cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
New Perspective on Computer Aided Molecular Design: A Life Cycle Assessment Approach

Abstract This paper presents a new perspective related to computer-aided molecular design (CAMD) problems where environmental impacts (e.g. life cycle impacts) are explicitly integrated within a CAMD framework thereby enabling us to design molecular solvents/ionic liquid structures that have low environmental impacts while maintaining appropriate functional properties related to the design problem. In this approach a multimedia fate & transport model coupled with group contribution method and property correlations are used to characterize the environmental impacts of the designed compound.
How Many Police Shootings Are Tragic Mistakes? How Many Can We Tolerate?

This paper has two aims. First, it uses a novel approach to estimate how many police shootings are “tragic mistakes”—i.e. killings of individuals that posed no threat. The approach is novel because it estimates based on the proportion of police killed by civilians versus civilians killed by police. This allows us to see beyond the individual cases (and conflicting accounts about them) to reveal the national scale of the problem. However, the scale does not tell us whether our policing practices are unjust; a shooting can be both a tragic mistake and fully justified. Coons’s second aim, accordingly, is to suggest that these deaths are more than a public health problem, they constitute a serious institutional injustice.
New data on the early odobenid Neotherium mirum Kellogg, 1931, and other pinniped remains from the Sharktooth Hill Bonebed, California

Deposited over a short period of time during the Middle Miocene Climatic Optimum, the Sharktooth Hill Bonebed in California is one of the world’s densest marine vertebrate concentrations. Pinnipeds...
A functionally relevant measure of spatial release from masking in children with bilateral cochlear implants

The ability to segregate speech from noise is an important skill for children as they navigate everyday noisy environments. Spatial release from masking (SRM) is a measure of benefit observed when target speech is co-located versus spatially separated from maskers. SRM is typically studied with target-maskers in front versus maskers displaced to fixed angles towards the side. Children fitted with bilateral cochlear implants (BiCIs) typically show smaller SRM than children with normal hearing (NH), even for target-masker angular separation of 90°, and when monaural head shadow cues exist. Here, we used an open-set corpus that has high informational masking and better mimics realistic listening situations for children. First, SRM was measured by adapting target-masker separation, and quantified as the minimal angular separation needed to achieve 20% improvement in target intelligibility. Second, SRM was measured for target-masker separation of 180°. Preliminary results suggested that, in the BiCI group, all children achieved 20% SRM with a target-masker angular separation smaller than 180°. With the full 180° target-masker separation, children in the BiCI group achieved a much larger SRM (6–8 dB) than previously reported while NH children’s SRM was larger. Acoustic cues available through CI processors will be discussed. [Work funded by NIH-NIDCD.]
Religion as Embodied Taste: Using Food to Rethink Religion

This article offers a model of conceptualising religion as taste. Using religion and food as a point of entry, it demonstrates how modelling religion as taste permits attention to such concepts as embodiedness, the place of the senses within religious experience, the relation of memory to experience, and the mediation of culture. I draw on the cognitive and biological science of taste, and argue that religion functions analogously to this sense, experienced through the brain, body, and mind. The article uses the intersection of religion and food, and religion and visual taste, to develop the theme of how culturally conditioned tastes emerge out of embodied experiences, with reference to memories, past experiences, and collective worldviews.
Urologic trauma from vaginal dilation for congenital vaginal stenosis: A newly-described and challenging complication.

Abstract Vaginal dilation is first line therapy for vaginal agenesis. No major urologic complications have even been described. We present the management and successful outcome of immediate repair for urethral trauma in a patient with history of congenital anomalies managed with vaginal dilation. Proper exposure is difficult, but urologic repair can be achieved with or without concomitant vaginal repair.
High-Throughput Small Molecule Screen Identifies Modulators of Mitochondrial Function in Neurons

We developed a high-throughput assay for modulators of mitochondrial function in neurons measuring inner mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and ATP production. The assay was used to screen a library of small molecules, which led to the identification of structural/functional classes of mitochondrial modulators such as local anesthetics, isoflavones, COXII inhibitors, adrenergic receptor blockers, and neurotransmitter system effectors. Our results show that some of the isolated compounds promote mitochondrial health, enhance oxygen consumption rate, and protect neurons against toxic insults found in the cellular environment of Alzheimer disease. These studies offer a set of compounds that may provide efficacy in protecting the mitochondrial system in neurodegenerative disorders.
Ketamine and nitrous oxide: The evolution of NMDA receptor antagonists as antidepressant agents

Abstract N-methyl- d -aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonists, including ketamine and nitrous oxide, are currently intensely studied as rapid-acting antidepressant agents. Interestingly, both of these compounds are also drugs of abuse. Intravenous ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic that induces complex downstream effects via NMDARs, rapidly reduces depressive and suicidal symptoms in treatment-resistant depression (TRD), as demonstrated by several trials. Recently, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved an intranasal version of ketamine (esketamine) for TRD. The United States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) lists ketamine as a Class III scheduled drug (moderate-low potential for physical and psychological abuse). The FDA has established a Risk Evaluation and Management Strategy (REMS) program to ensure proper drug storage, handling, dispensing, and monitoring intranasal esketamine to minimize misuse/abuse opportunities. Nitrous Oxide is a colorless, odorless, gas that has been in medical use for over 150 years. The mechanisms of action of nitrous oxide are not fully understood; however, it is known to act as a non-competitive inhibitor of NMDA-type glutamate receptors. Currently, nitrous oxide is used for inhalational general anesthesia and analgesia for short procedures. Inhaled nitrous oxide is also used recreationally, primarily by teens and young adults, but is not believed to have strong addiction potential. In contrast to ketamine, nitrous oxide is not a controlled substance and can be legally purchased without a prescription. A recent double-blind, prospective, cross-over study demonstrated that nitrous oxide reduced depressive symptoms in a group of severely ill TRD patients. Though this is a promising initial study, further investigation is needed.
Association of Poor Sanitation With Growth Measurements Among Children in India.

Importance Much research on sanitation and linear growth in low- and middle-income countries focuses on children younger than 5 years. However, poor sanitation may be associated with growth faltering during middle and late childhood to a greater extent than previously recognized. Objective To characterize the association of poor sanitation with height-for-agez(HAZ) scores in children and adolescents in India aged 0 to 18 years. Design, Setting, and Participants This cross-sectional study examined 134 882 children and adolescents aged 0 to 18 years who were surveyed in the fourth round of India’s District Level Household and Facilities Survey (survey conducted August 2012 to February 2014). Data were analyzed from June 1, 2019, to August 20, 2019. Exposures Proportion of households reporting open defecation at the village level (to account for its high negative externality) and household-level access to boiled or filtered drinking water. Main Outcomes and Measures Individual-level HAZ scores were measured in standard deviations. The association of exposures with outcomes was estimated using ordinary least-squares regression stratified by sex (boys and girls) and 4 age groups (≤1, >1 to ≤7, >7 to ≤12, >12 to ≤18 years). Models controlled for parental height and education, socioeconomic status, maternal age at birth, hemoglobin level, and indicators for state and birth year to adjust for regional (state) and temporal (birth year) fixed effects. Results The sample comprised 70 463 male (52.5%) and 64 419 female (47.8%) children and adolescents aged 0 to 18 years; 46 722 participants (34.6%) were aged older than 12 to 18 years. Open defecation was inversely associated with HAZ score among all age groups except boys aged 1 year and younger (>1 to ≤7 years: β, −0.22; 95% CI, −0.35 to −0.10; >7 to ≤12 years: β, −0.15; 95% CI, −0.24 to −0.06; >12 to ≤18 years: β, −0.10; 95% CI, −0.19 to −0.01) and among girls aged between 7 and 18 years (>7 to ≤12 years: β, −0.22; 95% CI, −0.33 to −0.12; >12 to ≤18 years: β, −0.16; 95% CI, −0.23 to −0.09). Boiled or filtered drinking water was positively associated with HAZ score among younger girls (≤1 year: β, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.07 to 0.45; >1 to ≤7 years: β, 0.07; 95% CI, 0.01 to 0.14) and across all age groups in boys (≤1 years: β, 0.19; 95% CI, 0.03 to 0.35; >1 to ≤7 years: β, 0.07; 95% CI, 0.00 to 0.14; >7 to ≤12 years: β, 0.08; 95% CI, 0.03 to 0.13; >12 to ≤18 years: β, 0.06; 95% CI, 0.01 to 0.11). Conclusions and Relevance In this study, open defecation and lack of boiled or filtered drinking water were inversely associated with height-for-age measures across all ages in children and adolescents in India. Improved sanitation may benefit growth among children and adolescents older than 5 years.
A Hybrid Systolic-Dataflow Architecture for Inductive Matrix Algorithms

Dense linear algebra kernels are critical for wireless, and the oncoming proliferation of 5G only amplifies their importance. Due to the inductive nature of many such algorithms, parallelism is difficult to exploit: parallel regions have fine-grain producer/consumer interaction with iteratively changing depen-dence distance, reuse rate, and memory access patterns. This makes multi-threading impractical due to fine-grain synchronization, and vectorization ineffective due to the non-rectangular iteration domain. CPUs, DSPs, and GPUs perform order-of-magnitude below peak. Our insight is that if the nature of inductive dependences and memory accesses were explicit in the hardware/software interface, then a spatial architecture could efficiently execute parallel code regions. To this end, we first develop a novel execution model, inductive dataflow, where inductive dependence patterns and memory access patterns (streams) are first-order primitives. Second, we develop a hybrid spatial architecture combining systolic and tagged dataflow execution to attain high utilization at low energy and area cost. Finally, we create a scalable design through a novel vector-stream control model which amortizes control overhead both in time and spatially across architecture lanes. We evaluate our design, REVEL, with a full stack (compiler, ISA, simulator, RTL). Across a suite of linear algebra kernels, REVEL outperforms equally-provisioned DSPs by 4.6×-37×. Compared to state-of-the-art spatial architectures, REVEL is mean 3× faster. Compared to a set of ASICs, REVEL is only 2× the power and half the area.
21 – Laser processing of direct-write nano-sized materials

: The specifics of laser sintering of nano-sized direct-write materials on polymer substrates are discussed in light of a suggested two-phase sintering mechanism. A system for in-situ resistance measurements is described to monitor the real-time dynamics of material properties during laser sintering. Results of CW 1.06-μm Nd:YAG laser sintering of 1 mm or less thick conductors printed with silver nano-sized inks on polyimide substrates clearly show that sintered bulk resistivity is a function of the laser energy deposited per unit volume of deposited materials (μJ/μm3) and that laser sintering produces superior results to temperature limited conventional thermal sintering.
Science, technology, and literacy? Assessing the potential for children’s reading and writing in four science centres

Museums are literacy-rich environments where visitors may interact with text in a variety of ways. Examining the environment for indicators of literacy learning provides insight into how the museum...
Predictive maintenance scheduling optimization of building heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems

Abstract We present optimization methods for predictive maintenance scheduling of building heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems via mixed-integer programming. The optimization framework we introduce is composed of optimization models and parameter generation methods. Optimization models with time discretized into daily time periods are developed to enable the consideration of slow operation-dependent degradation during long horizons while maintaining computational efficiency. To improve the quality of the obtained maintenance schedules, system operation is simultaneously optimized. Parameter generation methods are introduced to provide parameters for constructing operation-related constraints. The proposed optimization framework can account for various HVAC systems with complex configurations. We show the quality of the generated operation-related parameters, and we provide medium-horizon case studies of central plants to show the model performance.
Correlations between land use and stream nitrate-nitrite concentrations in the Yahara River Watershed in south-central Wisconsin.

Abstract To better inform land management decisions, we explored relationships between land use data and stream nitrate-nitrite (NO3NO2) concentration data in the Yahara River Watershed (YRW) in south-central Wisconsin, USA. Three metrics were used to evaluate the extent of different land uses in the watershed: (1) the area percentage of each land use in both the watershed and in a range of riparian zone widths, (2) the area factor, which refers to the ratio of the area of woodland, recreational, open and vacant subdivided land, or wetlands in the riparian zone (6.1–213.4 m widths) to agricultural areas in the rest of watershed, which indicates the buffering capacity of the riparian zone, and (3) the inverse-distance-weighted (IDW) area percentage with proximity to sub-watershed outlet and to stream, which characterizes spatial arrangement in the watershed by assigning a higher weight to patches closer to the outlet or stream and a lower weight to those farther away. We found significant, positive correlations between the extent of agricultural areas and stream NO3NO2 concentrations. NO3NO2 concentrations were highly correlated to area factor metrics for all riparian zone widths such that as area factor decreased, NO3NO2 concentrations increased. There was also a marked increase in NO3NO2 concentrations at a threshold of approximately 60% agricultural area with IDW proximity to stream. Wetland area percentage in the entire watershed and IDW wetland area percentage with proximity to stream were negatively correlated to stream NO3NO2 concentrations. Compared to the simple area percentage metric, area factor and IDW wetland area percentage with proximity to stream were better indicators of stream NO3NO2 concentrations. Results from this study indicate that, in addition to land use area percentage, spatial distributions of land uses should be considered when managing watersheds. This study also demonstrates the value of citizen-based sampling data and reveals opportunities to improve the utility of such data.
Device-agnostic Firmware Execution is Possible: A Concolic Execution Approach for Peripheral Emulation

With the rapid proliferation of IoT devices, our cyberspace is nowadays dominated by billions of low-cost computing nodes, which are very heterogeneous to each other. Dynamic analysis, one of the most effective approaches to finding software bugs, has become paralyzed due to the lack of a generic emulator capable of running diverse previously-unseen firmware. In recent years, we have witnessed devastating security breaches targeting low-end microcontroller-based IoT devices. These security concerns have significantly hamstrung further evolution of the IoT technology. In this work, we present Laelaps, a device emulator specifically designed to run diverse software of microcontroller devices. We do not encode into our emulator any specific information about a device. Instead, Laelaps infers the expected behavior of firmware via symbolic-execution-assisted peripheral emulation and generates proper inputs to steer concrete execution on the fly. This unique design feature makes Laelaps capable of running diverse firmware with no a priori knowledge about the target device. To demonstrate the capabilities of Laelaps, we applied dynamic analysis techniques on top of our emulator. We successfully identified both self-injected and real-world vulnerabilities.
Hello? Is There Anybody in There?: Analysis of Factors Promoting Response From Authoritative Sources in Crisis

As social media has become more present in people's day-to-day lives, many turn to these platforms in natural disasters to keep abreast of the ever-evolving crisis situation. Facing the increasing amount of crisis-related information available on the social media platforms, users tend to focus on and reach out to authoritative sources---individuals or organizations that provide authoritative and credible crisis-related information due to their official status or position. As they provide high-quality information, response from the authoritative sources can be especially valuable to social media users directly affected in natural disasters. In this study, we aim to extend the reach of credible information during crisis, and direct the attention of authoritative users to the affected users who need their help. Specifically, we investigate what factors differentiate the tweets by regular users that receive responses from authoritative accounts from those that do not. We find that regular users' popularity and official accounts' level of busyness do not seem to affect the likelihood of tweets receiving a response. We thus explore the linguistic features of the tweets' content. Topic modeling and sentiment analysis results suggest that these linguistic aspects of the tweets may affect the response rate from authoritative sources. Our findings suggest crisis-related policy implications, as well as design implications for social media platforms where such exchanges take place, which can potentially increase the reach of credible information in a crisis and help those affected obtain the safety-critical information they need.
Some displays of lens structural performance

Some useful displays that provide information about the performance of lens systems are presented and discussed in this paper. They are useful for comparing lenses, identifying problematic lens elements, and lens desensitizing and optimizing. An imaging simulation of a square wave is also presented to complement the modulation transfer function plots.
Neighborhood Food Environment Associated with Cardiometabolic Health among Predominately Low-income, Urban, Black Women.

Objectives: This study sought to: 1) under­stand how the perceived food environment (availability, accessibility, and affordability) is associated with cardiometabolic health outcomes in predominately low-income Black residents in urban neighborhoods with limited healthy food access; and 2) examine the association of shopping at specific store types with cardiometabolic health outcomes. Methods: We report on cross-sectional data from 459 individuals participating in the Pittsburgh, PA Hill/Homewood Research on Neighborhoods and Health (PHRESH) study. Mean participant age was 60.7 (SD=13.9); 81.7% were female. We used logistic regression to examine associations between three factors (perceived fruit and vegetable availability, quality, and price; primary food shopping store characteristics; and frequency of shopping at stores with low or high access to healthy foods) and cardiometabolic and self-rated health. Results: Adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, participants with higher perceived fruit and vegetable accessibility (AOR:.47, 95%CI: .28-.79, P=.004) and affordability (AOR:.59, 95%CI: .36-.96, P=.034) had lower odds of high blood pres­sure. Shopping often (vs rarely) at stores with low access to healthy foods was associated with higher odds of high total cholesterol (AOR:3.52, 95%CI: 1.09-11.40, P=.035). Finally, primary food shopping at a discount grocery (vs full-service supermarket) was as­sociated with lower odds of overweight/obe­sity (AOR:.51, 95%CI: .26-.99, P=.049). Conclusions: These results suggest that both perceived accessibility and affordability of healthy foods are associated with reduced cardiometabolic risk factors in this urban, low-income predominantly Black population. Additionally, discount grocery stores may be particularly valuable by providing access and affordability of healthy foods in this population. Ethn Dis. 2021;31(4):537-546; doi:10.18865/ed.31.4.537
Performance of Bridge Approach Slabs under Void Formation – Experiment and Simulation

In the US practice, approach slabs are frequently used to provide a smooth transition between the roadway and highway bridge. Current approach slabs use a cast-in-place reinforced concrete slab that is anchored to the abutment at one end, and may be dowel-connected to the pavement slab at the other end. Maintenance of bridges however often requires repair or replacement of approach slabs due to damage from traffic, washout of fill materials, and settlement of the approach embankment etc. This paper describes a full-size approach slab test of California design, and examines the performance of these slabs deteriorated by washout using a modified beam-on-elastic-foundation model. Simulation results from the model under the AASHTO truck load show good agreement with the deformations measured during the full-size test. Increased internal force demands as a result of the washout are used to assess the performance of the slabs under the service load. It is found that the slab is able to retain a significant port...
Selection of Recycling Goal Most Likely to Succeed

Americans throw out about 160 million tons of garbage a year - 3.5 pounds apiece each day. And, the volume of garbage keeps growing — up by 80% since 1960, and expected to increase by an additional 20 percent by the year 2000. Where we are going to put it all is becoming an item on the nation’s agenda.
Pascal’s Principle

The text selections included in the next few chapters are from Pascal’s physical treatises, which deal primarily with the nature of stationary fluids. Indeed, the Treatise on the Equilibrium of Liquids and the Weight of the Mass of the Air, composed by Pascal in French and published a year after his early death, is considered to be one of the foundational texts in hydrostatics, alongside the works of Archimedes and Simon Stevin. Pascal begins his Treatise on the Equilibrium of Liquids by describing what is known as the hydrostatic paradox. This paradox, discovered by Stevin, states that the force required to plug a hole in the bottom of a water tank does not depend on the total weight of the water in the tank, but only on the height of the water above the plug. Thus, one ounce of water in a narrow vessel can exert the same force on a plug as a 100 pounds of water in a broad vessel. Pascal attempts to explain this puzzling phenomenon by supposing that a water filled vessel can be understood as a mechanical device (such as a lever or pulley) which, if properly designed, allows a small force to balance a much larger one. The reading selection below was translated into English by Richard Scofield, and Pascal’s figures contained herein have been kindly provided by Connie Mutel from the History of Hydraulics Rare Book Collection maintained by the Iowa Institute of Hydraulics Research.
Three Generations of Welfare Mothers Are Enough: A Disturbing Return to Eugenics in the Recent "Workfare" Law

In this Article, Nicole Huberfeld examines recent changes in the welfare system, and considers whether these changes are consistent with the stated goals of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996. Turning to the history of "workfare," Huberfeld reveals parallels between the reasoning of its proponents, and that of eugenicists. She argues that workfare mirrors eugenics theory because its proponents are imposing particular white, middleclass values upon the poor as a condition to providing them benefits: Through her comparison of workfare and eugenics, Huberfeld cautions against legislation that seeks to regulate the private conduct and personal decisions of welfare recipients, and of women in general. Instead, she concludes that effective welfare reform must address the inadequate pay rates and educational opportunities available to many welfare recipients, as well as recipients' general lack of access to childcare and health care.
Contents and implications of ammonia in human and canine bile

Abstract The quantification and physiological significance of ammonia in human and canine bile has not been clearly documented or analyzed previously. Bile from the gallbladder, common hepatic duct, and from T-tubes was obtained from patients undergoing cholecystectomy and choledochotomy. Similar samples were obtained in 6 dogs by cannulation of their hepatic duct and various blood vessels. Simultaneous blood and bile samples were obtained at 15-min intervals before, during, and after an exogenous load of ammonia, given intravenously. Ammonia levels were measured in all samples. Ammonia was measurable by conventional methods in human and canine bile. In both species the gallbladder bile contained at least twice as much ammonia as bile from the common hepatic duct. After an exogenous ammonia load, the levels of ammonia in canine bile increased in similar patterns, but in lesser magnitude than the ammonia levels measured at several sites in the circulation. These findings document that the bile contains ammonia in different quantities and suggest that bile could be an additional pathway for the removal of ammonia by the liver, in addition to the urea cycle. The loss of the biliary pathway for ammonia excretion could contribute to the pathophysiology of the signs and symptoms attributed to hyperammoniemia occurring in human beings and dogs with decreased hepatic function.
Ontology analysis of global gene expression differences of human bone marrow stromal cells cultured on 3D scaffolds or 2D films

Differences in gene expression of human bone marrow stromal cells (hBMSCs) during culture in three-dimensional (3D) nanofiber scaffolds or on two-dimensional (2D) films were investigated via pathway analysis of microarray mRNA expression profiles. Previous work has shown that hBMSC culture in nanofiber scaffolds can induce osteogenic differentiation in the absence of osteogenic supplements (OS). Analysis using ontology databases revealed that nanofibers and OS regulated similar pathways and that both were enriched for TGF-beta and cell-adhesion/ECM-receptor pathways. The most notable difference between the two was that nanofibers had stronger enrichment for cell-adhesion/ECM-receptor pathways. Comparison of nanofibers scaffolds with flat films yielded stronger differences in gene expression than comparison of nanofibers made from different polymers, suggesting that substrate structure had stronger effects on cell function than substrate polymer composition. These results demonstrate that physical (nanofibers) and biochemical (OS) signals regulate similar ontological pathways, suggesting that these cues use similar molecular mechanisms to control hBMSC differentiation. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
Stabilization, tuning and optimization of relative phases of reference interferometers in a hybrid optoelectronic correlator

We show that in a hybrid optoelectronic correlator, the output signal depends on the relative and absolute phases of the two optical beams used to record interferences, and describe how to control and optimize these phases.
A naturalistic study of abortion decisions

Discrepancies between hypothetical judgments and reasoning about an actual choice can predict the clinical outcome of crisis and the occurrence of developmental change.
Mutations Uncover a Role for Two Magnesium Ions in the Catalytic Mechanism of Adenylyl Cyclase

The recent determination of the crystal structure of adenylyl cyclase has elucidated many structural features that determine the regulatory properties of the enzyme. In addition, the characterization of adenylyl cyclase by mutagenic techniques and the identification of the binding site for P-site inhibitors have led to modeling studies that describe the ATP-binding site. Despite these advances, the catalytic mechanism of adenylyl cyclase remains uncertain, especially with respect to the role that magnesium ions may play in this process. We have identified four mutant mammalian adenylyl cyclases defective in their metal dependence, allowing us to further characterize the function of metal ions in the catalytic mechanism of this enzyme. The wild-type adenylyl cyclase shows a biphasic Mg2+ dose-response curve in which the high-affinity component displays cooperativity (Hill coefficient of 1.4). Two mutations (C441R and Y442H) reduce the affinity of the adenylyl cyclase for Mg2+ dramatically without affecting the binding of MgATP, suggesting that there is a metal requirement in addition to the ATP-bound Mg2+. The results of this study thus demonstrate multiple metal requirements of adenylyl cyclase and support the existence of a Mg2+ ion essential for catalysis and distinct from the ATP-bound ion. We propose that adenylyl cyclase employs a catalytic mechanism analogous to that of DNA polymerase, in which two key magnesium ions facilitate the nucleophilic attack of the 3′-hydroxyl group and the subsequent elimination of pyrophosphate.
Construction and Validation of a Complaint Model of the Cerebrospinal Fluid System With Fluid Filled Syrinx

A simplified model of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) system with compliant fluid filled syrinx has been constructed, tested, and verified to closely mimic the in-vivo flow conditions observed through MRI imaging of the pathological CSF system with syringomyelia. The model is subjected to a MRI derived CSF flow waveform from a patient with Syringomyelia through use of a computer controlled pulsatile pump. Model geometry, flow waveform, and spinal cord compliance are obtained at three axial locations along the system through MRI image processing techniques. MRI testing was conducted with the syrinx open and closed to the external environment. Results indicate that the internal and external flow waveforms were in opposite directions when the syrinx was closed and in unison when the syrinx was open. The observed flow waveform and compliance measurements closely mimicked the in-vivo case when the syrinx is open to the external environment.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Intralesional photocoagulation of periorbital hemangiomas.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of intralesional bare fiber photocoagulation with the KTP and Nd:YAG lasers on periorbital hemangiomas of infancy. Initial reports by Apfelberg and Gregory suggest that intralesional laser therapy may have a role in the treatment of hemangiomas. Intralesional photocoagulation may be preferred to superficial laser treatment for several reasons. It may decrease cutaneous skin damage and more effectively reduce bulky, deep lesions. Twenty-three patients with periorbital hemangiomas were treated (KTP, n = 7; Nd:YAG, n = 16). An 18-g Angiocath was placed into the lesion to pass the fiber through. Laser energy was delivered by means of a 0.6-mm bare fiber at 10 to 15 J (KTP) or 7 J (Nd:YAG). Treatments were done under general anesthesia. Patients were followed closely for 1 month and then monthly to assess results and complications. Results are as follows: 61 percent demonstrated 50-percent or more reduction at 3 months; 22 percent demonstrated 50-percent or more reduction in 3 to 8 months, i.e., 83 percent of patients had 50-percent or more reduction within 8 months. To achieve these results, two patients required two treatments. The remaining 17 percent had 10- to 14-percent reduction at 1 to 3 months. Two of these patients had two treatments. A subgroup of patients had a very dramatic response. Thirty-five percent (8 of 23) had 50- to 90-percent reduction in 1 month. It is unclear why these patients responded so dramatically. We expected some ulceration during the healing phase. Seventeen percent developed ulceration. Complications were limited (4 percent) to one wound infection. Intralesional photocoagulation treatment with the KTP and Nd:YAG lasers is effective and safe for the treatment of periorbital hemangiomas in the majority of patients with minimal complications. Further study is necessary to identify factors that result in dramatic or limited responses.
Mercury Measurement and Its Control: What We Know, Have Learned, and Need to Further Investigate

Based on the available evidence of health effects, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been evaluating the need to regulate mercury releases to the environment. In response to the congressional mandates in The 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments (CAAA), the EPA has issued the Mercury Study Report and the Study of Hazardous Air Pollutant Emissions from Electric Utility Steam Generating Units Report. In spite of the enormous effort represented by these reports, as well as the efforts of both the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), in conducting the field measurement programs that form the basis for these reports, a definitive answer on the need for mercury regulation has not been found. However, the EPA, as well as other regulatory agencies and health researchers, have suggested a "plausible link" between anthropogenic sources emitting mercury and the methylation, bioaccumulation in the food chain, and adverse health effects in humans and wildlife.
Techniques in the Angiographic Analysis of Coronary Flow: Past, Present, and Future

The current method of analyzing coronary flow data is the TIMI flow grade method. This method is convenient and easy to apply, but there are limitations to this categorical method of analyzing coronary artery flow. We have developed a new method of analyzing coronary blood flow called the “TIMI frame count.” Using the TIMI frame counting method, we have shown that the flow in the coronary arteries is in fact distributed as a continuous variable and that there are nondiscrete categories of slow and fast flow. This article discusses the statistical basis for the development of this new, simple, and continuous index of coronary flow and provides a “how-to manual“ describing the practical implementation of the new TIMI frame count method. We also describe simple new techniques for measuring the distance to the landmark used for TIMI frame counting. Knowing the distance and the time from the TIMI frame count, velocity can easily be calculated. Tables are provided that can be used for these calculations on-line in the cardiac catheterization laboratory. If the diameter is known, flow can also be calculated from these tables. We also describe new applications of marker wires to measure distance and velocity.
Phosphate-inhibition of lipase activity in peanuts.

Competitive inhibition of lipase activity in extracts of germinating peanuts occurred in media containing inorganic phosphate in concentrations above 10 mM. Lipase activity in germinating castor, cotton, and pumkin seeds and in quiescent castor seed was not similarly affected. Applications of this finding to peanut processing are suggested.
Kinematic and Precipitation Characteristics of Convective Systems Observed by Airborne Doppler Radar during the Life Cycle of a Madden–Julian Oscillation in the Indian Ocean

AbstractThis study presents characteristics of convective systems observed during the Dynamics of the Madden–Julian oscillation (DYNAMO) experiment by the instrumented NOAA WP-3D aircraft. Nine separate missions, with a focus on observing mesoscale convective systems (MCSs), were executed to obtain data in the active and inactive phase of a Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) in the Indian Ocean. Doppler radar and in situ thermodynamic data are used to contrast the convective system characteristics during the evolution of the MJO. Isolated convection was prominent during the inactive phases of the MJO, with deepening convection during the onset of the MJO. During the MJO peak, convection and stratiform precipitation became more widespread. A larger population of deep convective elements led to a larger area of stratiform precipitation. As the MJO decayed, convective system top heights increased, though the number of convective systems decreased, eventually transitioning back to isolated convection. A distinct...
Generalized sampling expansion

It is shown that a band-limited function f(t) is uniquely determined in terms of the samples g_k(nT) of the responses g_k(t) of m linear systems with input f(t) , sampled at 1/m the Nyquist rate. Various known extensions of the sampling theorem follow as special cases of the resulting generalized sampling expansion of f(t) .
The cycle structure of a linear transformation over a finite field

Abstract In analogy with the cycle decomposition of a permutation, we study the enumerative properties of the decomposition of an invertible linear transformation into a direct sum of cyclic linear transformations. Our main tool is a vector space analog of the Polya cycle index.
Instrument to determine the haemoglobin-oxygen equilibrium curve based on the calculated diffusion of oxygen across a semi-permeable membrane.

A technique is presented for automatically obtaining the haemoglobin-oxygen equilibrium curve from samples of concentrated haemoglobin solutions or whole blood The amount of oxygen exchanged to the sample across a silicone rubber membrane is calculated from the diffusion equation using a calibrated gas source and the measured pO2 of the sample. With this system it is possible to calculate the entire equilibrium curve from a set of pO2 measurements made as the desaturated sample is raised to an oxygen partial pressure of 150 mm Hg or greater if desired.
Withholding gonadotropin administration is an effective alternative for the prevention of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the outcomes of IVF and the incidence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) after discontinuing gonadotropin therapy in patients at risk of developing OHSS by delaying hCG administration until a drop in serum E 2 levels was observed. Design: Retrospective study. Setting: IVF program at a university center. Interventions: Gonadotropin administration was withheld in 22 patients (group 1) when their serum E 2 level was ≥ 3,000 pg/mL (conversion factor to SI unit, 3.671). Patients continued GnRH analogue injections daily, and hCG was administered when serum E 2 levels dropped to ≤3,000 pg/mL. Outcomes were compared with 26 patients (group 2) in whom embryo transfer was canceled and all embryos cryopreserved for transfer during a subsequent unstimulated cycle. Main Outcome Measures: Outcomes of IVF and incidence of OHSS were compared in both groups of patients. In group 1, follicular and hormonal parameters before and after the coasting interval were compared in pregnant versus nonpregnant patients. In addition, serum hormonal profiles were evaluated daily during the coasting period to determine the effects of gonadotropin withdrawal. Results: Although the mean number of oocytes retrieved was significantly higher in group 2, fertilization rates, miscarriage rates, delivery rates/stimulation cycle, and the incidence of OHSS did not differ significantly between the two groups. Conclusion: Withholding gonadotropin administration is an effective alternative to prevent the development of severe OHSS in a high-risk population. Although the risk of cancellation cannot be completely eliminated, this strategy can provide a high pregnancy rate without the need to repeat multiple frozen-thawed cycles.
O28. Control of branching morphogenesis during kidney development

Signaling by GDNF through the Ret receptor tyrosine kinase is required for the normal formation, growth and branching of the ureteric bud (UB) during kidney development. However, the precise role of GDNF/Ret signaling in this process, and the specific responses of UB cells to GDNF, remain to be fully elucidated. Recent studies provide new insight into the effects of Ret signaling on cell behavior, the functional overlap between GDNF and other growth factors, and the genes functioning downstream of Ret. Lineage studies show that the UB tip cells, which express Ret, are the progenitors for UB growth, while GDNF-expressing mesenchymal cells are the progenitors of nephron epithelia. Time-lapse studies of chimeric embryos reveal that the earliest role of Ret signaling is in the Wolffian duct, where it promotes cell movements that give rise to the first ureteric bud tip. The requirement for GDNF/Ret signaling can be largely relieved by removing the negative regulator Sprouty1, implicating other growth factors, in particular FGF10, in the support of UB growth and branching. However, the kidneys that develop in the absence of GDNF/Ret and Sprouty1 display branching abnormalities, suggesting a unique role for GDNF in determining UB branching pattern. A number of genes whose expression is induced in the UB by GDNF has been identified, including two ETS transcription factors Etv4 and Etv5. These genes are required downstream of Ret for the Wolffian duct cell movements that form the UB tip domain, as well as for later UB growth and branching.
Fatti maschii parole femine

The current role of the Society of Surgical Oncology has demonstrated leadership in the field of surgical oncology in both word and deed, as exemplified by the motto of the State of Maryland, adopted from the 1632 family seal of Lord Baltimore, “Fatti Maschii Parole Femine.” The current emphasis on the need for clinical research on human cancers, and the education of surgeons in all aspects of various cancers is well founded in the writings and the addresses of Dr. James Ewing, the Society's founder. Our goals as a society for the next decade have been precisely defined and, as in all important national programs, made current and interfaced with corresponding priorities of the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute. The Society, in three project areas, is: (1) assessing current progress in surgical oncology, as well as future manpower needs; (2) studying on a comprehensive basis the surgical practices in cancer patient management; and (3) surveying academic centers concerning the nature of current education and training of academic surgeons in clinical research. The Training Committee currently reviews and recognizes 2-year postresidency multidisciplinary training at several institutions, and the James Ewing Foundation has expanded its fiscal support of educational activities. This annual meeting marks an historic first signified by the conjoint sessions being held with other international surgical oncology societies. Cancer 53:1231-1234, 1984.
Attitudes to ‘Kaponya Mafumo’: the terminators of pregnancy in urban Zambia

As part of a larger study of adolescent sexual and reproductive health in urban Zambia, the issue of unwanted pregnancy and abortion was considered through the examination of the perceptions of both adolescents and adults. Young people rank sexual health as their primary health issue, and sexual behaviour is integrally linked into other aspects of their lives. Pregnancies were deemed to be a common occurrence amongst the adolescents, with an estimated two-thirds of unwanted pregnancies ending in unsafe abortion. The decision to abort is primarily determined by the reaction of the boyfriend and his willingness to accept paternity and the associated financial implications. Other crucial influences are the desire to stay in school and the stigma attached to unwanted pregnancy. The decision-making process regarding the abortion itself is related to the perceived advantages and disadvantages of various service providers. Around 40% of the respondents stated that in the event of an abortion being carried out, it would be performed either by the girl herself or with the assistance of other non-medical personnel. Less popular but still significant are traditional healers and private doctors. Formal health services tend to be rejected due to their poor perception by young people, centred on the lack of privacy and confidentiality, and the de facto illegal nature of abortion itself. The services of nurses are sought, but outside of the clinic setting. The most popular method of self-induced abortion is overdosing on chloroquine. Other methods involve the use of traditional medicines such as various types of roots, as well as more modern methods such as ingesting washing powder. Recommendations for policy-makers concentrate on the improvement of formal, 'youth friendly' health services and the development of appropriate outreach education methods which address specific concerns widely held by young people.
Sibling similarity in annual growth increments in schoolchildren from a rural community in Oaxaca, Mexico.

SummarySibling similarity in annual growth increments was analysed in schoolchildren, aged 6–13 years, from a Zapotec-speaking, subsistence agricultural community in the Valley of Oaxaca in southern Mexico. Sibling correlations for 44 brother-brother, 44 sister-sister, and 110 unlike sex pairs were computed for 17 dimensions holding constant environmental effects, age difference between siblings, and the growth status of each sibling for the dimension. Correlations are negataive or close to zero. The lack of similarity between siblings in annual growth increments perhaps reflects age-specific variation in a genotype-environment interaction with chronic undernutrition, the important mediating environmental variable.