cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Retrospective review of confluent and reticulated papillomatosis in pediatric patients.

Background/objectives Confluent and reticulated papillomatosis is a skin condition with unclear etiology and limited understanding of risk factors, comorbidities, and treatment strategies in the pediatric population. This study aims to describe the varied presentations and outcomes of confluent and reticulated papillomatosis and report associated comorbidities in pediatric patients. Methods In this retrospective single-institution case-control study, pediatric patients with a diagnosis of confluent and reticulated papillomatosis seen between 2012 and 2020 were matched approximately 1:5 with an acne vulgaris cohort based on diagnosis, setting, and time period when seen. The primary measures were the clinical features, demographics, comorbidities, treatment, and outcomes of patients with confluent and reticulated papillomatosis. Univariate and multivariable analyses were conducted to describe the association of confluent and reticulated papillomatosis with several potential risk factors and comorbidities. Results Patients with confluent and reticulated papillomatosis typically presented in adolescence with a median age of 14 years and female predominance. In a multivariable analysis, patients with confluent and reticulated papillomatosis were significantly more likely to identify as Black, be overweight or obese, and have concurrent acanthosis nigricans compared to control patients. Most of the confluent and reticulated papillomatosis patients were treated with oral minocycline or doxycycline. Although all patients who received antibiotics responded to treatment, approximately half presented with recurrence, typically within 1-2 years of first treatment. Conclusions Confluent and reticulated papillomatosis is a disorder that presents in adolescence and appears to be more frequent in patients who are Black, obese, or overweight, and also have acanthosis nigricans. Clinicians should assess patients with confluent and reticulated papillomatosis for comorbidities, particularly those associated with insulin resistance, which may help reduce long-term disease burden.
Reverse-scaffolding algebra: empirical evaluation of design architecture

Scaffolding is the asymmetrical social co-enactment of natural or cultural practice, wherein a more able agent implements or performs for a novice elements of a challenging activity. What the novice may not learn, however, is how the expert’s co-enactments support the activity. Granted, in many cultural practices novices need not understand underlying process. But where process is content, such as mathematics, scaffolding is liable to undermine tenets of reform-oriented pedagogy. We point to tensions between traditional conceptualizations of scaffolding and discovery-based pedagogical methodology for mathematics education. Focusing on co-enactment as a critical feature of scaffolding activities, we introduce “reverse scaffolding”, wherein experts enact for novices only what they know to do rather than what they do not know to do. We demonstrate our approach by discussing a novel technological learning activity, Giant Steps for Algebra, wherein students construct models of realistic narratives. We argue for the method’s potential via reporting on findings from mixed-methods analyses of a quasi-experimental implementation with 40 students.
Factors effecting core temperature and hydration during arduous work

Wildland firefighters (WLFF) work long shifts in extreme environmental conditions. Temperature regulation and hydration status are important factors that can affect, cognitive and physical performance during extended workshifts. PURPOSE: The purpose of this investigation was to describe the effects of electrolyte additives to water on changes in body temperature, hydration status and drinking behavior during arduous wildfire suppression. METHODS: Subjects (n=16 males, n=4 females wildland firefighters from various Hot Shot and District crews) participated in a between subjects design. Subjects randomly received either water alone or water and an electrolyte additive (45 mg Magnesium, 125 mg Sodium, 390 mg Chloride, 130 mg Potassium, and
On the causality of mixed-signal and hybrid models

This paper extends the application of the Cantor metric as a mathematical tool for defining causalities from pure discrete models to mixed-signal and hybrid models. Using the Cantor metric, which maps timed signals, continuous or discrete, into a metric space, we define causality as contractive properties of processes operating on these signals. Thus, the Banach fixed point theorem can be applies to establish conditions for the existence, uniqueness, and liveness of the behaviors for mixed-signal and hybrid systems. The results also provide theoretical foundations for the simulation technologies for such systems, including the time-marching strategy, evaluation of feedback loops, and the necessity of supporting rollback.
Prodiag : a process-independent transient diagnostic system - II : validation tests.

The unique capabilities of the first-principles-based PRODIAG diagnostic system to identify unanticipated process component faults and to be ported across different processes/plants through modification of only input data files are demonstrated in two validation tests. The Braidwood Nuclear Power Plant full-scope operator training simulator is used to generate transient data for two plant systems used in the validation tests. The first test consists of a blind test performed with 39 simulated transients of 20 distinct types in the Braidwood chemical and volume control system. Of the 39 transients, 37 are correctly identified with varying precision within the first 40 s into the transient while the remaining two transients are not identified. The second validation test consists of a double-blind test performed with 14 simulated transients in the Braidwood component coolant water system. In addition to having no prior knowledge of the identity of the transients, in the double-blind test they also had no prior information regarding the identity of the component faults that the simulator was capable of modeling. All 14 transient events are correctly identified with varying precision within the first 30 s into the transient. The test results provide enough evidence to successfully confirm the unique capabilities ofmore » the plant-level PRODIAG diagnostic system.« less
Outcome expectancies and risk-taking behavior

One explanation for risk-taking behavior despite warnings about the dangers is that anticipated positive consequences outweigh possible negative outcomes. In a five-part investigation, a new questionnaire was developed to assess outcome expectancies for the potential consequences of involvement in a variety of risky activities. Conceptual and methodological limitations of previously available questionnaires were addressed and content, construct, and criterion validity were demonstrated. The new questionnaire measures respondents' beliefs about the consequences of 30 risky activities, as well as their expected and actual involvement in those activities. Consistent with a large body of alcohol expectancy research, beliefs about potential benefits were found to be more reliably associated with risk-taking than were beliefs about potential negative consequences. Implications for cognitive approaches to harm reduction are discussed.
Ternary heterostructured phosphide nanoparticles: MnP@InP

Magnetic MnP nanoparticles have been overcoated with the III–V semiconductor InP (MnP@InP nanoparticles) to create all-phosphide heterostructured nanoparticles. MnP nanoparticles are prepared by reaction of Mn2(CO)10 with P(SiMe3)3 in trioctylphosphine oxide–myristic acid at 220–250 °C for 36–48 h, and successful overcoating was achieved by injection of InCl3 and P(SiMe3)3 followed by heating at 260 °C for 30 min to 4 h. The resultant nanoparticles are spherical, with sizes on the order of 5 to 5.5 nm in diameter and narrow polydispersities (ca. 10%). InP shell thicknesses are estimated to be 0.35–0.55 nm based on the size increase upon addition of the InP precursor mixture relative to primary MnP particles. X-Ray powder diffraction patterns indicate the presence of both MnP and InP crystalline phases. Magnetic susceptibility measurements are consistent with previous data acquired on MnP nanoparticles, indicating that the overlayer does not impact the intrinsic magnetic properties; however, diffuse reflectance UV-visible spectroscopy shows that the optical band gap of InP is completely suppressed. These data are consistent with the formulation of MnP nanoparticles with a distinct InP overlayer in which the semiconducting properties are compromised by the proximity of the metallic core.
An expert system approach to load balancing in a distributed environment

Distributed computing systems composed of heterogeneous and autonomous components are continuously growing in their size, complexity and diversity. Resource utilization, such as the CPU and the communication network, vary dynamically. In addition, the quality of service requirements vary from one application to the other. These characteristics necessitate adaptive and dynamic solutions for the load balancing problem. In this research, we are investigating knowledge-based techniques for developing an expert system environment, in which heuristic knowledge and real-time decision making are used to manage such complex and dynamic systems in a decentralized fashion. >
Management of Barrett's esophagus

In Barrett's esophagus, the squamous lining of the lower esophagus is replaced by columnar epithelium. Barrett's esophagus is associated with gastroesophageal reflux and an increased risk of the development of esophageal cancer. Endoscopy shows red columnar epithelium in the lower esophagus. Biopsy is needed to confirm intestinal metaplasia. Some cases progress from dysplasia to invasive adenocarcinoma. Medical or surgical antireflux treatment controls symptoms and esophagitis, but Barrett's esophagus remains. Patients are usually followed up by endoscopy for detection of dysplasia or early cancer. For patients with low-grade dysplasia, follow-up is adequate; however, for those with high-grade dysplasia, esophagectomy or experimental endoscopic mucosal ablation is advised.
Adaptive identification of a flexible structure by lattice filters

This paper presents adaptive parameter identification results for a complex flexible structure with many closely packed natural frequencies. Least-squares lattice filters, which are recursive in both time and order, are used to estimate the number of excited modes, natural frequencies, and damping ratios from input/output data. One-step-ahead output prediction also is generated by the lattice filters. The paper compares results from several experiments on the same structure, including one experiment during which the mass of the structure changes.
Using family history to enrich recruitment in prevention trials: Does relative’s age matter?

examination (3MS) at up to three different examinations. Random effects models were used to evaluate the longitudinal relationship of NSAID and antioxidant supplement use with cognitive performance over time. All models controlled for age, sex, APOE genotype, and history of diabetes, hypertension, myocardial infarction, stroke and CABG. Results: A total of 128 participants (2.8%) reported taking an NSAID in combination with vitamin E and C supplements. These participants had similar baseline 3MS scores compared to non-users of these agents (difference in 3MS 0.08 points, p 0.89). However, they had significantly less decline in 3MS scores over time. On average, they declined less than non-users by approximately 1.00 point per every 3 years (p 0.02). Users of NSAIDs alone (p 0.83) or vitamin E and C supplements alone (p 0.98) did not have observable differences in decline as measured by the 3MS compared to non-users. Conclusions: Taking NSAIDs in combination with vitamin E and C supplements may reduce the rate of cognitive decline in the elderly. Further studies are needed to examine the synergistic beneficial effects between NSAIDs and antioxidant supplements in super-users, especially given the potential risks of taking these agents.
“How are they at home?” community, state and servicemen's wives in England, 1939-45

Abstract The wives of men in the fighting forces in the Second World War were allocated a status of dependency on the state in place of husbands and a function as potential war workers, but also bore the weight of society's fears about sexual laxity and family instability. Rhetoric and a system of financial support helped maintain fidelity and homes but also shepherded many working-class servicemen's wives into the factories. While public opinion and many men in the British Army were alarmed and outraged by stereotypes of weak-willed wives seduced by Home Front opportunities, wives' place in wartime localised urban communities is an alternative lens through which to study their Home Front experiences. Strong gendered ideologies of domestic and work structures survived intact among servicemen's wives and their communities in cities like Birmingham and Coventry, and despite the upheaval of bombing and war production, provided little basis for longer-term post-war changes in wives' statuses and roles.
Calculation of the NMR spectrum of double-bond protons in aliphatic systems

A simplified subspectral method is presented to determine coupling constants and chemical shifts for the group −CH2 −CH=CH−CH2− in aliphatic compounds. Results are given for methyl esters of oleic, elaidic, erucic, and linoleic acid. These results are in agreement with more elaborate calculations.
Trion formation in GaAs–AlGaAs quantum dots by tunneling

Abstract Based on time-resolved microscopic photoluminescence ( μ PL ) from single self-assembled GaAs/Al x Ga 1− x As quantum dots, we identify one of the emission lines as arising from positive trions (two holes and one electron) in these nominally undoped quantum dots. The trion is formed via tunneling of one electron out of the dot after optical excitation of a biexciton. The rise time of trion emission line matches the decay of the biexciton due to electron tunneling.
Improvement of Photovoltaic Response Using Triplet Excitons

We report an enhancement of photovoltaic response by dispersing phosphorescent dye fac tris (2-phenylpyridine) iridium (Ir(ppy)3) in organic solar cells of poly[2-methoxy-5-(2i¦-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene] (MEH-PPV) doped with surface-functionalized fullerene 1-(3-methyloxycarbonyl)propy(1-phenyl [6,6] C61 (PCBM). It is known that photoexcitation generates both singlet and triplet states through intersystem crossing caused by hyperfine or spin-orbital coupling. Due to long diffusion length the triplet excitons can migrate from their generation sites to the interfaces of donor-acceptor interaction and directly dissociate into charge carriers. We found, based on the studies of magnetic field-dependent photocurrent, that the dispersed Ir(ppy)3 molecules increase the spin-orbital coupling strength and triplet density in the MEH-PPV matrix due to the penetration of MEH-PPV π electrons into the large field of orbital dipoles of the Ir(ppy)3. Especially, the triplet excitons facilitate the direct dissociation into charge carriers at the donor-acceptor interacting interfaces in the composite of MEH-PPV and PCBM, and consequently improve the photovoltaic response in organic solar cells.
Rates and Patterns of Recurrence for Percutaneous Radiofrequency Ablation and Open Wedge Resection for Solitary Colorectal Liver Metastasis

The purpose of this study was to compare rates and patterns of disease progression following percutaneous, image-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and nonanatomic wedge resection for solitary colorectal liver metastases. We identified 30 patients who underwent nonanatomic wedge resection for solitary liver metastases and 22 patients who underwent percutaneous RFA because of prior major hepatectomy (50%), major medical comorbidities (41%), or relative unresectability (9%). Serial imaging studies were retrospectively reviewed for evidence of local tumor progression. Patients in the RFA group were more likely to have undergone prior liver resection, to have a disease-free interval greater than 1 year, and to have had an abnormal carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level before treatment. Two-year local tumor progression-free survival (PFS) was 88% in the Wedge group and 41% in the RFA group. Two patients in the RFA group underwent re-ablation, and two patients underwent resection to improve the 2-year local tumor disease-free survival to 55%. Approximately 30% of patients in each group presented with distant metastasis as a component of their first recurrence. Median overall survival from the time of resection was 80 months in the Wedge group vs 31 months in the RFA group. However, overall survival from the time of treatment of the colorectal primary was not significantly different between the two groups. Local tumor progression is common after percutaneous RFA. Surgical resection remains the gold standard treatment for patients who are candidates for resection. For patients who are poor candidates for resection, RFA may help to manage local disease, but close follow-up and retreatment are necessary to achieve optimal results.
Non-metallic behavior of cesium on GaAs(100)

Abstract The Cs/GaAs(110) interface provides a model system for investigations into the initial stages of metallization of a semiconductor surface. We have examined the valence states of both clean GaAs(100) and Cs/GaAs(110) by angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. For Cs exposures at room temperature, the Cs coverage does not exceed one monolayer and the resulting interface is non-metallic. The Cs coverage can be increased by cooling the substrate to ∼190 K, whereupon the second Cs layer is metallic.
Inclinations of the uranian rings

It is theoretically shown that at least seven of the nine rings of Uranus have orbits inclined to the equatorial plane of the planet. To the existing model of the Uranian rings, free parameters for the inclination of the rings and for the angle between the line of nodes of the ring orbit and a common reference line in the equatorial plane were added. An available set of occultation timings and expressions for the precession and nodal regression were combined, and an excellent fit was obtained.
Analytical and nonlinear perturbative simulation studies of the equilibrium and stability properties of intense charged particle beams for heavy ion fusion

Abstract This paper presents an overview of recent analytical and numerical investigations of collective processes in intense ion beams at the Plasma Physics Laboratory based on the nonlinear Vlasov–Maxwell equations. The topics covered include: (a) nonlinear stability theorem for quiescent beam propagation at high space-charge intensities; (b) development and application of Hamiltonian averaging techniques for intense beam propagation through alternating-gradient field configurations; (c) kinetic studies of the electron–ion two-stream instability which occurs when an (unwanted) component of electrons is present in the beam transport line; (d) application of the newly developed three-dimensional, multispecies, nonlinear perturbative particle simulation scheme, called the Beam Equilibrium, Stability and Transport (BEST) code, to investigate the linear and nonlinear dynamics of intense beam propagation, including the electron–ion two-stream instability; and (e) investigations of the role of collective mode excitations in the expulsion of particles from the beam core and the production of halo particles. Finally, the linear growth properties of instabilities driven by pressure anisotropy are investigated within the framework of a macroscopic warm-fluid model.
A Computer‐Aided Design Toolkit For Continuous/Discrete Systems Based On Continued Fractions

This paper presents new algorithms (1) to generate complete mathematical symbolic expressions of continued fraction expansion coefficients in the s-domain, (2) to determine their numeric values and (3) to perform continued fraction inversion in the s-domain. A software package in PASCAL and LISP to implement these algorithms is developed. In addition, a simple z-domain inversion algorithm used in the computer implementation of bilinear s-z transformation is also included in the software package. These algorithms play an important role in the analysis and synthesis of complex electrical networks and control systems. Especially, the s-domain expansion and inversion algorithms have potential applications in model simplification and system order reductions. the paper also shows that the package, as such, serves as a comprehensive computer-aided analysis and design (CAD) toolkit for both continuous and discrete systems. the software is interactive and runs on computers equipped with a PASCAL or LISP compiler. It is noted that the iterative implementation of these methods using the new continued fraction algorithms saves considerable memory space and processing time. Numerical examples and computer data are given to demonstrate the development of the new algorithms and the usefulness of the software toolkit in the CAD design of continuous and discrete systems.
Biochemical factors in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) involved in the tetany syndrome

Abstract Nitrogen in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) forage was fractionated into water‐soluble protein N (WSPN) and non‐protein N (NPN). Both WSPN and NPN can be rapidly converted to ammonia in the rumen which may increase pH of rumen fluid and decrease solubility of Mg compounds and lead to increased incidence of grass tetany. In plant samples taken after spring growth initiation, WSPN represented approximately 50% of total N and NPN represented approximately 25% of total N. Total N concentration and relative percentages of WSPN and NPN decreased with advancing plant maturity in 1974, but during 1975 the relative WSPN and NPN percentages remained relatively constant at 43 to 55% and 18 to 30% of total N, respectively. Total N, WSPN, and NPN concentrations decreased as plants matured. Total water‐soluble carbohydrates (TWSC) were determined and N/TWSC ratios were calculated in wheat forage. TWSC concentrations increased from the initial sampling date to a peak concentration and then declined during t...
Mouse Vaginal Assay For Topically Effective Chemotherapeutic Agents

A number of chemotherapeutic drugs have been subjected to intravaginal testing in mice to measure their local inhibitory activity on DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis in vaginal epithelium. The drugs have been tested at various concentrations and in different vehicles and evaluated by autoradiographic techniques. Systemic absorption of the drugs was monitored by simultaneous study of the gastrointestinal mucosa of the rectum. Methotrexate inhibited deoxyuridine incorporation into DNA in both vaginal and rectal epithelium. Several lipid-soluble analogues of methotrexate were found to have no effect on deoxyuridine incorporation. Nitrogen mustard and emetine have been shown to selectively inhibit DNA and protein synthesis, respectively, without systemic effects. This animal assay system may be useful for predicting the effectiveness of potential drugs for the topical treatment of psoriasis.
Evaluation of logistic versus linear regression models for predicting pulmonary hypertension syndrome (ascites) using cold exposure or pulmonary artery clamp models in broilers

Syndromes such as ascites (pulmonary hypertension syndrome) present difficulties both in the interpretation of associated physiological observations and in their analyses. The ability to predict which physiological variables have the greatest influence on survival or, more importantly, which individuals are most susceptible or resistant to ascites would be very useful selection tools. When addressed in this manner, ascites data become binary data sets (healthy or affected). Binary data can be problematic in that they do not meet all of the assumptions necessary for more traditional analyses such as ANOVA and linear regression. Binary data are discrete and do not have normally distributed errors, which violates a fundamental assumption of linear models. The predictive abilities of linear and logistic regression were evaluated in two replicated experiments using two methods to induce ascites, cold exposure (COLD) and surgical clamping of one pulmonary artery (PAC). The logistic and linear predictive models were derived using the same data and variables. The first data set from PAC and COLD were used to develop the predictive models and the replicate data sets of PAC and COLD were used as "test data sets" for the prediction of ascites. The linear models developed were complex, using four or five variables and requiring up to seven different measurements. On average, the linear models predicted ascites correctly 87.6% of the time. The logistic models were simple (single variable) models that predicted ascites correctly 92.0% of the time. The variables used in the logistic models were derivations of the ratio of right ventricular weight to total ventricular weight, either corrected for age or the body weight of the bird. Although linear regression predicted the incidence of ascites almost as well as logistic regression did, logistic regression is the more appropriate test statistic to use.
The effect of abrupt changes in sodium chloride concentration upon the viability of gram-negative bacteria at 2 and 40 °C

Abstract “Osmotic” shock between 0.14 m and 4.5 m NaCl is highly temperature dependent for postlog populations of E. coli, A. aerogenes, and P. aeruginosa, suggesting that killing is not due solely to simple physical osmotic action. Thermal shock in postlog E. coli and A. aerogenes does not occur, although in P. aeruginosa populations when temperature fluctuations are repetitious appreciable loss of viability does occur. Thermal shock concomitant with osmotic shock, on the other hand, is lethal to postlog populations of all 3 species. Thus, during freezing-thawing concentrated solute is a prime candidate for causing death in postlog E. coli, A. aerogenes, and P. aeruginosa populations.
Antiviral therapy in the liver transplant candidate and recipient

Antiviral therapy for patients with chronic hepatitis C who have cirrhosis, especially with decompensated disease, or have undergone liver transplantation, is evolving. Response to antiviral therapy declines with increasing severity of liver disease, genotype 1 infection, and dose reductions in antiviral therapy. Results in 79 patients indicate that 23% of post-transplant recurrence of hepatitis C may be prevented by pretransplant antiviral therapy. Rates of sustained virologic response with interferon or pegylated interferon plus ribavirin when used after transplantation range from 7% to 56%. Carefully controlled trials are needed to expand on these observations.
New Precedence Theorems for One-Machine Weighted Tardiness

In an earlier paper by Emmons [Emmons, H. 1969. One-machine sequencing to minimize certain functions of job tardiness. Oper. Res.17 701--715], the problem of sequencing jobs on a single machine in order to minimize total tardiness was analyzed. Emmons provided three theorems for specifying precedence relations for pairs of jobs. His theorems apply when the tardiness penalty for each job grows at the same rate. Rinnooy Kan et al. [Rinnooy Kan, A. H. G., B. J. Lageweg, J. K. Lenstra. 1975. Minimizing total costs in one-machine scheduling. Oper. Res.23 908--927] later extended Emmons's theorems to the case when job tardiness penalties can grow at different rates for different jobs. Provided here is a set of theorems, stronger than those of Rinnooy Kan et al., that more fully exploits the special properties of the weighted tardiness function, allowing for greater reduction of the solution space.
Climate information use among southeast US water managers: beyond barriers and toward opportunities

Despite nearly 20 years of work on understanding the climate information needs of stakeholders and simultaneous development of decision support tools, a relatively low level of awareness of specific climate information products exists among many water managers in the southeastern United States. This paper presents results from an assessment of key water management decisions, awareness of, perception of, use of, and barriers and opportunities for using climate information among water managers in Alabama, Florida, and Georgia. Through an online survey, we collected data from 141 water managers across the region. Our findings reveal that water managers surveyed, for the most part, are unaware of most sources of seasonal climate forecasts as well as specific sources of long-term climate change information. From our analysis, we found that the use of seasonal climate forecast products remains mostly in the realm of water managers with high levels of expertise and training generally employed at large water management agencies. In addition to limited awareness, some reasons for nonuse are lack of understanding of forecasts and limitations in temporal and spatial scales of available climate information. We conclude with recommendations on how our findings can be used to align goals of climate science research by ensuring that it is relevant to decision-makers’ needs and decisions and by identifying opportunities for improvements in forecast dissemination and climate risk management. For example, the need for more interactions among scientists and decision-makers, and the identification of opportunities within the decision-making frameworks where climate information can be input are manifest throughout the study.
Immune-Mediated Subepithelial Blistering Diseases of the Mucous Membranes: Improving the Detection of Circulating Autoantibodies by the Use of Concentrated Serum Samples

Background and Design: Comparison of detection of circulating autoantibodies before and after concentration of serum samples from patients with suspected immunemediated subepithelial blistering diseases of the mucous membranes. We determine whether the use of concentrated serum samples from patients with suspected immune-mediated subepithelial blistering diseases of the mucous membranes improves diagnostic sensitivity for circulating antibodies. We studied 13 patients from a university-based referral practice who had no skin lesions and a scarring subepithelial blistering disease of the mucous membranes. Three of these patients had detectable circulating autoantibodies and 10 had negative indirect immunofluorescence study results using standard techniques. The main outcome measures after concentration of serum samples were detection of circulating autoantibodies on salt-split skin by indirect immunofluorescence, immunoblotting, and immunoprecipitation. Results: Of the 10 patients in whom circulating autoantibodies had not been detectable with standard techniques, circulating IgG antibodies were detected in 5 (50%) and circulating IgA antibodies in 3 (30%). Of the 3 patients in whom circulating autoantibodies had been detectable with standard techniques, 1 (33%) had circulating IgA antibodies that immunoblotted the 97-kd linear IgA bullous disease antigen only when concentrated serum samples were used. Conclusions: The use of concentrated serum samples can improve our ability to detect the presence and antigenic specificity of circulating autoantibodies in patients with suspected but unclassifiable immunemediated subepithelial blistering diseases of the mucous membranes. Arch Dermatol. 1996;132:1194-1198
How alcohol-related crashes of different severity interrelate and respond to local spatial characteristics:An evaluation of a common site sales ban on alcohol and gasoline

Highway safety is an important issue in both urban and rural areas. Based upon a unique panel of incorporated cities over a 96-month period from January 1982 to December 1989, this paper evaluates the effects of the State of California’s ban on common site sales of gasoline and alcohol to curb drunk driving. Geographic information systems (GIS) contribute spatial variables to an analysis of the impact of the ban on several categories of alcohol related crashes: fatalities, serious injuries, and property damage. By considering the types of alcohol-related crashes for the five-county Los Angeles area as interrelated, a seemingly unrelated regression (SUR) model locates more precise impacts. Overall the ban appears to reduce fatalities, serious injuries, and property damage crashes; but in relatively less population dense cities, the ban increases property damage and may increase more serious crashes in some urban neighborhoods. This suggests that the ban discourages highly impaired drivers but may motivate less impaired drivers to travel to an alternate alcohol purchase site. Diverse experiences in adjacent municipalities warn large regional or nation-wide evaluations of highway safety to take care when adopting large region or state ‘fixed effect’ adjusters in analyses that presume sub-region homogeneity.
Evaluation of an inpatient rheumatoid arthritis patient education program.

We evaluated an inpatient rheumatoid arthritis patient education program to determine whether patient knowledge improved and whether the improvement persisted after discharge. Patient knowledge was assessed by a multiple choice and true-false test given upon admission, after education, and 4 months following discharge. The treatment group increased their knowledge by 40% (p<.05) on the post-intervention questionnaire and retained most of this knowledge over a 4-month period. A control group of outpatients demonstrated no significant improvement in knowledge. Inpatients particularly demonstrated a marked increase in their knowledge of physical therapy recommendations. This knowledge was acquired and maintained even though the patients were involved in numerous diagnostic and therapeutic interventions that could have distracted from the educational program.
Providers' attitudes toward evidence-based practices: is it just about providers, or do practices matter, too?

Evidence-based practice (EBP) attitudes were measured in a sample of Los Angeles County mental health service providers. Three types of data were collected: provider demographic characteristics, attitudes toward EBP in general, and attitudes toward specific EBPs being implemented in the county. Providers could reliably rate characteristics of specific EBPs, and these ratings differed across interventions. Preliminary implementation data indicate that appealing features of an EBP relate to the degree to which providers use it. These findings suggest that assessing EBP-specific attitudes is feasible and may offer implementation-relevant information beyond that gained solely from providers’ general attitudes toward EBP.
Effect of glutathione on cyclic nucleotide levels in hydra attenuata

Abstract 1. 1. The concentrations of cyclic adenosine 3′:5′ monophosphate and cyclic guanosine 3′:5′ monophosphate have been measured in Hydra attenuata before and during exposure to glutathione, a natural activator of the feeding response in this animal. 2. 2. Levels of cGMP are consistently elevated in the presence of glutathione at concentrations of 2 × 10−8 M and above, while no consistent changes in cAMP levels can be measured. 3. 3. The increase in cAMP concentrations found in the presence of glutathione is also observed in the presence of an active glutathione analog and is blocked by the feeding response inhibitor, glutamate. 4. 4. The time course and concentration dependence of the effect of glutathione on cyclic nucleotide levels suggest that neither cAMP nor cGMP mediates the effects of glutathione on hydra feeding behavior.
Shopping models: a flexible architecture for information commerce

In a digital library, there are many different interaction models between customers and information providers or merchants. Subscriptions, sessions, pay-per-view, shareware, and pre-paid vouchers are different models that each have different properties. A single merchant may use several of them. Yet if a merchant wants to support multiple models, there is a substantial amount of work to implement each one. In this paper, we formalize the shopping models which represent these different modes of consumer to merchant interaction. In addition to developing the overall architecture, we define the application program interfaces (API) to interact with the models. We show how a small number of primitives can be used to construct a wide range of shopping models that a digital library can support, and provide examples of the shopping models in operation, demonstrating their flexibility.
PHASE TRANSFER CATALYSIS. PREPARATION OF ACYL ISOTHIOCYANATES

Abstract The use of phase transfer catalysis, PTC, for nucleophillic substitution reactions is well documented.1,2 Included among these reactions is the preparation of both alkyl3 and aryl4 thiocyanates. However, PTC reactions at an acyl carbon are much less common. Brandstrom5 has reported the preparation of acyl azides and Weber6 has used PTC to prepare benzoyl cyanide. Recently Illi7 has used PTC to acylate sterically crowded phenols.
CULTURAL CAUSALITY AND LAW: A TRIAL FORMULATION OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF EARLY CIVILIZATIONS

IT IS about three-quarters of a century since the early anthropologists and sociologists attempted to formulate cultural regularities in generalized or scientific terms. The specific evolutionary formulations of such writers as Morgan1 and Tylor2 and the functional or sociological formulations of Durkheim and others were largely repudiated by the 20th century anthropologists, especially by those of the so-called "Boas" school, whose field work tested and cast doubt on their validity. Today, despite an enormous and ever-increasing stock-pile of cultural data, little effort has been made to devise new formulations or even to develop a methodology for doing so, except as White and Childe have kept alive the tradition of Morgan, as Radcliffe-Brown and Redfield have continued in the spirit of Durkheim, and as Malinowski has attempted to reconcile diverse schools of anthropology through a "scientific theory of culture." Reaction to evolutionism and scientific functionalism has very nearly amounted to a denial that regularities exist; that is, to a claim that history never repeats itself. While it is theoretically admitted that cause and effect operate in cultural phenomena, it is considered somewhat rash to mention causality, let alone "law," in specific cases. Attention is centered on cultural differences, particulars, and peculiarities, and culture is often treated as if it developed quixotically, without determinable causes, or else appeared fullblown.
Stimulus control of social behaviour in male Japanese quail, Coturnix coturnix japonica

Abstract Three experiments were conducted to identify stimuli that control social proximity behaviour and suppression of crowing in male Japanese quail. Visual access to a conspecific female through a narrow window stimulated both social proximity and suppression of crowing in male quail. These responses did not occur when male conspecifics, birds of other species, or an empty cage were visible through the window. Taxidermically prepared models of female and male quail elicited differential social proximity behaviour and crowing suppression similar to the differential responses elicited by live female and male conspecifics. Thus, static visual cues of female quail were sufficient to stimulate social proximity behaviour and suppression of crowing in males. Much of the behaviour elicited by female and male models was controlled by visual cues provided by the head and neck, which contain most of the sexually dimorphic feathers. Visual features of the head and neck appeared to be additive in their effects on social behaviour.
N-Terminal Pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide (NT-proBNP) and Risk of Hypertension in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study

Background Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is released by the heart in response to ventricular and auricular wall stress. Release of BNP is traditionally considered part of the body's protective mechanism against pressure overload by inducing vasodilatation and diuresis. More recent evidence demonstrates that BNP also promotes vessel wall stress and preliminary studies suggest that chronic increased levels may increase risk of hypertension. This study aimed to evaluate the prospective association of N-terminal BNP (NT-proBNP), a cleavage product of BNP, with risk of hypertension in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities cohort study. Methods We conducted a prospective analysis of 3,798 middle-aged participants in the ARIC study without hypertension at baseline (1996-1998). Using Cox proportional hazards models, we characterized the association between NT-proBNP at baseline and newly diagnosed hypertension for a maximum of 14 years of follow-up (median = 9 years). Results We observed 2,113 new hypertension cases over the follow-up period. Higher baseline NT-proBNP was independently associated with an increased risk of hypertension. Adjusted hazard ratios for incident hypertension in the highest quartile compared to the lowest quartile of NT-proBNP at baseline was 1.24 (95% CI: 1.08-1.42). Each log-unit increase in NT-proBNP was associated with an 8% increased risk of hypertension (95% CI: 1.03-1.13). Conclusions Persons with elevated NT-proBNP, even with normal blood pressure at baseline, were at increased risk of developing hypertension. Our results suggest that elevated circulating BNP might contribute to the development of hypertension in previously normotensive individuals.
Carotid artery reactivity to isometric hand grip exercise identifies persons at risk and with coronary disease

Abstract Background: The change in brachial artery diameter (DBA d ) following release of an occluding cuff (BAO cclR ) has been used to characterize local endothelial function and coronary risk. We designed a study to determine the CA diameter (CA d ) response to exercise (IHG), whether the response is influenced by coronary risk, and compare it with the BAO cclR method. Method and Results: High resolution ultrasound was used to detect the DCA d in response to120 s of 33% of maximum and DBA d was measured 60 s following release of an occluding cuff. There was no change in CA d during IHG. At 90 s following release, CA d dilated >0.1 mm in 95% of volunteers with average risk (mean 0.42±0.25 mm or 5.97±3.5%). There was no change or constriction in 62% of high risk (0.01±0.28 mm, 0.0±3.6%), and predominantly constriction in CAD subjects (−0.22±0.23 mm, −0.01±3.2%), P =0.0001 for trend and 0.01 between groups. The %DCA d following IHG and %DBA d following OcclR were highly correlated, r =0.66, P =0.0001. The major determinant of response to each stressor was group (%DBA d R 2 =0.55 and %DCA d R 2 =0.52). Conclusions: The reactivity of the carotid artery to IHG is highly influenced by coronary risk, and may be an additional modality to characterize pre-clinical CAD and assess treatment strategies.
Point-Line Distance Under Riemannian Metrics

A point-line is the combination of a directed line and an endpoint on the line. A pair of point-line positions corresponds to a point-line displacement, which is known to be associated with a set of rigid body displacements whose screw axes are distributed on a cylindroid. Different associated rigid body displacements generally correspond to different distances under Riemannian metrics on the manifold of SE(3). A unique measure of distance between a pair of point-line positions is desirable in engineering applications. In this paper, the distance between two point-line positions is investigated based on the left-invariant Riemannian metrics on the manifold of SE(3). The displacements are elaborated from the perspective of the soma space. The set of rigid body displacements associated to the point-line displacement is mapped to a one-dimensional great circle on the unit sphere in the space of four dual dimensions, on which the point with the minimum distance to the identity is indicated. It is shown that the minimum distance is achieved when an associated rigid body displacement has no rotational component about the point-line axis. The minimum distance, which has the inherited property of independence of inertial reference frames, is referred to as the point-line distance. A numerical example shows the application of point-line distance to a point-line path generation problem in mechanism synthesis.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Interpretation of the extraction mechanism of the purex and thorex processes from kinetics data

Abstract The rate of transfer of species between phases in solvent extraction is expected to be controlled by chemical reaction kinetics, diffusion, or a combination of these steps. Transfer kinetics data for uranium(VI), thorium(IV), and zirconium(IV) indicate that the chemical reaction is the rate-controlling step for most dispersed systems. The evidence for this conclusion is: (1) the transfer rate constants for the extraction of uranium were the same for Lewis cell, single drop, and Kenics mixer tests; (2) the forward transfer rate constants increase with increasing TBP concentration (the viscosity of the organic phase also increases) in all cases; (3) the reverse transfer rate varies dramatically with changes in nitrate concentration in the aqueous phase (same phase viscosities); and (4) the difference in the activation energies of the forward and reverse reactions for uranium(VI) transfer is equal to the heat of reaction of uranium with TBP. A proposed mechanism for the solvent extraction kinetics w...
Age populations and biometrics in eelgrass, Zostera marina L.

Abstract Differences in turion and leaf size of eelgrass, Zostera marina L., were examined in 26 populations in the Limfjord, Denmark. The number of flowering turions reached a peak in late June with 24.4 % of turions being reproductive. The sheath constituted about 25 % of the total turion length. The sheath/turion ratio was independent of rurion size. Turion length and leaf width inside individual beds were highly correlated (r = 0.94). Within individual plants whose rhizomes carry 2 or more turions, turion size varies and turion length is correlated with leaf width (r = 0.96). Grouping the turions into size groups indicated the existence of age classes, and it was possible to separate 5 distinct age groups.
Some consistency conditions for dynamic traffic assignment problems

This paper explores some critical issues in modeling network traffic flow for predictive user optimal dynamic traffic assignment. They include the role of FIFO (first-in-first-out) in link, path and network traffic dynamics, minimal set representation of link traffic evolution, and consistency conditions for link models. It is found that (1) link FIFO plays a central role in modeling link, path and network traffic flow evolution, and (2) the dimension of a minimal state set that adequately describes link traffic flow under FIFO is two. Moreover, two sufficient FIFO conditions are provided, and pitfalls in using these conditions to enforce FIFO are pointed out. Finally, ramifications of these findings to DTA modeling are also discussed.
Experimental study of the head/medium magneto dynamics in perpendicular recording

A study has been conducted on the characteristics of the reversal dynamics for a perpendicular recording system consisting of a pole head, a recording layer, and a soft under layer (SUL) using time-resolved Kerr microscopy. It was found that the local step response as well as the 2-D magnetization distribution of the SUL in the pole area during reversal depend on the initial magnetization state of the recording layer. This phenomenon can cause pattern-dependent nonlinear timing shifts of the write process. The precessional frequency of the SUL response also differs for the two initial states. In the 2-D time-slices of the magnetization reversal we find evidence for the generation of spin wave modes which can limit the achievable data rate.