Paratopic frequencies of C57BL/6 (Igh-Vb) and BALB/c (Igh-Va) mice were compared by determining the frequency of lipopolysaccharide-reactive, splenic B lymphocytes secreting antibody specific for (4-hydroxy-5-iodo-3-nitrophenyl) acetyl (NIP), trinitrophenyl (TNP), phosphorylcholine (PC), NIP/TNP, NIP/PC, and sheep erythrocytes. Despite the known genotypic and phenotypic differences between the two Igh-V loci, no significant differences in paratope frequencies were demonstrated. Similar determinations in C.B-20 mice, Ighb congenics of the BALB/c strain, and in C57BL/10 nude mice indicated that the mitogen-generated paratope frequencies directly reflected the capacity of immunoglobulin variable region elements rather than complex interactive or regulatory controls to generate diversity. We conclude that at least for the paratopic repertoire, the role of the somatic processes for the generation of antibody diversity exceeds the influence of germ-line differences between the Ighb and Igha haplotypes.
Variability of heart rate and blood pressure measurements on consecutive days.

Abstract The purpose of the study was to determine the effects of five consecutive laboratory visitations on the resting, working, and recovery heart rates and blood pressure recordings of 11 male college students. Heart rate and blood pressure measurement were obtained during a 5-min. rest period, a 6-min. exercise bout (600 kpm/min.), and a 2-min. recovery period following exercise. Heart rates were determined by counting R waves of the telemetered electrocardiogram. Blood pressures were obtained by the ausculatory method. Day means for heart rate and blood pressure were analyzed by ANOVA and trend analysis. All 18 heart rate criterion measurements declined during the five days. Eleven were significant at the .05 level with the significantly different prework and work heart rates following a linear trend. All six blood pressure means declined during the five days (only prework diastolic pressure was significant at the .05 level). The conclusion drawn was that several laboratory visitations may be necess...
Tidal flow over three‐dimensional topography generates out‐of‐forcing‐plane harmonics

[1] We conduct laboratory experiments and direct numerical simulations on internal gravity waves generated by tidal flow over a model three-dimensional Gaussian mountain on the sea floor. When 2ω < N (where ω is the tidal frequency and N is the buoyancy frequency), the flow generates second harmonic internal waves that propagate perpendicular to the tidal forcing direction. These unexpected harmonics are observed only when the maximum slope of the bottom topography is greater than the slope of internal wave propagation. The out-of-plane harmonics saturate at a higher tidal forcing amplitude than the normal in-tidal-forcing-plane harmonics, and could lead to increased wave breaking and mixing near rough topography in the ocean.
Episodic and Autobiographical Memory

Episodic memory can be defined as memory for events, with the requirement that one is retrieving information from a specific time and place, whereas autobiographical memory refers to one's personal history, including memory for experienced events as well as personal knowledge. Some researchers have treated these terms as synonyms, writing about “episodic or autobiographical memory.” Although these concepts are related, they refer to distinct psychological constructs and typically have been investigated using different methods. In this chapter we review the prototypical methods used to study both types of memories, and then consider the effects of factors (a) prior to the event or episode to be remembered, (b) during the to-be-remembered event (encoding), (c) occurring in the interval between the event and later testing, and finally (d) operating during the memory retrieval phase. The two research traditions often converge, but we will also review differences between the two. In short, episodic and autobiographical memory are overlapping concepts that nonetheless may differ, with each domain of inquiry making an important contribution to our larger understanding of human memory. Keywords: episodic memory; autobiographical memory; false memories; encoding; retrieval
Exception-Handling bugs in java and a language extension to avoid them

It is difficult to write programs that behave correctly in the presence of exceptions. We describe a dataflow analysis for finding a certain class of mistakes made while programs handle exceptions. These mistakes involve resource leaks and failures to restore program-specific invariants. Using this analysis we have found over 1,200 bugs in 4 million lines of Java. We give some evidence of the importance of the bugs we found and use them to highlight some limitations of destructors and finalizers. We propose and evaluate a new language feature, the compensation stack, to make it easier to write solid code in the presence of exceptions. These compensation stacks track obligations and invariants at run-time. Two case studies demonstrate that they can yield more natural source code and more consistent behavior in long-running programs.
Primary demyelination induced by exposure to tellurium alters Schwann cell gene expression: a model for intracellular targeting of NGF receptor

Exposure of developing rats to tellurium results in a highly synchronous segmental demyelination of peripheral nerves with sparing of axons; this demyelination is followed closely by a period of rapid remyelination. Demyelination occurs subsequent to a tellurium-induced block in the synthesis of cholesterol, the major myelin lipid. We utilized the techniques of Northern blotting, in situ hybridization, and immunocytochemistry to examine temporal alterations in Schwann cell gene expression related to demyelination and remyelination. Tellurium- induced demyelination is associated with downregulation of myelin protein expression and a corresponding upregulation of NGF receptor (NGF-R) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression. Steady- state mRNA levels (expressed on a “per nerve” basis) for P0, the major myelin protein, were decreased by about 50% after 5 d of tellurium exposure, while levels of mRNA for NGF-R and GFAP were markedly increased (about 15-fold). In situ hybridization of teased fibers suggested that the increase in steady-state mRNA levels for NGF-R was primarily associated with demyelinated internodes and not with adjacent unaffected internodes. Although P0 message was almost totally absent from demyelinating internodes, it was also reduced in normal-appearing internodes as well. This suggests that limiting the supply of a required membrane component (cholesterol) may lead to partial downregulation of myelin gene expression in all myelinating Schwann cells. In partially demyelinated internodes, NGF-R and GFAP immunofluorescence appeared largely confined to the demyelinated regions. This suggests specific targeting of these proteins to local areas of the Schwann cell where there is myelin loss. These results demonstrate that demyelination is associated with reversion of the affected Schwann cells to a precursor cell phenotype. Because axons remain intact, our results suggest that these changes in Schwann cell gene expression do not require input from a degenerating axon, but instead may depend on whether concerted synthesis of myelin is occurring.
Impact of death-related television programming on advertising evaluation

Programming that depicts or implies death constitutes a vital component of daily television broadcasts, yet the impact of such programming on the evaluation of embedded advertising remains unexplored. Using terror management theory, we propose that exposure to routine and commonplace death-related television programming will lead to the differential evaluation of ensuing advertisements depending on whether they are perceived to be of domestic or foreign origin, and that this effect is contingent on the nature of the death-related cognitions at play at the time of ad exposure. Further, the death-related program context effects on embedded advertising are unique—ads at the end, not the beginning, of the embedded pod are affected by programming content. Based on the empirical findings from four studies we identify the cognitive processes underlying consumers' ad evaluation, isolate the pod positions when context effects are observed, and suggest a framework for television commercial scheduling.
Self-Reported Safety Belt Use among Emergency Department Patients in Boston, Massachusetts

Safety belt use is 80% nationally, yet only 63% in Massachusetts. Safety belt use among potentially at-risk groups in Boston is unknown. We sought to assess the prevalence and correlates of belt non-use among emergency department (ED) patients in Boston. A cross-sectional survey with systematic sampling was conducted on non-urgent ED patients age ≥18. A closed-ended survey was administered by interview. Safety belt use was defined via two methods: a single-item and a multiple-item measure of safety belt use. Each was scored using a 5-point frequency scale. Responses were used to categorize safety belt use as 'always' or less than 'always'. Outcome for multivariate logistic regression analysis was safety belt use less than 'always'. Of 478 patients approached, 381 (80%) participated. Participants were 48% female, 48% African-American, 40% White, median age 39. Among participants, 250 (66%) had been in a car crash; 234 (61%) had a valid driver's license, and 42 (11%) had been ticketed for belt non-use. Using two different survey measures, a single-item and a multiple-item measure, safety belt use 'always' was 51% and 36% respectively. According to separate regression models, factors associated with belt non-use included male gender, alcohol consumption >5 drinks in one episode, riding with others that drink and drive, ever receiving a citation for belt non-use, believing that safety belt use is 'uncomfortable', and that 'I just forget', while 'It's my usual habit' was protective. ED patients at an urban hospital in Boston have considerably lower self-reported safety belt use than state or national estimates. An ED-based intervention to increase safety belt use among this hard-to-reach population warrants consideration.
Height, Lung Function, and Mortality from Cardiovascular Disease among the Elderly

The relation between height and death from cardiovascular disease was studied in a cohort of 3,809 persons aged 65 years or older (85% of eligible individuals) enrolled in a population survey in 1982-1983 in East Boston, Massachusetts. Self-reported height and weight were obtained, and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) was measured using a mini-Wright peak flow meter (Armstrong Industries, North Brook, Illinois). Vital status and cause of death were obtained through 1988. The median height was 62 inches in women and 66 inches in men. After adjustment for age, body mass index, and cigarette smoking, the risk of cardiovascular death decreased with quintile of height in women, with relative risks of 1.65, 1.16, 1.15, 0.76, and 1.00 over successive quintiles, with the tallest as the referent (p trend = 0.015). The trend in men was not as strong, with relative risks of 1.22, 0.77, 0.90, 0.98, and 1.00 from the shortest to the tallest quintiles (not significant). In both men and women, the strongest association was found with height and height squared, indicating a curvilinear relation. Height remained a predictor in women after adjustment for PEFR and other risk factors. These data suggest that a relation between height and cardiovascular death that is not mediated by lung function exists in the elderly, at least among women.
Free vibration, buckling, and static deflections of functionally graded plates

This article considers the problems of free vibrations, buckling, and static deflections of functionally graded plates in which material properties vary through the thickness. It is shown that, all other parameters remaining the same, the natural frequencies of functionally graded plates are always proportional to those of homogeneous isotropic plates and that the proportionality constant can be easily be predicted. Similar results are obtained for buckling and static deflection cases. Therefore, one can predict the behavior of functionally graded plates knowing that of similar homogeneous plates. Extensive results available in the literature can be used as well as solutions and software developed for isotropic materials, thereby greatly reducing the need for a direct analysis of such problems for functionally graded plates.
Analytical method for total chromium and nickel in urine using an inductively coupled plasma-universal cell technology-mass spectrometer (ICP-UCT-MS) in kinetic energy discrimination (KED) mode

Biomonitoring and emergency response measurements are an important aspect of the Division of Laboratory Sciences of the National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The continuing advancement in instrumentation allows for enhancements to existing analytical methods. Prior to this work, chromium and nickel were analyzed on a sector field inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer (SF-ICP-MS). This type of instrumentation provides the necessary sensitivity, selectivity, accuracy, and precision but due to the higher complexity of instrumentation and operation, it is not preferred for routine high throughput biomonitoring needs. Instead a quadrupole based method has been developed on a PerkinElmer NexION™ 300D ICP-MS. The instrument is operated using 6.0 mL min-1 helium as the collision cell gas and in kinetic energy discrimination mode, interferences are successfully removed for the analysis of 52Cr (40Ar12C and 35Cl16O1H) and 60Ni (44Ca16O). The limits of detection are 0.162 μg L-1 Cr and 0.248 μg L-1 Ni. Method accuracy using NIST SRM 2668 level 1 (1.08 μg L-1 Cr and 2.31μg L-1 Ni) and level 2 (27.7 μg L-1 Cr and 115 μg L-1 Ni) was within the 95% confidence intervals reported in the NIST certificate. Among-run precision is less than 10% RSDs (N = 20) for in house quality control and NIST SRM urine samples. While the limits of detection (LOD) for the new quadrupole ICP-UCT-MS with KED method are similar to the SF-ICP-MS method, better measurement precision is observed for the quadrupole method. The new method presented provides fast, accurate, and more precise results on a less complex and more robust ICP-MS platform.
Preparation and Characterization of (iPrO)4WW(η2-dmpe)2(CO), (η1-O2CH)(iPrO)4WW(η2-dmpe)2(H), [H(η2-dmpe)WWO2]2(μ-O), and W2(O)4(μ-O)[W(η2-dmpe)2CO]2 (dmpe = Bisdimethylphosphinomethane), Compounds with W−W Bonds between Metal Atoms in Greatly Differing Oxidation States

The compound W2(H)2(OiPr)4(η2-dmpe)2 reacts in hydrocarbon solutions with CO, CO2, and H2O to give (iPrO)4WW(η2-dmpe)2(CO), 1, (η1-O2CH)(iPrO)4WW(η2-dmpe)2H, 2, and [H(η2-dmpe)2WWO2]2(μ-O), 3, resp...
Apparent chorionic gonadotropin immunoreactivity in human non-placental tissues: reduction by protease inhibitors or heat treatment

Abstract Thirty-three of forty-one non-placental human tissue samples analysed by radioimmunoassay (RIA) appeared to contain immunoreactive hCG-like material. Tissues with apparent hCG in appreciable quantity were exposed to heat or protease inhibitors to ascertain the contribution of proteolytic enzyme activity to the observed immunoreactivity. Following incubation with protease inhibitor N -alpha- p -tosyl- l -lysine chloromethyl ketone-HCl (TLCK) at a dose that has no effect on the hCG standard curve and reduces the assayable hCG in term placenta by less than 20%, the hCG-like immunoreactivity of testicular and colon tissues was reduced by 39 to 90%. Similarly, heat treatment virtually eliminated hCG-like immunoreactivity of non-placental normal tissues, but had little effect on purified hCG or hCG present in term placenta. The factor present in normal non-placental human tissue giving positive results in the RIA for hCG is not identical to native hCG; it may be proteolytic in nature thus influencing the radioligand assay. The residual immunoreactivity measured following heat treatment of purified hCG increases when anti hCG-β antiserum is used, but decreases when either anti hCG-α or anti-hCG is used.
Evaluation of the Asthmogenicity of Propafenone, a New Antiarrhythmic Drug: Comparison of Spirometry with Methacholine Challenge

Propafenone is a new membrane-stabilizing antiarrhythmic agent that structurally resembles the β-adrenergic receptor antagonist, propranolol. To determine the potential asthmogenicity of this new drug, pulmonary function, airway reactivity to methacholine, blood pressure, the electrocardiogram, and plasma concentrations were measured in 12 patients with mild intermittent asthma after 48 to 72 hours of treatment with placebo and with oral propafenone in low dosage (150 mg every eight hours) and high dosage (300 mg every eight hours) in a double-blind crossover manner. The forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV 1 ), forced expiratory flow over the middle half of the FVC (FEF 25-75% ), heart rate, and blood pressure during the three regimens of treatment were not significantly different; however, the QRS interval on the ECC was significantly widened with both dosages of active drug, and the mean provocative dose of methacholine (±SE) required to reduce FEV 1 by 20 percent (PD 20 ) decreased from 3.0 ± 0.6 mg/ml with placebo to 2.1 ± 0.7 mg/ml with the high dosage of propafenone (p 20 on the low-dose regimen was not significantly different from placebo or high-dose therapy. A potentially relevant increase in airway reactivity, as measured by a ratio of less than 0.5 for PD 20 after treatment to PD 20 after placebo, occurred in seven subjects with high-dose and in one subject during low-dose treatment (p
Teaching optics in electrical engineering curriculums

A program is proposed that alleviates to some extent the educational problems created by the introduction of the many new technical areas into electrical engineering. It presumes the time-tested philosophy of circular learning, namely, successive review and extension of knowledge and understanding with successive courses. We propose a one year program that provides a broad overview of the foundations to all subsequent courses; thus included within this program are the first essentials of a wide variety of later studies. In addition, it is proposed to divide the science of electrical engineering into broad fundamental areas which will be made up of the appropriate parts that are taught today separately. Included, as a fundamental concept in this scheme, is also proposed to embed in the already existing areas any new diverse topic such as optics, superconductivity, etc. In the present study we have used the optics to test our new philosophy on engineering education.
Solubilization of benzene and cyclohexane by sodium deoxycholate micelles

Abstract Vapor pressure—solubility data were obtained for the aqueous systems benzene—sodium deoxycholate and cyclohexane—sodium deoxycholate at 25°C. The results are consistent with a mass action model similar to the BET equation. Equilibrium constants are inferred to characterize interactions of hydrocarbons with solubilization sites assumed to consist of units of four deoxycholate anions. Although addition of sodium chloride increases the micelle aggregation number (Ref. (16)), solubilization results are affected very little by variation in salt concentration. When pure liquid hydrocarbon standard states are employed, solubilization results for benzene and cyclohexane (at varying salt concentrations) are quite similar.
Enterprise resource planning survey of Korean manufacturing firms

Purpose – To report a recently completed study on enterprise resource planning (ERP) implementation in Korean manufacturing firms.Design/methodology/approach – An online survey was conducted (with e‐mail invitation and telephone call reminder) to collect data from 306 Korean manufacturing firms.Findings – This study presents the issues related to ERP implementation in Korean manufacturing firms, including pre‐implementation activities, implementation experiences, ERP system configuration, benefits, and future direction. Additionally, the results are compared to those results from previous studies on US and Swedish manufacturing firms.Research limitations/implications – The study focused on one industry in one Asian country which perhaps limits the application of its generalized results to other industries or other Asian countries.Practical implications – The results of this study present and discuss both similarities and differences in ERP implementation issues among Korean, US, and Swedish manufacturing ...
Long path length temperature-controlled absorption cell for spectroscopic studies of radioactive compounds

A unique long-path absorption cell has been developed for spectroscopic studies of alpha radioactive compounds. The cell is temperature programmable from room temperature down to 100 K and has an optical path length up to 0.5 km. Special design features and performance characteristics are described.
"Actual use" study of emergency contraceptive pills provided in a simulated over-the-counter manner.

Abstract Objective To evaluate use of an emergency contraceptive pill product dispensed under simulated over-the-counter conditions. Secondary objectives were to assess repeat use, pregnancy, and adverse events. Methods The study was conducted at family planning clinics and pharmacies in the United States. During enrollment, these facilities did not provide unsolicited counseling about or evaluations for emergency contraceptive pills. Women who requested emergency contraception were asked to examine a package that was modified for over-the-counter use. A package (levonorgestrel, two 0.75-mg tablets) was provided to each woman who met study criteria and indicated that she wished to receive one. Each subject paid the amount normally charged by the facility for emergency contraceptive pills. Subjects were contacted 1 and 4 weeks later and asked about use of the product, side effects, and pregnancy. Results Of 665 women screened for the study, 585 received at least one package, and 540 reported having used the product. Of classifiable first uses, 1.3% (97.5% confidence interval [CI] 0.5%, 3%) were contraindicated and 28% (97.5% CI 23%, 32%) were incorrect by strict primary definitions of these inappropriate use patterns, based on the label instructions. Only 6.6% (97.5% CI 4.3%, 9.5%) of classifiable first uses were incorrect by a reasonable alternate definition. Ten subjects received the product more than once, and ten were found to be pregnant during the study. The pattern of adverse events was consistent with findings of previous studies. Conclusion Most women used emergency contraceptive pills appropriately without provider evaluation and counseling.
Mechanical Measurement of Red Cell Membrane Thickness

The thickness of intact human red cell membrane is measured by a light-microscope technique in which membrane material with a known surface area is extracted into a long, thin cylindrical strand. The radius of the strand is calculated from its known length and surface area. The minimum radius, obtained at high extraction velocities or large membrane tensions, is 55 angstroms. A collapsed membrane cylinder with a mean-mass radius of 55 angstroms would have a membrane thickness of 78 angstroms.
Perinatal growth restriction decreases diuretic action of furosemide in adult rats

Perinatal growth restriction programs higher risk for chronic disease during adulthood via morphological and physiological changes in organ systems. Perinatal growth restriction is highly correlated with a decreased nephron number, altered renal function and subsequent hypertension. We hypothesize that such renal maladaptations result in altered pharmacologic patterns for life. Maternal protein restriction during gestation and lactation was used to induce perinatal growth restriction in the current study. The diuretic response of furosemide (2mg/kg single i.p. dose) in perinatally growth restricted rats during adulthood was investigated. Diuresis, natriuresis and renal excretion of furosemide were significantly reduced relative to controls, indicative of decreased efficacy. While a modest 12% decrease in diuresis was observed in males, females experienced 26% reduction. It is important to note that the baseline urine output and natriuresis were similar between treatment groups. The in vitro renal and hepatic metabolism of furosemide, the in vivo urinary excretion of the metabolite, and the expression of renal drug transporters were unaltered. Creatinine clearance was significantly reduced by 15% and 19% in perinatally growth restricted male and female rats, respectively. Further evidence of renal insufficiency was suggested by decreased uric acid clearance. Renal protein expression of sodium-potassium-chloride cotransporter, a pharmacodynamic target, was unaltered. In summary, perinatal growth restriction could permanently imprint pharmacokinetic processes affecting drug response.
Current status and opportunities for improved high-temperature materials for advanced turbojet engines.

Material development review of high temperature materials, superalloys, alloys, and refractory metals for turbojet engines
Central Venous Thrombosis Related to the Silastic Hickman-Broviac Catheter in an Oncologic Population

The use of subcutaneously implanted, Dacron cuffed, central venous silastic catheters (Hickman/Broviac catheter [HC/BC]) has not eliminated catheter related-central venous thrombosis (CR-CVT). HC/BC related CR-CVT was identified and followed in 15 oncology patients. Median time period to CR-CVT was 155 days (range 15-638). No correlation was established to patient age, sex, diagnosis, coagulation status, use, longevity, technique, or site of placement. Fourteen patients were treated with anticoagulation and/or thrombolytic therapy. Of seven patients treated with HC/BC in situ, one required HC/BC removal to achieve CR-CVT resolution. Median follow-up post-CR-CVT was 362 days (range 34-1622). No patient suffered untoward long-term sequelae. Nine patients had 11 catheters placed following resolution of CR-CVT. None had repeat thrombosis. CR-CVT incidence in a single 12-month period was 3.7% (7/190). The placement of HC/BC in an oncology population is an acceptably safe method for long-term venous access.
Participation, social capital, and intersectoral problem solving: African and Asian cases

Abstract Cooperation in policy/program implementation between state and nongovernmental actors can sometimes solve intractable development problems, but such cooperation must span gaps in culture, power, resources, and perspective. This article provides a comparative analysis of 13 cases of intersectoral cooperation among public agencies, nongovernmental organizations, grassroots groups, and international donors. The analysis reveals two successful implementation patterns: nongovernment organization (NGO)-mediated cooperation and grassroots-centered cooperation. Different forms of social capital are central to the two patterns. Indigenous NGOs with credibility across sectors are critical to the former, while grassroots organizations are vital to the latter. Participatory decision-making and mutual influence are essential to grassroots-centered cooperation, but less so for NGO-mediated collaboration.
Pyruvate improves cardiac electromechanical and metabolic recovery from cardiopulmonary arrest and resuscitation

Severe depletion of myocardial energy and antioxidant resources during cardiac arrest culminates in electromechanical dysfunction following recovery of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). A metabolic fuel and natural antioxidant, pyruvate augments myocardial energy and antioxidant redox states in parallel with its enhancement of contractile performance of stunned and oxidant-challenged hearts. This study tested whether pyruvate improves post-arrest cardiac function and metabolism. Beagles were subjected to 5 min cardiac arrest and 5 min open-chest cardiac compression (OCCC: 80 compressions min(-1); aortic pressure 60-70 mmHg), then epicardial dc countershocks (5-10 J) were applied to restore sinus rhythm. Pyruvate was infused i.v. throughout OCCC and the first 25 min ROSC to a steady-state arterial concentration of 3.6+/-0.2 mM. Control experiments received NaCl infusions. Phosphocreatine phosphorylation potential (approximately PCr) and glutathione/glutathione disulfide ratio (GSH/GSSG), measured in snap-frozen left ventricle, indexed energy and antioxidant redox states, respectively. In control experiments, left ventricular pressure development, dP/dt and carotid flow initially recovered upon defibrillation, but then fell 40-50% by 3 h ROSC. ST segment displacement in lead II ECG persisted throughout ROSC. Approximately PCr collapsed and GSH/GSSG fell 61% during arrest. Both variables recovered partially during OCCC and completely during ROSC. Pyruvate temporarily increased approximately PCr and GSH/GSSG during OCCC and the first 25 min ROSC and enhanced pressure development, dP/dt and carotid flow at 15-25 min ROSC. Contractile function stabilized and ECG normalized at 2-3 h ROSC, despite post-infusion pyruvate clearance and waning of its metabolic benefits. In conclusion, intravenous pyruvate therapy increases energy reserves and antioxidant defenses of resuscitated myocardium. These temporary metabolic improvements support post-arrest recovery of cardiac electromechanical performance.
Transducer Misalignment and Contact Pressure Distributions as Error Sources in Friction Measurement on Small-Diameter Pin-on-Disk Experiments

This paper explores the effects of wear track diameter, contact area and pressure distributions (Hertzian and uniform circular) on errors in measuring friction coefficients on rotating pin-on-disk experiments. Integral solutions of the measured friction coefficient are compared to the actual friction coefficient. Errors associated with angular misalignments of the force transducer are also evaluated. It is shown that the errors for small-diameter wear tracks relative to the contact width are lower for sphere-on-flat (Hertzian) contact geometries than circular flat-on-flat contact geometries. Small-diameter experiments result in surprisingly small errors for Hertzian contact pressure distribution. Angular misalignments further collude to increase the error in measured friction coefficient for small track-diameter-to-contact-width ratios, converging to the cosine error for large track-diameter-to-contact-width ratios.
A Study on Gendered Portrayals in Children’s Picture Books with Mathematical Content

This study analyzes sexism in children's picture books that incorporate mathematical problems and problem-solving into the plot to determine if children's earliest reading material is affecting the achievement gap between males and females in this subject area. The study focused not just on overall totals of male and female characters, but also analyzed which genders most often portrayed gender stereotyped behaviors and personality traits and which characters were most often shown with mathematical skills. The findings of the study show that there were twice as many male as female characters, and the math problem-solving was generally done by males in the majority of titles.
A non-functional arginine biosynthetic pathway in polyoma infected-mouse embryo cells.

Abstract The normal pathway for the biosynthesis of arginine was non-functional in polyoma infected-mouse cells. During viral replication, equimolar concentration of citrulline substituted for arginine but equimolar or ten times equimolar concentration of ornithine did not replace arginine. Purified polyoma virus obtained from infected cultures that were allowed to incorporate citrulline-14C revealed upon amino acid analysis that the label was found exclusively as arginine-14C. When the experiment was repeated using ornithine-14C the label was found as proline-14C and glutamate-14C and not arginine. Both normal and polyoma infected-mouse embryo cells possessed an active ornithine carbamoyltransferase. The inability of ornithine to serve as an arginine precursor appears to be due to the fact that exogenous ornithine is utilized by ornithine-δ-transaminase to synthesize proline and glutamate and not by ornithine carbamoyltransferase to synthesize citrulline.