cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Meta-analyses of clinical neuropsychological tests of executive dysfunction and impulsivity in alcohol use disorder.

ABSTRACTBackground: Promising models for cognitive rehabilitation in alcohol treatment rest on a more nuanced understanding of the associated impairments in the multifaceted domains of executive functioning (EF) and impulsivity. Objectives: This meta-analysis examined the effects of alcohol on the individual subcomponents of EF and impulsivity in recently detoxified participants, including 1) Inhibition & Self-Regulation, 2) Flexibility & Set Shifting, 3) Planning & Problem Solving, 4) Reasoning & Abstraction, and 5) Verbal Fluency. Impulsivity was further examined through an analysis of motor, cognitive, and decisional subcategories. Method: Investigators searched, coded, and calculated effect sizes of impairments demonstrated in a broad range of neuropsychological tests for EF. A total of 77 studies were selected covering 48 years of research with a sample size of 5140. Results: Findings ranged from a Hedges’ g effect size of 0.803 for Inhibition to a Hedges’ g of 0.359 for Verbal Fluency. Results also ...
Tinzaparin prophylaxis against thromboembolic complications in brain tumor patients

1539 Background: Thromboembolic complications are common in brain tumor patients, contribute to the morbidity and mortality and complicate treatment. Twenty to 40% of brain tumor patients develop a...
Technology vision 2020: The U.S. chemical industry

Publisher Summary The U.S. chemical industry's future and its key technology needs and pathways are the subject of a joint effort of the Chemical Manufacturers Association, American Chemical Society, American Institute of Chemical Engineers, Council for Chemical Research, the Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturers Association, and the chemical industry to (1) provide technology vision and establish technical priorities in areas critical for improving the chemical industry's competitiveness, (2) develop recommendations to strengthen cooperation among industry, government, and academe, and (3) provide direction for continuous improvement through step-change technology. The chemical industry provides the building blocks of a modern society, and its products are essential to a broad range of manufacturing industries and service sectors. These products meet the most fundamental needs for food, shelter, and health, and they are vital to the high technology world of computing, telecommunications and biotechnology. Chemicals are a keystone of U.S. manufacturing, essential to a large range of industries, such as pharmaceuticals, automobiles, textiles, furniture, paint, paper, electronics, agriculture, construction, appliances, and services. The driving forces that are changing the nature of the business environment and impacting other industries, as well, stimulated this effort to think about the future of the chemical industry include increasing globalization, sustainability, financial performance, customer expectations, and changing work force requirements
Introduction: “Errant Stuff”

This chapter briefly surveys passages from Samuel Richardson, Denis Diderot, Henry Fielding, and Laurence Sterne as examples of the way that eighteenth-century authors draw on the rhetoric of friendship. I explore how authors and readers compare fictional friendships to their notion of virtual friendship between novelists and readerships. This analogy, I suggest, has implications for understanding narrative forms and challenges critical views about the relationship between domesticity, public and private spheres, and print fictions in genealogies of the novel. From a broader perspective, I contend, the idiom of “true friendship” in eighteenth-century fiction should be understood as a response to the eighteenth-century “crisis of value” and the “enlightenment” expansion of print mediations.
Re-Evaluation of the Normal Range of Serum Total CO2 Concentration

A reliable determination of blood pH, PCO2, and [HCO3-] is necessary for assessing the acid-base status of a patient. However, most acid-base disorders are first recognized through abnormalities in serum total CO2 concentration ([TCO2]) in venous blood, a surrogate for [HCO3-]. In screening patients on the basis of serum [TCO2], we have been concerned about the wide limits of normal for serum [TCO2], 10-13 mEq/L, reported by many clinical laboratories. Indeed, we have encountered patients with serum [TCO2] values within the lower or upper end of the normal range of the reporting laboratory, who subsequently were shown to have a cardinal acid-base disorder.Here, we present a patient who had a serum [TCO2] within the lower end of the normal range of the clinical laboratory, which resulted in delayed diagnosis of a clinically important "hidden" acid-base disorder. To better define the appropriate limits of normal for serum [TCO2], we derived the expected normal range in peripheral venous blood in adults at sea level from carefully conducted acid-base studies. We then compared this range, 23 to 30 mEq/L, to that reported by 64 clinical laboratories, 2 large commercial clinical laboratories, and the major textbook of clinical chemistry. For the most part, the range in the laboratories we queried was substantially different than that we derived and that published in the textbook, with some laboratories reporting values as low as 18-20 mEq/L and as high as 33-35 mEq/L. We conclude that the limits of values of serum [TCO2] reported by clinical laboratories are very often inordinately wide and not consistent with the range of normal expected in healthy individuals at sea level. We suggest that the limits of normal of serum [TCO2] at sea level be tightened to 23-30 mEq/L. Such correction will ensure recognition of the majority of "hidden" acid-base disorders.
A Radical New Look for Alkene Carboboration

Carboboration has emerged as a powerful method of difunctionalization of alkenes. Now, in a recent paper in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, Studer and colleagues demonstrate that carboboration of alkenes can be accomplished with visible-light initiation in an intriguing tricomponent radical process.
Ergot and Other Indole Alkaloids

Many alkaloids contain an indole nucleus as a part of their structure. Monoterpene-derived indole alkaloids (see Chapter 34) are the most important of these compounds, but several other significant types of indole alkaloids exist. Ergot alkaloids formed from tryptamine and a mevalonate-derived hemiterpene unit are of medical importance. Others, such as harmane alkaloids, physostigmine and a series of structurally similar alkaloids, Calycanthus alkaloids (Calycanthaceae) and related compounds (principally from the Rubiaceae), and relatively minor types of alkaloids from the Ascelpiadaceae, Sterculiaceae, and Verbenaceae are summarized in the present chapter.
Whisker Mitigation and Prevention

There is currently no effective mitigation method to reliably eliminate Sn whiskers. One promising approach is to use conformal coatings. A conformal coating refers to an insulating protective coating that conforms to the shape and contour of the coated object.
Uncommon conditions in surgical oncology: acute abdomen caused by ileocolic intussusception

Background: Bowel intussusception represents an infrequent and challenging condition in adult patients. Preoperative diagnosis and treatment strategies often remain difficult especially in emergency patients. Primary reduction of intussusception before surgical resection is discussed controversially in adult patients and at the moment there is no consensus about the best treatment in literature. Case report: We report the case of a 40-year-old male patient with a ten-day history of increasing colicky abdominal pain and constipation associated with nausea and vomiting. Clinical examination revealed acute abdomen with a palpable mass in the right upper abdomen. Ultrasonography and CT-scan showed typical signs of bowel intussusception. Emergency laparotomy and extended right hemicolectomy were performed. Histological examination detected an adenocarcinoma of the ileocecal valve as leading pathology. Conclusions: In adults most cases of intussusception are caused by structural lesions. The high incidence of malignancies in adult patients, which require an optimal oncological treatment, should be the main reason for primary surgical resection without reduction.
Freedom in the wilderness: A study of a Darknet space:

Mass media and journalistic accounts of Darknets have focused disproportionately on their criminogenic aspects. Moreover, research has focused mainly on the Darknet technology Tor. We wish to expan...
An Intraseasonal Mode of Atmospheric Variability Relevant to the U.S. Hydroclimate in Boreal Summer: Dynamic Origin and East Asia Connection

AbstractIntraseasonal modes of atmospheric variability over the Northern Hemisphere (NH) midlatitudes in boreal summer are identified via an empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis of the dail...
A Non-Slicing 3-D Floorplan Representation for Monolithic 3-D IC Design

In this paper, we propose a non-slicing 3-D floorplan representation to design block-level monolithic 3-D ICs, The new 3-D floorplan representation applied to simulated annealing-based optimization achieves smaller volume, shorter wire length, and lower dynamic power consumption than the Sequence Triple, Sequence Quintuple, and Slicing Tree 3-D floorplanning representations.
Results of the modified Pirogoff amputation with cannulated screws for diabetic foot infection.

Introduction Syme amputation has been shown to have value in patients with diabetic foot infections, but it has inherent drawbacks. A potential alternative is the modified Pirogoff amputation. Our objective was to evaluate the outcome of modified Pirogoff amputation using internal fixation with 6.5-mm cannulated screws in the management of diabetic foot. Methods This is a prospective study of 13 patients admitted from January 2012 to June 2015. Inclusion criteria were infection limited to the forefoot, presence of a palpable posterior tibial pulse and an ankle-brachial index of more than 0.7. Internal fixation of the calcaneum to the tibial was performed using two 6.5-mm cannulated screws under image intensifier control. Results In ten cases, the wounds were healed at three weeks. Osseous union was observed in ten cases; the time taken for its occurrence was 2-5 months. Removal of screws was performed in five cases. Five cases developed technical complications of screw tract infection, with two cases having distal screw migration. Good results, defined as cases not requiring a below-knee amputation for two years postoperatively, were obtained in 10 (77%) cases. At the three-year follow-up, three additional cases required proximal amputation, leaving 7 (54%) cases with good outcomes. Conclusion Our prospective study showed that with careful selection of patients, good postoperative results can be obtained. There is a definite role for modified Pirogoff amputation in the management of diabetic foot problems.
Visual and Anatomic Outcomes in Perforating Ocular Injuries

Purpose:This article reports the presentation, management, and outcomes in patients suffering perforating ocular injuries.Methods:A retrospective review was conducted at a single ophthalmology Leve...
Troubled Affluent Youth’s Experiences in a Therapeutic Boarding School: The Elite Arm of the Youth Control Complex and Its Implications for Youth Justice

Criminology focuses on street crime and crimes of the poor. Surveys, however, indicate that deviance among middle- and upper-class youth is widespread, and that their experience of social control is not researched, despite its importance for a more complete understanding of youth justice. This study provides insight into a mostly unregulated private troubled teen industry, relying on interviews and a survey of affluent youth sent to a therapeutic boarding school. The main sections of this article explore the wide variety of behaviors that caused youth to be sent to the program, the key aspects of their experiences, and the very mixed outcomes. (All participants graduated high school and most completed college, but many others committed suicide or overdosed.) While a degree and the lack of a criminal record ultimately benefited these privileged youth, the strong-arm rehabilitation tactics of this kind of total institution are a problematic model to use to advance youth justice.
Forefront of Human Rights Issues: Integrating Human Trafficking into the Social Work Curriculum

Curriculum content including learning strategies about human trafficking can be integrated into social work programs through the core content courses, enabling future practitioners to competently serve and advocate for victims as well as examine human trafficking policies at national and global levels. However, teaching about human trafficking is difficult due to the lack of evidence-based information. Using existing information, students can gain an understanding of an insidious worldwide phenomenon, which targets the most vulnerable populations including children, women, and youth for mere economic gains. This paper describes strategies for incorporating the topic of human trafficking as a social justice issue into core social work courses. This curricular area offers a topic of global and local significance that should be of paramount concern to the social work profession and its educators.
Rolling Back Climate Regulation: Trump’s Assault on the Planet:

The Donald Trump administration has engaged in a number of crimes related to climate change. This article examines these climate crimes, in particular, the administration’s organized denial of glob...
P212 Psychosocial factors affecting the caregivers of pediatric HIV patients in returning for treatment

Background Stringent HIV treatment adherence is paramount for expanding life and decreasing mortality (Adefolalu & Nkosi, 2013). However, pediatric adherence to therapy is a complex multifactorial issue that is affected by many issues such as characteristics of the child, caregiver(s), family, regimen, and culture (Haberer and Mellins, 2009). This study aims to explore the psychosocial influences on adherence through examining patient and caregiver return to clinic for treatment. The psychosocial influences we plan to investigate can be divided into the following: Stigma, women’s empowerment, socioeconomic factors, stress, and family characteristics. Methods 67 caregivers of pediatric HIV patients from Shirati Hospital in Tanzania were given quantitative surveys regarding psychosocial barriers to returning the patient for HIV treatment. Survey questions included topics about income, primary caregivers, stigma about HIV, average number of people known with HIV, transportation, stress levels, missed HIV appointments and skipped medication treatments. Results Data was split into adherent and non-adherent groups. Non-adherent group missed either an appointment or medication dosage for the patient in the past 6 months (G1). Adherent group had not missed either (G2). Percentage male patient: G1: 63.6%; G2: 51.1% Average caregiver age: G1: 39.5 years; G2: 36.5 years Caregiver sex: G1: 41.7% male; G2: 19.2% male Caregiver relationship to patient: G1 41.7% mother; G2: 56.6% mother Person taking patient to clinic is primary caregiver: G1: 63.6%; G2: 80% Patient has more than one caregiver: G1 41.7%; G2: 52.7% Caregiver at clinic believes HIV is shameful: G1: 9%; G2: 31.5% Easily able to get clinic: G1: 25%; G2: 49% Perceived stress levels: G1: 3.37, G2: 2.96 (1–5 scale) Conclusion Summary of unique findings include the adherent group displaying increased shameful preceptions of HIV. The non-adherent group had an increased average caregiver age and were more likley to be caring for a male patient. Disclosure No significant relationships.
Changes of hypothalamus corticotropin releasing factor levels in children with acute brain injury

Objective To explore the changes of corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) levels secreted by hypothalamus neuron in children with acute brain injury. Methods Fifty-one intracranial-infection children with brain injury and 11 intracranial-noninfection children with brain injury were chosen from pediatric intensive care unit of our hospital. Severities of their brain damage were evaluated by Glasgow score,and CRF level in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum TNF-α and IL-6 levels were measured by radioimmunoassay. Results There was no significant difference of Glasgow scores between the intracranial infection group and intracranial-noninfection group ( P = 0. 302 6 ), CSF CRF level of intracranial infection group was significantly lower than that of intracranial-noninfection group ( P ＜ 0. 01 ), serum TNF-α and IL-6 levels of intracranial infection group were significantly higher than those of intracranial-noninfection group ( P ＜ 0. 01,P ＜0. 001 ). As comparing to the children with Glasgow score of 6 ～ 7, the levels of CSF CRF and serum TNF-α and IL-6 in children with Glasgow score of 4 ～ 5 were significantly increased ( P ＜ 0. 05, P ＜ 0. 001 ).Conclusion CSF CRF level of the children with acute brain injury is changing, which may be concerned with the secretion of hypothalamus CRF neuron stimulated by TNF-α, IL-6 and hypoxia stress in children with brain injury. Key words: Brain injury; Corticotrophin releasing factor; Cytokine; Glasgow coma scale score; Children
Partnerships between universities and nonprofit transition coaching organizations to increase student success.

Aims This study aims to understand the motivations and benefits for universities and nonprofit college access and success organizations to develop formal partnerships. Methods Participants in this study were staff from a major urban research university (n = 22) and four nonprofit organizations (n = 17) that promote college access and success among underrepresented, low-income, and first-generation college students. Participants engaged in an audio-recorded interview that was transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis. Results Data suggested that staff from the universities and nonprofit organizations were both holistic in their understanding of college student success. In addition, they were both motivated to form partnerships in an effort to reduce barriers to success, although they, at times, identified different barriers that they wanted the partnership to address. Both university and nonprofit staff saw increased effectiveness of their practice as a result of partnering and university staff gained a better understanding of the greater nonprofit college access and success community. Conclusion Given the intense support that nonprofit organizations are able to provide with their level of funding, partnerships with universities can increase the success of underrepresented, low-income, and first-generation college students.
Gold nanoparticles disrupt actin organization and pulmonary endothelial barriers

This study explored the impact of gold nanoparticles on the metabolic activity and morphology of human pulmonary endothelial cell monolayers. We developed a gold nanoparticle library of three different sizes and two surface chemistries that include anionic citrate and the cationic polyelectrolyte poly(allylamine hydrochloride). The nanoparticles were characterized in cell culture medium to assess how their physical properties are altered after exposure to biological fluids. A bovine serum albumin pretreatment protocol was developed to stabilize the nanoparticles in cell culture medium. Results of this study show that an 18 h exposure of human pulmonary artery endothelial cells to the different nanoparticles modestly affects cellular metabolic activity. However, nanoparticle exposure perturbs the cortical actin networks and induces the formation of intercellular gaps. In particular, exposure to the poly(allylamine hydrochloride)-coated particles reduces the area of cell–cell junctions—a change that correlates with increased leakiness of endothelial barriers. The presence of excess polyelectrolyte capping agents in the supernatant of poly(allylamine hydrochloride)-coated nanoparticles significantly impacts endothelial morphology. Pretreatment of the particle supernatant with bovine serum albumin mitigates the negative effects of free or bound polyelectrolytes on endothelial cell monolayers.
Social Determinants of Rural Secondary School Students’ Choice of Agricultural Career and its Implication for Counseling Services: A Case of Delta State, Nigeria

This study unveils the factors that influence rural secondary school students to choose agriculture as a career or course of study. Many of the students chose a career in medicine and engineering before agriculture. Most (57.89%) had no counseling experience with a Guidance Counselor, but 81.14% were engaged in agricultural child labour. 83.77% were exposed to agriculture programmes on audio-visual media and visit to commercial farms. The few (10.09%) chose agriculture as an opportunity for self-employment, interest, profitable and easy nature of agriculture as a course of study and parents' preference, among others. The social attributes of the students such as age, parents education & occupation, wealth status of parents, sex, knowledge of the subject, aptitude for prerequisite subjects, contact with guidance/counselors, involvement in agricultural child labour, exposure to mass media and visit commercial farms influenced their choice of agriculture as career or course of study.
Regional spread of blaNDM-1-containing Klebsiella pneumoniae Sequence Type 147 in post-acute care facilities

Abstract Background Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) harboring blaKPC have been endemic in Chicago-area healthcare networks for more than a decade. During 2016-2019, a series of regional point prevalence surveys identified increasing prevalence of blaNDM-containing CRE in multiple long-term acute care hospitals (LTACHs) and ventilator-capable skilled nursing facilities (vSNFs). We performed a genomic epidemiology investigation of blaNDM-producing CRE to understand their regional emergence and spread. Methods We performed whole-genome sequencing on NDM+ CRE isolates from four point-prevalence surveys across 35 facilities (LTACHs, vSNFs, and acute care hospital medical intensive care units) in the Chicago area and investigated the genomic relatedness and transmission dynamics of these isolates over time. Results Genomic analyses revealed that the rise of NDM+ CRE was due to the clonal dissemination of an ST147 Klebsiella pneumoniae strain harboring blaNDM-1 on an IncF plasmid. Dated phylogenetic reconstructions indicated that ST147 was introduced into the region around 2013 and likely acquired NDM around 2015. Analyzing genomic data in the context of patient transfer networks supported initial increases in prevalence due to intra-facility transmission in certain vSNFs, with evidence of subsequent inter-facility spread to connected LTACHs and vSNFs via patient transfer. Conclusions We identified a regional outbreak of blaNDM-1 ST147 that began in and disseminated across Chicago area post-acute care facilities. Our findings highlight the importance of performing genomic surveillance at post-acute care facilities to identify emerging threats.
Posterior Spinal Fusion for Scoliosis in the Oldest Reported Patient with Crane-Heise Syndrome: A Case Report.

Case A 14-year-old adolescent girl with Crane-Heise syndrome-the oldest such patient in the literature-presented to our clinic with progressive scoliosis, including a 90° T6-L3 apex right curve. She underwent a T3-pelvis posterior spinal fusion. Intraoperatively, she had small, poorly visualized upper thoracic pedicles, incomplete fusion of the posterior spinal elements, and limitations of intraoperative neuromonitoring. Adherence to dysplastic scoliosis principles allowed for an uncomplicated procedure with an excellent correction. Conclusion We discuss the surgical management of scoliosis in an adolescent with Crane-Heise syndrome. This is a very rare skeletal dysplasia, with 9 reported cases in the literature.
The impact of resistive exercise training on the relationship between anthropometry and jump-based power indices

Objective: To examine the impact resistive exercise (RE) training has on the ability of anthropometry to predict power output from jump tests. Methods: With a matched-pairs design, subjects (n = 19) were assigned to six weeks of leg and calf press workouts. With no crossover, subjects either performed RE on a traditional seated leg press device to which free weights (FW) were added, or on a flywheel ergometer (FERG). Before and after the intervention, subjects performed jump-based tests and were measured for anthropometric dimensions. Tests included a standing vertical jump, a repetitive four-jump protocol, and a depth jump from a platform; power outputs from each were calculated. Results: The six-week intervention weakened the correlation between anthropometry and jump-based power indices from FERG workouts, while the opposite was true for the FW group. Conclusions: While several reasons may have led to the stark group differences in the ability to account for jump-based power variance, the two most important factors appear to be the degree of workout progression and the rate RE repetitions were performed. FW subjects incurred significantly greater strength gains, as evidenced by the degree of workout progression over the intervention, versus the FERG group. The manner in which the devices operated permitted FW repetitions to occur at faster rates and was more movement-specific to jump-based tests. Thus anthropometry increased the degree of explained variance in jump-based power indices from FW workouts at the conclusion of the six-week intervention.
A computerized health profile model for adolescents.

Since health-hazard appraisal systems have been aimed primarily at adult audiences the 4-H For Life Program was developed (in Florida) in order to help youth select lifestyles conducive to health at an early age in the hope of prolonging and improving the quality of their lives. The Program developed a computerized health hazard appraisal program for teenagers piloted in four rural and medically underserved Florida counties. The project was designed to address common health and safety concerns specific to the adolescent age group: accidents of all types suicide homicide stress depression unplanned parenthood abuse of drugs and alcohol smoking sex skin problems and obesity. The project provided a computerized health profile which could be used by youngsters to clarify their own values identify practices they would like to alter and promote lifestyles conducive to health. The project included individual counseling and health education classes as well as a survival skills course at a local 4-H camp. The mean health-risk score for all teens contacted by the project was 87.7 scores ranging from 39-100. Most teens lost points in these general areas when profiled: failure to practice safety habits alcohol and drug usage inadequate exercise and obesity. Other problem areas identified were stress and depression for 30% of those profiled lack of proper immunizations for 54% and failure to use contraceptive methods during sex for 62%. The computerized health profile model has produced encouraging results in demonstrating its utility as a tool for capturing adolescents concerns for making positive decisions about their lifestyles and their health. The results confirmed findings of other researchers regarding a low level of health education and health awareness however and they confirm the need for a more comprehensive health education program for the adolescent community.
Don't evaluate, inherit

This paper studies fitness inheritance as an efficiency enhancement technique for genetic and evolutionary algorithms. Convergence and population-sizing models are derived and compared with experimental results. These models are optimized for greatest speed-up and the optimal inheritance proportion to obtain such a speed-up is derived. Results on OneMax problems show that when the inheritance effects are considered in the population-sizing model, the number of function evaluations are reduced by 20% with the use of fitness inheritance. Results indicate that for a fixed population size, the number of function evaluations can be reduced by 70% using a simple fitness inheritance technique.
Multimedia interface design

Examines the use of audio, video, graphics, and animation in computer systems, specifically in the design and construction of the computer-human interface. Multimedia extensions to current computer systems allow us to employ our senses in new ways when interacting with the computer.
Distributed multiple hypothesis testing in sensor networks under bandwidth constraint

In this paper, we consider the problem of multiple hypothesis testing by a bandwidth and power constrained sensor network with a fusion center. We propose a scheme, where each sensor is restricted to send a 1-bit message to fusion center and the fusion center collates the bits sent by all the sensors and makes a decision about the hypothesis. We analyze the performance of our scheme and illustrate it with an example.
ENaC activity is decreased in alveolar epithelial cells from protein kinase C-α knockout mice (716.2)

ENaC open probability (Po) requires the association of ENaC with anionic phospholipids like PIP2. Protein kinase C is also alters ENaC activity, but the mechanism is unclear. Recently we showed tha...
Improve Effluent Water Quality at Abu-Rawash WWTP Using Aluminum Chloride and Carbon Dioxide

This research involved attempting to improve water quality at the Abu-Rawash WWTP by using aluminum chloride (AlCl3) as a coagulant combined with injection of carbon dioxide (CO2). The Abu-Rawash WWTP is the main source of water quality degradation at the Rosetta branch, Egypt. Sewage samples were collected from the effluent of the grit removal chamber. Jar tests were performed to estimate the optimum pH value and the coagulant dosage required to obtain acceptable treatment. Eleven samples were prepared with equal dosages of aluminum chloride (10.0 mg/L) and different pH values. The optimal pH values for the elimination of the biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total suspended solids (TSS), and turbidity ranged from 6.10 to 6.20 for the aluminum chloride. Results indicated that the appropriate AlCl3 dosage was 2.0 mg/L, especially at pH between 6.1 and 6.2. The results also showed that the AlCl3 was cost effective, especially after reducing pH value. It is also more cost effective than the other proposed solutions such as changing the effluent path of the Abu-Rawash WWTP to the desert.
Haemoglobin Disorders: Gene Therapy

The ability to transfer a globin gene into stem cells and achieve regulated expression during erythropoiesis following transplantation of genetically modified autologous cells could provide curative therapy for haemoglobin disorders such as sickle cell anaemia or β-thalassaemia. Success has been achieved in several severe immunodeficiencies in which there is a selective advantage for gene corrected cells. The development of effective globin lentiviral vectors has resulted in resolution of the manifestations of sickle cell anaemia and β-thalassaemia in mouse models of these diseases. However, a higher stem cell transduction efficiency must be achieved in humans than has been achieved in large animal models to date before success in treatment of haemoglobinopathies could be expected. Various strategies are being evaluated in animal models to increase the proportion of genetically modified, haematopoietic cells following infusion of transduced stem cells. Keywords: gene therapy; sickle cell disease; β-thalassaemia; lentiviral vector
Investigating Long-Term Changes in the Spring Migration of Monarch Butterflies (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) Using 18 Years of Data From Journey North, a Citizen Science Program

ABSTRACT Declines in overwintering colonies of monarch butterflies (Danaus plexxipus) in Mexico raise questions about other life cycle phases, such as spring migration, where monarchs recolonize their breeding range in the United States and Canada with sequential generations. We used data from a long-term citizen science program, “Journey North” (now with 18 yr), to identify possible changes to the recolonization. This program asks people to report the date and location when they see the first adult monarch annually, and this database now contains >11,000 records. We examined sighting dates and migration range size, the latter based on the number of 2-degree latitude—longitude grid squares with monarch sightings, to look for evidence of change in either of these two parameters over the 18 yr. Our analyses used regression models that accounted for increasing volunteer participation over the years. We found monarchs are being sighted later at a rate of 1 d later every 4 yr. This does not appear to be relate...
Control of the lux regulon of Vibrio fischeri

Regulation of expression of bioluminescence from the Vibrio fischeri lux regulon in Escherichia coli is a consequence of a unique form of positive feedback superimposed on a poorly defined cis-acting repression mechanism. The lux regulon consists of two divergently transcribed operons. The leftward operon contains only a single gene, luxR, which encodes a transcriptional activator protein. The rightward operon contains luxl, which together with luxR and the 218 base pairs separating the two operons comprises the primary regulatory circuit, and the five structural genes, luxC, luxD, luxA, luxB and luxE, which are required for the bioluminescence activity. Transcription of luxR from PL is stimulated by binding of the E. coli crp gene product to the sequence TGTGACAAAAATCCAA upstream of the presumed promoter. Binding of pure E. coli CAP protein in a cAMP- dependent reaction to the V. fischeri lux regulatory region has been demonstrated by in vitro footprinting. The luxl gene product is an enzyme which catalyses a condensation reaction of cytoplasmic substrates to yield the autoinducer, N-(3-oxo-hexanoyl) homoserine lactone. Accumulation of autoinducer, which is freely diffusible, results in formation of a complex with LuxR. The complex binds to the sequence ACCTGTAGGATCGTACAGGT upstream of PR to stimulate transcription of the rightward operon. Increased transcription from PR should yield increased levels of Luxl and higher levels of autoinducer which would further activate LuxR. The LuxR binding site is also a LexA binding site, as demonstrated by in vitro footprinting. Basal transcription from both PL and PR is repressed by sequences within the luxR coding region. Hence there appear to be at least two effects resulting from the interaction between LuxR: autoinducer and the control region DNA. One effect is to relieve the repression afforded by the sequences within luxR and the second is to stimulate transcription from PR. Recent analysis of the rightward promotor by site-directed mutagenesis has suggested a different location for PR than that which was implicated in earlier studies. Our results suggest that the −35 sequence is located at a position which overlaps the 3′ edge of the LuxR binding site by one base pair.
Benefits of Handwritten Input for Students Learning Algebra Equation Solving

Building on past results establishing a benefit for using handwriting when entering mathematics on the computer, we hypothesize that handwriting as an input modality may be able to provide significant advantages over typing in the mathematics learning domain. We report the results of a study in which middle and high school students used a software tutor for algebra equation solving with either typing or handwriting as the input modality. We found that handwriting resulted in similar learning gains in much less time than typing. We also found students seem to experience a higher degree of transfer in handwriting than in typing based on performance during training. This implies that students could achieve farther goals in an intelligent tutoring system curriculum when they use handwriting interfaces vs. typing. Both of these results encourage future exploration of the use of handwriting interfaces for mathematic instruction online.
Sex differences and hemoglobin levels in relation to stroke outcomes

Objective: Women have worse outcomes after stroke compared to men. Since women have lower hemoglobin values, we examined whether hemoglobin levels may associate with worse stroke outcomes in women. Methods: We retrospectively studied 274 patients enrolled in a prospective multicenter study. We explored the relationship of hemoglobin with clinical outcome at 6 months, as measured by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Ordinal logistic regression was used to evaluate the independent effect of hemoglobin on clinical outcome, and to explore the influence of sex on that association. Results: Women had a lower mean hemoglobin level (11.7 ± 1.8 g/dL) compared to men (13.3 ± 1.7 g/dL). Low hemoglobin was associated with worse 6-month mRS outcomes in univariate analysis ( p Conclusions: Sex differences in stroke outcome are linked to lower hemoglobin level, which is more prevalent in women. Further examination of this potentially modifiable predictor is warranted.
Wool shrinkage control and surface modification by ozone

In treating fine wool top, more ozone is needed to achieve a given level of felting shrinkage control than with coarse wool. Treatment that allows no more than about 20% top shrinkage in three successive washes is usually satisfactory for controlling fabric shrinkage. A detergent rinse after treatment markedly decreases top and fabric shrinkage. Ozonization decreases fiber strength and wet friction against glass but increases fiber-to-fiber adhesion enough to increase yarn strength. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of fibers before and after treatment and laundering indicates that ozone makes the fiber surface more plastic (presumably when wet) but more liable to mechanical damage and erosion, which increase with the severity of treatment and with laundering. However, treatments most effective for shrinkage control are not distinguished from less effective treatments by the degree and character of surface changes shown by SEM. Ring dyeing of fiber cross sections shows that effects of ozone are greatest near the surface. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and amino acid analysis show that cystine is oxidized to cysteic acid and that carbon is also oxidized at the surface. The increased dyeability (rate and uptake) is attributed to increased wettability, changed ionic balance, and crosslink scission, which, with cuticle damage, allow greater swelling and easier penetration. As found earlier with coarse wools, acid milling (leveling) dyestuffs further decrease shrinkage of treated fine wool. The position of wool in the triboelectric series is shifted toward the negative end by ozone treatment, expressing the higher electron work function of the added sulfonic acid groups. This shift is not simply related to shrinkage. Decreased feltability is attributed to softening of the wet cuticle layer and to increased surface charge, but the mechanism needs further study.
The promise of simultaneous transformation of practice and research with the use of clinical information systems

The author builds a case that the design and use of intelligent information systems in real-time practice holds the promise of simultaneously transforming practice and research. Requirements include the identification of actionable knowledge that can be embedded in clinical decision support and electronic documentation systems, the creation of clinical data repositories, and a data warehouse from which analyses can be conducted across multiple settings. An innovative project, the Knowledge-Based Nursing Initiative, is briefly described as illustrative of these requirements.
901-108 Atheromatous Disease of the Thoracic Aorta: A Transesophageal Echocardiography and Autopsy Correlative Study

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is widely used for the evaluation of thoracic aortic pathology, most recently atheromatous disease. Unfortunately, there have not been any studies correlating TEE and autopsy findings of atheroma to validate this use of the technique. Also, the TEE grading systems for aortic atheromatous disease currently in use have not been established to parallel pathologic grading systems, nor has their clinical significance been tested. We retrospectively evaluated all patients who underwent TEE at our institution between 1988 and 1993 and subsequently underwent autopsy within 30 days of the TEE study. We identified 13 patients with adequate thoracic aortic tissue available for pathologic analysis who also had a complete TEE examination of either the ascending, arch or descending thoracic aortic segments. Among these there were 21 complete tissue segments available which had been adequately imaged. All segments were reviewed and compared with respect to: (1) surface area and pattern of atheroma, (2) area and pattern of calcification, (3) depth of mural ulceration, and (4) type and description of mural thrombus; also (5) measurements of maximum wall thickness, (6) sizing of any aneurysm, and (7) characterization of any dissection. Significant correlations were found using this detailed grading system for surface area of atheroma (kappa test, k = 0.29 ± 0.26), wall thickness (correlation, r = 0.56). correct identification of the one ascending aortic aneurysm, and absence of dissection or mural thrombus. The correlations for pattern of atheroma, area and pattern of calcification and depth of ulceration did not reach statistical significance. However, there was an 86 to 100% agreement for these lesion characteristics when allowing for 1 category of variation. Conclusions There is a good correlation between TEE and autopsy findings with respect to: (1) atheroma surface area, (2) aortic wall thickness, and (3) the identification of aortic aneurysm, TEE and autopsy grading of lesion characteristics have excellent agreement when allowing for one category of variation. The clinical relevance of this grading system requires further study.
Burden of Dreams: History and Identity in Post‐Soviet Ukraine

Burden of Dreams: History and Identity in Post-Soviet Ukraine Catherine Wanner. University Park: Pennsylvania University Press, 1998. xxvii + 255 pp, illustrations, tables, notes, references, index.
Measles virus fusion shifts into gear

In this issue, two papers present contrasting models for the machinations of the measles virus attachment protein. Here we discuss how these reports illuminate possible intersubunit motions made by the protein as it drives the fusion of viral and cellular membranes during infection and further our understanding of this global scourge.
Modelling urban growth and landscape changes in the Atlanta metropolitan area

We use an urban growth model, closely coupled with a land transition model, to simulate future urban growth in the Atlanta metropolitan area, one of the fastest growing metropolises in the United States during the past three decades. We calibrate the model with historical data that are extracted from a time series of satellite images. We design three specific scenarios to simulate the spatial consequences of urban growth under different environmental conditions. The first scenario is to simulate the continued growth trend by maintaining unchanged the current conditions. The second scenario is to project the growth trend by taking into consideration road development and environmental protection. The third scenario is to simulate the development trend by slowing down growth and changing growth pattern. The first two scenarios demonstrate that unchecked urban growth would result in the displacement of almost the entire natural vegetation and all of the open space in the metro area. In contrast, the result fr...
Labor force mobility in the United States: migration, unemployment, and remigration.

This study examines the relationships between pre- and post-move unemployment and interstate migration of the United States labor force for the period 1965 to 1970. Multivariate analyses are conducted for several large occupation groups. The results indicate a strong link between unemployment and migration. Unemployment increases migration possibilities for each large occupation group considered. Substantial post-move unemployment exists but there is a significant link between migration and such unemployment only for blue-collar workers who are repeat migrants. (EXCERPT)
DYNAMIC ELASTIC PROPERTIES AND SENSORY QUALITY OF APPLE FRUIT.

A nondestructive resonance technique for measuring the textural qualities of apple fruit was evaluated. The resonance frequency, f, and the mass, m, were measured on each intact fruit, and a factor, f2 m, was computed. This resonance factor, f2 m, directly reflected the elastic properties of the fruit flesh and correlated significantly with sensory judgements of apple firmness during harvest. The dynamic resonance test is not as reliable an index of sensory firmness as the pressure test, but it has the advantage of being nondestructive.
The Mainsprings of American Foreign Policy: The National Interest vs. Moral Abstractions

It is often said that the foreign policy of the United States is in need of maturing and that the American people and their government must grow up if they want to emerge victorious from the trials of our age. It would be truer to say that this generation of Americans must shed the illusions of their fathers and grandfathers and relearn the great principles of statecraft which guided the path of the republic in the first decade and—in moralistic disguise—in the first century of its existence. The United States offers the singular spectacle of a commonwealth whose political wisdom did not grow slowly through the accumulation and articulation of experiences. Quite to the contrary, the full flowering of its political wisdom was coeval with its birth as an independent nation—nay, it owed its existence and survival as an independent nation to those extraordinary qualities of political insight, historic perspective, and common sense which the first generation of Americans applied to the affairs of state. This classic age of American statecraft comes to an end with the physical disappearance of that generation of American statesmen. The rich and varied landscape in which they had planted all that is worthwhile in the tradition of Western political thought was allowed to go to waste. It became a faint and baffling remembrance, a symbol to be worshipped rather than a source of inspiration and a guide for action.
Effects of Fuzzy-Tuning the Boundary Conditions on the Active Control of a Single-Link Flexible Robotic Manipulator

A new approach has been proposed in this study to effectively control the rigid and flexible motions of a single-link robotic manipulator. This is done by developing a two-layered control strategy. The upper layer is solely concerned with the process of fuzzy-tuning the boundary conditions of the flexible link. The rationale is to exploit the advantages, attributed to varying the boundary conditions of the compliant beam, in rendering the joint controller more effective in suppressing the unwanted vibrations of the arm. The lower or second layer of the control strategy is considered herein to be either a conventional or a fuzzy-tuned control scheme. Its main task is to determine the appropriate joint control torque needed to perform good set-point tracking while suppressing the undesired vibrations of the robot. The digital simulation results confirm that the process of fuzzy-tuning the boundary conditions of the flexible link has a tendency to significantly enhance the capability of the joint controller in suppressing the unwanted vibrations of the manipulator.Copyright © 2006 by ASME