cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Contact Dermatitis to Medications and Skin Products

Consumer products and topical medications today contain many allergens that can cause a reaction on the skin known as allergic contact dermatitis. This review looks at various allergens in these products and reports current allergic contact dermatitis incidence and trends in North America, Europe, and Asia. First, medication contact allergy to corticosteroids will be discussed along with its five structural classes (A, B, C, D1, D2) and their steroid test compounds (tixocortol-21-pivalate, triamcinolone acetonide, budesonide, clobetasol-17-propionate, hydrocortisone-17-butyrate). Cross-reactivities between the steroid classes will also be examined. Next, estrogen and testosterone transdermal therapeutic systems, local anesthetic (benzocaine, lidocaine, pramoxine, dyclonine) antihistamines (piperazine, ethanolamine, propylamine, phenothiazine, piperidine, and pyrrolidine), topical antibiotics (neomycin, spectinomycin, bacitracin, mupirocin), and sunscreen are evaluated for their potential to cause contact dermatitis and cross-reactivities. Finally, we examine the ingredients in the excipients of these products, such as the formaldehyde releasers (quaternium-15, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3 diol, diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea, DMDM hydantoin), the non-formaldehyde releasers (isothiazolinones, parabens, methyldibromo glutaronitrile, iodopropynyl butylcarbamate, and thimerosal), fragrance mixes, and Myroxylon pereirae (Balsam of Peru) for contact allergy incidence and prevalence. Furthermore, strategies, recommendations, and two online tools (SkinSAFE and the Contact Allergen Management Program) on how to avoid these allergens in commercial skin care products will be discussed at the end.
The Impact of Formative Computer-Based Testing on Learners’ Anxiety and Performance on the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography Examination:

The intent of this research was to evaluate the effects of computerized mock examinations on student performances during the preparatory stage for a national board examination. Three measures were ...
Evaluation of Exclusion Netting for Spotted-Wing Drosophila (Diptera: Drosophilidae) Management in Minnesota Wine Grapes.

Spotted-wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura), an economically damaging invasive species of numerous fruit crops, was first detected in Minnesota in 2012. High fecundity, and short generation times facilitated a rapid rise in the global pest status of D. suzukii, particularly in North America and Europe. To date, the majority of crop injury research has focused on fruit crops such as blueberries, raspberries, and cherries. However, little is known regarding the impact of D. suzukii on the wine grape industry in the upper Midwest region of the United States. Field trials were conducted in Minnesota during the summers of 2017-2018 to examine season-long phenology of D. suzukii in wine grape vineyards and wineries, and to assess the efficacy of exclusion netting for control of D. suzukii. Four treatments were evaluated, 1) open plot check (control), 2) open plot treated with an insecticide, 3) exclusion netting, and 4) exclusion netting, with artificial infestations of D. suzukii adults. Exclusion netting was applied at veraison and removed at harvest. On each sample date, 20 berries (10 intact and 10 injured) were collected from each plot for dissection. The number of larvae and adults were recorded for each berry to determine infestation levels. As shown by mean larval infestations and injured berries across treatments, exclusion netting provided a significant reduction in the level of D. suzukii infested berries when compared with the untreated check. These results indicate that exclusion netting could provide an effective alternative management strategy for D. suzukii in wine grapes.
The Taylor coefficients of the Jacobi theta constant $$\theta _3$$θ3

We study the Taylor expansion around the point $$x=1$$ of a classical modular form, the Jacobi theta constant $$\theta _3$$. This leads naturally to a new sequence $$(d(n))_{n=0}^\infty =1,1,-1,51,849,-26199,\ldots $$ of integers, which arise as the Taylor coefficients in the expansion of a related “centered” version of $$\theta _3$$. We prove several results about the numbers d(n) and conjecture that they satisfy the congruence $$d(n)\equiv (-1)^{n-1}\ (\text {mod }5)$$ and other similar congruence relations.
Are Movement Behaviors and Fundamental Motor Skills Associated With Fitness and Fatness in Early Childhood? Findings From the 2012 NHANES National Youth Fitness Survey.

PURPOSE Using 2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) National Youth Fitness Survey data, the authors conducted a cross-sectional secondary analysis to examine the associations of movement behaviors (ie, physical activity [PA] and screen-based sedentary behaviors) and fundamental motor skills (FMS) with fitness (ie, muscular fitness) and fatness (ie, body mass index and waist circumference) in 3- to 5-year-old children. The effect of ethnicity (Hispanic vs non-Hispanic) on these associations was also examined. METHODS A total of 352 children (173 girls; mean age = 4.02 y) from the 2012 NHANES data set were included. Parents reported their child's PA and screen-based sedentary behaviors. FMS (ie, locomotor and object control) were assessed with the Test of Gross Motor Development, 2nd edition. Other variables used were body mass index, waist circumference, and plank. RESULTS Hispanic children demonstrated lower levels of PA than non-Hispanic children (P < .05). Children's FMS emerged as significant predictors of muscular fitness and waist circumference, but not for body mass index in the Hispanic group. In the non-Hispanic group, FMS (ie, object control skills) and PA accounted for significant variances of muscular fitness and waist circumference, respectively. CONCLUSION The associations of movement behaviors and FMS with fitness and fatness are different between Hispanic and non-Hispanic young children. Changes in policy or early childhood curriculum may be tailed to promote FMS for an impact on fitness and fatness in both Hispanic and non-Hispanic children.
Linear vs volume measures of ventricle size: Relation to present and future gait and cognition

Objective To compare the clinical utility of volume-based ratios with the standard linear ratio of Evans index (EI) by examining their associations with gait, cognition, and other patient and imaging variables. Methods From MRI scans of 1,774 participants in the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging, we calculated 3 ventricle size measures: Evan index (frontal horn width divided by widest width of skull inner table), total ventricular volume, and frontal horn volume as ratios of total intracranial volume. Gait was measured by a timed 25-foot walk and cognition by a composite of psychometric tests. We also evaluated variables associated with the measures of ventricular size. Further, we evaluated gait and cognition associations with MRI of extraventricular findings seen in normal-pressure hydrocephalus: disproportionate enlargement of subarachnoid space (DESH) and focal sulcal dilations (FSD). Results Ventricular volume measures had stronger association with gait and cognition measures than EI. In decreasing order of strength of association with ventricle size were DESH, FSD, white matter hyperintensity volume ratio, age, male sex, cortical thickness, and education. Modest evidence was observed that FSD was associated with future decline in gait and cognition. Conclusion Ventricular volume measures are clinically more useful than EI in indicating current and future gait and cognition. Multiple factors are associated with ventricle volume size, including FSD and DESH, suggesting that changes in CSF dynamics may go beyond simple ventriculomegaly.
Fostering healthy families: An exploration of the informal and formal support needs of foster caregivers

Abstract This qualitative study examines the challenges foster caregivers face within their families and seeks to understand their formal and informal support systems so that future trainings may be created to provide for the specific and realistic needs of foster caregivers. Twelve licensed foster caregivers from North Carolina took part in 90 minute focus groups with semi-structured questions regarding relationship strengths and challenges, trainings, and support. Six themes were inductively coded from the data: quality of supports and people who understand, strain on family relationships, fear of removal, lack of support from systems, lack of applicable training, preparation and support for adoption; examples of each are provided. Increasing numbers of children in foster care, combined with a lack of available foster placements makes recruitment and retention a vital factor for those who train and work with foster caregivers; our research indicates a strong need for appropriate and applicable foster caregiver trainings, combined with support from both formal and informal systems.
A Well-Mixed E. coli Genome: Widespread Contacts Revealed by Tracking Mu Transposition.

Summary The three-dimensional structures of chromosomes are increasingly being recognized as playing a major role in cellular regulatory states. The efficiency and promiscuity of phage Mu transposition was exploited to directly measure in vivo interactions between genomic loci in E. coli. Two global organizing principles have emerged: first, the chromosome is well-mixed and uncompartmentalized, with transpositions occurring freely between all measured loci; second, several gene families/regions show “clustering”: strong three-dimensional co-localization regardless of linear genomic distance. The activities of the SMC/condensin protein MukB and nucleoid-compacting protein subunit HU-α are essential for the well-mixed state; HU-α is also needed for clustering of 6/7 ribosomal RNA-encoding loci. The data are explained by a model in which the chromosomal structure is driven by dynamic competition between DNA replication and chromosomal relaxation, providing a foundation for determining how region-specific properties contribute to both chromosomal structure and gene regulation.
Adversarial threats to large satellite networks (ATLAS-N): a coevolutionary approach based on flipit

Global connectivity from space using proliferated low Earth orbit (P-LEO) satellite constellations can benefit society at large. An increasing number of public and private actors rely on services that are provided from space through satellites, including Earth monitoring, communications, and internet access. As the dependence of society on satellite constellations grows, threats to P-LEO assets are more likely to increase. Developing strategies that are effective and efficient to defend P-LEO constellations against different types of attacks is warranted. As a first step, we develop a framework to evolve defense strategies for a low-fidelity constellation system against selected low-fidelity adversarial actions by evolving attack strategies, and the strategies are evolved using coevolutionary algorithms. Results show that attackers can easily overcome defenses that are unaware and non-reactive to executed attacks and demonstrate that it may be possible to perform meaningful coevolution of attack and defense strategies that consider selective actions on individual satellites in a constellation. Evolved attack and defense strategies have the potential to promote the development of robust, reliable, and secure P-LEO constellations.
Atmospheric Trust Litigation Across the World

This chapter examines the nature of fiduciary duties in Australia and the direction the High Court of Australia has been taking in relation to fiduciary theory. It focuses on whether climate change fiduciary duties are possible under Australian general law. The chapter reviews the types of fiduciary duties that could be recognised in light of the High Court's more recent statements on the fiduciary principle. The fiduciary principle has not traditionally been limited to the conflicts and profits rules. For example, company directors have for many years been subject to additional fiduciary duties. A number of commentators and judges have expressed the view that Australian fiduciary duties are now limited to the conflicts and profits rules. The use of the fiduciary model to impose positive duties to protect the environment and prevent climate change is likely to be difficult in Australia due to the High Court's recent statements on fiduciary theory.
The baboon in epilepsy research: Revelations and challenges.

Abstract The baboon offers a natural model for genetic generalized epilepsy with photosensitivity. In this review, we will summarize some of the more important clinical, neuroimaging, and elctrophysiological findings form recent work performed at the Southwest National Primate Research Center (SNPRC, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas), which houses the world’s largest captive baboon pedigree. Due to the phylogenetic proximity of the baboon to humans, many of the findings are readily translatable, but there may be some important differences, such as the mutlifocality of the ictal and interictal epileptic discharges (IEDs) on intracranial electroencephalography (EEG) and greater parieto-occipital connectivity of baboon brain networks compared to juvenile myoclonic epilepsy in humans. Furthermore, there is still limited knowledge of the natural history of the epilepsy, which could be transformative for research into epileptogenesis in genetic generalized epilepsy (GGE) and sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP).
Increase in Prevalence of Diabetic Ketoacidosis at Diagnosis Among Youth With Type 1 Diabetes: The SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth Study.

OBJECTIVE We previously reported a high (˜30%) but stable prevalence of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) at youth-onset diagnosis of type 1 diabetes (2002 and 2010). Given the changing demographics of youth-onset type 1 diabetes, we sought to evaluate temporal trends in the prevalence of DKA at diagnosis of type 1 diabetes from 2010 to 2016 among youth <20 years of age and evaluate whether any change observed was associated with changes in sociodemographic distribution of those recently diagnosed. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We calculated prevalence of DKA within 1 month of type 1 diabetes diagnosis by year and evaluated trends over time (2010-2016) (n = 7,612 incident diabetes cases; mean [SD] age 10.1 [4.5] at diagnosis). To assess whether trends observed were attributable to the changing distribution of sociodemographic factors among youth with incident type 1 diabetes, we estimated an adjusted relative risk (RR) of DKA in relation to calendar year, adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, income, education, health insurance status, language, season of diagnosis, and SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth Study site. RESULTS DKA prevalence increased from 35.3% (95% CI 32.2, 38.4) in 2010 to 40.6% (95% CI 37.8, 43.4) in 2016 (Ptrend = 0.01). Adjustment for sociodemographic factors did not substantively change the observed trends. We observed a 2% annual increase in prevalence of DKA at or near diagnosis of type 1 diabetes (crude RR 1.02 [95% CI 1.01, 1.04] and adjusted RR 1.02 [95% CI 1.01, 1.04]; P = 0.01 for both). CONCLUSIONS Prevalence of DKA at or near type 1 diabetes diagnosis has increased from 2010 to 2016, following the high but stable prevalence observed from 2002 to 2010. This increase does not seem to be attributable to the changes in distribution of sociodemographic factors over time.
Change Leadership in Nursing: How Change Occurs in a Complex Hospital System edited by Mairead Hickey and Phyllis Beck Kritek

As Hickey and Kritek observe in their preface to this unique and compelling book: This is a book about nursing written by nurses for nurses, present and future. It's also for everyone they know who...
Wide base radial truck tyres: properties and performance

Wide base truck tyres have long been used in heavy load, short–had service in the United States. They are not yet, however, commonly seen here in long–haul trucking - the 18–wheel tractor–semitrailer continues to predominate on US highways. Several service advantages accrue by switching from dual tyres to wide base single tyres. Many other countries are already enjoying these advantages, but at the expense of increased pavement damage on some highways. This paper reviews current knowledge of wide base tyre characteristics, in comparison with those of a conventional radial truck tyre used in dual applications. Some performance characteristics discussed are stopping distance, hydroplaning, and vertical force transmissibility. Field data on pavement deflection produced by wide base tyres, in comparison with dual tyres, are also reviewed.
Lead and the kidney: nephropathy, hypertension, and gout.

Lead intoxication in human beings has been documented since the second century B.C. Renal disease, hypertension, and gout have all been linked to lead by strong circumstantial evidence. Both acute and chronic nephropathy can occur as a result of lead poisoning. Acute renal failure develops following acute lead intoxication and is often associated with gastrointestinal, neurologic, and hematologic disorders. Both blood and urinary laboratory abnormalities are associated with acute intoxication and are often diagnostic. Chronic lead nephropathy, a chronic tubulointerstitial nephritis on biopsy, occurs in the setting of long-term lead exposure and is often associated with hypertension and gout. Diagnosis of chronic lead nephropathy is more difficult since the laboratory abnormalities seen with acute lead intoxication are not present with chronic lead exposure. The typical clinical picture and the exclusion of other causes of renal disease allow the diagnosis of chronic lead nephropathy to be made. Evaluation of lead stores by either the calcium disodium edetate (EDTA) mobilization test or K-x-ray fluorescence are helpful in clinching the diagnosis. Treatment with EDTA lead mobilization is effective for acute lead poisoning while avoidance of further lead exposure prevents recurrence of lead intoxication. Treatment of chronic lead nephropathy with EDTA lead mobilization is useful if renal failure is modest; however, EDTA mobilization is of no benefit in patients with more severe renal insufficiency.
A New Diazo Method for the Determination of Bilirubin

A new technic for the determination of total bilirubin is reported. The substitution of 2,4 dichloroaniline for sulfanilic acid results in a very stable diazotized reagent which reacts quickly with bilirubin in plasma or serum. Comparison with a sulfanilic acid procedure indicates that similar analytic values are obtained with this technic; short quality control studies indicate satisfactory precision was obtained.
National outcomes for the treatment of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm: Comparison of open versus endovascular repairs

Objectives Endovascular repair (EVAR) of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (rAAA) has been shown to acutely decrease procedural mortality compared to open aortic repair (OAR). However, little is known about the effect of choice of procedure; EVAR vs OAR, or the impact of physician and institution volume on long-term survival and outcome. Methods Patients hospitalized with rAAA who underwent either OAR or EVAR, were derived from the Medicare inpatient dataset (1995-2004) using ICD9 codes. We evaluated long-term survival after OAR and EVAR in the entire fee-for-service Medicare population, and then in patients matched by propensity score to create two similar cohorts for comparison with Kaplan-Meier analysis. Annual surgeon and hospital volumes of EVAR (elective and ruptured), OAR (elective and ruptured), and rAAA (EVAR and OAR) were divided into quintiles to determine if increasing volumes correlate with decreasing mortality. Predictors of survival were determined by Cox modeling. Results A total of 43,033 Medicare beneficiaries had rAAA repair: 41,969 had OAR and 1,064 had EVAR. The proportions of patients with diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, renal disease, hyperlipidemia, and cancer were statistically higher in the EVAR than in the OAR group, whereas lower extremity vascular disease was higher in the OAR group. The initial evaluation of EVAR vs OAR, prior to propensity matching, showed no statistical advantage in EVAR-survival after 90 days. The survival analysis of patients matched by propensity score showed a benefit of EVAR over OAR that persisted throughout the 4 years of follow-up (P = .0042). Perioperative and long-term survival after rAAA repair correlated with increasing annual surgeon and hospital volume in OAR and EVAR and also with rAAA experience. EVAR repair had a protective effect (HR = 0.857, P = .0061) on long-term survival controlling for comorbidities, demographics, and hospital and surgeon volume. Conclusion When EVAR and OAR patients are compared using a reliable statistical technique such as propensity analysis, the perioperative survival advantage of rAAA repaired endovascularly is maintained over the long term. Institutional experience with rAAA is critical for survival after either OAR or EVAR.
Telomeric repeat mutagenicity in human somatic cells is modulated by repeat orientation and G-quadruplex stability

Abstract Telomeres consisting of tandem guanine-rich repeats can form secondary DNA structures called G-quadruplexes that represent potential targets for DNA repair enzymes. While G-quadruplexes interfere with DNA synthesis in vitro , the impact of G-quadruplex formation on telomeric repeat replication in human cells is not clear. We investigated the mutagenicity of telomeric repeats as a function of G-quadruplex folding opportunity and thermal stability using a shuttle vector mutagenesis assay. Since single-stranded DNA during lagging strand replication increases the opportunity for G-quadruplex folding, we tested vectors with G-rich sequences on the lagging versus the leading strand. Contrary to our prediction, vectors containing human [TTAGGG] 10 repeats with a G-rich lagging strand were significantly less mutagenic than vectors with a G-rich leading strand, after replication in normal human cells. We show by UV melting experiments that G-quadruplexes from ciliates [TTGGGG] 4 and [TTTTGGGG] 4 are thermally more stable compared to human [TTAGGG] 4 . Consistent with this, replication of vectors with ciliate [TTGGGG] 10 repeats yielded a 3-fold higher mutant rate compared to the human [TTAGGG] 10 vectors. Furthermore, we observed significantly more mutagenic events in the ciliate repeats compared to the human repeats. Our data demonstrate that increased G-quadruplex opportunity (repeat orientation) in human telomeric repeats decreased mutagenicity, while increased thermal stability of telomeric G-quadruplexes was associated with increased mutagenicity.
The Effects of Age and Heart Rate on Tricuspid Annular Motion Velocities in Healthy Nonsedated Cats

Background: Age and heart rate have effects on myocardial velocities as assessed by color tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) in people. A similar phenomenon has been identified when left ventricular velocities are assessed in cats. To date, the effects of age and heart rate on tricuspid annular velocities of cats have not been assessed. Objectives: This study was designed to determine the relationships between age and heart rate and tricuspid annular velocities in cats as assessed by 2-dimensional (2D) color TDI. Animals: Fifty healthy nonsedated cats with age range from 3 months to 19 years old were studied. Methods: Tricuspid annular velocities were obtained with 2D color TDI. Effects of age and heart rate on tricuspid annular velocities were evaluated by simple linear regression. The strength of the linear relationship was determined by using coefficient of determination (R2). Results: A significant weak negative relationship was found between age and peak early diastolic annular velocity (E'; R2= 0.135, P= .018). No significant relationships between age and right ventricular (RV) systolic TDI values were found. Diastolic and systolic TDI parameters were not affected by heart rate with the exception of deceleration rate of early diastolic motion (DR; R2= 0.100, P= .025). Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Age and heart rate have minimal effects on tricuspid annular velocities. The present study provides reference ranges for tricuspid annular velocities in healthy cats and information for assessing the clinical utility of color TDI for evaluation of RV function in cats.
Gas-Phase Purification of Single-Wall Carbon Nanotubes

A gas-phase purification method for raw nanotube material has been developed which incorporates a chlorine, water, and hydrogen chloride gas mixture to remove unwanted carbon. The evolved gases can be easily monitored by infrared spectroscopy to follow the cleaning process. The quality of the final material was verified by SEM (scanning electron microscopy), TGA (thermogravimetric analysis), and UV−vis (ultraviolet and visible absorption spectroscopy). The yield of ∼15 wt % indicates a uniquely selective carbon surface chemistry that prevents etching of the nanotubes, which are generally more reactive due to their larger curvature. Although the technique's usefulness for large-scale purification was not determined, the ability to purify single-wall nanotubes by a gas-phase method has been demonstrated, and a mechanism proposed.
Polymer-Supported “Multi-Site” Phase Transfer Catalysts

Abstract Polystyrene-supported, “multi-site” quarternary phosphonium salts are highly effective phase transfer catalysts and are as or more effective than similar “single-site” materials.
Rhineland radicals: The democratic movement and the revolution of 1848–1849

(1994). Rhineland radicals: The democratic movement and the revolution of 1848–1849. History of European Ideas: Vol. 18, No. 5, pp. 765-766.
Misleading negative chest radiographs: should we ADHERE to the conclusions?

In this issue, Collins et al present data from the Acute Decompensated Heart Failure Registry (ADHERE) and suggest that the initial emergency department (ED) chest radiograph may be insensitive to predict a hospital discharge diagnosis of acutely decompensated heart failure. The assertion that the chest radiograph is not that sensitive (for many disorders) is not new; however, the idea that 1 in 5 congestive heart failure patients has a false-negative chest radiograph in the ED seems inconsistent with clinical practice. If the chest radiograph does not show signs of heart failure, are we really missing clinically important cases? The face validity of these conclusions seems incongruent with our practice. Either the results are correct and we have been wrong in a number of cases for many years, or the data and assumptions used by Collins et al to infer these conclusions are invalid. I will make an argument for why the latter is likely true.
Clinical Subtypes of Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer''s disease (AD) can present as a variety of clinical profiles. Although the most common presentation is that of a progressive amnestic disorder with subsequent involvement of other cognitive
Intracochlear Drug Delivery Systems

Introduction: Advances in molecular biology and in the basic understanding of the mechanisms associated with sensorineural hearing loss and other diseases of the inner ear are paving the way towards new approaches for treatments for millions of patients. However, the cochlea is a particularly challenging target for drug therapy, and new technologies will be required to provide safe and efficacious delivery of these compounds. Emerging delivery systems based on microfluidic technologies are showing promise as a means for direct intracochlear delivery. Ultimately, these systems may serve as a means for extended delivery of regenerative compounds to restore hearing in patients suffering from a host of auditory diseases. Areas covered: Recent progress in the development of drug delivery systems capable of direct intracochlear delivery is reviewed, including passive systems such as osmotic pumps, active microfluidic devices and systems combined with currently available devices such as cochlear implants. The ai...
Primary immunodeficiency disorders in children: prompt diagnosis can lead to lifesaving treatment.

Abstract Primary immunodeficiencies in children are rare, but an early diagnosis can improve long-term quality of life and prevent rapid deterioration of the immune system. More than 70 immunodeficiency diseases have been identified and are classified according to the areas of the immune system that are compromised. When a suspicious history or an uninterrupted pattern of infections leads the practitioner to suspect immunodeficiency, it is essential that proper immunologic testing be initiated as soon as possible. Once a diagnosis is established, the practitioner and a team of experts all are involved in the multidisciplinary treatment, counseling, and longitudinal care of children with primary immunodeficiency. J Pediatr Health Care. (2002). 16, 16-21.
Performance Evaluation of Computing Systems with Memory Hierarchies

Data transfers in computing systems with memory hierarchies usually prolong computing time and, consequently, cause degradation of system performance. A method to determine data processing rates and the relative utilization of memories for various system configurations under a variety of program loads is presented. According to this method, a program-independent ultimate data processing rate is derived from characteristics of the processor and the fastest random access memory of the system, and degradation factors are determined by combining statistics of the data flow of actual programs and hardware parameters of the processor and all memories. The statistics of data flow in the memory hierarchy are obtained by analyzing a number of recorded address traces of executed programs. The method presented permits quick evaluation of system performance for arbitrary time periods and for maximum and minimum concurrence of operation of processors and memories.
Anuläres elastolytisches Riesenzellgranulom mit Spontanheilungstendenz

Annular elastolytic giant cell granuloma is mostly found in middle aged women in skin areas exposed to sunlight. Our 17-year-old female patient had a widespread reddish-brown lesion on the abdomen that met the histological criteria for annular elastolytic giant cell granuloma. However, the clinical findings and the localization were uncommon. UV light was excluded as a trigger. Other, still unknown, factors that might change antigenicity of elastic fibres must be considered. Spontaneous resolution suggests a transient influence of such factors. Differential diagnosis includes skin disorders with elastolysis; discrimination especially from mid-dermal elastolysis is not well defined.
Structure of a zeolite ZSM-5-Bithiophene complex as determined by high-resolution synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction

The structure of a zeolite ZSM-5 complex with ca. 4 molecules/unit cell of bithiophene was determined by high-resolution synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction. It adopts monoclinic symmetry in space group P21/n (a unique) between room temperature and 25 K, with refined lattice parameters at 25 K of a = 20.0614(4), b = 19.8251(4), c = 13.3623(4) A, and α = 90.848(2)°. Structural modeling and Rietveld refinements showed that there are two crystallographically unique bithiophene molecules, each with an occupancy factor of ca. 0.5. One bithiophene is localized at the center of the straight channels with one of the rings residing at the intersection with the sinusoidal channels. The other molecule lies in the sinusoidal channels and projects partially into the straight channels. The relationship between polythiophene chain length and the formation of conducting polythiophene molecular wires in the ZSM-5 framework is discussed.
A note on the discovery of ag factor by means of Thurstone's centroid method of analysis

A fictitious factor matrix including 16 tests and 3 factors, one of which was ag factor, was prescribed. From it two typical factor problems, including errors of sampling, were derived. Students in training, without awareness of the factor patterns, arrived at essentially correct solutions by the use of Thurstone's centroid method with rotation of axes. Errors in the calculated factor matrix were very close in size to the sampling errors in the correlation coefficients. It is concluded that ag factor need not escape detection by Thurstone's procedures if the criteria of complete simple structure are not demanded.
Economics of large-scale and on-farm production of fuel from crops in Australia

Abstract Higher real prices for crude oil in recent years have led to widespread interest in alternative fuels. In Australia, the production of fuel from crops is one of several options for replacing or extending the economic life of the supplies of traditional petroleum products. The purpose of this paper is to provide an examination of the economic issues surrounding the production of fuel ethanol from the fermentation of crop-based sugars and of vegetable oils from the crushing of oilseeds. Both large-scale production and on-farm production of these alternative fuels are discussed. It is concluded that ethanol and vegetable oil produced on a large-scale from conventional crops are not, in general, competitive in their own right with petroleum-based products at current price relativities and technology. In future years, the economic feasibility of crop-based fuel production will depend importantly on technological developments, relative movements in crop and oil prices and the outlook for sales of by-products. Only illustrative indications of the costs involved in on-farm production of ethanol and vegetable oils are provided. This is because the costs of producing fuel from crops are likely to vary widely between individual farms. Calculations in this paper suggest that on-farm production of both ethanol and vegetable oil fuels is not commercially viable at present, but the specific nature of these results must be stressed.
In-vivo fluorescence imaging of mammalian organs using charge-assembled mesocapsule constructs containing indocyanine green.

Indocyanine green (ICG) is a fluorescent probe used in clinical imaging. However, its utility remains limited by optical instability, rapid circulation kinetics, and exclusive uptake by the liver. Using mesocapsule (MC) constructs to encapsulate ICG, we have developed a technology to stabilize ICG’s optical properties and alter its biodistribution. We present in vivo fluorescence images of mammalian organs to demonstrate the potential application of our ICG encapsulation technology for optical imaging of specific tissues.
Assessment of a point-of-care lactate monitor in emergency admissions of adult horses to a referral hospital.

Background: Blood lactate concentration [LAC] is considered a useful indicator of disease severity in horses. Agreement of point-of-care (POC) lactate monitors with laboratory standards has not been established for clinically abnormal horses. Hypothesis: It was hypothesized that results from a POC lactate monitor would be in agreement with a laboratory-based measurement of [LAC]. Animals: The study included adult horses presented for emergency evaluation. Methods: A prospective observational study was performed. [LAC] was measured with whole blood (AWB) and plasma (APL) by means of a POC monitor (Accutrend) and compared with results from whole blood measured by a laboratory blood gas analyzer (NOVA). Results: Samples from 221 horses were used to compare the 2 lactate measurement techniques. Agreement (p ± SE) was closest between APL and NOVA (0.97 ± 0.01); an average observed difference of 0.15 ± 0.89 (mean ± SD) and 95% limits of agreement (LOA) -1.89, 1.59 also were found. Agreement was preserved and 95% LOA further decreased in horses with NOVA [LAC] of <5 mM and PCV <40%. Agreement was modest when testing whole blood samples on the POC monitor with increased 95% LOA. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Results indicate close agreement between NOVA and the POC monitor when [LAC] was measured with plasma. Results were less consistent at higher [LAC] but sufficiently reliable to follow trends. Although whole blood may be used with the POC monitor to identify clinically important hyperlactatemia, results may be insufficiently reliable to monitor trends.
Comparing Two Samples: Extensions of the t, Rank-Sum, and Log-Rank Tests

Abstract I consider the problem of testing that two populations are identical with respect to the distribution of a continuous variable against the alternative that values tend to be larger in one population. I observe that the t, rank-sum, and log-rank tests are insensitive for a large class of alternatives that may be expected to occur commonly in practice, propose a criterion for identifying this problem in a particular data set, and propose corresponding extensions of the conventional methods. The proposed methods should be useful for both identifying and interpreting group differences.
Conversion Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Reason Not to Use Cephalomedullary Nails

Previous studies have yet to compare outcomes of conversion to hip arthroplasty from screw and side plate vs cephalomedullary nail. Seventy-six patients at our institution underwent hip conversion after fixation failure. We performed a retrospective chart review to compare perioperative outcomes in these 2 groups. Both operative time (P = .020) and blood loss (P = .041) were significantly greater in patients converted from cephalomedullary nail. Greater length of stay in this group trended to significance (P = .101). Perioperative complications were similar. Recent practice patterns reveal a dramatic increase in the use of cephalomedullary nails despite lack of evidence suggesting their clinical superiority in certain fracture patterns. Our results suggest that conversion to total hip arthroplasty after internal fixation with cephalomedullary nail is a more complex procedure than is conversion from screw and side plate. The surgeon should consider possible later hip conversion and these results when choosing the appropriate fixation implant.
Pressure and Volume Loading of the Right Ventricle Have Opposite Effects on Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction

Background Left ventricular ejection fraction has been reported to be depressed in patients with right ventricular volume overload (RVVO) due to Ebstein’s anomaly and uncomplicated atrial septal defect, whereas it is usually preserved in right ventricular pressure overload (RVPO) due to congenital pulmonic stenosis. In the present study, we examined the hypothesis that the differential timing of active displacement of the ventricular septum into the left ventricle in RVPO (end systole) and RVVO (end diastole) results in opposite effects of RVPO and RVVO on left ventricular ejection fraction. Methods and Results Ten patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation after tricuspid valve resection for endocarditis and 10 patients with primary pulmonary hypertension were studied as models of isolated RVVO and RVPO, respectively. Left ventricular ejection fraction, end-diastolic volume, and regional systolic shortening were measured with the use of echocardiographic techniques in these 20 patients and 10 healthy control subjects. In RVPO, despite marked underfilling of the left ventricle relative to the healthy control subjects (end-diastolic volume, 48±26 versus 77±20 mL; P <.02), left ventricular ejection fraction was similar to that of the control subjects (56±5% versus 60±4%; P =.07) and only 1 of 10 RVPO patients had an ejection fraction of less than 50%. In contrast, in RVVO the left ventricle was volume replete (end-diastolic volume, 84±26 versus 77±20 mL; P =NS), but left ventricular ejection fraction was significantly depressed (51±4% versus 60±4%, P <.001) compared with the control subjects, and 4 of 10 RVVO patients had an ejection fraction of less than 50%. Analysis of systolic fractional shortening along two perpendicular short-axis diameters and the mutually orthogonal long axis demonstrated isolated augmentation of fractional shortening in the ventricular septal–to–posterolateral free wall dimension in RVPO (47.4±13.7% versus 34.2±13.1%, P <.05) and isolated depression of fractional shortening along that same dimension in RVVO (13.7±11.8% versus 34.2±13.1%, P <.001) compared with the control subjects. Conclusions End-systolic leftward ventricular septal shift in RVPO results in isolated augmentation of systolic shortening in the septal–to–free wall dimension, whereas end-diastolic leftward ventricular septal shift in RVVO results in isolated reduction in systolic shortening in the septal–to–free wall dimension. As a result, despite relative underfilling of the left ventricle in RVPO, resting left ventricular ejection fraction is preserved, whereas ejection fraction is depressed for the volume-replete left ventricle of patients with RVVO.
Urbanization effects on soil nitrogen transformations and microbial biomass in the subtropics

As urbanization can involve multiple alterations to the soil environment, it is uncertain how urbanization effects soil nitrogen cycling. We established 22–0.04 ha plots in six different land cover types—rural slash pine (Pinus elliottii) plantations (n = 3), rural natural pine forests (n = 3), rural natural oak forests (n = 4), urban pine forests (n = 3), urban oak forests (n = 4) and urban lawns (n = 5) to investigate how net soil nitrogen mineralization rates and soil microbial biomass differed between urban forests and rural forests and between urban forests and urban lawns in the Florida panhandle. Urban forest sites have 2.5 times as much net total nitrogen mineralized than rural forest sites based on the mean daily rates averaged over the 2 years study (2010–2012). Urbanization may increase soil microbial biomass and activity (potential carbon mineralization rates) and this may be influencing the soil nitrogen mineralization rates in the forest sites. To include an urban lawn (turfgrass) component in the study, one time measurements of soils from the aforementioned forest sites and from urban lawn sites (no fertilization, no irrigation) were collected in 2012. Urban forest sites and urban lawns sites do not differ in their potential carbon mineralization rates, potential net total nitrogen mineralization rates or microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen contents. However, lawns have a higher potential net nitrification rate compared to urban forests.
A Kalman filter approach to adaptive estimation of multispectral signatures

The signatures of remote sensing data from agricultural crops exhibit significant non-stationarity, so that the performance of fixed parameter classifiers degenerates with time and distance from the initial training data. A class of adaptive decision-directed classifiers are being developed, based on Kalman filter theory. Limited results to date on two data sets indicate approximately a 25%-40% reduction in rates of misclassification.
Rhesus monkeys are radical behaviorists

The data reviewed in Barresi & Moore's treatment of social understanding is recast in terms of a model of social intelligence that was advanced some time ago (Gallup 1982). When it comes to their analysis of the behavior of other individuals, most primates (and humans younger than 18 months of age) appear to function as radical behaviorists, whereas chimpanzees and older infants show evidence of becoming primitive cognitive psychologists.
Preparation and characterization of hydrophobic derivatives of TEMPO-oxidized nanocelluloses

Amidation and ionic complexation were evaluated as surface modification treatments for TEMPO-oxidized nanocelluloses (TONc), using octadecylamine (ODA) as the modifying compound. Effects of the two treatments on TONc with respect to degree of ODA substitution, surface hydrophobicity, crystalline characteristics, and thermal decomposition properties were investigated, respectively, with elemental analysis, contact angle measurements, X-ray diffraction spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. Both treatments resulted in complete substitution of TONc surface carboxyl groups with ODA, transforming TONc surfaces from hydrophilic to hydrophobic. A slightly greater than one-to-one ODA-to-carboxyl ratio was found for the ionic complexation product, giving it a more hydrophobic character than the amidation product. Furthermore, the ionic complexation product was found to be surprisingly stable in acidic environment and was able to resist dissociation at fairly low pH. TONc from both treatments could be readily dispersed in organic solvents of wide-ranging polarities, making ionic complexation an equally effective surface modification approach as amidation for the hydrophobization of TONc surfaces. It was also found, through X-ray diffraction results that the crystalline structure of TONc was preserved even after the surface modification treatments. Finally, the thermal stability of TONc was slightly increased as a result of the surface modification treatments as evidenced by slight shifts to higher values of TONc thermal decomposition temperature.
Simultaneous ion-pair photodissociation and dissociative ionization of an ionic liquid: velocity map imaging of vacuum-ultraviolet-excited 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide

Isolated gas-phase ionic liquid (IL) molecules, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([Emim+][Tf2N−]), are excited by laser-produced high-harmonic extreme ultraviolet light in the 17−26 eV range and the ions are probed by velocity map imaging. The velocities of the intact cation, Emim+, and intact anion, Tf2N−, are recorded in separate velocity map images. The kinetic energy distribution of the intact cation has both slow ions arising from previously reported dissociative ionization and fast ions from ion-pair dissociation of the neutral isolated ionic liquid (positive and negative ion pairs) where the branching ratio is approximately 0.18 ± 0.02:0.82 ± 0.02. The intact anion is also detected with a momentum that complements the higher velocity intact cation fragment, indicating that the process arises from two-body dissociation of the neutral ion-pair. Similar angular distributions for the anion and the higher velocity cation indicate that the electronic transition, which is abov...
A figure of merit for digital systems

Abstract The product of the signal propagation delay times the average power dissipation has been used as a figure of merit for digital systems in much the same way as the gain times bandwidth product has been used to evaluate and compare devices intended for linear circuit applications. In this paper it is shown that for simple logic systems, the delay × power product can be expressed in the form W = KΔVVccCT, where CT is the total circuit capacitance, Vcc is the power supply voltage, ΔV is the magnitude of the signal voltage transitions, and K is a constant which is usually determined by the circuit configuration but may depend on the pulse repetition frequency. Some simple logic systems are compared using this figure of merit and the results are discussed.
Deep Hubble Space Telescope imaging of 53W044 - An S0 radio galaxy at z = 0.311

Images of the Wide Field Camera (WFC) and Faint-Object Camera (FOC) of the radio galaxy 53W044 are presented. The WFC images are used to examine the structure of the galaxy, and show evidence for a significant disk, on the basis of which 53W044 is classified as an S0. This radio galaxy is near the maximum radio power associated with sources in S0 host galaxies. The FOC image is combined with ground-based spectroscopy to study 53W044's stellar population, which appears normal for an E/S0 galaxy of modest luminosity. No evidence is found for a significant contribution from a nuclear blue-continuum source, and the stellar population is old with a continuum level at 2100 A, consistent with what is seen in nearby radio galaxies.