cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ensemble Analysis of Climate-Change Impacts on Design-Service Life of Reinforced Concrete Bridge Decks across Canada

AbstractThis study presents a novel approach to investigate the impacts of temperature rise in a changing climate on the design-service life of reinforced concrete bridge decks in diverse regions a...
Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Guided Focused Ultrasound Ablation of Lumbar Facet Joints of a Patient With a Magnetic Resonance Image Non-Conditional Pacemaker at 1.5T

Abstract Objective To provide an initial report that patients with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) non-conditional cardiac implanted electronic device (CIED) can undergo state-of-the-art magnetic resonance imaging–guided focused (MRgFUS) ablation procedures with careful planning and integration of the procedure into an established CIED MRI practice. Patient and Methods We describe an MRgFUS ablation treatment of lumbar facet joints in a patient with an MRI non-conditional CIED (pacemaker), completed in accordance with our institutional CIED/MRI practice guidelines. Results A risk-benefit analysis by a coordinated multidisciplinary team before this treatment was performed to account for the risks associated with the MRI non-conditional pacemaker in the context of the MRgFUS procedure. Conclusion The patient had no adverse cardiac event during or following this procedure.
Minimum Time Speed Control of the Induction Motor Drive Using Discrete Time Sliding Mode

The Induction Motor (IM) and Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) are widely used in the electric and hybrid-electric vehicle. To obtain fast dynamics during acceleration/braking, they are controlled using field-orientation. Typically, inner controllers are used for dq current control; additionally, the PMSM needs an outer speed controller while the IM needs both a speed and a flux controller. PI controllers are easy to use because they can be tuned without exact knowledge of the plant. Tuning by trial and error yields reasonable transient performance and zero steady-state error. However, if the objective is to accelerate or decelerate as fast as possible, this is not the best approach. This paper presents a design for the speed controller that moves the speed of the drive from one value to another in minimum time. Observers for the load torque are also presented; it is shown that using them does not really improve the speed dynamics. The paper presents a speed controller design based on optimal control concepts and discrete time sliding mode control.
Differential and unique patterns of synaptic miRNA expression in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex of depressed subjects.

Altered synaptic plasticity is often associated with major depressive disorder (MDD). Disease-associated changes in synaptic functions are tightly correlated with altered microRNA (miRNA) expression. Here, we examined the role of miRNAs and their functioning at the synapse in MDD by examining miRNA processing machinery at synapse and sequencing miRNAs and analyzing their functions in synaptic and total tissue fractions obtained from dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) of 15 MDD and 15 matched non-psychiatric control subjects. A total of 333 miRNAs were reliably detected in the total tissue fraction. Multiple testing following the Benjamini–Hochberg false discovery rate [FDR] showed that 18 miRNAs were significantly altered (1 downregulated 4 up and 13 downregulated; p < 0.05) in MDD subjects. Out of 351 miRNAs reliably expressed in the synaptic fraction, 24 were uniquely expressed at synapse. In addition, 8 miRNAs (miR-215-5p, miR-192-5p, miR-202-5p, miR-19b-3p, miR-423-5p, miR-219a-2-3p; miR-511-5p, miR-483-5p showed significant (FDR corrected; p < 0.05) differential regulation in the synaptic fraction from dlPFC of MDD subjects. In vitro transfection studies and gene ontology revealed involvement of these altered miRNAs in synaptic plasticity, nervous system development, and neurogenesis. A shift in expression ratios (synaptic vs. total fraction) of miR-19b-3p, miR-376c-3p, miR-455-3p, and miR-337-3p were also noted in the MDD group. Moreover, an inverse relationship between the expression of precursor (pre-miR-19b-1, pre-miR-199a-1 and pre-miR-199a-2) and mature (miR-19b-3p, miR-199a-3p) miRNAs was found. Although not significantly, several miRNA processing enzymes (DROSHA [95%], DICER [17%], TARBP2 [38%]) showed increased expression patterns in MDD subjects. Our findings provide new insights into the understanding of the regulation of miRNAs at the synapse and their possible roles in MDD pathogenesis.
Developing a standardized protocol for computational sentiment analysis research using health-related social media data.

OBJECTIVE Sentiment analysis is a popular tool for analyzing health-related social media content. However, existing studies exhibit numerous methodological issues and inconsistencies with respect to research design and results reporting, which could lead to biased data, imprecise or incorrect conclusions, or incomparable results across studies. This article reports a systematic analysis of the literature with respect to such issues. The objective was to develop a standardized protocol for improving the research validity and comparability of results in future relevant studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS We developed the Protocol of Analysis of senTiment in Health (PATH) based on a systematic review that analyzed common research design choices and how such choices were made, or reported, among eligible studies published 2010-2019. RESULTS Of 409 articles screened, 89 met the inclusion criteria. A total of 16 distinctive research design choices were identified, 9 of which have significant methodological or reporting inconsistencies among the articles reviewed, ranging from how relevance of study data was determined to how the sentiment analysis tool selected was validated. Based on this result, we developed the PATH protocol that encompasses all these distinctive design choices and highlights the ones for which careful consideration and detailed reporting are particularly warranted. CONCLUSIONS A substantial degree of methodological and reporting inconsistencies exist in the extant literature that applied sentiment analysis to analyzing health-related social media data. The PATH protocol developed through this research may contribute to mitigating such issues in future relevant studies.
Self-Selection and Comparative Advantage in Social Interactions

We propose a theory of social interactions based on self-selection and comparative advantage. In our model, students choose peer groups based on their comparative advantage within a social environment. The effect of moving a student into a different environment with higher-achieving peers depends on where in the ability distribution she falls and the shadow prices that clear the social market. We show that the model’s key prediction—an individual’s ordinal rank predicts her behavior and test scores—is borne out in one randomized controlled trial in Kenya as well as administrative data from the United States. To test whether our selection mechanism can explain the effect of rank on outcomes, we conduct an experiment with nearly 600 public school students in Houston. The experimental results suggest that social interactions are mediated by self-selection based on comparative advantage.
Meaning of Gravity Survey - Version 1.1

A survey instrument used to assess attitudes towards the seriousness of mass atrocities. It tests the components of the gravity definition provided by the International Criminal Court's Office of the Prosecutor in its 2013 Policy Paper on Preliminary Examinations.
Contemporary Management of Ruptured Infrarenal Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

Repair of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (RAAAs) is the pinnacle of emergent vascular surgical operations. Traditionally, open surgical reconstruction was the mainstay of treatment. Professional societal recommendations have shifted towards an endovascular first approach for treatment of RAAAs, mirroring trends in elective abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. This review seeks to highlight the influence of newly published literature on the current treatment paradigm. Significant research progress has been made since publication of these guidelines—further bolstering support for large-scale adoption of endovascular repair for RAAAs.
Addressing High Speed Memory Interface Test Quality Gaps in Shared Bus Architecture

Recent trends in high performance SoCs (System-on-Chips) indicate a significant growth in memory content causing memory paths to be amongst the most critical paths in the designs. Hence, high quality memory interface tests are crucial in achieving low DPPM (defective parts per million) and better screening of parts. Shared bus interface is a typical memory architecture used in complex processor cores to enable memory testing along its true functional access path. In spite of that, certain gaps exist which limits covering all functional interfaces to memories in its entirety. In this paper, we propose a novel methodology to strategically identify specific high speed memory interfaces with test quality gaps and tactically target them through structural scan based tests along the longest path to enable screen for marginal defects. The proposed method deploys a composite slack based test method to achieve high test quality at a minimal test cost impact. Experimental results on a large design indicate significant reduction (67%) in the target fault set, which resulted in 65% reduction in test vectors (71% test time reduction) using the proposed schemes as compared to baseline methods used for structural memory sequential test.
Standardization of EUS imaging and reporting in high-risk individuals of pancreatic adenocarcinoma: consensus statement of the Pancreatic Cancer Early Detection Consortium (PRECEDE).

ABSTRACT Background and Aims Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is an aggressive disease most often diagnosed after local progression or metastatic dissemination, precluding resection and resulting in a high mortality rate. For individuals with elevated personal risk of the development of pancreatic cancer, EUS is a frequently used advanced imaging and diagnostic modality. However, there is variability in the expertise and definition of EUS findings among gastroenterologists, as well as lack of standardized reporting of relevant findings at the time of examination. Adoption of standardized EUS reporting, using a universally accepted and agreed upon terminology, is needed. Methods A consensus statement designed to create a standardized reporting template was authored by a multidisciplinary group of experts in pancreatic diseases that includes gastroenterologists, radiologists, surgeons, oncologists, and geneticists. This statement was developed using a modified Delphi process as part of the Pancreatic Cancer Early Detection Consortium (PRECEDE) and >75% agreement was required to reach consensus. Results We identified reporting elements and present standardized reporting templates for EUS indications, procedural data, EUS image capture, and descriptors of findings, tissue sampling, and for postprocedural assessment of adequacy. Conclusions Adoption of this standardized EUS reporting template should improve consistency in clinical decision making for individuals with elevated risk of pancreatic cancer by providing complete and accurate reporting of pancreatic abnormalities. Standardization will also help to facilitate research and clinical trial design by using clearly defined and consistent imaging descriptions, thus allowing for comparison of results across different centers.
Chapter 6 Motor nerve conduction studies

Publisher Summary This chapter describes motor nerve conduction studies that constitute a major element of the electrodiagnostic examination. They can identify features of demyelination and axon loss, they can define defects of neuromuscular junction transmission, and they can reflect severe muscle fiber loss. Stimulation is applied at distal and proximal sites along a nerve trunk. Recording of the resulting action potential occurs with surface electrodes overlying a muscle belly innervated by the stimulated nerve. Features of a motor conduction study that can be analyzed include the amplitude, area, and configuration of the response waveform, as well as its latency and conduction velocity. Recent work has confirmed that the reference electrode may not be electrically silent in relation to the active electrode. This is especially true for the ulnar and tibial motor nerve conduction studies, where the traditional reference electrode position can contribute a greater amount toward the main negative peak of the compound muscle action potential (CMAP) than does the active electrode.
Electroconvulsive therapy and the chronic use of pseudocholinesterase-inhibitor (echothiophate iodide) eye drops for glaucoma. A case report.

Abstract A case is presented in which a patient who required treatment with electroconvulsive therapy had a history of being treated with pseudocholinesterase-inhibitor eye drops (echothiophate iodide) for glaucoma. As treatment with this anti-glaucoma agent contraindicated the use of succinylcholine for a minimum of 10–14 days, the short-acting nondepolarizing agent atracurium was employed instead. The anesthetic management of this patient is described as a guide for clinicians facing similar clinical situations.
Criteria for Growth of the Angled Crack

Mixed mode fracture in two dimensions has been of recent interest via study of a crack at an arbitrary angle to the axis of applied load. Three criteria for growth under tensile loads are reviewed and, although they proceed on distinct bases, give similar results. A corollary to a minimum energy hypothesis is inferred. A compression model is suggested and examined in terms of two criteria. Comparisons to data, to the extent they are available, are considered; observations on the nature of the data are followed by suggestions for further research.
Nitrogen Fixation by Gram-Negative Bacteria

ALTHOUGH claims for nitrogen fixation by Gram-negative bacteria other than the Azotobacter have been made in the past1, confirmation of such claims is comparatively recent2–5. Nitrogen fixation by particular strains of Pseudomonas has been reported by Anderson2 and by Voets and Debacker3. Recently, Jensen5 isolated from a Danish water-course a nitrogen-fixing organism that appears to be a species of Achromobacter. In most of these studies, the investigators were attempting to obtain species such as Azotobacter that are known to fix nitrogen; hence the techniques employed would select for this characteristic. Because of the significance of the discovery of these new agents for both theoretical and applied biology we have examined strains of Pseudomonas and Achromobacter that had been isolated under non-selective conditions.
Oncologic imaging: Kidney and ureter

Abstract Malignant cancers of the kidney and ureter account for only 2–3% of all neoplasms in man. However, early diagnosis and treatment can have a profound effect on patient prognosis and survival. This article seeks to amalgamate a large body of information related to the pathology of primary renal tumors and metastatic disease with current imaging strategies to assist the clinician and enhance his understanding of the wide variety of modern imaging techniques available. Current tumor staging classifications are presented and the various imaging strategies are keyed to detection, definition and treatment options for tumors of the renal parenchyma and ureter. The strengths and limitations of all available imaging modalities are reviewed. An optimal approach to the imaging work up is developed with regard to availability, evolving technology and most importantly, cost efficacy. The controversies and conflicts in imaging and treatment options are explored while constructing a step by step approach that will be both flexible and utilitarian for the clinician faced with daily oncologic management choices.
Porogen-induced surface modification of nano-fibrous poly(l-lactic acid) scaffolds for tissue engineering

Abstract In addition to suitable pore architecture of a tissue-engineering scaffold, surface modification after scaffolding fabrication is often needed to enhance the interactions between cells and the synthetic material. In this study, a novel one-step process was developed to fabricate surface-modified nano-fibrous poly( l -lactic acid) (NF-PLLA) scaffolds. First, gelatin spheres with smooth surface were prepared by non-surfactant emulsification, solvent extraction, and freeze-drying. A three-dimensional NF-PLLA scaffold was then fabricated by using gelatin spheres as porogen. Gelatin molecules were entrapped onto the scaffold surface during the fabrication process. Attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis demonstrated the existence of gelatin molecules on the surface of the polymer scaffold. The amount of gelatin on the scaffold surface was controlled by the composition of the solvent mixture of gelatin solution. The compressive modulus of scaffold prepared with gelatin spheres was more than three times higher than that prepared with irregular gelatin particles of the same size range. The surface modification significantly improved initial cell adhesion and proliferation over a 2-week culture. SEM images indicated that cells spread on the gelatin-entrapped scaffolds in contrast to spherical or spindle morphology on the control 1 day after cell seeding. Furthermore, more matrix secretion was observed on the surface-modified scaffolds than on the control after 2 weeks of in vitro cultivation. In conclusion, this approach provides a simple one-step process to fabricate surface-modified collagen-like NF-PLLA scaffolds, which have improved cell adhesion and proliferation.
Patients Benefit While Surgeons Suffer: An Impending Epidemic

Background The widely held belief that laparoscopy causes greater strain on surgeons' bodies than open surgery is not well documented in scope or magnitude. In the largest North American survey to date, we investigated the association of demographics, ergonomics, and environment and equipment with physical symptoms reported by laparoscopic surgeons. Study Design There were 317 surgeons identified as involved in laparoscopic practices who completed the online survey. Data collected from this comprehensive 23-question survey were analyzed using chi-square. Results There were 272 laparoscopic surgeons (86.9%) who reported physical symptoms or discomfort. The strongest predictor of symptoms was high case volume, with the surprising exceptions of eye and back symptoms, which were consistently reported even with low case volumes. High rates of neck, hand, and lower extremity symptoms correlated with fellowship training, which is strongly associated with high case volume. Surprisingly, symptoms were little related to age, height, or practice length. The level of surgeons' awareness of ergonomic guidelines proved to be somewhere between slightly and somewhat aware. A substantial number of respondents requested improvements in regard to both the positioning and resolution of the monitor. Conclusions Far beyond previous reports of 20% to 30% incidence of occupational injury, we present evidence that 87% of surgeons who regularly perform minimally invasive surgery suffer such symptoms or injuries, primarily high case load-associated. Additional data accrual and analysis are necessary, as laparoscopic procedures become more prevalent, for improvement of surgeon-patient and surgeon-technology interfaces to reverse this trend and halt the epidemic before it is upon us.
On Keeping Marine Organisms Alive in Small Aquaria

IN NATURE of November 10 (p. 44), a contrivance is mentioned by the use of which the sea-water in a small aquarium can be kept in motion. The same kind of apparatus has been employed during the winter 1897–98 in Kiel, for keeping Peridinea and Diatoms of the Plankton in a healthy condition. Prof. Geo. Karsten has described the apparatus used in the Wissenschaft. Meeresuntersuch. der Kommiss. z. wissenschaft. Untersuch. d.deutsch. Meere in Kiel und der Biolog. Anstalt a. Helgoland, vol. iii. part 2, March 1898, p. 8. In this case a clinostat-clockwork was used, and the plunger rose five times in three minutes. The bell-jar, serving as an aquarium, was very small, holding about 1˙5 litre. Ceratium and Skeletonema got on very well, the same plants dying off rapidly on being kept in water at rest.
Flow and emplacement direction determined for selected basaltic bodies using magnetic susceptibility anisotropy measurements

Abstract Low-field anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) has been determined for a total of 248 basaltic specimens taken from cross sections between the cooling interfaces of 6 subaerial lavas, 6 deep-sea lavas, and 6 intrusives (5 dikes and 1 sill). Statistically significant AMS clusters are exhibited by all the dikes examined and, based upon these clusters, derivation of emplacement direction becomes possible. Two lavas are observed to have statistically significant AMS clusters which can be used for flow direction determinations. The methods of emplacement and flow direction analysis are discussed as well as the statistics used. It is concluded that most of the dikes examined have low angle emplacement directions. A classification scheme for AMS data distributions is presented. The AMS analysis shows that intrusives and deep-sea lavas can be distinguished from subaerial lavas approximately 80% of the time by the random AMS ellipsoid orientations exhibited in subaerial lavas. Contrasts in the fluid properties, degassing, wall effects with subsequent distortion of the fluid, and grain interaction during the extrusion of subaerial lavas can be expected to distort magnetic grain alignment. Further effects such as convection and secondary processes contribute to yield the random distributions observed for most of these bodies.
Spectroscopy of the Λ 7 He nucleus in a three-cluster model

The Λ7He hypernucleus is considered within the Λ5He + n + n cluster model. The hyperon—nucleon interaction is described by a one-boson-exchange potential that is constructed on the basis of the NSC97f model. Phenomenological potentials are used to describe the αΛ and αN interactions. For the Λ5Hen interaction, use is made of the folding-model potential. The calculations of the hyperon binding energy in the ground state of the Λ7He hypernucleus on the basis of Faddeev equations in configuration space yield a result (5.35 MeV) that agrees well with preliminary experimental data (5.4 MeV). The problem of calculating the hyperon binding energy within the three-body approach is discussed. In calculating the energy spectrum of Λ7He, use is made of a version of the method of analytic continuation in the coupling constant. Low-lying excited states of this nucleus can be classified as an analog of the corresponding states of the 6He nucleus with allowance for the clustering of the Λ5He+n+n system in the 6He(Jπ)+Λ(s) form.
Precise Animated 3-D Displays Of The Heart Constructed From X-Ray Scatter Fields

A technique, based upon the interrogation of x-ray scatter, has been used to construct precise animated displays of the three-dimensional surface of the heart throughout the cardiac cycle. With the selection of motion amplification, viewing orientation, beat rate, and repetitive playbacks of isolated segments of the cardiac cycle, these displays are used to directly visualize epicardial surface velocity and displacement patterns, to construct regional maps of old or new myocardial infarction, and to visualize diastolic stiffening of the ventricle associated with acute ischemia. The procedure is non-invasive. Cut-downs or injections are not required.
Interaction of Secondary Injectants and Rocket Exhaust for Thrust Vector Control

Tests were conducted with 1300to 1500-lb thrust solid rocket motors in order to investigate the side-force generation mechanisms associated with the injection of a secondary fluid into the expansion cone of a solid propellant rocket nozzle for thrust-vector control. The nozzles were 15° conicals with a nominal expansion ratio of 25:1. All firings were conducted in zero-flow ejectors. Freon-12, water, and gaseous nitrogen were used as the injectant. Nozzle-wall pressure profiles, side thrust , and the nozzle-wall shock interface were recorded. The general character of the pressure disturbance was defined. The major portion of the side force was generated by the pressure disturbance downstream of the injector. The axial-thrust augmentation generated by the injectant was calculated. The effects of nozzle-expansion ratio and injector location on the side force were clearlv illustrated.
Treatment of feedyard dust containing endotoxin and its effect on weanling goats

Forty-two, mixed-sex, weanling goats were randomly allotted to six treatment groups: principal autoclaved dust ( n = 6), control non-autoclaved dust (n = 6), principal dry-heat dust (n = 6), and control non-dry-heat dust (n = 6). Principals were treated with appropriate dust for one 4 h treatment in a closed tent. The data from the principal dust group ( n = 9) and the control non-dust group (n = 9) were recorded after one 4 h dust treatment prior to the start of the present study. The endotoxin (ET) concentrations were determined for autoclaved dust (13.3g ET/g), dry-heated dust (0.173g ET/g), and non-treated dust 26.9g ET/g. The tent aerosolized dust concentrations were: autoclaved dust 0.369 g/(m 3 min) with 4.904g ET/(m 3 min); dry-heated dust 0.347 g/(m 3 min) with 0.0015g ET/(m 3 min); and non-treated dust 0.539 g/(m 3 min) with 4.904g ET/(m 3 min). These ET aerosol concentrations caused the autoclave dust goat group and the non-treated dust goat group to significantly increase their rectal temperatures at 4, and 8 h and total white blood cells (WBCs) increased at 12 and 24 h compared to their respective non-dust control groups. The dry-heat aerosol dust ET concentration in the tent did not induce an increased mean rectal temperature response or an increased mean total WBC count. Of the three principal dust products only the non-treated dust contained viable microbes. Published by Elsevier Science B.V.
Liquidus isotherms, solidus lines and LPE growth in the Te-rich corner of the Hg-Cd-Te system

Liquidus isotherms for the Hg1−xCdxTe primary phase field in the Te-rich corner of the Hg-Cd-Te ternary system have been determined for temperatures from 425 to 600‡C by a modified direct observational technique. These isotherms were used to help establish conditions for the open-tube liquid phase epitaxial growth of Hg1−xCdxTe layers on CdTe1−ySey substrates. Layers with x ranging from 0.1 to 0.8 have been grown from Te-rich HgCdTe solutions under flowing H2 by means of a horizontal slider technique that prevents loss of Hg from the solutions by evaporation. Growth temperatures and times of 450–550‡C and 0.25–10 min, respectively, have been used. The growth solution equilibration time is typically 1 h at 550‡C. Source wafers, supercooled solutions, and (111)-oriented substrates were employed in growing the highest quality layers, which were between 3 and 15 Μm thick. Electron microprobe analysis was used to determine x for the epitaxial layers, and the resulting data, along with the liquidus isotherms, were used to obtain solidus lines. In addition to EMP data, optical transmission results are given.
Immunodeficiency in canine demodectic mange. II. Skin reactions to phytohemagglutinin and concanavalin A

The T-lymphocyte mitogens phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and concanavalin A (Con A) were used as skin test agents to assess the cellular immune competence of dogs with demodectic mange. The intradermal injection of either mitogen into the abdomen of dogs produced a local erythematous and indurated papule characteristic of a delayed hypersensitive response. The mean diameter of the reaction at 24 and 48 following injection was significantly smaller in eight demodectic dogs than in eight dogs free from mite infestation (P < 0.05). This suppressed response suggested that dogs with demodicosis may have a hypoactive cellular immune system rendering them less capable of combating invading demodicids. The intradermal injection of PHA and Con A also produced an immediate wheal reaction. The mean diameter of the wheal after 15 min was significantly larger in demodectic dogs than in the control animals (P < 0.05). A possible reason for this difference and a potential mechanism for the reaction are discussed.
Disentangling oil weathering at a marine seep using GC×GC: Broad metabolic specificity accompanies subsurface petroleum biodegradation

Natural seeps contribute nearly half of the oil entering the coastal ocean. However, environmental fate studies generally monitor fewer than 5% of these petroleum compounds. Hence, the rates and relevance of physical, chemical, and biological weathering processes are unknown for the large majority of hydrocarbons, both released from natural seeps and also from human activities. To investigate the specific compositional changes occurring in petroleum during subsurface degradation and submarine seepage, we studied the natural oil seeps offshore Santa Barbara, California with comprehensive, two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC). With this technique, we quantified changes in the molecular diversity and abundance of hydrocarbons between subsurface reservoirs, a proximal sea floor seep, and the sea surface overlying the seep. We also developed methods to apportion hydrocarbon mass losses due to biodegradation, dissolution, and evaporation, for hundreds of tracked compounds that ascended from the subsurface...
Disability indices, the economic costs of illness, and social insurance: the case of multiple sclerosis.

Debilitating, long-term illness can impose a significant economic hardship on families afflicted with the illness and on the wider society as well. In addition to medical research to find a cure or a prevention for such illnesses, society may wish, in the interim, to allocate resources to compensate the families burdened by the illness for the economic losses they have suffered. Such compensation will take the form of a social insurance program. The socially optimal insurance program requires two crucial pieces of information: (i) an index of physical disability and (ii) an accurate assessment of the economic losses associated with each stage of disability as measured by that index. This paper reports on an initial attempt using U.S. data to provide these two important facts for one long-term, disabling illness: multiple sclerosis.
An iron chelating compound released by barley roots in response to Fe‐deficiency stress

Abstract The excretion of phytosiderophores by barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) has recently been documented and a major difference in the Fe‐stress response of gramineous species and dicotyledonous species proposed. However, currently used methods of quantifying and measuring phytosiderophore are tedious or require specialized equipment and a cultivar easily accessible to U.S. scientists is needed. The objectives of this study were (a) to determine if “Steptoe”; and “Europa”; (used as a control cultivar) barleys would release Fe3+ solubilizing compounds in response to Fe‐deficiency stress and (b) to develop a technique to determine the efficiency of solubilization of Fe(OH)3 by the released chelating substances. Two cultivars of barley were place under Fe‐stressed (‐Fe) and nonstressed (+Fe) conditions in modified Hoagland solutions (14 L). The solutions were periodically monitored for H+ and reductant release from the roots and plants were rated daily for chlorosis development. Periodic (6 or 7 harvests) eva...
Proton‐ionizable crown compounds. 4. New macrocyclic polyether ligands containing a triazole subcyclic unit

A series of macrocyclic polyether (crown) ligands containing the proton-ionizable s-triazole subcyclic unit were prepared by reacting the 1-THP blocked 3,5-bis(chloromethyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole with various oligoethylene glycols. The starting bis(chloromethyl)triazole is a vessicant and must be used with caution. Triazolo-18-crown-6 (5) formed stable complexes with barium, strontium, copper and benzylammonium cations but not with potassium or lithium. The crystal structure of 5 showed the triazole proton to be on nitrogen 3 which is outside the macroring cavity.
The effect of environmental water on the craze growth rate of atactic polystyrene

The effect of water at standard temperature and pressure on the rate of craze growth in polystyrene was studied with an elapsed-time photography method. Water was found to be a mild crazing agent for polystyrene, increasing the craze velocity by somewhat more than an order of magnitude at room temperature. The craze length was found to increase proportional to the square root of time, as is expected for transport-limited solvent crazing. The interface convolution model for craze growth and thickening was found to account well for the stress dependence of the craze front velocity in both the “dry” and the “wet” states, and for the total effect of water on the craze velocity. The stress dependence of the craze front velocity implies that craze fibrils grow by surface drawing and that water molecules interact only with the plastically deforming fringing layer of polymer at the craze borders.
Heavy-to-light meson form factors at large recoil

Heavy-to-light meson form factors at large recoil can be described using the same techniques as for hard exclusive processes involving only light hadrons. Two competing mechanisms appear in the large-recoil regime, describing so-called ''soft-overlap'' and ''hard-scattering'' components of the form factors. It is shown how existing experimental data from B and D decays constrain the relative size of these components, and how lattice data can be used to study properties such as the energy scaling laws obeyed by the individual components. Symmetry relations between different form factors (F{sub +}, F{sub 0} and F{sub T}), and between different heavy initial-state mesons (B and D), are derived in the combined heavy-quark and large-recoil limits, and are shown to generalize corresponding relations valid at small recoil. Form factor parameterizations that are consistent with the large-recoil limit are discussed.
Mode selection in weakly unstable two-dimensional detonations

A formulation of the reactive Euler equations in the shock-attached frame is used to study the two-dimensional instability of weakly unstable detonation through direct numerical simulation. The results are shown to agree with the predictions of linear stability analysis. Comparisons are made with linear perturbation growth rates and oscillation frequencies as a function of transverse disturbance wavelength. The perturbation eigenfunctions predicted by linear stability analysis are directly validated through numerical simulation. Three regimes of unstable behavior – linear, weakly nonlinear, and fully nonlinear – are explored and characterized in terms of the power spectrum of the normal shock velocity for a Chapman–Jouguet detonation with weak heat release.
Political and Militant Wings within Dissident Movements and Organizations

A model is developed to provide a basis for investigating the nature of faction behavior and the interrelationships between factions and between factions and their supporters under conditions of competition and cooperation. A general finding of the study illustrates the fact that when factions act competitively and independently of one another, the results do not necessarily lead to increased dissident activity and violence when compared to the case when factions act jointly and coordinate their actions. For example, when faction activities generate positive externalities and are strategic complements, competition and the independent behavior of factions lead to decreased levels of dissident activity. The model can also be used to derive implications for various types of counterterrorism policies when a government faces independently acting groups within a dissident movement.
Origin of hibonite‐pyroxene spherules found in carbonaceous chondrites

— We have studied both of the known glass-free, hibonite-pyroxene spherules: MYSM3, from Murray (CM2), and Y17–6, from Yamato 791717 (CO3). They consist of hibonite plates (∼2 wt% TiOtot2) enclosed in Al-rich pyroxene that has such high amounts of CaTs (CaAl2SiO6) component, up to ∼80 mol%, that it must have crystallized metastably. Within the pyroxene, abundances of MgO and SiO2 are strongly correlated with each other and are anticorrelated with those of Al2O3, reflecting an anticorrelation between the diopside and CaTs components of the pyroxene. In contrast with previous results for Type B fassaite, however, we do not observe an anticorrelation between MgO and TiOtot2, possibly reflecting different relative distribution coefficients for Ti3+ and Ti4+ in the aluminous pyroxene of the spherules from those found for fassaite in Type B inclusions. Previously described hibonite-silicate spherules have 26Mg deficits but the present samples do not. Furthermore, the pyroxene in Y17-6 has excess 26Mg, while the hibonite it encloses does not, indicating that the two phases either had different initial 26Al/27Al ratios or different initial 26Mg/24Mg ratios. The Ti isotopic compositions of the present samples are highly unusual: δ50Ti = 103.4 ± 5.2%o in MYSM3 and -61.4 ± 4.1%0 in Y17-6, which are among the largest 50Ti anomalies reported for any refractory inclusion. The textures suggest that hibonite crystallized first; but based on the calculated bulk compositions of both spherules, it is not the liquidus phase in either sample, which suggests that the hibonite in both samples is relict. The presence of ragged hibonite grains in MYSM3 and rounded hibonite grains in Y17-6 and a lack of isotopic equilibrium between pyroxene and hibonite support this conclusion. The spherules crystallized from liquid droplets that probably formed as a result of the melting of solid precursor grains that included hibonite. The heating events were too short and/or not hot enough to melt all the hibonite. The droplets cooled quickly enough that CaTs-rich pyroxene crystallized instead of anorthite. Based on the observed differences in isotopic composition, it is unlikely that the precursors of the present samples formed in the same reservoir as each other or as the previously described hibonite-silicate spherules, providing further evidence of the isotopic heterogeneity of the early solar nebula.
Selektive Acetalisierung von Steroidketonen mit [Tris‐triphenylphosphin]‐rhodium(I)‐chlorid

Mit dem Rhodiumkatalysator (PPh3)3RhCl (1) konnen 3-Keto-steroide in alkoholischen Losungen selektiv zu 3-Dialkylacetalen umgesetzt werden. Die Acetalbildung tritt nach Entstehung des Rhodiumhydrids ein α.β-Ungesattigte 3-Keto-steroide werden erst zum gesattigten Keton reduziert, dann erfolgt Acetalisierung.
Isolation and Characterization of Salmonella from Broiler Carcasses or Parts

Abstract A study was conducted to determine and characterize Salmonella contamination on ready-to-cook broilers or parts in the Columbus, OH, metropolitan area. Ten to twelve samples per store were examined, using a whole-carcass rinse method. The Salmonella cultures isolated were tested for resistance to a series of nine drugs and, subsequently, were sent to the National Veterinary Services Laboratory at Ames, IA for serotype identification. Cultures identified as Salmonella were also examined for the presence of plasmids. Salmonella was isolated from one or more samples obtained from 11 of the 12 stores, and from 43% of the 142 samples examined. The serotypes isolated most often were Salmonella hadar, Salmonella Heidelberg, and Salmonella johannesburg. Of the 55 cultures tested for drug resistance, 32.7% were sensitive to all nine drugs. The most-common patterns of drug resistance were triple sulfa (41.8% of the cultures) and tetracycline (34.5% of the cultures). Plasmids were found in 41.7% of the 36 cultures analyzed. The results of the present study indicate that the probability is high that carcasses from retail stores will have at least a few drug-resistant Salmonella cells.
Computation of a few Lyapunov exponents for continuous and discrete dynamical systems

In this paper, we consider QR-based method for computing the first few Lyapunov exponents of continuous and discrete dynamical systems. Algorithmic developments are discussed. Implementation details, error estimation and testing are also given.
Behavioral Deficits Associated with Dietary Induction of Decreased Brain Docosahexaenoic Acid Concentration

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an n-3 fatty acid, is rapidly deposited during the period of rapid brain development. The influence of n-3 fatty acid deficiency on learning performance in adult rats over two generations was investigated. Rats were fed either an n-3 fatty acid-adequate (n-3 Adq) or -deficient (n-3 Def) diet for three generations (F1-F3). Levels of total brain n-3 fatty acids were reduced in the n-3 Def group by 83 and 87% in the F2 and F3 generations, respectively. In the Morris water maze, the n-3 Def group showed a longer escape latency and delayed acquisition of this task compared with the n-3 Adq group in both generations. The acquisition and memory levels of the n-3 Def group in the F3 generation seemed to be lower than that of the F2 generation. The 22:5n-6/22:6n-3 ratio in the frontal cortex and dams' milk was markedly increased in the n-3 Def group, and this ratio was significantly higher in the F3 generation compared with the F2 generation. These results suggest that learning and cognitive behavior are related to brain DHA status, which, in turn, is related to the levels of the milk/dietary n-3 fatty acids.
Intelligence and the strategic Bombing of Germany: The combined strategic targets committee

(1989). Intelligence and the strategic Bombing of Germany: The combined strategic targets committee. International Journal of Intelligence and CounterIntelligence: Vol. 3, No. 1, pp. 83-104.
Nutrient-limited microbial growth kinetics: overview and recent advances

Traditional concepts of nutrient uptake and growth kinetics as linked by cell yield are presented. Phenomena affecting the kinetics are examined along with a discussion of those which lead to ambiguity. Concepts of flux control are presented to help understand the distribution of material along metabolic pathways. Specific affinity is described to relate nutrient accumulation rates to transporter density. It is shown to be a primary kinetic constant and the best available index of nutrient collection ability. As an aid to understanding, specific affinity is reexpressed in terms of membrane permeability. Formulations of nutrient transport rate as a function of cellular composition, particularly transporter and enzyme content and known as janusian kinetics, are described as an improvement to specific affinity theory. Procedures for quantified unidirectional fluxes are reviewed to identify the difference between gross and net transport rates of substrate. Collision frequency theory is used to show that in addition to total biomass, cell size and transporter density should also be included in rate equations describing microbial growth. Theory diversity suggests that one reason for microbial metabolic is that the likelihood of additional collisions of substrate molecules with a cell surface, after an initial collision, requires only a sparse distribution of transporter sites for maximal rate, leaving room for additional transporters able to collect other substrate types.
Rod outer segments mediate mitochondrial DNA damage and apoptosis in human retinal pigment epithelium.

Purpose. To investigate the interrelationships between DNA damage, mitochondrial activity, and apoptosis in retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPE) after exposure to rod outer segments (ROS). Methods. After incubation of cultured human RPE with ROS, mitochondrial redox function was evaluated from MTT reduction. Mitochondrial (mt) and nuclear (n) DNA damage were determined by quantitative polymerase chain reactions (QPCR). Apoptotic RPE cells were detected by binding of annexin V to phosphatidyl serine (PS) using fluorescence microscopy. The expression of the pro-apoptotic proteins, p53 and p21 waf-1, and DNA repair enzymes, apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease (APE ref-1) and DNA polymerase s (s-pol) were quantitatively determined by Western blotting analysis. Results. Mitochondrial function decreased by 20 ± 5% and annexin V immunofluorscent binding was enhanced after exposure of cells to physiological levels of ROS (3.8 × 10 6 cm -2) for 4h. MtDNA was preferentially damaged after exposure to ROS with incre...
Schwann cells induce and guide sprouting and reinnervation of neuromuscular junctions

The "terminal' Schwann cells that sit atop the neuromuscular junction sense neuromuscular transmission and respond to perturbations of this transmission by extending long processes. These processes have the ability to induce nerve growth and serve as substrates to guide this growth. These processes thus play major roles in muscle reinnervation and in sprouting. An absence of nerve sprouting is correlated with the apoptotic death of terminal Schwann cells at denervated endplates in neonatal muscles. Thus, Schwann cells appear to participate actively in the maintenance and repair of neuromuscular synapses.
Etching kinetics of a self-etching primer.

Self-etching primers are thought to offer significant advantages over total-etch adhesive systems. The hypothesis tested in this study was that there was no difference in etching characteristics between a self-etching primer and a phosphoric acid solution at the same pH. Etching was assessed using atomic force microscopy (AFM) evaluation of site-specific changes in the height of the peritubular and intertubular dentin as a function of exposure time. Human dentin disks (n ¼ 6/group), prepared with an acid-resistant glass reference layer, were etched with a self-etching primer and with 0.0134 m phosphoric acid (both pHD1.94). Depth changes relative to the reference layer were measured with the AFM after each etching interval, at 15 different locations, each in the peritubular and intertubular dentin. The total demineralization depth was measured in a scanning electron microscope. Peritubular dentin etching rate was linear while it could be measured (up to 15 s) and was greater for the self-etching primer (po0:0001). Intertubular dentin displayed a similar demineralization pattern with both acids, ultimately reaching a plateau in the majority of specimens. The self-etching primer attained a plateau after less recession than phosphoric acid (po0:0001). Dentin demineralization appears to be affected by other factors in addition to the pH of the etchant solutions. r 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.