cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gender Perceptions of Psychological Empowerment in The Workplace: A Comparative Analysis from Two Cultures

This study investigates how female and male workers perceive feelings of Psychological Empowerment (PE), using respondents from two different countries with dissimilar cultural power dynamics. Two hundred ten non-managerial bank workers from Nigeria and the United States were selected for this study. A comparative quantitative method was used for this study. Statistical analyses were performed using both spreadsheets and SPSS. My key research question is designed to determine if there are differences in how female and male employees perceive Psychological Empowerment. Data analysis indicates that in both countries combined, and individually, there is a statistically significant difference in the perception of PE between the female and male respondents. Hence, I propose that the first step toward achieving power equity amongst both genders is to first understand how women and men perceive empowerment at a personal level (Psychological Empowerment).
The association between social needs and chronic conditions in a large, urban primary care population

There is consensus that social needs influence health outcomes, but less is known about the relationships between certain needs and chronic health conditions in large, diverse populations. This study sought to understand the association between social needs and specific chronic conditions using social needs screening and clinical data from Electronic Health Records. Between April 2018-December 2019, 33,550 adult (≥18y) patients completed a 10-item social needs screener during primary care visits in Bronx and Westchester counties, NY. Generalized linear models were used to estimate prevalence ratios for eight outcomes by number and type of needs with analyses completed in Summer 2020. There was a positive, cumulative association between social needs and each of the outcomes. The relationship was strongest for elevated PHQ-2, depression, alcohol/drug use disorder, and smoking. Those with ≥3 social needs were 3.90 times more likely to have an elevated PHQ-2 than those without needs (95% CI: 3.66, 4.16). Challenges with healthcare transportation was associated with each condition and was the most strongly associated need with half of conditions in the fully-adjusted models. For example, those with transportation needs were 84% more likely to have an alcohol/drug use disorder diagnosis (95% CI: 1.59, 2.13) and 41% more likely to smoke (95% CI: 1.25, 1.58). Specific social needs may influence clinical issues in distinct ways. These findings suggest that health systems need to develop strategies that address unmet social need in order to optimize health outcomes, particularly in communities with a dual burden of poverty and chronic disease.
A Rare Cause of Postoperative Hypotension

A 62-year-old woman presented with a 3-month history of abdominal distension and decreased exercise tolerance. A chest radiograph showed a probable left pleural effusion (Fig 1). A CT scan of the abdomen revealed a solid ovarian mass with omental caking and a large volume of ascites; there was also confirmation of a left pleural effusion. Three days before surgery a CT pulmonary angiogram (CTPA) showed no evidence of pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE). The patient had some improvement in her symptoms after paracentesis and thoracentesis with drainage of 2,000 mL and 250 mL of fluid, respectively. She underwent total abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral oophorectomy, and partial sigmoid resection with an estimated blood loss of 850 mL. During the operation, she received 5 L of crystalloid and required phenylephrine at 40 to 80 μg/min to maintain a mean arterial pressure > 65 mm Hg. She was extubated after surgery, but immediately after extubation, she became markedly hypotensive and hypoxemic with a BP of 50/20 mm Hg and an oxygen saturation of 70%. An ECG showed T-wave inversions from V1 to V5 and an S1Q3T3 pattern (Fig 2). A bedside echocardiogram showed an enlarged right ventricle (RV), septal dyskinesia, and obliteration of the left ventricle, all consistent with systolic and diastolic RV overload (Fig 3).
Effects of free stream turbulence intensity and integral length scale on heat transfer from a circular cylinder in crossflow

A model has been proposed for the momentum eddy diffusivity induced by free stream turbulence intensity and integral length scale. The eddy diffusivity model is applied to a cylinder situated in a uniform crossflow in the presence of free stream turbulence. Numerical solution of the governing momentum and energy equations with the proposed eddy diffusivity model yielded results for the skin friction coefficient and the Nusselt number. The numerical predictions of the present work are compared with experimental data and the agreement between the two is seen to be very good.
A herbal formula for food allergy

Wang J, Patil S, Yang N, Ko J, Lee J, Noone S, Sampson H, Li X. Safety, tolerability, and immunologic effects of a food allergy herbal formula in food allergic individuals: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, dose escalation, phase 1 study. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2010; 105: 75–84.
Remote sensing observations of mass ejections and shocks in interplanetary space

It has long been known that disturbances can propagate from Sun to Earth with periods of a few days following large solar flares. These disturbances involve a significant portion of the lower solar corona and the energy of the flare. Several techniques have been used to remotely detect and follow different structures as they propagate outward from the Sun. These techniques include interplanetary scintillation (IPS), kilometric radio and HELIOS photometer observations. Structures in the interplanetary medium can generally be classed as those which propagate outward from the Sun and those which co-rotate with approximately the solar rotation rate. In this review I will concentrate on ejecta and shocks known to be associated with large solar flares observed on the surface of the Sun and their manifestations using various observational techniques. The observational techniques most commonly used are each sensitive to a specific type of structure and more sensitive at one portion of the interplanetary medium than another. Because of the different techniques used, there can often be misinterpretation of the data. In addition, none of the remote sensing observations has complete spatial or temporal coverage. Thus, both the basic physics as well as the spatial and temporal evolution of mass ejections can be confused as these events propagate through the interplanetary medium. Examples of the data related to mass ejections from each of these techniques are shown and interpreted. We expect that future observations will more accurately describe the structures present as their basic physics becomes better known.
Psychometrics of Praxis III: Classroom Performance Assessments.

The article describes the Praxis III assessment, an observation-based system for assessing the skills of beginning teachers that emphasizes teacher decision-making and the importance of student, school, and curricular context. The article also describes the principles and process of the assessment's design and construction, including the underlying conception of teaching, how this construct was operationalized, and how assessment criteria were developed. Additional issues in teacher performance assessments, including whether such assessments should reflect current practice or lead it, the balance between assessment of practical and theoretical knowledge, and the role of assessor judgment, are discussed.
Analysis of chromosomal structural variation in patients with congenital left-sided cardiac lesions.

Background: We sought to characterize the landscape of structural variation associated with the subset of congenital cardiac defects characterized by leftsided obstruction. Methods: Cases with left-sided cardiac defects (LSCD) and pediatric controls were uniformly genotyped and assessed for copy number variant (CNV) calls. Significance testing was performed to ascertain differences in overall CNV incidence, and for CNV enrichment of specific genes and gene functions in LSCD cases relative to controls. Results: A total of 257 cases of European descent and 962 ethnically matched, disease-free pediatric controls were included. Although there was no difference in CNV rate between cases and controls, a significant enrichment in rare LSCD CNVs was detected overall (p 57.30 3 10 23 , case/control ratio 51.26) and when restricted either to deletions (p 57.58 3 10 23 , case/control ratio 51.20) or
Processability and Properties of Biodegradable Plastics Made from Agricultural Biopolymers

The use of synthetic and natural biodegradable plastics has been severely limited due to their strong sensitivity to processing conditions such as temperature. The object of our research is to develop novel biodegradable thermoplastic compositions and processing methods for making plastic articles reproducibly from soy protein isolate and corn starch. This paper discusses viable biodegradable soy protein-starch plastic that can be extruded and injection molded into articles of various shapes and sizes. The thermal and mechanical properties of the plastic indicate that it may be useful in many applications where the plastic must biodegrade in an environmentally-benign manner after service. Blending the biodegradable soy protein plastic with novel polyphosphate fillers greatly reduced its water sensitivity, allowing new uses in moist and load-bearing environments where the unfilled biodegradable plastic is not useable.
Fourier Modal Method and Its Applications in Computational Nanophotonics

Hwi Kim, Junghyun Park, and Byoungho Lee, 2012, ISBN-10: 1420088386, ISBN-13: 9781420088380, xii+313 pages, CRC Press, Boca Raton, $179.95 hardcover, $125 e-book. LCCN: 2011046920, OCLC:768728882 Reviewed by Chandraprakash Chindam, Pennsylvania State University, Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA
Free Surface Flow Profile and Fluctuations of a Circular Hydraulic Jump Formed by an Impinging Jet

A fine wire probe was used to make quantitative measurements of the free surface profile and surface fluctuations around the hydraulic jump formed by a normally impinging free liquid jet. Representative magnitudes of both radial and axialfluctuations were presented for two nozzle sizes and several jet Reynolds numbers and subcritical flow depths. The results were compared to previous measurements of the supercriticalflow depth and to theoretical predictions of the circular hydraulic jump size. The agreement appeared reasonable for the supercritical flow depth while the analytical expressions predicted a shorter hydraulic jump than that found by the measurements for the same supercritical flow conditions.
Transduction of Human Embryonic Stem Cells by Foamy Virus Vectors

Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) are important tools for the study of stem cell biology and may ultimately be used in cellular therapies and regenerative medicine. For hESCs to achieve their potential, stable genetic modification of the hESC genome will be required. Here we have studied the transduction of hESCs by vectors based on foamy virus (FV), an integrating retrovirus with no known pathogenicity. We find that hESCs and also ESCs derived from rhesus monkeys can be efficiently transduced by FV vectors at frequencies of 14–48%. Integration of FV vector DNA was demonstrated by Southern blot analysis, and stable expression was observed from a single integrated provirus in several clones. Transduced hESCs expressed markers characteristic of undifferentiated cells, differentiated and expressed markers from all three germ layers after serum exposure, and formed teratomas with persistent transgene expression in differentiated cells. Thus, FV vectors are promising tools for the genetic modification of hESCs.
Assigning Driver's License Numbers.

(1991). Assigning Driver's License Numbers. Mathematics Magazine: Vol. 64, No. 1, pp. 13-22.
Hammett correlation of nornicotine analogues in the aqueous aldol reaction: implications for green organocatalysis

[reaction: see text] A series of meta- and para-substituted 2-arylpyrrolidines were synthesized and examined for their ability to catalyze an aqueous aldol reaction under buffered conditions. Kinetic analysis of arylpyrrolidine-catalyzed reactions displayed a linear Hammett correlation with rho = 1.14 (R(2) = 0.996), indicating that the reaction is accelerated by electron-withdrawing aryl rings. These results show promise for the development of a synthetically viable aqueous organo-catalyst.
Atypical variants of classic achalasia are common and currently under-recognized: a study of prevalence and clinical features.

Background Advances in esophageal manometry have facilitated identification of variants of achalasia, suggesting they are more common than previously thought. This study assesses the frequency and clinical characteristics of patients with motility abnormalities similar to, but not meeting criteria for, classic achalasia. Study Design Records of patients undergoing high-resolution esophageal manometry between January 2008 and January 2010 were screened for diagnosis of achalasia, impaired lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxation, or severe peristaltic dysfunction of the esophageal body. Forty-four patients with classic achalasia and 31 with variant characteristics were identified. Clinical and manometric characteristics were recorded and compared. Results Variant achalasia was almost as common as the classic type (31 versus 44 patients). Eighty-two percent (36 of 44) of those with classic and 48% (15 of 31) of those with variant characteristics had dysphagia. Classic achalasia patients' mean age was 62 years (SD 19 years) versus 53 years (SD 14 years) in the variant group. The classic achalasia group had 26 male patients and 18 female patients and the variant group had 9 male patients and 22 female patients. Two thirds (21 of 31) of the variant group had impaired LES relaxation. Three variant patterns emerged: impaired LES relaxation with normal/hypertensive peristalsis (n = 10), impaired/borderline LES relaxation with mixed peristalsis/simultaneous contractions (n = 14), and impaired/normal LES and aperistalsis with occasional short segment peristalsis (n = 7). Mean intrabolus pressure was 16.3 mmHg in variant patients with normal LES relaxation and 23.1 mmHg in those with impaired relaxation. Conclusions Variants of achalasia are more common than previously recognized. LES dysfunction defined by high relaxation pressure occurs in two-thirds of variant achalasia patients and might be a hallmark that could direct therapy. The notion that esophageal body dysfunction/aperistalsis in achalasia is all or none should be reconsidered.
RF gradient BIRD/TANGO sequence to eliminate uncoupled magnetization.

Abstract A modification of the BIRD and TANGO sequences is presented which employs radiofrequency field gradients to eliminate the net magnetization from uncoupled spins, while completely preserving coupled magnetization. The standard BIRD and TANGO sequences cause selective nutation of protons directly bound to a coupling partner, while returning uncoupled magnetization to + z . These sequences lend themselves naturally to modification using RF gradients, which require no increase in pulse-sequence complexity while providing substantial suppression of uncoupled resonances and elimination of typical antiphase and multiple-quantum error terms that arise from improperly set pulse lengths or delays. In the RF-gradient BIRD/TANGO sequence, the uncoupled magnetization is dephased in a plane orthogonal to the RF axis, while the desired signal components are refocused, effectively in a rotary echo. The sequence has applications to solvent suppression and selective isotopomer excitation. It is demonstrated for selective excitation of the satellites in a sample of chloroform, yielding suppression of the uncoupled magnetization by a factor of approximately 800.
FLOCCULATION OF PIGMENT IN CARBON BLACK RUBBER MIXTURES

Abstract NUMEROUS references occur in the literature as to the cause of so-called scorching or burning in rubber-pigment mixes containing no vulcanizing agent. It was suggested (6) that this stiffening effect may be caused by flocculation of the pigment particles. Green (8) demonstrated a relation between the stiffness and flocculating tendency of pigments in paint mixtures, and Depew and Ruby (4) and Green (7) suggested that the phenomenon of flocculation may have some relation to the properties of cured rubber mixes which contain pigments, especially carbon black pigments. Grenquist (9) reported that carbon black exists in a more or less flocculated condition in vulcanized rubber, and some evidence was presented by Park and Morris (11) that mill-scorched batches which exhibit abnormal stiffness possess a structure which suggests that the black has been flocculated. The increase in stiffness of unvulcanized rubber—carbon black mixes upon standing for periods of several days was mentioned by Stamberger (1...
Why the Slovak Language has Three Dialects: A Case Study in Historical Perceptual Dialectology

Linguists have long been aware that the ubiquitous distinction between “languages” and “dialects” has more to do with political and social forces, typically nationalism, than with objective linguistic distance. 1 This article, an exercise in the history of (linguistic) science, examines political and social factors operating on other levels of linguistic classification than the “language-dialect” dichotomy. Nationalism and linguistic thought are mutually interactive throughout a linguistic classification system: political and social history not only affects a list of “languages,” but also a list of “dialects.”
Large volume room temperature gamma-ray spectrometers from CdxZn1−xTe

Abstract Recent developments in Cd1−xZnxTe (CZT) crystal growth technology have enabled the production of large samples of detector grade material. In this paper we discuss the technical issues associated with building large volume CZT detectors (> 10 cm3) for use in gamma-ray spectroscopy. In particular, an analysis of the electronic noise in CZT devices and how it scales with detector size is presented, along with a discussion of methods to reduce noise in large CZT detector systems. The degradation of energy resolution caused by charge collection problems is also discussed and the use of electronic signal processing and improved device design to minimize charge collection effects are described.
On the relation between irradiation induced changes in the master curve reference temperature shift and changes in strain hardened flow stress

Abstract Irradiation hardening produces increases in the cleavage transition fracture toughness reference temperature (Δ T 0 ). It is traditional to relate Δ T 0 to the corresponding changes in the yield stress, Δ σ y , as C 0 = Δ T 0 /Δ σ y . However, it is a strain-hardened flow stress, σ fl , in the fracture process zone that controls cleavage, rather than σ y . Thus irradiation induced decreases in the strain hardening Δ σ sh ( σ y (> 0) in evaluating Δ T 0 . The Δ σ sh in reactor pressure vessel (RPV) steels irradiated to low doses at around 300 °C are small, even for large Δ σ y . However, the Δ σ sh are much greater for high dose irradiations of tempered martensitic steels (TMS) that are candidates for fusion applications. As a result, for the TMS case, the C 0 are less, and in some instances much less, than for RPV steels and irradiation conditions. We address two key questions. First, how does Δ σ sh influence the C 0 = Δ T 0 /Δ σ y relation? Second, is it possible to derive a universal relation between Δ T 0 and Δ σ fl averaged over a pertinent range of e , 〈Δ σ fl 〉, such that a C 0′ = Δ T 0 /〈Δ σ fl 〉 is independent of the individual values of Δ σ y and Δ σ sh ? The results of this study suggest that 〈Δ σ fl 〉 averaged between 0 and 0.1 provides a similar C 0′ for various assumptions about the effect of irradiation on Δ σ sh . Notably, changes in indentation hardness, Δ H , are also directly related to this same 〈Δ σ fl 〉. Hence, measurements of Δ H should provide a good basis for assessing Δ T 0 for a wide range of alloys and irradiation conditions.
ONTOGENY OF THE PRIMARY THICKENING MERISTEM IN SEEDLINGS OF BOUGAINVILLEA SPECTABILIS

A B S T R A C T Anomalous secondary thickening occurs in the main axis of Bougainvillea spectabilis as a result of a primary thickening meristem which differentiates in pericycle. The primary thickening meristem first appears in the base of the primary root about 6 days after germination and differentiates acropetally as the root elongates. It begins differentiating from the base of the hypocotyl toward the shoot apex about 33 days after germination. The primary thickening meristem is first observable at the base of the first internode about 60 days after germination. It then becomes a cylinder in the main axis of the seedling. No stelar cambial cylinder forms in the primary root, hypocotyl, or stem because vascular cambium differentiation occurs neither in the pericycle opposite xylem points in the primary root nor in interfascicular parenchyma in the hypocotyl or stem. The primary vascular system of the stem appears anomalous because an inner and an outer ring of vascular bundles differentiate in the stele. Bundles of the inner ring anastomose in internodes, whereas those of the outer ring do not. Desmogen strands each of which is composed of phloem, xylem with both tracheids and vessels, and a desmogic cambium, differentiate from prodesmogen strands in conjunctive tissue. The parenchymatous cells surrounding desmogen strands then differentiate into elongated simple-pitted fibers and thick-walled fusiform cells that are about the same length as the primary thickening meristem initials.
Stratification of pedigrees multiplex for systemic lupus erythematosus and for self-reported rheumatoid arthritis detects a systemic lupus erythematosus susceptibility gene (SLER1) at 5p15.3

Objective Arthritis is a common manifestation in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), appearing in ∼85% of patients. Often, the polyarthritis at presentation of SLE cannot be distinguished from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by physical examination or history. Indeed, physicians initially tell many SLE patients that they have RA (one source of “self-reported RA”), only to have SLE established later. In addition, RA aggregates in families with an SLE proband. We predicted that pedigrees multiplex for both SLE and for self-reported RA would better isolate particular genetic effects. If this proved to be true, we would then use the increased genetic homogeneity to more easily reveal genetic linkage. Methods From a collection of 160 pedigrees multiplex for SLE, we selected 36 pedigrees that also contained ≥2 members with self-reported RA (19 pedigrees were African American, 14 were European American, and 3 were of other ethnic origin). Data from a genome scan of 307 microsatellite markers were evaluated for SLE linkage by contemporary genetic epidemiologic techniques. Results The most significant evidence of linkage to SLE was obtained at 5p15.3 in the European American pedigrees by both parametric (logarithm of odds [LOD] score 6.2, P = 9.3 × 10−8) and nonparametric (LOD score 6.9, P = 1.7 × 10−8) methods. The best-fitting model for this putative SLE gene in this region was a recessive gene with a population frequency of 5% and with 50% penetrance in females and 15% penetrance in males at virtually 100% homogeneity. Conclusion For a genetically complex disease phenotype, an unusually powerful linkage has been found with SLE at 5p15.3 in European American pedigrees multiplex for SLE and for self-reported RA. This result predicts the presence of a gene at the top of chromosome 5 in this subset of patients that is important for the pathogenesis of SLE.
Evaluating the technical efficiency of African economies using DEA and the bootstrap approach

It is well-acknowledged that many African economies perform well below their potential, yet there is little knowledge about the distance of these economies from their productivity frontiers. This study examines the technical efficiency of 43 African countries using the non-parametric DEA technique and the double-bootstrap approach. Technical efficiency results by income class show that the best performers in terms of technical efficiency are countries belonging to the upper middle group, followed by the lower upper middle-income countries, while the least efficient countries belong to the lower income economies. Double bootstrap and truncated regression results show that improvements in governance, promotion of FDI, and information communication technologies are major drivers of technical efficiency. This study provides direction and opportunities for African countries to increase output by improving efficiency of resource utilisation.
Genetic and phenotypic targeting of β-adrenergic signaling in heart failure

Heart failure is a leading cause of hospitalization worldwide. No major significant improvements in prognosis have been achieved for heart failure over the last several decades despite advances in disease management. Heart failure itself represents a final common endpoint for several disease entities, including hypertension and coronary artery disease. On a molecular level, certain biochemical features remain common to failing myocardium. Among these are alterations in the beta-adrenergic receptor (beta-AR) signaling cascade. Recent advances in transgenic and gene therapy techniques have presented novel therapeutic strategies for management of heart failure via genetic manipulation of beta-AR signaling including the targeted inhibition of the beta-AR kinase (betaARK1 or GRK2). In this review, we will discuss the beta-AR signaling changes that accompany heart failure as well as corresponding therapeutic strategies. We will then review the evidence from transgenic mouse work supporting the use of beta-AR manipulation in the failing heart and more recent in vivo applications of gene therapy directed at reversing or preventing heart failure.
Effects of human aging on patterns of local cerebral glucose utilization determined by the [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose method.

The [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) scan method with positron emission computed tomography was used to determine patterns of local cerebral glucose utilization (LCMRglu) in 40 normal volunteer subjects aged 18 to 78 years. Throughout all the studies, each subject was quiet, without movement, with eyes open and ears unplugged, exposed only to ambient room light and sound. For the entire group, whole brain mean CMRglu was 26.1 ± 6.1 μmol 100 g−1 min−1 (mean ± SD, n = 40). At age 78, mean CMRglu was, on the average, 26% less than at age 18, an alteration of the same order as the variance among subjects at any age. The gradual decline of mean CMRglu with advancing age occurred at a faster rate than was reported for mean cerebral oxygen utilization, possibly due to increasingly altered pathways for glucose utilization, or to increasing oxidation of ketone bodies or other alternative substrates. Glucose utilization in the hemispheres was symmetrical and mean CMRglu of overall cortex, caudate, and thalamus was equ...
Who's driving? college students' choices of transportation home after drinking.

Legal and educational interventions have not had a significant impact in reducing alcohol use among college students. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency at which students placed themselves “at-risk” for alcohol-related traffic fatalities, either by driving while alcohol impaired or riding with an alcohol-impaired driver. On a given weekend night, 18% (n = 60) of students surveyed placed themselves at risk of being involved in an alcohol-related traffic fatality. Two-thirds of the “at-risk” subjects reported returning home with an alcohol-impaired driver. Recommendations are made for strengthening prevention efforts.
Attosecond-resolution measurement of polarization mode dispersion in short sections of optical fiber

A new technique is presented for the measurement of the differential group delay (DGD) between principal states of polarization of an optical device, with a demonstrated accuracy and resolution of roughly 50 attoseconds (50 × 10−18 s). Accuracy was directly assessed by measurement of a crystal-quartz DGD Standard. This permits what is to the author's knowledge the first complete measurement of the polarization mode dispersion (PMD) of straight, submeter lengths of optical fiber. PMD can be reliably measured only when the fiber is straight, since spooling of the fiber changes its PMD by introducing additional mode coupling. Measurement of four fiber samples revealed correlation between DGD and fiber core ovality.
Changing Paradigms in the Medical Treatment of Glaucoma

Glaucoma is defined by a typical optic neuropathy accompanied by characteristic visual field loss and eventual blindness. The major risk factor for glaucoma is elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). Lowering IOP is currently the only proven method for reducing the risk of glaucomatous visual field loss and remains the primary goal of therapy. With the recent introduction of many new medications that lower IOP, the definition of what constitutes maximum tolerated medical therapy has been changing. The treatment can now be tailored better to each individual patient. The regimen needs to be affordable, easy to understand, and least interfering with the patient's quality of life. beta-blockers still are the mainstay of initial therapy, but more and more prostaglandin analogs and also alpha-2 agonists are being used initially. Systemic carbonic anhydrase inhibitors and cholinergics are being used less frequently.
Verification of the ARL quantum key distribution testbed

The operation of a polarization-based quantum key distribution (QKD) testbed system is described. The system was developed for the Army Research Laboratory (ARL) by the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory under the DARPA Quantum Information Science and Technology program. Recent developments include upgrading the testbed system for operation at 830 nm wavelength. We describe the system architecture, control software, diagnostic and operational modes. The cryptosystem was tested in a point-to-point configuration with transmitter and receiver separated by a distance of 1.5 km, and using in-ground single-mode telecommunications optical fiber for the quantum channel.
Experimental simple shear deformation of magnetic remanence

Abstract A series of shear box experiments were run on magnetic rock analogues to determine how the remanence vector behaves during simple shear strain. Samples of silicone putty and silicone putty-magnetite and kaolinite-magnetite mixtures were given an anhysteretic remanence at high, moderate and low angles to the shear plane in order to determine if the magnetization deformed as a passive line marker or as if carried by actively rotating rigid grains. Out of a total of twenty experiments, twelve unequivocally contradict passive line behavior with an additional two experiments in strong disagreement with passive rotation of the magnetic particles. When compared to numerical modeling results, nine experiments clearly support active rotation of rigid magnetic particles. Thus, in settings where simple shear may have been a dominant component of deformation history, active rotation of remanence-carrying grains rather than passive line behavior may be an appropriate description of the deformation of the remanence vector.
Platinum-DNA adducts assayed in leukocytes of patients with germ cell tumors measured by atomic absorbance spectrometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Background. Platinum-DNA adducts can be measured in peripheral blood cells, and high adduct levels have previously been correlated with favorable clinical response to platinum-based therapy in patients with germ cell tumors and ovarian cancer. Methods. To evaluate the relationship between platinum-DNA adducts and clinical response to chemotherapy, 36 patients with germ cell tumors treated with cis-platin-based chemotherapy had platinum-DNA adducts assayed in leukocytes by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) and cisplatin-DNA enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Three chemotherapy regimens were involved: cisplatin and etoposide (Regimen A); carboplatin and etoposide (Regimen B); and cyclophosphamide, vin-blastine, dactinomycin, bleomycin, and cisplatin [VAB-6] with or without high dose carboplatin plus etoposide plus autologous bone marrow rescue (Regimen C). Blood samples were drawn before and after each cycle of chemotherapy. Results. One hundred ninety-two blood samples were assayed by AAS and 137 by ELISA. DNA adducts measured by AAS and ELISA increased immediately after treatment and decreased during the intervening time before the next treatment. DNA adducts were measurable by both methods 4-8 weeks after the last cycle of therapy. The peak and mean adduct levels measured in samples drawn immediately after Cycles 1 and 2 and after all cycles were analyzed in terms of their relationship to clinical response. In contrast to numerous prior studies, a positive correlation was not observed between DNA adduct formation as determined by either AAS or ELISA and favorable clinical responses. Conclusions. This study demonstrated that peak and mean platinum-DNA adduct levels were influenced by the dose and schedule of the platinum analogue. For example, treatment with VAB-6 with or without high dose carboplatin and etoposide (Regimen C) resulted in significantly higher adduct levels when measured by AAS compared with Regimen A or B. Inconsistencies between studies regarding observed correlations of DNA adducts and treatment outcome may be attributable to differences in platinum analogue, dose, schedule, and timing of sample procurement. These factors must be considered in future studies. Cancer 1994; 73:2843–52.
Prevention of anticardiolipin antibody-related pregnancy losses with prednisone and aspirin.

Abstract purpose: Prevention and treatment of pregnancy loss associated with the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) are controversial. Successful pregnancies have been reported with prednisone and low-dose aspirin in patients with lupus anticoagulant and anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL), but failure has also been reported. The purpose of this prospective study was to define the efficacy of such combination therapy in the prevention of pregnancy loss related to aCL. patients and methods: Consecutive pregnant patients with a minimum of one pregnancy loss and at least two positive aCL determinations more than 3 months apart, and in whom other causes of pregnancy loss were ruled out, were included in the study. aCL concentrations were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay before and during therapy. Patients received prednisone, at a dosage of 40 mg/d, for 4 weeks. The dose was then tapered down 10 mg every 4 weeks, and then to a maintenance dose of 5 mg/d. They also received aspirin, 81 mg/d, throughout the pregnancy. Babies were evaluated during the pregnancy by measurement of fetal heart rate and ultrasonography, and after the delivery by measurement of weight and Apgar scores, and, in some cases, by arterial gasometry. results: Eleven patients with a mean (± SD) age of 33.2 ± 5.01 years were included. Prior to therapy, the rate of live-born babies was 15.6% (32 previous fetal losses and 5 live-born babies), and, after therapy, it was 100% (12 pregnancies and 12 live-born babies). There were no significant adverse effects to either mothers or babies. All the patients had positive aCL determinations. Nine patients had positive IgG aCL. The levels of the antibodies decreased during treatment in these nine patients. IgM aCL determinations were positive in nine patients. The levels of this isotype decreased in eight patients (90%) during treatment. conclusions: Treatment with prednisone and aspirin appears to be efficacious, safe, and economic in the prevention of pregnancy loss and fetal growth retardation in patients with aCL.
Oral high‐dose methotrexate with citrovorum factor rescue in metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the lung

Thirteen patients with metastatic squamous cell cancer of the lung were treated, in a nonrandomized study, with an oral high-dose methotrexate and citrovorum factor rescue regimen. There was some response and/or stabilization of disease for at least three months in six (46%) of 13 cases. The median survival time of the study group was double (365 vs. 180 days) that of a retrospectively matched control group. This suggests a possible therapeutic effect of this treatment program in metastatic squamous cell cancer of the lung.
Duodenal Switch Provides Superior Weight Loss in the Super-Obese (BMI ≥50kg/m2) Compared With Gastric Bypass

Objectives: Although weight loss following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is acceptable in patients with preoperative body mass index (BMI) between 35 and 50 kg/m 2 , results from several series demonstrate that failure rates approach 40% when BMI is ≥50 kg/m 2 . Here we report the first large single institution series directly comparing weight-loss outcomes in super-obese patients following biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (DS) and Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB). Methods: All super-obese patients (BMI ≥50 kg/m 2 ) undergoing standardized laparoscopic and open DS and RYGB between August 2002 and October 2005 were identified from a prospective database. Two-sample t tests were used to compare weight loss, decrease in BMI, and percentage of excess body weight loss (% EBWL) after surgery. X 2 analysis was used to determine the rate of successful weight loss, defined as achieving at least 50% loss of excess body weight. Results: A total of 350 super-obese patients underwent DS (n = 198) or RYGB (n = 152) with equal 30-day mortality (DS,1 of 198; RYGB, 0 of 152; P = not significant). The % EBWL at follow-up was greater for DS than RY (12 months, 64.1% vs. 55.9%; 18 months, 71. 9% vs. 62.8%; 24 months, 71.6% vs. 60.1%; 36 months, 68.9% vs. 54.9%; P 50%) was significantly greater in patients following DS (12 months, 83.9% vs. 70.4%; 18 months, 90.3% vs. 75.9%; 36 months, 84.2% vs. 59.3%; P < 0.05). Conclusions: Direct comparison of DS to RYGB demonstrates superior weight loss outcomes for DS.
The semistrong limit of multipulse interaction in a thermally driven optical system

Abstract We consider the semistrong limit of pulse interaction in a thermally driven, parametrically forced, nonlinear Schrodinger (TDNLS) system modeling pulse interaction in an optical cavity. The TDNLS couples a parabolic equation to a hyperbolic system, and in the semistrong scaling we construct pulse solutions which experience both short-range, tail–tail interactions and long-range thermal coupling. We extend the renormalization group (RG) methods used to derive semistrong interaction laws in reaction–diffusion systems to the hyperbolic–parabolic setting of the TDNLS system. A key step is to capture the singularly perturbed structure of the semigroup through the control of the commutator of the resolvent and a re-scaling operator. The RG approach reduces the pulse dynamics to a closed system of ordinary differential equations for the pulse locations.
Calcium-mediated intracellular messengers modulate the serotonergic effects on axonal excitability

Abstract We carried out experiments to investigate the mechanisms of serotonin-induced axonal excitability changes using isolated dorsal columns from young (seven to 11-day-old) Long–Evan's hooded rats. Conducting action potentials were activated by submaximal (50%) and supramaximal constant current electrical stimuli and recorded with glass micropipette electrodes. In experiment 1, to study Ca 2+ -mediated mechanisms, we superfused the preparations with Ringer solutions containing varying Ca 2+ concentrations. Following superfusion with Ca 2+ -free Ringer solution for 4 h, we tested initial responses to serotonin agonists. Studies then were repeated after preparations had been washed for 1 h with Ringer solution containing 1.5 mM Ca 2+ and 1.5 mM Mg 2+ . After 4 h superfusion of Ca 2+ -free Ringer solution, quipazine (a serotonin 2A agonist, 100 μ M) did not induce significant axonal excitability changes (amplitude change of 1.4±1.3%, percentage of predrug control level, ±S.D., n =6). A 100 μ M concentration of 8-hydroxy-dipropylaminotetralin (a serotonin 1A agonist) reduced response amplitudes by 36.3±4.2% (±S.D., P n =7) and prolonged latencies by 22.3±4.3% (±S.D., P n =7). Application of serotonin (100 μ M) decreased amplitudes by 6.6±5.0% (±S.D., P n =6). Extracellular calcium concentration ([Ca 2+ ] e ) was measured at various depths in the dorsal column with ion-selective microelectrodes. Four hours' superfusion with Ca 2+ -free Ringer solution reduced [Ca 2+ ] e to less than 0.1 mM in dorsal columns. In 1.5 mM Ca 2+ Ringer solution, quipazine increased the amplitudes by 38.3±5.8% ( P n =6). Likewise, serotonin increased the amplitudes by 13.8±4.9% ( P n =6). In contrast however, 8-hydroxy-dipropylaminotetralin still reduced amplitudes by 35.0±6.4% ( P n =7) and prolonged latencies by 24.1±4.5% ( P n =7). In experiment 2, we investigated calcium-dependent and cAMP-mediated protein kinase signalling pathways to evaluate their role as intracellular messengers for serotonin 2A receptor activation. Two protein kinase inhibitors, 50 μ M H7 (an inhibitor of protein kinase C and c-AMP dependent protein kinase) and 100 μ M d -sphingosine (an inhibitor of protein kinase A and C) effectively eliminated the excitatory effects of the serotonin 2A agonist. 100 μ M cadmium (a Ca 2+ channel blocker) also blocked the effects of quipazine. Neither these protein kinase inhibitors nor cadmium alone affected action potential amplitudes. These results suggest that replacing Ca 2+ with Mg 2+ blocks the excitatory effects of quipazine but does not prevent the inhibitory effects of 8-hydroxy-dipropylaminotetralin, and calcium-mediated protein kinase mechanisms modulate axonal excitability changes induced by serotonin and its agonist.
An on-line pressure vessel rheometer for slurries

Abstract An on-line rheometer, suitable for use with slurries, has been developed at Michigan Technological University. This rheometer can be used with both Newtonian and non-Newtonian slurries, and produces complete shear rate/shear stress curves which characterize the time-independent rheology of the slurry. The sensor utilizes the Hagen–Poiseuille equation and Boyle's law to calculate the shear rate, slurry flow rate, and shear stress from a series of pressure measurements. The design of the unit allows the measurement sample to be continuously collected from operating process streams in the often-hostile on-line environment. The shear rate/shear stress curves can be used to conveniently calculate the apparent viscosity at any given shear rate, and also to measure any yield stress or other deviations from Newtonian behavior.
Effects of β-Hydroxyethylhydrazine on Growth and Alkaloid Formation of Datura Stramonium

The aerial parts of Datura stramonium were sprayed with aqueous solutions of β -hydroxyethylhydrazine (BOH) in strengths of 1, 0.01, and 0.0001 per cent. Treatment with 1 per cent of BOH reduced the height 54 per cent and the total dry weight 67 per cent. Malformations which were induced in the plants are described. The formation of flowers was inhibited. The concentration of leaf-tops alkaloid was decreased 45 per cent, while root alkaloid was increased 61 per cent. The total alkaloidal content per plant was only 26 per cent of controls. The habit of the groups treated with 0.01 and 0.0001 per cent of BOH resembled the controls. The concentration of alkaloids of the 0.01 per cent BOH group was decreased 17 per cent in the leaf-tops, but increased 161 per cent in the roots. The total alkaloidal content of the roots was 230 per cent of controls. In the 0.0001 per cent BOH group increases of 11, 103, and 209 per cent were found in the concentration of alkaloid of the leaf-tops, stems, and roots, respectively. The total alkaloidal content of this group was increased 31 per cent per plant, 99 per cent in the stems, and 219 per cent in the roots.
The protein requirement of the premature infant. I. The effect of protein intake on the retention of nitrogen

The effect of high-and low-protein intakes on nitrogen retention in premature infants was studied. Infants fed the higher amount of protein retained much greater amounts of nitrogen. Since weight gain in the two groups was similar, it is concluded that infants fed high-protein diets have accelerated chemical maturation and attain a more mature body composition at an early age.
Differential Blockade of Nerve Injury-Induced Thermal and Tactile Hypersensitivity by Systemically Administered Brain- Penetrating and Peripherally Restricted Local Anesthetics

Abstract Systemic administration of local anesthetics has been shown to transiently reverse thermal and tactile hypersensitivity induced by peripheral nerve injury, effects that have been taken as suggesting direct actions on the peripheral nerves. The present study sought to determine whether a central site of action could contribute to, or account for, the effects of lidocaine on nerve injury–induced thermal and tactile hypersensitivity. Systemic lidocaine and its peripherally restricted analogues, QX-314 or QX-222, effectively reversed thermal hypersensitivity after spinal nerve ligation injury. Nerve injury–induced tactile hypersensitivity, however, was reversed by systemic lidocaine but not QX-314 or QX-222. Microinjection of either lidocaine or QX-314 into the rostral ventromedial medulla fully reversed spinal nerve ligation–induced thermal and tactile hypersensitivity. The data strongly suggest that nerve injury–induced thermal and tactile hypersensitivity are mediated through different mechanisms. In addition, the present study supports a prominent contribution of the central nervous system in the activity of systemically given lidocaine against nerve injury–induced tactile and thermal hypersensitivity. Thus, lidocaine might reverse tactile hypersensitivity mainly through its actions within the central nervous system, whereas its reversal of thermal hypersensitivity might occur through either central or peripheral sites. Perspective Nerve injury–induced neuropathic pain has proved remarkably difficult to treat. Systemic administration of ion channel blockers such as lidocaine has been explored for the management of chronic pain. This work indicates that systemic rather than local administration of lidocaine would be more effective in treating tactile allodynia.
Prediction of daily fine particulate matter concentrations using aerosol optical depth retrievals from the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES)

Although ground-level PM2.5 (particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter <2.5 μm) monitoring sites provide accurate measurements, their spatial coverage within a given region is limited and thus often insufficient for exposure and epidemiological studies. Satellite data expand spatial coverage, enhancing our ability to estimate location- and/or subject-specific exposures to PM2.5. In this study, the authors apply a mixed-effects model approach to aerosol optical depth (AOD) retrievals from the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) to predict PM2.5 concentrations within the New England area of the United States. With this approach, it is possible to control for the inherent day-to-day variability in the AOD-PM2.5 relationship, which depends on time-varying parameters such as particle optical properties, vertical and diurnal concentration profiles, and ground surface reflectance. The model-predicted PM2.5 mass concentration are highly correlated with the actual observations, R 2 = 0.92. ...