cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of mometasone furoate 0.1% cream and hydrocortisone 1.0% cream in the treatment of childhood atopic dermatitis.

We conducted a 6-week randomized, blinded study that compared mometasone furoate 0.1% cream, applied once daily, and hydrocortisone 1.0% cream, applied twice daily, in 48 children with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. Mometasone furoate, a moderate-potency steroid, produced significantly greater improvement than the low-potency hydrocortisone used twice daily. The difference in therapeutic response was particularly evident in patients with involvement of more than 25% of their body surface area. Morning plasma Cortisol levels were assayed before treatment, after 1 week of therapy, and at the end of the clinical trial. Plasma Cortisol levels were transiently suppressed in one child who was treated with hydrocortisone and in none of the children treated with mometasone.
Weight Change Experience Effect on Timeliness of Depoprovera Injections in Adolescent Mothers

Background DepoProvera is a popular contraceptive choice among parenting adolescents. This study was undertaken to determine whether weight loss or gain had an impact on the timeliness of DepoProvera injections in a population of recently delivered adolescents. Do weight gaining mothers delay DepoProvera injections fearing a weight measurement at clinic visit for their Depoprovera? Methods Retrospective chart review of adolescent mothers utilizing the young Parents Program was accomplished. The Young Parents Program provides prenatal, peripartum, and post partum medical care for teens age 19 or under as well as medical care for their offspring to the age of five. Contraceptive choice, weight, and clinic data were recorded by the same staff on a standard form at each clinic visit. Fifty-five charts randomly selected from known DepoProvera users as of July, 1993 were reviewed in July, 1996. Weights, number of DepoProvera injections, and dates of injections were collected. Results Fortv-six mothers had complete information and more than 1 DepoProvera injection (range 2 to 12 injections). Twenty-four percent of adolescent mothers lost weight (range up to 25-1/2 pounds). Sixty-nine injections (24% of total 288 injections) occurred in this group with 61 injections occurring within 12–14 weeks of last DepoProvera (on time) and 8 injections occurring past 14 weeks of last DepoProvera (late). Thirty-three percent of adolescent mothers gained between 1/2 and 5 pounds. Ninety injections (31%) occurred in this group with 80 iniections on time and 10 injections late. Twenty-six percent of adolescent mothers gained between 5 and 20 pounds. Sixty-three injections (22%) occurred in these mothers with 55 injections on time and 8 injections late. Seventeen percent of adolescent mothers gained greater than 20 pounds (range 22 to 49 pounds). Sixty-six injections (23%) occurred in this group with 56 injections on time and 10 injections late. Conclusions Weight loss or minimal weight gain of less than 5 pounds occurred in 57% of adolescent mothers. Eighty-seven and one-half percent of all DepoProvera injections were received on time in 52% of adolescent mothers. These on time injections occurred evenly across weight loss and weight gain mothers. Weight gain of greater than 20 pounds occurred in 17% of mothers with a maximum gain of 49 pounds in one mother receiving four DepoProvera injections on time. Weight loss or gain among adolescent mothers does not appear to impact timeliness of DepoProvera injections.
Predicted structure for aldolase.

Abstract Recent chromatographic and absorbance spectral measurements using the dye Cibacron blue F3GA (Stellwagen et al., 1975) have indicated that the substrate-binding site of fructose diphosphate aldolase is constructed by a supersecondary structural array closely resembling the NAD-domain commonly found in a variety of glycolytic enzymes. Analysis of the amino acid sequence of rabbit muscle aldolase according to the procedure of Chou & Fasman (1974) predicts the occurrence of alternating β-strand and α-helical forming segments in the sequence region involving residues 147 to 299. Comparison of the sequence of residues 146 to 300 in aldolase with the sequence of residues 22 to 164 in dogfish lactate dehydrogenase which form its NAD-domain, suggests that the two sequence regions are related genetically. It is proposed that the locus of an NAD-domain in the structure of a protein can be predicted by sequence analysis provided that the protein specifically binds Cibacron blue F3GA.
Social Validity in the Assessment of Children's Social Skills: Establishing Standards for Social Competency

Social validity is a concept that, in part, deals with the social or applied importance of the effects of intervention programs. Given the importance of assessing social competence in school-age children and youth, it is critical that these measures be socially valid. That is, these measures should reflect outcomes that social systems such as the schools consider important. Various assessment methods were classified as Type I, Type II, and Type III measures based on their social validity. Conclusions focused on the increased use of Type I measures, the establishment of appropriate normative groups for these measures, the adoption of a competence-correlates definition of social skills, and the increased use of multivariate research methods in the area of social skills assessment.
Elastic and inelastic scattering of 158 MeV 9Be ions

Abstract The elastic scattering of 158 MeV 9 Be ions was measured for seven targets ranging in mass from 12 to 197. Inelastic data for exciting the lowest 2 + states of 12 C, 26 Mg and 60 Ni were also obtained. The elastic data for 12 C and 16 O show pronounced structures at the most forward angles which are rapidly damped as the scattering angle increases. The distributions for 26 Mg and 27 Al show marked structure with significant odd-even differences that can be ascribed to quadrupole scattering from the 27 Al ground state. The elastic data were analyzed using the optical model with both Woods-Saxon and folding-model potentials. The folded potentials are too strong and require renormalization; they do not give good fits to the data for the lighter targets. The inelastic data were compared to distorted-wave calculations.
Methods of deconditioning persisting avoidance: Diazepam as an adjunct to response prevention

Rats were trained to avoid footshock during three daily sessions, 100 trials/session, in an automated one-way avoidance chamber. Subsequent to training, footshock was terminated and the rats’ persistence in responding was tabulated. Between training and the test of persisting avoidance, three groups of rats received a response prevention (RP) treatment and one group received no RP. RP consisted of forcing the rats to stay on the once-dangerous grid for 5 min, once a day for 4 days. Two groups received RP under the influence diazepam (25 or 50 mg/kg, p.o.). With respect to persisting avoidance, groups ordered themselves from most to least as: (1) placebo with no RP, (2) high dose of diazepam with RP, (3) low dose of diazepam with RP, and (4) placebo with RP. Because RP with placebo was the most effective treatment, it was concluded that diazepam is inefficient as an adjunctive treatment for over-coming persisting anxiety/fear/avoidance.
Nanotechnology for sustainability: what does nanotechnology offer to address complex sustainability problems?

Nanotechnology is widely associated with the promise of positively contributing to sustainability. However, this view often focuses on end-of-pipe applications, for instance, for water purification or energy efficiency, and relies on a narrow concept of sustainability. Approaching sustainability problems and solution options from a comprehensive and systemic perspective instead may yield quite different conclusions about the contribution of nanotechnology to sustainability. This study conceptualizes sustainability problems as complex constellations with several potential intervention points and amenable to different solution options. The study presents results from interdisciplinary workshops and literature reviews that appraise the contribution of the selected nanotechnologies to mitigate such problems. The study focuses exemplarily on the urban context to make the appraisals tangible and relevant. The solution potential of nanotechnology is explored not only for well-known urban sustainability problems such as water contamination and energy use but also for less obvious ones such as childhood obesity. Results indicate not only potentials but also limitations of nanotechnology’s contribution to sustainability and can inform anticipatory governance of nanotechnology in general, and in the urban context in particular.
An economic modeling approach to contingency theory and management control

Abstract A prominent theme in recent accounting papers on management control has been the contingency theory approach to management control system design. A recent review of this contingency theory literature noted the need for a more explicit theoretical structure as well as a more all-inclusive model of the organization's control system. This paper argues that while a more explicit theory is needed, the development of relatively simple models is an important step in the construction of an all-inclusive model of management control. Two such simple models of a firm's control system design problem are presented and compared. The two models demonstrate that relatively simple models can capture multiple features of a control system and illustrate how the effect of contingency variables depends critically on the specific context in which the firm operates. Because the logic underlying these models is made explicit, the reader can better assess their reasonableness. Simple models can provide useful building blocks for more complex management control models and can be used to evaluate the analytical validity hypotheses that might be induced from observations in complex settings.
Substance dependence and chronic pain: Profile of 50 patients treated in an alcohol and drug dependence unit

Fifty adult patients with chronic pain and substance dependence were admitted to an inpatient unit for treatment of addiction without primary emphasis on treatment of pain. As a group they had received considerable medical attention for their pain, but relatively little for their addictions. When compared with a group of general medical patients, the study population showed MMPI evidence of considerably more psychopathologic characteristics. MMPI data and family histories of substance dependence did not differentiate the study group from a comparable group in a Pain Management Center.
Relative Energy and Angle Distribution of Low Energy π - Mesons from 390-Mev Alpha-Particles on Carbon. μ - Meson Endings

A part of the energy spectrum of ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ mesons generated with the Berkeley 184-inch cyclotron by the bombardment of 0.1 g/${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ of carbon with 390-Mev alpha-particles has been investigated. The ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ mesons were registered in nuclear emulsions. Relative values for the numbers of ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ mesons with energies up to 14 Mev were determined at angles up to 60\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} with the beam direction. The maximum of the energy distribution function apparently occurs at an energy greater than 12 Mev. Some information about the ${\ensuremath{\mu}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ meson endings is obtained from a region of the emulsion forbidden to ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ mesons except for pronounced scattering.
THE ROLE OF SOCIAL SCIENCES IN RURAL DEVELOPMENT PLANNING: THE CASE OF ETHIOPIA

Recent literature on rural development planning emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in the preparation, formulation, and execution of development plans (Chambers, 1974; Whyte, 1975). This argument has been based on the assumption that for development planning to be successful, there needs to be an integrated knowledge of ideas of various disciplines, such as the physical and biological sciences (agriculture, engineering, etc.) and the social sciences (sociology, political science, economics, anthropology). However, for the last few years, social scientists, with the exception of economists, have played a peripheral role in agricultural development planning. Program design and the implementation of development plans have been conducted mainly by technical scientists. In most cases, social scientists have been invited to justify the decisions of the technical scientists after the selection and the designing of the projects. Such development projects have usually had unanticipated consequences because of this lack of input from social scientists. At present there is a growing concern by international funding agencies and other research institutes to involve social scientists not only in the evaluation and appraisal of development projects, but also in the planning and formulation of these projects. The rationale behind this is that social scientists can contribute to the understanding of social, political, and economic problems in a society and help to plan development projects in such a way that they address basic developmental needs.
Presynaptic serotonin mechanisms in rats subjected to inescapable shock

After exposure to uncontrollable shock training, two distinct groups of rats can be defined in terms of their performance in learning to escape from a controllable stress. Learned helpless rats do not learn to terminate the controllable stress, whereas non-learned helpless rats learn this response as readily as naive control rats do. The present studies were designed to examine the correlations between the behavioral differences and the changes of presynaptic serotonergic activity, seen in these groups of rats. The major findings concerned presynaptic serotonergic effects in the hippocampus and hypothalamus of learned helpless rats. In the hippocampus, these included a statistically significant increase in three presynaptic 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) mechanisms: K(+)-induced release of [3H]serotonin, high affinity uptake of [3H]serotonin and maximum density of binding sites for uptake of 5-HT, measured with [3H]paroxetine. In the hypothalamus, there was a differential modulation of all three presynaptic 5-HT mechanisms. A significant decrease in: K(+)-induced release of [3H]serotonin, in high affinity uptake of [3H]serotonin and the maximum binding site density of [3H]paroxetine binding was observed. No changes in uptake site binding was seen in other regions of the brain examined. These results implicate presynaptic serotonin mechanisms in the behavioral deficit caused by uncontrollable shock. In addition, a limbic-hypothalamic pathway may serve as a control center for the behavioral response to stress.
Ultrafast and direct imprint of nanostructures in silicon

The fabrication of micrometre- and nanometre-scale devices in silicon typically involves lithography and etching. These processes are costly and tend to be either limited in their resolution or slow in their throughput1. Recent work has demonstrated the possibility of patterning substrates on the nanometre scale by ‘imprinting’2,3 or directed self-assembly4, although an etching step is still required to generate the final structures. We have devised and here demonstrate a rapid technique for patterning nanostructures in silicon that does not require etching. In our technique—which we call ‘laser-assisted direct imprint’ (LADI)—a single excimer laser pulse melts a thin surface layer of silicon, and a mould is embossed into the resulting liquid layer. A variety of structures with resolution better than 10 nm have been imprinted into silicon using LADI, and the embossing time is less than 250 ns. The high resolution and speed of LADI, which we attribute to molten silicon's low viscosity (one-third that of water), could open up a variety of applications and be extended to other materials and processing techniques.
Circulating small noncoding RNAs as biomarkers of aging.

Abstract Small noncoding RNAs (sncRNAs) mediate a variety of cellular functions in animals and plants. Deep sequencing has made it possible to obtain highly detailed information on the types and abundance of sncRNAs in biological specimens, leading to the discovery that sncRNAs circulate in the blood of humans and mammals. The most abundant types of circulating sncRNAs are microRNAs (miRNAs), 5′ transfer RNA (tRNA) halves, and YRNA fragments, with minute amounts of other types that may nevertheless be significant. Of the more abundant circulating sncRNAs only miRNAs have well described functions, but characteristics of the others suggest specific processing and secretion as complexes that protect the RNA from degradation. The properties of circulating sncRNAs are consistent with their serving as signaling molecules, and investigations of circulating miRNAs support the view that they can enter cells and regulate cellular functions. The serum levels of specific sncRNAs change markedly with age, and these changes can be mitigated by calorie restriction (CR), indicating that levels are under physiologic control. The ability of circulating sncRNAs to transmit functions between cells and to regulate a broad spectrum of cellular functions, and the changes in their levels with age, implicate them in the manifestations of aging. Our understanding of the functions of circulating sncRNA, particularly in relation to aging, is currently at a very early stage; results to date suggest that more extensive investigation will yield important insights into mechanisms of aging.
Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy for Peritoneal Carcinomatosis: Outcomes from a Single Tertiary Institution

Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is an effective but morbid procedure in the treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis. We report our outcomes at a single tertiary institution. A total of 170 consecutive patients underwent CRS-HIPEC for peritoneal carcinomatosis between July 2007 and August 2012. The peritoneal cancer index (1–39) was used for peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) staging. Mitomycin C (88.8 %) was administered intraperitoneally at 42 °C for 90 mins. Risk factors associated with major morbidities were analyzed. The Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analyses. The mean age was 55.1 (±11.3) years, and the majority (77.1 %) of patients had complete cytoreduction (CC0-1). Tumor types included colorectal (n = 51, 30.0 %), appendiceal (n = 50, 29.4 %), pseudomyxoma peritonei (n = 16, 9.4 %), and other (n = 53, 31.2 %). Factors associated with major complications were estimated blood loss (>400 ml), length of stay (>1 week), intraoperative blood transfusion, operative time (>6 h), and bowel anastomosis. Intraoperative blood transfusion was the only independent prognostic factor on multivariate analysis (p = 0.031). Median follow-up was 15.7 months (±1.2). The recurrence rates for colorectal and appendiceal carcinoma at 1 and 3 years were 40 %, 53.5 % and 68 %, 79.1 %, respectively. The 1- and 3-year overall survival for colorectal and appendiceal carcinomatosis was 74.0 %, 32.5 % and 89.4 %, 29.3 %, respectively. Intraoperative peritoneal cancer index (PCI) score (>16) and need for blood transfusion were factors independently associated with poor survival (p 16 was associated with poor survival. This series supports the safety of CRS-HIPEC in selected patients.
A high-performance solid oxide fuel cell anode based on lanthanum strontium vanadate

Abstract Ceramic composites were prepared by infiltration of La 0.7 Sr 0.3 VO 3.85 (LSV) into porous scaffolds of yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) and tested for use as solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) anodes. There was no evidence for solid-state reaction between LSV and YSZ at calcination temperatures up to 1273 K. For calcination at 973 K, LSV formed a continuous film over the YSZ. The LSV phase reduced easily upon heating in H 2 to 973 K, with the reduction forming pores in the LSV and greatly increasing its surface area. The electrodes showed high electronic conductivity after reduction, with a 10-vol% LSV–YSZ composite exhibiting a conductivity of 2 S cm −1 at 973 K. In the absence of an added catalyst, the LSV–YSZ electrodes showed relatively poor performance; however, an electrode impedance of approximately 0.1 Ω cm 2 was achieved at 973 K in humidified H 2 following addition of 0.5 vol% Pd and 2.8 vol% ceria The LSV–YSZ composites were stable in CH 4 but there was evidence for poisoning of the Pd catalyst by V following high-temperature oxidation.
The Ethics and Politics of Speech

Pat J. Gehrke, The Ethics and Politics of Speech (Carbondale: Southern Illinois University Press, 2010), 205 pp. $35.00 (paper). Any fully historicized account of contemporary rhetoric is going to ...
The relationship of three types of communication apprehension to classroom achievement

This study was designed to assess the impact of oral, receiver, and writing communication apprehension on classroom achievement in an interpersonal communication course, and to determine the relationships among these variables. Three hypotheses and one research question were posited. Results indicated that oral and receiver communication apprehension have a significant and deleterious effect on student achievement. The results also suggested that questions regarding the additive effects of oral, receiver, and writing communication apprehension may be of little consequence.
Growth and Yield Comparisons of Cotton Planted in Conventional and Ultra-Narrow Row Spacings

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) growers are faced with rising production costs and static or declining crop prices. One strategy with potential for reducing production costs entails growing cotton in ultra-narrow rows with elevated plant populations. A 2-yr field study was conducted in the Brazos Bottoms near College Station, TX to determine the differences in vegetative growth and yield parameters of cotton grown in ultra-narrow and conventionally spaced rows. Four row spacings of19, 38.1, 76.2, and 101.6 cm were planted with populations of 39.4 to 45.8, 18.2 to 20.7, 13.1 to 13.6, and 7.9 to 9.9 plants m -2 , respectively. At crop maturity, plant height and node counts were reduced in the cotton grown in the 19-cm row spacing. Canopy closure occurred more rapidly in the 19- and 38.1-cm row spacings than in the wider row spacings. In 1997, a relatively wet growing season, yields were not affected by the row-spacing treatments. In 1998, a dry growing season, yields in the 19- and 38.1-cm row spacings were greater than those in the wider row spacings. The 19-cm row spacing had 84.6% of the harvestable bolls at the first fruiting position and 76.1% of the bolls on Nodes 6 through 10, both percentages being significantly greater than those observed in the wider row spacings. Fiber length tended to be reduced in the 19-cm row spacing relative to the other row spacings. Ultra-narrow row cotton appears to be a viable option for producers to attempt to reduce costs while maintaining yields.
Picosecond Neodymium: Yttrium Lithium Fluoride (Nd:YLF) Laser Peripheral Iridotomy

Purpose We evaluated the picosecond neodymium:yttrium lithium fluoride (Nd:YLF) laser for performing peripheral iridotomies of predetermined size and shape in various types of irides. Methods In the first part of the study, we determined operating parameters from performing 60 iridotomies in human cadaver eyes. Subsequently, using the parameters obtained in cadaver eyes, iridotomies were created in eyes of patients with primary angle-closure glaucoma. Results In the cadaver eyes, the optimal parameters were a rectangular cutting pattern of 0.3 X 0.3 mm, 500-μm cutting depth, 50-μm spot separation, 200 to 400 μJ of energy per pulse, 200 to 400 pulses per second, and no focal offset distance. In 18 eyes of 11 patients, iridotomies with well-defined margins and size were created. Minimal hemorrhage occurred intraoperatively in ten of 18 eyes (55.6%), which did not affect the outcome of the procedure. Increases of postoperative intraocular pressure at one hour averaged 3.5 ± 5.1 mm Hg, with an increase of more than 10 mm Hg in three eyes (16.7%), and a maximum of 12 mm Hg. We observed no corneal or retinal damage. Conclusion The picosecond Nd:YLF laser seems to be an effective instrument for reliably performing peripheral iridotomies of precise size and shape using low energy per pulse levels. This laser, unlike the argon laser, is successful independent of iris thickness or color and can easily make a larger iridotomy than is often possible with the Nd:YAG laser.
Nonreducible rotational head tilt and lateral mass collapse. a prospective study of frequency, radiographic findings, and clinical features in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Of 126 hospitalized, but otherwise unselected, patients with rheumatoid arthritis, 12 (10%) had a persisting nonreducible rotational head tilt deformity (NRRHT). These 12 were grouped with an additional 12 similar subjects, previously found to have the same condition, and all 24 were compared with the remaining 114 who did not have head tilt. Patients with NRRHT differed significantly from the others in that the former were more likely to have a destructive peripheral arthritis, headache, limited neck motion, and various cervical subluxations. All 24 subjects with NRRHT had predominately unilateral collapse of the lateral masses of the atlas and/or axis, compared with only 2 of the 114 with normal head position. The head always tilted to the side of the lateral mass collapse, which appeared to be the sole or major cause of the abnormal head position.
Reduced mitochondrial SOD displays mortality characteristics reminiscent of natural aging

Manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD or SOD2) is a key mitochondrial enzymatic antioxidant. Arguably the most striking phenotype associated with complete loss of SOD2 in flies and mice is shortened life span. To further explore the role of SOD2 in protecting animals from aging and age-associated pathology, we generated a unique collection of Drosophila mutants that progressively reduce SOD2 expression and function. Mitochondrial aconitase activity was substantially reduced in the Sod2 mutants, suggesting that SOD2 normally ensures the functional capacity of mitochondria. Flies with severe reductions in SOD2 expression exhibited accelerated senescence of olfactory behavior as well as precocious neurodegeneration and DNA strand breakage in neurons. Furthermore, life span was progressively shortened and age-dependent mortality was increased in conjunction with reduced SOD2 expression, while initial mortality and developmental viability were unaffected. Interestingly, life span and age-dependent mortality varied exponentially with SOD2 activity, indicating that there might normally be a surplus of this enzyme for protecting animals from premature death. Our data support a model in which disruption of the protective effects of SOD2 on mitochondria manifests as profound changes in behavioral and demographic aging as well as exacerbated age-related pathology in the nervous system.
Bone Marrow Transplantation for Aplastic Anaemia

Summary. Indications for treatment of aplastic anaemia (AA) by marrow transplantation are discussed. Selection of donor-recipient pairs by histocompatibility testing, conditioning of patients for transplantation, technique of grafting, post-grafting care and immunosuppressive drug regimens are reviewed. Data are presented on 28 patients with advanced AA treated by marrow grafts from HL-A matched siblings following conditioning with cyclophosphamide (50 mg/kg) on each of 4 successive days. Survival and haematological reconstitution in more than half the patients indicates that marrow grafting in patients with advanced AA should be undertaken early, before major infections and refractoriness to blood transfusions occur provided that an HL-A matched sibling can be identified as a donor. The results have shown that survival in marrow grafted patients with severe AA compares favourably to that of patients treated with conventional therapy.
End-Tidal Carbon Dioxide as a Measure of Acidosis Among Children With Gastroenteritis

OBJECTIVES. We aimed to determine the correlation between end-tidal carbon dioxide levels and serum bicarbonate concentrations among patients with gastroenteritis, to compare the end-tidal carbon dioxide with other clinical parameters that might also be associated with the degree of acidosis, and to examine the relationship between end-tidal carbon dioxide levels and return visits. METHODS. Our prospective sample included patients presenting to the emergency department with a chief complaint of vomiting and/or diarrhea. The association between end-tidal carbon dioxides and serum bicarbonate concentrations was determined with simple linear-regression analysis. Receiver operating characteristic curves were computed to determine the predictive ability of the end-tidal carbon dioxide to detect metabolic acidosis. RESULTS. One hundred thirty of 146 subjects who were approached were included in the final analysis. For those for whom laboratory studies were performed, the mean serum bicarbonate concentration was 17.3 ± 4.3 mmol/L and the mean end-tidal carbon dioxide level was 34.2 ± 5.2 mm Hg. End-tidal carbon dioxide levels and serum bicarbonate concentrations were correlated linearly in bivariate analysis. Receiver operating characteristic curves were calculated for end-tidal carbon dioxide as a predictor of serum bicarbonate concentrations of ≤13, ≤15, and ≤17 mmol/L, with areas under the curves of 0.94, 0.95, and 0.90, respectively. The relationship between end-tidal carbon dioxide levels and serum bicarbonate concentrations was independent of other potential predictors of acidosis in multivariable analysis. The mean end-tidal carbon dioxide level for patients who required an unanticipated return visit (33.0 ± 4.0 mm Hg) was lower than the level for those who did not seek reevaluation (36.6 ± 3.6 mm Hg). CONCLUSIONS. End-tidal carbon dioxide levels were correlated with serum bicarbonate concentrations among children with vomiting and diarrhea, independent of other clinical parameters. Capnography offers an objective noninvasive measure of the severity of acidosis among patients with gastroenteritis.
Contemporary Saudi Arabian Women's Dress

Traditional female dress and clothing market sources in Saudi Arabia were explored in relation to demographic variables. Data were gathered by interviews of 60 female nationals in Saudi Arabia. Dem...
Photon Rates for Heavy-Ion Collisions from Hidden Local Symmetry

We study photon production from the hidden local symmetry approach that includes {pi}, {rho}, and a{sub 1} mesons and compute the corresponding photon emission rates from a hadronic gas in thermal equilibrium. Together with experimental radiative decay widths of the background, these rates are used in a relativistic transport model to calculate single photon spectra in heavy-ion collisions at SPS energies. We then employ this effective theory to test three scenarios for the chiral phase transition in high-temperature nuclear matter including decreasing vector meson masses. Although all calculations respect the upper bound set by the WA80 Collaboration, we find the scenarios could be distinguished with more detailed data. {copyright} {ital 1998} {ital The American Physical Society}
Changes in tRNA nucleotidyltransferase activity during embryonic development of Xenopus laevis

The level of tRNA nucleotidyltransferase activity was measured in eggs and embryos of Xenopus laevis. The enzyme activity increases after fertilization reaching a maximum level at gastrulation after which there is a dramatic decrease in activity. This decrease in tRNA nucleotidyltransferase activity occurs after tRNA synthesis has begun in the developing embryo. The decrease in the measured enzyme activity does not appear to be due to the presence of stage-specific inhibitors of tRNA nucleotidyltransferase. The results suggest that maturation of precursor tRNA may not be the major role of the enzyme in this system.
Duets in Yellow-Naped Amazons: Variation in Syntax, Note Composition and Phonology at Different Levels of Social Organization

Complex vocal signals composed of multiple notes are used by many species. Such signals may vary in a number of features such as the rules that govern note order and timing (syntax), the relative number and types of different notes (note composition), and the acoustic structure of notes (phonology). Previous research examining male song in songbirds typically has shown greater conservation of syntax than phonology. Here we investigated whether these patterns of variation are also found in the duets of parrots. We examined geographic variation in the pair duets of yellow-naped amazons, Amazona auropalliata, at five sites within one vocal dialect. We also examined variation at several levels of social organization, including within pairs, among pairs and among sites, to assess where variability was greatest. Variation was highest at the within-pair level, although variation was also present at all other levels and for all of the duet factors. We hypothesize that variation at the among-site level allows duets to indicate site membership, while variation at the within-pair level allows pairs to change their duet to match their current social or physical environment. Syntax and phonology are also more conserved than note composition for all levels of social organization. This pattern may result because note composition is less important in duet function than syntax or phonology, or because development of syntax and phonology is more heavily influenced by genetic templates.
Predicting total urinary nitrogen excretion from urinary urea nitrogen excretion in multiple-trauma patients receiving specialized nutritional support.

Abstract Objective We investigated the accuracy of methods to estimate total urinary nitrogen (TUN) excretion from urinary urea nitrogen (UUN) excretion for patients who have multiple trauma and receive specialized nutritional support. Methods Fifty-five critically ill, adult patients who had multiple trauma and were receiving specialized nutritional support were evaluated. A 24-h urine collection for urea nitrogen and total nitrogen was performed 4.4 ± 2.6 d after admission to the trauma intensive care unit. Patients with significant renal impairment, liver dysfunction, or obesity (>150% of ideal body weight) were excluded from study entry. Eight publications that examined the relation between TUN and UUN were evaluated for bias and precision in estimating TUN from UUN. Results TUN was 20.8 ± 10.8 g/d with an average difference of 3.8 ± 2.8 g/d between TUN and UUN. Linear regression analysis comparing TUN with UUN indicated a significant correlative relation (TUN = 1.1 × UUN + 2; r = 0.958, P P Conclusions Our method, the modified Velasco method, UUN/0.84, and UUN/0.85 provided reasonable estimates of TUN from UUN in critically ill, adult patients who had multiple trauma and were receiving specialized nutritional support; however, our method requires further validation.
Ketamine attenuates post-operative cognitive dysfunction after cardiac surgery.

Background: Post-operative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) commonly occurs after cardiac surgery. Ketamine exerts neuroprotective effects after cerebral ischemia by anti-excitotoxic and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. We hypothesized that ketamine attenuates POCD in patients undergoing cardiac surgery concomitant with an anti-inflammatory effect. Methods: Patients randomly received placebo (0.9% saline; n=26) or an i.v. bolus of ketamine (0.5 mg/kg; n=26) during anesthetic induction. Anesthesia was maintained with isoflurane and fentanyl. A nonsurgical group (n=26) was also included as control. Recent verbal and nonverbal memory and executive functions were assessed before and 1 week after surgery or a 1-week waiting period for the nonsurgical controls. Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations were determined before surgery and on the first post-operative day. Results: Baseline neurocognitive and depression scores were similar in the placebo, ketamine, and nonsurgical control groups. Cognitive performance after surgery decreased by at least 2 SDs (z-score of 1.96) in 21 patients in the placebo group and only in seven patients in the ketamine group compared with the nonsurgical controls (P<0.001, Fisher's exact test). Cognitive performance was also significantly different between the placebo- and the ketamine-treated groups based on all z-scores (P<0.001, Mann–Whitney U-test). Pre-operative CRP concentrations were similar (P<0.33, Mann–Whitney U-test) in the placebo- and ketamine-treated groups. The post-operative CRP concentration was significantly (P<0.01, Mann–Whitney U-test) lower in the ketamine-treated than in the placebo-treated group. Conclusions: Ketamine attenuates POCD 1 week after cardiac surgery and this effect may be related to the anti-inflammatory action of the drug.
Evaluation of Visible Implant Elastomer (VIE) for Marking Fingerling Blue Catfish

Abstract Visible implant elastomer (VIE) was evaluated as a means of marking advanced fingerling (∼152-mm) blue catfish Ictalurus furcatus. A laboratory study was conducted using hatchery-reared blue catfish to examine tag retention for 270 d, tag visibility, and mortality (instantaneous and delayed). Twenty blue catfish were tagged in each of three locations: the upper lip, the base of the pelvic fin, and the cheek. Another group of 20 served as the control and were not marked with VIE. The tag retention rates were 89.5, 100, and 100%, respectively, for fish tagged in the upper lip, at the base of the pelvic fin, and in the cheek, though the VIE sometimes had a tendency to fragment or migrate. Marks in the cheek had the best visibility overall. No instantaneous mortality was observed, and delayed mortality was low (5%) for all groups except those tagged at the base of the pelvic fin (30%). Overall, the cheek proved to be the best location for tagging fingerling blue catfish with VIE.
An active energy harvesting scheme with an electroactive polymer

We investigate the energy harvesting with an electrostrictive polymer, possessing high electromechanical response and elastic energy density, which make it possible to generate high electric energy density and attractive for the active energy harvesting scheme. It is shown that combining the active energy harvesting scheme and high electromechanical response of the polymer yields a harvested electric energy density of ∼40mJ∕cm3 with a 10% efficiency.
Reducing Diameters of Distillation Columns with Largest Calculated Diameter at the Bottom

Methods are developed to reduce column diameter for distillation when the calculated diameter is largest at the bottom of the column. This diameter can often be reduced by generating vapor above the reboiler with an intermediate reboiler or with two-enthalpy feed. For a saturated liquid feed that is 50% n-butane and 50% n-pentane the two-enthalpy feed system reduced column volume by 8.2% with no change in energy use. For distillation of dilute acetic acid (5%)−water (95%) mixtures the best system (an intermediate reboiler) resulted in decreases in column volume as large as 53.9% with no increase in energy use. For a 50% acetic acid mixture the two-enthalpy feed system resulted in up to 32.5% reduction in column volume, while vaporizing the entire feed resulted in 31.5% volume reduction. Vapor bypass was effective in concentrated absorbers.
PbSe diode laser

Abstract Laser action has been observed from diffused diodes of properly annealed PbSe. At approximately 12°K, a laser line at 8.5 μ and a well-defined mode structure were evident above a threshold current density of 5600 A cm-2. A resolution-limited spectral line width of 65 A was measured.
Presumed reduction of acute ossicular subluxation by pneumatic otoscopy: Tympanometric evidence

A 19-year-old college student sustained an otologic injury by striking the side of his face on water after diving off a 5-meter platform. Tympanometry performed immediately after the injury revealed a high-compliance notched tracing that reverted to normal after pneumatic otoscopy. Relevant experimental data on notched tracings in surgically induced ossicular discontinuity is reviewed. This case likely represents ossicular subluxation possibly related to previous otologic trauma and reduced during pneumatic otoscopy.
Characterization of Metal-Oxide Catalysts in Operando Conditions by Combining X-ray Absorption and Raman Spectroscopies in the Same Experiment

We have developed a new instrumental setup that combines simultaneous X-ray absorption spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and online mass spectrometry for operando studies of catalytic reactions. The importance of combining these techniques in the same experiment is demonstrated with the example of CO oxidation over nanoscale copper oxide catalysts supported on high surface area titanium oxide. X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy provides information on the charge state and local geometry of the catalytically active atoms. Extended X-ray absorption fine-structure (EXAFS) technique adds information about their local coordination environment. Raman spectroscopy adds sensitivity to crystallographic phase and long range order that both XANES and EXAFS are lacking. Together, these measurements enable simultaneous studies of the structural and electronic properties of all components present in metal-oxide catalysts. Coupled with online reactant and product analysis, this new setup allows one to elucidate the synergy between different components of a catalytic system and shed light on its catalytic activity and selectivity.
Engineering versus disease

Bioengineering has many significant contributions to make to improvement in the delivery of health care. However, when major research and development efforts are involved, great care must be exercised in project choice to avoid as far as possible needless expense. Even those programs which ultimately result in very significant benefits at low cost to the average citizen pass a high-cost barrier which may take years to cross. A major mistake is to make decisions on the basis of too short a time span. Nearly all biophysical measurements, many tests, and some drugs have all at one time been too costly for general use. Then as the value of the advance became appreciated, inexpensive means for achieving the same ends were devised. A number of bioengineering problems are reviewed which appear feasible but which are not now being done, largely for organizational reasons, to illustrate the point that many worthwhile projects exist now. The importance of decision making in bioengineering on future health-care quality and costs is apparent. Much of future work will probably be at the molecular level. Since support is now fragmented to the point where continued advancement is in jeopardy, it is important that problems in the support and organization of bioengineering and biomedical research be brought continually to public attention.
Analysis of a Fractional-Step Method on Overset Grids

A fractional-step method for solving the incompressible Navier?Stokes equations on overset grids is derived as a matrix factorization of the spatially and temporally discretized system of equations. The algorithm is applied to several test problems using second-order-accurate finite-volume flux differencing on staggered grid systems and a hybrid implicit/explicit time advancement scheme. Spatial order of accuracy is shown to depend on the behavior of the overset grid overlap during grid refinement. The temporal order of accuracy of the time advancement algorithm on a single grid is maintained on the overset grid.
Defective immunoreguktion in multiple sclerosis

Imbalances in T cell subpopulations have been reported in multiple sclerosis (MS). In the present study of 31 MS patients, the percentage of T cells with Fc receptors for IgG (Tg) was found to be increased in patients with chronic progressive disease, and another T cell subset binding to the Raji B lymphoid cell line was decreased. An inverse correlation (r = -0.675; < 95% confidence limit) was found between these two subsets, suggesting that they vary inversely in MS. The mitogenic responses of MS mononuclear cells, isolated T cells, and recombinet T and non-T cells to the lectins phytohemagglutinin and pokeweek mitogen (PWM) did not differ from those of normal cells. However, more immunoglobulin (Ig)-producing cells were generated in a PWM-driven system with cells from MS patients than with cells from age-matched controls (p < 0.05). Autologous recombination of separated T and non-T cells did not significantly modify these results. T cells from MS patients added to B cells from normal controls exerted an effect that was related to their percentage of Tg cells; that is, values above 15% were associated with a suppression of Ig production, whereas for Tg values below 12%, a helper effect or no modification was observed. These results suggest that changes in T cell subsets in MS are related to changes in functional ability to modulate Ig production by normal B cells. However, MS B cells partly escape regulation by their own T cells, suggesting an associated B cell hyperactivity.
Prophet for the Earth

The Diversity of Life. By Edward 0. Wilson. Belknap (Harvard University Press)/Allen Lane: 1992. Pp. 424. $29.95, a£22.50.
Probing lung physiology with xenon polarization transfer contrast (XTC)

One of the major goals of hyperpolarized-gas MRI has been to obtain (129)Xe dissolved-phase images in humans. So far, this goal has remained elusive, mainly due to the low concentration of xenon that dissolves in tissue. A method is proposed and demonstrated in dogs that allows information about the dissolved phase to be obtained by imaging the gas phase following the application of a series of RF pulses that selectively destroy the longitudinal magnetization of xenon dissolved in the lung parenchyma. During the delay time between consecutive RF pulses, the depolarized xenon rapidly exchanges with the gas phase, thus lowering the gas polarization. It is demonstrated that the resulting contrast in the (129)Xe gas image provides information about the local tissue density. It is further argued that minor pulse-sequence modifications may provide information about the alveolar surface area or lung perfusion.
Fluid bodies or bodily fluids: Bodily reconfigurations in cybersex

Previous researchers discussing cybersexuality have been fascinated with the body-less-ness of cybersex. They have focused on the textual productions and (re)formations of the self that are allowed in this space independent of the body. Thus, the cyber becomes the space of transformation and fluidity of the self while the ‘real’ becomes the site of the material, concrete and unchanging body. I posit that dichotomous thinking about the cyber and the real and the text and the body produces an errant concept of the body. Cybersex is rarely a disembodied experience. Text-making cannot create itself free from the constraints of linguistic communities of practice in the “real” world. I challenge the notion that cybersexuality is a sexuality without the body and that the body in the ‘real’ world is stable. I focus specifically on how gay men describe the experience of the anus and anal sex as a means to better understand how the body becomes a site for linguistic marking and reference.