cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Drivers and barriers to urban water reuse: A systematic review

Abstract Water recycling has been offered as an important adaptation for urban water systems facing deficits due to climate change. While the volume of recycled water has increased exponentially since the 2000s, its integration into municipal supply has not reached its potential. To better understand the processes that influence its uptake, this paper synthesizes published research that describes and analyzes adoption of water reuse in urban areas globally. We identified 39 articles published between 2010 and 2019 which document drivers and barriers of water reuse for 54 urban areas in 20 countries. Evidence shows that external environmental shocks, like drought, may be a catalyst but a nexus of place-based factors combined with economic, regulatory and political alignment more likely foster systemic change in water systems.
Conflict-related sexual violence and the policy implications of recent research

La academia ha venido documentado un creciente numero de modalidades de violencia sexual asociadas a los conflictos, sus causas y la gran variabilidad que existe en cuanto a su ejecucion por parte de las organizaciones armadas. En este trabajo, resumo los resultados de investigaciones recientes sobre dicha variabilidad, con enfasis en los hallazgos que contradicen o complican las creencias populares. Luego, presento varias interpretaciones sobre la afirmacion de que esa violencia es parte de una continuidad entre tiempos de paz y de guerra. Despues de analizar las investigaciones recientes sobre las dinamicas internas de las organizaciones armadas, sugiero que las violaciones sexuales a gran escala a menudo ocurren como una practica, en vez de una estrategia. Por ultimo, propongo algunos principios para guiar las politicas en vista de las investigaciones recientes.
Chronic active T cell–mediated rejection is variably responsive to immunosuppressive therapy

Chronic active T cell–mediated rejection (CA TCMR) is a newly described variant of kidney allograft rejection associated with long-term graft loss. Whether this form of rejection is related to under immunosuppression is debated and the benefit of immunosuppressive therapy in CA TCMR is unknown. Here we investigate the amenability of CA TCMR to treatment and examine the impact of clinical, histologic, and molecular parameters on outcomes. In a retrospective single institution review, we identified 48 cases of isolated CA TCMR, of which 44 were treated with pulse steroids or anti-thymocyte globulin, or both. Defining treatment response as an at least 50% estimated glomerular filtration rate recovery, a response was achieved in 20% of cases at four weeks post initiation of immunosuppressive therapy. Treatment responsiveness did not reflect the presence of concomitant acute T cell–mediated rejection, and was not significantly different between cases with mild, moderate, and severe parenchymal scarring. Although not statistically significant, there was a trend toward greater treatment responsiveness in cases with moderate as opposed to severe tubulitis. By targeted transcriptional profiling, increased allograft mast cells and alterations in lipid metabolism were identified as possible features of treatment resistant CA TCMR. Thus, our study shows that although its prognosis is generally poor, CA TCMR is not a homogenous entity and in a subset of cases, improvement in kidney function can be achieved with immunosuppressive therapy.
“Uneasy Lies the Head that Wears a Crown”: A Critical Race Analysis of the CROWN Act:

Black hair in the United States remains misunderstood and othered against Eurocentric standards of beauty and professionalism as evidenced by the ongoing policing of Black hair in schools and workp...
The role of dancing duplexes in biology and disease

Across species, a common protein assembly arises: proteins containing structured domains separated by long intrinsically disordered regions, and dimerized through a self-association domain or through strong protein interactions. These systems are termed "IDP duplexes." These flexible dimers have roles in diverse pathologies including development of cancer, viral infections, and neurodegenerative disease. Here we discuss the role of disorder in IDP duplexes with similar domain architectures that bind hub protein, LC8. LC8-binding IDP duplexes are categorized into three groups: IDP duplexes that contain a self-association domain that is extended by LC8 binding, IDP duplexes that have no self-association domain and are dimerized through binding several copies of LC8, and multivalent LC8-binders that also have a self-association domain. Additionally, we discuss non-LC8-binding IDP duplexes with similar domain organizations, including the Nucleocapsid protein of SARS-CoV-2. We propose that IDP duplexes have structural features that are essential in many biological processes and that improved understanding of their structure function relationship will provide new therapeutic opportunities.
Images: Sleep-disordered breathing and hypoventilation in a child with obesity and hypothalamic dysfunction.

Rapid-onset obesity with hypothalamic dysfunction, hypoventilation, and autonomic dysregulation (ROHHAD) is a rare and potentially lethal disorder of respiratory control, autonomic, and hypothalamic dysfunction of unknown etiology. We report a 15-year-old girl with ROHHAD who developed hyperphagia and rapid weight gain of 16kg between 2.5-4 years of age, and cardiorespiratory arrest at 4 years. Initial polysomnography showed central sleep apnea and severe oxygen desaturations without hypoventilation. Mild obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and intermittent hypoxemia were identified at 4.5 years following which nocturnal bilevel positive airway pressure (BPAP) therapy was initiated. At 6 years, she developed sleep-related hypoventilation and subsequent polysomnograms continued to show OSA and hypoventilation requiring BPAP. Clinicians interpreting polysomnograms should become familiar with the evolution of sleep-disordered breathing in ROHHAD and that hypoventilation may develop over time. Our case highlights the importance of serial polysomnography in patients with ROHHAD and optimal ventilatory management.
Building Pediatric Law Careers: The University of Michigan Law School Experience

This article explores the issues in representing children in the twenty-first century. The issues include the ethical obligations, child psychological development, and trial techniques. This article focuses on educating lawyers in representing children in the University of Michigan Law School pediatric law career program. This includes a description of the Child Advocacy Law Clinic. The next part discusses the benefits of the Interdisciplinary Seminar in Child Abuse and Neglect, The Bergstrom Summer Child Welfare Law Fellowship, and the Child Welfare Law Resource Center. The article’s purpose is to provide a guide to developing pediatric law career tracks in law schools.
The Xedni Calculus and the Elliptic Curve Discrete LogarithmProblem

Let E/\ff_p be an elliptic curve defined over a finite field, and let S,T\in E(\ff_p) be two points on E. The Elliptic Curve Discrete Logarithm Problem (ECDLP) asks that an integer m be found so that S=mT in E(\ff_p). In this note we give a new algorithm, termed the Xedni Calculus, which might be used to solve the ECDLP. As remarked by Neal Koblitz, the Xedni method is also applicable to the classical discrete logarithm problem for \ff_p^* and to the integer factorization problem.
Water Surface Configuration in Channel Bends

Water surface configuration in open-channel bends depends on the geometry of the channel. Mathematical expressions for longitudinal and transverse water surface profiles are derived from the equations of motion with the aid of order of magnitude analysis. Computed surface profiles and superelevation obtained by using mathematical expressions agree well with experimental measurements of subcritical flows in trapezoidal and natural bed meandering models. The result reveals that the channel bed topography is an important factor in determining the superelevation and water surface profiles. Inadequacy of conventional approximate methods to evaluate the superelevation is also examined.
Prognostics and Condition Based Maintenance: A New Approach to Precursive Metrics

The assumptions used in the design basis of process equipment have always been as much art as science. The usually imprecise boundaries of the equipments' operational envelope provide opportunities for two major improvements in the operations and maintenance (O&M) of process machinery: (a) the actual versus intended machine environment can be understood and brought into much better alignment and (b) the end goal can define O&M strategies in terms of life cycle and economic management of plant assets. Scientists at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) have performed experiments aimed at understanding and controlling aging of both safety-specific nuclear plant components and the infrastructure that supports essential plant processes. In this paper we examine the development of aging precursor metrics and their correlation with degradation rate and projected machinery failure. Degradation-specific correlations have been developed at PNNL that will allow accurate physics-based diagnostic and prognostic determinations to be derived from a new view of condition-based maintenance. This view, founded in root cause analysis, is focused on quantifying the primary stressor(s) responsible for degradation in the component of interest and formulating a deterministic relationship between the stressor intensity and the resulting degradation rate. This precursive relationship between the performance, degradation, and underlying stressor set is used to gain a first-principles approach to prognostic determinations. A holistic infrastructure approach, as applied through a conditions-based maintenance framework, will allow intelligent, automated diagnostic and prognostic programming to provide O&M practitioners with an understanding of the condition of their machinery today and an assurance of its operational state tomorrow.
Studies on TTA complexes with metal ions—II: Investigations of some tetravalent complexes in the solid state

Abstract Single crystals of TTA chelates of tetravalent uranium, thorium, hafnium, zirconium, cerium and plutonium have been prepared. X-ray diffraction data revealed that the compounds are isostructural, with only slight variations in their orthorhombic cell dimensions. Studies were also conducted of the optical properties, infrared absorption spectra and differential thermal analysis curves of the compounds.
Electromagnetic arbitrary waveform generation via down-conversion of shaped femtosecond pulses

Summary form only given. The author reviews work on down-converting shaped femtosecond pulses into electromagnetic waveforms in the millimeter-wave, THz, and mid-infrared spectral regions. This down-conversion approach offers the possibility of extending the waveform control and stability offered with femtosecond optical lasers into other frequency regions.
Chumcast in Two-Tier Networks

This paper provides a scheme to reduce the cost to distribute multimedia content to a set of nearby mobile peers, which we call chums. One peer, called the proxy, downloads multimedia content via a telecommunication link, and distributes it (which we call chumcast) to the ad hoc network formed from the set of nearby peers. Each peer in the ad hoc network takes turns serving as a proxy. Every peer is associated with a server that resides in the Internet. The server for the proxy, called the active server, manages peer information, schedules the next proxy, selects a set of rebroadcasting peers, and detects partitioning of the ad hoc network. With support from the servers in the Internet, peers receive benefits of reduced telecommunication bandwidth, computation power, as well as several security features. Simulation results show that 80% of the telecommunication cost is saved with as few as six peers.
Cost minimization in redundant trees for protection in vertex-redundant or edge-redundant graphs

Preplanned recovery using redundant trees in vertex-redundant or edge-redundant graphs is extended to the case where each edge has a cost and the goal is to find a pair of working and protection trees such that the cost of the working tree is as low as possible. We present efficient heuristic algorithms for this problem. Extensive computational results show that the cost of the working tree found with our algorithm is within 19% of the cost of a minimum spanning tree on the average, while the smaller cost of the working and protection trees found by the original algorithm without QoS consideration is about 95% over the cost of a minimum spanning tree on the average.
Model selection for degradation-based Bayesian reliability analysis

Abstract Traditional life testing for highly reliable products could become problematic in terms of an organization's fast product release and other competitive advantages such as market share and new technology introduction. Such issues result in the wide application of utilizing degradation data for reliability analysis and prediction for highly reliable products. The multi-unit degradation data can be either aggregated for reliability inference or modeled by mixed effect degradation models assuming given degradation path functions. This paper focuses on degradation model selection by exploring various combinations of fixed effects and random effects included in the degradation path models. The paper provides a systematic way for model selection using both statistical and empirical criteria. The model selection process is demonstrated by modeling the crack length data as a function of the number of cycles of a metal material under multiple hierarchical linear and log-linear models. These random effect models are able to capture both within-component variations due to repeated measurements over time and between-component variations due to unit-to-unit variations of the multiple sampled materials. Simulated data based on the selected hierarchical linear models are used to estimate the survival function, and the results are compared with those estimated from the non-parametric method using Kaplan–Meier estimation.
Retropharyngeal lymph node dissection in oropharyngeal cancer treated with transoral robotic surgery.

Objectives/Hypothesis Assess the role of retropharyngeal lymph node dissection in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma treated with transoral robotic surgery (TORS). Study Design Prospective case series. Methods Retrospective analysis of 72 patients with oropharyngeal squamous carcinoma treated with transoral oropharyngectomy, neck dissection, and retropharyngeal node dissection. Results Eight of 55 (14.5%) patients with tonsil primaries had retropharyngeal metastases in contrast to none with tongue base primaries. The presence of pathologically positive retropharyngeal nodes was associated with clinical tumor (T) (P=.002) and node (N) stage (P=.007), preoperative computed tomography (CT) (P<.001), and positron emission tomography (PET)-CT scan (P<.001). The negative predictive value of early T (Tx,1-2) and N stage (N0-N2a) was 91.7% and 100%, respectively. Preoperative CT and PET-CT both yielded a positive predictive value of 100%, while the negative predictive value of imaging was optimized to 95.3% when these modalities were combined. Conclusions In patients with tonsil cancer the risk of retropharyngeal metastases is negligible in the presence of clinically T1-2, N0-N2a disease and negative CT and PET-CT. We estimate that 40% of patients meet these criteria and may safely forego treatment of the retropharyngeal nodes. Approximately 10% of patients will have positive imaging and we recommend retropharyngeal node dissection at the time of surgery to treat macroscopic disease. In the remaining patients at risk for retropharyngeal node involvement, adjuvant radiotherapy is generally indicated based on other adverse features, and these nodes may be incorporated into the treatment field. Level of Evidence 4. Laryngoscope, 2013
Differential diagnosis and management of acquired sixth cranial nerve palsy.

Abstract Background Cranial nerve VI innervates the lateral rectus muscle. A lesion will result in esotropia greater at distance and an ipsilateral abduction deficiency. After the age of 50 years, vascular diseases are the most commonly known causes. Case report A 55-year-old white man reporting a 2-week history of horizontal diplopia that was worse at distance was found to have a left sixth cranial nerve paresis. The patient was diagnosed with hypertension and placed on medications. At the 4-week follow-up visit, the abduction deficiency had resolved. Discussion The incidence of sixth nerve palsy is 11.3 in 100,000. A lesion anywhere along the course of the nerve, from the pons to the orbit, can cause a paresis or palsy. After ruling out trauma and non-neurological problems, cases should be classified into neurologically isolated or non-neurologically isolated cases. Neurologically isolated sixth nerve palsies are associated most commonly with vascular disease. Non-neurologically isolated sixth nerve palsies typically are associated with more grave conditions. Conclusion A sixth nerve palsy of vascular or undetermined causes typically resolves within 6 to 8 weeks. If resolution does not occur within 2 to 3 months, the condition progresses, or if additional neurologic signs or symptoms develop, imaging studies are indicated.
Psychology Doctoral Students' Perspectives on Addressing Spirituality and Religion With Clients: Associations With Personal Preferences and Training

Students (n 543) in doctoral clinical and counseling psychology programs were surveyed about training experiences with regard to addressing the spiritual and religious beliefs and practices (SRBP) of their patients. About one fourth of the respondents indicated they had received no training related to patients’ SRBP. Another half had only read material on their own or discussed such issues with a supervisor. Nonetheless, respondents almost universally endorsed the idea that patients should be asked about spirituality and religiousness. Participants also rated the appropriateness of spiritual and religious queries that might be asked of patients. As expected, queries about the relevance of SRBP were rated as the most appropriate, whereas queries that implied a disrespectful or challenging tone were rated as the least appropriate. Participants’ personal SRBP and training that was specific to patients’ SRBP were weakly but significantly associated with appropriateness ratings. The results suggest that students are formulating ideas about how to ask patients about their spiritual and religious issues despite potentially inadequate formal instruction.
Homogeneity and Diversity: Comparing Japanese and American Perspectives on Harmony and Disagreement.

My article aims to develop a relational, pluralistic political theory that moves beyond standard theories of liberal democracy, and to consider how such a theory translates into our public school settings. I use a narrative style argument to share stories that focus on homogeneity and diversity from my visit to a Japanese elementary school, as I consider, drawing on the work of Chantal Mouffe, the important role harmony and disagreement, and a tension between homogeneity and diversity, play in encouraging citizens to contribute to their school and their larger communities in a democracy-always-in-the-making. I argue that there is much we can learn from Japanese educational practices.
Analysis of the Psychological Reality of American-English Kin Terms in an Urban Poverty Environment1

The purpose of this paper is (1) to describe and explain variation in the psychological reality of American-English kinship terms; and, (2) to examine the relationship between results obtained by two approaches which have been used to find psychologically real definitions of American-English kinship terms. A general hypothesis is proposed which accounts for variation in psychological reality in terms of life cycle and certain social role variables, as well as the individual's experiential knowledge of the domain under study. This hypothesis was accepted after it was revised to include the mediating influence of the content of what is stored in memory. The data for this study were collected in a U.S. urban poverty environment.
Mediators of spinal hyperexcitability and hyperalgesia

I n the focus article, Wilcox reviews important information on the spinal mediators of nociceptive transmission and hyperalgesia. In particular, he describes the role of substance P, excitatory amino acids, and nitric oxide (NO) in hyperalgesia and hyperexcitability (i.e., synaptic plasticity) of spinal neurons. Evidence is presented suggesting that some of these mediators of nociception may also contribute to opioid analgesic tolerance and to control of local blood flow within the central nervous system. Thus, there may be a significant functional relationship between synaptic plasticity and hyperalgesia, opioid tolerance, and local blood flow, with common underlying mechanisms. These mechanisms include activation of NMDA receptors leading to production of NO and subsequent activation of soluble guanylate cyclase, which increases intracellular cGMP. These findings are extremely important because hyperexcitability of spinal dorsal horn neurons is believed to contribute to the development of hyperalgesia. The article by Wilcox is timely since much research is currently aimed at elucidating underlying mechanisms of chronic pain and hyperalgesia. Although many behavioral and electrophysiological studies in animals have demonstrated a role for substance P and excitatory amino acids in pain transmission and hyperalgesia 31 (as discussed in the focus article), a potential role for NO has only recently been described. 17 Consequently, several issues need to be addressed concerning the contribution of NO, and other possible mediators, in the development of hyperexcitability and hyperalgesia. Since it is believed that production of NO in the
Studies of the Inner Reorganization Energies of the Cation Radicals of 1,4-Bis(dimethylamino)benzene, 9,10-Bis(dimethylamino)anthracene, and 3,6-Bis(dimethylamino)durene by Photoelectron Spectroscopy and Reinterpretation of the Mechanism of the Electrochemical Oxidation of the Parent Diamines

The inner reorganization energy of the cation radical of 1,4-bis(dimethylamino)benzene, 1, has been determined to be 0.72 ± 0.02 eV by means of gas-phase photoelectron spectroscopy (PES). PES studi...
Microstructure and tensile properties of Ti6Al4V/AM60B magnesium matrix composite

Abstract The low density of magnesium alloys makes them attractive for aerospace and automotive applications. In order to further improve the high temperature strength of the magnesium alloys, Ti6Al4V particles were added to an AM60B magnesium alloy to form a composite through melting and hot isostatic pressing. Increasing the Ti6Al4V content from 0 to 5 vol.%, however, produced no beneficial effect on tensile strengths at room temperature, but reduced the ductility. The pores existing between the matrix and Ti6Al4V particles in the as cast conditions, along with the segregation of Mn 5 Al 8 intermetallic particles at the Ti6Al4V/matrix interface are believed to be responsible for the changes in mechanical properties.
Admissibility conditions on principal strain invariants

Some aspects of the principal stretch and strain invariants, including admissibility conditions and their graphical representations, are discussed.
Genome-wide Analysis Reveals New Roles for the Activation Domains of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Heat Shock Transcription Factor (Hsf1) during the Transient Heat Shock Response

In response to elevated temperatures, cells from many organisms rapidly transcribe a number of mRNAs. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, this protective response involves two regulatory systems: the heat shock transcription factor (Hsf1) and the Msn2 and Msn4 (Msn2/4) transcription factors. Both systems modulate the induction of specific heat shock genes. However, the contribution of Hsf1, independent of Msn2/4, is only beginning to emerge. To address this question, we constructed an msn2/4 double mutant and used microarrays to elucidate the genome-wide expression program of Hsf1. The data showed that 7.6% of the genome was heat-induced. The up-regulated genes belong to a wide range of functional categories, with a significant increase in the chaperone and metabolism genes. We then focused on the contribution of the activation domains of Hsf1 to the expression profile and extended our analysis to include msn2/4Δ strains deleted for the N-terminal or C-terminal activation domain of Hsf1. Cluster analysis of the heat-induced genes revealed activation domain-specific patterns of expression, with each cluster also showing distinct preferences for functional categories. Computational analysis of the promoters of the induced genes affected by the loss of an activation domain showed a distinct preference for positioning and topology of the Hsf1 binding site. This study provides insight into the important role that both activation domains play for the Hsf1 regulatory system to rapidly and effectively transcribe its regulon in response to heat shock.
Microstructural Changes Produced by Fatigue in High-Purity Copper Severely Deformed by Cryogenic Rolling

High-purity Cu (99.995 pct pure) rods were cryogenically rolled through a 90 pct reduction in area and given a very brief low-temperature anneal. The resultant material was highly textured, had very low internal strains, and had a broad distribution of grain sizes with an average grain size of 150 to 300 nm. Samples were tested in stress-control tension-tension fatigue. Fatigue life was strongly improved over that of coarse-grain (CG) copper. The cycling caused significant softening and grain growth, especially at the lower stress amplitudes. Plastic strain was small but creep was evident. Clusters of long parallel protrusions that were quite uniformly spaced about 100 nm apart formed on the sample surfaces during fatiguing. Among the various microstructures seen in the fatigued specimens, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) pictures taken just inside the surface showed parallel dislocation lines many micrometers in length spaced about 100 nm from one another. It is possible that these dislocations are involved in the formation of the protrusions.
Effect of Contrast Agent Charge on Visualization of Articular Cartilage Using Computed Tomography: Exploiting Electrostatic Interactions for Improved Sensitivity

The synthesis and evaluation of a new class of cationic iodinated contrast agents for the imaging of cartilage using computed tomography (CT) are described. In direct comparisons with anionic contrast agents, the cationic contrast agents afforded higher equilibrium concentrations in the articular cartilage of ex vivo rabbit femurs and thus greater imaging sensitivity. Variations in CT intensity across the sample reflected the inhomogeneous distribution of glycosaminoglycans in the tissue as confirmed by histological analysis. We anticipate that this work represents the first step in the development of sensitive, nondestructive CT-based methods to characterize the biochemical properties of cartilage using cationic contrast agents.
Study of hepatitis B (HB) vaccine non-responsiveness among health care workers from an endemic area (Taiwan).

: Objective: To evaluate the etiology of non-responsiveness to hepatitis B (HB) vaccination in adults from an endemic area. Methods: A total of 250 subjects who were HBsAg negative and anti-HBs 10 mIU/ml at post-vaccination testing. Among non-responders who were anti-HBc positive, serum anti-HBe and hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA were tested. Results: Three variables were associated with non-responsiveness by univariate analysis: anti-HBc positive, male gender, and age >40 years. Multivariate analysis additionally showed that anti-HBs negative was associated with non-responsiveness. Among 23 non-responders in anti-HBc positive subjects, post-vaccination serum was available in 16 subjects. HBV-DNA in all subjects was under detectable level by PCR assay. Anti-HBe positive were found in 13 of 16 subjects and were assumed to be occult HBV infection. Conclusion: Male gender, age >40 years and anti-HBc positive are associated with non-responsiveness to HB vaccination. Most of non-responders among anti-HBc positive subjects were assumed to be occult HBV infection. Subjects with weakly positive anti-HBs were associated with responsiveness which may be the effect of immune memory.
An analysis of RSQE forecasts: 1971–1992

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the accuracy of ex ante econometric model forecasts of four key macroeconomic variables: real GNP growth, the rate of price inflation measured by the GNP deflator, the civilian unemployment rate, and the Treasury Bill rate. Annual forecasts produced by the Research Seminar in Quantitative Economics (RSQE) based on the Michigan Quarterly Econometric Model of the U.S. Economy are compared with quasi ex ante forecasts from a four-variable vector autoregressive (VAR) model. Statistical tests of the equality of forecast error variances as well as univariate and multivariate forecast encompassing-type tests are conducted. The forecast error variance comparisons indicate that for three of the four variables the RSQE forecasts are more accurate than the VAR forecasts and for one of the variables (real GNP growth) only slightly less accurate. The forecast encompassing-type tests indicate that the RSQE forecasts contain information not contained in the VAR forecasts and, conversely, that VAR forecasts contain information not included in the RSQE forecasts. The scope for improving RSQE forecasts by combining them with VAR forecasts is rather limited, however.
A rigid molecular balance for measuring face-to-face arene-arene interactions.

A new molecular balance was developed to measure face-to-face arene−arene interactions. The balance adopts distinct folded and unfolded conformations due to restricted rotation about a Caryl−Nimide bond. In the folded conformer, the rigid bicyclic framework enforces an offset face-to-face geometry to the exclusion of edge-to-face geometries, which was verified by X-ray crystallography. Measurement of the folded to unfolded ratio yields accurate values for the arene−arene interaction in a range of different solvents.
Cryogen-free heterodyne-enhanced mid-infrared Faraday rotation spectrometer

A new detection method for Faraday rotation spectra of paramagnetic molecular species is presented. Near shot-noise limited performance in the mid-infrared is demonstrated using a heterodyne enhanced Faraday rotation spectroscopy (H-FRS) system without any cryogenic cooling. Theoretical analysis is performed to estimate the ultimate sensitivity to polarization rotation for both heterodyne and conventional FRS. Sensing of nitric oxide (NO) has been performed with an H-FRS system based on thermoelectrically cooled 5.24 μm quantum cascade laser (QCL) and a mercury-cadmium-telluride photodetector. The QCL relative intensity noise that dominates at low frequencies is largely avoided by performing the heterodyne detection in radio frequency range. H-FRS exhibits a total noise level of only 3.7 times the fundamental shot noise. The achieved sensitivity to polarization rotation of 1.8 × 10−8 rad/Hz1/2 is only 5.6 times higher than the ultimate theoretical sensitivity limit estimated for this system. The path- and bandwidth-normalized NO detection limit of 3.1 ppbv-m/Hz1/2 was achieved using the R(17/2) transition of NO at 1906.73 cm−1.
Does Fiscal Stress Induce Privatization? Correlates of Private and Intermunicipal Contracting, 1992–2002

Using Census of Governments data, preferences for private and intermunicipal contracting by U.S. counties during the 1992–2002 period are modeled as a function of established economic and political factors. After distinguishing between private and intermunicipal contracting, there is no evidence that fiscal stress induces privatization. High debt levels are associated with fewer publicly delivered services, but counties with high debt are as likely to partner with neighboring municipalities as they are with private firms. Political factors are weak predictors of either form of contracting. The strongest and most reliable predictor of both private and intermunicipal contracting is the creation of new public services. These findings imply the strategic use of contracting for trial, temporary, or contingent services.
Extremum principles for slow viscous flows with applications to suspensions

Helmholtz stated and Korteweg proved that of all divergenceless velocity fields in a domain, with prescribed values on the boundary, the solution of the Stokes equation minimizes the rate of viscous energy dissipation. Hill & Power and also Kearsley proved the corresponding reciprocal maximum principle involving the stress tensor. We prove generalizations of both these principles to the flow of a liquid containing one or more solid bodies and drops of another liquid. The essential point in doing this is to take account of the motion of the solids or drops, which must be determined along with the flow. We illustrate the use of these principles by deducing several consequences from them. In particular we obtain upper and lower bounds on the effective coefficient of viscosity and a lower bound on the sedimentation velocity of suspensions of any concentration. The results involve the statistical properties of the distribution of suspended particles or drops. Graphs of the bounds are shown for special cases. For very low concentrations of spheres, both bounds on the effective viscosity coefficient are the same, and agree with the results of Einstein and Taylor.
Toward an interactional model of suicidal behaviors: Cognitive rigidity, attributional style, stress, hopelessness, and depression

This paper explores major theoretical models and research findings regarding the interaction of selected cognitive factors, such as cognitive rigidity and attributional style, stress, hopelessness, and depression. Toward the prediction of suicidal behaviors, two models are synthesized: a cognitive rigidity/stressdiathesis-hopelessness model, and a pluralistic, interactional model. In addition, relevant nursing prevention and intervention strategies from a cognitive therapy framework are discussed, as well as implications for nursing research.
Expression of immunoreactive growth hormone in leukocytes in vivo.

Abstract In the present study, we investigated the production of growth hormone (GH)-related RNA and protein in vivo by rat leukocytes after intraperitoneal treatment with different inducing agents including bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA). The data showed that in rats after exposure to LPS or FCA leukocytes obtained from the spleen, thymus, and peritoneum all showed a dose-dependent increase in GH-related RNA content. The peak production of GH-related RNA was observed 48 h after treatment in the spleen and thymus and 96 h after treatment in the peritoneum. We also evaluated the ability of LPS-sensitive (C3HeB/FeJ) and resistant (C3H/HeJ) inbred mice treated with LPS to produce GH-related RNA. The LPS-sensitive mice presented with a typical pathophysiologic response pattern and higher levels of GH-related RNA in the spleen and thymus than the LPS-resistant mice. An increase in the production of immunoreactive GH (irGH) was also observed by direct immunofluorescence with specific antibodies to rat GH. We validated that the GH-related RNA produced in vivo by leukocytes was similar in structure to pituitary GH RNA using reverse transcription and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A sample of the PCR reaction, analyzed by gel electrophoresis, showed a single major DNA band corresponding in length (600 base pairs) to the distance between the 5′-ends of the two GH-specific primers that was specifically detected with a GH-specific probe after Southern transfer. In other studies with normal nontreated animals, the GH RNA levels are higher in the evening hours and early on in the first month of life. Taken together, our data are the first demonstration that GH RNA and immunoreactive protein can be detected in leukocytes in vivo both in normal and stimulated animals and support the idea that GH may be active in an immune response.
Central and Peripheral Cardiovascular Actions of Urapidil in Normotensive and Goldblatt Hypertensive Animals

The central effect of urapidil on mean arterial blood pressure, heart rate, and reflex tachycardia was studied in anesthetized normotensive and Goldblatt hypertensive dogs and anesthetized cats. The administration of 1 mg intracisternally of urapidil decreased blood pressure and heart rate in normotensive dogs, whereas 2 and 4 mg decreased heart rate and returned blood pressure to the control level. Reflex tachycardia evoked by the intravenous administration of bradykinin was suppressed in a dose-dependent manner by urapidil. In the anesthetized cat, urapidil was administered intracisternally (50 to 400 μg) and had no effect on heart rate. The reflex bradycardia elicited by central vagal nerve stimulation was accentuated by urapidil given intracisternally, but this only occurred in the presence of beta adrenoceptor blockade with propranolol.
Opinion #1: Jeffrey Livovich, MD

This case represents a dilemma with which I am, unfortunately, very familiar. As a medical director for a large insurer and the in-house pain specialist, I review many cases from around the nation. Inappropriate prescribing of narcotics and other controlled substances is a frequent theme in many of the cases that present themselves to my attention. The nature of these cases varies from physicians prescribing inappropriately due to a general lack of knowledge in the area of appropriate pain treatment to those that appear to have an element of criminal conduct. Regardless of the specifics, these usually represent inappropriate care of the patient with significant risk to the patient at hand and other patients that the provider may be caring for. Major insurers are …
Vascular complications associated with sonographically demonstrated cystic epigastric lesions: An important indication for angiography

Posttraumatic epigastric cystic lesions visualized on ultrasound or computed tomography examination should be further assessed by angiography. Additionally, a sudden increase in the size of a previously diagnosed pseudocyst, particularly if internal echoes develop or increase, warrants angiographic evaluation.
Application of the embedded atom method to phonons in transition metals

Abstract The lattice dynamical matrix has been derived from a new model of metallic cohesion, the Embedded Atom Method, based on approximations in density functional theory. The predictions of previously published empirical functions for Ni and Pd are compared to experimental phonon dispersions. The agreement shows that the Embedded Atom Method provides a reasonable description of transition metal lattice dynamics.
“far, far away my shadow wandered…”: the dream symbolism and dream theories of the Mehinaku Indians of Brazil

The Mehinaku Indians of Brazil make a deliberate effort to recall and interpret their dreams. The interpretations, most of which are based on a metaphoric relationship between the dream symbol and its meaning, suggest a concern with the physical and psychological boundaries of the individual. This pattern is part of a larger system of beliefs that reflects the relative absence of bounded social groups and a “person-centered” system of conferring identity. [dreams, dream interpretation, nature of self, South American Indians]
Radar analyses of extreme rainfall and flooding in urban drainage basins

Summary The Charlotte, North Carolina metropolitan area has experienced extensive urban and suburban growth during the past 40 years, resulting in increasing flood hazards in the region. Record flooding in the urban core of Charlotte occurred on 23 July 1997 from a storm that produced rainfall accumulations of more than 250 mm during an 18 h period, more than doubling the 24 h rainfall maximum in Charlotte, and causing $60 million in property damage and three fatalities. Analyses of the 23 July 1997 storm and flood are based on rainfall and discharge observations from dense networks of rain gages and stream gages maintained by the U.S. Geological Survey and rainfall estimates from two WSR-88D weather radars, both located approximately 150 km from the urban core of Charlotte. This wealth of observations provides an opportunity to address hydrometeorological questions concerning: (1) the accuracy of radar rainfall estimates for extreme, flood-producing rainfall; (2) the space-time variability of extreme, flood-producing rainfall in urban environments; and (3) the effects of urbanization on extreme flood response in urban environments. It is shown that bias-corrected radar rainfall estimates for the 23 July 1997 storm are quite accurate and provide the capability for resolving the fundamental rainfall forcing associated with regional variation in extreme flood response in urban landscapes. Extreme flood response in urban watersheds is characterized by pronounced nonlinearities in runoff production for rainfall accumulations exceeding 50 mm. Extreme flood response is also characterized by large spatial heterogeneities that are tied to the history of urban development. Case study analyses of four additional flood events in the Charlotte metropolitan area are used to assess the robustness of conclusions derived from analyses of the most extreme event in the region and to examine the transition to “upper tail” properties of extreme flood response.
Cognin distribution during differentiation of embryonic chick retinal cells in vitro.

Abstract Differentiation of individual retina neurons is closely linked to development of retina function. This differentiation may be intrinsic to the cell or determined by the position of the cell within the developing tissue. Retina cognin, a cell-cell recognition protein, which may itself mediate positiondependent cell interactions in vivo exhibits a characteristic change in distribution during embryonic chick development. Cognin is progressively lost from the outer retina in a manner which appears position-dependent. 10 We asked if this change in cognin distribution was actually position-dependent or intrinsic to the retina cells. Neural retina cells from 8-day-old chick embryos were cultured in vitro . Continued differentiation of the cultured cells was demonstrated by neurite outgrowth and characteristic increases in choline acetyltransferase and glutamic acid decarboxylase activity. In such cultures, the characteristic developmentally related disappearance of retina cognin occurred as in vivo . This indicated that this aspect of retina neuronal differentiation was independent of position within the tissue and likely intrinsic to individual cells after 8 days of embryonic development.
The Age Range of Hyades Stars

On the basis of canonical models, the age of Hyades supercluster stars, whether in the Hyades and Praesepe clusters or the noncluster field, ranges from (5–6) × 108 to 109 yr. The difference between the parallax derived from the supercluster motion and that obtained from Hipparcos observations has a dispersion only twice that of the mean dispersion of the individual Hipparcos values. The supercluster appears not to contain red giants on the first ascent of the red giant branch, but only asymptotic giant branch ("clump") stars. The masses obtained for individual components of binary stars in the supercluster show a dispersion of less than 10% when compared with model predictions.
Do hospitals practice cream skimming

'Cream skimming' refers to choosing patients for some characteristic(s) other than their need for care, which enhances the profitability or reputation of the provider. Under capitation or other fixed payment schemes, this often means choosing less ill patients. We present a new methodology to measure cream skimming by hospitals. Our approach also provides a measure of a hospital's gain in productive efficiency by caring for patients with lower illness severity. Using a panel of Washington state hospitals, we find evidence that hospitals do practice cream skimming. However, we find little evidence to suggest that cream skimming varies by hospital size, profit status or time.
Response of Children with ADHD to Methylphenidate: Interaction with Internalizing Symptoms

ABSTRACT Objective The purpose of this study was to examine differences in methylphenidate (MPH) response between groups of children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) who exhibited varying degrees of internalizing symptoms. Method A sample of 40 children with ADHD was subdivided into three groups based on the severity of comorbid internalizing symptoms. Differential effects of three doses of MPH (5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg) were evaluated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled fashion using multiple outcome measures across home, school, and clinic settings. Results Children with ADHD and comorbid internalizing symptoms were significantly less likely to respond positively to MPH than were their noninternalizing counterparts according to teacher ratings and behavioral observations during a clinic-based academic task. Conclusions Children who exhibit comorbid symptoms of ADHD and internalizing disorder are less likely to respond to MPH in classroom settings and on academic tasks. A significant minority of children with comorbid conditions may be at a higher risk for an adverse medication response relative to patients with ADHD who are not exhibiting internalizing symptoms. Further research is necessary to delineate the characteristics of possible adverse responders.
Tight-binding molecular-dynamics study of the hydrogen vibration spectrum on a Si(111) surface.

The vibration spectrum of hydrogen on a Si(111) surface is studied by molecular-dynamics simulation using an empirical tight-binding potential model. The frequencies of the stretching and wagging modes of hydrogen obtained from the simulations are in excellent agreement with experiment. An extra mode on the hydrogen overlayer at 62 meV, which has been observed in electron-energy-loss experiments, is also reproduced. We show that the extra mode originates from the coupling between the H wagging mode and a Si substrate phonon mode. The frequency shifts of the stretching and the wagging mode of H with temperature are also obtained from our simulations.
Pharmacogenetics in the practice of laboratory medicine.

Background : The clinical laboratory forms an essential bridge between fundamental discoveries in biological sciences and their transition into effective medical practice. The genetic basis for individuality in drug metabolism and response is the result of a finite number of inherited sequence variants (alleles) of genes encoding drug-metabolizing enzymes and drug receptors. Pharmacogenetics (PG) links differences in gene structure with pharmacological differences in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. The next step in the process of applying PG (or pharmacogenomic) information to individualized therapeutic management is dissemination of this information to practicing physicians by clinical laboratorians. Transitioning PG analysis into clinical practice will require professionals in laboratory medicine to identify relevant polymorphisms, develop sensitive and specific testing strategies, and, in conjunction with physicians and pharmacologists, communicate interpretive guidelines regarding appropriate indications for testing and rational dose adjustment. We review these concepts and provide examples of how PG can be applied to support therapeutic decision making.