cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adverse Events in Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulator Implantation: 5-Year Analysis of the FDA MAUDE Database.

ObjectiveUse of hypoglossal nerve stimulator implantation has dramatically improved the surgical treatment of multilevel airway collapse during obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Understanding causes o...
Twenty-four hours in the alt-right media ecosystem: analyzing race, space, and labor in Breitbart’s coverage of the Mollie Tibbetts murder

This article examines media coverage of the murder by a Mexican farmworker of Mollie Tibbetts, a white college student, in the digital alt-right publication Breitbart as a case study analyzing the ...
Prehospital Intubations Are Associated with Elevated Endotracheal Tube Cuff Pressures: A Cross-Sectional Study Characterizing ETT Cuff Pressures at a Tertiary Care Emergency Department.

Introduction: Emergency Medical Services (EMS) providers are trained to place endotracheal tubes (ETTs) in the prehospital setting when indicated. Endotracheal tube cuffs are traditionally inflated with 10cc of air to provide adequate seal against the tracheal lumen. There is literature suggesting that many ETTs are inflated well beyond the accepted safe pressures of 20-30cmH2O, leading to potential complications including ischemia, necrosis, scarring, and stenosis of the tracheal wall. Currently, EMS providers do not routinely check ETT cuff pressures. It was hypothesized that the average ETT cuff pressure of patients arriving at the study site who were intubated by EMS exceeds the safe pressure range of 20-30cmH2O. Objectives: While ETT cuff inflation is necessary to close the respiratory system, thus preventing air leaks and aspiration, there is evidence to suggest that over-inflated ETT cuffs can cause long-term complications. The purpose of this study is to characterize the cuff pressures of ETTs placed by EMS providers. Methods: This project was a single center, prospective observational study. Endotracheal tube cuff pressures were measured and recorded for adult patients intubated by EMS providers prior to arrival at a large, urban, tertiary care center over a nine-month period. All data were collected by respiratory therapists utilizing a cuff pressure measurement device which had a detectable range of 0-100cmH2O and was designed as a syringe. Results including basic patient demographics, cuff pressure, tube size, and EMS service were recorded. Results: In total, 45 measurements from six EMS services were included with ETT sizes ranging from 6.5-8.0mm. Mean patient age was 52.2 years (67.7% male). Mean cuff pressure was 81.8cmH2O with a range of 15 to 100 and a median of 100. The mode was 100cmH2O; 40 out of 45 (88.9%) cuff pressures were above 30cmH2O. Linear regression showed no correlation between age and ETT cuff pressure or between ETT size and cuff pressure. Two-tailed T tests did not show a significant difference in the mean cuff pressure between female versus male patients. Conclusion: An overwhelming majority of prehospital intubations are associated with elevated cuff pressures, and cuff pressure monitoring education is indicated to address this phenomenon.
Graphene sheets incorporation in ZnO nanostructure thin film for enhancing the performance of DSSC

In the present work, the zinc oxide nanoparticle and its composite have prepared with the graphene as a photoanode electrode as well as synthesizing an excellent thin film from the PEDOT: PSS, which is conductive polymer loading with MWCNT as an auxiliary electrode for the DSSC. The photoanode characterized using ( XRD, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, BET-BJH, and UV-DRS). The FESEM and AFM performed to study morphology and structure of ZnO, ZnO/Graphene, and PEDOT: PSS/MWCNT thin films. The results confirm a successful fabrication of the thin films on the ITO by using the electrophoretic deposition method as well the added of graphene reduced the band gap close to 3.0eV. Moreover, the PEDOT: PSS/MWCNT nanocomposite based an auxiliary electrode offered high electrical conductivity, which enhanced the photovoltaic values of DSSC. The BET-BJH results demonstrated of the synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles at the surface area 6.66 m2/g and pore size 1.42 m3/g.
Abstract 847: Birth characteristics associated with childhood neuroblastoma incidence in Texas, 1995-2011

Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common extra-cranial solid tumor in infants and children, but there are few well-established risk factors. We investigated the associations of parental and infant characteristics with risk of neuroblastoma. Data on Texas children born 1995-2011 (N=637) and diagnosed with NB (any stage) was obtained from the Texas Cancer Registry and linked to birth certificates. From birth certificates we obtained data on parental (age, education, race/ethnicity) and child demographics (sex, gestational age at birth, mode of delivery) and selected maternal exposures (pre-pregnancy body mass index, alcohol/tobacco consumption, use of infertility treatment, parity, plurality). Birth certificate controls matched on sex and birth year were randomly selected from among children born during the same period, at a ratio of 10 controls per case. Unconditional logistic regression was used to estimate unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the associations between parental and infant characteristics and NB. Maternal race/ethnicity, maternal age, gestational age at delivery, and infant sex were associated with NB. Females were less likely to be diagnosed with NB as compared to males (aOR: 0.68; 95% CI: 0.57 - 0.81). Maternal age 35-39 years was associated with increased risk of NB as compared to maternal age 25-29 years (aOR: 1.41; 95% CI: 1.04 - 1.90) and there was a non-significantly elevated point estimate among women 40 years of age or older (aOR 1.62, 95% CI 0.88 - 2.82). Infants born to non-Hispanic Black or Hispanic mothers were less likely to develop NB as compared to infants born to non-Hispanic White mothers (aOR: 0.52; 95% CI: 0.38 - 0.70; aOR: 0.53; 95% CI 0.43 - 0.65, respectively). When compared to term infants (≥37 weeks gestational age), pre-term infants were at an increased risk of developing NB (aOR: 1.38; 95% CI 1.08 - 1.74). Further stratified, late pre-term infants (34 - Citation Format: Kelsey B. Lancon, Jeremy M. Schraw, Jennifer H. Foster, Philip J. Lupo. Birth characteristics associated with childhood neuroblastoma incidence in Texas, 1995-2011 [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr 847.
Occupational mortality in the New Mexico oil and gas industry

New Mexico's oil and natural gas industry has the second highest occupational fatality rate among oil and gas workers in the nation. There is currently limited data available regarding the top contributing factors to occupational mortality specific to the state's oil and gas industry. This study seeks to understand causes of mortality among oil and gas workers in New Mexico between 2008 and 2018. To facilitate this study, case reports were obtained from the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator, and population data was acquired from the US Department of Labor. In this 11-year span, there were 73 cases, with an average annual mortality rate of 37 deaths per 100,000 oil and gas workers. Leading causes of death were vehicle accidents (36%), cardiovascular incidents (22%), and crush injuries (19%). The majority of vehicle accidents involved single vehicle accidents, and correct seat belt use was only documented 23% of the time. The majority of cardiovascular deaths were due to arteriosclerotic and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Alcohol was present in 18% of cases, and drugs were present in 19% of cases with methamphetamine present in 10% of investigated deaths. This is the first study to directly include cardiovascular incidents in the leading causes of death; otherwise, this study reflects national data reporting vehicle accidents and crush injuries as the leading causes of death. Going forward, prevention measures should effectively target safe driving practices focusing on seatbelt use, and mitigation of workplace drug and alcohol consumption.
In Memoriam: Eric Weitz

On 1 July 2021, Eric Weitz passed away after a battle with cancer. He was 68 years old. The fields of genocide studies and human rights have lost one of its most influential thinkers and prolific a...
Active Meta-Learning for Predicting and Selecting Perovskite Crystallization Experiments

Autonomous experimentation systems use algorithms and data from prior experiments to select and perform new experiments in order to meet a specified objective. In most experimental chemistry situations there is a limited set of prior historical data available, and acquiring new data may be expensive and time consuming, which places constraints on machine learning methods. Active learning methods prioritize new experiment selection by using machine learning model uncertainty and predicted outcomes. Meta-learning methods attempt to construct models that can learn quickly with a limited set of data for a new task. In this paper, we applied the model-agnostic meta-learning (MAML) model and Probabilistic LATent model for Incorporating Priors and Uncertainty in few-Shot learning (PLATIPUS) approach, which extends MAML to active learning, to the problem of halide perovskite growth by inverse temperature crystallization. Using a dataset of 1870 reactions conducted using 19 different organoammoniumn lead iodide systems, we determined the optimal strategies for incorporating historical data into active and meta-learning models. We then evaluated the best three algorithms (PLATIPUS, and active-learning k-Nearest Neighbor and Decision Tree algorithms) with four new chemical systems in experimental laboratory tests. With a fixed budget of 20 experiments, PLATIPUS makes superior predictions of reaction outcome compared to other active-learning algorithms and a random baseline.
A layered approach to artifact rejection for improved neural recording

Small biological signals can be resolved in presence of large artifacts using various methods. A layered approach to artifact rejection is presented here, using multiple techniques in a cascade fashion including blanking on the second gain stage. Results show superior performance of a layered approach including fast-settle blanking compared to other methods of rejection.
A Review of GRB Counterpart Searches

Gamma-Ray Burst (GRB) research, has been recently revitalized with exciting new results that have effectively started a new era in this thirty year old field, marked by the launch of the Italian—Dutch satellite BeppoSAX [1] on April 1996.
Fast in-Place File Carving for Digital Forensics

Scalpel, a popular open source file recovery tool, performs file carving using the Boyer-Moore string search algorithm to locate headers and footers in a disk image. We show that the time required for file carving may be reduced significantly by employing multi-pattern search algorithms such as the multipattern Boyer-Moore and Aho-Corasick algorithms as well as asynchronous disk reads and multithreading as typically supported on multicore commodity PCs. Using these methods, we are able to do in-place file carving in essentially the time it takes to read the disk whose files are being carved. Since, using our methods, the limiting factor for performance is the disk read time, there is no advantage to using accelerators such as GPUs as has been proposed by others. To further speed in-place file carving, we would need a mechanism to read disk faster.
Double-Blind, Controlled Trial of Propylthiouracil in Patients with Severe Acute Alcoholic Hepatitis

Sixty-seven patients entered a double-blind, controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of propylthiouracil treatment in severe alcoholic hepatitis. Twenty-three percent (7 of 31) given propylthiouracil and 19% (7 of 36) given placebo died during the 6-wk study. Propylthiouracil treatment did not reduce the frequency and incidence of complications in alcoholic hepatitis, but induced hypothyroidism in 4 patients. Treatment produced no beneficial effect on any of the hepatic biochemical tests. We were unable to show any beneficial effect of propylthiouracil treatment on morbidity and mortality in patients with severe acute alcoholic hepatitis.
Inhibition of water and electrolyte absorption by polyethylene glycol (PEG)

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is commonly used as a nonabsorbable volume marker in intestinal perfusion and flow studies. It has been assumed that PEG does not affect water and electrolyte movement, but this has not been extensively investigated. Using triple-lumen tube perfusion technique, we examined the effect of various PEG concentrations (0, 2, 5, 10, and 20 g/liter) on water and electrolyte absorption by the jejunum and ileum in normal subjects. 14C-labeled PEG served as the nonabsorbable marker in the 0 PEG concentration solution. There was a progressive reduction in water, sodium, and chloride absorption as the concentrations of PEG was increased from 0 to 20 g/liter. Though further studies are necessary to establish the mechanism responsible for this PEG effect, the observed changes in luminal fluid osmolality and electrolyte concentrations suggest that the reduction in absorption most likely results from an osmotic effect rather than an inhibition of active absorption or stimulation of secretion.
Evaluating the Comfort Performance of Fabrics for Nuclear Protective Apparel

The comfort properties of newly developed 100% nylon and 100% polyester fabrics are compared with materials that are currently used in nuclear protective apparel, including a 100% cotton and a polyester/cotton fabric. TheKawabata Evaluation System provided a highly sensitive measure of fabric mechanical and surface properties. A sweating skin model measured heat and moisture transfer properties under various conditions of heat and humidity. Laboratory screening tests were followed by extensive studies to determine actual human reactions to the comfort of the new nylon and control materials and garments. Results of controlled climate chamber wear trials confirmed the overwhelming importance of environmental and work levels on comfort ratings. Before sweat generating exercise and in a moderate environment (21'C, 65%RH), the comfort of nylon coveralls was clearly preferred over identically designed garments made with 100% polyester, and with heavier weight 100% cotton or polyester/cotton fabrics. The comfort rating of all test garments dropped dramatically as wearers were put through an exercise routine, and as test conditions were changed to produce a hot and humid environment (32'C, 90%RH). However, even under more stressful conditions, the comfort of the light weight nylon coverall was preferred over the controls in most cases. The higher absorption capacity of the cotton fabrics was beneficial in comfort comparisons made by the evaluators in a hot and humid environment.
The consequences of complacency: managing the effects of unrecognized Charcot feet

Diabet. Med. 28, 195–198 (2011) Abstract Aims Several authors have discussed an early prodromal state of neuroarthropathy (stage 0 Charcot) prior to the development of frank radiographic changes. However, very few reports are available that detail the outcomes of these patients. The purpose of this study was to report on the outcomes of patients with undetected early Charcot neuroarthropathy of the foot. Methods Twenty patients, from two health science centres, were diagnosed retrospectively with stage 0 Charcot neuroarthropathy and were managed after referral from outside facilities. We evaluated any complications, including ulcer formation, infection, progression into active Charcot neuroarthropathy and the need for surgical reconstruction. Patients who did not progress to an active Charcot neuroarthropathy (Group I) were compared with those (Group II) who did progress to the destructive phase. Results The diagnosis of Charcot neuroarthropathy was missed in 19 of 20 patients prior to referral. The average delay in treatment in Group I was 4.1 ± 0.7 weeks compared with 8.7 ± 6.8 weeks in Group II (Mann–Whitney U-test = 24.5, n1 = 15, n2 = 7, P < 0.05 two-tailed). Sixteen of 22 feet (72%) developed a complication during their treatment course. Group II experienced more complications than Group I (66.7% compared with 14.3%). Overall, eleven of 22 feet (50%) required surgical treatment; however, no patient required an amputation during the follow-up course. Conclusions This study reveals that outcomes of stage 0 Charcot neuroarthropathy feet depend on proper recognition and early management. To reduce the rate of future complications for Charcot foot should be the goal of all treatment.
On the role of tannin vacuoles in several nastic leaf responses

Experiments were done to relate the presence of tannin vacuoles to plant movements. When surveyed, 4 out of 10 species exhibited rapid thigmonastic or nyctinastic movements, and only those 4 species had tannin vacuoles in their motor cells. Interestingly, plants ofAlbizzia julibrissin whose seed was obtained in New Haven, Connecticut had rapid nyctinasty and tannin vacuoles in the tertiary pulvini, whereasAlbizzia collected in Winston-Salem, North Carolina had neither. Nyctinasty ofMimosa pudica andAlbizzia NH, both of which had tannin vacuoles, was at the rate of 4.2 °/min, whereasAlbizzia WS andSamanea saman, neither of which had tannin vacuoles, exhibited leaflet closure at the rate of 2.0–2. 1 °/min. Pretreatment with the Ca2+ channel agonist Bay K-8644 increased, and with the antagonist verapamil decreased, the rate of leaflet closure only inMimosa andAlbizzia NH. Pretreatment with the Ca2+ inhibitor Erythrosin B substantially blocked reopening only inMimosa andAlbizzia NH. We conclude that tannin vacuoles assist nastic movements to be rapid by acting as a store of Ca2+ and releasing it as a second messenger upon mechanical perturbation or darkness.
Validating Internet research: A test of the psychometric equivalence of Internet and in-person samples.

This study evaluated the psychometric equivalency of Web-based research. The Sexual Boredom Scale was presented via the World-Wide Web along with five additional scales used to validate it. A subset of 533 participants that matched a previously published sample (Watt & Ewing, 1996) on age, gender, and race was identified. An 8 x 8 correlation matrix from the matched Internet sample was compared via structural equation modeling with a similar 8 x 8 correlation matrix from the previously published study. The Internet and previously published samples were psychometrically equivalent. Coefficient alpha values calculated on the matched Internet sample yielded reliability coefficients almost identical to those for the previously published sample. Factors such as computer administration and uncontrollable administration settings did not appear to affect the results. Demographic data indicated an overrepresentation of males by about 6% and Caucasians by about 13% relative to the U.S. Census (2000). A total of 2,230 participants were obtained in about 8 months without remuneration. These results suggest that data collection on the Web is (1) reliable, (2) valid, (3) reasonably representative, (4) cost effective, and (5) efficient.
Laminar flow effects in the coil planet centrifuge

The coil planet centrifuge designed by Ito employs flow of a single liquid phase, through a rotating coiled tube in a centrifugal force field, to provide a separation of particles based on sedimentation rates. Mathematical solutions are derived for the linear differential equations governing particle behavior in the coil planet centrifuge device. These solutions are then applied as the basis of a model for optimizing particle separations.
Ugo Fano (1912-2001).

With the passing of Ugo Fano on 13 February 2001, Comments on Atomic and Molecular Physics lost a longtime correspondent since its founding in 1969. A broader community dearly misses a great theoretical physicist. The present tribute is designed in a special way appropriate for this journal, in view of other documents describing Fano's life and work. It is accompanied by a curriculum vitae, which shows the span of a rich professional life. We shall concentrate on his accomplishments in atomic and molecular physics, leaving aside contributions to radiation physics and other areas. We also present a list of his publications, which should be useful as a resource material.
Effect of phenolic acids on growth of Chlorella pyrenoidosa

Static bioassays were conducted on Chlorella pyrenoidosa using vanillic acid, syringic acid, and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid. At 0.1 mM, vanillic and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid stimulated cultural growth compared to the control. For both compounds, concentrations of 0.3 mM and 0.4 mM were initially inhibitory, then after 3–5 days became stimulatory compared to control. Bioassays with syringic acid at 0.1 mM, 0.3 mM, and 0.4 mM were all stimulatory. At 0.5 mM–2.5 mM, syringic acid resulted in 100% mortality in C. pyrenoidosa. Bacteria-free cultures of C. pyrenoidosa were stimulated by vanillic acid at 0.1 mM and inhibited at 0.4 mM with no shift in response observed. It was suggested that degradation of test material is responsible for the shift from inhibition to stimulation. All three compounds are reported to change from enzyme synergists to antagonists as concentrations are reduced. Because these compounds are major components of humic material, it is suggested that they have the potential to confound studies involving interaction of toxins and humics.
CRY links the circadian clock and CREB-mediated gluconeogenesis.

Circadian oscillators based on a transcriptional feedback loop exist in almost all cells of animals. The cellular oscillators synchronize each other via paracrine or systemic communications, resulting in rhythmic changes of tis-sue- and whole body-level physiologies and behaviors. Circadian regulation of metabolism is well documented and disruption of such temporal regulation is known to predispose organisms to metabolic diseases. However, the under-lying mechanism of circadian regulation of metabolism is complex and incom-pletely understood. The research has mainly focused on the transcriptional mechanisms by which circadian clock components regulate metabolic gene expression. A recent paper by Zhang
Incorporating Heterogeneous Customer Preferences With Dirichlet Process Mixture Model for Product Positioning in Environmentally Conscious Design

Increased environmental protection legislation forces manufacturers to employ environmentally conscious design and manufacturing methods. In addition, customer preferences for energy efficient and environmentally sustainable products influence manufacturers design strategies. In order to influence customer buying behaviors for environmentally friendly products, manufacturers need to understand customer preferences first. Manufacturers can make optimal design decisions based on inference on customers’ decision making models. It is recognized that consumers are heterogeneous in their response to different attributes for any given type of product or service. In this paper, we proposed a framework for incorporating heterogeneous customer preferences with Dirichlet Process mixture model for product positioning in environmentally conscious design. The uncertainty about the functional form of the customer preference distribution can be expressed by using a nonparametric prior, in which the number of clusters grows without bound as the amount of data grows. An automobile design case study is used here to demonstrate the proposed approach.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Brainstem glioma after radiation therapy for acute myeloblastic leukemia in a child with down syndrome : possible pathogenetic mechanisms

A 13-year-old boy with Down syndrome (DS) had a brainstem glioma confirmed at autopsy, 10 years after receiving prophylactic cranial irradiation for acute myeloblastic leukemia. There is no clear association of brain tumors with DS; despite a reported link between leukemia and glioma, a causal association with radiation therapy is more likely.
The growth of magnesium germanide crystals

Abstract Large high purity single crystals of the semiconductor Mg 2 Ge have been grown by a modified Bridgman method. Crystals grown from stoichiometric melts were p-type with carrier concentrations at 77 K of about 10 16 cm 3 and Hall mobilities near 1100 cm 5 /V sec. Excess magnesium placed in the melt acted as a donor and produced n-type material. Carrier concentrations of the compensated n-type material could be obtained ranging from 5×10 14 to 5×10 17 cm 3 at 77 K. Mobilities for the n-type material were somewhat higher at about 1600 cm 5 V sec than for the p-type crystals.
Invariance properties of ordinal OWA operators

We establish a complete characterization of the class of ordinal OWA operators in terms of their invariance properties.
Depolarization-associated iron release with abrupt reduction in pulmonary endothelial shear stress in situ.

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the roles of endothelial cell membrane potential and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the increase of tissue free iron during lung ischemia. Oxygenated ischemia was pr...
Free-surface breakdown in a rapidly rotating liquid

It is shown that the wavelets which appear on the inertial wave form of the inner free surface of a fully spun-up cylindrical mass of liquid contained in a vertical, rapidly rotating and gyrating gyrostat are capillary waves. It is further shown that the interaction between these capillary waves and the excited inertial waves is not the mechanism which effects an observed two-period collapse (‘breakdown’) and reappearance of the free-surface inertial wave form. Rather, the two-period breakdown can be explained by the conjecture that it is a beat phenomenon arising from the interaction of two differently structured inertial wave modes, which have the same frequency at small amplitudes of oscillation of the gyrostat but which, owing to the dependence of the inertial mode frequency on the amplitude of the gyrostatic motion, have slightly different frequencies at larger amplitudes of oscillation of the gyrostat.
Polarization of recombination radiation from nonequilibrium plasmas

Formulas have been obtained for the degree of linear polarization of recombination radiation from a homogeneous plasma having an anisotropic electron velocity distribution, f(v), characterized by an axis of symmetry. Polarization measurements are described which utilize these formulas to determine aspects of the anisotropy such as the symmetry axis direction and the lowest-order even angular moments of f(v). As a special case, if the plasma conforms to a distribution such as a ''bi-Maxwellian with drift,'' we determine the quantities u/sub D//T/sub parallel/ and (1/T/sub parallel/-1/T/sub perpendicular/) which involve the electron drift speed, and the ''perpendicular'' and ''parallel'' electron temperatures.
Effect of dietary conjugated linoleic acid on the composition of egg yolk lipids.

Abstract Forty-eight 27-wk-old White Leghorn hens were assigned randomly to four diets containing 0, 1.25, 2.5, or 5.0% conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). Hens were fed the CLA diets for 2 wk before eggs were collected for the study. Classes of egg yolk lipids were separated, and fatty acid concentrations in total lipid, triglyceride (TG), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), and phosphatidylcholine (PC) were analyzed to determine the incorporation of dietary CLA isomers into different classes of egg yolk lipids. The amounts of CLA incorporated into lipid, PC, PE, and TG of egg yolk were proportional to the levels of CLA in the diet. However, more CLA was incorporated in TG than in PC and PE. The incorporation rates of different CLA isomers into different classes of lipids also were significantly different: cis-9, trans-11 and cis-10, trans-12 CLA were deposited more in TG, but cis-11, trans-13 CLA deposition in TG was significantly less. There were large differences in the concentrations of cis-8, trans-10 CLA in PC and PE. The inclusion of CLA into the diet influenced the metabolism of polyunsaturated fatty acids. The contents of 5,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic, 9,12-octadecadienoic, and 9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acids were decreased as dietary CLA increased. Three isomers of hexadecadienoic acid were found in egg yolk lipids from hens fed 5% dietary CLA. The detection of hexadecadienoic acid isomers in lipid indicates that the utilization of CLA as an energy source after the first round of beta-oxidation may be less favorable than that of 9,12-octadecadienoic acid.
The Celebration of Nativity: "Broad-Axe Poem"

Presents a reading of Whitman's "Broad-Axe Poem" that emphasizes themes of "nativity" and "unification" and contends that "'Broad-Axe Poem' achieves in a most original way the fusion of Mother, Son and States that Whitman more explicitly, but less successfully, attempted in 'Poem of Many in One.'"
Success rate of direct percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy in patients who are obese.

Background Direct percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy (DPEJ) is increasingly used as a method for obtaining jejunal enteral access. The most cited reason of unsuccessful placement is poor transillumination, which may be related to obesity. Whether obesity affects failure and complication rates has not been previously described. Objective To compare the success rate and adverse events (AEs) associated with DPEJ placement in patients who were overweight and patients who were obese compared with patients who were normal or underweight defined by body mass index (BMI). Design Retrospective database review. Setting A tertiary-referral center. Patients Eighty DPEJ placements between February 2000 and September 2005. Main Outcome Measurements DPEJ placement success in patients who were overweight/obese (BMI ≥25) versus patients who were normal or underweight (BMI Results Eighty DPEJs were placed in 75 patients. Of these DPEJs, 65 (81%) succeeded and 15 (19%) failed. Success rates were 23 of 24 for patients who were underweight (96%), 25 of 31 for patients with normal BMI (81%), 8 of 11 for patients who were overweight (73%), and 6 of 10 for persons who were obese (60%) (odds ratio 3.43, 95% CI 1.03-11.44; P P = .64). However, 4 of the 5 severe AEs occurred in patients with a BMI ≥25 ( P = .07). Limitations Retrospective single center. Conclusions DPEJ placement in patients who were overweight or obese was feasible, but procedural success was less frequent, and a trend toward more frequent major AEs was seen than in persons with normal or decreased BMI. BMI was an easily assessed preprocedural factor for DPEJ success and complication rates.
Government Effectiveness in Comparative Perspective

Abstract In this paper we offer an approach for conceptualizing and measuring government effectiveness or performance in which the focus is on the whole government's effectiveness. We examine data that portray how countries compare in terms of perceived government effectiveness using the World Bank Governance Indicators dataset, which cover 212 countries from 1996 until 2006. We also offer and interpret a new measure of perceived government effectiveness that accounts for the economic development of each country. We argue that the comparative study of government effectiveness (in terms of both multiple measures and across countries) benefits the study of public administration, public management, and public policy.
Oxygen radicals do not play a role in arteriolar dilation during cortical spreading depression

This study examined the role of oxygen radicals in pial arteriolar changes during cortical spreading depression (CSD). CSD was induced by microinjection of 5% KCl in anesthetized adult rabbits. Pial diameter was measured with a closed cranial window and intravital microscopy. During control CSD (n = 12), the dilation amplitude and area were 55 ± 14% and 693 ± 69 mm2 (baseline = 76 ± 14 μm), respectively. Oxygen radical scavengers, superoxide dismutase (SOD; 105 U/ml, topical application; n = 5) or oxypurinol (50 mg/kg i.v.; n = 7), did not alter the dilation amplitude and area or change onset latency during CSD. Further, SOD and oxypurinol did not prevent NG-nitro-L-arginine from attenuating arteriolar dilation during CSD (n = 12). We conclude that oxygen radicals do not play a role in the transient dilation of cerebral arterioles during CSD.
Measurement of Both the Equilibrium Constant and Rate Constant for Electronic Energy Transfer by Control of the Limiting Kinetic Regimes

Electronic energy transfer can fall into two limiting cases. When the rate of the energy transfer back reaction is much faster than relaxation of the acceptor excited state, equilibrium between the donor and acceptor excited states is achieved and only the equilibrium constant for the energy transfer can be measured. When the rate of the back reaction is much slower than relaxation of the acceptor, the energy transfer is irreversible and only the forward rate constant can be measured. Herein, we demonstrate that with trans-[Cr(d4-cyclam)(CN)2]+ as the donor and either trans-[Cr([15]ane-ane-N4)(CN)2]+ or trans-[Cr(cyclam)(CN)2]+ as the acceptor, both limits can be obtained by control of the donor concentration. The equilibrium constant and rate constant for the case in which trans-[Cr([15]ane-ane-N4)(CN)2]+ is the acceptor are 0.66 and 1.7 × 107 M−1 s−1, respectively. The equilibrium constant is in good agreement with the value of 0.60 determined using the excited state energy gap between the donor and acc...
The Characterization of Damage Propagation in BGA’s on Flip-Chip Electronic Packages

A characterization study is undertaken to monitor damage progression at the second-level interconnect in BGA’s on flip-chip electronic packages. Specifically, the progression of solder joint cracking under use conditions (thermal and combined thermomechanical loading) is investigated. The study uses a multi-color dye and peel failure analysis technique to track the initiation and propagation of solder joint cracks under loading. The approach being used differs from conventional failure analysis techniques in that multiple measurements of damage growth are obtained from the same part providing a full damage history. By using multiple dye colors, all crack initiation points, directions of propagation, and surface crack areas are obtainable experimentally. The scope of the study includes investigating the impact of such factors as die size, package size, BGA size, BGA pitch, enabling load, and internal heat spreaders (IHS’s) on the damage history observed. Based on this study, investigation of sequential loading can be pursued to identify directions and design guidelines for improving solder joint reliability of future BGA’s on flip-chip electronic packages.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Response of Native Southeastern U.S. Legumes to Root-Knot Nematodes

Identification of forage legumes well adapted to the southeastern United States is complicated by climatic, soil, and biotic factors. Among the pests that impact forage legume persistence are root-knot nematodes (RKNs) (Meloidogyne spp.). We hypothesized that legumes native to the region should have higher levels of resistance to RKN species that are common in this region due to long-term natural selection pressure. The objective of this research was to evaluate the response of 10 southeastern U.S. native legumes to M. arenaria (Neal) Chitwood race 1, M. incognita (Kofoid and White) Chitwood race 3, and M. javanica (Treub) Chitwood. Legumes were grown in Cone-tainers in a greenhouse for 3 wk, inoculated with a given RKN isolate, and after an additional 9 wk were uprooted and evaluated for root galling and nematode egg mass production responses. The level of root galling and egg mass production varied among native legumes, but in general was lower than previously observed on introduced legumes. Desmodium paniculatum (L.) DC., Galactia regularis (L.) Britton et al., and Centrosema virginianum (L.) Benth. varied among the three RKN species in their root galling and egg mass production responses. The accession of D. incanum DC. used was immune to all three RKN isolates, and could be a potential source of RKN resistance genes. The perennial native legumes evaluated all had either a fleshy taproot or a strong rhizome system.
Use of a distal arteriovenous fistula in a complex vascular reconstruction after resection of an osteosarcoma in a high-risk child

Osteosarcoma is the most common osseous malignancy of childhood. Vascular reconstruction during resection is uncommon. However, when required, thrombosis is a major cause of failed limb salvage surgery. A 19-year-old patient required complex vascular reconstruction in conjunction with lower extremity osteosarcoma resection. Preoperatively, his case was complicated by an ipsilateral popliteal deep vein thrombosis presenting during neoadjuvant chemotherapy. At the time of resection, to increase vascular graft flow, a distal arteriovenous fistula was created between the posterior tibial artery and the greater saphenous vein. This case illustrates a patient with a complex extirpation procedure requiring concomitant vascular reconstruction. This technique should be considered when limb salvage with vascular resection is being attempted in a high-risk patient.
Stages of a Crisis and Media Frames and Functions: U.S. Television Coverage of the 9/11 Incident During the First 24 Hours

This study examined how five U.S. television outlets framed the 9/11 incident during the first 24 hours and how stages of the crisis affected media frames and functions. The study found media frames were dynamic rather than static, especially when events changed rapidly. Television served primarily to inform rather than provide guidance and consolation, and its functions changed according to its priority in the coverage during the different stages of the crisis. Use of a wider range of sources led to a diminished role of government sources in the coverage of this rapidly changing crisis of national magnitude.
An existential approach to society: Active transcendence

The basic question to which a philosophy of sociology must respond is that of the possibility of knowledge about society. Raising the question of the possibility of knowledge about society presupposes a description of what society is, not merely in the sense of defining it as an object for inquiry which is differentiated from the objects of other sciences, but in determining whether or not it even is a phenomenon that can be studied adequately from the standpoint of natural science. Implied in the determination of the structure of social phenoma is a position about the way in which society appears, is disclosed, or can be known, and the limits and characteristics of any knowledge that might result from it. Insofar as sociology comprises a body of systematic knowledge, it is constituted by principles that demarcate its limits from other kinds of thought and provide it with integrity. Any conception of sociology contains, then, either implicitly or explicitly, an epistemology. The possible epistemologies that might ground sociology involve positions with regard to the relations between knowledge about society and other types of knowledge, such as knowledge of being (ontology), reality (metaphysics), and good and evil (ethics). Reflexivity about sociology is a process of placing sociology in the field of questions that make up philosophical inquiry.
Effect of dibutyltin on ATP levels in human natural killer cells.

This study investigates the role that decreased ATP levels may play in dibutyltin (DBT)-induced decreases in the tumor-cell-lysing (lytic) function of natural killer (NK) cells. NK cells are a subset of lymphocytes capable of killing tumor cells, virally infected cells, and antibody coated cells. DBT is used as stabilizer in PVC plastics and has also been used as a deworming product in poultry. NK cells were exposed to various concentrations of DBT for 1 h, 24 h, 48 h, and 6 days before determining ATP levels and lytic function. ATP levels and lytic function were also determined in NK cells that were exposed to DBT for 1 h followed by 24 h, 48 h, and 6 days in DBT-free media. The results indicated that exposure of NK cells to 10 μM DBT for 1 h did not cause any significant decrease in NK cell ATP levels but did cause a very significant loss in lytic function. NK cells exposed to 500 nM DBT for 24 h showed significant loss of lytic function but showed no decrease in ATP levels. However, 48 h and 6 days exposures to those concentrations of DBT that caused decreases in tumor lysing function also caused significant decreases in ATP levels. Exposures of NK cells to varying DBT concentrations for 1 h followed by 24 h, 48 h, and 6 days in DBT free media produced effects on lytic function and ATP levels that were similar to those seen with continuous DBT exposures. The results indicate that DBT exposures decrease ATP levels in NK cells but that tumor lysing function can be reduced independent of any decreases in ATP levels. Additionally the results show that the effects of a range of DBT concentrations on ATP levels and tumor lysing function are irreversible. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 22: 117–123, 2007.
Apparent Specific Heat of Chicken Breast Patties and their Constituent Proteins by Differential Scanning Calorimetry

Chicken breast meat yielded three endothermic transitions, with peak transition temperatures of 53, 70, and 79°C. Comparison with the purified protein fractions indicated that these transitions corresponded to denaturation of myofibrillar (53°C) and sarcoplasmic (70 and 79°C) proteins. The apparent specific heat profile of chicken breast meat was successfully modeled as a weighted average of the apparent specific heat of the constituent proteins. The specific heats of sarcoplasmic protein, myofibrillar protein, and chicken breast meat were strongly influenced by temperature; however, the specific heat of stromal protein was nearly constant across the temperature range considered (i.e., 10 to 100°C).
A new adaptive multi-start technique for combinatorial global optimizations

We analyze relationships among local minima for the traveling salesman and graph bisection problems under standard neighborhood structures. Our work reveals surprising correlations that suggest a globally convex, or ''big valley'' structure in these optimization cost surfaces. In conjunction with combinatorial results that sharpen previous analyses, our analysis directly motivates a new adaptive multi-start paradigm for heuristic global optimization, wherein starting points for greedy descent are adaptively derived from the best previously found local minima. We test a simple instance of this method for the traveling salesman problem and obtain very significant speedups over previous multi-start implementations.
Corticosteroid induction of phosphatidic acid phosphatase in fetal rabbit lung

Summary Prenatal betamethasone therapy is known to reduce the incidence of respiratory distress syndrome in premature infants. We report that administration of an equivalent dose of this corticosteroid to pregnant rabbits increases phosphatidic acid phosphatase (PAPase) activity and the rate of choline incorporation into lecithin in fetal lung. Under these conditions there was no induction of choline phosphotransferase or glycerolphosphate phosphatidyltransferase. These results suggest that PAPase may be a key regulatory enzyme in surfactant synthesis during both normal and glucocorticoid-accelerated lung maturation.
Ocean Optics: Introduction And Overview - 1988

This paper provides an introduction and overview of the discipline known as "ocean optics". Emphasis is on basic concepts, the optical quantities involved, their measurement, and interconnecting theoretical relationships. Topics include radiometric quantities, inherent optical properties, apparent optical properties, measuring the spectral absorption coefficient, measuring the volume scattering function, effect of the deep chlorophyll layer, and future directions.
Steps in Intervention Research: Designing and Developing Social Programs

This article describes a 5-step model of intervention research. From lessons learned in our work, we develop an outline of core activities in designing and developing social programs. These include (a) develop problem and program theories; (b) design program materials and measures; (c) confirm and refine program components in efficacy tests; (d) test effectiveness in a variety of practice settings; and (e) disseminate program findings and materials. Last, using a risk and protective factor perspective, we discuss the adaptation of interventions for new settings and populations.
Vaccinia virus late transcription is activated in vitro by cellular heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins.

Vaccinia virus gene expression is temporally regulated, and three gene classes have been identified: early, intermediate, and late. Several virus-encoded proteins and an activity designated VLTF-X are required for maximum transcription in vitro of a template containing a late promoter. VLTF-X is present in both cytoplasmic and nuclear extracts prepared from uninfected mammalian cells and co-purifies with a late promoter DNA-binding activity. Here, extensive purification of VLTF-X has revealed that heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins A2/B1 and RBM3 co-purified with in vitro late transcription stimulation. Overexpression and purification of these proteins fromEscherichia coli demonstrated that they both complemented for VLTF-X activity in in vitro transcription reactions. These studies identify two host cell factors potentially contributing to poxvirus replication in vivo.
Estrogen blocks early T cell development in the thymus.

PROBLEM : Pregnancy and estrogen are known to suppress B lymphopoiesis as well as lead to thymic involution in the mouse. Additionally, estrogen deficiency by oophorectomy reportedly causes a selective increase in the B220+ B cells in the murine bone marrow. The purpose of this study was to determine if estrogens played a regulatory role in T cell development. METHODS : The first experimental group consisted of 5-6-week-old Balb/c mice that received subcutaneous pellets of placebo, estriol, estradiol, or progesterone. The thymus glands were examined 2-4 weeks after treatment. The second group consisted of 6-week-old Balb/c mice who underwent either bilateral oophorectomy or a sham procedure. Two weeks after the surgery, extensive phenotypic characterization of the thymus and spleen cells was performed by flow cytometry using monoclonal antibodies to surface markers of T cell subsets. RESULTS : Estrogen treatment causes a dramatic reduction of thymic size and cellularity. All defined T cell subsets of CD4 and CD8 were reduced, with a disproportionate loss of CD4+CD8+ double positive cells. Examination of the triple negative (CD3-CD4-CD8-) subset revealed a striking loss of TN developmental progression of the early precursor cells. Based on the expression of CD44 (pgp-1) and CD25 (IL-2Rα) markers, the TN thymic compartment was composed almost entirely of the earliest population (CD44+, CD25-), with the remaining maturational stages (CD44+, CD25+ ; CD44-, CD25+ ; CD44-, CD25-) depleted. In contrast, all T cell developmental stages in the thymus were found to be in normal proportions in the oophorectomized mice, with no differences in the splenic T and B cell subsets. CONCLUSIONS : The study demonstrates that estrogen but not progesterone blocks T cell development in the thymus. However, contrary to our expectation, estrogen deprivation by oophorectomy does not enhance T cell development.