cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Coiling for an unruptured saccular aneurysm at the non-branching segment of the distal anterior cerebral artery: Case report and literature review.

BackgroundSaccular aneurysms in the non-branching segment of the distal anterior cerebral artery (DACA) are extremely rare. Here, we describe the first case of coil embolization using a simple, non...
Clinical geography: A proposal to embrace space, place and wellbeing through person-centered practice

Abstract This essay envisions how geography can operationalize nuanced understandings of space and place to enrich the lives of individuals across the lifespan. We propose a focused integration of geography into person-centered practice: a clinical geography dedicated to working directly with people to promote optimal physical and mental health outcomes and wellbeing. Our proposal integrates spatial modifications to facilitate access and utility, behavioral interventions to maximize effectiveness in using space, and therapeutic engagement to nurture a deeper sense of ‘being in place’ that enhances wellbeing and quality of life. This focus is timely given societal instability and precariousness resulting from incongruous person-environment situations. In addition to investigating, explaining, and critiquing hazardous and inappropriate conditions, geographers might also directly and more immediately intervene with people who find themselves in such situations.
Effects of soft dietary consistency and protein deprivation on the periodontium of the dog: A preliminary report

Abstract Manifestations of periodontal disease produced in dogs by a combined regimen of protein deprivation (with alternate repletion) and soft dietary consistency have been described. Clinical, roentgenographic, and histologic aspects of the observed lesions were presented. The noteworthy features of the oral tissue response were extensive calculus deposition, associated gingival inflammation and hyperplasia, periodontal pocket formation, and severe resorption of alveolar and supporting bone. The significance of the foregoing observations was discussed in relation to the ecology of human periodontal disease.
Poxvirus DNA: II. Replication of vaccinia virus DNA in the cytoplasm of HeLa cells

Abstract Virions, purified by Method I (containing genomes which lack cross-links and appear fragmented when analyzed in alkaline sucrose gradients) or by Method II (containing cross-linked genomes which sedimented at ∼ 102 S in alkaline sucrose gradients with no evidence of fragmentation) were found to be equally efficient in replicating their DNA in the cytoplasm of HeLa cells. Replication of vaccinia DNA in the cytoplasm of infected cells was discontinuous; that is, short pulses of [ 3 H]thymidine were incorporated into fragments that sedimented at about 20 S in alkaline sucrose. As the pulse length increased, label was found in material which sedimented faster than 20 S but more slowly than the strands of mature viral DNA. Molecules sedimenting at 30–40 S in alkaline sucrose appeared to accumulate with longer pulses. During a “chase” in cold medium, part of these molecules were converted to full-length molecules sedimenting at 72–75 S and into mature, cross-linked genomes sedimenting at 102–106 S in alkaline sucrose. Chromatography on BND-cellulose and hydroxyapatite columns demonstrated that replicating viral DNA had single-stranded regions, but such molecules could not be separated from mature genomes by sedimentation in CsCl gradients. No nascent strands of greater than unit length were detected indicating that replication of the vaccinia genome probably does not involve continuous concatemers or the addition of new material to parental strands. This suggests that polymerization may be symmetrical. Evidence for a circular intermediate, with nicks in both strands, was obtained by the analysis of “pulse” and “pulsechase” labeled replicating viral DNA molecules by centrifugation in neutral sucrose gradients. DNA species sedimenting 12–15% more rapidly than parental genomes, at 82–86 S, appropriate for such a “nicked” circular intermediate were found, in which label accumulated during a chase before the appearance of mature genomes at 68–72 S.
Development and endocrine regulation of mitochondrial cytochrome biosynthesis in the insect fat body: δ-Aminolevulinic acid synthase☆

Abstract Aminolevulinic acid (ALA) synthase activity was measured in fat body mitochondria from adult male Blaberus discoidalis cockroaches. The enzyme reached its maximum activity at 4 to 6 days of adult age and then dropped to a minimal level which was maintained throughout the remainder of the study period. ALA synthase activity was doubled by allylisopropylacetamide and showed a half-life of about 6 h at 25 °C. Enzyme activity was depressed by long-term allatectomy. However, juvenile hormone administration in vivo did not significantly stimulate the enzyme relative to appropriate controls, and endocrine regulation of fat body ALA synthase remains inconclusive. Hemin inhibited ALA synthase activity, suggesting that fat body heme synthesis could be regulated by end-product inhibition.
Hybrid search schemes for unstructured peer-to-peer networks

We study hybrid search schemes for unstructured peer-to-peer networks. We quantify performance in terms of number of hits, network overhead, and response time. Our schemes combine flooding and random walks, look ahead and replication. We consider both regular topologies and topologies with supernodes. We introduce a general search scheme, of which flooding and random walks are special instances, and show how to use locally maintained network information to improve the performance of searching. Our main findings are: (a) a small number of supernodes in an otherwise regular topology can offer sharp savings in the performance of search, both in the case of search by flooding and search by random walk, particularly when it is combined with 1-step replication. We quantify, analytically and experimentally, that the reason of these savings is that the search is biased towards nodes that yield more information. (b) There is a generalization of search, of which flooding and random walk are special instances, which may take further advantage of locally maintained network information, and yield better performance than both flooding and random walk in clustered topologies. The method determines edge critically and is reminiscent of fundamental heuristics from the area of approximation algorithms.
N. A. Graebner, R. D. Burns, and J. M. Siracusa, Reagan, Bush, Gorbachev: Revisiting the End of the Cold War

The most fascinating line of this history of the Cold War's demise arrives on its final page. “The subsequent unraveling of the Soviet empire was an unintended side effect of Gorbachev's reforms,” ...
6 – Electron Energy Analyzers

This chapter discusses that electron energy analyzers are principal components in a broad range of important spectroscopic tools used in scientific research and analytical applications. Various options are available for measuring the energy and angular distribution of electrons, emitted from some source, and careful consideration of the source characteristics and the experimental requirements can lead to improved experimental capabilities by optimizing the choice of electron energy analyzer used. It discusses several of the more common types of electron energy analyzers and explains some of the criteria that should be considered in selecting an electron analyzer for a specific application. To obtain optimum performance from an analyzer, it is usually necessary to understand not only its basic operating principles but also some of the more subtle details that ultimately limit performance. It provides a practical guide to understanding, selecting, constructing, and using electron energy analyzers. Essential aspects of their design and operation are described in this chapter. Useful formulas, relating to the more common deflection-type analyzers, and an extensive bibliography of relevant literature, are also discussed in the chapter.
Racial/Ethnic Triangulation among Whites/Native Americans/Mexicans, Policy Punctuation, and New Order as a Consequence of Native American Involuntary Servitude (<1800-1867)

Racial/ethnic triangulation is a form of racial or ethnic stratification advanced by Kim (1999) that occurs when a least favored group is juxtaposed to a most favored group, with a third group being “triangulated” between the two. Stratification occurs when the most favored group seeks to retain an economic advantage over the others; the triangulated relationship is established (and enforced) when public policies pit the third group against the least favored group while retaining economic dominance for the favored group. I also examine the role of policy entrepreneurs (“PEs”) in the creation of said triangulated relationships. PEs serve as active proponents of racial and ethnic policies which favor the most advantaged group; as members of this group, they have a vested interest in maintaining its economic advantage. Using a Model of Racial/Ethnic Policy I developed, I examine (a) initial racial/ethnic triangulation at Time A, (b) the actions of policy entrepreneurs in facilitating new (or maintaining existing) triangulated relationships via policy promulgation in the State of California, (c) descriptive outcomes of PE activity, (d) regime produced as a consequence of policy promulgation and the new phenomenon, and (e) the triangulated relationship created at Time B in the wake of Native American emancipation in 1867 via passage of the Federal Anti-Peonage Act.
The Impacts of Introduced Poeciliid Fish and Odonata on the Endemic Megalagrion (Odonata) Damselflies of Oahu Island, Hawaii

Since the beginning of this century there have been substantial declines in the distribution and abundance of native Megalagrion damselflies on the Hawaiian Island of Oahu. Native damselflies have also vanished from most low elevation areas on other Hawaiian Islands, although historically, lotic and wetland dwelling damselfly species were once common throughout the archipelago. It is hypothesized that poeciliid fish introduced for biological control have caused the decline of four stream-breeding damselfly species on Oahu, and the extinction or near-extinction of two other species in Hawaii. This study documents the presence of remnant Megalagrion populations in Oahu streams, wetlands and estuaries, and records the elevational distributions of introduced fish in each waterbody surveyed. The distributions of introduced Odonata are also recorded, because the seven species of damselflies and dragonflies introduced to Oahu since 1936 present another potential threat to native Hawaiian damselflies. Native damselfly and introduced poeciliid fish distributions were mutually exclusive on Oahu, and it is concluded that this is probably due to predation by the introduced fish. By contrast, even the rarest native Megalagrion damselflies were found in areas containing introduced damselflies and dragonflies.
Cranial irradiation in the management of extreme leukemic leukocytosis complicating childhood acute lymphocytic leukemia.

probably occurring within 72 hours of exposure? In any event a cluster of cases occurring over three weeks is unlikely to be caused by a point source of contamination; a continuing common source or person-to-person transmission is more likely. Al though poultry are frequently contaminated by Campylobacter, '~ consumption of poultry was not a factor in either outbreak. In both outbreaks, illness spread beyond the immediate household. However, neither food nor water from these homes was transported to the other households. In both clusters the only contacts for the people who were ill late in the outbreaks were the symptomatic, fecally incontinent young children. Other enteric infections, including shigellosis, 7 giardiasis? and amoebiasis, are known to be transmitted by the fecal-oral route. Symptomatic infected infants and children are important vehicles for transmitting these pathogens within households and in communities. Our experience suggests that the same may be true for Campylobacter. C. f e tu s ssp. je juni is a common enteric pathogen for young children '~ and feces of infants may be an important vehicle for transmitting infection to family members and playmates. Vertical transmission of infection from a mother to her neonate has recently been reported."' The infective dose of C. fe tus ssp. j e jun i is unknown; as with other enteric pathogens, this may be a determinant of the frequency with which specific modes of transmission are implicated. We thank Dr. Allan R. Lareau for bringing these cases to our attention and to Dr. Kenneth VanderVelde for clinical information.
Structural changes of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene exposed to X-ray flux in X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy detected by valence band and electron spin resonance spectroscopy

The effect of X-ray flux in an X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) instrument on the chemical structure of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) has been examined. The UHMWPE samples were exposed in vacuum to radiation from both a standard (non-monochromatic) source and a monochromatic source. For samples exposed to the standard source for up to 5 h, we observed very little change in the core level spectra but observed significant changes in the valence band (VB) spectra. We also observed the production of free radicals with an electron spin resonance (ESR) spectrometer which confirm radiation-induced structural changes and which correspond to the VB spectral changes. For samples exposed to the monochromatic source for up to 18 h, we see changes similar to the standard source, and very little free radical production compared to the standard source. Our results show: (1) that structural changes occur in polyethylene under X-irradiation with energies as low as those in the XPS. These structural changes are initially free radicals and lead to structural changes. (2) the structural changes cause very small changes in core level spectra, and (3) structural changes cause relatively large, easily identifiable VB spectral changes, which increase along with the free radical concentration as a function of exposure time. VB spectra can be an important indicator of radiation damage in purely hydrocarbon polymers.
Discordant fibrin formation in hemophilia

Summary. Background: The conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin and its crosslinking to form a stable clot are key events in providing effective hemostasis. Objectives: To evaluate the relationship of fibrinopeptide (FP) release and factor (F) XIII activation in whole blood from hemophiliacs. Patients/Methods: We investigated FPA and FPB release, FXIII activation and fibrin mass in tissue factor-initiated coagulation in whole blood from individuals with hemophilia and healthy subjects. Results: In hemophiliacs, the rates of fibrin formation were delayed as compared to healthy individuals. FPA/FPB release and FXIII activation were decreased in hemophiliacs vs. healthy individuals: 5.4 ± 0.7 μm min−1 to 1.7 ± 0.4 μm min−1 (P = 0.003), 2.3 ± 0.6 μm min−1 to 0.5 ± 0.1 μm min−1 (P = 0.025), and 12.1 ± 0.7 nm min−1 to 3.1 ± 0.7 nm min−1 (P < 0.0005), respectively. More FPA was released in hemophiliacs (6.6 ± 1.2 μm) prior to clot time (CT) than in healthy individuals (2.6 ± 0.4 μm, P = 0.013), whereas FPB and activated FXIII levels remained comparable. FXIII activation, which normally coincides with FPA release, was delayed in hemophiliacs. At CT in normal blood, the FPA concentration was 2.6-fold higher than that of FPB (P = 0.003), whereas in hemophiliacs this ratio was increased to 6.6-fold (P = 0.001). Conclusions: These data suggest that essential dynamic correlations exist between the presentations of fibrin I, fibrin II, and FXIIIa. The ‘discordance’ of fibrin formation in hemophiliacs results in clots that are more soluble than normal (43% lower mass; P = 0.02). The resulting poor physical clot strength probably plays a crucial role in the pathology of hemophilia.
Structural Influences of Sodium and Calcium Ions on the Biogenic Manganese Oxides Produced by the Marine Bacillus Sp., Strain SG-1

Natural manganese oxide nanoparticles and grain coatings profoundly impact contaminant cycling in the environment through their ability to degrade organic compounds and sequester metal ions. Previous studies of biogenic manganese oxides have shown that the interlayer cation may have an important effect on the resulting oxide structure. The effect of Na and Ca ions was investigated to determine their fundamental roles in the stabilization of the phyllomanganate biooxide structure, its unit cell symmetry, and order/disorder relations. Biogenic oxides were created by incubating Mn(II) with spores of the marine Bacillus sp., strain SG-1 and the resulting oxide structures examined using X-ray absorption spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction to determine the short-range and long-range atomic structure. Phyllomanganates were observed exclusively, with differing degrees of layer stacking disorder, degree of crystallinity, and layer symmetry, depending on the cation present. In general, Ca was found to promote biooxi...
Determination of fiber/matrix adhesion using the Outwater–Murphy single fiber specimen

Abstract Fiber/matrix (F/M) interface toughness values of carbon/vinylester 411 and glass/vinylester 411 has been determined using the Outwater–Murphy (OM) single-fiber compression test specimen. The OM test specimen consists of a rectangular block of matrix with a centrally embedded fiber with a hole drilled through the specimen and the fiber. Upon loading of the specimen in compression, the fiber may debond at the hole edge. The interface toughness can be determined from the measured values of the critical load for debonding. The fiber/matrix debond toughness values for dry carbon/vinylester and glass/vinylester were 51.2 and 38 J/m2, respectively, in reasonable agreement with previously published data determined using other test methods. Testing of water immersed carbon/vinylester 411 and glass/vinylester 411 OM specimens revealed significant reductions of the fiber/matrix adhesion.
Effects of 131I-labeled TNT-1 radioimmunotherapy on HT-29 human colon adenocarcinoma spheroids.

Radiolabeled murine monoclonal antibody TNT-1, directed against the nuclear histones of degenerating cells, was used to treat human colon adenocarcinoma HT-29 spheroids in vitro. The therapeutic effects of131I-TNT-1 were investigated as a function of the radioactive dose, treatment time, and number of treatments. Efficacy of treatment was assessed by TNT-1 antibody uptake, spheroid growth delay, and morphological examination using light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). From these studies, it was determined that the therapeutic effect increased with the number of doses and the duration of treatment. Spheroids treated for 24 h showed approximately two to four times more cell death than those with a 2-h treatment. As previously shown in animal models, additonal treatment with radiolabeled TNT-1 produced an expanding number of TNT-1 targets, and subsequent treatments were more effective as shown by antibody uptake studies. Microscopic examinations demonstrated that morphological changes consistent with spheroid destruction correlated well with antibody uptake data and increased gradually with dose, treatment time, and frequency of treatments. At the ultrastructural level, destruction of cells in the treated spheroids included the formation of porous cell membranes, crater-like holes (SEM), blebbing, and dissolution of cytoplasmic organelles (TEM). With continued culture, the injured spheroids were found to disaggregate after intensive131I-TNT-1 therapy (e.g. 50 µCi/ml or 100 µCi/ml with two or three 24-h treatments). These findings suggest that tumor spheroids can be used as an in vitro model to evaluate monoclonal antibody therapy using TNT-1 and other candidate mAbs directed against intracellular antigens exposed in degenerating cells of tumors.
The amino acid composition and some properties of the NAD + -specific glutamate dehydrogenase from Neurospora crassa.

Abstract The purification and several physical properties of the NAD+-specific glutamate dehydrogenase ( l -glutamate:NAD+- oxidoreductase (deaminating), EC 1.4.1.2) from Neurospora crassa are described. The enzyme appears to exist in 2 interconvertible conformers which are in equilibrium. Amino acid data indicate that the 330 000 mol. wt. enzyme is a homopolymer of 6 monomers of 51 500 mol. wt. Comparisons of the amino acid compositions and subunit structures of this enzyme with both the Neurospora NADP+-specific ( l -glutamate:NAD+ oxidoreductase (deaminating), EC 1.4.1.4) and beef liver ( l -glutamate:NAD(P)+ oxidoreductase (deaminating), EC 1.4.1.3) glutamate dehydrogenases suggest a greater evolutionary homology between Neurospora NAD+-specific glutamate dehydrogenase and beef liver glutamate dehydrogenase than between the two glutamate dehydrogenases from Neurospora.
Sub-grid parameterization of snow distribution for an energy and mass balance snow cover model

Representation of sub-element scale variability in snow accumulation and ablation is increasingly recognized as important in distributed hydrologic modelling, Representing sub-grid scale variability may be accomplished through numerical integration of a nested grid or through a lumped modelling approach. We present a physically based model of the lumped snowpack mass and energy balance applied to a 26-ha rangeland catchment with high spatial variability in snow accumulation and melt. Model state variables are snow-covered area average snow energy content (U), the basin-average snow water equivalence (W a ), and snow-covered area fraction (A f ). The energy state variable is evolved through an energy balance. The snow water equivalence state variable is evolved through a mass balance, and the area state variable is updated according to an empirically derived relationship, A f (W a ), that is similar in nature to depletion curves used in existing empirical basin snowmelt models. As snow accumulates, the snow covered area increases rapidly. As the snowpack ablates, A f decreases as W a decreases. This paper shows how the relationship A f (W a ) for the melt season can be estimated from the distribution of snow water equivalence at peak accumulation in the area being modelled. We show that the depletion curve estimated from the snow distribution of peak accumulation at the Upper Sheep Creek sub-basin of Reynolds Creek Experimental Watershed compares well against the observed depletion data as well as modelled depletion data from an explicit spatially distributed energy balance model. Comparisons of basin average snow water equivalence between the lumped model and spatially distributed model show good agreement, Comparisons to observed snow water equivalence show poorer but still reasonable agreement. The sub-grid parameterization is easily portable to other physically based point snowmelt models. It has potential application for use in hydrologic and climate models covering large areas with large model elements, where a computationally inexpensive parameterization of sub-grid snow processes may be important.
Spatial distribution and overlap between ichthyoplankton and pelagic fish and squids on the southern flank of Georges Bank

We conducted larval and adult fish surveys on the southern flank of Georges Bank during the spring of two years (1990 and 1995) with contrasting physical conditions. We employed canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) to examine the relationships between physical variables and the spatial distribution of pelagic fish and ichthyoplankton. Surface temperature bottom temperature, and vertical stratification were significant factors affecting larval fish distributions, and there were groups of species with similar responses to these variables. There were also consistent relationships between physical variables and pelagic fish and squid abundances and spatial distributions. Pelagic fish and ichthyoplankton with similar responses to hydrographic variables had high spatial overlap, and variation in hydrographic regimes modulated the strength of this interaction. Pelagic fish and squids are potentially important predators of both larval and juvenile fish on Georges Bank. Hydrographic structure modulates the degree of spatial overlap and therefore likely influences the strength of predator–prey interactions.
Propagation and extinction of premixed C5–C12 n-alkane flames

Abstract Laminar flame speeds and extinction strain rates of premixed C5–C12 n-alkane flames were determined at atmospheric pressure and elevated unburned mixture temperatures, over a wide range of equivalence ratios. Experiments were performed in the counterflow configuration and flow velocities were measured using Laser Doppler Velocimetry. The laminar flame speeds were obtained using a non-linear extrapolation technique utilizing numerical simulations of the counterflow experiments with detailed descriptions of chemical kinetics and molecular transport. Compared to linearly extrapolated values, the laminar flame speeds obtained using non-linear extrapolations were found to be 1–4 cm/s lower depending on the equivalence ratio. It was determined that the laminar flame speeds of all n-alkane/air mixtures considered in this investigation are similar to each other and sensitive largely to the H2/CO and C1–C4 hydrocarbon kinetics. Additionally, the resistance to extinction decreases as the fuel molecular weight increases. Simulations of the experiments were performed using the recently developed JetSurF 0.2 reaction model consisting of 194 species and 1459 reactions. The laminar flame speeds were predicted with good accuracy for all the n-alkane-air mixtures considered. The experimental extinction strain rates are well predicted by the model for fuel-lean mixtures. For stoichiometric and fuel-rich mixtures, the predicted extinction strain rates are approximately 10% lower than the experimental values. Insights into the physical and chemical processes that control the response of n-alkane flames are provided through detailed sensitivity analyses on both reaction rates and binary diffusion coefficients.
Effects of Child Health on Housing in the Urban U.S.

This study exploits an exogenous health shock-the birth of a child with a severe health condition that is considered by the medical community to be random-to investigate the effect of that shock on the family's housing situation. We use population-based data from an urban birth cohort study in the U.S. that oversampled non-marital births, resulting in a relatively disadvantaged sample that may be particularly susceptible to the effects of adverse life events. The health conditions were recorded in the infants' hospital medical records and coded by a pediatric consultant to capture conditions that are considered both severe and random. Seven different housing outcomes in the domains of quality, crowding, and stability were assessed from maternal interviews and in-home assessments when the children were 3 years old. We found that poor child health increases the likelihood of both overcrowding and homelessness and that it may also increase the likelihood of having inadequate utilities and generally poor housing quality. The effect sizes ranged from 1 to 17 percentage points, depending on the measure of poor child health and housing outcome.
Opening a New Lipid “Apo-thecary”: Incorporating Apolipoproteins as Potential Risk Factors and Treatment Targets to Reduce Cardiovascular Risk

Statins (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors) represent the cornerstone of drug therapy to reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and cardiovascular risk. However, even optimal statin management of LDL cholesterol leaves many patients with residual cardiovascular risk, in part because statins are more effective in reducing LDL cholesterol than apolipoprotein B (Apo B). Apo B may be a better marker of atherogenic risk than LDL cholesterol because Apo B measures the total number of all atherogenic particles (total atherosclerotic burden), including LDL, very low-density lipoprotein, intermediate-density lipoprotein, remnant lipoproteins, and lipoprotein(a). To determine whether Apo B is a better indicator of baseline cardiovascular risk and residual risk after lipid therapy compared with LDL cholesterol, a MEDLINE search of the literature published in English from January 1, 1975, through December 1, 2010, was conducted. On the basis of data from most population studies, elevated Apo B was more strongly associated with incident coronary heart disease than similarly elevated LDL cholesterol. Apo B was also a superior benchmark (vs LDL cholesterol) of statins' cardioprotective efficacy in both primary-prevention and secondary-prevention trials. To minimize cardiovascular risk among persons with hypercholesterolemia or dyslipidemia, the best available evidence suggests that intensive therapy with statins should be initiated to achieve the lowest possible Apo B level (with adequate drug toleration) and then other therapies (eg, niacin, bile acid resins, ezetimibe) added to potentiate these Apo B-lowering effects. In future consensus lipid-lowering treatment guidelines, Apo B should be considered as an index of residual risk, a potential parameter of treatment efficacy, and a treatment target to minimize risk of coronary heart disease.
Factors Associated With Migraine-Related Quality of Life and Disability in Adolescents: A Preliminary Investigation

In the United States, approximately 7% of female and 5% of male adolescents (aged 12 to 17 years) experience migraine.1 It has been established that, in adults, migraine impairs functioning and overall quality of life.2-5 Relatively little information is available, however, on the impact of migraine on quality of life in adolescents. Using the Quality of Life Headache in Youth Questionnaire (QLH-Y), Langeveld et al demonstrated that Dutch adolescents between 12 and 18 years of age with headache experienced more stress and fatigue, and poorer mood than adolescents who did not experience headache.6 Weekly ratings further indicated that headaches had a negative impact on the adolescents’ everyday activities and leisure time. These differences in quality of life were replicated in Italian adolescents.7 In a third study, Langeveld and colleagues found that as migraines became more frequent and severe (as indicated by a weekly migraine index), their negative impact on daily activities, fatigue, happiness, and mood increased, and the adolescents reported less satisfaction with their health and with their life on the QLH-Y.8 To our knowledge, no studies have attempted to identify migraine variables that are associated with impaires functioning and quality of life in adolescents. This study examined the relationships among demographic and migraine characteristics (eg, associated symptoms, frequency, severity, duration, and emergency department visits) and quality of life and disability in adolescents.
Heart rate conditioning in the pigeon immobilized with α-bungarotoxin

Abstract Previous in vitro studies 6,8,14,37 have yielded conflicting results concerning the physiological effects of α-bungarotoxin (α-BTX) at avian autonomic ganglia. In the present study heart rate change was classically conditioned in pigeons immobilized with α-BTX to assess the effects of this agent on autonomic function in the intact animal. When compared with non-immobilized controls, α-BTX had no significant effect on basal heart rate or on the rate of acquisition, magnitude or dynamics of conditioned heart rate change. Furthermore, a significant difference in performance between groups receiving conditioning and sensitization paradigms clearly indicated the establishment of conditioned responding. It is concluded that α-BTX has little or no effect on the cardiac innervation at doses sufficient to block neuromuscular transmission. The irreversible blockade of neuromuscular transmission by α-BTX without the side-effects produced by most other paralytics 26 makes it an ideal choice as an immobilizing agent in acute preparations.
Advances in understanding the molecular basis for the regulation of dietary iron absorption.

Purpose of review The number of newly identified genes participating in the regulation of iron homeostasis has continued to expand at a remarkable pace. The roles for many have begun to be elucidated and there is an increasing indication that hepatocytes play a central role in determining the level of intestinal iron absorption. Total body iron homeostasis is dependent upon carefully regulated absorption of dietary iron, thus these genes are of fundamental importance in understanding of pathophysiology of such common disorders as hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) and the anaemia of chronic diseases. Recent findings The hepatic peptide hepcidin plays a key role as a circulating hormone that regulates the absorption of dietary iron from the duodenum. Hepcidin expression is inappropriately decreased in hereditary hemochromatosis and is abnormally increased in the anaemia of chronic diseases. Other hepatic proteins essential for normal iron homeostasis, including HFE, transferrin receptor 2 (TfR2), and hemojuvelin, function at least in part, by modulating the expression of hepcidin. Summary New insights into the pathophysiology of hereditary hemochromatosis and the anaemia of chronic diseases have been achieved with the recognition of the central role for hepcidin as an iron regulatory hormone. Investigations into the biologic control of this hormone and its mechanism of action offer the possibility of new therapeutic approaches to disorders of iron metabolism.
1.8 micron continuous-wave Raman laser

A diode-pumped, far-off-resonance cw Raman laser emitting at 1.8 micron is reported. Producing tunable and narrow-linevvidth laser light. CW Raman laser is an attractive laser source at near and mid-infrared
Adaptive data anonymization against information fusion based privacy attacks on enterprise data

Privacy preservation is currently one of the key challenges in enterprise data management. Data Anonymization techniques address this by sanitizing and releasing anonymized data such that enterprises can share and disseminate sensitive information without compromising consumer privacy. However, current anonymization techniques are prone to attacks where-in an intruder can fuse external information with the anonymized data to infer sensitive information. In this paper, we pose and formulate the problem of Information Fusion based Privacy Attack. We experimentally demonstrate such an attack on a publicly available data set. We propose adaptive anonymization schemes to address this problem and experimentally demonstrate a prototype solution.
Determination of ethanol in fingertip quantities of blood

Abstract A simple procedure has been described which involves the use of the Conway cell for the “isothermal distillation” of ethanol into an oxidizing scrubber of a strong sulfuric acid solution of dichromate. The residual dichromate is then reacted with brucine which yields a stable, sensitive chromophore. The increased sensitivity enables the technique to be performed on amounts of blood easily obtainable from the fingertip.
Correlations between symptoms, nasal endoscopy, and in-office computed tomography in post-surgical chronic rhinosinusitis patients.

Objectives: To determine correlations between symptoms, nasal endoscopy findings, and computed tomography (CT) scan findings in post-surgical chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients. Study Design: Cross-sectional. Material and Methods: A total of 51 CRS patients who had undergone endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) completed symptom questionnaires, underwent endoscopy, and received an in-office sinus CT scan during one clinic visit. For metrics, we used the Sinonasal Outcomes Test-20 (SNOT-20) questionnaire, visual analog symptom scale (VAS), Lund-Kennedy endoscopy scoring scale, and Lund-MacKay (LM) CT scoring scale. We determined Pearson correlation coefficients, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) between scores for symptoms, endoscopy, and CT. Results: The SNOT-20 score and most VAS symptoms had poor correlation coefficients with both endoscopy and CT scores (0.03-0.24). Nasal drainage of pus, nasal congestion, and impaired sense of smell had moderate correlation coefficients with endoscopy and CT (0.24-0.42). Endoscopy had a strong correlation coefficient with CT (0.76). Drainage, edema, and polyps had strong correlation coefficients with CT (0.80, 0.69, and 0.49, respectively). Endoscopy had a PPV of 92.5% and NPV of 45.5% for detecting an abnormal sinus CT (LM score >1). Conclusions: In post-ESS CRS patients, most symptoms do not correlate well with either endoscopy or CT findings. Endoscopy and CT scores correlate well. Abnormal endoscopy findings have the ability to confidently rule in the presence of CT opacification, thus validating the importance of endoscopy in clinical decision making. However, a normal endoscopy cannot assure a normal CT. Thus, symptoms, endoscopy, and CT are complementary in the evaluation of the post-ESS CRS patient.
Ectopic pregnancy — A brief review

Summary Despite the advent of improved methods of diagnosis and therapy, ectopic pregnancy remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The diagnosis is often difficult to make clinically, but should be included in the differential of any woman of gestational age presenting with lower abdominal pain, even with a normal menstrual history. With a high index of suspicion, improving methods of diagnosis such as the immunoassays for B-hCG and ultrasonography may lower mortality rates by enabling more diagnoses to be made before rupture. The significant infertility rate following ectopic pregnancy remains a problem despite newer, more conservative approaches to surgical therapy.
3.13 Infectious Complications Among Individuals with Monoclonal B-Cell Lymphocytosis (MBL): A Community-based Cohort Study of Newly Diagnosed Patients Compared to Controls

(odds ratio 7.5; p 0.0001) Figure 1A. Even prior to receiving treatment for CLL, the rate of hospitalization for infection remained higher than the control cohort (p 0.002; Figure 1B). The 32 CLL patients hospitalized with infection were admitted with infection a total of 89 times (median 1 hospitalization for infection per patient). A specific infectious organism was identified by cultures or serologies in 60 (63%) of the 89 infections in CLL cases and 10/27 (37%) infections among controls. Hospitalization for an opportunistic infection (e.g. cytomegalovirus, cryptococcus, filamentous fungi, mycobacteria, Pneumocystis) occurred in 5/174 (3%) CLL patients during follow-up compared to 0/689 controls (p 0.001). Finally, we performed a pooled multivariable analysis of all patients (n 863) to identify factors (age, sex, CLL diagnosis, CLL treatment) associated with infection risk. Most factors were independently associated with hospitalization for infection [Age (per year, OR 1.03, p 0.02), sex (male, OR 4.0, p 0.001), diagnosis of CLL (OR 2.1, p 0.09), and treatment for CLL (OR 5.9, p 0.001)]. In univariate analysis of CLL patients [sex (OR 4.2, p 0.01), higher Rai stage (p 0.046), unfavorable (del 17p13; del 11q23) FISH [OR 4.6, p 0.02] and unmutated IGHV [OR 2.8, p 0.07]) were associated with risk of infection. Conclusions: In this cohort study, patients with newly diagnosed CLL had a 7.5-fold risk of hospitalization for infection relative to the control cohort. After a 4 year follow-up, 1 in 5 CLL patients required hospitalization for infection. Although CLL treatment was a substantial risk factor for infection, the risk of infection among untreated patients remained higher than controls.
On the kinetics of formaldehyde-S(IV) adduct formation in slightly acidic solution

Calculations are presented which demonstrate that the kinetics of dehydration of methylene glycol (hydrated formaldehyde) must be considered in determining the rate of hydroxymethanesulfonic acid formation in weakly acidic or neutral solution.
Effect of dofetilide on survival in patients with supraventricular arrhythmias

Abstract Objectives: This study compared survival between patients taking dofetilide and patients taking placebo in a pooled analysis of randomized clinical trials of patients with supraventricular arrhythmias. Background: Clinical trials of antiarrhythmic drugs used to treat supraventricular arrhythmias rarely include enough patients to assess whether the drug being tested has an effect on survival. Pooling data from many trials provides useful information on safety. Methods: Data from randomized clinical trials of antiarrhythmic drug therapy of supraventricular arrhythmias were pooled to assess the effect on survival of dofetilide (n = 1346) compared with placebo (n = 677) in this patient population. Results: The unadjusted hazard ratio for risk of death (dofetilide/placebo) was 1.4 with 95% confidence interval 0.4-5.1. After adjusting for effects of arrhythmia diagnosis, age, sex, and structural heart disease, the hazard ratio was 1.1 (confidence interval 0.3-4.3). Conclusions: The pooled survival analysis provided reassurance regarding the safety of dofetilide in patients with supraventricular arrhythmias. (Am Heart J 1999;138:994-7.)
Should President Clinton be prosecuted for perjury? The effects of preference for consistency, self-esteem, and political party affiliation

Conducted in the fall of 2000, this study investigates personality and social variables that should predict attitudes regarding the desirability of prosecuting President Clinton for perjury following the expiration of his term (in January of 2001). Prosecution was favored by High Preference for Consistency (PFC) more than Low PFC individuals, by High Self-Esteem more than Low Self-Esteem individuals, and by Republicans more than Democrats. In addition, PFC and Party Affiliation interacted: High PFCs wanted Clinton prosecuted regardless of Party Affiliation, but Low PFCs desired prosecution strongly only if they were Republicans. Overall, the results are consistent with the general self-theory principle that human beings tend to adopt attitudes and positions that restore, maintain, or enhance self-esteem.
Prognostic role of vascular endothelial growth factor in hepatocellular carcinoma: systematic review and meta-analysis

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly vascular tumour that expresses vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Various studies have evaluated the prognostic value of VEGF levels in HCC. Its overall test performance remains unclear, however. The aim was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of prognostic cohort studies evaluating the use of VEGF as a predictor of survival in patients with treated HCC. Eligible studies were identified through multiple search strategies. Studies were assessed for quality using the Newcastle–Ottawa Tool. Data were collected comparing disease-free and overall survival in patients with high VEGF levels as compared to those with low levels. Studies were pooled and summary hazard ratios were calculated. A total of 16 studies were included for meta-analysis (8 for tissue and 8 for serum). Methodological analysis indicated a trend for higher study quality with serum studies as compared to tissue-based investigations. Four distinct groups were pooled for analysis: tissue overall survival (n=251), tissue disease-free survival (n=413), serum overall survival (n=579), and serum disease-free survival (n=439). High tissue VEGF levels predicted poor overall (HR=2.15, 95% CI: 1.26–3.68) and disease-free (HR=1.69, 95% CI: 1.23–2.33) survival. Similarly, high serum VEGF levels predicted poor overall (HR=2.35, 95% CI: 1.80–3.07) and disease-free (HR=2.36, 95% CI 1.76–3.16) survival. A high degree of inter-study consistency was present in three of four groups analysed. Tissue and serum VEGF levels appear to have significant predictive ability for estimating overall survival in HCC and may be useful for defining prognosis in HCC.
The source and action of head factors regulating juvenile hormone esterase in larvae of the cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni

Brain (median or lateral regions) or suboesophageal ganglion (SOG) homogenates of Day 1 fifth instar larvae of Trichoplusia ni induced the appearance of haemolymph juvenile hormone esterase (JHE) when injected into Day 1, Day 2 or early Day 4 fifth instar ligated hosts. Brain and SOG homogenates of late fourth instars also induced JHE when injected into Day 1 hosts, whole late fifth instar and pupal tissue did not. The pattern of JHE induction by early fourth through Day 3 fifth instar brain and SOG homogenates correlated with natural haemolymph JHE activity occurring at these times. Implantation of late fourth and Day 1 fifth instar brains and/or SOG into similar age hosts similarly induced JHE activity while prothoracic and abdominal ganglia did not. The relative levels of induction following implantation were SOG<brain<brain+SOG. JHE activity which appears in the haemolymph following injection of brain homogenates appears to be largely due to a single enzyme which has an isoelectric point indistinguishable from that of the natural haemolymph enzyme. Evidence is presented which suggests that inhibitory as well as stimulatory brain factors are involved in JHE regulation.
AUTONOMY IN TODDLERS

In order to understand how toddlers develop autonomy, we developed an assessment of toddler-parent negotiation of compliance and limits in a laboratory playroom. Forty healthy, first-born toddlers (22-26 months, 20 males, 20 females) were seen together with their mothers and fathers. Five minutes of free play followed by two parent-initiated limit-setting episodes, two minutes each, (a clean-up task and a prohibition) were videotaped. Independent variables were sex of child and sex of parent giving the clean-up or prohibition statement. Dependent variables of toddler compliance were 1) number of toys put away (clean-up) and 2) number of times the tape recorder was touched (prohibition). Preliminary analyses revealed that toddlers were less compliant with maternal than with paternal commands. There was a trend for boys to be less compliant than girls. Further analyses will show the relationship of parental cooperation/competition, toddler temperament, and social referencing to toddler compliance. In defining the normal range of toddler sex differences in compliance and of parents' limit-setting style, this paradigm is useful for assessing families with concerns about their toddlers' behavioral problems, such as negativism, tantrums' and resistant behavior.
Fate of MBOCA [4,4′-methylene-bis (2-chloroaniline)] in soil

[14C]-MBOCA [4,4′-methylene-bis (2-chloroaniline)] was rapidly bound to soil with most of the binding occurring within the first 24 hr after application. After 24 weeks, less than 20% of the radio-activity could be extracted from soil and less than 6% could be extracted as parent MBOCA. MBOCA has a water solubility of 13.9 mg/L and the MBOCA-soil adsorption isotherm indicates a strong affinity of MBOCA to soil. The predominant metabolite found in the non-sterile soil was identified as 4,4′-diamino-3,3′-dichlorobenzophenone. Less than 1% of applied radioactivity was released as [14C]-CO2 during the 24 week experiment, indicating that soil microbes were capable of very limited mineralization of MBOCA.
Anaemia of chronic kidney disease

Abstract Anaemia is a common complication of chronic kidney disease. Aetiology is multifactorial, but a major factor is an inappropriately low production of erythropoietin in the peritubular cells of the kidney. Chronic anaemia causes quite a number of debilitating symptoms, particularly tiredness and lethargy, muscle fatigue, reduced exercise capacity, and breathlessness on exertion. There are adverse consequences to a number of physiological functions, particularly that of the heart. Most patients with anaemia solely related to renal impairment have a glomerular filtration rate