cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Joachim P. Kuettner Prize and Trophy

Normal 0 st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} OSTIV-AWARD “Joachim P. Kuettner Prize and Trophy” for a 2500 km free straight distance soaring flight Since it is considered possible to achieve the 2500 km free straight distance in soaring flight with high performance sailplanes by using only meteorological power sources such as waves, cloud streets, slope winds etc. combined with meteorological navigation and flight techniques, OSTIV continues to comply with the wish of the late Dr. Joachim Kuettner to set up a prize and trophy for the first flight over the 2500 km free straight distance. 1. Purpose of the prize and trophy - to advance the art and science of soaring, - to encourage the systematic utilization of atmospheric wave motions and all other atmospheric power sources for long distance flights, - to further the development of advanced flight techniques for high altitude cross country soaring, - to enhance our knowledge about the high altitude air flow over complex terrain. 2. Subject of the prize and trophy The prize and trophy will be awarded to the sailplane pilot(s) who first accomplish(es) a straight-line distance flight over 2500 km or more. FAI rules shall apply to the definition and proof of the distance achieved. 3. Prize and trophy The prize consists of a monetary award of USD 10,000 The trophy consists of a styled sculpture with engraved name(s) and flight data . 4. Conditions 4.1 Participation The prize and trophy are open to pilots of all nations. 4.2 Documentation The documentation shall fulfill the regulations of the FAI-Sporting Code. The pilot must submit the .igc file. In addition, a detailed flight report must be enclosed, suitable for publication in OSTIV’s Journal “Technical Soaring” (journals.sfu.ca/ts/). 4.3 Commencement The flights for the awards can be started immediately. 4.4 Award and presentation The prize and trophy will be awarded by the OSTIV Board in the name of the late Honorary Member Dr. Joachim Kuettner. They will be presented at an OSTIV Congress or on occasion of a suitable main event. Delft , 25 May 2011 Prof. Emeritus Ir. L. M. M. Boermans OSTIV President
Person–Organization Fit, Organizational Citizenship, and Social‐Cognitive Motivational Mechanisms

Previous research has demonstrated that person-organization (P-O) fit is associated with positive outcomes for both employees (i.e., satisfaction; performance) and employers (i.e., job acceptance decisions, commitment; see Kristof-Brown, Zimmerman, & Johnson, 2005). Enhanced motivation is thought to be one important outcome of P-O fit (e.g., Bretz & Judge, 1994; Mitchell, 1997). In particular, people who fit their employing organization well tend to be motivated to be good organizational citizens (e.g., Cable & DeRue, 2002). However, there has been little examination of the psychological mechanisms that explain why P-O fit is related to organizational citizenship.
Value-based observation compression for DEC-POMDPs

Representing agent policies compactly is essential for improving the scalability of multi-agent planning algorithms. In this paper, we focus on developing a pruning technique that allows us to merge certain observations within agent policies, while minimizing loss of value. This is particularly important for solving finite-horizon decentralized POMDPs, where agent policies are represented as trees, and where the size of policy trees grows exponentially with the number of observations. We introduce a value-based observation compression technique that prunes the least valuable observations while maintaining an error bound on the value lost as a result of pruning. We analyze the characteristics of this pruning strategy and show empirically that it is effective. Thus, we use compact policies to obtain signicantly higher values compared with the best existing DEC-POMDP algorithm.
A study of the readership of the accounting review

Abstract This paper reports the results of a survey of the readers of The Accounting Review . Many respondents, whether primarily teachers or active researchers, reported that they seldom read any of the Main Articles in TAR . Only 41.7% of the academic respondents said they would subscribe to TAR if it was not included in the American Accounting Association's dues.
Postsynaptic blockade of neuromuscular transmission by toxin II from the venom of the South African ringhals cobra (Hemachatus haemachatus)

Abstract R. G. Bengis and D. F. Noble . Postsynaptic blockade of neuromuscular transmission by toxin II from the venom of the South African ringhals cobra (Hemachatus haemachatus). Toxicon14, 167–173, 1976.—Purified toxin II (2·5–25 μg per ml) from the venom of the South African ringhals cobra (Hemachatus haemachatus) produces a slow decline in twitch tension of toad sciatic nerve-gastrocnemius preparations. These studies established that toxin II is a neurotoxin that eliminates the sensitivity of the post-junctional membrane to acetylcholine, indicating a primary postsynaptic site of action. Pretreatment with gallamine or curare afforded no protection against this toxin. Any effect toxin II may have on acetylcholinesterase is probably minor, since the effects of toxin II are not enhanced or reversed by acetylcholine, nor does a cholinesterase inhibitor reverse the effects of the toxin. The postsynaptic blockade is non-depolarizing and is irreversible by conventional methods.
Management of acute type B aortic dissection

Acute type B aortic dissection (identified within 2 weeks of symptom onset), as described using the Stanford classification, involves the aorta distal to the left subclavian artery and accounts for 25%-40% of all aortic dissections. The traditional treatment paradigm of medical management for uncomplicated acute type B dissection and open surgical intervention for early or late complications of type B dissection is currently undergoing a period of evolution as a result of the influence of minimally invasive thoracic endovascular aortic repair options. Thoracic endovascular repair has replaced open surgical repair as the preferred treatment for complicated acute type B dissection, and may also prove beneficial for prophylactic repair of uncomplicated acute type B dissection for high-risk patients. This review discusses the management of acute type B aortic dissection and long-term treatment considerations.
PPARγ antagonists reverse the inhibition of neural antigen-specific Th1 response and experimental allergic encephalomyelitis by Ciglitazone and 15-Deoxy-Δ12,14-Prostaglandin J2

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma is a nuclear receptor transcription factor that regulates cell growth, differentiation and homeostasis. PPARgamma agonists have been used to treat obesity, diabetes, cancer and inflammation and recent studies have shown the protective effects of PPARgamma agonists on experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE), a Th1 cell-mediated autoimmune disease model of multiple sclerosis (MS). Our studies have further demonstrated that the PPARgamma agonists, 15d-PGJ2 and Ciglitazone, inhibit EAE through blocking IL-12 signaling leading to Th1 differentiation and the PPARgamma deficient heterozygous mice (PPARgamma+/-) or those treated with PPARgamma antagonists develop an exacerbated EAE in association with an augmented Th1 response. In this study, we show that the PPARgamma antagonists, Bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BADGE) and 2-chloro-5-nitro-N-(4-pyridyl)benzamide (T0070907), reverse the inhibition of EAE by the PPARgamma agonists, Ciglitazone and 15-Deoxy-Delta(12,14)-Prostaglandin J2, in C57BL/6 wild-type and PPARgamma+/- mice. The reversal of EAE by BADGE and T0070907 was associated with restoration of neural antigen-induced T cell proliferation, IFNgamma production and Th1 differentiation inhibited by Ciglitazone and 15d-PGJ2. These results suggest that Ciglitazone and 15d-PGJ2 ameliorate EAE through PPARgamma-dependent mechanisms and further confirm a physiological role for PPARgamma in the regulation of CNS inflammation and demyelination in EAE.
The effect of distracters on student performance on the force concept inventory

We have compared students’ responses on four multiple-choice force concept inventory (FCI) questions with similar responses to equivalent open-ended questions. Our results indicate a good agreement between the percentages of correct responses in each of the two formats, indicating that distracters on the FCI do not adversely affect performance as measured by the number of correct answers. However, a significant percentage of the open-ended responses fall into categories that are not included in the FCI multiple choices. When these alternative categories were presented to the students as distracters in a revised multiple-choice format, a significant percentage of the students chose these alternative responses.
Immunosuppressive factor derived from renal cancer cells.

Abstract An immunosuppressive factor derived from conditioned medium of a human renal cancer cell line, KU2, was analyzed, using mitogen-activated normal peripheral blood lymphocytes. Addition of conditioned medium to lymphocyte cultures resulted in suppression of [ 3 H]-thymidine incorporation to DNA of lymphocytes in a dose-dependent manner. This effect was cyto-static and reversible. This factor inhibited lymphocyte activation stimulated by mitogen at an early stage, and it also suppressed Interleukin-2 production by activated lymphocytes. This factor was non-dialyzable and heat sensitive at 56°C. DNA replication of the cells was necessary for the production of this factor.
Distributed Frequency-Preserving Optimal Load Control

Abstract Frequency control is traditionally done on the generation side. Recently we have formulated an optimal load control (OLC) problem and derived a load-side primary frequency control as a primal-dual solution to OLC. The load-side control rebalances power and resynchronize frequencies after a disturbance but cannot restore the nominal frequency. In this paper we modify OLC and derive from it a frequency-preserving load-side control that rebalances power and restores the nominal frequency after a disturbance. Unlike the generation- side secondary frequency control that is centralized, our load-side control only requires each bus to communicate a Lagrange multiplier with its neighbors. We prove that such a distributed load- side control is globally asymptotically stable and illustrate its convergence with simulation.
Gambling behavior and information processing biases

Humans tend to exhibit rather consistent biases when cognitively processing information. In a gaming environment, these biases can affect participation in games of chance. The availability bias reduces complex probalistic judgments to simpler ones through the ease to which relevant instances can be brought to mind. The representativeness bias improperly attributes characteristics to an entity or process based on evidence received in a limited setting. Biasing factors appear to be affected by individual differences and situational factors. The effect on gambling may manifest itself in terms of duration of play, money played, and satisfaction or dissatisfaction with play. Implications for treatment of pathological gamblers are discussed.
Bilipschitz homogeneity and inner diameter distance

We prove that a Jordan plane domain whose boundary is bilipschitz homogeneous with respect to its inner diameter distance is a John disk. This opens the door to an abundance of equivalent conditions. We characterize such domains in terms of quasiconformal mappings as well as their Riemann maps. We introduce the notion of an inner diameter distance Jordan disk and present related results for these spaces.
Studies on the cytophysiology of the fat body of the American silkmoth

A developmental study at the electron microscopic level was conducted of the fat body cells of Hyalophora cecropia (L.). During the last larval instar the fat body increases in volume and the cells exhibit a well developed rough endoplasmic reticulum and protein bodies of diverse sizes. In the pupal fat body, the protein bodies appear to be enclosed by a double membrane and contain glycogen granules, ribosomes and mitochondrion-like structures. In addition, there are large lipid globules, cytolysomes and rough endoplasmic reticulum. The ultrastructure of the protein bodies suggests the development of large bodies by fusion of smaller protein bodies. Changes in fat body cell ultrastructure were followed during adult development and cytological evidence was obtained for the depletion of protein, glycogen and lipid in the female during this period. The female adult fat body cell contains free ribosomes, protein bodies, many mitochondria, a few lipid globules and glycogen granules. The male moth fat body cells have many mitochondria, a few glycogen granules, essentially no protein bodies, but an abundance of large lipid globules.
Deterring the drinking driver: the Stockton experience.

The effectiveness of drunk driving enforcement patrols is generally assumed. However, few adequate evaluations are available in the traffic safety literature. The U.S. Department of Transportation funded a special program in Stockton, a city with a population of 120,000 in the central valley of California, to test the effectiveness of special drunk driving patrols on weekend evenings, applied within a setting in which no other major alcohol safety programs were present. The objective of this effort was to determine the effectiveness of a "traditional" approach to enforcing driving while impaired (DWI) laws; one in which innovative procedures such as sobriety checkpoints were not used. The results indicated that nighttime collisions in Stockton were reduced during the three and a half year period of the special enforcement program.
Catecholamine secretory vesicle stimulus-transcription coupling in vivo: Demonstration by a novel transgenic promoter/photoprotein reporter and inhibition of secretion and transcription by the chromogranin A fragment catestatin

Stimulation of chromaffin cell secretion in vitro triggers not only secretion but also resynthesis of just released catecholamines and chromogranin A, the precursor of the catecholamine release-inhibitory, nicotinic cholinergic antagonist peptide catestatin. Does stimulus-transcription coupling occur in vivo? And does catestatin antagonize secretion and transcription in vivo? To answer these questions, we employed a novel mouse strain harboring a chromogranin A promoter/firefly luciferase reporter transgene. Tissue-specific expression of the reporter was established by both luminescence and reverse transcription-PCR. Secretion and transcription in vivo were triggered by either direct nicotinic stimulation or vesicular transmitter depletion. Nicotinic blockade in vivo was attempted with either the classical antagonist chlorisondamine or the novel antagonist catestatin. Luciferase reporter expression was exquisitely sensitive over a large dynamic range, was specific for the transgenic animals, and paralleled typical neuroendocrine distribution of endogenous chromogranin A. Adrenal ontogeny revealed a rise of embryonic transgene expression until embryonal day 18, with an abrupt postnatal decline. Direct nicotinic stimulation of chromaffin cells caused catecholamine release and transgene transcription, each of which was nearly completely blocked by chlorisondamine. Similar adrenal results were obtained during vesicular catecholamine depletion. Both secretion and transcription were substantially blocked in the adrenal gland by catestatin. In brain and sympathetic nerve, stimulation of transcription was more modest, and reserpine responses were only incompletely blocked by chlorisondamine or catestatin, perhaps because of limited blood-brain barrier penetration by these cationic antagonists. Thus, nicotinic cholinergic stimulus-transcription coupling occurs in vivo and can be provoked either directly or indirectly (by vesicular transmitter depletion). Such coupling triggers the biosynthesis of chromogranin A, the precursor of catestatin. Catestatin itself blocks stimulation of both secretion and transcription in vivo. Thus, chromogranin A and its catestatin fragment may lie at the nexus of nicotinic cholinergic signaling in vivo.
Humoral and cell-mediated immune responses to herpesvirus antigens during pregnancy--a longitudinal study.

Humoral and cellular immune responses were studied during the second trimester, third trimester, and postpartum periods in 11 pregnant women and in nonpregnant control women. Complement fixing (CF) and indirect hemagglutinating antibody (IHA) titers for herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1), herpes simplex type 2 (HSV-2), and cytomegalovirus (CMV) were determined. Cellular response was measured by [3H]thymidine uptake by stimulated lymphocytes. Phytohemagglutinin (PHA), HSV-1, HSV-2, and CMV antigens were used as stimulants. No differences in the mean titers of CF and IHA antibodies were found. The cellular response to PHA had a transient decrease (P<0.02) during the third trimester. The cellular response to CMV was significantly lower during the second and third trimesters. A diminished response to HSV-1 antigen was observed during the second and third trimesters; the cellular response to HSV-2, though reduced, was not significantly altered during pregnancy. These data indicate a suppression of cellular responses to various herpesviruses and PHA during pregnancy.
Interactions between the Su(Hw) and Mod(mdg4) proteins required for gypsy insulator function

The gypsy insulator is thought to play a role in nuclear organization and the establishment of higher order chromatin domains by bringing together several individual insulator sites to form rosette‐like structures in the interphase nucleus. The Su(Hw) and Mod(mdg4) proteins are components of the gypsy insulator required for its effect on enhancer–promoter interactions. Using the yeast two‐hybrid system, we show that the Mod(mdg4) protein can form homodimers, which can then interact with Su(Hw). The BTB domain of Mod(mdg4) is involved in homodimerization, whereas the C‐terminal region of the protein is involved in interactions with the leucine zipper and adjacent regions of the Su(Hw) protein. Analyses using immunolocalization on polytene chromosomes confirm the involvement of these domains in mediating the interactions between these proteins. Studies using diploid interphase cells further suggest the contribution of these domains to the formation of rosette‐like structures in the nucleus. The results provide a biochemical basis for the aggregation of multiple insulator sites and support the role of the gypsy insulator in nuclear organization.
The skeptic, the content externalist, and the theist

Some philosophers argue that content externalism can provide the foundations of an argument against the traditional epistemological skeptic. I maintain that if such an argument is available, it seems there is also an a priori argument against the possibility of a creationist god. My suspicion is that such a strong consequence is not desirable for the content-externalists, and that the availability of this argument therefore casts doubt on the anti-skeptical position. I argue that all content externalists should be troubled by this result, since even those philosophers who do not endorse the anti-skeptical strategy must either reject the possibility of a creationist god or admit that their thesis does not hold a priori for minds in general.
How Does the Brain Smell

The refinement of incoming odorant signals is critical for their roles in the modulation of social and feeding behaviors in bees (Menzel and Muller 1996xMenzel, R and Muller, U. Annu. Rev. Neurosci. 1996; 19: 379–404Crossref | PubMedSee all ReferencesMenzel and Muller 1996). Recording glomerular activity with optical imaging provides a glimpse into integration processes of the crude olfactory signal that occur in the antennal lobe. It appears that the fluorescent patterns elicited by mixtures of odors differ significantly from the arithmetic sum of glomeruli patterns obtained after stimulation with individual odors. In particular, the activity of specific glomeruli appears reduced when activated by a mixture of odors rather than by individual compounds. Such modulatory events that integrate and refine complex odor signaling are probably of critical importance since animals in the wild are likely to be exposed to blends of odorant compounds. More studies will be required to further analyze these early integrative events and to determine the respective roles of inhibitory intrabulbar circuits that have already been documented (Figure 1Figure 1). Among those are the GABAergic dendrodendritic synapses established between periglomerular and output neurons and the lateral inhibitory contacts established by the long basal dendrites of output neurons on other types of interneurons (Mori, 1987; 8xMori, K and Shepherd, G.M. Semin. Cell Biol. 1994; 13: 771–790See all References, 15xYokoi, M, Mori, K, and Nakanishi, S. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA. 1995; 92: 3371–3375Crossref | PubMedSee all References).Direct recordings of complex brain processes by imaging technologies have just opened the door to the analysis of olfactory signal processing. This method holds great potential for future study of synaptic plasticity during development, training, and various physiological contexts, and might finally provide direct access to the tantalizing issue of olfactory sensory processing in higher brain structures leading to complex perception and behavior.
Duality for heavy-quark systems

We give a proof of the duality relation $〈{\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{\mathrm{bound}}〉\ensuremath{\simeq}〈{\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{\mathrm{free}}〉$ for nonrelativistic potential models, using Feynman propagators. There are important and calculable corrections to the duality relation, both for smooth long-range potentials and for singular short-range potentials. We illustrate the corrections for the exactly solvable harmonicoscillator, linear, and Hulth\'en potentials.
Origin of magnetic alignment in heusler alloys

Abstract It is shown that the magnetic alignment in ferromagnetic Heusler alloys is caused by the positive polarization of the d-like conduction electrons at the Mn-Mn distance. The two other polarizing interactions, s-d exchange and super-exchange, are found to give negative polarization contributions at the Mn-Mn distance.
RADIATION EFFECTS ON THYMIC EPITHELIUM ARE PARTIALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE T-CELL DEFICITS OBSERVED IN BONE MARROW TRANSPLANT RECIPIENTS

Experiments were designed to test the hypothesis that irradiation of the thymic epithelium is in part responsible for some of the many deficits in T-cell immunocompetence observed following total body irradiation and successful bone marrow transplantation. C3H/HeN mice were lethally irradiated (7.5 Gy) either immediately before or after the intracameral implantation of fetal thymic epithelial grafts. Syngeneic nucleated fetal liver cells were then provided for hematopoetic stem cell reconstitution. At various times post-irradiation, the animals were analyzed for recovery of T-cell dependent functions. In all instances the lymphoid cells obtained from animals whose thymic grafts were not irradiated showed significantly greater responses to T-cell mitogens and alloantigen stimulation. It was also determined that the capacity of these animals to elicit contact hypersensitivity responses was significantly greater when compared to animals whose thymic grafts had been irradiated. A reduction in the number of medullary epithelial cells was observed in the thymic tissue exposed to lethal irradiation, while no quantitative differences were found in the number of Thy 1+, L3T4+/Lyt2− or L3T4−/Lyt2+ cells in the peripheral lymphoid compartments of the two experimental groups. These data demonstrate that exposure of thymic epithelium to γ-irradiation has a negative influence on its ability to reconstitute T-cell function in lethally irradiated fetal liver reconstituted mice.
Winter Survey Data Reveal Rangewide Decline in Evening Grosbeak Populations

Abstract Once one of the most common species seen at bird feeding stations across much of North America in winter, the Evening Grosbeak (Coccothraustes vespertinus), appears to be experiencing a population decline. Like other finches associated with the boreal forest or high elevations, Evening Grosbeaks form flocks in winter, often irrupting out of their breeding range and frequenting supplemental feeding stations where populations may be monitored. We sought to quantify the extent of changes in the abundance and distribution of Evening Grosbeak populations using data gathered in winter by Project FeederWatch, a continent-wide monitoring program that began in 1987. FeederWatch data gathered between 1988 and 2006 indicated a significant surveywide decline in the mean flock size recorded over time. The proportion of sites reporting Evening Grosbeaks plummeted by 50% in 18 years. At locations where the species continued to be seen, mean flock size declined by 27%. Similarly, analysis of data from 391 sites ...
Eccrine sweat glands are major contributors to reepithelialization of human wounds.

Eccrine sweat glands are skin-associated epithelial structures (appendages) that are unique to some primates including humans and are absent in the skin of most laboratory animals including rodents, rabbits, and pigs. On the basis of the known importance of other skin appendages (hair follicles, apocrine glands, and sebaceous glands) for wound repair in model animals, the present study was designed to assess the role of eccrine glands in the repair of wounded human skin. Partial-thickness wounds were generated on healthy human forearms, and epidermal repair was studied in skin biopsy samples obtained at precise times during the first week after wounding. Wound reepithelialization was assessed using immunohistochemistry and computer-assisted 3-dimensional reconstruction of in vivo wounded skin samples. Our data demonstrate a key role for eccrine sweat glands in reconstituting the epidermis after wounding in humans. More specifically, i) eccrine sweat glands generate keratinocyte outgrowths that ultimately form new epidermis; ii) eccrine sweat glands are the most abundant appendages in human skin, outnumbering hair follicles by a factor close to 3; and iii) the rate of expansion of keratinocyte outgrowths from eccrine sweat glands parallels the rate of reepithelialization. This novel appreciation of the unique importance of eccrine sweat glands for epidermal repair may be exploited to improve our approaches to understanding and treating human wounds.
Prostatic atrophy in dogs after intravenous administration of a ureido-ethylimidazoline derivative (CGP15'720A).

1-{2-[4-Pridyl)-2-imidazoline-1-yl]-ethyl≃3-4-carboxyphenyl) urea (CGP15′720A) is an experimental antineoplastic agent with marked activity against carcinogen-induced lung tumors in Syrian hamsters and human lung tumor xenografts in nude mice. A preclinical toxicity study of this agent was carried out in mice and dogs which demonstrated the relatively nontoxic nature of the agent. In mice, single intraperitoneal dosage of 12 g/m2 did not produce lethality; however, lethality (30% of treated mice) was seen during treatment with 6 g/m2 daily for 5 days. No hematological, serumchemistry or histopathological changes were detected in mice after single or five consecutive treatments with 12 g/ m2. Dogs were treated with doses ranging from 5 g/m2 to 80 g/m2, with deaths occurring in a non-dose-related fashion after 10, 20, and 40 g/m2. Acute neurological toxicity after infusion was the dose-limiting toxicity in dogs. There were no consistent hematological or serumchemistry aberrations in the treated dogs. The most consistent histopathological finding was prostatic atrophy, which was detected in 5/12 dogs in this series.
Improved best estimate plus uncertainty methodology, including advanced validation concepts, to license evolving nuclear reactors

Abstract Many evolving nuclear energy technologies use advanced predictive multiscale, multiphysics modeling and simulation (M&S) capabilities to reduce the cost and schedule of design and licensing. Historically, the role of experiments has been as a primary tool for the design and understanding of nuclear system behavior, while M&S played the subordinate role of supporting experiments. In the new era of multiscale, multiphysics computational-based technology development, this role has been reversed. The experiments will still be needed, but they will be performed at different scales to calibrate and validate the models leading to predictive simulations for design and licensing. Minimizing the required number of validation experiments produces cost and time savings. The use of multiscale, multiphysics models introduces challenges in validating these predictive tools – traditional methodologies will have to be modified to address these challenges. This paper gives the basic aspects of a methodology that can potentially be used to address these new challenges in the design and licensing of evolving nuclear technology. The main components of the proposed methodology are verification, validation, calibration, and uncertainty quantification – steps similar to the components of the traditional US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) licensing approach, with the exception of the calibration step. An enhanced calibration concept is introduced here, and is accomplished through data assimilation. The goal of this methodology is to enable best-estimate prediction of system behaviors in both normal and safety-related environments. This goal requires the additional steps of estimating the domain of validation, and quantification of uncertainties, allowing for the extension of results to areas of the validation domain that are not directly tested with experiments. These might include the extension of the M&S capabilities for application to full-scale systems. The new methodology suggests a formalism to quantify an adequate level of validation (predictive maturity) with respect to existing data, so that required new testing can be minimized, saving cost by demonstrating that further testing will not enhance the quality of the predictive tools. The proposed methodology is at a conceptual level. Upon maturity, and if considered favorably by the stakeholders, it could serve as a new framework for the next generation of the best estimate plus uncertainty (BEPU) licensing methodology that the NRC has developed. In order to achieve maturity, the methodology must be communicated to scientific, design, and regulatory stakeholders for discussion and debate. This paper is the first step in establishing that communication.
Utility of SAECG in arrhythmogenic right ventricle dysplasia.

Background: Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (ARVD) is characterized by progressive replacement of RV myocardium with fibro-adipose tissue thought to be responsible for the presence of late potentials (LP) detected by SAECG. The general consensus on the role of SAECG in the diagnosis and prognosis of patients with ARVD is lacking. The purpose of this systematic review was to better define the role of SAECG in ARVD. Methods: An extensive review of literature was done to specifically describe the prevalence of LP in ARVD and its determinants, explore the various options available to improve the diagnostic ability of SAECG, and provide recommendations for proper utilization of this technique. Results: LPs are frequent in ARVD (47–100%), and more prevalent in severe disease and in patients with documented spontaneous VT. SAECG is a useful test in following the characteristic evolutivity of the disease. 4–16% of normal family members of patients with ARVD also have abnormal SAECG results. Detection of LP in ARVD can be improved by employing a high-pass filter of 25 Hz and specifically looking for changes in the Z leads. Conclusions: SAECG testing should be considered a standard part of the evaluation of patients with known or suspected ARVD. Further research is needed to confirm the value of SAECG testing in predicting arrhythmia risk and assessing the rate of disease progression, as well as to determine if greater prevalence of SAECG abnormalities in family members of patients with ARVD represents early detection of ARVD. The ongoing multidisciplinary study of right ventricular dysplasia will hopefully answer some of these questions.
Prospective randomized study of stapled versus unstapled mesh in a laparoscopic preperitoneal inguinal hernia repair.

Abstract Background: In 1975, researchers introduced the use of a large unsutured polyester mesh prosthesis placed in the preperitoneal space for inguinal hernia repair. Different stapling devices have been used to secure this mesh, and the most common complication of the procedure is nerve damage secondary to the staples. The necessity of stapling has never been demonstrated. We designed a prospective randomized study of the need for stapling in laparoscopic extraperitoneal repair of inguinal hernias with 1-year and 3-year followup. Study Design: Inclusion criteria of the study were men older than 18 years and first-time inguinal hernia repair. Patients with recurrence and previous abdominal operations were excluded to avoid confounding variables. Each patient’s hernia was assigned a consecutive random number chosen by computer, with each number corresponding to an assigned group. The first group had stapled mesh and the second had unstapled mesh. Results: Data were collected over a 15-month period, with each procedure having a mean followup time of 8 months. A total of 100 procedures was performed in 92 patients. The two groups of patients were well matched for age and the type of hernia repaired. There were no recurrences in either group and no complications or deaths. Conclusions: The initial 12-month followup showed no significant differences in recurrence or complication rates between the stapled and unstapled groups. Both groups returned to work within an average of 4 days. A net savings of $120 was realized for each hernia repair performed without stapled mesh. In addition, stapling presents an inherent risk of nerve damage.
Acute phencyclidine intoxication: clinical patterns, complications, and treatment

We describe four major and five minor clinical patterns of acute phencyclidine (PCP) intoxication and give the incidence of findings in each pattern. Major patterns were acute brain syndrome (248 cases; 24.8%), toxic psychosis (166 cases; 16.6%), catatonic syndrome (117 cases; 11.7%), and coma (106 cases; 10.6%). Minor patterns included lethargy or stupor (38 cases; 3.8%), and combinations of bizarre behavior, violence, agitation, and euphoria in patients who were alert and oriented (325 cases; 32.5%). Patients with major patterns of PCP toxicity usually required hospitalization and accounted for most complications. In general, patients with minor patterns had mild intoxication and did not require hospitalization except for the treatment of injuries or autonomic effects of PCP.Various types of injuries occurred in 16%, and aspiration pneumonia occurred in 1.0% of all cases. There were 22 cases of rhabdomyolysis (2.2%), with three patients requiring dialysis for renal failure. One patient who had been comatose from PCP died suddenly. A fresh pulmonary embolism was found at autopsy.
Switching anomaly and magnetization vortices of 200 Å thick NiFeCo elements in one-micron patterned arrays

Abstract One-micron patterned arrays of 200 A thick NiFeCo elements show an interesting switching anomaly. Depending on the starting field of a hysteresis loop, Hm, magnetization reversal can occur at one or two well-defined fields. The fraction of the elements that switch at one or the other field depends on Hm. The number of elements that switch at one field starting from a given Hm depends on past history. Magnetic force microscopy shows that trapped vortices from a previous reversal are found to be responsible for this switching anomaly. Increasing Hm lowers the probability of vortex formation.
Rotational structure of the band spectrum of CCl molecule

Abstract The rotational analysis of the band spectrum of the CCl molecule in the region 2750–2800 A is discussed. The electronic transition involved is proved to be a 2 Δ (Case b) - 2 Π (Case a) transition, closely analogous to that of the NO B ′- X bands. The principal molecular constants in cm −1 are as follows: For the 2 Π state, A = 134.92; B 0 = 0.6936 3 , B 1 = 0.6869, r e = 1.645 3 ; ω e = 875.9 ( 2 Π 1 2 ) , 872.3 ( 2 Π 3 2 ) , x e ω e = 4.6 ( 2 Π 1 2 ) , 3.4 ( 2 Π 3 2 ) . For the 2 Δ state, A = −4.219; B 0 = 0.7062 0 , r 0 = 1.634 4 , ω 0 = 865.3 ± 1.2.
Orthostatic intolerance and chronic fatigue syndrome associated with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

Abstract Objective: To report chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) associated with both Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) and orthostatic intolerance. Study design: Case series of adolescents referred to a tertiary clinic for the evaluation of CFS. All subjects had 2-dimensional echocardiography, tests of orthostatic tolerance, and examinations by both a geneticist and an ophthalmologist. Results: Twelve patients (11 female), median age 15.5 years, met diagnostic criteria for CFS and EDS, and all had either postural tachycardia or neurally mediated hypotension in response to orthostatic stress. Six had classical-type EDS and 6 had hypermobile-type EDS. Conclusions: Among patients with CFS and orthostatic intolerance, a subset also has EDS. We propose that the occurrence of these syndromes together can be attributed to the abnormal connective tissue in dependent blood vessels of those with EDS, which permits veins to distend excessively in response to ordinary hydrostatic pressures. This in turn leads to increased venous pooling and its hemodynamic and symptomatic consequences. These observations suggest that a careful search for hypermobility and connective tissue abnormalities should be part of the evaluation of patients with CFS and orthostatic intolerance syndromes. (J Pediatr 1999;135:494-9)
PROPERTIES OF PARTICULATE FRACTIONS ISOLATED FROM HOMOGENATES OF PEANUT COTYLEDONS

INFORMATION ON the biochemical properties of plant mitochondria and microsomes has recently been reviewed by Goddard and Stafford (1954) and by Hackett (1955). Little work has been reported on the identification of these properties with specific types of particles defined by various physical and chemical criteria, or on the relationship of the isolated particles to intracellular structures. During an investigation of oxidative phosphorylation in particulate fractions isolated from peanut cotyledons, the authors found it of value to explore additional properties of the fractions. Accordingly, the particles isolated by differential centrifugation have been characterized by their appearance in the phase contrast and electron microscopes, response to janus green B, succinoxidase and palmitic-_-C'4 oxidase activities, and 2-hr. hydrolyzable ribonucleic acid content. The present paper includes the results of this study. In this paper, mitochondria are considered to be the microscopically visible particles with Krebscycle activity, and microsomes to be submicroscopic particles with high ribonucleic acid content but without Krebs-cycle activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS.-Isolation of the fractions.-Cotyledons were obtained from five-day-old etiolated peanut seedlings (Arachis hypogaea var. 'Jumbo') grown in steam-sterilized Vermiculite at 30?C. About 40 cotyledons were ground in a cold mortar with acid-washed quartz sand in 20 ml. of a cold solution containing 0.5 M sucrose and 0.01 M phosphate buffer at pH 7.4. Homogenization and the other steps in the isolation of each particulate fraction were performed at approximately 0?C. The cold, crude homogenate was filtered through a double layer of cheese cloth into a chilled plastic centrifuge tube and centrifuged at 500 g for 5 min. in an International refrigerated centrifuge to remove unbroken cells, cell walls, nuclei, etc. In much of the work, the supernatant from this preliminary centrifugation was decanted and separated with the high-speed attachment of the centrifuge into three successive fractions consisting predominantly of starch, mitochondria, and microsomes, respectively, by the procedure shown in the accompanying flow sheet (fig. 1). The starch fraction was isolated by accelerating the centrifuge as
The influence of preparation conditions on the surface morphology of poly(vinylidene fluoride) films

The α phase (or form II) of poly(vinylidene fluoride), PVF2, produced from an acetone/N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) solution gave different surface morphologies, depending on the solvation temperature of the PVF2 solution, the DMF concentration, and the relative humidity when deposited onto a smooth silicon substrate. Solutions prepared at less than 30 °C always gave rise to transparent films. However, solutions prepared at temperatures greater than 50 °C resulted in a rough and opaque, white surface when depositing at high humidity and in a transparent film when depositing at low humidity. The aging behavior of the polymer solutions as measured by the viscosity revealed an enormous dependence on the DMF concentration. Optical light and atomic force microscopies and infrared spectroscopy characterized the differences of these film surfaces.
Supercomputer simulation of sessile and pendent drops

A quasimolecular approach is developed for the modelling of sessile and pendent drops. Fundamental mechanisms of drop formation are formulated in terms of gravity and classical intermolecular type forces. CRAY X-MP/24 computer examples illustrate standing and falling drops, free surface motions, and convergence to equilibrium. The role of temperature in drop configuration modelling is shown to be significant.
Dynamic Consolidation of Ceramic Powders: Practicalities, Problems, and Prospects *

I present an assessment of the technological potential of shock wave consolidation of ceramic powders as a technique for producing well-bonded, uniform, crack-free monoliths. Current compaction methods are briefly reviewed and the characteristics of the consolidated material are presented. The shock and release histories experienced by powder compacts in simple compaction assemblies are complex and I conclude that such simple assemblies are unlikely to yield structurally sound bodies. Control of the stress history over the entire loading cycle is necessary if the tensile stresses which develop during release are to be reduced to acceptable levels. Such exacting control is difficult to achieve, and becomes increasingly difficult as the peak stresses are increased. The powder must therefore be sufficiently plastic at moderate stresses to permit densification and bonding of the compact without destruction of the compact during release. Not all ceramic powders will satisfy this criterion. Local microstructural modification, including interfacial melting, is limited by the fine particle sizes and large surface areas of many ceramic powders. Production of cohesive, crack-free bodies thus depends upon a complex interplay between shock history, material properties, and powder characteristics which is poorly understood. I conclude that the technology of dynamic consolidation of ceramic powders will be difficult to develop and will have limited applications.
Specificity of inhibitors lacking in alpha1 antitrypsin deficiency and hereditary angioedema toward human proteolytic enzymes

Abstract The biochemical consequences of the genetic defects resulting in decreased alpha 1 -antitrypsin and functionally deficient Cl esterase inactivator (conventional or variant hereditary angioedema) were investigated. The maximum inhibitory capacity of patients' plasma was measured against purified human and bovine preparations of thrombin, plasmin, trypsin, and kallikrein. The proteolytic activity of human thrombin was inhibited only 26% by plasma from patients with the conventional form of hereditary angioedema compared to normal plasma (46%). Its esterolytic activity was poorly inhibited by plasmas from patients with alpha 1 -antitrypsin deficiency (35%) and both types of hereditary angioedema (25%) compared with normal plasma (69%). In contrast, the action of bovine thrombin on fibrinogen was less inhibited by plasmas from alpha 1 -antitrypsin deficiency (30%), conventional (39%), or variant (43%) hereditary angioedema compared with normal (55%). The hydrolysis of an ester substrate by bovine thrombin did not differ significantly for any of the plasmas tested. The proteolytic activity of human plasmin was less inhibited than normal (52%) by plasmas from patients with alpha 1 -antitrypsin deficiency (24%) and the conventional form of hereditary angioedema (23%), but this was not true for the variant form of hereditary angioedema. The esterolytic activity of human plasmin was less inhibited than normal (42 %) by plasmas from alpha 1 -antitrypsin deficient (11%), conventional (21%) and variant (12%) forms of angioedema. Only plasmas deficient in alpha 1 -antitrypsin showed decreased inhibition of the proteolytic (11% vs 59% for normal) and esterolytic (24% vs 43% for normal) actions of human trypsin. However, in addition, plasmas from patients with the variant form of angioedema showed decreased inhibition (42%) of the proteolytic activity of bovine trypsin compared to normal plasma (71%). This investigation emphasizes the effects of plasma inhibitors on multiple proteolytic enzymes, the frequent dissociation of esterolytic and proteolytic activity, and the possible error involved in extrapolating from bovine to human proteolytic enzymes.
Overcoming pharmacologic sanctuaries.

Purpose of review Current antiretroviral treatment regimens represent significant improvements in the management of HIV-1 infection; however, these regimens have not achieved a functional or sterilizing cure. One barrier to achieving a cure may be suboptimal antiretroviral concentrations in sanctuary sites throughout the body, including the central nervous system, gut-associated lymphoid tissue, lymph nodes, and tissue macrophages. This review will focus on the problems associated with achieving effective concentrations in these restricted sanctuary sites, and potential strategies to overcome these barriers. Recent findings Sufficient data exist to conclude that antiretroviral drug distribution is not uniform throughout the body. Low tissue/reservoir concentrations may be associated with viral replication. Multiple means to increase drug concentrations in sanctuary sites are being investigated, including modification of currently utilized drugs, blockade of transporters and enzymes that affect drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics, and local drug administration. Accumulating data suggest these methods increase antiretroviral concentrations in reservoirs of viral replication. No method has yet resulted in the complete clearance of HIV. Summary New strategies for increasing antiretroviral concentrations in predominant sites of viral replication may provide more effective means for elimination of viral sanctuaries. Additional research is necessary to optimize antiretroviral tissue distribution in order to inhibit virus replication fully, and avoid resistance and replenishment of viral reservoirs that may persist in the face of antiretroviral therapy.