cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
German Geopolitics Revived

TEN YEARS ago, the word "geopolitics" was familiar to a broad public. Numerous monographs and popular articles on the subject appeared in this country' and abroad. It was widely known that geopolitics signified a novel science or pseudoscience which served as a blueprint for and a "scientific" justification of German aggression. After the collapse of Nazi Germany, the term geopolitics all but disappeared from public discussion. The conclusion might have been drawn that geopolitics was so inextricably tied to the Third Reich that, with the downfall of the regime, it also became extinct. However, beginning in 1950, geopolitical titles appeared again, and in 1951 the Zeitschrift fur Geopolitik, the mouthpiece of the prewar geopolitical school, was revived.2 This reappearance is not without significance for an assessment of the current political and intellectual climate of Germany. For the first time in the postwar period, a leading political magazine of the Nazi era is being published again. Although the Zeitschrift professes to aim at scholarly objectivity, it contains numerous instances of the old geopolitical thought and jargon. In the following pages an attempt will be made to describe the characteristics of the new Zeitschrift fur Geopolitik, to show some differences between prewar and present geopolitics, and to examine the revived geopolitical literature as an influence on current political thinking and as a possible clue to future German intentions. Before we start our examination of current geopolitics, it may be useful to give a brief survey of prewar Geopolitik. German geo-
Short-Term Mechanical Management of Cardiogenic Shock

Cardiogenic shock (CS), a state of cardiac dysfunction that results in systemic hypoperfusion and end-organ dysfunction, is associated with high in-hospital mortality. Various forms of mechanical circulatory support have been used to treat CS. First employed in the 1960s, the intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) has been a mainstay in the treatment of acute CS. However, the IABP is unable to provide adequate support in many patients, and newer technologies, including extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and percutaneous ventricular assist devices, appear to be more effective in reversing CS. These devices are also useful for supporting patients during complex percutaneous coronary intervention. Perhaps most importantly, they can be used as a bridge to decision or definitive therapy in CS patients who are potential candidates for surgical ventricular assist devices or cardiac transplantation.
Optimization of the performance of double-façades with integrated photovoltaic panels and motorized blinds

Double-facades with integrated photovoltaic panels may be employed to generate electricity, thermal energy and for daylighting. A theoretical study of double-facades with integrated photovoltaics (PV) and motorized blinds is presented, which investigates the effect of various design parameters in order to maximize the conversion of solar radiation to useful energy. Two configurations of the facade with a lower section with integrated PV and an upper Vision (viewing) section with motorized blinds, are examined. A one-dimensional finite-difference thermal model is developed, with an algorithm that iteratively determines which convective heat transfer coefficient correlation to use for each surface inside the cavity using expressions that consider system characteristics and temperature distribution. When PV modules are installed in the middle of the cavity, air flows on both sides, increasing PV section overall (thermal-electric) efficiency by about 25%, but lowers electricity generation by 21%. Integrating 0.015 m long, 0.002 m wide fins to the PV back plate leads to a similar increase in efficiency without compromising electricity generation. Placing the blind in the middle of the cavity increases the Vision section efficiency by 5%. Using this approach to optimize performance can lead to combined thermal-electric efficiencies of over 60%.
Repair of myelin disease: strategies and progress in animal models

Myelin disorders form an important group of human neurological diseases that are as yet incurable. Recent studies on experimental remyelination have suggested that it might be feasible to repair the CNS, either by transplanting normal myelinating cells or by enhancing endogenous repair. Progress in animal models, particularly in transplanting cells of the oligodendrocyte lineage, has resulted in significant focal remyelination and physiological evidence of restoration of function. These data suggest that focal lesions in multiple sclerosis could be repaired by the transplantation of myelin-forming cells. Future therapies could involve both transplantation and promotion of endogenous repair, and the two approaches could be combined with ex vivo manipulation of the donor tissue.
N-Acetylcolchinol. Structure and hydrogen-bonding in a benzenoid colchicine analogue.

Abstract N-Acetylcolchinol, a benzenoid derivative of colchicine, crystallizes as the monohydrate in space group P2 1 with a = 14.334, b = 7.848, c = 17.634 A; β = 100.6°, Z = 4. The structure was determined from 3978 X-ray reflections and refined to R = 0.039. The molecular shape is like that of colchicine and the crystal shows hydrogen-bonding and hydrophobic regions.
Gene conflicts and the concepts of outlaw and sheriff alleles

‘Outlaw genes’ are genetic units that favor themselves at the expense of the rest of the genome. Contrary to Alexander and Borgia (1978) , who developed the outlaw concept, we suggest that outlawry will not be nullified consistently by the rest of the genome. Importantly, the kinds of outlaw alleles Alexander and Borgia consider must be associated with other gene loci either as a chromosome, gamete or organism and must then benefit, at least temporarily, other gene loci when they advance their own interests. We hypothesize the existence of ‘sheriff alleles’, which respond to outlawry and which are necessary to Alexander and Borgia's arguments. The optimal response that a potential sheriff allele could show to meiotic drive, a form of intragenomic outlawry, is to align consistently with the driver during meiosis rather than to suppress drive. A driving allele is easiest to detect if it is present at an intermediate frequency. Thus, detected cases of drive are probably an atypical subsample of all driving alleles because drivers should either be lost if they inflict large phenotypic defects or go to fixation, unless some complicated frequency-dependent process maintains them at intermediate levels. Within a population, selection will generally produce an equal sex ratio but outlaw X or Y chromosomes that have driving effects will be selected for. Maintenance of an equal sex ratio may be due to a stalemate of outlaw tendencies on both sex chromosomes, rather than to anti-outlaw actions of the autosomes. Intergenomic outlawry could operate if individuals carrying a specific allele deprive individuals who lack the allele of resources that they then use to increase their own fitness. The only situation in which the gene pool should ‘favor’ an end to intergenomic outlawry is that in which the overall benefits all alleles receive when carried by outlaw individuals do not compensate for the harm replicates of these alleles receive when carried by nonoutlaws. But even here, selection will favor sheriffs that operate selfishly by protecting only themselves from outlaws and allowing outlaws to harm alternative alleles at the sheriff's locus. Selfish sheriffs that increase to fixation could bring an end to observable outlawry but this process differs from the general genomic nullification and collective power proposed by Alexander and Borgia. Since both intra and intergenomic outlaws are most adaptive when they do not harm copies of themselves, an outlaw allele should be difficult to detect when present at a high frequency. Contrary to Alexander and Borgia, there is no reason to suppose that the genome is preadapted to counter outlaws as soon as they appear; and once outlaws become common, their nullification may provide little or no benefit to the genome. Thus, many alleles that are fixed or nearly so and that seem to be law abiding may have achieved their high frequency via outlawry.
Rethinking vector immunology: the role of environmental temperature in shaping resistance

Recent ecological research has revealed that environmental factors can strongly affect insect immunity and influence the outcome of host-parasite interactions. To date, however, most studies examining immune function in mosquitoes have ignored environmental variability. We argue that one such environmental variable, temperature, influences both vector immunity and the parasite itself. As temperatures in the field can vary greatly from the ambient temperature in the laboratory, it will be essential to take temperature into account when studying vector immunology.
Traditional Physical Activity Indexes Derived from the Harvard Alumni Activity Survey Have Low Construct Validity in a Lower Income, Urban Population

The purpose of this study is to investigate the construct validity of the Harvard Alumni Activity Survey (HAAS) in an urban, lower income population. Data were collected from 192 smokers enrolled in an antioxidant micronutrient trial. Activity data were compared to body mass index (BMI), diastolic, and systolic blood pressure. The traditional physical activity index (PAI), using data on stair climbing, walking, and sports, was calculated including and excluding body mass. A new scale, the total weekly activity (TWA) scale, was derived from other questions on the HAAS. The PAI scale calculated with body mass was unassociated with BMI and blood pressure. The PAI scale calculated without body mass was unassociated with BMI and systolic blood pressure but was associated with diastolic blood pressure (Beta = −0.001, p = 0.03). The TWA scale was associated with BMI (Beta = −0.01, p = 0.01), diastolic (Beta = −0.03, p = 0.01), and systolic blood pressure (Beta = −0.04, p = 0.01). A one standard deviation change in the TWA scale is predicted to be equivalent to a change of 0.99 BMI units, 2.97 mmHg of diastolic blood pressure, and 3.96 mmHg of systolic blood pressure. This work suggests that the TWA scale has greater construct validity than the traditional PAI scale in this population.
Monte Carlo Simulation of Power System Stability

This paper presents a Monte Carlo simulation of the transient stability of a power system. The simulation time is in the order of years in which the occurrence of disturbances and the subsequent protective action are considered to be stochastic processes. The objective is to obtain a probabilistic measure of transient stability for a power system instead of just its particular response to an individual disturbance. The latter is the usual output of deterministic transient stability programs that are used for present day worst case analysis. A probabilistic analysis is needed if such worst case design criteria is to be replaced by (probabilistic) reliability criteria. This paper describes a computer program that has been developed for such a Monte Carlo simulation and presents some results of its application to representative systems.
Participation of Bao2* in chemiluminescence from low-pressure Ba(g) + O2 flames

Abstract New spectioscopic and vibronic population data support the essential correctness of BaO2* as the nascent polyatomic emitter and as the precursor to BaO (A 1Σ+ → X1Σ+) and (A' 1Π → X1Σ+) visible chemiluminescence from metal-rich Ba(g) + O2 (+ Ar) diffusion flames at 2–350 mTorr- Absolute visible photon yields are reported over this pressure regime.
The Impacts of Perceived Environmental Uncertainty, Outlook, and Size on Strategic Planning in Private Clubs

This study investigates strategic management in the private club industry; in particular, the impacts of perceived environmental uncertainty, outlook, and size on private clubs’ strategic planning in terms of thoroughness. Data were collected from club executives at 133 private clubs in three northeastern states. A structural equation model analysis suggested that perceived environmental uncertainty and outlook significantly impact effective planning, while club size does not. Implications for strategic planning by private clubs are provided and discussed.
Influence of environmental factors in the production of R(−)-1, 2-propanediol by clostridium thermosaccharolyticum

The effect of the most important environmental parameters, temperature, pH, gas phase composition and substrate concentration, on the production of R(−)-1,2-propanediol, was investigated. An improved yield of 0.20 g R(−)-1,2-propanediol/g glucose was reached when the fermentation was run at 60°C and pH 6.0 under a N2 atmosphere.
Path of magnetic flux lines through high- T c copper oxide superconductors

A SERIOUS impediment to many potential applications of the high-transition-temperature (high-Tc) copper oxide superconductors is the relative ease with which magnetic flux lines move within these materials, thereby producing finite electrical resistance1,2. To devise methods for rigidly fixing flux lines in these materials, which is necessary to achieve a truly superconducting (zero resistance) state, requires an understanding of their fundamental properties. In clean, conventional type II superconductors, flux lines or vortices can be modelled well as rigid objects that pass straight through a sample. In the high-Tc materials, however, comparatively short coherence lengths, large anisotropies and large accessible thermal energies lead to more complex and fascinating behaviour, giving for example entangled flux lines and two-dimensional pancake vortices3–5. Some detail of the vortex lattice has been resolved previously6–13, although it is not clear how vortices pass through these materials. Here we address this critical issue by simultaneously decorating the positions of flux lines at opposite sides of single-crystal Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8 (BSCCO) high-Tc superconductors using the Bitter technique14,15. These new data enable us to quantify the wandering of vortices as they pass through the BSCCO high-Tc materials and address the elasticity of the vortex lattice. This information will be useful for devising effective strategies for pinning flux lines to the crystal lattice.
Liquid blockage of vapor transport lines in low Bond number systems due to capillary-driven flows in condensed annular films

An experimental capillary-pumped loop (CPL) was designed to investigate the behavior of phase-change heat transfer devices and ascertain the mechanisms which have caused anomalous behavior of previous CPL demonstrations in low gravity. Low-gravity experiments were conducted during the Microgravity Science Laboratory (MSL-1) mission on-board the Space Shuttle Columbia in July of 1997. An interesting phenomenon resulting from liquid flow in an annular film was observed while investigating operation of the experimental CPL in low gravity. To the authors' knowledge, observation of this phenomenon has not been previously reported. In every test run performed, liquid would accumulate in the curved portion of the vapor leg. The accumulation of liquid would continue until the liquid lobe would suddenly transition into a slug of liquid. The liquid slug would prevent the flow of vapor to the condenser; eventually resulting in dryout of the condenser. Since liquid was no longer fed to the evaporator from the condenser, the CPL would ultimately fail. Analysis reveals that the formation of the slug is a consequence of both capillary pressure differences in the liquid film present in the curved section of the vapor leg and a long wavelength instability of the liquid film. This analysis also reveals the conditions under which the formation of such liquid slugs are inevitable.
Preparation of ribonuclease-free DNase I and α-amylase

Abstract DNase I and α-amylase are commercial products obtained from mammalian sources and may be separated from contaminating RNase by treatment with bentonite. The completeness of RNase removal is demonstrated by using a highly sensitive technique employing E. coli ribosomal RNA as substrate.
Dynamic Asymmetry and the Role of the Conserved Active-Site Thiol in Rabbit Muscle Creatine Kinase

Symmetric and asymmetric crystal structures of the apo and transition state analogue forms, respectively, of the dimeric rabbit muscle creatine kinase have invoked an “induced fit” explanation for asymmetry between the two subunits and their active sites. However, previously reported thiol reactivity studies at the dual active-site cysteine 283 residues suggest a more latent asymmetry between the two subunits. The role of that highly conserved active-site cysteine has also not been clearly determined. In this work, the S–H vibrations of Cys283 were observed in the unmodified MM isoform enzyme via Raman scattering, and then one and both Cys283 residues in the same dimeric enzyme were modified to covalently attach a cyano group that reports on the active-site environment via its infrared CN stretching absorption band while maintaining the catalytic activity of the enzyme. Unmodified and Cys283-modified enzymes were investigated in the apo and transition state analogue forms of the enzyme. The narrow and inv...
Career Development in Bioengineering and Biotechnology (G. Madhavean, et al; 2008) [Book Review]

This text is comprised of 71 chapters, most of them fairly brief. The titles of the sections include: "Introduction to Bioengineering and Biotechnology," "Innovative Alternate Careers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology," "Career Development and Success Strategies," and "Growth and Responsibilities Beyond the Professions." The book presents an interesting mixture of authors, styles, means of conveying information, autobiographies, etc. It is a good read and a useful reference.
Addition of amalgam alloy to zinc phosphate cement

Abstract It was the purpose of this investigation to evaluate the procedure of adding amalgam alloy to zinc phosphate cement. Strength, solubility, disintegration, and adhesion to dentin were investigated.
A generalized Lefschetz number for local Nielsen fixed point theory

Abstract Let X be a connected, finite dimensional, locally compact polyhedron. Let f : U → X be a compactly fixed map defined on an open, connected subset U of X , and let H be any normal subgroup of π 1 ( X ). We seek information about N H ( f ), the local H -Nielsen number of f . It is a lower bound for min{| Fix g |: g ≃ f }, where the homotopies must be admissible. Let N H (f; f , i ) denote the well-known sum Σ α ∈ W i ( N α H [ α ], where i ( N α H ) is the local fixed point index of an H -Nielsen class, [α] is the Reidemeister orbit associated with that class and W is a set of representatives of the Reidemeister orbits. Then N H ( f ) is the number of terms of N H (f; f , i ) with nonzero coefficient. We call N H (f; f , i ) a Nielsen-Reidemeister chain, and we prove that for certain subsets of U, N H (f; f , i ) splits into the sum of the Nielsen-Reidemeister chains for the subsets. We define the local generalized H -Lefschetz number L H (f; f , i ) in terms of a globally defined trace. We prove that, for X a connected, triangulable n -manifold with n ⩾3, L H (f; f , i ) = N H (f; f , i ) . Thus, L H (f; f , i ) can provide a means to compute N H ( f ). Also, for H = 1, a generalization of the converse of the Lefschetz fixed point theorem holds.
Cognitive Code-Division Links with Blind Primary-System Identification

We consider the problem of cognitive code-division channelization (simultaneous power and code-channel allocation) for secondary transmission links co-existing with an unknown primary code-division multiple-access (CDMA) system. We first develop a blind primary-user identification scheme to detect the binary code sequences (signatures) utilized by primary users. To create a secondary link we propose two alternative procedures -one of moderate and one of low computational complexity- that optimize the secondary transmitting power and binary code-channel assignment in accordance with the detected primary code channels to avoid "harmful" interference. At the same time, the optimization procedures guarantee that the signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) at the output of the maximum SINR linear secondary receiver is no less than a certain threshold to meet secondary transmission quality of service (QoS) requirements. The extension of the channelization problem to multiple secondary links is also investigated. Simulation studies presented herein illustrate the theoretical developments.
Impulsive motion of non-holonomic deformable multibody systems Part I: Kinematic and dynamic equations

Abstract In this investigation, a computer-based technique for the spatial kinematic and dynamic analysis of non-holonomic multibody systems consisting of interconnected rigid and deformable bodies is developed. Non-holonomic kinematic conditions, which can be expressed in terms of a coupled set of rigid body and modal elastic co-ordinates and velocities, restrict the infinitesimal change of system generalized co-ordinates. These kinematic constraints, however, impose no restrictions on the system reference or elastic modal co-ordinates and, accordingly, the number of independent velocities is smaller than the number of independent co-ordinates. In Part I, deformable components are discretized using the finite element method and the system configuration is identified by using a mixed set of reference and elastic co-ordinates. By using the generalized co-ordinate partitioning of the system constraint Jacobian matrix, holonomic constraint equations are used to identify a set of independent reference and elastic co-ordinates, while both holonomic and non-holonomic constraint equations are used to identify the independent reference and elastic velocities. In Part II, a method for the impact analysis of non-holonomic deformable multibody systems is presented. This method can be used to predict the jump discontinuity of the non-holonomic constraint forces based on new generalized impulse-momentum equations.
Nonsurgical treatment of zygapophyseal joint cyst–induced radicular pain

Objective To evaluate the role of fluoroscopically guided injection procedures in the nonsurgical treatment of zygapophyseal joint cyst-induced radicular pain. Design Retrospective study with independent clinical review. Participants Fourteen patients (average age, 60.2 yrs), with an average symptom duration of 18.8 months, were included. Methods Medical records were reviewed; patients with a radiographically observed zygapophyseal joint cyst that may have represented a compressive lesion corresponding to the patient's symptoms of radicular pain were eligible for inclusion. The level of nerve root involvement was confirmed by physical examination or electrodiagnostic findings. Patients whose root level involvement remained undetermined were required to demonstrate a positive response to a fluoroscopically guided diagnostic selective nerve root block (SNRB). Nonsurgical treatments included therapeutic SNRB, intraarticular zygapophyseal joint corticosteroid injection, and cyst puncture. Data collection and analysis were performed by an independent clinical reviewer. Outcome measures Pain score, work status, medication usage, and patient satisfaction with treatment. Results The majority of the observed cysts (71.4%) were at the L4-L5 level. Follow-up data collection was done at an average of 1.4 years after termination of treatment. An excellent outcome was observed in 4 patients (28.6%). Fifty percent of patients underwent surgery. Conclusions Preliminary findings suggest a role for fluoroscopically guided injection techniques in the nonsurgical treatment of zygapophyseal joint cyst-induced radicular pain, with up to one-third of patients experiencing lasting symptomatic relief.
Advances in Huntington's disease diagnostics: development of a standard reference material

Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disease that affects four to seven individuals per 100,000. The onset of symptoms usually begins in middle age, although approximately 5% become symptomatic as juveniles. Death occurs approximately 15 years following the onset of symptoms, which include choreic movements, cognitive decline and psychiatric changes. HD is an autosomal dominant inherited disease that is associated with an expansion of a trinucleotide (CAG) repeat located on chromosome 4. Physicians rely on a positive family history, and diagnostic and genetic tests to detect the expansion in the number of CAG trinucleotide repeats in the HD gene to confirm the diagnosis. More than 99% of HD patients have 40 or more CAG triplet repeats and, therefore, targeted mutational analysis is greater than 99% sensitive. Individuals with 26 triplet repeats or less are normal, and while those with 27-35 repeats may not demonstrate symptoms themselves, their offspring may have the disease. Individuals with 36-39 repeats may or may not exhibit symptoms. The College of American Pathology/American College of Medical Genetics Biochemical and Molecular Genetics Resource Committee has emphasized the need to standardize the methodology for the determination of the accurate number of CAG repeats. This will prevent false-positive or -negative results when conducting predictive or prenatal testing of at-risk individuals. The National Institute of Standards and Technology is developing a standard reference material to provide these positive and negative controls needed by clinical testing laboratories. The use of a HD standard reference material will provide the quality control and assurance that data from different laboratories are both comparable and accurate.
Bargain basement bakeout (IUCF Cooler Ring vacuum chamber)

The design goal of the project described was to develop a modestly priced system capable of reliably baking the 87-m IUCF (Indiana University Cyclotron Facility) Cooler Ring vacuum chamber to 250 degrees C. Digital-to-analog converters provide the seek command to proportional controllers; these controllers drive solid-state relays which in turn drive 110 VAC coaxial heating coils. Thermistors (not thermocouples) provide feedback to the controllers and readouts to the PC through a commercial 200-channel analog-to-digital converter interface. Insulation is provided by a combination of ceramic paper and ceramic wool. Average vacuum achieved to data is 2.0 ntorr. Total system cost is about $35k. >
Characterization of the putative ovarian stem cell marker DDX4 by mass spectrometry and fusion protein analysis of C-terminus expression

OBJECTIVE: Spermatogonial stem cell (SSC)-based technologies may have application for preserving and/or restoring male fertility. We evaluated the recovery of stem and progenitor spermatogonia from frozen/thawed testicular cell suspensions versus testicular tissue fragments frozen at a controlled rate (CR) or by vitrification. DESIGN: Laboratory study using human tissue. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Human testicular tissue was obtained through the Center for Organ Recovery and Education with approval from the University of Pittsburgh Institutional review board (#0506140). Testicular tissue was digested with enzymes to produce a cell suspension and frozen at CR or minced into large (6-10 mm3) or small (3-5 mm3) testicular tissue fragments and frozen at CR or by vitrification. The efficiency of each technique was analyzed by immunocytochemistry (ICC) for the spermatogonia marker UTF1 and human to nude mouse xenotransplantation. RESULTS: Cryopreservationmethodhad a significant effect on the recovery of UTF1 positive spermatogonia per gram of tissue (p 0.05). CONCLUSION: CR freezing of testicular tissue fragments (large or small) leads to the greatest recovery of UTF1 positive spermatogonia and transplantable SSCs. Recovery of SSCs from vitrified small testicular tissue fragments was also very good. Freezing and thawing of intact testicular tissue is compatible with several downstream applications, including testicular tissue grafting, testicular tissue organ culture or digestion with enzymes to produce a cell suspension for SSC transplantation. Supported by: This work was Supported by NIH grants HD055475 and HD061289, Magee-Womens Research Institute, Foundation and the Richard King Mellon Foundation and the United States-Israel Binational Science Foundation.
Effect of introducing genetically engineered microorganisms on soil microbial community diversity

Introducing the genetically engineered microorganism Pseudomonas cepacia AC1100 into soil microcosms resulted in elevated taxonomic diversity determined by phenotypic analyses of culturable isolates and genetic diversity determined by analysis of the heterogeneity of total microbial community DNA reannealing kinetics. The greatest impact occurred when P. cepacia AC1100 was introduced along with the herbicide 2,4,5-T, which P. cepacia AC1100 can degrade. The data suggests that both changes in the balance of populations and genetic recombination contributed to the increased diversity.
Corrections in Asia: An Introduction

There is a lack of publications on corrections in Asia in English language journals. This special issue was taken to fill this void. This introduction briefly states the reasons for the issue and its manuscript reviewing process. There are six papers in this issue, covering institutional corrections and community corrections in Mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Japan.
Expression of mutant p53 proteins implicates a lineage relationship between neural stem cells and malignant astrocytic glioma in a murine model

Summary Recent studies have identified genes and core pathways that are altered in human glioblastoma. However, the mechanisms by which alterations of these glioblastoma genes singly and cooperatively transform brain cells remain poorly understood. Further, the cell of origin of glioblastoma is largely elusive. By targeting a p53 in-frame deletion mutation to the brain, we show that p53 deficiency provides no significant growth advantage to adult brain cells, but appears to induce pleiotropic accumulation of cooperative oncogenic alterations driving gliomagenesis. Our data show that accumulation of a detectable level of mutant p53 proteins occurs first in neural stem cells in the subventricular zone (SVZ) and that subsequent expansion of mutant p53-expressing Olig2 + transit-amplifying progenitor-like cells in the SVZ-associated areas initiates glioma formation.
EFFECT OF STOKES’ LAW SETTLING ON MEASURING OIL DISPERSION EFFECTIVENESS

ABSTRACT Industry laboratory tests to measure dispersion effectiveness for oil spills on water measure only the volume percentage of oil dispersed and not the dispersed particle size. The effect of particle size on settling behavior is particularly pronounced in tests that use long settling times to superimpose a dispersion stability criterion on the effectiveness rating. The authors have studied the effect of settling time on the volume cumulative particle size distribution measured by the Coulter Multisizer II. Using Stokes’ law settling to analyze the results, we have demonstrated the effects of settling flask geometry and sample volume on measured effectiveness. These arbitrary test variables control the settling path height and vary markedly from test to test. The intrinsic variables that control settling vs time—initial particle size distribution, aqueous viscosity, and aqueous and oil densities—are functions of aqueous, oil, and dispersant compositions; temperature; and dispersion energy. The autho...
Birefringence and interface in sequential co‐injection molding of amorphous polymers: Simulation and experiment

Modelings of the interface distribution and flow-induced residual stresses and birefringence in the sequential co-injection molding (CIM) of a center-gated disk were carried out using a numerical scheme based on a hybrid finite element/finite difference/control volume method. A nonlinear viscoelastic constitutive equation and stress-optical rule were used to model the frozen-in flow stresses in disks. The compressibility of melts is included in modeling of the packing and cooling stages and not in the filling stage. The thermally induced residual birefringence was calculated using the linear viscoelastic and photoviscoelastic constitutive equations combined with the first-order rate equation for volume relaxation and the master curves for the relaxation modulus and strain-optical coefficient functions of each polymer. The influence of the processing variables including melt and mold temperatures and volume of skin melt on the birefringence and interface distribution was analyzed for multilayered PS-PC-PS, PS-PMMA-PS, and PMMA–PC–PMMA molded disks obtained by CIM. The interface distribution and residual birefringence in the molded disks were measured. The measured interface distributions and the gapwise birefringence distributions in CIM disks were found to be in a fair agreement with the predicted interface distributions and the total residual birefringence obtained by the summation of the predicted frozen-in flow and thermal birefringence. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:88–106, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
The role of aortography in the diagnosis and management of dissecting aneurysms of the aorta.

SUMMARY Patients who exhibit clinical evidence of a dissecting aneurysm of the aorta should be examined by a forward angiographic technique as rapidly as possible. It is felt that the use of large amounts of radiopaque contrast material and a mechanical injector will increase the diagnostic value of the films obtained. Upon the basis of precise anatomic knowledge of the origin and extent of the dissecting process, a well-conceived surgical plan of attack can be developed. Five cases which demonstrate this approach are presented and the method of surgical management is briefly discussed.
CD47-blocking therapies stimulate macrophage cytokine secretion and are effective in a model of peritoneal carcinomatosis

Meeting abstracts Peritoneal carcinomatosis is an advanced state of malignancy often arising from gastrointestinal or ovarian cancers. It is characterized by dissemination of tumors throughout the peritoneal cavity and is associated with 5-year survival rates less than 25%. Since the peritoneal
Control actuation of fully automated heavy-duty vehicles using SAE J1939

This paper describes longitudinal control actuation of Heavy-Duty Vehicles (HDV) using the SAE J1939 Serial Communications and Control Vehicle Network. High speed open/closed loop control experimental tests have been carried out. Test data shows the characteristics of J1939 network-based actuation of the following: engine torque control, air brakes, jake brake and transmission retarder. These characteristics are important for vehicle modeling and control design.
The Influence of Afrocentric Facial Features in Criminal Sentencing

Prior research has shown that within a racial category, people with more Afrocentric facial features are presumed more likely to have traits that are stereotypic of Black Americans compared with people with less Afrocentric features. The present study investigated whether this form of feature-based stereotyping might be observed in criminal-sentencing decisions. Analysis of a random sample of inmate records showed that Black and White inmates, given equivalent criminal histories, received roughly equivalent sentences. However, within each race, inmates with more Afrocentric features received harsher sentences than those with less Afrocentric features. These results are consistent with laboratory findings, and they suggest that although racial stereotyping as a function of racial category has been successfully removed from sentencing decisions, racial stereotyping based on the facial features of the offender is a form of bias that is largely overlooked.
Comparison of multilayer perceptrons and maximum likelihood processors in the context of seafloor parameter estimation

The objective of this work is acoustic seafloor characterization based on the statistical properties of bottom reverberation. The seafloor roughness parameters are related to backscattering strength through the Helmoltz-Kirchhoff scattering model. These parameters are estimated through the application of multilayer perceptrons and maximum likelihood (ML) estimators to synthetic backscatter representing seafloor with different morphology. The multilayer perceptron is presented with synthetic sequences and is instructed to yield the parameters of interest in the output. ML estimation relies on the construction of a rectangular grid that maps scattering strength vectors to the two parameters under estimation through the Helmholtz-Kirchhoff model. The parameter estimates are the coordinates of the grid element at which the likelihood function-calculated for sets of simulated observations-obtains a maximum. The performance of both estimation processors is determined by the mean and variance of the obtained parameter estimates. >
Considering complexity in healthcare systems

A recent trend in the literature has been to characterize healthcare activities in terms of complex systems theory. Complexity has often been loosely and variously defined, with meanings ranging from ''not simple'' to ''complicated'' to ''intractable.'' In this paper, we consider various aspects of complexity and how they relate to modern healthcare practice, with the aim of developing research approaches for studying complex healthcare environments. We propose a theoretical lens for understanding and studying complexity in healthcare systems based on degrees of interrelatedness of system components. We also describe, with relevant caveats, how complex healthcare systems are generally decomposable, rendering them more tractable for further study. The ideas of interrelatedness among the components of a system as a measure of complexity and functional decomposition as a mechanism for studying meaningful subcomponents of a complex system can be used as a framework for understanding complex healthcare systems. Using examples drawn from current literature and our own research, we explain the feasibility of this approach for understanding, studying, and managing complex healthcare systems.
Shooting for Accuracy Comparing Data Sources on Mass Murder

Although researchers have questioned their coverage and accuracy, the media routinely are used as sources of data on mass murder in the United States. Databases compiled from media sources such as newspaper and network news programs include the New York Police Department’s Active Shooters file, the Brady Campaign Mass Casualty Shootings data set, and the Mother Jones database. Conversely, official crime data have been underutilized by researchers who study mass murder (for exceptions, see Duwe, 2007; Fox & Levin, 1998). In this study, we compare similarities and differences for mass murder cases in the United States as portrayed by selected mass media sources. Then, we turn our focus to a comparison of the Uniform Crime Reports’ (UCR) Supplementary Homicide Report (SHR) and the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS). Our primary focus is on mass murders involving four or more fatalities—not including the perpetrator—that have occurred between 2001 and 2010. Implications for enhancing the compreh...
Provocative aspects of lipotropic therapy in angina pectoris

Abstract 1. 1. A group of twenty-five patients with angina pectoris were evaluated before and during a course of lipotropic treatment with Granulestin, a soy lecithin preparation, and six subjects (24 per cent) appeared to improve on this program, even though very little objective change was evident in their cardiac status. 2. 2. Serum cholesterol levels decreased only slightly during treatment, serum phospholipid concentrations decreased rather definitely to effect an increase in the serum cholesterol - serum phospholipid ratio, a change which may be considered provocative in that no subject became worse and indeed some appeared better. 3. 3. These chemical changes were rather similar both for the patients who manifested clinical improvement and for those who did not. In general these changes were maintained for three or four months and then regressed in irregular fashion. 4. 4. The tendency for serum cholesterol and serum phospholipid values to return to pretreatment concentrations despite continued therapy suggests that lipotropic agents, if apparently beneficial, should be used for only several months at a time. 5. 5. The controversial issues of this study are discussed in the light of current theory.
Three-Year Outcomes of Bariatric Surgery vs Lifestyle Intervention for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Treatment: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance Questions remain about the role and durability of bariatric surgery for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Objective To compare the remission of T2DM following surgical and nonsurgical treatments. Design, Setting, and Participants In this 3-arm randomized clinical trial conducted at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center from October 1, 2009, to June 26, 2014, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, outcomes were assessed 3 years after treating 61 obese participants aged 25 to 55 years with T2DM. Analysis was conducted with an intent-to-treat population. Interventions Participants were randomized to either an intensive lifestyle weight loss intervention for 1 year followed by a low-level lifestyle intervention for 2 years or surgical treatments (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass [RYGB] or laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding [LAGB]) followed by low-level lifestyle intervention in years 2 and 3. Main Outcomes and Measures Primary end points were partial and complete T2DM remission and secondary end points included diabetes medications and weight change. Results Body mass index (calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared) was less than 35 for 26 participants (43%), 50 (82%) were women, and 13 (21%) were African American. Mean (SD) values were 100.5 (13.7) kg for weight, 47.3 (6.6) years for age, 7.8% (1.9%) for hemoglobin A 1c level, and 171.3 (72.5) mg/dL for fasting plasma glucose level. Partial or complete T2DM remission was achieved by 40% (n = 8) of RYGB, 29% (n = 6) of LAGB, and no intensive lifestyle weight loss intervention participants ( P = .004). The use of diabetes medications was reduced more in the surgical groups than the lifestyle intervention–alone group, with 65% of RYGB, 33% of LAGB, and none of the intensive lifestyle weight loss intervention participants going from using insulin or oral medication at baseline to no medication at year 3 ( P P Conclusions and Relevance Among obese participants with T2DM, bariatric surgery with 2 years of an adjunctive low-level lifestyle intervention resulted in more disease remission than did lifestyle intervention alone. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier:NCT01047735
Sp1 and Sp3 Are Important Regulators of AP-2γ Gene Transcription

Abstract AP-2γ is a member of the AP-2 transcription factor family, is highly enriched in the trophoblast cell lineage, and is essential for placental development. In an effort to identify factors regulating AP-2γ gene expression, we isolated and characterized the promoter and 5′-flanking region of the mouse and human AP-2γ genes. The transcription start site of the mouse AP-2γ gene was mapped by primer extension and 5′ rapid amplification of cDNA ends. Deletion analysis of the 5′-flanking region revealed a 704-base pair (bp) sequence located approximately 6 kilobases (kb) upstream of the transcription start site that is required for enhanced expression in trophoblast cells. Additional gene transfer studies showed that basal promoter activity resides within a highly conserved, approximately 200-bp DNA sequence located immediately upstream of the transcription start site. The conserved region is highly GC-rich and lacks typical TATA or CCAAT boxes. Multiple potential Sp- and AP-2-binding sites are clustere...
Adhesion of platelets to surface-bound fibrinogen under flow

After platelet activation, fibrinogen mediates platelet-platelet interactions leading to platelet aggregation. In addition, fibrinogen can also function as a cell adhesion molecule, providing a substratum for adhesion of platelets and endothelial cells. In this report, we studied the adhesion of platelets to surface-immobilized fibrinogen under flow in different shear rates. Heparinized whole blood containing mepacrine-labeled platelets was perfused for two minutes at various wall shear rates from 250 to 2,000 s-1 in a parallel plate flow chamber. The number of adherent fluorescent platelets was quantitated every 15 seconds with an epifluorescent videomicroscope and digital image processing system. When compared with platelet adhesion and aggregation seen on glass surfaces coated with type I bovine collagen, a significant increase in platelet adhesion was observed on immobilized fibrinogen up to wall shear rates of 800 s-1. The adherent platelets formed a single layer on fibrinogen-coated surfaces. Under identical conditions, no significant adhesion was observed on fibronectin- or vitronectin-coated surfaces. Although platelet adhesion to collagen was substantially inhibited by the platelet inhibitors prostaglandin E1 and theophylline, these inhibitors had no effect on platelet adhesion to fibrinogen. Platelets adhered to recombinant homodimeric wild-type (gamma 400–411) fibrinogen, but not to the recombinant homodimeric gamma' variant of fibrinogen. Platelet adhesion to recombinant fibrinogen with RGD to RGE mutations at positions alpha 95–97 and alpha 572–574 was similar to that with plasma-derived fibrinogen. These results show that platelets adhere to fibrinogen-coated surfaces under moderate wall shear rates, that the interaction is mediated by the fibrinogen 400–411 sequence at the carboxy-terminus of the gamma chain, and that the interaction is independent of platelet activation and the RGD sequences in the alpha chain.
Correlation of Skin and Stomach Tonus.

ConclusionsDuring the period of hunger contractions the periphery is parasympathetically oriented. Following an intracutdneous or intramuscular injection of aolan, a peripheral sympathetic status is initiated (leukopenia—body temperature increased) and with it a cessation of stomach contractions takes place.
The effects of fluoride on the total- and glycosaminoglycan-hexosamines in bones of young rats.

ConclusionsRapid, high deposition of fluoride in young rats altered the concentration of total hexosamines and the hexosamines corresponding to the acid glycosamino-glycans precipitable by cetylpyridinium chloride, in the cancellous, growing ends of the bones. There were indications that the hexosamines were increased at one level of fluoride ingestion and decreased at another, which would be in agreement with both the increase in bone growth and calcification sometimes reported in cases of osteofluorosis and the decrease in calcification and formation of osteoid reported in others. Similar effects were not obtained in more fully calcified compact and membranous bone, where the uptake of fluoride was less, and the concentration of the hexosamines was relatively low.In bones from normal rats, the total hexosamines decreased with age. In compact and membranous bone, the hexosamines corresponding to the glycosaminoglycans constituted about one-third of the concentration of total hexosamines and approximately...