cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Relationship Between Type of Outflow Tract Repair and Postoperative Right Ventricular Diastolic Physiology in Tetralogy of Fallot Implications for Long-term Outcome

Background Restrictive right ventricular (RV) physiology can be present early and late after tetralogy of Fallot repair. It is associated with a complicated early postoperative course but is favorable late after repair because it is associated with less pulmonary regurgitation, better exercise tolerance, and less QRS prolongation and symptomatic ventricular arrhythmias. It is not known, however, whether in the current surgical era, this physiology is present in tetralogy of Fallot patients at mid-term follow-up and whether it is related to the type of RV outflow tract repair. Finally, the impact of this physiology on the early evolution of QRS prolongation has not been examined previously. In this study we attempted to address these issues in a cohort of recently operated patients. Methods and Results Ninety-five patients were studied 4.3 years after repair by Doppler echocardiography, serial electrocardiograms, and chest radiographs. Restrictive RV physiology defined by the presence of antegrade pulmonar...
Neuropsychological sequelae of heart transplantation: A preliminary review

Abstract This paper reviews the existing literature on the neuropsychological sequelae of heart transplantation. From the relatively small number of studies that have investigated the cognitive side effects of heart transplantation, several consistent neuropsychological deficits have been reported. These include deficits in attention-concentration, organizational skills, verbal learning, abstract reasoning, psychomotor speed, concept formation, and cognitive flexibility. The studies also indicate that postoperative cognitive functioning does not improve substantially, while motor speed, a noncognitive measure, improves. In addition, older age may represent a risk for cognitive impairment preoperatively and postoperatively, with the severity of impairment increasing with age. Finally, the etiology of the cardiac disease does not relate to cognitive impairment. Therefore, cognitive functioning of the transplant patient appears to be an important variable to consider when addressing that patient's ability to comply with the medical regimen. It is argued that the psychological and neuropsychological evaluation is likely to become an increasingly important part of the overall examination of patients referred for cardiac transplantation.
Late Quaternary evolution of the Burullus lagoon region, north-central Nile delta, Egypt

Abstract The evolution of late Quaternary stratigraphic sequences in the Burullus lagoon region of the north-central Nile delta, Egypt is determined by petrological analysis of radiocarbon-dated sediment borings. Shallow marine, lagoonal and fluvial deposits accumulated during the late Pleistocene, and delta plain to coastal facies during the Holocene (since about 7500 yrs B.P.). The latter sequence is characterized primarily by an irregular succession of delta plain deposits, i.e. distributary channel fill, marsh and lagoon. Complete coarsening upward sequences, formed by prodelta to coastal units and previously defined in the northeastern Nile delta, are not observed in this region. Long-term sediment accumulation rates for Holocene facies during the build-up of the delta range from about 100 to 300 cm 1000 yrs . The location and ages of three Nile distributary channel systems are recognized by means of cores, from east to west: Sebennitic, Saitic, and Bolbitine/Rosetta. The mouth of the Sebennitic, which is oldest of the three, was located on what is now the inner to middle shelf. This would explain the absence of prodelta and delta-front sequences and a presence of a belt of medium- to coarse-grained sands extending seaward of the coast. The distribution in time and space of the Holocene facies is interpreted in terms of the interplay of factors controlling sedimentation, i.e. eustatic sea-level oscillations, climatic changes and land subsidence (minor in this region: 0.04 cm/yr). Of the three, sea-level changes dominate. Paleogeographic maps show, through a series of time slices, the changing configuration of this region during the past 30,000 years. Maps indicate the shifting channel systems and the major displacement of associated marshes and lagoons. This study suggests that, without the emplacement of coastal protection barriers and containment structures, an expansion of Burullus lagoon may be expected in the near future.
Coupled CaAl-NaSi diffusion in plagioclase feldspar: Experiments and applications to cooling rate speedometry

Abstract The rate of CaAl-NaSi interdiffusion in plagioclase feldspar was determined under 1 atm anhydrous conditions over the temperature range 1400° to 1000°C in calcic plagioclase (An80−81) by homogenizing coherent exsolution lamellae. The dependence of the average interdiffusion coefficient on temperature is given by the expression: D = 10.99 ( cm 2 /sec) exp (−123.4( kcal/mol )/RT), (T in °K). This value is for diffusion perpendicular to the (03 1) interface of the lamellae. CaAl-NaSi interdiffusion is 4 to 5 orders of magnitude slower than oxygen diffusion in the temperature range 1400° to 1200°C and possibly 10 orders of magnitude slower at subsolidus temperatures. The large differences in diffusion rates explain the apparent contradiction posed by the plagioclases of large layered intrusions (e.g., the Skaergaard), which retain delicate Ca, Na compositional zoning profiles on the micron scale, but have undergone complete oxygen isotopic exchange with heated meteoric groundwater from the surrounding wall rocks. CaAl-NaSi diffusion is slow, the closure temperature is high (within the solidus-liquidus interval), and Ca-Na zoning is preserved. Oxygen diffusion is faster, the closure temperature is lower (350°-400°C) and the feldspars exchange oxygen with the low-temperature hydrothermal fluids. The complex micron-scale oscillatory zones in plagioclase can also be used as cooling rate speedometers for volcanic and plutonic plagioclase. Cooling histories typical of large mafic intrusions (e.g. the Stillwater) are slow, begin at high initial temperatures (1200°C) and result in homogenization of oscillatory zones on the scale of 10 microns. The oscillatory zones found in the plagioclase of granodioritic plutons are preserved because cooling is initiated at a lower temperature (1000°C) limiting diffusion to submicron length scales despite the slow cooling rate of the intrusion.
Atypical parapoxvirus infection in sheep

This report describes the clinical and laboratory findings for 5 sheep from 3 different flocks with extensive proliferative skin lesions grossly resembling warts on the distal limbs. The lesions affected the front and rear extremities in all sheep, and 2 sheep also had lesions around the head. The sheep exhibited signs of pain when the lesions were touched, and most sheep were reluctant to move. Various empirical treatments, including systemic antibiotics, topical antibiotics, and antifungal ointments, were administered without clinical improvement. Diagnostic tests including skin biopsy and histopathology, examination of skin scrapings, bacteriology, mycology, electron microscopy of lesions, and immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that the lesions were the result of parapoxvirus infection. All 5 animals were euthanized either because of the lack of resolution of clinical signs or a decision by the owner. These animals illustrate an atypical presentation of parapoxvirus infection in sheep (orf, contagious ecthyma, and scabby mouth). The infection appeared to be minimally contagious; however, the lesions did not spontaneously resolve. This appears to be the 1st report of such lesions in multiple sheep in North America, although similar lesions have been reported in Israel and the United Kingdom.
Separation of selected polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons in mineral oil by liquid—solid chromatography on Amberlite XAD-2

Abstract Representative polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons are separated from mineral oil by using step-wise gradient elution chromatography on Amberlite XAD-2. The aliphatic hydrocarbon sample matrix elutes in the column void volume under normal phase conditions with 2,2,4-trimethylpentane used as the eluent. Lower-molecular-weight aromatics are eluted with isohexanes or heptane, and higher-molecular-weight aromatics are eluted under size-exclusion conditions after changing to tetrahydrofuran or dichloromethane as the eluent. Linear elution adsorption chromatography theory is used to interpret the retention behavior of the polynuclear compounds.
Convergence time to the Ewens sampling formula in the infinite alleles Moran model

In this paper, we establish an upper bound for time to convergence to stationarity for the discrete time infinite alleles Moran model. If M is the population size and μ is the mutation rate, this bound gives a cutoff time of log(M μ)/μ generations. The stationary distribution for this process in the case of sampling without replacement is the Ewens sampling formula. We show that the bound for the total variation distance from the generation t distribution to the Ewens sampling formula is well approximated by one of the extreme value distributions, namely, a standard Gumbel distribution. Beginning with the card shuffling examples of Aldous and Diaconis and extending the ideas of Donnelly and Rodrigues for the two allele model, this model adds to the list of Markov chains that show evidence for the cutoff phenomenon. Because of the broad use of infinite alleles models, this cutoff sets the time scale of applicability for statistical tests based on the Ewens sampling formula and other tests of neutrality in a number of population genetic studies.
The Neurobiology of Bipolar Disorder

The neurobiology of bipolar disorder is reviewed. Bipolar disorder is associated with alterations in central nervous system (CNS) function from the level of large-scale brain circuits to intracellular signal transduction mechanisms. Because of the broad spectrum over which these abnormalities appear, the causative effects are most likely present in the lowest common denominator of all of these systems. Current evidence points to subtle alterations in signal transduction that reverberate downstream both intra- and extracellularly to produce the symptoms of bipolar disorder.
Sorption of the ionizable organic compound, dicamba (3,6-dichloro-2-methoxy benzoic acid), by organo-clays

The sorption of 3,6-dichloro-2-methoxy benzoic acid (dicamba) by hexadecyltrimethyl-ammonium (HDTMA) and dioctadecyldimethylammonium (DODMA) exchanged smectites was studied at different concentrations and pH levels to evaluate the capability of organo-clays to sorb an ionizable hydrophobic compound. Dicamba-organo-clay complexes were also prepared and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Results indicated that organo-clays were effective sorbents for dicamba, a water-soluble, ionizable, and potentially mobile organic compound. Organo-clays with higher organic carbon contents usually resulted in greater dicamba sorption. Solution pH significantly affected the sorption of dicamba by organo-clays, with the isotherm inflection point near the dicamba pKa value. Nearly twice as much dicamba could be sorbed in the molecular form as compared to its anionic, deprotonated form. Excessive DODMA contributed to dicamba sorption at pH levels greater than its pKa. Hydrophobic interactions and ionic attractions were responsible for the retention of dicamba by organo-clays.
Prostate cancer: incremental value of endorectal MR imaging findings for prediction of extracapsular extension.

PURPOSE: To assess the incremental value of endorectal magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings in addition to clinical variables for prediction of extracapsular extension (ECE) in patients with prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cohort study, 344 consecutive patients with biopsy-proved prostate cancer underwent endorectal MR imaging prior to surgery; 216 of these patients also underwent MR spectroscopic imaging. MR images were interpreted by 10 attending radiologists. The likelihood of ECE was scored retrospectively on the basis of MR imaging reports. Clinical variables included serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level, Gleason score, clinical stage of tumor, greatest percentage of cancer in all core biopsy specimens, percentage of cancer-positive core specimens in all core biopsy specimens, and presence of perineural invasion. For data analysis, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used. Jackknife analysis was us...
Excitation mechanisms for upconversion lasers

A number of nonlinear upconversion excitation mechanisms have been used to achieve lasing at wavelengths that are shorter than those of the pump light. We found that sequential two-step absorption was the principal process in YAlO 3 :Er 3+ and LaF 3 :Nd 3+ whereas energy transfer upconversion dominated in YLiF : Er 3+ . A nonlinear absorption process associated with cross relaxation resulted in upconversion lasing in YLiF 4 :Nd 3+
Analysis of responses to the Personal Opinion Survey by a sample of inpatients.

The utility of employing the Personal Opinion Survey as a measure of experienced control with psychiatric inpatients was examined for a sample of 71 patients in a psychiatric acute-care setting. Retest correlations suggested that 5 of the 7 scales were relatively stable over a 1- to 2-wk. interval. Correlations between scores on the survey and ratings of patients on the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale were presented and discussed, as were relationships to involuntary legal detention on grounds of Grave Disability.
Colloid adenocarcinoma of the urachus

Abstract Two cases of colloid adenocarcinoma of the urachus are described. The diagnosis and treatment of this condition are discussed.
Performance of Computer Generated Volume Holograms Directly Written with a Femtosecond Laser

We study the performance of computer generated volume holograms in terms of efficiency and angular and frequency selectivity. We demonstrate that the performance is on par with interferometrically written volume holograms.
Oligodendrocyte progenitor cells internalize ferritin via clathrin-dependent receptor mediated endocytosis.

We previously demonstrated ferritin binding is specific to white matter in mouse and human brain tissue and is not found within Multiple Sclerotic plaques. These results suggest that ferritin receptors are selectively expressed on oligodendrocytes. The present studies were designed to test the hypothesis that oligodendrocyte progenitor cells selectively bind ferritin and internalize it by methods consistent with receptor-mediated endocytosis. Using a cell culture system enriched for oligodendrocyte progenitor cells, we determined, that oligodendrocyte progenitor cells bind ferritin in a saturable and competitive manner with a Kd of 5 nM and a receptor density of 0.06 fmol bound/20,000 cells. FITC tagged ferritin is internalized by A2B5, O4 or CNPase expressing cells in the culture, but not by GFAP+ cells. The uptake of ferritin into the oligodendrocyte progenitors was inhibited by treating the cells with inhibitors of receptor mediated endocytosis (hypertonic medium, potassium deficient medium, ATP depletion, sulfhydryl reagents). In addition exogenous ferritin decreased iron responsive element/iron regulatory protein binding indicating that the iron within the internalized ferritin is released and contributes to the intracellular iron pool. Given the relatively high amount of iron that can be delivered via ferritin, and the selective distribution of ferritin receptors in the white matter tracts in vivo, we propose that ferritin is a major source of iron for oligodendrocytes. J. Neurosci. Res. 61:52–60, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Hypothalamic GABAergic modulation of respiratory responses to baroreceptor stimulation.

Abstract Little is known about possible hypothalamic modulation of the respiratory response to baroreceptor activation. The purpose of this study was to determine if the respiratory depression associated with the baroreceptor reflex is modulated by neurons in the posterior hypothalamus. Breathing frequency and tidal diaphragmatic activity were derived from diaphragmatic electromyographic recordings in anesthetized rats. Respiratory responses to baroreceptor activation were analyzed before and after unilateral microinjections of GABA antagonists (picrotoxin, bicuculline methiodide) or a GABA synthesis inhibitor (3-mercaptopropionic acid, 3-MP) into the posterior hypothalamus. Baroreceptor stimulation prior to microinjections elicited a decrease in both breathing frequency and tidal diaphragmatic activity. Microinjection of picrotoxin elicited an increase in respiratory activity. The decrease in tidal diaphragmatic activity evoked by baroreceptor stimulation was blocked after the microinjection. Furthermore, the baroreceptor-induced fall in breathing frequency was converted to an increase in breathing frequency. These effects of picrotoxin were rever sed by microinjections of a GABA agonist (muscimol) into the same site. Microinjections of 3-MP also blocked the decrease in breathing frequency associated with baroreceptor stimulation. The GABA antagonist bicuculline methiodide elicited similar effects. These results indicate that a GABAergic mechanism in the posterior hypothalamus modulates the respiratory responses to baroreceptor stimulation.
Process-Oriented Writing Instruction in Elementary Classrooms: Evidence of Effective Practices from the Research Literature

Process writing instruction is an influential paradigm in elementary classrooms, but studies of its effectiveness are mixed. These mixed results may occur because teachers implement process writing in vastly difference ways, which makes it difficult to assess the effectiveness of process approaches broadly. Therefore, this literature review examines the features of the process writing instruction are effective. Drawing on empirical evidence, it answers the question: What practices within process writing have evidence of effectiveness? A literature search was conducted and 93 studies that met the inclusion criteria were found. The studies were coded thematically and indicate seven categories of effective practices: writing strategy instruction, computers in the writing process, talk during the writing process, play during the writing process, including children’s ways of knowing, flexible participation structures, and mentor texts. Evidence about the effectiveness of these features and directions for future research are discussed.
Investigating the dispersal routes used by an invasive amphibian, Lithobates catesbeianus , in human-dominated landscapes

Clarifying how species move across and utilize human-modified landscapes is key to the conservation of declining populations, as well as to the management and control of invasive species. The North American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) is a globally distributed invasive amphibian that has been implicated in the decline of native amphibians across its invasive range and may also act as a transport vector for a number of deadly amphibian pathogens. Identifying the landscape-level features that facilitate or hinder this species as it moves across an ever-changing landscape is necessary to inform control efforts and limit this species’ impact on already declining amphibian populations. We conducted surveys of 243 wetlands across the Colorado Front Range and used an information-theoretic approach to evaluate the contribution of wetland-specific characteristics and landscape-level factors in determining the detection of bullfrog populations and breeding bullfrog populations. Specifically, our goal was to determine whether features related to overland dispersal or to the connectivity of wetlands were better predictors of bullfrog occurrence. Our results indicated that landscape-level factors that may either hinder or facilitate overland movement, such as topographic complexity and the density of wetlands, were the best predictors of bullfrog occurrence at the scale of our analysis, rather than characteristics relating to the connectivity of wetlands to lotic waterway systems. We suggest that when considering the control or eradication of this species, efforts should be directed at reducing hydroperiod of wetlands and should target regions with a high density of wetlands and/or low topographic relief.
Associations between prenatal pesticide exposure and cough, wheeze, and IgE in early childhood.

Ann Marie Reardon, MAa,b, Matthew S. Perzanowski, PhDa,b, Robin M. Whyatt, DrPHa,b, Ginger L. Chew, ScDa,b, Frederica P. Perera, DrPHa,b, and Rachel. L. Miller, MDa,b,c Ann Marie Reardon: ; Matthew S. Perzanowski: ; Robin M. Whyatt: ; Ginger L. Chew: ; Frederica P. Perera: ; Rachel. L. Miller: rlm14@columbia.edu a Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University b Columbia Center for Children’s Environmental Health c Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, New York, NY
Ethanol effects in an anxiety/defense test battery

Two tests, components of an Anxiety/Defense Test Battery, have been designed to measure risk assessment, inhibition of nondefensive behaviors, and movement arrest, all of which occur in the natural defense patterns of rats to threatening stimuli. In these tests, which used a nonpainful threat stimulus (a cat), ethanol (0.6 and 1.2 g/kg) increased two risk assessment behaviors on an initial test day, and produced a wider pattern of changes in all three patterns on a retest (no cat) day, 5 days later. The pattern of results obtained is compatible with a view that defensive behaviors occur in a fixed sequence with the decreasing intensity of threat an important factor in the transition from one defensive behavior to the next, and with ethanol at these doses producing a mild and relatively nonspecific anxiolytic effect. Comparison of male and female subjects on these tasks also suggested that females are more defensive than males, a finding which agrees with a variety of human anxiety studies but is at variance with previous rodent literature.
Incidence of and Risks for the Development of Cervical Low Grade Squamous Intra-Epithelial Lesions (LSIL) in a Longitudinal Cohort of Adolescent Women

Incidence of and Risks for the Development of Cervical Low Grade Squamous Intra-Epithelial Lesions (LSIL) in a Longitudinal Cohort of Adolescent Women
Binding and disposition of sulfisoxazole in alcoholic cirrhosis

The disposition of sulfisoxazole was studied in six male patients hospitalized with biopsy-proven Laennec's alcoholic cirrhosis and six normal, healthy volunteers. Four of the patients were restudied at a time their liver disease had improved clinically. On the average, compared to the normal group, the metabolism of sulfisoxazole (clearance values with respect to unbound concentration values) appears to be unaltered for the cirrhotic patients. For patients with alcoholic cirrhosis having normal renal function for age and weight, the renal elimination of sulfisoxazole was normal For those subjects with decreased renal function, the renal clearance of sulfisoxazole appeared to be disproportionately decreased, as evidenced by a lower-than-normal sulfisoxazole renal clearance-to-creatinine clearance values. The apparent steady-state volume of distribution of unbound sulfisoxazole was not altered in cirrhotic patients when compared to normal subjects, while the apparent volume of distribution of total drug increased by more than what could be expected from protein binding changes alone. The elimination rate constant did not differ from values found in normals. These data suggest that the total binding capacity of sulfisoxazole in cirrhotic patients is not different from that of normal subjects.
A Cellular System that Degrades Misfolded Proteins and Protects against Neurodegeneration

Misfolded proteins compromise cellular function and cause disease. How these proteins are detected and degraded is not well understood. Here we show that PML/TRIM19 and the SUMO-dependent ubiquitin ligase RNF4 act together to promote the degradation of misfolded proteins in the mammalian cell nucleus. PML selectively interacts with misfolded proteins through distinct substrate recognition sites and conjugates these proteins with the small ubiquitin-like modifiers (SUMOs) through its SUMO ligase activity. SUMOylated misfolded proteins are then recognized and ubiquitinated by RNF4 and are subsequently targeted for proteasomal degradation. We further show that PML deficiency exacerbates polyglutamine (polyQ) disease in a mouse model of spinocerebellar ataxia 1 (SCA1). These findings reveal a mammalian system that removes misfolded proteins through sequential SUMOylation and ubiquitination and define its role in protection against protein-misfolding diseases.
Development of a Rotation Algorithm for Earthquake Damage Diagnosis

In the attempt to develop simple damage detection algorithms that can be embedded in structural monitoring systems for rapid condition assessment following a large earthquake, a new algorithm is de...
WAAR BLEEF DE SABELTANDTIJGER

De grootste en sterkste van alle katachtigen was de sabeltandtijger. En vooral door zijn hoektanden demeest angstaanjagende. Hoe komt het dat hij nietmeer bestaat? door dr. Frank Heynick
The Effects of Sympathetic Imbalance on the Canine T Wave and QT Interval

The effects of sympathetic imbalance with left dominance on the electrocardiogram was studied in 12 open-chest anesthetized dogs. Heart rate was held constant (80 or 150 bpm) by right vagal stimulation and atrial pacing, To minimize vagai-sympathetic interactions, the intensity of vagal stimulation was well below the threshold for asystole. Electrocardiographic recordings were obtained from three ECC leads (II, X, and Z). Transection of the right stellate increased the T-wave amplitude in lead II (0.12 ± 0.05 mV, P < 0.05) but had no effect on the QT interval in any lead. Left stellate transect ion after right transection decreased the T-wave amplitude in lead II (0.13 ± 0.06 mV, P < 0.05) but did not alter the QT interval in any lead. Electrical stimulation of the decentralized left stellate for periods of 3 or 15 sec prolonged the QT interval by as much as 21 msec, but the average changes were considerably less (± 6.0 msec) and were not significant. Left stellate stimulation for 30 or 60 seconds shortened the QT by as much as 30 msec (P < 0.05). All periods of left stellate stimulation significantly increased the T-wave amplitude in lead II. The electrocardiographic changes induced by sympathetic imbalance were similar at both heart rates. The results do not support the presence of a significant degree of “silent” repolarization after the end of the T wave in the normal canine electrocardiogram.
Azithromycin protects against hyperoxic lung injury in neonatal rats.

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a pulmonary disorder that causes significant morbidity and mortality in premature infants. BPD is pathologically characterized by inflammation, fibrosis, and mucosal necrosis, which leads to emphysematous coalescence of alveoli. We tested the hypothesis that azithromycin, a macrolide antibiotic, would decrease the severity of lung injury in an animal model of BPD. Sixty-three rat pups were randomly divided equally into control, hyperoxia, and hyperoxia plus azithromycin groups. The hyperoxia groups were exposed to > 95% oxygen from days of life 4 to 14. On day 14, the animals were processed for lung histology and tissue analysis. Lung morphology was assessed by mean linear intercept, a measure of alveolar size, with larger values corresponding to lungs that are more emphysematous. The degree of lung inflammation was assessed by quantifying interleukin-6 (IL-6) from lung homogenate. Fifty pups survived to day 14 (control = 21, hyperoxia = 11, hyperoxia + azithromycin = 18). Mortality was increased in the hyperoxia group versus the control group (p Azithromycin treatment resulted in improved survival, less emphysematous change, and decreased IL-6 levels in an animal model of BPD.
Mapping of electromagnetic fields by photochemical reaction

A standard photographic film was proved to be applicable to a quick and easy direct mapping of an electromagnetic field. The method utilises selective development of the film in accordance with the thermo-image produced by the electromagnetic field. The method would be most useful for preparing microwave holograms.
ZnCl2(4,4′-bpy): a one-dimensional coordination polymer with two isomorphic phases

Abstract Two isomorphic phases of one-dimensional coordination polymer ZnCl2(4,4′-bpy) were prepared from hydrothermal reactions of ZnCl2 and 4,4′-bipyridyl (4,4′-bpy). α-ZnCl2(4,4′-bpy) (I) crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c, with a=15.821(3) A, b=5.109(1) A, c=14.612(3) A, β=110.33(3)°, V=1107.5(4) A3, Z=4. β-ZnCl2(4,4′-bpy) (II) crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pnma, with a=17.349(3) A, b=12.407(2) A, c=5.114(1) A, V=1100.8(3) A3, Z=4. The crystal structures of the two compounds are closely related to each other. In both phases, the Zn metal center is tetrahedrally coordinated to two terminal Cl and two bridging 4,4′-bpy. Each 4,4′-bpy acts as a bifunctional ligand and is bonded to two Zn to give rise to a Zn(4,4′-bpy) zig-zag chain. The extended Huckel (EH) calculations were performed on both structures to analyze the bonding. The solubility of the title compounds was also tested.
APPLICATION OF OPTICAL SPEED BARS TO HIGHWAY WORK ZONES

The proximity of workers and traffic makes safety a high priority in highway work zones. The occurrence and severity of accidents is related to vehicle speeds and speed variations. The use of optical speed bars to reduce speeds and speed variations in highway work zones is examined. Previous applications of this traffic control device are considered with respect to design parameters such as length of pattern, number of stripes, and the sequence of spacing between bars. A general design was developed to test the effect of the pattern on speed, the mechanism through which the effect occurs, and the usefulness of the technique to work zones (previous applications have been predominantly at the approach to intersections). Because the application of multiple-pattern designs is impractical, simulations of various designs were developed to obtain subjective evaluations of the relative effectiveness of the various alternatives. Based on the review of previous applications and the subjective evaluations, a pattern design was developed. The design process is delineated and the resulting design described. Also described are adaptations that were made to previous designs specifically for the application of the technique to highway work zones. Finally, a test project to measure the effect of the technique on traffic is described.
Sedimentation in an Ancient Playa-Lake Complex: The Wilkins Peak Member of the Green River Formation of Wyoming

The Wilkins Peak Member of the Green River Formation of Wyoming has been examined in outcrop with the object of reconstructing its depositional environment. Based on their assemblages of sedimentary structures, seven rock units are described, six of which define depositional subenvironments. These units are (1) flat-pebble conglomerate, (2) lime sandstone, (3) mudstone, (4) oil shale, (5) tronahalite, (6) siliciclastic sandstone, and (7) volcanic tuff. Their respective subenvironments are (1) rapid transgression of a shallow lake, (2) lake shore oscillating over a mud flat (slow transgression), (3) playa mud flats, (4) shallow lake with occasional desiccation, (5) seasonally dry salt lake, (6) braided stream, and (7) not specific. These subenvironment deposits are arranged in depositional cycles. We have observed four types of cycles involving flat-pebble conglomerate (A), oil shale (B), mudstone (C), lime sandstone (D), and also trona. These cycles are I: A-B-C, II: D-B-C, III: D-C, and IV: B-trona-C. Individual cycles have been correlated over distances of up to 24 km. The Wilkins Peak Member is thought to have been deposited in a playa-lake complex, which consisted of a shallow, central playa lake that was surrounded by vast, normally exposed mud flats fringed by alluvial fans. Evaporative concentration of bicarbonate-rich inflow waters led to saturation with respect to calcite, most of which must have been deposited as cement within alluvial fans. Evaporation continued in the capillary zone of the mud flats, precipitating calcite first, then magnesian calcite, and eventually protodolomite. The carbonates accumulated as a soft micritic mud at the fringes of the playa mud flats. During periods of desiccation, the muds were subject to cracking, and the mud-crack polygons contributed sand- and silt-size dolomitic micrite intraclasts that were transported to the central lake by the next storm. When the central lake was large, oil shale accumulated in it, with the organic matter derived from a flocculent ooze consisting of bottom-dwelling blue-green algae and fungi. During dry periods the lake shrank, and trona and halite precipitated in the central portions. An understanding of the Wilkins Peak sediments can be achieved only by considering as inseparable the hydrologic, sedimentary, geochemical, and biologic processes responsible for their formation.
Correlates of Anger and Hostility in Iraq and Afghanistan War Veterans

Objective: As troops return from Iraq and Afghanistan to civilian life, clinicians are starting to grapple with how best to detect those at risk of postdeployment adjustment problems. Data reveal the presence of mental health problems in these soldiers, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), head injury, and alcohol abuse. Each of these conditions has been associated with elevated anger and hostility in veterans from previous confl icts. The authors sought to identify variables empirically related to anger and hostility in Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. Method: A total of 676 veterans who served since September 11, 2001, and who volunteered to participate in research studies were interviewed with instruments designed to collect information on psychiatric symptoms, health, and possible postdeployment adjustment issues. The primary outcome measures were variables measuring aggressive impulses or urges, diffi culty managing anger, and perceived problems controlling violent behavior. Results: The three outcome measures were each signifi cantly associated with PTSD hyperarousal symptoms. Other PTSD symptoms were less strongly and less consistently linked to anger and hostility. Traumatic brain injury and alcohol misuse were related to the outcome variables in bivariate but not multivariate analyses. Distinct sets of demographic, historical, and military-related variables were associated with the different facets of anger and hostility measured. Conclusions: The results underscore the need to tailor interventions individually to address anger and hostility effectively and to develop theoretically sophisticated, evidence-based knowledge to identify service members at risk of problematic postdeployment adjustment.
Characterization of immunoreactive insulin-like growth factor-I from leukocytes and its regulation by growth hormone

In the present study, we investigated the production of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) by leukocytes and its production after treatment with GH. Immunoreactive (ir) IGF-I was observed in leukocytes by direct immunofluorescence with fluorescein isothiocynate-conjugated antibodies to IGF-I. Studies using immunoaffinity purification, HPLC and a fibroblast proliferation bioassay suggests that the de novo synthesized leukocyte-derived irIGF-I is similar in mol wt, antigenicity, and bioactivity to serum IGF-I. We also evaluated the effect of GH on the production of leukocyte-derived irIGF-I, Spleen cells cultured for 24 h in the presence of exogenous GH caused a 2- fold elevation of irIGF-I as demonstrated by RIA and immunofluorescence. In order to determine if leukocyte-de rived irGH can stimulate the production of irIGF-I, we cultured spleen cells for 24 h in the presence of antibodies specific for GH. The data showed a decrease in the number of cells positive for irIGF-I, suggesting that leukocyte-de r...
Regulated complement deposition on the surface of human endothelial cells: effect of tobacco smoke and shear stress.

Cigarette smoke and hemodynamic stress both contribute to vascular inflammation and associated atherosclerosis. We recently demonstrated direct activation of complement components C4 and C3 on human endothelial cells (EC). The present study was designed to explore complement activation on bone marrow microvascular endothelial cells (BMEC) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) in response to endothelial cell injury by tobacco smoke extract, shear stress, or other known inflammatory and atherogenic mediators, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and INF-γ. Following treatment, confluent EC monolayers were exposed to plasma (60 min, 37 °C), and cell surface deposition of stable complement derivatives C4d, iC3b and SC5b-9 was measured in situ using an ELISA approach. Consistent with previous results, moderate levels of C4d, iC3b and SC5b-9 deposition were observed on native EC monolayers exposed to human plasma. Tobacco smoke and shear stress enhanced EC C4d deposition. In contrast, LPS and INF-γ failed to affect EC mediated complement activation, despite evidence of EC activation illustrated by ICAM-1 expression. The combination of tobacco smoke and shear stress nearly doubled EC C4d expression. No increases in iC3b or SC5b-9 were noted, suggesting inhibition of classical and alternative pathway C3 convertase assembly or activity. Indeed, concomitantly increased surface expression of complement regulatory proteins CD35 (CR1) and CD55 was observed following EC exposure to tobacco smoke and shear stress. These results suggest that a balance between complement activation and regulation exists at the EC surface, and may impact vascular injury leading to thrombosis, arteriosclerosis, and atherogenesis.
A series representation of the spherical error probability integral

The author derives an infinite series representation of the spherical error probability integral (SEPI). The SEPI characterizes missile miss distance distributions resulting from Monte Carlo simulations. The SEPI is used when these distributions occupy a three-dimensional region of space. Truncation of this series provides a computationally efficient tool for approximating the SEPI. A series convergence analysis is presented that provides an upper bound on the approximation accuracy. The accuracy bound may be used to determine a sufficient number of terms needed for approximation to any desired accuracy. Presentation of numerical results provides empirical confirmation of the validity of the series expression. Calculation of the truncated series and numerical integration of the SEPI generate the numerical results. It is shows that the SEPI converges to the circular error probability integral as the standard deviation of a given component approaches zero. Approximation error bounds, as a function of sigma, are derived. >
A comparison of female and male rats' ETOH-induced ataxia and exploration following restraint or swim stress.

Animal models of stress reactivity are often employed in developing treatments for humans. Many studies use shock stress, and most use male rats. These experiments compare female and male rats exposed to either restraint stress (RS) or ambient-temperature swim stress (SS), using two durations of each stressor and naive controls. The ataxic effects of a 0.6 g/kg ip dose of ethanol (ETOH) were measured. Females exhibited less ataxia than males following ETOH administration. There were no significant effects of stress on ETOH-induced ataxia. Exploration was also measured in an open-field test (OFT) both pre- and poststress. In the prestress OFT, females were more active than males. For the no-stress groups and the shorter-duration stress groups, exploration decreased between the first and second OFTs. However, the groups exposed to the longer-duration stress did not show this expected decrease in exploration. A key finding of this research is that while sex differences may be present at baseline, the sexes may react similarly to stress. These data extend knowledge on sex differences in stress, alcohol reactivity and exploratory behavior.
Assessing the Validity of the DETERMINE Checklist in a Short-Term Longitudinal Study

ABSTRACT The objective of this multidisciplinary, longitudinal study was to determine the reliability and concurrent and predictive validity of the DETERMINE Checklist. A combination of anthropometric and blood biochemistry values for a sample of older women, 61-82 years of age, were used as standards to determine validity. The checklist scores, which averaged 5.1 to 5.5, were significantly correlated across time providing evidence for reliability. The checklist identified 40% of the sample to be at high nutritional risk. However, anthropometric and biochemical data did not support this classification. For this apparently healthy group, the checklist was reliable, but the predictive validity was negligible.
An examination of corporate social disclosures of multinational corporations: A cross-national investigation

Abstract We examine cross-national differences in corporate social disclosure (CSD) using a sample of 136 multinational corporations from the US, Continental Europe, and Scandinavia. Despite international market pressures to disclose higher levels of information, we find that CSD varies systematically across business cultures. Additionally, CSD is higher in business cultures that are more stakeholder rather than stockholder-oriented. Our findings provide support for business culture as an important influencing factor on the disclosure of corporate social information for multinational corporations.
Shaping of Strategic Behavior: How Macro-Environmental Effects Pattern the Country-Level Participation of Non-US Firms in US Equity Markets

This paper examines the effects of macro-environmental variables on country-level patterns of participation by firms on the US NASDAQ stock exchange. NASDAQ’s popularity can be linked to the strength of its technological system, as well as the high frequency of listings of technology-oriented firms. Using concepts from organization theory, strategy and international business, we consider the impact of political, legal, cultural, and colonial heritage status on the strategic capital-seeking behavior of non-US companies in US markets. We empirically demonstrate that similarity in legal systems and a shared colonial heritage will influence the probability of a non-US country having firm participation on the NASDAQ. The results also indicate that the effects of institutional forces are not static processes
Structural comparison of glycophorins and immunochemical analysis of genetic variants

Differences in amino acid sequence of erythrocyte membrane glycophorin A are correlated with M or N blood group activity. A second sialoglycoprotein, glycophorin B, has an amino acid sequence identical to that of glycophorin AN in the first 23 positions and carries N activity only, suggesting that different structural genes code for the glycoproteins carrying these antigens. Certain genetically variant cells lack glycophorin A, as determined by immunochemical methods, and serological MN activity. Other variants lack MN activity, but contain normal amounts of glycophorin A in the membrane.
L2 Well-Posedness of Planar Div-Curl Systems

Criteria for the existence and uniqueness of solutions of div-curl boundary value problems on bounded planar regions with nice boundaries are developed. The boundary conditions to be treated include prescribed normal component of the field, tangential component of the field and disjoint combinations of these conditions. Under natural assumptions on the data, when either tangential or normal components are given on the whole boundary, weak (finite-energy) solutions exist if and only if a compatibility condition holds. If the region is simply connected this solution is unique. When the region is multiply connected, there is a finite-dimensional family of solutions. The dimension of the solution space is the Betti number of the region. The problem is well-posed with a unique solution when certain line integrals are further prescribed. L 2 estimates of the solutions are given. If mixed tangential, and normal, components of the field are specified on different parts of the boundary, no compatibility condition is required for solvability. In general, though, there is considerable non-uniqueness of solutions. Well-posedness is recovered by specifying certain line integrals. L 2 estimates of the solutions are given. The dimensionality of the solution space depends on the topology of the boundary data. These results depend on certain weighted orthogonal decompositions of L 2 vector fields on the region which are related to classical Hodge-Weyl decomposition results.
Extraneural metastatic medulloblastoma in an adult

Medulloblastoma is a rare malignancy in adults, accounting for approximately 1% of all primary brain tumors. Extraneural metastases have been reported in 10-30% of cases and most commonly involve bone; rarely lymph nodes, visceral organs and bone marrow may be involved with disease. We report here our experience with a 26 year-old woman with medulloblastoma treated with gross total resection followed by radiation therapy to her craniospinal axis. She subsequently developed widespread metastatic disease involving bone exclusive of the calvarium and spine for which multi-agent salvage chemotherapy was utilized with initial good clinical response. She later relapsed within the lymph nodes and soft tissues of the pelvis and eventually suffered a local recurrence within the posterior fossa. The treatment of medulloblastoma, particularly salvage therapy following disease recurrence, is reviewed.
Identification of Some New Minor Acids from Chicken Skin Lipids

Abstract Lipids from the skin of commercially processed broilers were extracted by Folch’s technique and analyzed for fatty acids as their methyl esters by gas-liquid chromatography/mass pectrometry. Of the 24 fatty acids, identified, 5 had not been previously identified in either total chicken skin lipids or skin lipid fractions. They are: pentadecenoic acid (15:1), heptadecenoic acid (17:1), arachidic acid (20:0), heneicosanoic acid (21:0), and erucic acid (22:1).
Effects of input rate and age on the real-time language processing of children with specific language impairment.

Background: School‐age children with specific language impairment (SLI) exhibit slower real‐time (i.e. immediate) language processing relative to same‐age peers. The offline sentence comprehension of children with SLI can be improved when the input is slowed down. Although this finding suggests that a slower input delivery facilitates these children's language processing, such an interpretation is premature, as there are no data directly addressing the issue. Additionally, while typically developing (TD) children demonstrate age‐related improvements in language processing (i.e. they become faster processors), it is unclear whether children with SLI show the same developmental improvement.Aims: It was investigated whether a reduced input rate can enhance the online language processing of children with SLI. If it does, their reaction time (RT) for recognizing words embedded in sentences delivered at a slow rate should be faster relative to words in normal‐ and fast‐rate sentences. For TD children, RT should...