cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Automated one-step supercritical fluid extraction and clean-up system for the analysis of pesticide residues in fatty matrices.

An automated supercritical fluid extraction and in-line clean-up system has been developed for organochlorine and organophosphate pesticide residues contained in fats. This procedure utilizes supercritical carbon dioxide modified with 3% acetonitrile at 27.58 MPa and 60°C to extract and separate the pesticide residues from the fat on a C1 bonded phase preparative column at 95°C. The automated C1 system recovers 86 of 117 nonpolar to moderately polar organochlorine and organophosphate pesticides from fats. Ten of the 31 pesticides not recovered through the system are not recovered through the conventional clean-up sorbent, Florisil. Pesticide residues can be separated from 0.68 g of butter fat and 0.67 g corn oil, resulting in 2.9 mg of butterfat and 2.1 mg corn oil residue co-eluting into the pesticide fraction. Also, this integrated method can extract and clean-up a 5 g sample of fatty foods containing <18% fat and 70% moisture. The automated C1 system is reproducible and the amount of co-extracted sample residue in the pesticide fraction yields results comparable to the current methodology, which uses organic solvent extraction and gel permeation chromatography, along with a final Florisil column clean-up step. This automated C1 system simplifies the extraction and clean-up step while reducing solvent usage and hazardous waste.
A high-speed, real-time mobile gait rehabilitation system

Combining advanced technologies in real-time wireless communication, control theory, sensor and actuator design, and rehabilitation science.
Capillary electrochemical enzyme immunoassay (CEEI) for phenobarbital in serum.

A competitive heterogeneous capillary enzyme immunoassay with electrochemical detection has been developed for phenobarbital in serum. The oxidized primary antibody was attached covalently to the modified interior surface of a microcapillary (22 μl). The competition between analyte phenobarbital and alkaline phosphatase labeled phenobarbital for a limited number of antibody binding sites was complete in 1.5 h. The enzymatic product (p-aminophenol) from the catalytic conversion of the substrate (p-aminophenyl phosphate) was detected by amperometric flow injection analysis. The calibration curve for phenobarbital had a detection limit of 30 μg l−1 (2.8 pmoles or 0.65 ng) and a range of 30–3000 μg l−1. The assay could be used to determine the phenobarbital serum concentration in a 4 μl clinical serum sample without pretreatment.
302 METHACHOLINE DOSE-RESPONSE CURVES BEFORE AND DURIN TREATMENT WITH SALMETEROL IN MILD ASTHMATIC CHILDREN

The long-term effects of long-acting beta-2-agonists on the airway sensitivity and maximal bronchoconstriction in asthmatic children have not been evaluated. We compared the effect of salmeterol 50 μg and salbutamol 200 μg bid. in 30 mild asthmatic children in a double-blind parallel study. None of the children were on inhaled corticosteroids. Methacholine dose-response curves were made up to a fall in FEV, of 45% or a maximal plateau bronchoconstriction was reached, before and during 4 months of treatment. PD20, was always measured 12h after the last medication gift. PD20 improved significantly only during salmeterol treatment: 0.7 doubling dose in the salmeterol group, −0.5 doubling dose in the salbutamol group (p<0.001). Maximal plateau bronchoconstriction was rarely seen, either before or during; treatment. We conclude that salmeterol during long-term treatment improves airway sensitivity, but we could not demonstrate a maximal response plateau.
Infrared spectra of olivine polymorphs : α, β phase and spinel

Infrared (IR) absorption spectra are presented for olivine (α) and spinel (γ) phases of A2SiO4 (A=Fe, Ni, Co) and Mg2GeO4. IR spectra of β phase (“modified spinel”) Co2SiO4 and of α Mg2SiO4 are also included. These results provide reference spectra for the identification of olivine high-pressure polymorphs. Isostructural and isochemical correlations are used to support a general interpretation of the spectra and to predict the spectrum of γ Mg2SiO4. A γ Mg2GeO4 sample equilibrated at 1,000° C shows evidence of partial inversion, but one equilibrated at 730° C does not. This suggests that partial inversion could occur in silicate spinels at elevated temperatures and pressures, however no evidence of inversion is seen in the ir spectra of the silicates in this study.
Severe Hepatitis Associated with an Echovirus 18 infection in an Immune Compromised Adult

Enteroviruses are recognized as important pathogens in pediatric patients; however, they are often overlooked as etiologic agents of disease in adults. Here, we report a case of echovirus 18-associated severe systemic infection and acute liver failure in an adult hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipient. Additionally, we illustrate the utility of molecular methods for the detection and typing of enteroviral infections.
Regulation of meiotic recombination via Mek1-mediated Rad54 phosphorylation

Summary A preference for homologs over sister chromatids in homologous recombination is a fundamental difference in meiotic versus mitotic cells. In budding yeast, the bias for interhomolog recombination in meiosis requires the Dmc1 recombinase and the meiosis-specific kinase Mek1, which suppresses engagement of sister chromatids by the mitotic recombinase Rad51. Here, a combination of proteomic, biochemical, and genetic approaches has identified an additional role for Mek1 in inhibiting the activity of the Rad51 recombinase through phosphorylation of its binding partner, Rad54. Rad54 phosphorylation of threonine 132 attenuates complex formation with Rad51, and a negative charge at this position reduces Rad51 function in vitro and in vivo. Thus, Mek1 phosphorylation provides a dynamic means of controlling recombination partner choice in meiosis in two ways: (1) it reduces Rad51 activity through inhibition of Rad51/Rad54 complex formation, and (2) it suppresses Rad51-mediated strand invasion of sister chromatids via a Rad54-independent mechanism.
A Golgi and ultrastructural study of the monkey globus pallidus

Golgi preparations reveal that the most frequent type of pallidal neuron (principal cell), which has been recognized in all previous reports, is large (20-50 microns), fusiform, with dendrites up to 700 microns long. Large neurons of globular shape are less frequently impregnated. The morphology of dendrites varies considerably within the same neuron. Some exhibit numerous spines and protrusions and are seen to terminate in elaborate arborizations. A small interneuron (12 microns), with relatively short dendrites, up to 150 microns, and a short sparsely branching axon is observed less frequently. At least two types of afferent axons are present. A small-diameter fiber from the neostriatum enters the pallidum in bundles and gives rise to numerous thin branching processes with varicosities about 1 micron in size. The axon collaterals are oriented orthogonal to the main axon and parallel to the dendrites of principal cells. A large-caliber fiber with clusters of 2-3 microns swellings can also be seen in close proximity to large pallidal dendrites. Ultrastructurally, principal cell dendrites (trunks, spines, and protrusions) are totally covered by synapsing axon terminals. In contrast, some small dentrites, presumed to belong to interneurons, form very few synapses. At least six categories of profiles containing vesicles are observed. One group has cytologic features of dendrites and participates in serial and triadic synapses with other profiles in the pallidal neuropil. Results suggest that the synaptic organization of the globus pallidus may be viewed as a repetitive, geometric arrangement of striatal and other afferent axons ensheathing and synapsing with the dendrites of principal cells. This pattern is interrupted by the presence of presynaptic dendrites, probably belonging to interneurons, which participate in complex synaptic arrangements.
Cervical epidermal growth factor-receptor (EGF-R) and serum insulin-like growth factor II (IGF-II) levels are potential markers for cervical cancer.

PROBLEM: To ascertain if cervical epithelial epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R) and serum insulin-like growth factor II (IGF-II) levels are potential markers for cervical cancer. METHOD OF STUDY: We tested cervical biopsies obtained from 18 controls, 3 women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) I, 17 women with CIN II and III, and 12 women with cervical cancer for EGF-R using a quantitative immunofluorescent antibody assay. We measured serum IGF-II levels using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 20 controls, 26 CIN patients, 12 with cervical cancer before therapy, 5 with cervical cancer for <1 year, and 9 others ≥1 year after therapy. RESULTS: The levels of cervical EGF-R in women with CIN and cervical cancer were significantly higher (P<0.05 for CIN I; P<0.001 for patients with CIN II and III or cervical cancer) than in controls. Women with cervical cancer (P<0.001 vs. controls) or advanced CIN (P=0.03) had elevated levels of serum IGF-II, while the women with CIN I had levels similar to controls. Women with cervical cancer in the post-therapy period had significantly lower serum IGF-II levels than the women with cervical cancer before therapy (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Cervical epithelial EGF-R and serum IGF-II levels may be used for the diagnosis and prognosis of cervical cancer.
Sexual Orientation and Suicidal Behavior

In a large sample of 4,700 individuals who belong to a website for body modification, the 1,759 bisexuals and the 228 homosexuals reported a greater incidence of prior suicidal ideation and attempts than did the 2,647 heterosexuals, even after controls for sex and self-reported depression.
Development of Teaching Skills and Relations to Theory of Mind in Preschoolers

The aims of this research were to examine the development of teaching skills in preschool children and to explore the relation between teaching and theory of mind (ToM). After learning a new board game, 3.5-, 4.5-, and 5.5-year-old children (N = 46) were asked to teach a confederate who “doesn't know how to play the game.” They also received two ToM tasks. Children's teaching skills increased significantly with age: older children taught longer, explained more rules, used more strategies when teaching, and were more likely to recognize and attempt to correct “errors” committed by the confederate. After being controlled for age, individual differences in ToM were significantly correlated with the number of strategies used when teaching. This research suggests that a dynamic teaching task is sensitive to developmental changes and that aspects of children's teaching may serve as a window into their developing understanding of mental states.
Radiation and Wall Boundary Conditions for Computational Aeroacoustics: A Review

A review of unsteady computational boundary conditions for computational aeroacoustics (CAA) problems is presented. This review is meant to serve as a general overview of previous work on solid wall, radiation and outflow boundary conditions that have been proposed and used in CAA calculations. Both the physical nature of the boundary condition problem as well as the numerical considerations affecting their implementation are discussed.
Internet access and utilisation of adolescents attending a national centre for paediatric rheumatology

With emerging interactive and communication technologies now available, the internet has become one of the top health information resources for adolescents (Stinson et al., 2010). Adolescents are typically the early adapters of new technologies, with in particular, the internet providing innovative opportunities for engaging youths. Traditional sources of health information are now becoming defunct and young people are increasingly going online for health related information.
Nonlinear optical information processing with femtosecond pulses

We demonstrate several nonlinear optical techniques that allow spatial-temporal processing of femtosecond laser pulses. Photorefractive and cascaded second order nonlinear wave mixing is used to convert space domain information into ultrafast temporal waveforms. Spectral domain three wave mixing allows time imaging of femtosecond signals as well as characterization of the signal complex amplitude. Femtosecond pulse interferometry is applied for spatial and temporal characterization of the multimode optical fiber.© (2002) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Gestational age and risk for congenital defects: a population-based study

The relationship between gestational age and congenital defects has not been fully studied. Previous studies have focused on birth weight, an unreliable indicator of gestational age in infants with congenital defects. We investigated the relationship between gestational age and congenital defects using data from the Metropolitan Atlanta Congenital Defects Program (MACDP), a population-based surveillance system that actively ascertains birth defects diagnosed in the first year of life among infants whose mothers reside in the metropolitan Atlanta area. For this study, only live-bom singletons were included. We excluded premature infants (less than 37 weeks gestation) with isolated prematurity-related defects, such as undescended testes, inguinal hernia, patent ductus arteriosus, or persistent foramen ovale, from the analysis. Among 264,392 infants with known gestational age born between 1989 and 1995, 7852 (3.0%) had a congenital defect. Premature infants were more than two times as likely to have congenital defects than infants of term (37-41 weeks) gestation (risk ratio = 2.44, 95% C.I. 2.32-2.58). This relationship was evident for nearly all types of congenital defects. The frequency of congenital defects was highest among infants in the 29-32 week gestational age category (RR=3.39). The risk ratios were 2.66, 2.21 and 0.55, in the 20-28, 33-36 and 42-45 week categories, respectively, using the 37-41 week category as referent. Among infants with birth defects, 22% were premature. Recognition of the correlation between prematurity and risk for congenital defects may guide clinical evaluation of these infants. This correlation may have several causes, including (1) congenital defects and prematurity may share some risk factors, and (2) some congenital defects may predispose the pregnancy to premature delivery. Further study of the association between prematurity and congenital defects may provide insight into the basic mechanisms of these relatively common problems.
Reversible electrochemistry and catalysis withMycobacterium tuberculosis catalase-peroxidase in lipid films

Reversible voltammetry was achieved (E°′ = −0.13 V vs. NHE at 25 °C at pH 7.1) for the FeIII/FeII redox couple of mycobacterial KatG catalase–peroxidase in films of dimyristoyl phosphatidylcholine, which also catalyzed electrochemical reductions of hydrogen peroxide and oxygen.
On Krein's formula in the case of non-densely defined symmetric operators

Abstract In this paper we provide some additional results related to Krein's resolvent formula for a non-densely defined symmetric operator. We show that coefficients in Krein's formula can be expressed in terms of analogues of the classical von Neumann formulas. The relationship between two Weyl–Tichmarsh m-functions corresponding to self-adjoint extensions of a non-densely defined symmetric operator is established.
Rayleigh instabilities in crystalline solids : Evolution of finite-aspect-ratio pore channels in sapphire

Abstract The morphological evolution of lithographically introduced high-aspect-ratio pore channels in sapphire during anneals at 1700 °C was examined. The pore-channel aspect ratio and the crystallographic orientation of the channel axis within the m { 1 0 1 ¯ 0 } plane were systematically varied over wide limits. Of the 12 crystallographically distinct channel orientations sampled, all exhibited evolution characteristics inconsistent with expectations for a material with isotropic surface energy. Those oriented such that the channel could be either fully or partially bounded by low-index surfaces that are part of the Wulff shape of sapphire were most strongly stabilized against breakup into multiple pores. Relative to prior work, in which channels were introduced into the stable c(0 0 0 1) plane of sapphire, pore channels introduced into the unstable m { 1 0 1 ¯ 0 } plane were generally less resistant to breakup, and the transition from formation of a single void to the formation of two or more pores occurred at significantly smaller length-to-radius ratios.
A moderately high intake compared to a low intake of zinc depresses magnesium balance and alters indices of bone turnover in postmenopausal women.

Objective: To determine whether moderately high or low intakes of zinc adversely affect the copper status of postmenopausal women to result in unfavorable changes in calcium and magnesium metabolism and other indicators of bone turnover. Design: After a 10-day equilibration period in which the diet provided 31.5 μmol (2 mg) Cu and 137.7 μmol (9 mg) Zn/8.4 MJ (2000 kcal), the subjects were randomly divided into two groups, with one group fed the basal diet supplemented to provide15.7 μmol (1 mg) Cu/8.4 MJ, and the other group fed the same diet supplemented to provide 47.2 μmol (3 mg) Cu/8.4 MJ. After equilibration, both groups were fed the basal diet with no zinc supplemented (provided 45.9 μmol [3 mg] Zn/8.4 MJ) for 90 days; this was followed by another 10-day equilibration period before the basal diet was supplemented with zinc to provide 811 μmol (53 mg)/8.4 MJ for 90 days. Setting: The metabolic unit of the Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center, Grand Forks, ND, USA. Subjects: A total of 28 postmenopausal women recruited by advertisement throughout the United States of America. Among them, 25 women (64.9+6.7 y) completed the study; 21 as designed. Results: The moderately high intake compared to the low intake of zinc increased the excretion of magnesium in the feces and urine, which resulted in a decreased magnesium balance. In the women fed low dietary copper, plasma osteocalcin was higher during the low-zinc than high-zinc dietary period. The urinary excretion of N-telopeptides was increased and the serum calcitonin concentration was decreased by high dietary zinc regardless of dietary copper. Conclusions: A moderately high intake of zinc (811 μmol/day; 53 mg/day) did not induce changes in copper metabolism that resulted in unfavorable changes in bone or mineral metabolism. However, low dietary zinc (45.9 μmol/day; 3 mg/day) apparently resulted in undesirable changes in circulating calcitonin and osteocalcin. As a moderately high intake of zinc decreased magnesium balance, further study of the possibility that a high intake of zinc is a health concern for individuals consuming less than the recommended amounts of magnesium is warranted.
Grindelane diterpenoids from Grindelia campórum and Chrysothamnus paniculatus

Abstract The structures of nine grindelic acid related diterpenes isolated as methyl esters from Grindelia camporum and Chrysothamnus paniculatus , were elucidated based on their spectral properties.
HRTEM of {100} platelets in natural type 1aA diamond at 1·g; resolution: A defect structure refinement

Abstract The majority of naturally occurring gem-quality diamonds contain {100} platelet defects, the presence of which was first detected by X-ray diffraction. In this paper a detailed comparison is made, between 1·7 A resolution HRTEM lattice images of diamond platelets in the 〈110〉 and 〈100〉 orientations, and images calculated for six different platelet models. It is found that the different platelet models are clearly distinguishable in thin crystal, and close to optimum defocus. The projected structure of the platelet in the [110] orientation is different to that in the [1ī0] orientation, whereas four of the six models have the same projected structure in both 〈110〉 directions. It was necesssary to derive a new model for the diamond platelet in order to match the experimental images. It is highly probable that the new model, which is called the disordered-nitrogen-fretwork model, represents the true structure of the diamond platelets.
On her own: Women as heads of family groups in the 1828 census∗

This article is based on a research project that used primary records to construct limited biographies for 241 women in early colonial Australia. The women shared the common bond of being heads of family groups but otherwise represented the diversity of colonial society in that era. Comparisons drawn between civil status groups on aspects of relationships, economic opportunities and social attitudes are used to examine the way in which this particular group of women experienced life in colonial society.
Porosity fluctuations, tortuosity fluctuations, and other types of fluctuations: Long-time tails and localization in porous media.

Conductivity fluctuations determine the amplitude of the long-time tail in the intermediate scattering function. These fluctuations and the closely related tortuosity fluctuations are shown to set the frequency threshold for the localization of elastic waves in saturated and unsaturated porous media.
Variability in word duration as a function of probability, speech style, and prosody.

This article examines how probability (lexical frequency and previous mention), speech style, and prosody affect word duration, and how these factors interact. Participants read controlled materials in clear and plain speech styles. As expected, more probable words (higher frequencies and second mentions) were significantly shorter than less probable words, and words in plain speech were significantly shorter than those in clear speech. Interestingly, we found second mention reduction effects in both clear and plain speech, indicating that while clear speech is hyper-articulated, this hyper-articulation does not override probabilistic effects on duration. We also found an interaction between mention and frequency, but only in plain speech. High frequency words allowed more second mention reduction than low frequency words in plain speech, revealing a tendency to hypo-articulate as much as possible when all factors support it. Finally, we found that first mentions were more likely to be accented than second mentions. However, when these differences in accent likelihood were controlled, a significant second mention reduction effect remained. This supports the concept of a direct link between probability and duration, rather than a relationship solely mediated by prosodic prominence.
Wettability of Electrospun Poly(vinylpyrrolidone)−Titania Fiber Mats on Glass and ITO Substrates in Aqueous Media

Networks of nano/microfibers (fiber mats) have been electrospun from solutions of dispersed poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) and a titania precursor onto glass and indium−tin oxide (ITO) plates to study their wettability. Collection time and electrode separation are the two key fabrication parameters investigated, along with the flow rate, polymer molecular weight, and drying conditions, to determine the effects on network morphology and the relationship to contact angles. Measurements indicate that the fiber mats on both glass and ITO increase in thickness and contact angle for longer spinning time and shorter distance, resulting in an extreme case of apparent ultrahydrophobicity on ITO of up to 169.9° with water. The fiber mats are shown by optical microscopy to exhibit differences in morphology for insulating glass (straight) and conductive ITO (loopy) substrates responsible for the wide-ranging and well-controlled wettability to within 1−2°. Fiber mats baked at 200 °C for 24 h show excellent mechanical st...
NCLEX-RN pass rate peril: one school's journey through curriculum revision, standardized testing, and attitudinal change.

Abstract Processes used by a university to reverse the downward spiral of NCLEX-RN® pass rates are described. Reasons for poor pass rates were found to be multifaceted and included gaps in curriculum content, student attitudes toward taking the licensure exam, delays in taking the exam following graduation, inadequate student preparation for taking standardized exams, and inappropriate and ineffective exit examinations. Various strategies for reversing the trend of the NCLEX failure rate included: addressing areas of weakness in the curriculum; revising courses; engaging students; changing standardized exit exams; employing a midcurricular and other standardized exams; and implementing remedial courses for poor performance on standardized exams. Change was effected and pass rates on the NCLEX-RN improved dramatically. Future possibilities and proactive measure are described.
Foucault and the Iranian Revolution: Gender and the Seduction of Islamism

Foucault and the Iranian Revolution: Gender and the Seduction of Islamism, Janet Afary and Kevin B. Anderson, Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, 2005, ISBN 0-2260-0786-3, xii + 346 pp. Miche...
Cutaneous arteritis presenting with hyperpigmented macules: macular arteritis

Abstract Macular arteritis is a novel form of cutaneous arteritis in which the primary lesion is a hyperpigmented macule. Traditional stigmata of cutaneous vasculitis such as palpable purpura and erythematous nodules are not present. The disease is asymptomatic and appears to follow an indolent course. Systemic involvement has not been observed. (J Am Acad Dermatol 2003;49:519-22.)
Identification and characterization of the gene causing type 1 spinocerebellar ataxia

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by expansion of a CAG trinucleotide repeat. In this study, we describe the identification and characterization of the gene harbouring this repeat. The SCA1 transcript is 10,660 bases and is transcribed from both the wild type and SCA1 alleles. The CAG repeat, coding for a polyglutamine tract, lies within the coding region. The gene spans 450 kb of genomic DNA and is organized in nine exons. The first seven fall in the 5' untranslated region and the last two contain the coding region, and a 7,277 basepairs 3' untranslated region. The first four non-coding exons undergo alternative splicing in several tissues. These features suggest that the transcriptional and translational regulation of ataxin-1, the SCA1 encoded protein, may be complex.
Analysis of three-dimensional solidification interface shape

The determination of the shape of the solidification interface in a cooling melt by the thermal boundary conditions is investigated analytically, extending the analysis of Siegel (1982) and Siegel and Sosoka (1982) to the three-dimensional case. The solutions are generated by continuation into the solid region from conditions at the cooled wall, and some numerical results are presented in tables and graphs. These findings and the analytical approach employed are applicable to crystallization and metal-forming processes.
Sedentary behavior and prevalent diabetes in Non-Latino Whites, Non-Latino Blacks and Latinos: findings from the National Health Interview Survey

Background Sedentary behavior is associated with type II diabetes, though little is known about prevalence of this behavior across racial/ethnic groups or how it may contribute to disparities in diabetes prevalence. In this study, we examined the association between sedentary behavior and diabetes in a diverse data set, and explored whether differences in sedentary behavior across racial/ethnic groups could contribute to disparities in diabetes. Methods Participants were 27 141 adults from the 2010 US National Health Interview Survey. Logistic regression was used to assess associations between self-reported, non-occupational sitting time, race/ethnicity and physician diagnosis of type II diabetes. Results In fully adjusted models, each hour of daily sitting was associated with 4% increased odds of diabetes (P , 0.01). Odds of diabetes were nearly double in Latinos (odds ratio [OR] ¼ 1.83, confidence interval [CI] ¼ 1.59‐2.13) and Blacks (OR ¼ 1.83, CI ¼ 1.59‐2.11) after adjusting for demographics and lifestyle factors. However, Blacks reported only slightly more sitting than Whites, and Latinos reported significantly less. Further adjustment for sitting hours in multivariate models did not attenuate disparities and slightly increased odds for Latinos (OR ¼ 2.03, CI ¼ 1.74‐2.36).
The UNHCR and World Politics: State Interests vs. Institutional Autonomy

This article situates the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) within the context of world politics. States remain the predominant actors in the international political system. But this does not mean that international organizations like the UNHCR are completely without power or influence. Tracing the evolution of the agency over the past half century, this article argues that while the UNHCR has been constrained by states, the notion that it is a passive mechanism with no independent agenda of its own is not borne out by the empirical evidence of the past 50 years. Rather UNHCR policy and practice have been driven both by state interests and by the office acting independently or evolving in ways not expected nor necessarily sanctioned by states.
Successful treatment of autoimmune chronic idiopathic urticaria with intravenous cyclophosphamide

Background A 45-year-old woman presented with a 20-year history of chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU) unresponsive to H 1 - and H 2 -antagonists and combinations of other anti-inflammatory agents but controlled with daily prednisone (35 mg) for more than 13 years. Intracutaneous testing to autologous serum revealed an 8 × 10-mm wheal/flare reaction consistent with the presence of anti-FcɛRIα autoantibodies. These autoantibodies have been reported to be present in >45% of patients with CIU. Their functional role in the pathogenesis of CIU remains poorly understood. Objective Because of the therapeutic refractory nature of this patient's CIU requiring high doses of corticosteroids, it was decided to initiate treatment with intravenous cyclophosphamide (CTX) in an attempt to eradicate autoantibody-producing B-lymphocyte clones. This therapeutic approach has been previously successful in other autoantibody-mediated disorders such as type II acquired angioedema and factor VIII deficiency. Results Initial treatment consisted of 500 mg CTX intravenously followed by increases of 100 mg every 2 weeks, with the maximum dose reaching 1,500 mg once a month, which represents approximately 20% of the dose administered during systemic cancer chemotherapy. Within 7 months there was a complete clinical remission and prednisone was discontinued. Repeat intracutaneous testing to autologous serum was negative, consistent with an abrogated autoantibody response. The patient has not experienced a recurrence of CIU at the time of this report. Conclusion This index case suggests that intravenous CTX may be effective in alleviating autoantibody-associated CIU in corticosteroid-dependent patients refractory to conventional therapies.
Exploring the Relationship Between Childhood Abuse and Analogue Generalized Anxiety Disorder: The Mediating Role of Emotion Dysregulation

Despite emerging evidence for the central role of emotion dysregulation in generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), little is known about the factors that may increase the risk for this dysregulation. One factor that may be worth investigating is childhood abuse, previously found to be associated with both emotion dysregulation and GAD. To begin to explore the interrelationships among these phenomena, the present study examined the mediating role of emotion dysregulation in the relationship between various forms of childhood abuse (i.e., physical, sexual, and emotional abuse) and analogue GAD status in a sample of 396 undergraduates. Findings provided evidence for the mediating role of emotion dysregulation in the relationship between emotional abuse in particular and analogue GAD.
Viscosity of Liquid He II

The viscosity of liquid He/sup 4/ was measured between 1.10 deg K andd the lambda point. A new type of viscometer was used, based on the damping of the transverse vibrations of a fine wire stretched between two rigid supports. The simplicity of the hydrodynamic problem and the low nuisance damping of the wire make this technique particularly appropriate for the measurement of small viscosities. The smoothed data are presented and found to be in good agreement with the latest rotating cylinder viscometer results. In different experimental runs the vibration frequency was varied by a factor of seven and the wire diameter by a factor of three. There was no evidence of systematic trend due to meanfree-path effects or geometrical corrections. (auth)
Minimization of tryptophan alkylation following 9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl solid-phase peptide synthesis

Abstract We have examined Pmc and Pbf side-chain protection of Arg and Boc side-chain protection of Trp in an attempt to minimize side-chain protecting group “scavenger” use following Fmoc-based solid-phase synthesis. The extent of Trp alkylation was characterized and quantified by analytical RP-HPLC. Edman degradation sequence analysis, and ESMS. The Pbf group offered lower TFA-induced Trp alkylation than the Pmc group. The combination of Trp(Boc) and Arg(Pbf) resulted in extremely low levels of Trp alkylation during TFA treatment of the peptide-resin in the absence of scavengers.
Pericardial and pericardioperitoneal canal relationships to cardiac function in the white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus).

Abstract Sturgeons are primitive bony fishes and their hearts have structural features found in other primitive fishes. Sturgeons have a pericardioperitoneal canal (PPC), a one-way conduit into the peritoneum. A PPC also occurs in elasmobranchs (sharks and rays) and studies with that group demonstrate that pericardial pressure and pericardial fluid loss via the PPC affect stroke volume. A study of white sturgeon ( Acipenser transmontanus ) heart function was conducted to test for a comparable PPC and pericardial effects. White sturgeon-elasmobranch heart-function similarities include biphasic ventricular filling, a comparable operational pericardial pressure (−0.03 kPa), and a strongly negative pressure (−0.2 to −0.6 kPa) with complete pericardial fluid withdrawal. Differences include the white sturgeon's relatively smaller atrium and ventricle but a larger conus arteriosus. Although white sturgeon heart size is also smaller, its pericardial volume is disproportionately less (2.4 to 2.7 vs. 3.5 to 5.4 ml kg −1 in elasmobranchs), meaning it has less scope for increasing stroke volume upon PPC fluid release. These differences may reflect the phylogenetic progression from the less complex operation of the elasmobranch heart, which lacks sympathetic innervation and has a mechanically mediated (PPC) stroke volume, to the condition in the more derived bony fishes which have sympathetic and parasympathetic regulation of both stroke volume and heart rate.
A radiation oncologist's guide to contouring the hippocampus.

Objectives:Limiting the dose to the hippocampus will likely decrease cognitive problems from brain radiotherapy. The purpose of this article is to present a step-by-step guide to contouring the hippocampus on axial images as would be done in the standard process of planning conformal radiotherapy fo
Detrended Correspondence Analysis of Dietary Data

Abstract Niche relationships of fishes can be inferred from dietary analysis. Individual fish and their prey can be ordered along an underlying continuum that has ecological relevance, The specific arrangement is a function of the predator's behavior and the prey's spatial distribution. This distribution of prey eaten by predators conforms to the underlying assumptions of detrended correspondence analysis. This multivariate technique, designed specifically for discrete data, uncovers underlying resource gradients in the dietary data. We used it to analyse dietary information collected from banded sunfish Enneacanthus obesus and bluespotted sunfish Enneacanthus gloriosus and compared then the results with analyses by discriminant analysis, factor analysis, and principal component analysis. Detrended correspondence analysis was as effective in discriminating among species on the basis of diet as discriminant analysis, and was much better than either factor analysis or principal component analysis in produci...
Multiple K-factors of a leaning column

Abstract A new conceptual meaning is given to the structural analysis column effective length factor, K. It is a measure of the lateral stiffness available to a column to resist its P-Δ and P-δ effects at the instant of buckling. Using this definition, it is explained why a pin-ended column can have different K-factors. Several examples are given to illustrate this new concept. Both elastic and inelastic leaning columns are studied. A structural analysis rarely ever gives K = 1.0 for a leaning column in a practical frame.
Measuring police innovation: issues and measurement

This paper investigates conceptual and empirical issues in the study of police organizational innovation. In particular, previous studies of police innovation have rarely created measures of innovation that are in accord with established methods and theory employed in innovation studies of other organization types. To mitigate this oversight, this paper first describes four relevant issues in organizational innovation, and applies these issues to create a fivefold measure of police innovation with data on the 431 largest municipal US police departments. Second, the components of this fivefold typology of police innovation are factor analyzed, to assess their unidimensionality. The results of these analyses indicate that three of the five innovation types are, in themselves, multi‐dimensional. Overall, police innovations do not adhere to the five innovation types suggested by theories of organizational innovation. Instead, the multi‐dimensionality of police organizational innovation is demonstrated here.
Differentiating anxious, aggressive, and socially competent preschool children: validation of the Social Competence and Behavior Evaluation-30 (parent version)

The present study examined the factor structure, internal consistency, and construct validity of the parent version of the Social Competence and Behavior Evaluation-30 for preschoolers (SCBE-30; LaFreniere, P. J. (1990). Social competence and behavior evaluation-30. Unpublished measure.), an adaptation of the validated teacher version of the same measure (LaFreniere & Dumas, Psychol. Asses. 8 (1996) 369). The parent version of the SCBE-30 is a 30-item Likert rating scale questionnaire designed to assess patterns of anxiety/withdrawal, anger/aggression, and social competence. Principal components analysis was used to identify the factor structure of the parent version of the SCBE-30 (N = 218 preschool children). To assess construct validity, a compliance task was utilized to determine whether children identified as high on anxiety/withdrawal, anger/aggression, or social competence with the parent version of the SCBE-30 (n = 20 for each group) could be distinguished behaviorally on several observational variables. Principal components analysis identified three factors accounting for 44% of the variance. Ten items positively loaded onto each factor and matched conceptual expectations. A between-subjects MANOVA demonstrated significant group differences in observed child behaviors including compliance, noncompliance, subtypes of noncompliance, and aversive behavior. Results of the current study suggested that the parent version of the SCBE-30 demonstrated both internal consistency and construct validity, and findings paralleled many of the results from LaFreniere and Dumas' validation of the teacher version of the SCBE-30.
The Pathogenesis of Retinal Dysplasia

The term retinal dysplasia has been em­ ployed with two connotations in the ophthal­ mic literature. Its early usewas the more general, referring to abnormalities in the histogenesis of the developing retina. The term was used more restrictively by Reese and Blodi and Reese and Straatsma to desig­ nate a specific syndrome consisting of multi­ ple congenital anomalies, including bilateral ocular abnormalities, presenting a more or less typical histopathologic picture. The wide­ spread application of karyologic analysis during the past decade has made it clear that most of the cases of this syndrome described by Reese and coworkers' were probably re­ lated to a trisomy in the D group of chromo­ somes (13-15 trisomy).
Prehospital induction of mild hypothermia with cold normal saline for cardiac arrest: more harm than good?

Outcomes: The primary outcomes were survival to hospital discharge and neurological status at discharge. Results The intervention decreased mean core temperature by 1.20°C (95% CI, �1.33°C to �1.07°C) in patients with VF and by 1.30°C (95% CI, �1.40°C to �1.20°C) in patients without VF by hospital arrival and reduced the time to achieve a temperature of less than 34°C by about 1 hour compared with the control group. However, survival to hospital discharge was similar among the intervention and control groups among patients with VF (62.7% [95% CI, 57.0%-68.0%] vs 64.3% [95% CI, 58.6%-69.5%], respectively; P =0.69) and among patients without VF (19.2% [95% CI, 15.6%-23.4%] vs 16.3% [95% CI, 12.9%-20.4%], respectively; P = 0.30). The intervention was also not associated with improved neurological status of full recovery or mild impairment at discharge for either patients with VF (57.5% [95% CI, 51.8%-63.1%] of cases had full recovery or mild impairment vs 61.9% [95% CI, 56.2%-67.2%] of controls; P = 0.69) or those without VF (14.4% [95% CI, 11.3%-18.2%] of cases vs 13.4% [95% CI,10.4%-17.2%] of controls; P = 0.30). Overall, the intervention group experienced rearrest in the field more than the control group (26% [95% CI, 22%-29%] vs 21% [95% CI, 18%-24%], respectively; P = 0.008), as well as increased diuretic use and pulmonary edema on first chest x-ray, which resolved within 24 hours after admission.
Evaluation of ability of reference toxicity tests to identify stress in laboratory populations of the amphipod Hyalella azteca

Standard methods for conducting toxicity tests imply that the condition of test organisms can be established using reference toxicity tests. However, only a limited number of studies have evaluated whether reference toxicity tests can actually be used to determine if organisms are in good condition. at the start of a test. We evaluated the ability of reference toxicants to identify stress associated with starvation in laboratory populations of the amphipod Hyalella azteca using acute toxicity tests and four reference toxicants: KCl, CdCl2, sodium pentachlorophenate (NaPCP), and carbaryl. Stress associated with severe starvation was observed with exposure of amphipods to carbaryl or NaPCP but not with exposure to KCl or CdCl2 (i.e., lower LC50 with severe starvation). Although the LC50s for NaPCP and carbaryl were statistically different between starved and fed amphipods, this difference may not be biologically significant given the variability expected in acute lethality tests. Stress associated with sieving, heat shock, or cold shock of amphipods before the start of a test was not evident with exposure to carbaryl or KCl as reference toxicants. The chemicals evaluated in this study provided minimal information about the condition of the organisms used to start a toxicity test. Laboratories should periodically perform reference toxicity tests to assess the sensitivity of life stages or strains of test organisms. However, use of other test acceptability criteria required in standard methods, such as minimum survival, growth, or reproduction of organisms in the control treatment at the end of a test, provides more useful information about the condition of organisms used to start a test compared to data generated from reference toxicity tests.
Manipulation of micrometer-scale adhesion by tuning nanometer-scale surface features.

This article demonstrates how the adhesion rates of micrometer-scale particles on a planar surface can be manipulated by nanometer-scale features on the latter. Here, ∼500-nm-diameter spherical silica particles carrying a substantial and relatively uniform negative charge experienced competing attractions and repulsions as they approached and attempted to adhere to a negative planar silica surface carrying flat 11-nm-diameter patches of concentrated positive charge. The average spacing of these patches profoundly influenced the particle adhesion. For dense positive patch spacing on the planar collector, the particle adhesion was rapid, and the fundamental adhesion kinetics were masked by particle transport to the interface. For patch densities corresponding to a planar surface with net zero charge, particle adhesion was still rapid. Adhesion kinetics were observably reduced for patch spacings exceeding 20 nm and become slower with increased patch spacing. Ultimately, above a critical or threshold average ...
Organizational AIDS policies: Aiming at a moving target

This article examines the effect that theArline decision is likely to have on organizational policies regarding terminations when such actions involve AIDS-afflicted employees working in organizations that are subject to the provisions of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Certain criteria that must be considered when an organization is contemplating terminations involving this class of employees are defined. In addition, a systematic analysis technique which may provide insights in arriving at such employment decisions is specified. Finally, the authors identify several elements which have yet to be adequately addressed by existing legislation or court decisions that serve to impede the establishment of effective policies in this area.
Photonic band structure of zinc blende type periodic dielectric media

The photonic band structures for two types of zinc blende structures are computed using the plane wave expansion method. Both structures are formed from an array of dielectric balls in a vacuum background. In the first type of structure the basis on the FCC lattice is composed of two balls of equal radii but of different dielectric composition. In the second type of structure the basis is composed of two balls of different radii which are composed of identical dielectric materials. The lowest frequency band gaps are studied in the first system as a function of the dielectric contrast ratio of the balls and in the second system as a function of the filling fraction ratio of the balls. In the first system it is found that by increasing the difference of the dielectric constants, the frequency gap can be increased from that observed in the limit of the diamond structure. In the second system the largest gap is observed in the limits of the diamond structure.
Large Antarctic ozone loss foreseen

The ozone “hole” above Antarctica in late September and early October could be among the biggest on record, scientists with the Australian Antarctic Division and the Bureau of Meteorology predicted on 21 August. The scientists have found colder than usual atmospheric temperatures present, which contribute to ozone loss. Australian Antarctic Division atmospheric scientist Andrew Klekociuk said the current meteorological trends are similar to those in 2000, a year when the ozone hole was of record size and covered an area about three times that of Australia. The first signs of cooling of the lower stratosphere were detected by lidar and balloon measurements at the Australian Antarctic Davis Station about 6 weeks earlier than during 2001 and 2002, he said. These cooling signs included the early detection of polar stratospheric clouds.