cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Short-term trends in Africa's freshwater resources: Rates and drivers

The freshwater resources in Africa are vulnerable to natural variabilities as well as anthropogenic interventions. In this study, temporal (April 2002-June 2017) Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) data are integrated, in a geographic information system environment, with rainfall, temperature, evapotranspiration, and altimetry remote sensing datasets to monitor the short-term trends in terrestrial water storage (TWS) over the African hydrogeologic systems and to explore their origins. Results show that short-term trends over the African continent are largely driven by natural variability such as changes in rainfall, evapotranspiration, and associated variations in lake levels. Exceptions to this observation include central Africa, where deforestation is found to additionally drive changes in TWS, as well as northern Africa, where TWS changes are dominated by anthropogenic groundwater extraction from fossil aquifers. Findings highlight the need for integrative responses at local, national, regional, and international levels by the African nations to overcome current and future challenges related to freshwater availability in Africa.
Science & Global Security: 30 years on, still a big mission

Science & Global Security marks its 30th anniversary this year. Discussions leading to the journal began in the mid-1980s between Roald Sagdeev, Vitali Goldanski and Sergei Kapitza on the Soviet si...
Racial Disparities are Present in the Timing of Radiographic Assessment and Surgical Treatment of Hip Fractures.

BACKGROUND Hip fractures are associated with 1-year mortality rates as high as 19% to 33%. Nonwhite patients have higher mortality and lower mobility rates at 6 months postoperatively than white patients. Studies have extensively documented racial disparities in hip fracture outcomes, but few have directly assessed racial disparities in the timing of hip fracture care. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES Our purpose was to assess racial disparities in the care provided to patients with hip fractures. We asked, (1) do racial disparities exist in radiographic timing, surgical timing, length of hospital stay, and 30-day hospital readmission rates? (2) Does the hospital type modify the association between race and the outcomes of interest? METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the records of 1535 patients aged 60 years or older who were admitted to the emergency department and treated surgically for a hip fracture at one of five hospitals (three community hospitals and two tertiary hospitals) in our health system from 2015 to 2017. Multivariable generalized linear models were used to assess associations between race and the outcomes of interest. RESULTS After adjusting for patient characteristics, we found that black patients had a longer mean time to radiographic evaluation (4.2 hours; 95% confidence interval, -0.6 to 9.0 versus 1.2 hours; 95% CI, 0.1-2.3; p = 0.01) and surgical fixation (41 hours; 95% CI, 34-48 versus 34 hours 95% CI, 32-35; p < 0.05) than white patients did. Hospital type only modified the association between race and surgical timing. In community hospitals, black patients experienced a 51% (95% CI, 17%-95%; p < 0.01) longer time to surgery than white patients did; however, there were no differences in surgical timing between black and white patients in tertiary hospitals. No race-based differences were observed in the length of hospital stay and 30-day hospital readmission rates. CONCLUSIONS After adjusting for patient characteristics, we found that black patients experienced longer wait times to radiographic evaluation and surgical fixation than white patients. Hospitals should consider evaluating racial disparities in the timing of hip fracture care in their health systems. Raising awareness of these disparities and implementing unconscious bias training for healthcare providers may help mitigate these disparities and improve the timing of care for patients who are at a greater risk of delay. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level III, therapeutic study.
Examining the influence of van Hiele theory-based instructional activities on elementary preservice teachers’ geometry knowledge for teaching 2-D shapes

Abstract Teaching geometry at the elementary level is challenging. This study examines the impact of van Hiele theory-based instructional activities embedded into an elementary mathematics methods course on preservice teachers’ geometry knowledge for teaching. Pre- and post-assessment data from 111 elementary preservice teachers revealed that van Hiele theory-based instruction can be effective in improving three strands of participants’ geometry knowledge for teaching: geometry content knowledge, knowledge of students’ van Hiele levels, and knowledge of geometry instructional activities. As a result, this paper offers implications for teacher educators and policy makers to better prepare elementary preservice teachers with geometry knowledge for teaching.
“A Sickness which has Grown to Epidemic Proportions”: American Indian Anti-and Decolonial thought During the Long 1960s

In the wake of World War Two and with the onset of decolonisation and the Cold War, the United States embarked on a mission to ‘modernize’ the economies and cultures of the so-called ‘developing na...
20 – Pile Design Software

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses pile design software. Most geotechnical engineering softwares are based on the finite element method, which is considered to be the most powerful mathematical method today for solving piling problems. Any type of soil condition can be simulated using the finite element method. Computer programs are available with finite element platforms. These programs can be used to solve a wide array of piling problems. The user is expected to have a working knowledge of finite element analysis to use these programs. More specialized computer programs are also available in the market. These programs do not require knowledge of finite element analysis. The boundary element method, a simplified version of the finite element method, considers only the elements at boundaries. The chapter also describes lateral loading analysis.
Real-Time Imaging of Cell Therapy with Acoustics

Background & Aim Cell therapy has shown significant promise in treating disease. Unfortunately, stem cell therapy is limited by mis-injection into highly fibrotic tissues, poor cell survival due to ischemia and inflammation, and low cell retention. For these reasons, our group has developed a variety of tools that facilitae real-time imaging of stem cell therapy. We are particualrly intersted in acoustic and photoacoustic imaging because of their low cost, ease of use, and video frame rates to faciliate real-time imaging of the cell delivery event as well as downstream analysis of cell biodistribution. We have built several novel nanoparticles contrast agents and used them image mesenchymal stem cell delivery and location in vivo. These same nanoparticles can often also provide MRI signal or deliver pro-survival drugs in addition to reporting the location of the therapeutic cells. Methods, Results & Conclusion Here, I will discuss the value of acoustic imaging as applied to cell therapy using cardiac cell therapy as an example. This work used a biocompatible multi-functional silica-iron oxide nanoparticle (SIO) made via an in situ growth of Fe3O4 nanoparticles on both the external surfaces and pore walls of mesocellular foam silica nanoparticles. In contrast to prior work, this approach builds a magnetic moiety inside the pores of a porous silica structure. These materials serve three roles: drug delivery, magnetic manipulation, and imaging. The addition of Fe3O4 to the silica nanoparticles increased their colloidal stability, T2-based magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast, and superparamagnetism. The particle core offered acousticv signal. We then used the hybrid materials as a sustained release vehicle of insulin-like growth factor—a pro-survival agent that can increase cell viability. In vivo rodent studies show that labeling stem cells with this nanoparticle increased the efficacy of stem cell therapy in a ligation/reperfusion model. The nanoparticle-labeled cells increase the mean left ventricular ejection fraction by 11% and 21% and the global longitudinal strain by 24% and 34% on days 30 and 60, respectively. In summary, this multifunctional nanomedicine improves stem cell survival via the sustained release of pro-survival agents.
Abstract P185: Using Electronic Health Records To Identify Patients With Apparent Treatment Resistant Hypertension

Introduction: Apparent treatment resistant hypertension (aTRH) affects 10-20% of hypertensive adults and increases risk of cardiovascular events and mortality. Fewer than half of these patients hav...
Differentiation of Zaghrouta , Ululation to Express Joy in the Middle East, from Movement Disorders and Other Conditions

Introduction: Clinicians are trained to elicit symptoms and signs to formulate a differential diagnosis. Ruling out treatable diseases is crucial. Movement disorders specialists interpret observable behaviors as indicators of potential pathological processes. Movement disorders specialists must be able to identify symptoms and signs of organic disorders as well as actions that represent normal behaviors in healthy members of specific ethnic and cultural groups. The goal of this presentation is to describe zaghrouta, a manifestation of joy in the Middle East and other cultures, and to differentiate this normal expression of feelings from movement disorders, exaggerated startle responses, and functional disorders. Case Presentation: A 29-year-old Egyptian woman observed the performance of zaghrouta frequently for happy events in her family, neighborhood, and community since early childhood as long as she can remember. Ten years ago she herself first performed zaghrouta at the engagement party of her friend. Since then she has performed zaghrouta five or six times a year to express happiness for cheerful events. Conclusions: Zaghrouta may resemble pathological behaviors seen in movement disorders such as tardive dyskinesia, focal seizures, psychiatric manifestations such as catatonia in schizophrenia, tics in the syndrome of Gilles de la Tourette, and functional disorders. Therefore, clinicians around the world must be able to differentiate this normal behavior to express emotions from abnormal behaviors indicating pathology.
Promoting quality in programs for infants and toddlers: Comparing the family child care and center-based teaching workforce

Abstract As the provision of publicly funded pre-kindergarten has expanded in recent years, public programs for infants and toddlers have received relatively little policy attention. However, federal, state, and local governments are now trying to promote quality in family child care and center-based programs that serve infants and toddlers, often with an emphasis on workforce development. Despite the developmental importance of the first years in a child’s life, infant and toddler teachers in family child care and centers remain greatly under-studied in the research literature. This descriptive study seeks to help fill that gap by comparing the characteristics and views of family child care and center-based infant and toddler teachers in the context of New York City, where ambitious policies to promote the quality of infant and toddler programs have focused on workforce development in both settings. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected in 2019 via online surveys of 32 center-based and 30 family child care teachers, and then analyzed quantitatively to identify similarities and differences between the two groups. The results can inform the design of policies in New York City, other cities, and states that seek to promote the quality of infant and toddler care in different settings.
Going Green: Environmental Protest, Policy and CO2 Emissions, in U.S. States, 1990-2007

A major goal of the environmental movement is to conserve or improve the natural environment, but evidence showing that environmental mobilization produces positive environmental outcomes is mixed. This paper addresses a fundamental question about the relative impact of pro-environmental mobilization and the scope of an environmental policy regime on the natural environment. Using panel data at the state level from 1990-2007, we explore how environmental protest and environmental policies independently (or jointly) reduce CO2 emissions in U.S. states. We find that the level of emissions in a state declines in states with increases in pro-environmental protest, net of the effects of the range of environmental policies enacted, gasoline taxes, liberal attitudes, reliance on the fossil fuel industry, number of registered lobbyist organizations, average state product, and population size.
Roles of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) in allergic diseases: The 10-year anniversary for ILC2s

In the 12 years since the discovery of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), our knowledge of their immunobiology has expanded rapidly. Group 2 ILCs (ILC2s) respond rapidly to allergen exposure and environmental insults in mucosal organs, producing type 2 cytokines. Early studies showed that epithelium-derived cytokines activate ILC2s, resulting in eosinophilia, mucus hypersecretion, and remodeling of mucosal tissues. We now know that ILC2s are regulated by other cytokines, eicosanoids, and neuropeptides as well, and interact with both immune and stromal cells. Furthermore, ILC2s exhibit plasticity by adjusting their functions depending on their tissue environment and may consist of several heterogeneous subpopulations. Clinical studies show that ILC2s are involved in asthma, allergic rhinitis, chronic rhinosinusitis, food allergy, and eosinophilic esophagitis. However, much remains unknown about the immunologic mechanisms involved. Beneficial functions of ILCs in maintenance or restoration of tissue well-being and human health also need to be clarified. As our understanding of the crucial functions ILCs play in both homeostasis and disease pathology expands, we are poised to make tremendous strides in diagnostic and therapeutic options for patients with allergic diseases. This review summarizes discoveries in immunobiology of ILCs and their roles in allergic diseases in the past 5 years, discusses controversies and gaps in our knowledge, and suggests future research directions.
Thunderstorm asthma

Thunderstorms have often been linked to epidemics of asthma, especially during the grass flowering season; however, the precise mechanisms explaining this phenomenon are unknown. Evidence of high respirable allergen loadings in the air associated with specific meteorologic events combined with an analysis of pollen physiology suggests that rupture of airborne pollen can occur. Strong downdrafts and dry, cold outflows distinguish thunderstorm rain from frontal rain. The weather system of a mature thunderstorm likely entrains grass pollen into the cloud base, where pollen rupture would be enhanced, then transports the respirablesized fragments of pollen debris to ground level where outflows distribute them ahead of the rain. The conditions occurring at the onset of a thunderstorm might expose susceptible people to a rapid increase in concentrations of pollen allergens in the air that can readily deposit in the lower airways and initiate asthmatic reactions.
Effects of Oncohistone Mutations and PTM Crosstalk on the N-terminal Acetylation Activities of NatD

Acetylation at the α-N-terminus (Nα) is one of the most abundant modifications detected on histone H4 and H2A, which is catalyzed by N-terminal acetyltransferase D (NatD). NatD substrate recognition motif, N-terminal SGRGK, is enriched with frequent oncohistone mutations and post-translational modifications (PTMs). However, there is no information on how oncohistone mutations and other PTMs affect NatD-catalyzed acetylation. Herein, we determined how changes of local chemical environment on the N-terminal SGRGK sequence regulate NatD-catalyzed Nα acetylation on histone H4/H2A. Our studies indicate that all oncohistone mutations at SGRG suppressed the catalytic efficiency of NatD. Meanwhile, H4 serine 1 phosphorylation and arginine 3 methylation also negatively affect the NatD activity, but the lysine 5 acetylation has a marginal effect on NatD. This work reveals the impacts of oncohistone mutations on NatD activity and unravels the crosstalk between NatD and PTMs. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the potential regulatory mechanism of NatD, highlighting different revenues to interrogate the NatD-mediated pathway in the future.
The C. elegans gonadal sheath Sh1 cells associate selectively with a differentiating germ cell population in the proliferative zone

The C. elegans adult hermaphrodite germ line is surrounded by a thin tube formed by somatic sheath cells that support germ cells as they mature from the stem-like mitotic state through meiosis, gametogenesis and ovulation. Recently, we discovered that the distal-most Sh1 sheath cells associate with mitotic germ cells as they exit the niche. Here we report that these distal sheath-associated germ cells differentiate first in animals with temperature-sensitive mutations affecting germ cell state, and stem-like germ cells are maintained distal to the Sh1 boundary. We analyze several markers of the distal sheath, which is best visualized with endogenously tagged membrane proteins, as overexpressed fluorescent proteins fail to localize to distal membrane processes and can cause gonad morphology defects. However, such reagents with highly variable expression can be used to determine the relative positions of the two Sh1 cells, one of which often extends further distal than the other.
Novel Chemoradiation in Localized Pancreatic Cancer: Clinical Studies

Improving the treatment of pancreatic cancer is a challenge. Whenever possible, patients should be enrolled in investigational studies that evaluate novel therapies. Outside of a clinical trial, postoperative chemoradiation is the current standard adjuvant treatment after pancreaticoduodenectomy in the United States, but results from all randomized trials indicate significant rates of local tumor recurrence. For locally advanced disease, improving local tumor control rates is an important goal as well. In both cases, patients probably benefit from gemcitabine-based chemotherapy as well as chemoradiation. A strategy that incorporates both probably takes advantage of the best-available established therapies. The incorporation of molecularly targeted therapy with well-tolerated chemoradiation and chemotherapy regimens is a promising approach that addresses the limitations of conventional therapy without introducing unacceptable toxicity. Fortunately, investigators have placed more emphasis on pancreatic cancer in recent years than in the past, and many more clinical trials evaluating novel radiosensitizers are available to patients. Enrollment of patients in these studies is critical to the improvement of outcome in this disease.
Database access path selection: a two step approach

Abstract In this paper, we develop an efficient two-step approach to database access path selection. In the first step, we use index threshold values to identify those queries for which index lookup is clearly the less expensive access path. For these queries, there is no need to estimate block selectivity, resulting in saving in processing cost. In the second step, we present a measure of clustering effect and empirically relate this measure to block selectivity. This method of estimating block selectivity can be performed much more quickly than the O(km) or O(m) flops required by some of the other approaches and relaxes a previous assumption that clusters are linearly ordered. In addition, its use does not hinge on particular assumptions of data distributions. We test this approach with a corporate file obtained from the COMPUSTAT database. The results of the test indicate that the approach leads to sound access path selections and is superior to the random placement model in estimating block selectivity.
Bovine mitochondrial rhodanese is a phosphoprotein.

The mitochondrial sulfurtransferase, rhodanese, has been analyzed for phosphate content. Significant amounts of protein-bound phosphate (30–40%) were measured in the six rhodanese preparations examined. Chromatographic experiments followed by phosphate analyses done on two of the preparations indicated that rhodanese A and rhodanese B, two enzyme forms that were previously resolved on DEAE-Sephadex by Blumenthal and Heinrikson (Blumenthal, K., and Heinrikson, R. L. (1971) J. Biol. Chem. 240, 2430–2437), correspond to dephospho- and phosphorhodanese, respectively. The phosphorylation of rhodanese by [γ-32P]ATP is catalyzed by cAMP-dependent protein kinase. The stoichiometry of 32P incorporation based on the amount of dephosphorhodanese in the enzyme preparation approaches 1.0. The phosphorylation site is accessible in rhodanese that is free of substrate sulfur but not in the covalent enzyme-sulfur intermediate which is formed as an obligatory step during the course of catalysis. Because the cellular localization of cAMP-dependent protein kinase makes it unlikely as the physiologic modulator of rhodanese activity, liver extracts have been tested for a rhodanese kinase that does not require cAMP. Rhodanese kinase activity which is independent of cAMP is observed in extract fractions resolved by Affi-Gel Blue chromatography and freed from endogenous rhodanese by chromatography on Sephadex G-100. These results together with previous findings from this and other laboratories have led to a working model of a bicyclic cascade system that can modulate the rate of mitochondrial respiration. The essence of the model is a transduction and amplification of cellular signals into the altered covalent phosphorylation of rhodanese. Rhodanese, in turn, serves as a converter enzyme which directly alters the rate of the respiratory chain and, thus, ATP production by the reversible sulfuration of key iron-sulfur centers. The model, when expanded to include signal pathways initiated by hormones or neurotransmitters, represents a mechanism by which mitochondria can recognize and meet changing energy demands.
A Temporal Query Language Based on Conceptual Entities and Roles

In our previous work [EIEK90], we introduced a Semantic Temporal model based on the Extended Entity-Relationship model (STEER), where we proposed new classification concepts for temporal/conceptual objects and relationships. We defined temporal constraints and outlined rules for preserving temporal integrity constraints.
Systematic Review of Pancreatic Cyst Fluid Biomarkers: The Path Forward

There is significant research interest in developing and validating novel pancreatic cyst-fluid biomarkers given the increasing recognition of the prevalence of pancreatic cysts and their associated malignant potential. Although current international consensus guidelines are helpful, they fail to diagnose with certainty the cyst type and the level of epithelial dysplasia. They also fall short in predicting the future likelihood of malignant transformation. A systematic review was performed with the objective of summarizing cyst-fluid-based biomarkers that have been published in the medical literature over the past 10 years and characterizing the current quality of evidence. Our review demonstrates that there is an increasing interest in this topic with several different and innovative approaches including DNA, RNA, proteomic, and metabolomics profiling. Further techniques to improve upon cytological yield have also been studied. Besides identifying potentially useful clinical biomarkers, these empiric approaches have provided further insight into their pathogenesis. The level of evidence for the vast majority of these studies, however, is limited to retrospective early validation studies. The path forward will be to select out the most promising biomarkers and develop multicenter consortiums capable of capturing adequate sample sizes with appropriate study designs.
SEEPAGE UNDER STRUCTURE ON FOUR SOIL STRATA

A solution is developed for the confined flow under a structure resting on four strata of equal thickness. It is expressed as an asymptotic expansion in terms of the structure length. Because this expansion is truncated after the first two terms the solution is approximate. The discharge is expressed in closed form in terms of well-known special functions which are tabulated in the paper. In addition it is compared with Polubarinova-Kochina's exact solution for the discharge through two strata of equal thickness.
Tests of Quantum Electrodynamics Using Hydrogen, Muonium, and Positronium

In this paper we review the present status of experiments that test quantum electrodynamics (QED) using the simple atoms of hydrogen (H), muonium (Mu), and positronium (Ps). Since the recent developments in QED theory are reviewed separately (see G. P. Lepage — these proceedings) we need only introduce the results of such calculations for clarity and completeness. Emphasis will be given to the experimental techniques employed, the most recent experimental results, and the outlook for future improvement in the measurements.
Clinical review: Emergency department overcrowding and the potential impact on the critically ill

Critical care constitutes a significant and growing proportion of the practice of emergency medicine. Emergency department (ED) overcrowding in the USA represents an emerging threat to patient safety and could have a significant impact on the critically ill. This review describes the causes and effects of ED overcrowding; explores the potential impact that ED overcrowding has on care of the critically ill ED patient; and identifies possible solutions, focusing on ED based critical care.
Predictors of Treatment Response From a First Episode of Schizophrenia or Schizoaffective Disorder

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the treatment response of patients with first-episode schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder and potential predictors of response. METHOD: First-episode patients were assessed on measures of psychopathology, cognition, social functioning, and biological parameters and treated according to a standardized algorithm. RESULTS: One hundred eighteen patients (52% male, mean age 25.2 years) entered the study. The cumulative percentage of patients responding by 1 year was 87%; the median time to response was 9 weeks. The following variables were significantly associated with less likelihood of response to treatment: male sex, obstetric complications, more severe hallucinations and delusions, poorer attention at baseline, and the development of parkinsonism during antipsychotic treatment. Variables not significantly related to treatment response were diagnosis (schizophrenia versus schizoaffective disorder), premorbid functioning, duration of psychotic symptoms prior to study ent...
Bootstrapping a self-compiling compiler from machine X to machine Y

Mary Washington College (MWC), like most colleges, offers Computer Science majors an upper-level survey course on the organization and implementation of programming languages. The course devotes very little time, if any, to actual compiler construction, a topic better suited for a course in compiler writing. However, one could discuss how an existing compiler could propagate an image of itself to another machine. This technique, popularly referred to as bootstrapping or cross-compiling, has been around for years. The literature frequently limits details and thus may incorrectly convey that cross-compiling is quick and easy to do. This paper discusses the author's experience with moving a compiler, written in the language it compiles, from an IBM machine to a Control Data machine.
N-PEGylation of a Reverse Turn is Stabilizing in Multiple Sequence Contexts unlike N-GlcNAcylation

The intrinsic stabilization of therapeutic proteins by N-glycosylation can endow them with increased shelf and serum half-lives owing to lower populations of misfolded and unfolded states, which ar...
Coccinellidae or Ladybird Beetles (Insecta: Coleoptera) of Plummers Island, Maryland

ABSTRACT Based on historical specimens in the collection of the National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., 25 species of Coccinellidae (Coleoptera) were collected on Plummers Island between 1902 and 1960. This represents approximately 32% of the recorded fauna of Maryland. Neoharmonia venusta venusta (Melsheimer) was the most commonly collected species.
Simplified two and three dimensional HTTR benchmark problems

To assess the accuracy of diffusion or transport methods for reactor calculations, it is desirable to create heterogeneous benchmark problems that are typical of whole core configurations. In this paper we have created two and three dimensional numerical benchmark problems typical of high temperature gas cooled prismatic cores. Additionally, a single cell and single block benchmark problems are also included. These problems were derived from the HTTR start-up experiment. Since the primary utility of the benchmark problems is in code-to-code verification, minor details regarding geometry and material specification of the original experiment have been simplified while retaining the heterogeneity and the major physics properties of the core from a neutronics viewpoint. A six-group material (macroscopic) cross section library has been generated for the benchmark problems using the lattice depletion code HELIOS. Using this library, Monte Carlo solutions are presented for three configurations (all-rods-in, partially-controlled and all-rods-out) for both the 2D and 3D problems. These solutions include the core eigenvalues, the block (assembly) averaged fission densities, local peaking factors, the absorption densities in the burnable poison and control rods, and pin fission density distribution for selected blocks. Also included are the solutions for the single cell and single block problems.
Origin of carbon in polychlorinated dioxins and furans formed during sooting combustion.

The importance of solid- and gas-phase carbon precursors for the formation of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDDs/Fs) during sooting combustion was investigated in an entrained flow reactor (EFR). Experiments were performed at various methane (CH 4 ) flame equivalence ratios with or without gas-phase chlorine (Cl 2 ) and fly ash, to provide a realistic environment for carbon reactions and PCDD/DF formation. Selected experiments were conducted with labeled 13 CH 4 and 37 Cl 2 to investigate the relative roles of different carbon and chlorine species for the formation of PCDD/DF. The presence of soot and ash were the two major factors controlling the PCDD/DF yields. The 16 PCDD/DF homologues as well as other analyzed chlorinated aromatics were formed by reaction pathways that varied with degree of chlorination. The mono- and dichlorinated homologues were formed by gas-phase, catalytic, or noncatalytic flame product reactions, occurring during soot formation in the near flame zone and/or at lower reaction temperatures ( C 12 ) fragments in the solid soot structure, while the PCDDs, at least in part, were also formed by reaction of two C 6 fragments. The tri- to hexachlorinated DD/DF homologues were formed via a relatively fast de novo synthesis occurring during the first minutes of reactions on the continuously formed soot particles, whereas de novo synthesis on an aged soot matrix was the major pathway for the hepta- and octachlorinated congeners.
Coronary Arteriography by the Single Catheter Percutaneous Femoral Technique Experience in 6,800 Cases

A new percutaneous femoral method for studying the coronary arteries, left ventricle and saphenous vein bypass grafts using a single catheter has been developed. A #8 French 100 cm polyurethane catheter with wire incorporated and a 45° curved tip has been used in 6,800 patients. This technique combines the speed and simplicity of the percutaneous femoral approach with the safety of the single catheter technique by eliminating multiple catheter and guidewire changes. Manipulation techniques for selective right and left coronary artery and saphenous vein bypass graft injections as well as for left ventriculography are described. In only 10% of the cases has it been necessary to change to a second catheter, and catheterization time has averaged less than 15 minutes. Complications have been infrequent: femoral thrombosis 0.3%, hematoma 0.2%, myocardial infarction 0.04%, cerebrovascular accident 0.03% and death 0.07%. The speed of the technique and the elimination of multiple catheter changes seem to have contributed to the low complication rate.
Monitoring of anti-angiogenic drug response with dynamic fluorescence imaging

We present the results of a study in which we monitored anti-angiogenic therapy response in a mouse cancer model with in-vivo dynamic fluorescence imaging. In the experiments indocyanine green (ICG) was used as a fluorescent optical contrast agent and its time-dependent uptake and washout before and after the administration of bevacizumab was recorded. We found that compared with other organs, tumors showed a noticeable difference in ICG kinetics after treatment.
Malaria: The gatekeeper revealed.

A molecular machine used by the malaria parasite to export its protein armoury into the host cell has at last been identified, providing researchers with a potentially invaluable therapeutic target.
Near-Infrared Hadamard Transform Spectrometry

Hadamard transform spectrometry is a multiplexing technique that shares some of the advantages Fourier transform spectrometry offers (e.g. the Fellgett's, or multiplex advantage and the Connes', or frequency precision advantage). Hadamard transform spectrometry, using a liquid crystal electro-optic shutter array (LC-OSA) as a stationary Hadamard encoding mask, has proven itself to be a viable technique in obtaining Raman spectra in the near-infrared (NIR). This no-moving-parts spectrometer is capable of spectral addition and subtraction and can be easily coupled with fiber optics.
Measurement of thermal diffusivity and anisotropy of plasma-sprayed coatings

The thermal diffusivity of free-standing tungsten and zirconia plasma-sprayed coatings was measured in the directions parallel and perpendicular to their surface. The parallel thermal diffusivity was evaluated by a double-sensing Laplace-transform technique and compared to the perpendicular values obtained by the (lash technique. Ratios between the parallel and the perpendicular thermal diffusivity values were in the range of 1.1 to 1.5 for zirconia and 4 to 6 for tungsten. The results are discussed in terms of the coating thickness and microstructure.
3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaric aciduria: Response to carnitine therapy and fat and leucine restriction

A female infant, born to first cousin parents, lapsed into coma with severe metabolic acidosis on day three of life. The gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric urinary organic acid profile showed marked elevation of the leucine metabolites 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaric, 3-methylglutaconic, 3-methylglutaric and 3-hydroxy-isovaleric acids. Less than 5% of the normal activity of the enzyme 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl CoA lyase was detected in cultured skin fibroblasts. The patient's total and free carnitine was initially low but rose to normal levels after placing her ondl-carnitine (100 mg kg−1 d−1). On a diet providing 87 mg kg−1 d−1 of leucine and only 25% of total calories as fat and 2 g kg−1 d−1 protein, the concentration of the urinary organic acids fell markedly. She is now 15 months old with normal growth and development. This regimen appears effective in the early treatment of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaric aciduria.
Spatial distribution of signal and adaptive sensitivity in the receptive field surrounds of cat retinal ganglion cells

A comparison was made between adaptive and signal sensitivity profiles of the surround response mechanism of cat retinal ganglion cells. The 2 profiles were found to be similar for X cells but the surrounds of Y cells appear to pool adaptation over a smaller retinal region than they pool signals.
Grain boundary oxidation and fatigue crack growth at elevated temperatures

Fatigue crack growth rate at elevated temperatures can be accelerated by grain boundary oxidation. Grain boundary oxidation kinetics and the statistical distribution of grain boundary oxide penetration depth were studied. At a constant delta K-level and at a constant test temperature, fatigue crack growth rate, da/dN, is a function of cyclic frequency, nu. A fatigue crack growth model of intermittent micro-ruptures of grain boundary oxide is constructed. The model is consistent with the experimental observations that, in the low frequency region, da/dN is inversely proportional to nu, and fatigue crack growth is intergranular.
Cardiovascular disease death rates in communities with elevated levels of barium in drinking water

Abstract A retrospective epidemiological analysis of age- and sex-adjusted cardiovascular death rates for the years 1971–1975 was conducted to examine differences between Illinois communities with elevated drinking water barium levels (⩾2.0–10.0 mg/liter) and communities with little or no barium (0.0–0.2 mg/liter). This study was conducted to examine human health effects associated with ingestion of barium in drinking water exceeding the maximum contaminant level for barium of 1 mg/liter as stipulated in the National Interim Primary Drinking Water Regulations. Results of this mortality study revealed that the high barium communities had significantly higher (P
EFFECT OF SURFACTANT ON DRY-SIDE COMPACTION OF SILTY SAND

The use of surfactants with soil is an evolving practice that lacks a systematic theory to describe the mechanisms of behavior that influence the soil response. A technique has emerged from the theoretical modeling of partially saturated soils that allows near-optimum densities to be achieved with water contents well below optimum. The central theme of the model is a distinction between the intergranular stress caused by externally applied loads and the stress derived from internally distributed capillary stresses due to the presence of water menisci. A practical consequence of the theory is that resistance to compaction can be reduced by adding surfactant (soap) to the mix water to reduce the component of intergranular stress derived from capillary tension. The decrease in capillary tension permits greater dry-side compaction density and an increase in soaked California bearing ratio strength. Well-graded silty-sand data were used to compare the behavior of untreated specimens with that of specimens trea...
Medication bezoar: intestinal obstruction by an isocal bezoar. Case report and review of the literature.

Medications may occasionally obstruct the gastrointestinal tract by vitue of their physical mass. Obturative obstruction of the alimentary tract is reportedly caused by an increasing number of medications, including hydroscopic bulk laxatives, cholestyramine, nonabsorbable antacids, and vitamin C tablets. Inspissated Isocal tube feedings caused jejunal obstruction in a postoperative patient. Medication bezoars are a rare cause of intestinal obstruction that may result in significant patient morbidity, including bowel necrosis, perforation, and peritonitis. The radiographic appearance may mimic an abdominal abscess.
General and Specific Objections to the MMPI.

This study evaluated the degree to which 102 undergraduate participants objected to questions on the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) which referred to sex, religion, bladder and bowel functions, family relationships, and unusual thinking in comparison to their degree of objection to the length of the MMPI and the repetition of questions. The length of the MMPI and the repetition of questions were rated as significantly more offensive than items referencing the aforementioned content areas. However, there was no evidence that objections to the length of the MMPI and the repetition of questions induced global response styles that could reduce the validity of the MMPI. The potential effects of the length of the MMPI on the decisions of clinicians to obtain short forms of the MMPI were addressed.
A search for optical millisecond pulsars in globular clusters

A search for millisecond optical pulsars in several bright, compact globular clusters was conducted. The sample included M28, and the X-ray clusters 47 Tuc, NGC 6441, NGC 6624, M22, and M15. The globular cluster M28 contains the recently discovered 327 Hz radio pulsar. Upper limits of 4 sigma to pulsed emission of (1-20) solar luminosities were found for the globular clusters tested, and 0.3 solar luminosity for the M28 pulsar for frequencies up to 500 Hz.
Abdominal compartment syndrome from intractable constipation.

A 13-year-old boy with a history of chronic constipation since infancy presented with increasing abdominal distention and discomfort. The abdomen was very distended and tense, and the lower extremities were numb and mottled with palpable pulses (A). Rectal examination revealed massive fecal impaction. Foley catheter revealed no urine and an intraabdominal pressure of 47cm of H2O (normal 0–10cm H2O). Chest x-ray showed a massively distended colon and both diaphragms markedly elevated (B). The patient had severe metabolic acidosis. An emergency laparotomy was undertaken to decompress the intraabdominal hypertension causing an abdominal compartment syndrome. Operative findings included a massively distended, thickened, and apparently ischemic, rectosigmoid (C), which was resected. Abdominal decompression (D) to intraabdominal pressure of 7cm of H2O promptly restored peripheral perfusion.
The presence of extensor digiti medii muscle-anatomical variant.

Objective This study reports the presence of the extensor digiti medii muscle (EDM) in a population of cadavers dissected by students at a chiropractic college anatomy laboratory and determines its frequency, bilaterality, innervation, and sex differences.
The extended Condorcet condition: A necessary and sufficient condition for the transitivity of majority decision

This paper presents a synthesis of the necessary and sufficient restrictions that insure a transitive group preference if majority rule is the aggregation procedure. We show the equivalence between transitivity and an extension of the condition of Condorcet which states that if an alternative receives a majority over every other, then it should be the social choice. This extension is equivalent to finding a solution to a system of linear inequalities. We use these inequalities to demonstrate that the recent work on restrictions of voter preferences can be derived from this Extended Condorcet Condition.
A review of complex regional pain syndrome

Certain diseases present unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. In the field of pair) medicine, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is often regarded in this vein. Loosely defined, CRPS is a chronic neuropathic pain syndrome that often occurs as a result of either a soft tissue or localized nerve injury. The constellation of signs and symptoms associated with this disorder is often wide and varies from patient to patient and can include pain, allodynia, edema, skin temperature changes, and functional impairment. Although CRPS has been well described in the literature since the rnid 19 th century, few well controlled clinical studies have investigated its etiology, pathophysiology, or response to various treatment regimens. As a result, pain specialists have been forced to meld the science and art of medicine to diagnose and treat this condition, CRPS is a relatively new taxonomy designated in 1994 by the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) to more accurately describe the conditions historically known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) and causalgia. I Specifically, the IASP replaced the term RSD with CRPS type I and causalgia with CRPS type II. This review will present the history, epidemiology and pathophysiology of CRPS as it is understood today, as well as provide the currently accepted diagnostic criteria and treatment regimens for this disorder.
Reaction and spectroscopic studies of sodium salt catalysts for lactic acid conversion

Catalytic conversion of lactic acid to 2,3-pentanedione over sodium salts and base on low surface area silica support has been studied. Yield and selectivity toward 2,3-pentanedione are optimal at around 300 °C, 3−4 s residence time, and 0.5 MPa total pressure. Anions of initial salt catalysts used do not participate in lactic acid condensation to 2,3-pentanedione once steady-state conditions have been achieved; instead, sodium lactate has been identified by postreaction FTIR spectroscopy as the primary, stable species on the support during reaction. Sodium lactate is believed to be an intermediate in 2,3-pentanedione formation. Conversion of a sodium salt to sodium lactate is greatest when the salt used has a low melting point and a volatile conjugate acid; the extent of conversion depends weakly on reaction time and temperature within experimental conditions. At high temperature (∼350 °C), sodium lactate decomposes to sodium propanoate and sodium acetate, which may explain reduced 2,3-pentanedione yield...
Do Nonnative Language Speakers Chew the Fat and Spill the Beans with Different Brain Hemispheres? Investigating Idiom Decomposability with the Divided Visual Field Paradigm

The purpose of this study was to explore possible cerebral asymmetries in the processing of decomposable and nondecomposable idioms by fluent nonnative speakers of English. In the study, native language (Polish) and foreign language (English) decomposable and nondecomposable idioms were embedded in ambiguous (neutral) and unambiguous (biasing figurative meaning) context and presented centrally, followed by laterally presented target words related to the figurative meaning of the idiom or literal meaning of the last word of the idiom. The target appeared either immediately at sentence offset (Experiment 1), or 400 ms (Experiment 2) after sentence offset. Results are inconsistent with the Idiom Decomposition Hypothesis (Gibbs et al. in Mem Cogn 17:58–68, 1989a; J Mem Lang 28:576–593, 1989b) and only partially consistent with the idea of the differential cerebral involvement in processing (non)decomposable idioms [the Fine/Coarse Coding Theory, Beeman (Right hemisphere language comprehension: perspectives from cognitive neuroscience, Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Mahwah, NJ, 1998)]. A number of factors, rather than compositionality per se, emerge as crucial in determining idiom processing, such as language status (native vs. nonnative), salience, or context.
PERCEPTION AND PREFERENCE CONGRUENCY: A COLOR REPLICATION*

The work of Doehlert has involved an investigation of automobile-color preferences and their relationship to color perceptions. For the most part, Doehlert's work has pointed to congruency. Other work, dealing with formal congruency testing between unfolded preferences and perceptions, has proven somewhat disappointing. Since the nature of the stimulus set may play a role in a resulting congruency, this study will attempt to replicate and extend the work of Doehlert. Given replication, a framework for stimulus set uniqueness may be obtained. Either way, keynote implications for marketing decision making are to be developed.