cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Corneal transplantation in antibody-deficient hosts.

PURPOSE. To examine the role of donor-specific antibodies, with or without complement, in rejection of orthotopic corneal transplants by using mice as recipients in which the genes for the heavy chain of immunoglobulin or the third complement component have been eliminated by homologous recombination. METHODS. BALB/c corneas were transplanted into eyes of B-cell-deficient (n = 17) or wild-type control C57BL/6 (n = 30) mice and into eyes of complement (C3)-deficient (n = 15) or wild-type control 129-C57BL/6 (n = 13) mice. After surgery all grafts were evaluated over 8 weeks in a masked manner by biomicroscopy for signs of rejection. RESULTS. The rates of corneal transplant rejection were similar among B-cell- deficient and C3-deficient mice compared with rejection rates in their respective wild-type control subjects. This similarity applied to the time course of rejection and to cumulative survival rates. CONCLUSIONS. Neither donor-specific antibody nor the third component of complement play essential roles in acute rejection of orthotopic corneal allografts in mice.
Polyamidoamine Dendrimer Microgels: Hierarchical Arrangement of Dendrimers into Micrometer Domains with Expanded Structural Features for Programmable Drug Delivery and Release.

We report on the fabrication of micrometer-sized dendrimer hydrogels (μDHs) using the water-in-oil (w/o) inverse microemulsion method coupled with the highly efficient aza-Michael addition. EDA core polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer G5 (10 wt %) and poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEG-DA, Mn = 575 g/mol) (the molar ratio of amine/acrylate = 1/1) were dissolved in the water phase and added to hexane in the presence of surfactants span 80/tween 80 (5/1, w/w) (volume ratio of hexane to surfactants: 70:1) to form w/o microemulsions, in which PAMAM G5 cross-links with PEG-DA via the aza-Michael addition reaction. The resulting microgels are within 3–5 μm with relatively narrow size distribution. μDHs are pH-responsive degradable. They show good cytocompatibility and do not cause acute toxicity in vivo. Furthermore, they can realize a high loading of the hydrophobic drug CPT and enter the cells in the form of particles. The CPT and CPT/dendrimer complex can be slowly released following the zero-order release k...
Utilizing a Board Game to Measure Family/Parenting Factors and Childhood Obesity Risk.

Abstract Objective To describe a direct observational approach (ie, interactive family board game) to measure familyfunctioning and parenting behaviors of relevance to child weight and weight-related behaviors and to examine family functioning and parenting factors from multiple family dyads (eg, siblings, parent–child) and their associations with child weight and weight-related behaviors. Design Cross-sectional, mixed-methods study. Setting Two home visits were conducted with families 10days apart with a 7-day observational period between home visits. Participants Children (n = 150) aged 5–7years and their families from 1 of 6 racial and ethnic or immigrant and refugee groups, including African American, Hispanic, Hmong, Native American, Somali, and white, participated in the Family Matters study between 2014 and 2016. Main Outcome Measure Child weight status and weight-related behaviors (ie, diet quality, physical activity). Analysis Adjusted logistic and linear regression models with robust SEs were used in analysis. Results Higher family functioning scores across the majority of family dyads were significantly associated with lower child weight status (P Conclusions and Implications Results suggest that the interactive family board game task is a direct observational approach that researchers can use with family members to measure family functioning and parenting behaviors related to childhood obesity. Future interventions may want to consider including multiple family members in both measurement and intervention development to target childhood obesity.
ADVOCATING FOR OLDER ADULTS: WHEN GUARDIANSHIP IS NOT THE ANSWER: Session 403

Abstract When an adult is thought to be making poor decisions or is unable to care for him or herself, many people assume that a guardianship is necessary to secure that person's well being. An older adult may require a guardian because of a new inability to care for themselves in the contest of a neurocognitive disorder, or after a lifetime of chronic mental illness, and self-neglect. The appointment of a guardian by the court can be lifesaving, provide much needed financial protection from exploitation, and guarantee stable housing and access to health care. However, a guardianship may also leave older adults vulnerable to abuse and financial exploitation. In many cases, the needs of older adults are layered and complex, and guardianship is not necessarily the best remedy, especially when the court-appointed guardians may be responsible for hundreds of clients.
Teaching nasal analysis to otolaryngology residents.

Abstract Purpose This prospective cohort study was completed to evaluate a systematic approach for teaching nasal analysis to otolaryngology-head and neck surgery residents. Methods Residents from each post graduate year (PGY) were randomized to the control group or study group. Residents in the study group were given a 10-slide PowerPoint (Microsoft Corp) instruction on nasal analysis using the standard sequence of photographs and anatomic elements to describe in each view. All residents were given the standard sequence of photographs of 3 patients for assessment on nasal analysis. Then 12–14 weeks later all residents were re-evaluated using photographs of 3 new patients. The results were blinded and graded using an 18 point scale modified from a previous publication [1]. Results Twenty otolaryngology-head and neck surgery residents completed the study. Analysis was performed with and without multivariate regression modeling to adjust for PGY, sex, and number of rhinoplasties performed. The study group had overall higher scores in both the initial and follow up assessment, specifically with subsite-specific dorsal deviation, tip projection, and nostril symmetry. Neither group obtained high scores in facial symmetry, skin thickness, tip shape and contour, and radix position at initial or re-assessment. Conclusion Nasal analysis is a complex task. A lecture on a systemic approach to facial analysis given to a group of residents, who performed significantly better on facial analysis cases than controls. Further research in providing feedback, periods of rehearsal or testing, or focused selected elements with serial exposure can be considered.
The Impact of an Enriched Environment on the Relationship Between Activation and Depression in Latinx and Non-Latinx Students

Behavioral models of depression have theorized that access to positive reinforcement is a key component to the etiology and maintenance of depression. As a result, many treatments for depression such as Cognitive-Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Behavioral Activation emphasize the importance of increased activity and creating an environment where rewards and reinforcement is available. Despite the theoretical underpinnings in depression and the success of these treatments incorporating the constructs, little is known about the relationship between the availability of environmental rewards and activation as it relates to depression. To address this gap in knowledge, a cross-sectional survey was administered to 409 undergraduate students at a medium-sized, Hispanic-Serving institute. Consistent with behavioral models of depression, the findings provided support for the contribution of an enriched environment as well as behavioral activation on depression. The findings indicate that the role of activation changes based on the level of environmental reward that is available. When taken together, the availability of environmental reward and activation accounted for a large amount of the variance of depression indicating support for behavioral models of depression.
Proximity effect tuned magnetic properties in composites of carbon nanotubes and nanoparticles of CoFe2O4

Abstract The saturation magnetization of composites of carbon nanotubes and CoFe2O4 (CFO) magnetic nanoparticles synthesized through a novel one-step process in the presence of a surfactant (sodium dodecyl-benzene-sulfonate) show significant increase, to 208 emu/g. This value of saturation magnetization of the composite is a factor of 3.3 higher than pristine CFO nanoparticles. This is the first time such a remarkable magnetic behavior of CFO/ carbon nanotubes composite is presented. The increased magnetism is attributed to the proximity effect between uniformly distributed ferromagnetic CFO nanoparticles on the surface of carbon nanotubes and hybridization of the π -electronic states of carbon and the 3d-bands of CFO. Scanning electron microscopy images confirm uniform and dense distribution of CFO nanoparticles on carbon nanotubes. Magnetic force microscopy images confirm the formation of uniformly distributed magnetic stripe domains. The sample was characterized at ambient using X-ray diffraction, Raman Spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, scanning transmission electron microscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. Magnetic properties were characterized by magnetic force microscopy and magnetometry using vibrating sample magnetometer.
An Algorithm for Computing a Minimal Comprehensive Gr\"obner\, Basis of a Parametric Polynomial System

An algorithm to generate a minimal comprehensive Grobner\, basis of a parametric polynomial system from an arbitrary faithful comprehensive Grobner\, system is presented. A basis of a parametric polynomial ideal is a comprehensive Grobner\, basis if and only if for every specialization of parameters in a given field, the specialization of the basis is a Grobner\, basis of the associated specialized polynomial ideal. The key idea used in ensuring minimality is that of a polynomial being essential with respect to a comprehensive Grobner\, basis. The essentiality check is performed by determining whether a polynomial can be covered for various specializations by other polynomials in the associated branches in a comprehensive Grobner\, system. The algorithm has been implemented and successfully tried on many examples from the literature.
Iodine nutritional status and intake levels in adult from different water iodine content areas of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in 2017

OBJECTIVE To understand the iodine nutrition status of adults in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region under the effective control of iodine deficiency disease. METHODS Using stratified cluster random sampling method, in the district to determine water iodine median<10 μg/L and ≥10 μg/L of urban and rural areas, a total of 10 survey points, deals from the collecting water deals of extracting water iodine content detection. Adults over 18 years old were randomly selected from 30 households at each survey site to carry out a survey on dietary iodine intake, and the contents of dietary salt iodine and adult urine iodine were tested. RESULTS The median iodine content in water in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region was 4. 4(2. 3, 13. 6)μg/L. The median iodine content of household salt was 27(24, 30) mg/kg. The median urinary iodine content in adults was 168(103, 259)μg/L. The average dietary iodine intake of adults in the region was 312 μg/d. CONCLUSION The water iodine content in the environment outside Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is relatively low, and the iodine nutritional status and dietary iodine intake of adults are generally at the appropriate level. However, urban adults with relatively low water iodine content and good economic status have a higher risk of iodine deficiency. Iodized salt is the main source of dietary iodine for adults in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Adults in poorer rural and urban areas rely more heavily on iodized salt.
Climate risk management strategies and food security: Evidence from Cambodian rice farmers

Abstract This study investigates the adoption of three climate-resilient strategies (3CRS), drought/flood-resistant rice varieties, integrated pest management (IPM) practices, and weather advisory; the impact of 3CRS on food security, namely, productivity and profits of the Cambodian paddy farmers. Using endogenous switching regression (ESR) approach and household survey from Cambodian farmers, the study finds a low adoption rate (14%) of 3CRS. The low adoption of 3CRS means missing opportunities for rice farmers. Access to information through training and input suppliers is found to increase the adoption of 3CRS. The adoption of 3CRS increases rice yields and profits by 36% and 45%, respectively. Additionally, if nonadopters adopted 3CRS, rice yields and profits would increase by 55% and 52%, respectively. Findings suggest the development of institutional capacity, implementation, and dissemination of knowledge of climatic changes, and adaptation strategies to increase food security.
High resolution aerial photogrammetry based 3D mapping of fruit crop canopies for precision inputs management

Abstract Rapid and accurate canopy attributes estimation is highly critical in fruit crops production management as this information can be used for canopy and crop load management as well as to develop nutrient/chemical prescription application maps. However, the existing ground based canopy sensing and attribute estimation methods are laborious and often involve complexity with field data collection and analysis. Manual methods can be subjective as well. Therefore, this study explores aerial photogrammetry based method of tree–row–volume (TRV), leaf–wall–area (LWA), canopy volume (CV) and canopy cover (CC) estimation for grapevine and apple canopies. Remote sensing data was collected using a consumer–grade small unmanned aerial system (UAS) with an RGB imaging sensor flying at different flight altitudes i.e., 15 m (Ground sampling distance, GSD = 0.45 cm pixel−1 at 65° sensor inclination), 30 m (0.90 and 0.85 cm pixel−1 at 65°and 75°, respectively), 45 m (1.35 and 1.27 cm pixel−1 at 65°and 75°, respectively) and 60 m (1.81 and 1.69 cm pixel−1 at 65°and 75°, respectively). Crop surface model (CSM) was derived from such data to estimate canopy height, width and foliage vigor, which are further used to estimate TRV, LWA, CV and CC. The ground measured and aerial imagery estimated TRV had a strong relationship with the data collected at the lowest GSD within grapevine canopies (R2 = 0.77 at 0.45 cm pixel−1) as well as for apple canopies (R2 = 0.82 at 0.90 cm pixel−1). Similar trends were observed for the LWA (R2 = 0.77 and 0.86), CV (R2 = 0.43 and 0.64) and CC (R2 = 0.61 and 0.68) estimates for grapevine and apple canopies, respectively. Increasing GSD (≥0.45 cm pixel−1 in grapevine and ≥ 0.90 cm pixel−1 in apple) resulted in a weak relationship between ground measurements and aerial imagery data-based estimates for grapevines (R2 ≤ 0.36) and apple canopies (R2 = 0.39–0.78). Overall, the aerial flights with lower GSD and double grid missions with RGB imaging sensor in 65° orientation aided in the development of site–specific high–quality canopy vigor maps that can be used in precision crop inputs management related decision making.
Improving philosophical dialogue interventions to better resolve problematic value pluralism in collaborative environmental science.

Abstract Environmental problems often outstrip the abilities of any single scientist to understand, much less address them. As a result, collaborations within, across, and beyond the environmental sciences are an increasingly important part of the environmental science landscape. Here, we explore an insufficiently recognized and particularly challenging barrier to collaborative environmental science: value pluralism, the presence of non-trivial differences in the values that collaborators bring to bear on project decisions. We argue that resolving the obstacles posed by value pluralism to collaborative environmental science requires detecting and coordinating the underlying problematic value differences. We identify five ways that a team might coordinate their problematic value differences and argue that, whichever mode is adopted, it ought to be governed by participatory virtues, pragmatic resolve, and moral concern. Relying on our experiences with the Toolbox Dialogue Initiative, as well as with other dialogical approaches that support team inquiry, we defend the claim that philosophical dialogue among collaborators can go a long way towards helping teams of environmental scientists and fellow travelers detect their problematic value differences. Where dialogical approaches fare less well is in helping teams coordinate these differences. We close by describing several principles for augmenting philosophical dialogue with other methods, and we list several of these methods in an appendix with brief descriptions and links for further learning. Overall, the article makes three main contributions to the research collaboration and values in science literatures: (1) It deepens our understanding of problematic value pluralism in team science; (2) It provides actionable guidance and methods for improving values-oriented philosophical dialogue interventions; and (3) It demonstrates one way of doing engaged philosophy.
Population pharmacokinetics and exposure-response analyses of varenicline in adolescent smokers.

Varenicline is an approved smoking cessation aid in adults. Population pharmacokinetics (popPK) and exposure-response (ER) (continuous abstinence rates [CAR] weeks 9-12 and nausea/vomiting incidence) for varenicline in adolescent smokers were characterized using data from two phase 1 and one phase 4 studies. A one-compartment popPK model with first-order absorption and elimination adequately fitted the observed data. The effect of female sex on apparent clearance was significant. Apparent volume of distribution increased with body weight and decreased by 24%, 15%, and 14% for black race, "other" race, and female sex, respectively. The observed range of exposure in the phase 4 study was consistent with that expected for each dose and body-weight group from the results obtained in adolescent PK studies, supporting that varenicline dose and administration were appropriate in the study. The relationship between CAR9-12 and varenicline area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) from 0 to 24 hours (AUC24 ) was nonsignificant (p = 0.303). Nausea/vomiting incidence increased with AUC24 (p < 0.001) and was higher in females. Varenicline PK and ER for tolerability in adolescent smokers were comparable with adults, while ER for efficacy confirmed the negative results reported in the phase 4 study.
Quantifying the long-range structure of foams and other cellular patterns with hyperuniformity disorder length spectroscopy.

We investigate the local and long-range structure of several space-filling cellular patterns: bubbles in a quasi-two-dimensional foam, and Voronoi constructions made around points that are uncorrelated (Poisson patterns), low discrepancy (Halton patterns), and displaced from a lattice by Gaussian noise (Einstein patterns). We study local structure with distributions of quantities including cell areas and side numbers. The former is the widest for the bubbles making foams the most locally disordered, while the latter show no major differences between the cellular patterns. To study long-range structure, we begin by representing the cellular systems as patterns of points, both unweighted and weighted by cell area. For this, foams are represented by their bubble centroids and the Voronoi constructions are represented by the centroids as well as the points from which they are created. Long-range structure is then quantified in two ways: by the spectral density, and by a real-space analog where the variance of density fluctuations for a set of measuring windows of diameter $D$ is made more intuitive by conversion to the distance $h(D)$ from the window boundary where these fluctuations effectively occur. The unweighted bubble centroids have $h(D)$ that collapses for the different ages of the foam with random Poissonian fluctuations at long distances. The area-weighted bubble centroids and area-weighted Voronoi points all have constant $h(D)={h}_{e}$ for large $D$; the bubble centroids have the smallest value ${h}_{e}=0.084\sqrt{\ensuremath{\langle}a\ensuremath{\rangle}}$, meaning they are the most uniform. Area-weighted Voronoi centroids exhibit collapse of $h(D)$ to the same constant ${h}_{e}=0.084\sqrt{\ensuremath{\langle}a\ensuremath{\rangle}}$ as for the bubble centroids. A similar analysis is performed on the edges of the cells and the spectra of $h(D)$ for the foam edges show $h(D)\ensuremath{\sim}{D}^{1\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\epsilon}}$ where $\ensuremath{\epsilon}=0.30\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.15$.
Demographic Landscape of Cardiothoracic Surgeons and Residents at United States Training Programs

Abstract Background Recruiting and promoting women and racial/ethnic minorities could help enhance diversity and inclusion in the academic cardiothoracic (CT) surgery workforce. However, the demographics of trainees and faculty at US training programs have not yet been studied. Methods Traditional, integrated (I-6), and fast-track (4+3) programs listed in the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) public database were analyzed. Demographics of trainees and surgeons, including gender, race/ethnicity, subspecialty, and academic appointment (if applicable), were obtained from ACGME Data Resource Books, institutional websites, and public profiles. Chi-square and Cochran-Armitage trend tests were performed. Results In July 2020, 78 institutions had at least one CT surgery training program; 40 (51%) had only a traditional program, 20 (26%) traditional and I-6, 6 (8%) all three types of program, and 4 (5%) only I-6. The proportion of female trainees increased significantly from 2011 to 2019 (19% vs 24%, p Conclusions The demographic landscape of CT surgery trainees and faculty across multiple training pathways reflects increasing representation by gender and race/ethnicity. However, we must continue to work toward equitable representation in the workforce to benefit the diverse patients we treat.
Fatigability of the knee extensor muscles during high-load fast and low-load slow resistance exercise in young and older adults.

Abstract Resistance exercise training is a cornerstone in preventing age-related declines in muscle mass and strength, and fatigability of limb muscle is important to this adaptive response. It is unknown, however, whether fatigability and the underlying mechanisms differ between different resistance exercise protocols in young and older adults. The purpose of this study was to quantify the fatigability of the knee extensors and identify the mechanisms in 20 young (22.2 ± 1.3 yr, 10 women) and 20 older adults (73.8 ± 5.4 yr, 10 women) elicited by a single session of high- and low-load resistance exercise. One leg completed a high-load protocol with contractions performed as fast as possible (HL-fast, ~80% 1 Repetition Max, 1RM), and the contralateral leg a low-load protocol performed with slow contractions (LL-slow, ~30% 1RM, 6 s concentric, 6 s eccentric). Each exercise involved four sets of eight repetitions. Before and immediately following each set, maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVC) were performed, and voluntary activation and contractile properties quantified using electrical stimulation. The reduction in MVC was greater following the LL-slow (20%) than the HL-fast (12%, P = 0.004), with no age or sex differences. Similarly, the reduction in the amplitude of the involuntary electrically-evoked twitch was greater in the LL-slow (14%) than the HL-fast (7%, P = 0.014) and correlated with the reduction in MVC (r = 0.546, P
Mechanism and Physiological Significance of Calcium Transport Across Mammalian Mitochondrial Membranes

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the early findings of investigators, which led to the notion that intact isolated mitochondria can accumulate calcium (Ca 2+ ), Sr 2+ , and Mn 2+ in an energy-dependent process, whether permeant anions are present. Evidence is presented in support of a three-step mechanism of mitochondrial Ca 2+ accumulation, which is energy-independent binding, carrier-mediated accumulation into the membrane, and anion dependent release from the carrier into the mitochondrial matrix. The physiological significance of mitochondrial Ca 2+ accumulation system in terms of the regulation of cellular Ca 2+ free is also discussed in the chapter. Experimental evidence is presented, indicating physiological control of cellular free Ca 2+ by mitochondria in a variety of mammalian tissues. Examples of pathological alterations of the mitochondrial Ca 2+ transport system are presented for two disease states: tumor cells and ischemically injured cells.
Conformational analysis of a farnesyltransferase peptide inhibitor, CVIM.

The conformational states of the peptide Cys-Val-Ile-Met (or CVIM) were computed and characterized. CVIM inhibits farnesylation of the Ras oncogene product, p21ras, at the cysteine residue of the C-terminal segment. CVIM is active in an extended conformation. A similar peptide (KTKCVFM) appears to bind the enzyme in the Type I bend conformation. In the present study, the conformations of CVIM were computed in an aqueous environment with the peptide in the zwitterionic state. Solvation free energy based on solvent accessible surface area and a distance dependent dielectric were used in the calculations. Final conformations of multiple independent Monte Carlo simulated annealing (MCSA) conformational searches were used as starting points for Metropolis Monte Carlo (MMC) runs. Conformations saved at intervals during MMC runs were analyzed. Conformers were separated by interactive clustering in dihedral angle coordinates. The four lowest energy conformers corresponding to a Type I bend, extended, AB-bend, and BA-bend were within 0.3 kcal/mol of each other, and dominant in terms of population. The Type I bend and extended conformers were supported by the binding studies. The extended conformer was the most populated. In the AB-bend conformer, `A' indicates the α-helix conformation of Val, and `B' indicates the β-strand conformation of Ile. The AB- and BA-bend conformations differed from the extended conformation in the value of Val ψ and Ile ψ, respectively, and from the Type I bend conformation in the value of Ile ψ and Val ψ, respectively. The four lowest energy conformers were characterized in terms of energy, density of low energy conformations (or entropy), structure, side chain rotamer fraction population, and interatomic distances.
Antigenic relatedness and N-terminal sequence homology define two classes of periplasmic flagellar proteins of Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum and Treponema phagedenis.

The periplasmic flagella of many spirochetes contain multiple proteins. In this study, two-dimensional electrophoresis, Western blotting (immunoblotting), immunoperoxidase staining, and N-terminal amino acid sequence analysis were used to characterize the individual periplasmic flagellar proteins of Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum (Nichols strain) and T. phagedenis Kazan 5. Purified T. pallidum periplasmic flagella contained six proteins (Mrs = 37,000, 34,500, 33,000, 30,000, 29,000, and 27,000), whereas T. phagedenis periplasmic flagella contained a major 39,000-Mr protein and a group of two major and two minor 33,000- to 34,000-Mr polypeptide species; 37,000- and 30,000-Mr proteins were also present in some T. phagedenis preparations. Immunoblotting with monospecific antisera and monoclonal antibodies and N-terminal sequence analysis indicated that the major periplasmic flagellar proteins were divided into two distinct classes, designated class A and class B. Class A proteins consisted of the 37-kilodalton (kDa) protein of T. pallidum and the 39-kDa polypeptide of T. phagedenis; class B included the T. pallidum 34.5-, 33-, and 30-kDa proteins and the four 33- and 34-kDa polypeptide species of T. phagedenis. The proteins within each class were immunologically cross-reactive and possessed similar N-terminal sequences (67 to 95% homology); no cross-reactivity or sequence homology was evident between the two classes. Anti-class A or anti-class B antibodies did not react with the 29- or 27-kDa polypeptides of T. pallidum or the 37- and 30-kDa T. phagedenis proteins, indicating that these proteins are antigenically unrelated to the class A and class B proteins. The lack of complete N-terminal sequence homology among the major periplasmic flagellar proteins of each organism indicates that they are most likely encoded by separate structural genes. Furthermore, the N-terminal sequences of T. phagedenis and T. pallidum periplasmic flagellar proteins are highly conserved, despite the genetic dissimilarity of these two species. Images
Substance abuse among patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia: Characteristics and implications for clozapine therapy

Objective: The goals of this study were 1) to determine the extent of substance abuse in patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia and 2) to assess the relevance of such abuse to subsequent response to treatment with clozapine. Method: The subjects were 118 treatment-resistant patients with DSM-III-R diagnoses of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder who underwent detailed demographic, clinical, and psychopathological evaluations before commencing treatment with clozapine. Lifetime and current histories of substance abuse were also systematically evaluated and characterized according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria and DSM-III-R
Marriage as black citizenship

The narrative of black marriage as citizenship enhancing has been pervasive in American history. As we mark the fiftieth anniversary of the Moynihan Report and prepare to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Thirteenth Amendment, this Article argues that this narrative is one that we should resist. The complete story of marriage is one that involves racial subordination and caste. Even as the Supreme Court stands to extend marriage rights to LGBT couples, the Article maintains that we should embrace nonmarriage as a legitimate frame for black loving relationships — gay or straight. Nonmarriage might do just as much, if not more, to advance black civil rights.Part I explores marriage’s role in racial subordination by looking at the experiences of African Americans, as well as Native Americans, Puerto Ricans, and Asian Americans. Drawing on institutional structure analyses, it then considers how legal marriage has “married” Blacks to second-class citizenship. Part II explores the current place of marriage in African America. It argues that, while the regulation of black loving relationships today differs dramatically from what we saw in earlier times, family law often has a punitive effect on such American families. Part III contemplates the benefits of adopting a focus on nonmarriage. It contends that meeting black families where they are holds the most potential for progress in addressing the structural barriers to success faced by those families. The Article ends with a “call to action” for legal scholars and others concerned about black families and citizenship. It maps a broad agenda for exploring in earnest the potential that supporting and valuing the existing networks, arrangements, and norms regarding gender and caretaking in African America has for promoting black citizenship and equality in the twenty-first century.
Surviving sudden cardiac death secondary to anomalous left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery: A case report and literature review

Anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) is an uncommon type of congenital coronary anomaly. In adults, the clinical picture of ALCAPA varies widely between being asymptomatic, presenting similarly to other heart diseases, or as malignant arrhythmias. Patients who have cardiac arrest are usually young and do not exhibit prior warning symptoms. In this article we describe a case of a 22-year-old healthy male, who experienced cardiac arrest during exertion. He was then diagnosed with ALCAPA, which was surgically corrected.
Does knowing one's elevated glycemic status make a difference in macronutrient intake?

OBJECTIVE To determine whether macronutrient intake differs by awareness of glycemic status among people with diabetes and prediabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We used 24-h dietary recall and other data from 3,725 nonpregnant adults with diabetes or prediabetes aged ≥20 years from the morning fasting sample of the 2005–2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. Diabetes and prediabetes awareness were self-reported; those unaware of diabetes and prediabetes were defined by fasting plasma glucose (FPG) ≥126 mg/dL or HbA 1c ≥6.5% and FPG 100–125 mg/dL or HbA 1c of 5.7%–6.4%, respectively. Components of nutrient intake on a given day assessed were total calories, sugar, carbohydrates, fiber, protein, fat, and total cholesterol, stratified by sex and glycemic status awareness. Estimates of nutrient intake were adjusted for age, race/ethnicity, education level, BMI, smoking status, and family history of diabetes. RESULTS Men with diagnosed diabetes consumed less sugar (mean 86.8 vs. 116.8 g) and carbohydrates (mean 235.0 vs. 262.1 g) and more protein (mean 92.3 vs. 89.7 g) than men with undiagnosed diabetes. Similarly, women with diagnosed diabetes consumed less sugar (mean 79.1 vs. 95.7 g) and more protein (mean 67.4 vs. 56.6 g) than women with undiagnosed diabetes. No significant differences in macronutrient intake were found by awareness of prediabetes. All participants, regardless of sex or glycemic status, consumed on average less than the American Diabetes Association recommendations for fiber intake (i.e., 14 g/1,000 kcal) and slightly more saturated fat than recommended (>10% of total kilocalories). CONCLUSIONS Screening and subsequent knowledge of glycemic status may favorably affect some dietary patterns for people with diabetes.
Hydrodynamic effects of a stellar explosion on a binary companion star.

The impact of an expanding supernova shell on a companion star is investigated. The results of a two-dimensional numerical hydrodynamic calculation are compared to the results of previous attempts to solve the problem analytically which assumed the stellar surface to be planar. The curved surface of the star and the finite thickness of the shell are found to have a significant effect in reducing the drag on the companion. In addition, not all of the matter which is ablated from the star is ejected straight back toward the supernova, further reducing the momentum imparted to the companion. As a result, the final momentum of the companion star is actually less than the incident momentum of the shell. It seems unlikely that the collision between the supernova shell and the companion star will have a significant effect on the orbit of the binary, except perhaps in extreme cases.
Techniques for the Fabrication of Geomembrane Filled Seams

Geomembranes employed to overlay the excavation for landfills must be seamed together on-site at the landfill. To ensure the integrity of the containment system of the landfill, these sheets or blankets must be carefully seamed. Present methods in common use are: extrusion fillet welding, where the extrudate is placed over the edge of the seam; extrusion flat welding, where the extrudate is placed between the two sheets to be joined; hot wedge seaming, a thermal fusion bonding, where an electrically heated wedge melts the sheets to be joined, after which a roller applies pressure to ensure the seal; hot air seaming, where hot air between the sheets melt the surfaces to be joined; chemical fusion, where a liquid chemical is applied between the two sheets to be joined; and chemical adhesive, where a dissolved bonding agent (adherent) is applied between the two sheets to be joined. This paper is a review of the technology involved in forming the seams by each method.
ACETATE METABOLISM BY WHOLE CELLS OF PHAEODACTYLUM TRICORNUTUM BOHLIN12

SUMMARY Both morphological forms of Phaeodactylum tricornutum incorporated acetate in the light and in darkness. In the dark, the majority of the acetate was oxidized, probably by the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Although some CO2 was formed from acetate in the light, most acetate carbon was found in the cellular lipids. Acetate incorporation in the light was probably a result of both direct and indirect assimilation. The organism grew poorly on acetate in the light at a very low CO2 tension.
Collaboration in design and manufacturing process using Web services semantics

In this paper, we present a framework called Web service based collaborative product commerce (WSCPC), which facilitates design and manufacturing process integration and coordination. In WSCPC, the design and manufacturing process is structured as a network of tasks. Companies can outsource a task, and join a process by providing their service. We propose an ontology based semantics using OWL-S to represent design and manufacturing activities as services. Manufacturing companies are able to publish their capabilities and identify potential manufacturing partners at the same time. We also present service models to support collaboration, which is based on Web ontology. Web ontology enables collaborative partners to understand each other's manufacturing decisions and behaviors, and hence help generate an optimal solution. We define interactions among companies during a process using a conversation model to support complex interactions necessary for flexible process management.
Sling may hasten return of continence after radical prostatectomy.

Abstract Objectives To place absorbable slings in 15 men at radical retropubic prostatectomy in an attempt to hasten recovery of continence. Methods Fifteen men underwent placement of a sling immediately after prostatectomy by a single surgeon . A strip of either porcine small intestine submucosa (SIS) or polyglactin mesh was placed beneath the anastomosis. The initial five slings were tension free. The last 10 were tightened just to the point they began to elevate the anastomosis. A comparison was made with the same number of men who underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy immediately before beginning this project. The average follow-up was 28.9 months. Results The first 5 sling patients (no tension) recovered complete bladder control in an average of 5.8 weeks. The 10 men with slings placed under slight tension were dry an average of 2.6 weeks after catheter removal, including 4 within 24 hours. One month later, 10 sling patients (67%) were continent, including 8 (80%) who had had the sling placed under slight tension. Six (40%) of 15 control patients were completely dry in that interval. Three months later, all but 1 sling patient (93%) was dry, but only 7 (47%) of 15 controls. All, except 1 control, were dry at 12 and 24 months. No complications were attributed to this maneuver, specifically no bladder neck contracture or retention occurred. No one in either group received incontinence treatment, although 2 control patients had either stricture or bladder neck contracture. Conclusions The early results have been encouraging, but must be confirmed. Slight tension on the sling may be beneficial.
Sonolytic Decomposition of Ozone in Aqueous Solution: Mass Transfer Effects

The sonolytic degradation of ozone (O_3) was investigated in both closed and open continuous-flow systems to examine effects of mass transfer on chemical reactivity in the presence of ultrasound. Degradation of O_3 followed apparent first-order kinetics at frequencies of both 20 and 500 kHz in all the systems. Degassing of O_3 was observed at 20 kHz due to the effects of rectified diffusion and larger resonant radii of the cavitation bubbles than at 500 kHz. Increased mass transfer of O_3 diffusing into solution due to ultrasound as measured by the mass transfer coefficient, k_La_2, was observed at both frequencies. At 20 kHz, an increase in mass transfer rates in the presence of ultrasound may be partially attributed to turbulence induced by acoustic streaming. However, the main process of increased gas−liquid mass transfer in the presence of ultrasonic waves appears to be due to the sonolytic degradation of O_3 creating a larger driving force for gaseous O3 to dissolve into solution. From first-order cyclohexene degradation kinetics obtained by sonolysis, ozonolysis, sonolytic ozonolysis, and comparing the large diameter of an O_3 diffusing gas bubble to the size of an active cavitation bubble, it appears that diffusing gas bubbles containing O_3 are not directly influenced by ultrasonic fields.
Critical evaluation of strength prediction methods for alkali-activated fly ash

The literature contains many proposed methods for proportioning alkali-activated binders for maximum compressive strength. Many of these methods have been developed using metakaolin, which is a relatively pure aluminosilicate powder. In recent years, fly ash has become a more common aluminosilicate source for alkali activation. However, fly ash is a more complex material than metakaolin, and activated fly ash may not follow the same trends as activated metakaolin. In this study, literature-recommended strength prediction methods for alkali-activated binders, using metakaolin and fly ash, are reviewed and compared with the compressive strengths measured for eight Class F fly ash-based binders made by activation with sodium hydroxide solution. Of the eight fly ash binders in the study, six had correct performance predictions considering SiO2/Al2O3 and Na2O/Al2O3 optimal ratios developed for metakaolin. A published empirical equation developed to predict alkali-activated fly ash concrete strength correctly predicted relative strengths for six of the eight fly ash binders. Modifier element content is another possible indicator of reactivity, and the fly ashes in this study generally showed that fly ashes with high contents of Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, and K+ were likely to produce strong binders, although the correlation shown here was not as strong as that shown in prior studies. This work demonstrates that, while the proposed prediction methods are generally adequate, they do not cover all fly ashes and more work is needed improve prediction methods and account for the behavior of outliers.
SEED YIELDS (QUANTITY AND QUALITY) OF FIELD-GROWN SOYBEANS EXPOSED TO SIMULATED ACIDIC RAIN

Summary Experiments were performed to determine changes in mass, protein content and carbohydrate content of seeds of soybean plants exposed to simulated acidic rain grown under standard agronomic practices and receiving ambient rainfall at Brookhaven National Laboratory during the summer of 1979. Plots were exposed three times per week to simulated rainfalls of pH 4·0, 3·1, 2·7 or 2·3 to provide inputs of 50, 397, 998 or 2506 μequiv. of hydrogen ions respectively, above ambient levels throughout the growing season. Control plots received no simulated rainfall treatments. The results indicate significant differences by both analysis of variance and two-tailed t-tests. These additional hydrogen ions decreased seed yields by 2·6, 6·5, 11·4 and 8·5%, respectively. A treatment-response function was determined between the hydrogen ion concentration of the treatments and seed yield. This function, y= 21·06 – 1·01 log x, has a correlation coefficient of minus 090 and its slope is significantly different from zero. Decreased yields were attributed to a decrease in number of pods per plant since seed number per pod and mass per seed did not vary among the treatments. On a per plant basis, total seed protein decreased by 10 and 19% in plants exposed to simulated rainfalls of pH 4·0 and 3·1, respectively, compared with plants not exposed to simulated rainfalls. At these same treatment levels total non-structural carbohydrates did not decrease significantly. The results show that additional increments of simulated acidic rain can decrease seed biomass and protein content of field-grown soybeans.
Effects of myasthenic sera on cultured muscle.

Abstract Serum from 17 myasthenic patients was added to mouse somite cultures containing mature cross-striated muscle fibers. Myolysis occurred after 24 hr exposure to the serum of three patients. These findings are discussed in relationship to the pathogenesis of myasthenic gravis.
Experienced and potential medical tourists' service quality expectations

Purpose – The paper's aim is to compare experienced and potential US medical tourists' foreign health service‐quality expectations.Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected via an online survey involving 1,588 US consumers engaging or expressing an interest in medical tourism. The sample included 219 experienced and 1,369 potential medical tourists. Respondents completed a SERVQUAL questionnaire. Mann‐Whitney U‐tests were used to determine significant differences between experienced and potential US medical tourists' service‐quality expectations.Findings – For all five service‐quality dimensions (tangibles, reliability, responsiveness, assurance and empathy) experienced medical tourists had significantly lower expectations than potential medical tourists. Experienced medical tourists also had significantly lower service‐quality expectations than potential medical tourists for 11 individual SERVQUAL items.Practical implications – Results suggest using experience level to segment medical tourists. T...
Laser spectroscopy of LaF: ligand field-theory assignment of the triplet-state manifold and analysis of hyperfine structure

Wavelength-resolved fluorescence excitation techniques have been used to record eight electronic transitions of LaF at a resolution of 0.03 cm−1. With few exceptions, Ω assignments were unambiguously determined from observations of the first lines in at least two rotational branches. Accurate term energies and rotational constants are reported. Ligand field-theory calculations and hyperfine constants were used to suggest configurational assignments for the excited states of LaF.
Microvascular breast reconstruction pedicle thrombosis: how long can we wait?

Re-exploration plays a key role in salvaging vascularly compromised free flaps. A retrospective review of 290 free flaps in breast reconstruction was performed to determine whether the time delay between thrombosis detection and surgical re-exploration had any effect on flap salvage. Overall flap success was 97.6%. Postoperative thrombosis requiring re-exploration was documented in 6.2% cases. Fifty-five percent of take-back flaps were salvaged and 45% were lost. The median time between detection of flap compromise to surgical incision was 128 min in our saved flaps, and 228 min in the lost flap group. Our preliminary data suggests that re-exploration within 188 min may improve flap salvage. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2007.