cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Considering various ALINEA ramp metering strategies for crash risk mitigation on freeways under congested regime

This study evaluates the expected benefits of using the ALINEA ramp metering algorithm as a method for real-time safety improvement on an urban freeway. The objective of this research is to use ramp metering to produce a significant decrease in the risk of crashes on the freeway while avoiding any significant adverse effects on operation. This is achieved by simulating the freeway during the congested period in micro-simulation and testing various ramp metering configurations to determine which provides the best results. Statistical measures developed for the same stretch of freeway using loop detector data are used to quantify the risk of crashes as well as the benefits in each of the alternative strategies. The study concludes that there are significant benefits in metering multiple ramps when the feedback ramp metering algorithm is implemented at multiple locations. It was found that increasing the number of metered on-ramps produces increasing safety benefits. Also, a shorter cycle length for each of the meters and a higher critical occupancy value leads to better results.
NATO, the EU and Central Europe: Differing Symbolic Shapes in Newspaper Accounts of Enlargement

This essay investigates the contemporary evolution of the symbolic shape of Central Europe by conducting a quantitative and qualitative content analysis of newspaper articles from the Lexis–Nexis database covering NATO and EU expansion. The results of this content analysis show that Central Europe is associated with different symbolic shapes at different times and in different political contexts, and therefore the idea of one hegemonic Central Europe, either transcending time and context or tied to an institutional identity, is a fallacy. ‘Central Europe’ has shaped NATO and EU expansions, but similarly those processes have constructed differing geopolitical images of Central Europe that are mediated to the consumers of the newspapers. In contrast to these differing symbolic shapes, a series of common structures of expectation were associated with Central Europe that constructed the region as different from Eastern Europe.
Changing perspectives on the benefits of newborn screening

The likelihood of benefit is fundamental to decision making about newborn screening. But benefit is construed in different ways by different stakeholders. This article begins with a review of benefit as considered historically by various expert panels and organizations. We then show how 78 conditions fared when experts recently rated them on benefit using a scoring system recommended by a task force of the American College of Medical Genetics. Finally, we analyze how benefit is reflected in the public comments submitted in response to the ACMG report. Results show that benefit has been and remains a core consideration for screening decisions. Historically the focus has been on improved physical health as a result of medical treatment; however, in only 4 of the 78 conditions rated does newborn screening prevent all negative consequences. In fact the majority of both core conditions (51.7%) and secondary targets (87.5%) recommended in the ACMG report were rated as having treatments that prevented only some negative consequences. All conditions rated had perceived benefits for family and society, but currently no conditions are screened on the basis of family or societal benefits alone. No agreed-upon threshold exists for what would be considered meaningful benefit, and stakeholder groups differ in their perceptions of benefit. We conclude by suggesting several key research studies needed to further inform public policy.
The Statistical and Methodological Acuity of Scholarship Appearing in the International Journal of Listening (1987-2011)

This article investigates the quality of social scientific listening research that reports numerical data to substantiate claims appearing in the International Journal of Listening between 1987 and 2011. Of the 225 published articles, 100 included one or more studies reporting numerical data. We frame our results in terms of eight recommendations to improve future listening scholarship. In particular, the results suggest needed variation in demographics and added attention to psychometric properties of scores. Standards for reporting and inspecting data should also be followed with more regularity, and tests of statistical assumptions along with information about missing data are urged. Effect sizes are rarely included in results, and no studies reported confidence intervals, suggesting overreliance on null hypothesis statistical testing when drawing implications for practice. Lastly, there were some noteworthy misappropriations of statistical techniques that are discussed.
Republication of SEMPET trial data

Becherer and colleagues' report in the European Journal of Radiology of their interesting data on the use of FDG PET in the evaluation of residual masses in seminoma patients is extremely similar to the data that the same authors published in 2004 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. It would be very helpful to know whether these are the same patients being presented again or a new multicenter study of the same size asking the same question. Oddly, the authors do not acknowledge their prior report even though it was published the same month that the report to the European Journal of Radiology was submitted for review. It would be helpful if the authors explained what the 2005 report adds to the 2004 report for those of us trying to assess the role of FDG PET in this patient population. At this point in time, it appears that there are two studies that have been completed, including a negative trial from the United States and a positive trial (now published three times) from Europe.
EARLY RESPONSE OF INTESTINAL PROGLUCACON AND ODC mRNAs DURING ADAPTATION TO JEJUNECTOMY

Locally produced peptide hormones may mediate adaptive growth of ileum after jejunectomy. Previously, we found that proglucagon (P) mRNA is elevated in adapting ileum at 1 and 5 wk after jejunectomy. A transient rise in mucosal ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity identifies early adaptation. In this study, we contrasted patterns of abundance of P and ODC mRNAs in remnant; ileum early after 80% resection of proximal small bowel. Controls had transection and anastomosis. Animals were fasted for 24 h after surgery and then pair-fed. Ileum was removed at 4, 12, 24, 28, 36, 48 and 96 h after surgery; poly A+ RNAs were analysed by quantitative Northern blot hybridizations using rat P cDNA and synthetic ODC oligomer probes. Abundance of P and ODC mRNAs in Ileum of resected animals tripled that of controls by 12 h after surgery; P mRNA remained elevated up to 96 h after surgery while ODC mRNA fell to control levels by 36-48 h. Conclusion: After jejunectomy, there are rapid increases in P and ODC mRNAs, independent of enteral nutrient. Whereas the rise in ODC mRNA is transient and brief, the elevation in P mRNA persists for weeks. This pattern of abundance of P mRNA is consistent with a role of one or more P mRNA products as a mediator of adaptive growth of bowel.
Drainage basin evolution in the Rainfall Erosion Facility: dependence on initial conditions

Four experiments in alluvial drainage basin evolution were carried out in the Rainfall Erosion Facility (REF) at Colorado State University to investigate the dependence of basin evolution on initial topography. Basins were initially undissected. Each experiment began with a unique initial condition representing various end-members of relief and hypsometry. Drainage network development, hillslope processes, basin denudation, and basin response to base-level lowering all depended strongly on the initial topography. No classic model of drainage network evolution was found to be generally applicable. Initially, planar slopes first developed subparallel channels that extended headward dendritically during an early phase of extension. Channel incision occurred first in the interior of the basin where saturation overland flow was greatest, not at the basin outlet as assumed in most classic models of network development. Channels widened over time, initiating lateral migration and drainage capture in the downslope portion of the watershed before transferring lateral migration upslope. Planar basins of larger initial gradient grew headward more quickly and become more deeply entrenched, inhibiting late-stage lateral migration. An experiment with initial relief concentrated at a plateau edge evolved in several unique ways. A high ratio of subsurface-to-surface flow gave rise to mass movements at the plateau edge and outlet channels. Deep channels were quickly cut initially but did not extend far upslope because slope instability undermined channel head migration, leaving the plateau undissected and hence very slow to erode. These results suggest that the distribution of relief within a basin exerts an important control on drainage network pattern and basin denudation. In addition, erosional basins may evolve in several distinct modes characterized by particular combinations of hypsometry, hillslope processes, and mean denudation rate.
Impact of Plague on Human History

There is little doubt that plague has existed since ancient times. The oldest written description of plague is of the epidemic in 1320 BC that occurred among the Philistines. Plague was first mentioned in the Book of Samuel in the Old Testament and was described as ‘‘the great dying’’ and ‘‘the great pestilence.’’ Victims were described as having ‘‘boils,’’ and an association with rodents (ie, mice) was noted. Since the Philistine plague, there have been many descriptions of plagues through the ages. Some of these epidemics may have been due to plague, but other pestilences may not have been plague related. Without specific paleopathologic evidence from ancient remains of plague victims, the likely cause of the plague epidemics in ancient times rests heavily on the interpretation/translation descriptions in ancient texts. Translation problems are complicated further by the difference in medical terminology used by the ancients compared with today’s medical descriptive terms. Observers writing about ancient plagues varied in their descriptive ability and their use of medical terms [1,2]. Contemporary notions about ancient plagues have been derived from translations by classical scholars on the one hand and infectious disease physicians on the other hand. Classical scholars are familiar with the nuances of language, but lack the appreciation of the significance of descriptive medical terms. Infectious disease clinicians are often unfamiliar with the variations and nuances of terms used in ancient texts (ie, buboes could be translated as ‘‘ulcers,’’ ‘‘sores,’’ or ‘‘boils’’). Until paleopathologic proof from ancient remains is available, clinicians are left with different possible explanations causing ancient plagues based on different observers writing in different
α2A-ADRENERGIC RECEPTORS HETEROSYNAPTICALLY REGULATE GLUTAMATERGIC TRANSMISSION IN THE BED NUCLEUS OF THE STRIA TERMINALIS

Stress is a major driving force in reinstatement of drug-seeking behavior. The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) has been identified as a key brain region in this behavior, and receives a dense input of the stress-neurotransmitter norepinephrine through the ventral noradrenergic bundle. Activation of alpha(2)-adrenergic receptors (alpha(2)-ARs) in the BNST blocks stress-induced reinstatement of drug-seeking, indicating a potentially important role for these receptors. Currently, it is unclear how alpha(2)-AR agonists elicit this behavioral action, or through which alpha(2)-AR subtype. Activation of alpha(2)-ARs decreases glutamatergic transmission in the BNST, an effect which is nearly absent in the alpha(2A)-AR knockout mouse. Here, we take advantage of a knock-in mouse in which a hemagglutinin-tagged alpha(2A)-AR was inserted into the endogenous locus, along with the alpha(2A)-AR selective agonist guanfacine, to further study the role of the alpha(2A)-AR subtype in modulation of neurotransmission in the BNST. Using immunohistochemistry, we find that alpha(2A)-ARs are highly expressed in the BNST, and that this expression is more similar in distribution to the vesicular glutamate transporters than to either norepinephrine transporter or tyrosine hydroxylase positive terminals. Using whole cell patch-clamp recordings, we show that guanfacine causes a depression of evoked excitatory and, to a more limited extent, inhibitory fast synaptic transmission. In total, these data support a prominent heterosynaptic role for alpha(2A)-ARs in modulating fast synaptic transmission in the BNST.
Simian immunodeficiency virus-specific CD4+ T cells from successful vaccinees target the SIV Gag capsid

We recently demonstrated that vaccinated rhesus macaques controlled viral replication of a heterologous SIV challenge. Here, we analyzed anamnestic SIV-specific CD4+ T-cell responses expanding immediately after challenge and show that successful vaccinees consistently targeted a short region of the Gag-p27 Capsid (amino acids 249–291). We have also defined the major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC-II) restricting alleles for several of these responses and show that DQ-restricted CD4+ T-cells depend on unique combinations of both the DQA and DQB alleles. Analysis of SIV-specific CD4+ T-cell responses elicited by a successful vaccine may have important implications in the understanding of vaccine design.
F and G Taylor series solutions to the Stark and Kepler problems with Sundman transformations

The classic $$F$$ and $$G$$ Taylor series of Keplerian motion are extended to solve the Stark problem and to use the generalized Sundman transformation. Exact recursion formulas for the series coefficients are derived, and the method is implemented to high order via a symbolic manipulator. The results lead to fast and accurate propagation models with efficient discretizations. The new $$F$$ and $$G$$ Stark series solutions are compared to the Modern Taylor Series (MTS) and 8th order Runge–Kutta–Fehlberg (RKF8) solutions. In terms of runtime, the $$F$$ and $$G$$ approach is shown to compare favorably to the MTS method up to order 20, and both Taylor series methods enjoy approximate order of magnitude speedups compared to RKF8 implementations. Actual runtime is shown to vary with eccentricity, perturbation size, prescribed accuracy, and the Sundman power law. The method and results are valid for both the Stark and the Kepler problems. The effects of the generalized Sundman transformation on the accuracy of the propagation are analyzed. The Taylor series solutions are shown to be exceptionally efficient when the unity power law from the classic Sundman transformation is applied. An example low-thrust trajectory propagation demonstrates the utility of the $$F$$ and $$G$$ Stark series solutions.
Testing for neurogenic impotence a challenge

The bulbocavernosus reflex and pudendal evoked responses were obtained in a group of control patients and impotent men in an attempt to assess their reliability and objectivity in diagnosing neurogenic erectile dysfunction.
Gluing the respiratory chain together. Cardiolipin is required for supercomplex formation in the inner mitochondrial membrane.

Cytochrome bc 1 complex (complex III) and cytochrome c oxidase complex (complex IV) are multisubunit homodimers that are essential components of the mitochondrial respiratory chain. Complexes III and IV associate to form a supercomplex that can be displayed using blue native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Both homodimeric complexes contain tightly associated cardiolipin (CL) required for function. We report here that in a crd1Δ strain of yeast (null in expression of CL synthase) ∼90% of complexes III and IV were observed as individual homodimers; only the supercomplex was observed with CRD1wild type cells. Introduction of a plasmid born copy of theCRD1 gene under exogenous regulation by doxycycline made possible controlled variation in the in vivo CL levels. At an intermediate level of CL, a mixture of individual homodimers (30%) and supercomplex (70%) was observed. These results strongly indicate that CL plays a central role in higher order organization of components of the respiratory chain of mitochondria.
Brightly photoluminescent phosphor materials based on silicon quantum dots with oxide shell passivation

We demonstrate silicon-based phosphor materials which exhibit bright photoluminescence from near-infra-red to green. The colloidal composites which are composed of silicon quantum dots (SiQDs) attached on micro-size silicon particles are synthesized by electrochemical etching of silicon wafers and then dispersed in ethanol. Subsequently, isotropic etching by HF/HNO3 mixture controls the size so as the emission wavelength of SiQDs, and forms an oxide passivating shell. The phosphors can further react with alkoxysilanes to form a stable suspension in non-polar solvents for solution-processing. The resulting red-light-emitting SiQD-based phosphors in chloroform exhibit photoluminescence external quantum efficiency of 15.9%. Their thin films can be efficiently excited by InGaN light-emitting diodes and are stable in room condition.
Transepithelial organic anion transport by shark choroid plexus

Spiny dogfish shark (Squalus acanthias) lateral and IV choroid plexuses (CPs) are ultrastructurally similar to the corresponding tissues of rat. However, shark IV CP is proportionally larger and ea...
Here we go again: bullying history and cardiovascular responses to social exclusion.

Abstract Previous research suggests that social exclusion—both acute and chronic—may be associated with a pattern of blunted cardiovascular responding. But it is unknown to what extent acute and chronic exclusion interact. That is, what happens when victims of long-term social rejection encounter an instance of exclusion later in life? The goal of the present study was to test whether prior experience being bullied would alter cardiovascular responses to an acute experience of social exclusion. Participants took part in a short online chat, during which they were either included or excluded from the conversation. Consistent with hypotheses, all participants showed an increase in sympathetic activity in the exclusion condition, but this response was significantly blunted among those with more chronic history of bullying victimization. No differences were observed for parasympathetic activity. This pattern suggests that a history of chronic victimization magnifies the cardiovascular “blunting” shown previously among victims of ostracism. This line of work suggests that bullying victims may develop regulatory mechanisms in response to social threats, and this may ultimately provide valuable information for helping victims become more resilient.
Reconceptualizing Evaluator Roles.

The current evaluation literature tends to conceptualize evaluator roles as a single, overarching orientation toward an evaluation, an orientation largely driven by evaluation methods, models, or s...
Cross-Layer Optimization Based on Partial Local Knowledge (Special Paper)

This paper considers decentralized cross-layer optimization for multichannel random access with partial-local knowledge. In the network scenario considered, users are not necessarily within the transmission ranges of all other users, and each user may choose to send packets to or receive packets from different users simultaneously. A criterion for cross-layer optimization is provided leading to a decentralized optimization for multichannel random access (DOMRA) scheme. DOMRA can be applied to different types of wireless networks, such as wireless sensor networks and mobile ad hoc networks, to improve quality of service. Furthermore, DOMRA can be applied to optimize downlink transmissions in cellular networks for proposed cochannel interference avoidance (CIA) medium access control (MAC). CIA-MAC requires low signalling overhead and minor changes to existing mobile systems. The conditions for triggering CIA-MAC are investigated and a simple trigger mechanism is obtained. Simulation results confirm the significant performance improvement by the proposed schemes.
The conformation of apolipoprotein E isoforms in phospholipid complexes and their interaction with human Hep G2 cells

Abstract The human hepatoma cell line, Hep G2, has been used to compare the metabolism by isolated liver cells of purified isoforms of human apolipoprotein E (apo E). Complexes of [ 125 I]apo E-33, 22, 32 and 43 with dimyristoyl phosphatidylcholine (DMPC) were prepared by a detergent-dialysis method: discoidal, bilayer complexes with a stoichiometry of 125 ± 15 mol DMPC/mol apo E resulted. The predominant phenotype apo E-33, and the phenotype apo E-22 characteristic of patients with Type III hyperlipoproteinemia, interact similarly with DMPC and adopt the same conformation with 60–70% α-helix, as monitored by circular dichroism spectroscopy. The uptake and degradation at 37°C, and binding at 4°C by Hep G2 cells, of [ 125 I]apo E-3/3/DMPC and [ 125 I]apo E-2/2/DMPC complexes were compared. Apo E-33 was degraded more rapidly than apo E-22 suggesting that the diminished catabolism of the latter phenotype by intact livers is due to lack of recognition by the hepatocytes. The observed degradation of apo E was 3–4 times greater than that which could be attributed to fluid phase endocytosis and low-affinity adsorptive endocytosis. The degradation of [ 125 I]apo A–I by Hep G2 cells can be accounted for by the above endocytotic mechanisms. The distinction between apo E-33 and apo E-22 isoforms is attributed to the presence of a cell-surface receptor on Hep G2 cells which binds apo E-33 with a higher affinity than apo E-22.
Typology and dimensionality of litigation public relations strategies: The Hewlett-Packard board pretexting scandal case

Abstract This study examined the content of litigation public relations (LPR) strategies Hewlett-Packard used in its recent board pretexting scandal by analyzing the press releases and newspaper coverage. Seven types of LPR strategies were identified and mapped using multidimensional scaling (MDS) along two continuums representing Defense–Accommodation and Ambiguity–Specification message attributes. Threat type was found to influence the choice of LPR strategies, which in return, impacted on how the publics attributed the organizational responsibility in the crisis. The use of emotional message played an important role in the two new LPR strategies, Information Supply and Strategic Avoidance.
The Relationship Between Work Complexity and Nurses’ Participation in Decision Making in Hospitals

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between work complexity and nurses’ participation in decision making in hospital nursing units. BACKGROUND: Increasing nurses’ participation in decision making has been used as a way to manage work complexity; however, the work of nurses in acute care hospitals has become highly complex, and strategies used to manage this complexity have not been fully explored. METHODS: The relationship between work complexity and nurse participation in decision making was examined using data from the Outcomes Research in Nursing Administration project. The sample included 3,718 RNs in 278 medical-surgical units in 143 hospitals. RESULTS: When work complexity increased, nurses’ participation in decision making decreased. CONCLUSIONS: When nurses have limited input into decision making, the information available to the care team may be incomplete. Barriers to nurses’ participation in decision making should be explored and interventions developed so that nurses may be full participants in decision making affecting both patients and the work environment.
Perceptions of intergenerational conflict: The politics of young vs. old in Florida

Abstract Not long ago, syndicated columnist Richard Reeves pondered the portents in an aging America and found trouble. “There is a confrontation coming in the United States between the demands of old people and the needs of the whole society,” he declared (Reeves 1988). His premonition is widely shared. Many social prophets are convinced that the graying of America is the prelude to a new politics. It will be the young against the old, they suggest, a politics of age polarization characterized by political mobilization, confrontation and backlash between generations reaching from Congress to city hall. Florida, with the nation's highest proportion of aging and a steady inflow of new retirees, is where many expect such conflict to appear early and often. This article concerns whether Florida is, or soon may be, the arena for such a confrontation and, if so, how it has become manifest.
Landing Times on Various Surfaces for Scolytus multistriatus after Responding to the Pheromone Multilure

Tests were conducted to determine the length of time that the smaller European elm bark beetle remained on various surfaces (landing time) after responding to baits of Multilure, a 3-component pheromone system containing α-cubebene, 4-methyl-3-heptanol, and 2-4-di-methyl-5-ethyl-6, 8-dioxabicyclo (3.2.1) octane (multistriatin). Results showed that landing times of beetles on plywood were not affected by the presence of lindane. Beetles remained longer on the boles of American elm, Ulmus Americana L., than on nonelm boles.
Influence of thermal anisotropy on best‐fit estimates of shock normals

The influence of thermal anisotropy on the estimates of interplanetary shock parameters and the associated normals is discussed. A practical theorem is presented for quantitatively correcting for anisotropic effects by weighting the before and after magnetic fields by the same anisotropy parameter h. The quantity h depends only on the thermal anisotropies before and after the shock and on the angles between the magnetic fields and the shock normal. The theorem can be applied to most slow shocks, but in those cases h usually should be lower, and sometimes markedly lower, than unity. For the extreme values of h, little change results in the shock parameters or in the shock normal.
Affirmative Action Is Dead; Long Live Affirmative Action

Affirmative Action Is Dead; Long Live Affirmative Action. By Faye J. Crosby. New Haven: Yale University Press, 2004. 352p. $30.00. Through an informative professional literature review, Faye Crosby intends to educate affirmative action critics and a skeptical public about the real-life operation of and continuing need for a largely misunderstood social policy. Her book's key question is “why does the policy of affirmative action which appears reasonable to many social scientists attract so much negative comment?” (p. 22). Despite confusion with illegal quotas and with the Supreme Court's newly minted diversity justification, Crosby is convinced that social science studies prove that properly implemented affirmative action is largely beneficial and still necessary to overcome overt or subtle in-group prejudice, discrimination, and exclusion.
Experimental Methodology in Political Science

Experiments offer a useful methodological tool to examine issues of importance to polit ical scientists. The historical and cultural differences between experiments in behavioral economics and social psychology are discussed. Issues of central concern to experimen talists are covered, including impact versus control, mundane versus experimental real ism, internal versus external validity, deception, and laboratory versus field experiments. Advantages and disadvantages of experimentation are summarized.
Data field standards and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act

The Administrative Simplification Title of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 addresses the creation and adoption of nationwide standards for the electronic exchange and confidentiality protection of all individually identified data used in health care administration. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is implementing standards under this law. In addition to new standards, the law mandates that the Congress pass a health information privacy bill by August 1999 or that the DHHS adopt privacy protections for health information by February 2000. Published in 2001 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Regulation of Type I Collagen Genes Expression

Type I collagen, the most abundant protein of the body, is preferentially synthesized in bone, dermis, and tendons by two cell types, the osteoblast and the fibroblast. The expression of type I collagen is increased in the various forms of fibrosis such as lung, liver, bone marrow fibrosis and scleroderma. Type I collagen is a helerotrimer molecule consisting of two α1(I) chains and one α2(I) chain. The two polypeptide chains are synthesized in a 2:1 stoichiometry. The same 2:1 ratio is observed for the rate of synthesis of the corresponding mRNAs. One hypothesis that would explain how this coregulation occurs at the transcriptional level is that common cis-acting elements are present on both genes. These common regulatory elements would bind identical transcription factors displaying the same function. The characterization of the various regulatory elements present in these genes would foster our understanding of the molecular mechanisms controlling type I collagen gene expression in normal and in pathol...
INTRAVENOUS TREATMENT OF AUTOIMMUNE HEMOLYTIC ANEMIA WITH GAMMAGLOBULIN

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia of childhood (AIHA) is often refractory to 2 mg/kg of prednisone. We report 2 infants with AIHA treated with initial doses of 5 gm/kg IVGG followed by maintenance doses of 2 gm/kg/wk. Infant #1 had required greater than 20 mg of prednisone/day for more than 6 months and had previously received 2 gm/kg of IVGG without apparent effect. After 5 gm/kg IVGG treatment his hemoglobin rose slowly over 4 weeks from 7.7 to 10.9, despite tapering of prednisone, and remains stable. Infant #2 had his second relapse of immune hemolytic anemia with the hemoglobin decreasing to 7 gm/dl. Two weeks of IVGG treatment stabilized his hemoglobin; 1½ weeks after treatment was stopped his hemoglobin fell to 4.5 gm/dl. Reinduction with 5 gm/kg IVGG and continued maintenance restabilized his hemoglobin at 7. Both patients had IgG antibodies which failed to bind to rH null cells after elution and abnormally decreased in vitro nonspecific antibody synthesis. Recent work by Salama et al demonstrates that a part of the RES Fc receptor blockade mediating an increased platelet count during IVGG treatment of ITP is due to low grade red cell immune hemolytic; therefore, they state that AIHA cannot be treated by IVGG. We demonstrate that AIHA can be treated by IVGG albeit at higher dosage than even in ITP (5 gm/kg vs 2 gm/kg). Other possible reasons for difficulty of treatment of AIHA by IVGG or steroids may include larger cell mass, lack of red cell Fc receptors or a more avid RES.
Postinfarction rupture of the left ventricular free wall: Clinicopathologic correlates in 100 consecutive autopsy cases☆

Abstract Among 100 consecutive autopsied cases of postinfarction rupture of the left ventricular free wall, 51% of the deaths were inhospital and 49% were out of hospital. There were 51 men (mean age, 72 years) and 49 women (mean age, 76 years); 81% had multivessel disease. All had severe obstruction of at least one major epicardial coronary artery (98 atherosclerotic, one thrombotic, and one embolic). Acute coronary thrombosis was present in 73 cases and occurred on an atherosclerotic plaque in 72, 49 (68%) of which had associated plaque rupture. In 83 cases, the ruptured infarction represented the subject's first myocardial infarction. Despite a history of hypertension in 55 cases, appreciable left ventricular hypertrophy was observed in only 19 cases. By histopathologic age of infarction, 13 ruptures occurred during the first day, 45 between days 2 and 5, and 22 on days 6 and 7; thus, 58% occurred within 5 days and 80% within 7 days. The midventricle was the most frequent site of rupture (66%). Ruptures most frequently involved thelateral aspect of the left ventricular free wall (44%). In 66 cases, the rupture tract occurred along the interface between viable and necrotic myocardium. Our findings support the observations of others that the risk factors for postinfarction left ventricular free wall rupture include age greater than 60 years, female gender, preexisting hypertension, absence of left ventricular hypertrophy, first myocardial infarction, and midventricular or lateral wall transmural infarctions.
Formation of fatty acid ethyl esters during chronic ethanol treatment in mice.

Abstract Ethyl esters of long-chain fatty acids are formed in the liver and brain of mice after 1–6 days of ethanol intoxication. This observation extends the reports of Lange and co-workers who detected these compounds as unusual metabolites of ethanol in human tissues [E. A. Laposata and L. G. Lange, Science 231, 497 (1986)]. Ethyl esters of oleic and linoleic acids, and, in smaller amounts, ethyl esters of palmitic and stearic acids were found in the livers of mice that had been treated with ethanol by inhalation. In the brain, only the esters of unsaturated fatty acids were found, in lower amounts than in liver. All the fatty acid ethyl esters seemed to have reached steady-state levels in the tissues after 3 or 4 days of alcohol treatment. When incorporated into synaptosomal plasma membranes in vitro, in intramembrane concentrations estimated to resemble those observed in the mice, these esters reduced the fluorescence anisotropy, i.e. they disordered the membranes.
Fatal H1N1-Related Acute Necrotizing Encephalopathy in an Adult

Acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE) is a severe neurological complication of influenza infection, including H1N1 influenza. Many cases of ANE have been reported in the pediatric literature, but very few cases have been described in adults. The cause of ANE remains unknown—the influenza virus is not known to be neurotropic, and evidence of direct viral involvement of the central nervous system (CNS) has not been demonstrated in the limited cases of ANE in which pathological specimens have been obtained. Here we report a fatal case of ANE from H1N1 influenza infection in an adult. Neuroimaging and postmortem analysis both showed widespread brain edema, necrosis, and hemorrhage, but molecular studies and postmortem pathology revealed no evidence of direct viral involvement of the CNS. This case of fatal ANE in an adult is consistent with the hypothesis generated from pediatric cases that the host immune response, and not direct viral invasion of the CNS, is responsible for pathogenesis of ANE.
On projectile motion

An analytic expression for the path length of a projectile thrown with an initial velocity V0 and angle θ above the horizontal in a vacuum is derived. It is shown that a 56.46° projectile angle maximizes the projectile's path length and this angle is independent of the initial velocity.
Diffuse Light Propagation in a Parallel Plate CW DOT Instrument with Non-Contact Detectors

In many DOT instrument, it is hard to generate viable reconstruction without a reference measurement. We show why the accuracy of forward model is often insufficient for absolute reconstruction, based on our transmission DOT instrument.
Metal-ion catalysis of aldose-ketose isomerizations in acidic solutions

Abstract A comparative study has been made of the ability of metal ions to catalyze the Lobry de Bruyn-Alberda van Ekenstein transformation. An analytical enzymic assay system, which is highly sensitive and selective, was developed to monitor the rates of isomerization of hexose and triose phosphates. The metal ions catalyze the isomerization of hexose phosphates by virtue of their Lewis acid character with the first transition series being most effective. The metal ions also appear to have no ability to direct the course of the reactions. Amino acids also catalyze the isomerization apparently by virtue of the free carboxylate anion.
Generalized Root-Loci Theory for the Static Scherbius Drive

Generalized root-loci techniques, developed in the mid 70's for squirrel cage motors, have been extended in the static Scherbius configuration to wound rotor, slip energy, recovery systems. This arrangement is now applied to large power drives in the 0.5 to 50 MW range. In this paper, general results applicable to all machines are presented for the open-loop control scheme, but only the subsynchronous rmode of operation in which a voltage source type inverter is used is addressed.
Molecular dynamics study of the primitive model of 1–3 electrolyte solutions

Abstract Molecular dynamics simulations at constant temperature have been carried out for the primitive model of 1–3 electrolyte solutions. Thermodynamics, pair distribution functions, and self-diffusion coefficients were computed to examine the electrostatic effects on the structural and dynamical properties. The simulation results were used to evaluate various theoretical equations, namely, the exponential form of Debye-Huckel theory, the mean spherical approximation, and the hypernetted chain approximation. As has been observed for symmetrical electrolytes, the latter turns out to be the best approximation. For asymmetrically charged 1–3 electrolytes, it was found that ionic aggregation significantly influenced the dynamical properties of electrolytes. Coherent motion between highly charged negative ions and positive ions surrounding them was deduced from the time dependence of the velocity autocorrelation functions, particularly at concentrations between 0.4 and 4 total ion molarity.
Regulation of G protein-mediated signal transduction by RGS proteins.

Abstract RGS proteins form a new family of regulatory proteins of G protein signaling. They contain homologous core domains (RGS domains) of about 120 amino acids. RGS domains interact with activated Gα subunits. Several RGS proteins have been shown biochemically to act as GTPase activating proteins (GAPs) for their interacting Gα subunits. Other than RGS domains, RGS proteins differ significantly in size, amino acid sequences, and tissue distribution. In addition, many RGS proteins have other protein-protein interaction motifs involved in cell signaling. We have shown that p115RhoGEF, a newly identified GEF(guanine nucleotide exchange factor) for RhoGTPase, has a RGS domain at its N-terminal region and this domain acts as a specific GAP for Gα12 and Gα13. Furthermore, binding of activated Gα13 to this RGS domain stimulated GEF activity of p115RhoGEF. Activated Gα12 inhibited Gα13-stimulated GEF activity. Thus p115RhoGEF is a direct link between heterotrimeric G protein and RhoGTPase and it functions as an effector for Gα12 and Gα13 in addition to acting as their GAP. We also found that RGS domain at N-terminal regions of G protein receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) specifically interacts with Gαq/11 and inhibits Gαq-mediated activation of PLC-β, apparently through sequestration of activated Gαq. However, unlike other RGS proteins, this RGS domain did not show significant GAP activity to Gαq. These results indicate that RGS proteins have far more diverse functions than acting simply as GAPs and the characterization of function of each RGS protein is crucial to understand the G protein signaling network in cells.
A qualitative microscope differentiation between chromate- and dichromate-ions

The reagent, hexamminocobaltic chloride, offers a means of distinguishing microscopically between chromate- and dichromate-ions in the absence of interfering ions, such as metavanadate-, ferrocyanide-, ferricyanide-, tungstate-, molybdate-, tetrathionate-, ortho- and pyrophosphate-ions.
Cognitive Style, Teaching Mode, and Learning Outcomes.

The effect of field-dependence-independence (FDI) on subject-matter achievement and mastery of inquiry skills was explored using a partially balanced design. The field research was carried out using 12 intact classes in high schools in Iowa. No significant F values were found in the analysis of variance for either the main effects or the covariates: past achievement, teaching mode, and minutes of instruction. In addition, the regression of FDI on achievement was not significant for any classroom.
Helicopter Transfer Offers a Potential Benefit to Patients With Acute Stroke

Background and Purpose—Rapid transport of patients to specialized centers is widely used in the management of myocardial infarction, trauma, and more recently, acute stroke. We evaluated the role of helicopter transportation as it relates to the availability of acute stroke therapies and patients’ perceptions of care. Methods—We reviewed records of all patients transferred to a university hospital within 24 hours of stroke onset from January 1996 to December 1997. Data were collected on demographics, neurological deficit, treatment, and outcome. In addition, a questionnaire was sent to all patients with items about perceived reasons for helicopter transfer, expected and actual treatment, outcome, and overall impression. Results—Helicopter transfer was used for 73 stroke patients. Before transfer, 8 patients (11%) received tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). On arrival, no patient received tPA, 38 patients (52%) were enrolled in acute stroke studies, and 35 patients (48%) received no specific medication. A...
Growth of large uraninite and thorianite single crystal from the melt using a cold-crucible technique

Centimeter-size single crystals of uraninite, UO2, and thorianite, ThO2, were grown from their respective melts using the cold-crucible technique of cage melting. This is believed to be the first report of ThO2 single crystals having been grown from the melt. UO2 single crystals grown in air had a composition of UO2.19 while single crystals grown in an inert atmosphere had a composition believed to be near stoichiometric UO2. X-ray diffraction, ion microprobe, and electron microprobe analyses were used to characterize the UO2 and ThO2 single crystals.
Perceptions of the Victimization of Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities

Perceptions of the victimization of persons with intellectual disabilities were explored from the perspectives of adults with mild intellectual disabilities as well as service providers and supervisors who work with this population. Interviews were obtained for 10 adults with intellectual disabilities. Additionally, those who work with persons with intellectual disabilities were interviewed: 10 service providers and five supervisors (n = 25). Results indicate that perceptions of victimization were influenced by factors such as victimizer motivations, proximity to victimization, and situational pre-dictability. Offenses that cause harm are recognized as victimization by most, but non-harmful offenses are not always perceived as victimization, especially when respondents were involved in the offense. The implications of these findings related to recognition, reporting, and prevention of victimization are discussed.
Fabrication of high frequency ultrasonic needle transducers for pulsed wave Doppler

High frequency ultrasonic needle transducers were fabricated using a 25 /spl mu/m poly(vinylidene fluoride-tetrafluoroethylene) film as the active piezoelectric material. The active element was bonded to a conductive silver epoxy backing material using an unloaded epoxy. The active element was housed within a polyimide tube and needle housing. The measured center frequency and bandwidth of the device was 45 MHz and 49% respectively. The electrical impedance magnitude and phase were 459 /spl Omega/ and -86/spl deg/ respectively. In order to improve device sensitivity a series inductor was used to tune the transducer. Tuning the transducer reduced the bandwidth by 50%. The intended use of this device is for in-vivo high frequency pulsed wave Doppler detection of retinal blood flow in the microcirculation.
In vitro platforms for evaluating liver toxicity

The liver is a heterogeneous organ with many vital functions, including metabolism of pharmaceutical drugs and is highly susceptible to injury from these substances. The etiology of drug induced liver disease is still debated although generally regarded as a continuum between an activated immune response and hepatocyte metabolic dysfunction, most often resulting from an intermediate reactive metabolite. This debate stems from the fact that current animal and in vitro models provide limited physiologically relevant information and their shortcomings have resulted in ‘silent’ hepatotoxic drugs being introduced into clinical trials, garnering huge financial losses for drug companies through withdrawals and late stage clinical failures. As we advance our understanding into the molecular processes leading to liver injury, it is increasingly clear that a) the pathologic lesion is not only due to liver parenchyma but is also due to the interactions between the hepatocytes and the resident liver immune cells, stellate cells and endothelial cells; and, b) animal models do not reflect the human cell interactions. Therefore, a predictive human, in vitro model must address the interactions between the major human liver cell types and measure key determinants of injury such as the dosage and metabolism of the drug, the stress response, cholestatic effect, and the immune and fibrotic response. In this mini-review, we first discuss the current state of macro-scale in vitro liver culture systems with examples that have been commercialized. We then introduce the paradigm of microfluidic culture systems that aim to mimic the liver with physiologically relevant dimensions, cellular structure, perfusion and mass transport by taking advantage of micro and nanofabrication technologies. We review the most prominent liver-on-a-chip platforms in terms of their physiological relevance and drug response. We conclude with a commentary on other critical advances such as the deployment of fluorescence-based biosensors to identify relevant toxicity pathways, as well as computational models to create a predictive tool.
Indirect-methanol and direct-methanol fuel cell vehicles

Direct fuel oxidization yields major simplifications and potential performance advantages for a fuel cell power system-particularly for a fuel cell vehicle (FCV) application. Following a brief introduction to the unique characteristics of the polymer electrolyte membrane-based direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) (compared to direct-hydrogen and the indirect-methanol fuel cell), two performance metrics for the DMFC are examined in more detail, and are compared to the same performance metrics for the indirect-methanol fuel cell.