cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Weakly nonlinear asymptotic models and analogs of detonation processes

Abstract Two simplified, qualitative models of combustion and detonation processes have been developed and studied in recent years. One is an analog, posed independently by Fickett and Majda, and one is an asymptotic model, derived by Rosales and Majda, that is valid near a Mach 1 regime where the reaction front is moving close to the sound speed in the material ahead and the particle velocity is small in comparison. In this paper, after reviewing the recent literature on these two models, we analyze the scalings required to obtain the asymptotic equations, thereby revealing the range of parameter values for which the asymptotic model is valid. Along with the analysis we give a simple one-dimensional derivation of the asymptotic equations, and it is indicated how the formulation of the model changes when the chemical kinetics is reversible.
Angiographic ablation for mediastinal parathyroid adenomas: experience at a tertiary referral center

Purpose In expert hands, initial surgery for hyperparathyroidism was successful in more than 95% of cases; consequently pre-operative imaging was not routinely performed. Since the shift to minimally invasive parathyroidectomy imaging is routinely performed, usually Sestamibi scan and ultrasound. If those two tests are negative, in many institutions 4DCT is then considered. In those cases where the hyperparathyroid state persists following surgery, localizing and treating residual parathyroid tissue becomes much more challenging due to the increased incidence of ectopic location and post-operative scarring. When lesions are localized to or suspected to be within the mediastinum (even during the initial imaging in the preoperative patient), angiographic ablation provides an appealing, minimally invasive alternative to sternotomy or mediastinoscopy. The purpose of this study is to describe the pre-procedural work-up, technical approach and results of angiographic ablation of mediastinal parathyroid adenomas. Materials and Methods A retrospective review was performed of angiographic studies for localization and ablation of ectopic parathyroid adenomas. Pre-procedural imaging was reviewed as well as the electronic medical record for pre- and post-procedural laboratory values including calcium and PTH levels. Technical details of the angiographic procedure were recorded including the vessels accessed and the material used for ablation. Results 9 patients who underwent angiographic ablation of mediastinal parathyroid adenomas were identified. All patients had a suspicious lesion identified on angiography which was targeted for ablation. In all cases, there was an excellent angiographic response to ablation which was subsequently confirmed by normalization of the serum calcium levels. The internal mammary artery was the most frequently feeding vessel supplying these mediastinal lesions. Conclusion If a single feeding vessel supplying a parathyroid adenoma is identified it can be effectively treated by gradual injection of hyperosmolar contrast medium. Patients must be followed closely for development of symptoms, calcium and PTH levels. Angiographic ablation of mediastinal parathyroid adenomas is an infrequently performed procedure but can be an extremely effective minimally invasive technique to treat ectopic parathyroid adenomas. Familiarity with the pre-procedural work-up required and the technique is essential for achieving the optimal results.
Design and implementation of a generalized laboratory data model.

Investigators in the biological sciences continue to exploit laboratory automation methods and have dramatically increased the rates at which they can generate data. In many environments, the methods themselves also evolve in a rapid and fluid manner. These observations point to the importance of robust information management systems in the modern laboratory. Designing and implementing such systems is non-trivial and it appears that in many cases a database project ultimately proves unserviceable. We describe a general modeling framework for laboratory data and its implementation as an information management system. The model utilizes several abstraction techniques, focusing especially on the concepts of inheritance and meta-data. Traditional approaches commingle event-oriented data with regular entity data in ad hoc ways. Instead, we define distinct regular entity and event schemas, but fully integrate these via a standardized interface. The design allows straightforward definition of a "processing pipeline" as a sequence of events, obviating the need for separate workflow management systems. A layer above the event-oriented schema integrates events into a workflow by defining "processing directives", which act as automated project managers of items in the system. Directives can be added or modified in an almost trivial fashion, i.e., without the need for schema modification or re-certification of applications. Association between regular entities and events is managed via simple "many-to-many" relationships. We describe the programming interface, as well as techniques for handling input/output, process control, and state transitions. The implementation described here has served as the Washington University Genome Sequencing Center's primary information system for several years. It handles all transactions underlying a throughput rate of about 9 million sequencing reactions of various kinds per month and has handily weathered a number of major pipeline reconfigurations. The basic data model can be readily adapted to other high-volume processing environments.
Don't apologize unless you mean it: A laboratory investigation of forgiveness and retaliation

Abstract We experimentally investigated the effects of arousal, offense removal (“making amends”), and apology following a scripted laboratory offense involving undeserved failure feedback. Self-report and behavioral measures of forgiveness and retaliation were influenced differentially by the manipulations. Retaliation was influenced only by the presence of an apology. Consistent with some previous findings, experimenters who committed the offense and apologized were evaluated more negatively than when they did not apologize. The relationship between apology and retaliation was mediated by participants' blame directed at the experimenter. Forgiveness was more complex, and varied depending on arousal, offense removal, and apology. In the high arousal condition, forgiveness was least likely following an “insincere apology” in which the offender did not make amends for the wrong when apologizing. These results are interpreted in terms of a two-stage model of forgiveness in which different variables influenc...
A comparison of nonfatal unintentional injuries in the United States among U.S.-born and foreign-born persons.

The objective of this research was to compare the risk of nonfatal unintentional injuries between foreign-born and U.S.-born persons. Cross-sectional, nationally representative data were used from the 2000–2003 National Health Interview Survey to compare the risk of injury between 62,267 foreign-born and 322,200 U.S.-born persons. Nonfatal unintentional injuries occurring during the three months prior to the interview were compared by age, gender, education, poverty status, region of residence, family size, and health insurance coverage status. There were a total of 7,654 injured persons with U.S.-born persons having a weighted injury prevalence of 2.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.2, 2.4) and foreign-born persons having a weighted injury prevalence of 1.2% (95% CI: 1.0, 1.3). With the U.S.-born population as the reference and while controlling for sociodemographic characteristics, the odds ratio of injury risk was 0.54 (95% CI: 0.48, 0.62) for the foreign-born population. Transportation-related injuries occurred more frequently among foreign-born persons than among U.S.-born persons (23.7%, 95% CI: 19.7, 28.3 vs. 15.0%, 95% CI: 14.0, 16.2, respectively). This research is the first step in determining the morbidity from unintentional injuries among the foreign-born population in the U.S.
The computer calculation of relaxation matrices and NMR line shapes

Abstract A computer program has been written to calculate relaxation matrices and NMR line shapes. The use of the program in calculating the effects of external random field relaxation in AB, ABX, and AA′XX′ spin systems, intramolecular dipolar relaxation in AB, ABX, AB 2 and A 3 systems, mutual exchange, and random noise decoupling in AA′XX′ systems is discussed. New results are presented, literature results are reproduced, and some disagreement with previous work is reported.
A decatungstate-type polyoxoniobate with centered manganese: [H2MnIVNb10O32]8− as a soluble tetramethylammonium salt

A highly symmetric MnIV-centered polyoxoniobate [H2MnIVNb10O32]8− was synthesized via hydrothermal methods as a soluble tetramethylammonium salt. The structure is similar to decatungstate structure [W10O32]4−, except for the central heteroatom. The cluster is stable between 4 < pH < 10, as was characterized with ESI-MS and UV-Vis spectroscopy.
Novel diagrammatic method for analysis of finite periodic and aperiodic multilayer structures

Abstract In this work we derive exact results for general physical properties of a finite array of layers of different semiconducting materials in terms of a novel diagrammatic method for multiplying transfer matrices. The method is reminiscent of Wick's theorem in that it involves diagrammatic rules for Wick-like contracted sequences of chains. The quantities appearing in the contractions are characteristic of the particular problem being studied (e.g. wavevector, dielectric constant, elastic moduli, magnetic susceptibility, etc.), and are associated with the vertices of a simple diagram. The rules depend on the nature of the problem and on the free surface boundary conditions, however, certain contraction rules are always the same. The method can be applied to finite periodic or aperiodic multilayer structures, and it allows us to write down, in a fast and efficient way, an exact analytic expression for the dispersion relation of the elementary excitations. For an n -layer system, the exact dispersion relation contains 2 n terms. As a result of the invariance of one particular contraction rule for any arrangement of layers, our algorithm reproduces the correct bulk limit for a sequence of identical layers. The procedure has been used to study plasmons, phonons, magnons, electronic states, and direct electromagnetic generation of sound. Several examples of its applicability are discussed.
An interactionist perspective on dominance‐submission: Interpersonal dominance as a dynamic, situationally contingent social skill

Dominance‐submission in interpersonal interaction typically has been conceptualized as largely a function of either highly stable characteristics of individual actors (e.g., basic termperament, genetic heritage, fixed social roles) or highly dynamic properties of situations (e.g., relational control sequences). Too, the dominance end of the continuum frequently has been infused with negative connotations. Here it is argued that a more balanced and comprehensive perspective is achieved by conceptualizing interpersonal dominance as influenced by a combination of person, situation, and relationship factors and as including positive qualities that also underwrite social competence. Experimental data relevant to this interactionist perspective were examined for the impacts of one traitlike actor variable (self‐reported social skills), two situational factors (communication format and message goal), and one relationship factor (acquaintanceship) on dominance displays during dyadic interactions. Sender and recei...
Consensus conference: Colorectal cancer screening and surveillance in inflammatory bowel disease

The idiopathic inflammatory bowel diseases, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's colitis, are associated with an increased risk for developing colorectal cancer. To reduce colorectal cancer mortality in inflammatory bowel disease, most patients and their physicians choose to follow a program of surveillance colonoscopy in an attempt to detect early neoplastic lesions at a curable stage. Colectomy is typically reserved for patients whose biopsy findings are indicative of heightened cancer risk based on interpretation by pathologists. Despite the absence of prospective controlled clinical trials to formally evaluate the benefits, risks, and costs of this approach, enough circumstantial evidence has accrued to warrant its widespread adoption in practice. Nevertheless, no standardized guidelines have yet been set forth to guide the gastroenterologist in performing surveillance. A panel of international experts was assembled to develop consensus recommendations for the performance of surveillance. The findings are presented herein.
Radio Detection of the Planet Saturn

DETECTION of 3.45-cm. radiation from the planet Saturn has been accomplished with an X-band ruby maser radiometer1,2 installed on the 85-ft. (26 m.) diameter, paraboloidal antenna at the University of Michigan's Radio Astronomy Observatory3.
Ethics and Policy Issues for Stem Cell Research and Pulmonary Medicine

Stem cell research and related initiatives in regenerative medicine, cell-based therapy, and tissue engineering have generated considerable scientific and public interest. Researchers are applying stem cell technologies to chest medicine in a variety of ways: using stem cells as models for drug discovery, testing stem cell-based therapies for conditions as diverse as COPD and cystic fibrosis, and producing functional lung and tracheal tissue for physiologic modeling and potential transplantation. Although significant scientific obstacles remain, it is likely that stem cell-based regenerative medicine will have a significant clinical impact in chest medicine. However, stem cell research has also generated substantial controversy, posing a variety of ethical and regulatory challenges for research and clinical practice. Some of the most prominent ethical questions related to the use of stem cell technologies in chest medicine include (1) implications for donors, (2) scientific prerequisites for clinical testing and use, (3) stem cell tourism, (4) innovation and clinical use of emerging stem cell-based interventions, (5) responsible translation of stem cell-based therapies to clinical use, and (6) appropriate and equitable access to emerging therapies. Having a sense of these issues should help to put emerging scientific advances into appropriate context and to ensure the responsible clinical translation of promising therapeutics.
Strong Spectral Entanglement in Spontaneous Parametric Down-Conversion

Photon pairs with a high degree of spectral entanglement have a very large capacity for carrying information. We describe methods for generating this type of entanglement and discuss applications.
The RAGE axis and endothelial dysfunction: maladaptive roles in the diabetic vasculature and beyond.

Receptor for advanced glycation end product (RAGE) is a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily of cell surface molecules. The ligand–RAGE axis is emerging as a central mechanism linked to vascular injury and atherosclerosis in diabetes and in euglycemia. The repertoire of RAGE ligands, including advanced glycation end products, S100/calgranulins, high-mobility group box 1, amyloid- β peptide, and Mac-1, transcends RAGE biology from specifically the science of diabetic complications to central aspects of the inflammatory response and oxidative stress. Experiments in cell culture and in vivo support the notion that interaction of RAGE ligands with RAGE activates key signal transduction pathways that modulate fundamental cellular properties, thereby leading to vascular and inflammatory cell perturbation. These considerations support the premise that the ligand–RAGE axis may be an important target for therapeutic intervention in cardiovascular disease and, fundamentally, in initiation and amplification of inflammatory responses.
Molecular Recognition in Vitamin D-Binding Protein:

Vitamin D-binding protein (DBP) or group-specific component (Gc) is a relatively abundant serum protein with multiple functions, the majority of which are initiated by the highly specific recognition and binding of a ligand by this protein. During the past decade and a half, several structure-functional studies have been carried out to shed light on the physiological significance of the multiple functions of DBP. Results of these studies are discussed.
Phase Behavior of Nanoparticle/Diblock Copolymer Complex in a Selective Solvent

Solvents used for controlling the self-assembly of polymer nanocomposites have a strong influence on the order-disorder and order-order transition temperatures. We have investigated the phase behavior of complexes composed of poly(styrene-b-2-vinylpyridine) (PS-PVP) and thiol-terminated PS stabilized Au nanoparticles in toluene-d (a good solvent for PS) by using small-angle neutron scattering. We observe that the morphologies of the neat and nanoparticle-containing polymer solutions strongly depend on the concentration of nanoparticles and temperature. Comparison of the phase diagrams of the neat and nanoparticle-containing polymer solutions as a function of temperature clearly shows dramatic shifts in the order-disorder and order-order transition temperatures. This dramatic effect can be understood by a model wherein the added nanoparticles that sequester in the preferred PS domains increase the interfacial curvature, leading to the observed changes in the nanostructure of the complex. Some effects are similar to those of the selective solvent such as toluene on the nanostructure of PS-PVP. Knowledge gained from these studies on the effects of nanoparticle concentration and temperature on the phase behavior of the polymer nanocomposites will be valuable for tailoring the physical properties of novel nanocomposites.
Comparison of organophosphorus pesticide metabolite levels in single and multiple daily urine samples collected from preschool children in Washington State

A total organophosphorus pesticide exposure study was conducted in Washington State in 1998 in a sample population of 13 children aged 2.5-5.5 years. The children were roughly split between rural and suburban populations and had been previously identified as having potentially elevated organophosphorus pesticide exposures. One component of the study was urine collection and analysis. Urine samples were collected from each subject up to four times in 24 h in two different seasons. Samples were collected at specific time points: before bed, first morning void, after lunch, and before dinner. Urine samples were analyzed initially for the six nonspecific dialkylphosphate (DAP) metabolites and subsequently for eight specific metabolites including malathion dicarboxylic acid (MDA), 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol (TCPy), and paranitrophenol (PNP). Relatively large percentages of the urine samples contained quantifiable amounts of two of the nonspecific DAP metabolites (DMTP-97%; DETP-67%), and three of the specific metabolites (MDA (71%), TCPy (79%), and PNP (96%)). A percent deviation analysis was employed to determine which of the spot sample time points was the best predictor of the estimated volume-weighted daily average. Of the four spot samples collected, first morning void samples were consistently found to be the best predictors of weighted-average daily metabolite concentration. This finding also held when the data were creatinine-adjusted. The results of this analysis suggest that if spot sampling is to be conducted as part of a biological monitoring study, first morning void samples should be preferentially collected.
Intracellular Methamphetamine Prevents the Dopamine-induced Enhancement of Neuronal Firing

The dysregulation of the dopaminergic system is implicated in multiple neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders such as Parkinson disease and drug addiction. The primary target of psychostimulants such as amphetamine and methamphetamine is the dopamine transporter (DAT), the major regulator of extracellular dopamine levels in the brain. However, the behavioral and neurophysiological correlates of methamphetamine and amphetamine administration are unique from one another, thereby suggesting these two compounds impact dopaminergic neurotransmission differentially. We further examined the unique mechanisms by which amphetamine and methamphetamine regulate DAT function and dopamine neurotransmission; in the present study we examined the impact of extracellular and intracellular amphetamine and methamphetamine on the spontaneous firing of cultured midbrain dopaminergic neurons and isolated DAT-mediated current. In dopaminergic neurons the spontaneous firing rate was enhanced by extracellular application of amphetamine > dopamine > methamphetamine and was DAT-dependent. Amphetamine > methamphetamine similarly enhanced DAT-mediated inward current, which was sensitive to isosmotic substitution of Na+ or Cl− ion. Although isosmotic substitution of extracellular Na+ ions blocked amphetamine and methamphetamine-induced DAT-mediated inward current similarly, the removal of extracellular Cl− ions preferentially blocked amphetamine-induced inward current. The intracellular application of methamphetamine, but not amphetamine, prevented the dopamine-induced increase in the spontaneous firing of dopaminergic neurons and the corresponding DAT-mediated inward current. The results reveal a new mechanism for methamphetamine-induced dysregulation of dopaminergic neurons.
Validation and re-evaluation of a discriminant model predicting anatomic suitability for biventricular repair in neonates with aortic stenosis.

OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to validate and re-evaluate our previously reported scoring systems for predicting optimal management in neonates with aortic stenosis (AS). BACKGROUND In 1991, we reported a multivariate discriminant equation and an ordinal scoring system for predicting which neonates with AS are suitable for biventricular repair and which are better served by single ventricle management. METHODS Retrospective analysis was performed to: 1) validate our scoring systems in 89 additional neonates with AS and normal mitral valve area, 2) assess the effects of 5% measurement variation on predictive scores, 3) evaluate our cohort with the Congenital Heart Surgeons' Society scoring system, and 4) repeat the discriminant analysis on the basis of all 126 patients. RESULTS The original scores each predicted outcome accurately in 68 patients (77%). Minor (5%) measurement variation changed the outcome predicted by the discriminant equation in 8 patients (9%) and by the threshold system in 13 patients (15%). The most accurate model for predicting survival with a biventricular circulation among the full cohort is: 10.98 (body surface area) + 0.56 (aortic annulus z-score) + 5.89 (left ventricular to heart long-axis ratio) - 0.79 (grade 2 or 3 endocardial fibroelastosis) - 6.78. With a cutoff of -0.65, outcome was predicted accurately in 90% of patients. CONCLUSIONS Both of our original scoring systems are less accurate at predicting outcome than in our original analysis. Revised discriminant analysis yielded a model similar to our original equation that was 90% accurate at predicting survival with a biventricular circulation among neonates with AS and a mitral valve area z-score >-2.
OPEN MARKET REPURCHASES: THE VALUE FROM BUYING SHARES AT A DISCOUNT

This article shows that share repurchase announcements create value for shareholders when the shares of the industrial firm sell at a discount from the value of the underlying assets, even when shareholders and managers share full information about the firm's prospects and the firm's operating performance is not expected to improve. The value created by capturing the discount on the repurchased shares is a function of only two variables: the percentage discount prior to the announcement and the proportion of shares to be repurchased. For a sample of 100 companies selling below net asset value, the authors report that the excess stock returns surrounding their announcements of open market repurchases are (significantly) positively associated with the authors' estimates of the value captured from buying shares at a discount. Moreover, the stock market's response to repurchase announcements by companies that are selling at a discount is considerably more positive than to announcements by firms selling at a premium.
Treatment of status epilepticus: a survey of neurologists.

Background: New antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) have provided alternatives to traditional treatment paradigms for status epilepticus (SE). Methods: To determine current treatment preferences for generalized convulsive status epilepticus (GCSE), we surveyed 106 members of the Critical Care or Epilepsy sections of the American Academy of Neurology. Results: Most respondents initially treat patients with intravenous (IV) lorazepam (76%), followed by phenytoin or fosphenytoin (95%) if first-line therapy fails. Preferences for GCSE refractory to two AEDs (RSE) varied: 43% would give phenobarbital, 19% would give one of three continuous-infusion (cIV) AEDs (pentobarbital, midazolam, propofol), and 16% would give IV valproic acid. About half indicated “burst suppression” (56%) and half indicated “elimination of seizures” (41%) as the titration goal for cIV-AED therapy. About half (42%) would add a new cIV-AED, and the other half (41%) would not add another agent to treat electrographic SE refractory to four AEDs. Discussion: In accordance with published trials and general guidelines, neurologists most often use lorazepam followed by phenytoin or fosphenytoin as first-line and second-line therapies for GCSE. There is no consensus for third-line or fourth-line treatment for RSE. The treatment of RSE needs to be studied in a large, prospective, randomized, multicenter trial.
The influence of caging conditions and hormone treatments on fighting in male and female hamsters

Abstract After gonadectomy, more individually caged female hamsters fought prior to the initiation of hormone treatments than did group-caged females. Daily injections of testosterone propionate (TP), estradiol benzoate (EB), or progesterone (Prog) had no influence on the number of individually caged females that fought. However, TP and EB were effective in increasing the number of group-caged females that fought. In contrast to females, both individually and group-caged males fought infrequently after castration. Daily injections of TP, EB, or Prog were effective in increasing the number of individually caged males that fought, while only TP and EB were effective in group caged males. Prog failed to increase the number of group-caged hamsters of either sex that fought.
Using Photovoice to Determine Preservice Teachers' Preparedness to Teach

One of the major goals of any physical education teacher education (PETE) program is to adequately prepare preservice teachers to provide quality physical education instruction. Assessment is vital for the success of any program and should be completed on a regular basis. Borrowing from a successful tool in community health practice, the use of community-based participatory research (CBPR) could be a viable option for assessing preservice teachers' perceptions of the program. One assessment methodology commonly used in CBPR is Photovoice, a technique that uses photography to promote dialogue among community members to instigate change. Photovoice has been used in a variety of settings but has not yet been applied to PETE programs. This article introduces Photovoice as a technique for better understanding the preservice teachers' level of preparedness in teaching, as well as their perceptions of the PETE program.
Dust transport in maricopa county, Arizona

Abstract Numerical simulations have been carried out for ambient supermicrometric particulate concentrations in Maricopa County, Arizona during late fall and winter periods of atmospheric stability. Results of model studies are in approximate agreement with limited field observational data. Observed high particulate concentrations in Maricopa County urban areas during late fall and winter periods of atmospheric stability are associated with local fugitive dust sources. Because of light drainage winds prevalent during these periods, advective transport of dust from countryside to the urban areas is not an important contribution to urban supermicrometric particulate concentrations. Surface roughness, dry deposition, and primary sources are among the most important determinants of ground level concentrations. An adequate and practical predictive model, along the lines of the current model, could be developed for Maricopa County as well as for the other urban areas in the high desert regions.
Dietary Agents as Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors

In cancer cells, an imbalance often exists between histone acetyltransferase (HAT) and histone deacetylase (HDAC) activities, and various drug companies are actively seeking competitive HDAC inhibitors for chemotherapeutic intervention. Cancer cells appear to be more sensitive than nontransformed cells to HDAC inhibitors, which disrupt the cell cycle and induce apoptosis via derepression of genes such as P21 and BAX. However, in the search for potent HDAC inhibitors with cancer therapeutic potential, a tendency exists to overlook or dismiss weak ligands that could prove effective in cancer prevention. Butyrate, diallyl disulfide (DADS), and sulforaphane (SFN) are three dietary agents that exhibit HDAC inhibitory activity in vitro and/or in vivo, and other such dietary agents probably will be discovered that affect HDAC activity. We make the distinction between 'pharmacologic' agents that potently derepress gene expression, during therapeutic intervention, and dietary HDAC inhibitors that, as weak ligands, might subtly regulate the expression of genes involved in cell growth and apoptosis. An important issue for future study is to determine the extent to which dietary HDAC inhibitors, by modulating genes such as p21 and Bax, enable normal, nontransformed cells to respond most effectively to external stimuli and toxic insults.
Medical school research pipeline: medical student research experience in psychiatry.

Objective The authors discuss the importance of introducing research training in psychiatry and neurosciences to medical students.
Observation of UV-induced photochemistry of Fe(CO)5 adsorbed on the Ag(110) surface

Abstract Observation of the photochemical decomposition of Fe(CO) 5 absorbed on a Ag(110) single-crystal surface in ultra-high vacuum is reported. This shows that the photochemical decomposition of this molecule is so fast that it is not quenched by direct contact with a metal surface. Great care was taken to use low laser intensity to avoid thermal or multiphoton effects. Also, the Ag surface was carefully prepared to avoid stimulated excitation due to roughness. It is estimated that the Fe(CO) 5 dissociation rate is greater than 3 ×10 12 s −1 upon excitation at 337 nm.
Predicting major element mineral/melt equilibria - A statistical approach

Empirical equations have been developed for calculating the mole fractions of NaO0.5, MgO, AlO1.5, SiO2, KO0.5, CaO, TiO2, and FeO in a solid phase of initially unknown identity given only the composition of the coexisting silicate melt. The approach involves a linear multivariate regression analysis in which solid composition is expressed as a Taylor series expansion of the liquid compositions. An internally consistent precision of approximately 0.94 is obtained, that is, the nature of the liquidus phase in the input data set can be correctly predicted for approximately 94% of the entries. The composition of the liquidus phase may be calculated to better than 5 mol % absolute. An important feature of this 'generalized solid' model is its reversibility; that is, the dependent and independent variables in the linear multivariate regression may be inverted to permit prediction of the composition of a silicate liquid produced by equilibrium partial melting of a polymineralic source assemblage.
Determining the complex index of refraction of an unknown object using turbulence-degraded polarimetric imagery

A novel index-of-refraction material-characterization technique using passive polarimetric imagery degraded by atmospheric turbulence is presented. The method uses a variant of the LeMaster and Cain (J. Opt. Soc. Am. A 25(9), 2170-2176 (2008)) blind-deconvolution algorithm to recover the true object (i.e., the first Stokes parameter), the degree of linear polarization, and the polarimetric-image point spread functions. Nonlinear least squares is then used to find the value of the complex index of refraction that best fits the theoretical degree of linear polarization, derived using a polarimetric bidirectional reflectance distribution function, to the turbulence-corrected degree of linear polarization. To verify the proposed material-characterization technique, experimental results of two painted metal samples are provided and analyzed. C
Walrus feeding disturbance: Scavenging habits and recolonization of the Bering Sea benthos

Abstract Walruses (Odobenus rosmarus Illiger) influenced the structure of macrobenthic assemblages in a variety of ways as they excavated their major bivalve prey from soft sediments. Benthic animals were attracted to discarded bivalve shells and they colonized pits and furrows made during prey excavation. Discarded shells contained soft tissues that were eaten by several invertebrate scavengers. The most abundant and widespread scavenger was the sea star, Asterias amurensis Lutken. Sea stars out-competed brittle stars (Amphiodia craterodmeta Clark) for fresh scavenging events. They also attacked brittle stars under shells in the laboratory, and thus may have obtained two meals from discarded shells by eating remnant tissue and by consuming animals that used the shell as a habitat. In nature, brittle stars were abundant under discarded shells. In experiments, brittle stars invaded shells with soft tissue in the absence of sea stars, but not in their presence. In other experiments, brittle stars were most abundant under shells with soft tissue, but were also attracted to shells without organic matter. Large brittle stars were more abundant under shells than in the surrounding bottom, and the reverse was true of small individuals. Bottom communities recovered gradually inside experimental feeding excavations, which were not invaded by large numbers of opportunistic infaunal or epifaunal invertebrates. This is in contrast to gray whale feeding excavations, which are colonized by a large number of opportunistic peracarid crustaceans.
Exaggerated cue-induced reinstatement of cocaine seeking but not incubation of cocaine craving in a developmental rat model of schizophrenia

Patients with schizophrenia exhibit high comorbidity for substance abuse, but the biological underpinnings of this dual-diagnosis condition are still unclear. Previous studies have shown that rats with a neonatal ventral hippocampal lesion (NVHL), a widely used developmental animal model of schizophrenia, exhibit increased cocaine and methamphetamine self-administration and cocaine-induced reinstatement. Here, we assessed whether a NVHL would also potentiate cue-induced reinstatement of cocaine seeking and the time-dependent increases in cue-induced cocaine seeking after withdrawal (incubation of cocaine craving) in adult rats. Rats were trained to self-administer cocaine (3 or 6 h/day with 0.75 mg kg−1 infusion−1 paired with a tone-light cue) for 10 days, followed by extinction training (3 h/day) and cue-induced reinstatement of cocaine seeking. Other rats were tested for incubation of cocaine craving, assessed in extinction tests 1 and 30 days after the last self-administration session. Although there was no significant difference in cocaine intake between NVHL and sham controls, NVHL rats took significantly longer to reach an a priori set extinction criterion and exhibited enhanced cue-induced reinstatement. However, while cue-induced cocaine seeking was higher after 30 days than after 1 day of withdrawal (incubation of cocaine craving), the NVHL had no effect on this incubation. These data confirm previous reports on enhanced resistance to extinction after NVHL and demonstrate that NVHL rats exhibit enhanced cue-induced reinstatement of cocaine seeking after extinction, a measure of drug relapse.
Mass spectra of butyl esters of volatile branched-chain and other fatty acids occurring in milkfat and meat lipids☆

Abstract Mass spectra of butyl esters of volatile fatty acids including n -chain, branched-chain, and unsaturated fatty acids were obtained using GC-MS. Primary fragmentation of butyl esters gave major peaks at m/z 73, 56, 41, 101, M 73, M -55, and M -101. Additionally, characteristic fragmentation ions were observed at m/z 74 for 2-methyl-branched fatty acids, at m/z M-43 for iso -acids, and at m/zM-29 for anteiso acids. Characteristic ions were observed at m/z 88 and m/zM-28 for 2-ethyl-branched fatty acids, and an ion at M -29 was observed for ethyl branching in positions other than the 2-position. Methyl-branched, ethyl-branched, and dimethyl-branched fatty acids were found in milkfat and meat lipids.
The dynamic mechanical, dielectric, and melting behavior of reconstituted collagen.

The dielectric, dynamic mechanical, and melting (denaturation) behavior of reconstituted collagen has been investigated. Dynamic mechanical properties are reported for the range of temperature from −100 to 220°C. Dielectric properties are reported for the range of temperature from −120 to 90°C. Possible origins of dynamic mechanical and dielectric relaxations are discussed. Effect of moisture content on mechanical and dielectric behavior is also presented. The melting process of collagen immersed in diluents as well as that of dry collagen were studied by the techniques of hot-stage polarizing microscopy, differential thermal analysis, thermal mechanical analysis, and small-angle light scattering. It was concluded that the melting point of dry collagen is about 217°C.
Minimally invasive cardiac surgery for the treatment of coronary artery multi-vessel disease

Objective In order to avoid sternotomy-related complication after cardiac surgery minimally invasive cardiac surgery has been developed successfully for the treatment of coronary artery disease, however, those techniques were still limited to the treatment of single-vessel disease. Therefore a new surgical technique for the treatment of multi-vessel disease has been developed. Methods From November 1996 to May 1997 61 patients (age 39-78 years) with coronary artery disease were treated with this new technique. This technique included a small (6-9 cm) left lateral chest incision via the 3rd intercostal space. The left internal thoracic mammary artery (LIMA) was harvested through the chest incision and access to the central portion of the heart including the ascending aorta was obtained. During LIMA harvesting saphenous vein segments were harvested. Cardiopulmonary bypass was instituted through femoral vein cannulation and cannulation of the ascending aorta in most cases. After external aortic cross clamping cold antegrade cardioplegia was applied. In all patients except one the LIMA was used for the left anterior descending artery (LAD). In addition vein grafts were used for revascularisation of the other coronary arteries. Results There were no intraoperative complications and all patients survived the procedure. All patients could be weaned from CPB and the postoperative course was uneventful in most patients. Wound complication occurred in two patients. The median hospital stay was 6 days (median +/- SEM). Conclusions This new technique combines minimally invasive surgical conditions with the safety standards of routine cardiac surgery. With this approach even extensive coronary artery disease can be treated.
Hippocampus Volume and Texture Analysis for Temporal Lobe Epilepsy

It has been previously shown that intensity and volume features of the hippocampus from MR images of the brain are useful in detecting the abnormality and consequently candidacy of the hippocampus for temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) surgery. In this paper, we have studied and compared volume and texture features of hippocampus for TLE lateralization. Volume and some features describing the intensity non-uniformities are used. We use manual segmentation of the hippocampi from T1 weighted images and map them to the FLAIR images. Wavelet features as well as mean and variance of the hippocampus intensities of the FLAIR slices are used as texture features. A dataset of 55 patients with 28 right and 27 left abnormal sides was used in the experiments. Experimental results show that the volume and intensity features are useful in determining the abnormal side.
Application of a Superfluid Valve in a Variable-Temperature Dewar

The study of properties of materials at low temperatures is facilitated by an apparatus which can conveniently vary the temperature of an experimental sample. One simple method in common use is to suspend the sample from a cold finger in the vacuum or inner-wall space of a liquid-helium dewar. This paper describes a modified version of this method. Two useful innovations are a demountable outer glass shell and the use of a superfluid valve f1] for transferring helium from the dewar reservoir to a cold-finger reservoir.
Hmong women, marital factors and mental health status

•Summary: An online survey was completed by Hmong women in the United States (n = 186). The survey was distributed via listserves and websites frequently used by Hmong women, and solicited information about marital factors, presence and intensity of depressive symptoms, and socio-demographic circumstances.•Findings: The findings of this article indicate a significant relationship between marital abuse and depression among women married as teenagers when compared to non-abused women who married in adulthood. Excessive worry and feeling like everything takes great effort were the two most frequently reported indicators of depression reported by Hmong women in this sample. Additional marital and socio-demographic factors are explored in their relationship with depressive presentation.•Applications: These findings suggest that mental health practitioners working with Hmong women may need to be particularly attuned to issues of marital stressors related to traditional marriage practices and cultural stressors.
Are the 21-Year-Old Baby Doe Rules Misunderstood or Mistaken?

The current set of federal regulations about how to treat extremely ill, premature, or terminally ill infants <1 year of age, widely known as the “Baby Doe” rules, went into effect 20 years ago.1 They are amendments to the Child Abuse and Protection and Treatment Act, which are federal funding requirements for states to receive grants.2 Many neonatologists and other pediatricians reported that these rules immediately altered standards of care and limited clinicians’ and parents’ abilities to select individualized treatment plans and act in the best interests of infants.3,4 Their criticisms were akin to those of the courts5 in rejecting an earlier and similar set of Baby Doe regulations6 based on a Reagan-Administration interpretation of civil rights law.7 Yet, 20 years later these Baby Doe rules1 still stand, and so does the perceived support of them by the American Academy of Pediatrics because of comments by its leadership and Committee on Bioethics.8,9 These rules are inconsistent with other AAP guidelines recommending individualized decision-making by clinicians and families for seriously ill children based on the best-interests standard, or so I will argue.10,11 The choice between the Baby Doe rules and the best-interests standard is important, as a recent case conference may show. A family was faced with a decision about how to respond compassionately to their extremely premature and severely impaired newborn. In attendance were members of the parents’ extended family, including an aunt who was a hospice nurse and a cousin who was an adult pulmonologist. These 2 family members had extensive experience in caring for dying adults. The entire family agreed that given the infant’s poor prognosis and suffering intrinsic to his illness and treatments, it was in his best interest to have comfort … Address correspondence to Loretta M. Kopelman, PhD, Department of Medical Humanities, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, 600 Moye Blvd, Greenville, NC 27858. E-mail: kopelmanlo{at}mail.ecu.edu
Hunger as a catalyst in aggression.

Under thermal conditions of 90° F 50% RH and a subject density of I subject per 0.125 sq. ft, two strains of inbred mice, C-57 (aggressive) and A/J (docile) were tested for aggressive behaviour following food deprivation periods of 0, 24, 36, and 48 hours. The greatest amount of aggression occurred in the 24 hours deprivation group of C-57 subjects whereas the 36 hour hungry A/J animals were most aggressive. Metabolism as evidenced by activity level and extent of food deprivation is suggested as the primary determinant of aggressive behaviour when temperature and subject-density are held constant.
Delayed brain abscess related to a retained foreign body with culture of Clostridium bifermentans. Case report.

✓ Although it is well documented that retained foreign bodies are associated with delayed intracranial abscess, there are few reports of anaerobic organism growth. A case is presented in which a left parieto-occipital abscess surrounded a metallic fragment implanted when a mortar shell exploded in Vietnam 15 years before. The diagnostic evaluation and surgical management of this case are presented.
Video scallop survey in the eastern Gulf of Alaska, USA

Abstract Alaska Department of Fish and Game research personnel conducted the state’s first video stock assessment survey for weathervane scallops Patinopecten caurinus in the eastern Gulf of Alaska during May and June 2002. Six discrete beds were identified for sampling using logbook data collected through an observer program. Primary sampling equipment was a towed sled equipped with a miniature digital video camcorder that captured images of scallops on the substrate. The sled was successfully deployed at 135 randomly selected stations and over 12,000 scallops were counted from about 124,000 m 2 of the bottom surveyed. Tows were also made with a mesh-lined 2.44 m survey dredge to obtain specimens for use in establishing a statistical relationship between scallop shell height and meat weight. Approximate measurements of scallop shell height were also obtained directly from video. The survey produced an overall density estimate of 1.0 scallops per 10 m 2 , or 131.6 million scallops accounting for 1566×10 3 kg of meats. To reduce that amount of time required for video review, tapes were reviewed at regular playback speed without stopping or rewinding, and measurements were made on a subsample of the scallops captured on video. The work showed that video surveys are a viable method for fishery-independent assessment of Alaska’s scallop stocks.
Evaluating the Interventions for Struggling Adolescent Readers

Struggling adolescent readers need interventions that provide them with opportunities to read more and to read better. The authors examine two case studies of interventions at work and propose criteria on which to evaluate intervention programs. Their review of the evidence on these programs for struggling adolescent readers suggests that at least five factors must be present for the intervention to matter: 1The teacher should play a critical role in assessment and instruction. 2The intervention should reflect a comprehensive approach to reading and writing. 3Reading and writing in the intervention should be engaging. 4Interventions should be driven by useful and relevant assessments. 5Interventions should include significant opportunities for authentic reading and writing.