cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Continuous Axillary Block for Postoperative Pain Management

The current study was conducted to establish a reliable method for the placement of a long (>5 cm) catheter in the axillary neurovascular sheath, and to assess the effect of proximal catheter position on postoperative pain management by continuous bupivacaine infusion. In 20 patients scheduled for upper extremity surgery, a Portex® epidural catheter was advanced a mean distance of 12 cm in the axillary neurovascular sheath and its correct position verified by onset of upper extremity anesthesia and x-ray examination. After operation a continuous infusion of bupivacaine 0.125% was initiated through this catheter. Excellent pain relief (score of 0-1 as evaluated on a visual analogue scale of 0 to 10), and sympathetic blockade was achieved in all patients with an average rate of bupivacaine administration of 7 ml/hr. Additionally administered systemic narcotics were in a mean range of 3-10 mg of morphine/day. Catheters remained in place for an average of 3.7 days. Catheter tips cultured on removal of the catheter (n = 11) yielded negative cultures in eight cases (placement 3.6 ± 0.6 days), and positive cultures in three cases (placement 8.6 ± 2.2 days, mean ± SE). No signs of local or systemic infection were noted in any patient and no specific antibiotic therapy was initiated. This technique is recommended for postoperative analgesia in selected patients. In this study there was a low risk of catheter displacement and no evidence of local anesthetic toxicity. Limiting the duration of continuous axillary catheter infusion to 4 days may minimize the risk of infection.
Flame Propagation Through Swirling Eddys, A Recursive Pattern

Computed flame motion through and between swirling eddys exhibits a maximum advancement rate which is related to the time duration of flame motion between eddys. This eddy spatial structure effect upon the apparent turbulent flame speed appears to be similar to the square-root dependence observed in wrinkled flamelet data. The rate-limiting behavior at one eddy length-scale can be removed by inclusion of smaller eddys which reside between the larger eddys. This large-eddy, small-eddy concept yields a recursion relation and repeated functional iteration can be done to approximate a desired flame speed relation. As an example, an iteration to produce $S_T \ln S_T = u'$ is given for the range of $u'$ observed in liquid flames. Currently, the iteration process is a post-diction of flame speed, but if a universality can be developed, then a predictive theory of turbulent flame propagation might be achieved.
A Scholar’s Reflection on Intimate Partner Violence in the Cape Verdean Community:

The #MeToo and Time's Up movements have sparked a significant cultural shift in the United States around sexual harassment and abuse by creating an environment of support, rather than one that punishes and silences women and men who come forward to tell their stories about abuse of all kinds. The Cape Verdean community faces a variety of complex challenges and barriers in addressing intimate partner violence. This article chronicles my experiences reporting the study findings from the Cape Verdean Women's Project (CVWP), which included Cape Verdean women's perceptions of intimate violence and their recommendations for social change.
Systemic biomarkers of inflammation, oxidative stress and tissue injury and repair among waterpipe, cigarette and dual tobacco smokers.

Background Waterpipe tobacco (WPT) smoking is associated with deleterious effects on cardio-pulmonary systems which may have adverse repercussions in pathophysiology and progression of chronic lung and cardiovascular diseases. We compared the biomarkers of systemic inflammation, lipid mediators, injury/repair and oxidative stress between groups of non-smokers (NS), exclusive WPT smokers (WPS), exclusive cigarette smokers (CS) and dual WPS and CS (DS). Methods Two cohorts were recruited. Cohort I consisted of WPS (n=12), CS (n=26), DS (n=10) and NS (n=25). Cohort II consisted of WPS (n=33) and NS (n=24). Plasma and urine samples were collected and analysed for various systemic biomarkers. Results Compared with NS, plasma levels of inflammatory mediators (interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL1β and tumor necrosis factor-α) were significantly higher in WPS and CS, and were further augmented in DS. Endothelial biomarkers (intracellular adhesion molecule-1, prostaglandin E-2 and metalloproteinase-9) were significantly higher in CS. Most notably, pro-resolving lipid mediator (resolvin E1) and biomarkers of immunity, tissue injury, and repair were significantly lower in WPS and CS. Urinary levels of 8-isoprostane were significantly higher in all smoking groups in cohort I, while 8-isoprostane, myeloperoxidase, receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), En-RAGE and matrix metalloproteinase-9 were significantly higher in all smoking groups in cohort II. Conclusions Biomarkers of inflammation, oxidative stress, immunity, tissue injury and repair were elevated in WPS and CS groups. Furthermore, concurrent use of WPT and cigarettes is more harmful than cigarette or WPT smoking alone. These data may help inform the public and policy-makers about the dangers of WPT smoking and dual use of tobacco products.
Variation in perceptions of sexual identity: partisanship and personal exposure

Public opinion research on attitudes toward LGB people and policies often implicitly assumes that the public conceptualizes lesbian, gay, or bisexual identity in similar ways. This study empiricall...
The Impact of the 2018 Tariffs on Prices and Welfare

We examine conventional approaches to evaluating the economic impact of protectionist trade policies. We illustrate these conventional approaches by applying them to the tariffs introduced by the Trump administration during 2018. In the wake of this increase in trade protection, the United States experienced substantial increases in the prices of intermediates and final goods, dramatic changes to its supply-chain network, reductions in availability of imported varieties, and the complete pass-through of the tariffs into domestic prices of imported goods. Therefore, the full incidence of the tariffs has fallen on domestic consumers and importers so far, and our estimates imply a reduction in aggregate US real income of $1.4 billion per month by the end of 2018. We see similar patterns for foreign countries that have retaliated with their own tariffs against the United States, which suggests that the trade war has also reduced the real income of these other countries.
Effect of the Bioherbicide Pseudomonas fluorescens D7 on Downy Brome (Bromus tectorum)

Downy brome (Bromus tectorum) is one of the most problematic invasive plant species in the United States. Downy brome invasions are associated with reductions in diversity and an increase in fire intensity. Bioherbicides that are reported to effectively control downy brome have been developed. Pseudomonas fluorescens strain D7 is one such bioherbicide that is of significant interest to land managers in Wyoming. A spatially replicated field trial was performed to identify what effect D7 has on downy brome in Wyoming. The field trial showed no response of any downy brome fitness metrics to D7; only commonly used synthetic herbicides were able to reduce downy brome cover. This work suggested D7 may not be a viable product for downy brome control, or more information may be needed about the field conditions required for a positive result when using D7.
Online Pricing in Urology: The Example of Male Fertility Care

AbstractIntroduction:Health care prices in the United States are often opaque to providers and patients while prices of nonhealth care services are displayed prominently across the Internet. Postin...
Abstract MP62: Healthful Dietary Patterns in Pregnancy are Related to Lower Risks of Common Pregnancy Complications in a Longitudinal Cohort

Introduction: Healthful dietary patterns such as alternate healthy eating index (aHEI), alternate Mediterranean diet (aMED), and dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) have been recommended...
Scheduling Electric Vehicles to Chargers through Iterative Double Auction Mechanism

Consider a decentralized electric vehicle (EV) charging scheduling problem where the chargers and vehicles are modeled as utility maximizing agents. To schedule chargers to vehicles in a day-ahead market, we propose a double auction mechanism, where chargers report their time availabilities and charging costs and vehicles report their preferences on different chargers. This auction is conducted in an iterative manner which enables the computation of effective schedules through multilateral negotiation between agents. We evaluate the efficiency performance of the mechanism through a computational study. The result generated from the iterative double auction mechanism is on average 35% better than the first come first serve (FCFS) allocation policy.
A cross-sectional analysis of self-reported scholarly publications among United States pharmacy practice faculty.

Abstract Introduction The objectives of this study were to provide an estimate of self-reported peer-reviewed publications and evaluate characteristics associated with publication rates among pharmacy practice faculty within United States (US)-based colleges and schools of pharmacy. Methods An online survey instrument was distributed to pharmacy practice faculty via email listserv. Information regarding faculty members' publication histories, faculty position, institutional characteristics, and faculty demographic characteristics was gathered. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize participants, and t-tests and analysis of variance were used for comparisons among groups. Results Two hundred and nine pharmacy practice faculty were included. The majority were female (67%), white (81%), and from public institutions (66%). Academic ranks were well-represented. Reporting higher percent time spent in research, employment at public institutions, and having earned a doctor of philosophy (PhD) degree were all significantly associated with higher total number of publications and a higher annualized publication rate. Tenure track faculty who were not yet tenured had higher annual publication rates than faculty who were tenured or in non-tenure track positions. The overall annual publication rate was 2.0 ± 2.1 publications per year. Conclusions Characteristics such as being in a tenure track position, holding a PhD, spending more time in research, and employment within a public institution were all associated with a higher publication rate. These self-reported data from pharmacy practice faculty also indicate an increase in the average number of scholarly publications per year from previously reported estimates.
Protect or perish: Quantitative analysis of state-level species protection supports preservation of the Endangered Species Act

To combat biodiversity loss in the United States, imperiled species are protected under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA), which is currently threatened by political initiatives seeking to weaken it and potentially transfer substantial authority to the states. To assess the conservation capacity of current state laws, we conducted a quantitative analysis of imperiled species protection within all 50 states by compiling data on all state‐listed species, ESA‐listed species, and IUCN Red List species in each state. We found that currently 16% of ESA‐listed species and 52% of IUCN imperiled species are not protected by any state law, and if the ESA were repealed these numbers could increase to 73% of ESA‐listed species and 81% of IUCN imperiled species unprotected. Although protection varies widely among states, our results suggest that revoking the ESA would be highly detrimental to imperiled species conservation and recovery in the United States.
The Interactive Effects of Scientific Knowledge and Gender on COVID-19 Social Distancing Compliance

Objective In this research note, we examine the role scientific knowledge and gender plays in citizen responses to governmental social distancing recommendations Methods Using two waves of the American Trends Panel Survey and a measure of latent scientific knowledge, we test whether scientific knowledge is associated with comfort in participating in social activities during the COVID-19 pandemic within both the full U S population and the two major political parties Results In both the general population and within the Democratic Party, we find that women are generally more likely to use their scientific knowledge to inform their level of comfort with social activities during the COVID-19 pandemic Conclusion These findings shed light on how knowledge and gender intersect to drive compliance with government recommendations and policies during a public health crisis in a deeply partisan America
A New Perspective on the Brittle–Ductile Transition of Rocks

Brittleness is an important property of rocks in the context of engineering applications, as it often determines how severe the practical consequences of rock yield will be. Many authors have proposed various brittleness indices intended to allow for relative categorization of brittleness, but many are relatively simplified and/or only applicable for certain categories of rock. This study provides a new perspective on rock brittleness through study of the confining stress at the brittle–ductile transition. Based on previous findings regarding the brittle–ductile transition, an equation to predict this confining stress is derived, and three key material properties associated with material brittleness are identified. Considering these properties, existing assumptions regarding material brittleness as applied in the rock mechanics literature are identified and discussed. A preliminary analysis of data from the literature regarding the influences of fluid saturation and true triaxial loading conditions is presented.
Laser Fusion Chamber Design

A laser fusion chamber must absorb the energy emitted by the target in such a way that the plant can achieve a commercially viable power conversion efficiency. This must be accomplished with a design that can reliably withstand on the order of a billion shots. For a dry chamber wall, the key lifetime issues are thermomechanical effects resulting from the rapid heating, ion effects, such as blistering and sputtering, and radiation effects. These issues define the chamber size by providing flux limits for the various threats. In cases where a dry, unprotected wall cannot provide an adequate lifetime, measures must be taken to reduce the threat to the wall. Previously proposed approaches include filling the chamber with sufficient gas to stop the majority of the ions before they reach the wall or redirection of the ions by a cusp field. Other design tradeoffs that must be addressed include the need to reduce heating of the target during injection and the need for adequate clearing of the chamber between shots. In this paper we provide a review of the chamber design approaches required for commercially viable laser fusion power plants, the issues driving those designs, and some system-level analyses that provide insight into the implications of these design issues for the overall economics of a commercial plant.
Sodium Trends in Selected U.S. Total Diet Study Foods, 2003-2011

Abstract Objective Characterize trends in sodium concentrations in the general categories of foods analyzed in the U.S. FDA Total Diet Study (TDS) program from 2003 through 2011. Methods: Trends were assessed for sodium concentrations in a small convenience sample of TDS foods from 2003 to 2011 using simple linear regression with the SAS regression procedure, focusing on sodium concentrations in foods in USDA's sentinel food categories. Results: Levels of sodium in various TDS foods varied over time. Overall, 75 TDS foods did not have statistically significant linear changes in sodium content during that time, and 23 TDS foods did. Certain sentinel foods such as ramen-style noodles showed gradually increasing sodium content from 2003 through 2011. Significance: Over three quarters of foods show no statistically significant linear changes over time. Although a number of selected foods had a statistically significant decline, a limitation to this study is that specific brands of TDS foods were not necessarily the same for each period. The results suggest that some sodium reduction has been occurring in some foods and supports the idea that commercially viable reductions are possible. Such reductions in the sodium content of foods could have large public health implications—rates of hypertension and related health consequences would likely decline—thus saving thousands of lives and billions of dollars each year.
Tracking rotation and translation of laser microsurgical instruments

An accurate optical sensing system has been developed to measure the position and orientation of a laser beam in two dimensions. The system is useful for evaluation of the accuracy of hand-held laser microsurgical instruments. The apparatus uses a lens and a beam-splitter to receive the incoming laser beam. Two position sensitive detectors placed at different distances from the beam splitter make it possible to rapidly and accurately calculate the position and orientation of the axis of the laser.
Improving the Yield of Rural Education Research: An Editor's Swan Song.

In my 15th and final year as JRRE editor, I identify methodological and substantive shortcomings in the rural education re-search literature and, in turn, suggest strategies for improvement. I structure my observations around the following considera-tions: describing the rural context of research, making the rural argument, framing the research question, drawing on other disciplines, synthesizing the extant research, and distinguishing between (a) exploring empirical questions and (b) adducing data to support personal convictions.
Variation between Alamo and Cave-in-Rock switchgrass in response to photoperiod extension.

The length of the growing period for switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) can vary considerably across environments. For many species, phenotypic plasticity for length of the vegetative phase results from a photoperiod mediated transition from vegetative to reproductive development. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of photoperiod on tiller development on a northern (Cave-in-Rock) and southern (Alamo) switchgrass cultivar. Plants were removed from the field and grown in greenhouses during winter at natural (11.5-13 h) and extended (16 h; 12 h natural + 4 h light extension) photoperiods. Photoperiod extension was with 100 μmol m -2 s -1 of photosynthetic photon flux density. For Cave-in-Rock at a 16-h photoperiod, panicle emergence was delayed by 18 d (39% longer than at the 12-h photoperiod) and the duration of panicle exsertion was extended by 17 d (243% longer than at the 12-h photoperiod). The delay in panicle emergence for Cave-in-Rock was assodated with an increase in the phyllochron, whereas the total number of leaves on a tiller was not affected. Extended photoperiod did not alter time to panicle emergence in Alamo; however, the duration of panicle exsertion was extended by 15 d (136%). A delay in development under long photoperiods in both cultivars suggested a facultative short-day response; however, photoperiod did not appear to affect the initiation of reproductive development but rather extended the period of panicle exsertion. Photoperiod has a large effect on growth and development of switchgrass cultivars affecting their forage or biomass production value. Forage production of switchgrass in short-day environments may be improved with cultivars that are less photoperiod sensitive.
Online data summaries for semantic mapping and anomaly detection with autonomous underwater vehicles

Autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) operations are inherently bandwidth limited but increasingly data intensive. This leads to large latencies between the capture of image data and the time at which operators are able to make informed decisions using the results of a survey. As AUV endurance and reliability continue to improve, there is a greater need for realtime on-board data processing capabilities. In this paper, we apply online data summary techniques to optical and acoustical imagery collected by AUVs, then show how they can be used to both create low-bandwidth semantic maps and to detect anomalies on the seafloor.
Histiocytoid Sweet's Syndrome: A localized cutaneous proliferation of macrophages frequently associated with chronic myeloproliferative disease

Histiocytoid Sweet's syndrome was first described by Requena and co-workers in 2005 to report a distinctive variant of Sweet's syndrome which had very specific morphologic and phenotypic features [1]. The hallmark of this unusual subset of Sweet's syndrome is a dermal and/or subcutaneous infiltrate of histiocytoid appearing mononuclear cells, with a characteristic eccentrically disposed C-shaped nucleus exhibiting myeloperoxidase (MPO) positivity.There have been a number of subsequent reports describing [...]
Overcoming the challenges to feedback-directed optimization

Feedback-directed optimization (FDO) is a general term used to describe any technique that alters a program 's execution based on tendencies observed in its present or past runs. This paper reviews the current state of affairs in FDO and discusses the challenges inhibiting further acceptance of these techniques. It also argues that current trends in hardware and software technology have resulted in an execution environment where immutable executables and traditional static optimizations are no longer sufficient. It explains how we can improve the effectiveness of our optimizers by increasing our understanding of program behavior, and it provides examples of temporal behavior that we can (or could in the future) exploit during optimization.
SKF83959 selectively regulates phosphatidylinositol-linked D1 dopamine receptors in rat brain.

Previously a distinct D1-like dopamine receptor (DAR) that selectively couples to phospholipase C/phosphatidylinositol (PLC/PI) was proposed. However, lack of a selective agonist has limited efforts aimed at characterizing this receptor. We characterized the in vitro and in vivo effects of SKF83959 in regulating PI metabolism. SKF83959 stimulates (EC50, 8 µm) phosphatidylinositol 4,5-biphosphate hydrolysis in membranes of frontal cortex (FC) but not in membranes from PC12 cells expressing classical D1A DARs. Stimulation of FC PI metabolism was attenuated by the D1 antagonist, SCH23390, indicating that SKF83959 activates a D1-like DAR. The PI-linked DAR is located in hippocampus, cerebellum, striatum and FC. Most significantly, administration of SKF83959 induced accumulations of IP3 in striatum and hippocampus. In contrast to other D1 DAR agonists, SKF83959 did not increase cAMP production in brain or in D1A DAR-expressing PC12 cell membranes. However, SKF83959 inhibited cAMP elevation elicited by the D1A DAR agonist, SKF81297, indicating that the compound is an antagonist of the classical D1A DAR. Lastly, we demonstrated that SKF83959 enhances [35S]guanosine 5′-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) binding to membrane Gαq and Gαi proteins, suggesting that PI stimulation is mediated by activation of these guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory proteins. Results indicate that SKF83959 is a selective agonist for the PI-linked D1-like DAR, providing a unique tool for investigating the functions of this brain D1 DAR subtype.
Management Of Optical Developments Programs

The following topics are covered: • R&D relevance to company objectives • R&D to solve operational needs - -Selecting technology directions --Evaluating alternatives - - Planning --Resolution of issues • Company inter-group relationships --Positive and negative factors - -Motivation • Handling change© (1979) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Characterization and regulation of the NADP-linked 7 alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase gene from Clostridium sordellii.

Abstract A bile acid-inducible NADP-linked 7 alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (7 alpha-HSDH) from Clostridium sordellii ATCC 9714 was purified 310-fold by ion-exchange, gel filtration, and dye-ligand affinity chromatography. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis of the purified enzyme showed one predominant peptide band (30,000 Da). The N-terminal sequence was determined, and the corresponding oligonucleotides were synthesized and used to screen EcoRI and HindIII genomic digests of C. sordellii. Two separate fragments (4,500 bp, EcoRI; 3,200 bp, HindIII) were subsequently cloned by ligation to pUC19 and transformation into Escherichia coli DH5 alpha-MCR. The EcoRI fragment was shown to contain a truncated 7 alpha-HSDH gene, while the HindIII fragment contained the entire coding region. E. coli clones containing the HindIII insert expressed high levels of an NADP-linked 7 alpha-HSDH. Nucleotide sequence analyses suggest that the 7 alpha-HSDH is encoded by a monocistronic transcriptional unit, with DNA sequence elements resembling rho-independent terminators located in both the upstream and downstream flanking regions. The transcriptional start site was located by primer extension analysis. Northern (RNA) blot analysis indicated that induction is mediated at the transcriptional level in response to the presence of bile acid in the growth medium. In addition, growth-phase-dependent expression is observed in uninduced cultures. Analysis of the predicted protein sequence indicates that the enzyme can be classified in the short-chain dehydrogenase group.
Distribution of incompressible flow within interdigitated channels and porous electrodes

Abstract This paper develops a general model with which to evaluate flow uniformity and pressure drop within interdigitated-channel structures, especially in the context of redox flow batteries. The governing equations are cast in dimensionless variables, leading to a set of characteristic dimensionless parameter groups. The systems of governing equations are solved computationally, with the results presented graphically. Because the results are general, the underlying model itself is not needed to apply the quantitative design guidelines. However, the paper presents and discusses all the information required to recreate the model as needed.
Scale economies and existence of sustainable monopoly prices

Abstract The size of the firm relative to market demand is crucial to a determination of whether there exist sustainable monopoly prices. In the one product case the size of the firm is its minimum efficient scale. In the multiproduct case size is defined by a set of outputs at which cost complementarities are present. The analysis shows that when the size of the firm is sufficiently large, there exist anonymously equitable Aumann-Shapley prices. Further, at these prices natural monopoly is sustainable against rival entry. The Aumann-Shapley price are also shown to be quantity sustainable in the sense of Brock and Scheinkman.
Kriging, cokriging, radial basis functions and the role of positive definiteness

Abstract There are at least three developments for interpolators that lead to the same functional form for the interpolator; the thin plate spline, radial basis functions and the regression method known as kriging. The key to the interrelationship lies in the positive definiteness of the kernel function. Micchelli has known that a weak form of positive definiteness is sufficient to ensure a unique solution to the system of equations determining the coefficients in the interpolator. Both the positive definiteness and the interpolator can be extended to vector valued functions via the kriging approach which is also independent of the dimension of the underlying space. The kriging approach leads naturally to various methods for simulation as well.
Prostate-specific antigen test in diagnostic evaluation of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome

Abstract Objectives To determine whether prostate-specific antigen (PSA), the percent free PSA, or free PSA isoforms may be used as diagnostic markers for chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS; National Institutes of Health category IIIa and IIIb). Methods We evaluated 421 patients enrolled in the Chronic Prostatitis Cohort Study and 112 age-matched controls. Subjects were stratified by the number of white blood cells (WBCs) in their expressed prostatic secretions and pain as determined by the National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index. Results Total PSA, free PSA, and [−2]proPSA ([−2]pPSA) were significantly elevated in those with CP/CPPS compared with controls (mean PSA 1.97 ng/mL versus 1.72 ng/mL, P = 0.03; mean free PSA 0.76 ng/mL versus 0.70 ng/mL, P = 0.01; and [−2]pPSA 2.38 ng/mL versus 1.80 ng/mL, P = 0.04). The percent free PSA was not significantly different between the patients and controls. For those with CP/CPPS, the percent free PSA was significantly lower as the WBC count rose in the expressed prostatic secretions (0 WBCs = 43.29 versus more than 25 WBCs = 26.52; P Conclusions Men with elevated PSA values and CP/CPPS should be treated as one would any other patient screened for prostate cancer with an elevated PSA level. Although PSA, free PSA, and [−2]pPSA were slightly elevated in men with CP/CPPS, the low sensitivity and specificity do not warrant using them as biomarkers for CP/CPPS.
An empirical study of profiling strategies for released software and their impact on testing activities

An understanding of how software is employed in the field can yield many opportunities for quality improvements. Profiling released software can provide such an understanding. However, profiling released software is diffcult due to the potentially large number of deployed sites that must be profiled, the extreme transparency expectations, and the remote data collection and deployment management process. Researchers have recently proposed various approaches to tap into the opportunities and overcome those challenges. Initial studies have illustrated the application of these approaches and have shown their feasibility. Still, the promising proposed approaches, and the tradeoffs between overhead, accuracy, and potential benefits for the testing activity have been barely quantified. This paper aims to over-come those limitations. Our analysis of 1200 user sessions on a 155 KLOC system substantiates the ability of field data to support test suite improvements, quantifies different approaches previously introduced in isolation, and assesses the efficiency of profiling techniques for released software and the effectiveness of their associated testing efforts.
Integrated Disinfection By-Products Research: Salmonella Mutagenicity of Water Concentrates Disinfected by Chlorination and Ozonation/Postchlorination

Although chemical disinfection of drinking water is a highly protective public health practice, the disinfection process is known to produce toxic contaminants. Epidemiological studies associate chlorinated drinking water with quantitatively increased risks of rectal, kidney, and bladder cancer. One study found a significant exposure-response association between water mutagenicity and relative risk for bladder and kidney cancer. A number of studies found that several types of disinfection processes increase the level of mutagens detected by the Salmonella assay. As part of a comprehensive study to examine chlorinated and ozonated/postchlorinated drinking water for toxicological contaminants, the Salmonella mutagenicity assay was used to screen both volatile and nonvolatile organic components. The assay also compared the use of reverse osmosis and XAD resin procedures for concentrating the nonvolatile components. Companion papers provide the results from other toxicological assays and chemical analysis of the drinking water samples. The volatile components of the ozonated/postchlorinated and chlorinated water samples and a trihalomethane mixture were mutagenic to a Salmonella tester strain transfected with a rat theta-class glutathione S-transferase and predominantly nonmutagenic in the control strain. In this study, the nonvolatile XAD concentrate of the untreated water possessed a low level of mutagenic activity. However, compared to the levels of mutagenicity in the finished water XAD concentrates, the contribution from the settled source water was minimal. The mutagenicity seen in the reverse osmosis concentrates was < 50% of that seen in the XAD concentrates. Overall, mutagenic responses were similar to those observed in other North American studies and provide evidence that the pilot plant produced disinfection by-products similar to that seen in other studies.
CARBONIC ANHYDRASE IN THE MARINE DIATOM THALASSIOSIRA WEISSFLOGII (BACILLARIOPHYCEAE)1

The zinc metalloenzyme carbonic anhydrase plays a critical role in inorganic carbon acquisition in marine diatoms, thus conferring on zinc a key role in oceanic carbon cycling. As a first step in determining the location and function of carbonic anhydrase (CA) in Bacillariophyceae, we purified and partially sequenced CA from T. weissflogii (Gru) Fryxell et Hasle (TWCA1) and cloned the corresponding cDNA (twca1). The twca1 sequence is different from other known algal carbonic anhydrase genes, and encodes a protein of roughly 34 kDa. The amino terminal amino acids sequenced from purified TWCA1 are 72 residues downstream of the putative starting methionine predicted by twca1. This difference may be due to the presence of a short-lived signal sequence designed to guide the enzyme to the correct cellular location. The absence of any homology between TWCA1 and previously sequenced CAs from Chlorophyceae may indicate either convergent evolution or that carbon acquisition represents a fundamental physiological difference among algal phyla.
Acute and delayed nausea and emesis control in pediatric oncology patients

BACKGROUND To the authors' knowledge there is little information available regarding the effectiveness of standard antiemetic therapy among cancer patients who receive emetogenic chemotherapy in clinical practice, especially in the pediatric population. The current study was undertaken to determine the effectiveness of standard antiemetic interventions among children receiving emetogenic chemotherapy. METHODS The authors conducted a retrospective review of antiemetic surveys for children who received emetogenic chemotherapy. Patients and/or their parents were surveyed for acute and delayed nausea and emesis after each course of emetogenic chemotherapy. The survey consisted of validated measures of the severity of nausea and emesis. Complete protection (CP) rates were calculated for each chemotherapy regimen during both the acute and delayed phases and also by gender and age group (ages birth–3 yrs, 4–11 yrs, and 12–20 yrs). Antiemetic therapy consisted of intravenous ondansetron administered once daily during chemotherapy either alone (for moderately emetogenic chemotherapy) or in combination with dexamethasone (for severely emetogenic chemotherapy). RESULTS In total, 224 different patients completed 1256 surveys. CP from both acute and delayed nausea and emesis was more likely in the children ages birth–3 years than in older children. For moderately emetogenic regimens, nausea and emesis in the acute and delayed phases were controlled well. Among severely emetogenic chemotherapy regimens, 7 of 12 different regimen types had CP rates < 50% in either the acute phase or the delayed phase. CP rates were particularly low for cisplatin-based and cyclophosphamide-based regimens. CONCLUSIONS Nausea and emesis remain significant problems among children who receive emetogenic chemotherapy. CP rates were associated significantly with patient age, and higher rates were observed among very young children. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Adolescent depression: relationships of self-report to intellectual and adaptive functioning

Self-report measures of depression, general psychopathology, and social skills were administered to adolescents ranging from moderate mental retardation to above normal intelligence. Adolescents with mental retardation reported more depression and general psychopathology symptoms. Variance and regression analyses demonstrated distinctions on the basis of mental retardation status for individual measures. Additional analyses identified differences between individuals with above normal intelligence and individuals with mild mental retardation on the basis of depression specifically. Adaptive behavior functioned as a moderator variable, mediating the relationship between depression and intellectual functioning.
The Reliability of the Identification of the Human Voice

(1937). The Reliability of the Identification of the Human Voice. The Journal of General Psychology: Vol. 17, No. 2, pp. 249-271.
Effects of Particle Size of TiO2 on Photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue in Aqueous Suspensions

The influence of particle size of TiO2 on the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) in a suspended aqueous solution has been studied. The results suggested that the adsorption rate and adsorbability of MB on suspended TiO2 particles increased as the particle sizes of TiO2 decreased. Photocatalytic activity of TiO2 also increased as the particle size of TiO2 became smaller, especially when the particle size is less than 30 nm. The half-life (t0.5) of the photocatalytic degradation of MB also decreased as the particle sizes of TiO2 decreased. The first-order reaction rate constant for photodegradation of MB increased as the particle size of TiO2 decreased. The initial degradation rate of MB in a suspended model was higher than that of a fixed-bed model. This will overcome the difficulty of preparation of ultrafine TiO2 catalyst particles. Once the problem of separation of fine TiO2 particles is solved, a TiO2 suspended photoreactor could be provided on an industrial basis.
The missing link in rhesus monkey amniotic fluid volume regulation: Intramembranous absorption

Objective : To investigate whether intramembranous absorption occurs in the rhesus monkey and its role in amniotic fluid (AF) volume regulation as a possible model for the human fetus. Materials and Methods : We studied five chronically catheterized rhesus monkey fetuses ( Macaca mulatta ) at 126 ± 1 (standard error) days' gestation (term approximately 165 days) with ligated esophagi and catheterized tracheae. Samples (0.5 mL each) of fetal and maternal blood and amniotic and lung fluid were collected at 0, 15, 30, 60, 120, 180, and 240 minutes after injection of 0.1 mCi (3 mL) of technetium-99m (Tc-99m) into the amniotic cavity. Results : In spite of esophageal ligation, there was a rapid absorption of the Tc-99m into the fetal circulation within 15 minutes of injection. The maternal Tc-99m activity increased in parallel to fetal activity but remained lower. The fetal lung fluid Tc-99m activity increased more slowly but was equivalent to the fetal circulating level by 4 hours. Conclusions : These results suggest that intramembranous absorption occurs and may play an important role in rhesus AF volume regulation and composition. Furthermore, this animal model, which closely resembles the human, may provide valuable insight into abnormalities of human AF volume regulation.
Pore pressure in ocean‐floor sands under random waves

Abstract The wave‐induced cyclic shear stresses in ocean‐floor sands may cause a progressive buildup of pore water pressure, leading to instability of the bed. This instability may constitute an important consideration in the analysis and design of various offshore engineering facilities. This paper presents a general procedure for the analysis of pore water pressure in the ocean‐floor sands under the action of random waves. Using a simple linear model for the generation of pore water pressure and incorporating the effect of its simultaneous dissipation, a formulation for the expected damage associated with buildup of pore pressure is developed in a stochastic framework. Numerical results of an example analysis are also presented.
Low temperature magnetic susceptibility and magnetization studies of some commercial austenitic stainless steels

Abstract The magnetic susceptibilities and magnetizations of seven austenitic stainless steel alloys, AISI 310S, 304L, 304N, 316 and 316L, and AWS 330 have been measured at temperatures down to 4.2 K. The experimental results, presented here, reveal in these four types of alloys four distinct classes of magnetic behaviour, and support a general magnetic description of austenitic stainless steels in terms of a two-magnetic-phase (spin glass plus superparamagnetic cluster) model.
Morphologic features of the amygdala and hippocampus in children and adults with Tourette syndrome

Context Limbic portions of cortical-subcortical circuits are likely involved in the pathogenesis of Tourette syndrome (TS). They are anatomically, developmentally, neurochemically, and functionally related to the basal ganglia, and the basal ganglia are thought to produce the symptoms of tics, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder that commonly affect persons with TS. Objective To study the morphologic features of the hippocampus and amygdala in children and adults with TS. Design A cross-sectional, case-control study using anatomical magnetic resonance imaging. Setting University research center. Participants A total of 282 individuals (154 patients with TS and 128 controls) aged 6 to 63 years. Main Outcome Measures Volumes and measures of surface morphologic features of the hippocampus and amygdala. Results The overall volumes of the hippocampus and amygdala were significantly larger in the TS group. Surface analyses suggested that the increased volumes in the TS group derived primarily from the head and medial surface of the hippocampus (over the length of the dentate gyrus) and the dorsal and ventral surfaces of the amygdala (over its basolateral and central nuclei). Volumes of these subregions declined with age in the TS group but not in controls, so the subregions were significantly larger in children with TS but significantly smaller in adults with TS than in their control counterparts. In children and adults, volumes in these subregions correlated inversely with the severity of tic, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms, suggesting that enlargement of the subregions may have a compensatory and neuromodulatory effect on tic-related symptoms. Conclusion These findings are consistent with the known plasticity of the dentate gyrus and with findings from previous imaging studies suggesting the presence of failed compensatory plasticity in adults with TS who have not experienced the usual decline in symptoms during adolescence.
The ethical implications of the Human Genome Project for the workplace.

Mesurant les consequences ethiques du projet du genome humain dans le domaine du travail, l'A. etudie le statut des lois federales et des lois etatiques en reponse a l'utilisation de plus en plus developpee des test genetiques en matiere d'emploi. L'A. propose un modele juridique permettant de resoudre les problemes discriminatoires lies aux tests genetiques
The Threat of Effective Intentions to Moral Responsibility in the Zygote Argument

In Free Will and Luck, Mele presents a case of an agent Ernie, whose zygote was intentionally designed so that Ernie A-s in 30 years, bringing about a certain event E. Mele uses this case of original design to outline the zygote argument against compatibilism. In this paper I criticize the zygote argument. Unlike other compatibilists who have responded to the zygote argument, I contend that it is open to the compatibilist to accept premise one, that Ernie does not act freely and is not morally responsible for anything he does. I argue that compatibilists should deny premise two. Diana’s effective intention to create Ernie’s zygote such that Ernie A-s in 30 years and her intervention to bring about his A-ing mark a significant difference between Ernie and normal agents in a deterministic universe with regard to how their zygotes were created that affects whether those agents act freely and are morally responsible for so acting.
An Analog Delay Circuit for On-Line Visual Confirmation of Discriminated Neuroelectric Signals

An analog delay circuit which utilizes an inexpensive commercially available analog shift register is described. The delay circuit when used in conjunction with a window discriminator will display "on-line" visual confirmation of single neural events from extracellular recordings containing more than one spike class. The delay can be changed to include the entire spike waveform by adjusting a potentiometer in the delay circuit.
Computer Simulation Study of Two-Dimensional Polymer Solutions

Monte Carlo simulations are reported for the conformational properties, static structure, and equation of state of two-dimensional polymers. The polymer molecules are modeled as chains of freely jointed tangent hard disks. For isolated chains, the scaling of the mean-square radius of gyration, Rg2, with degree of polymerization, n, is consistent with Rg2 ∼ n3/2. Over the range of concentrations and chain lengths studied, the chains do not behave as ideal chains, with Rg2 ∼ n1.07±0.03 at the highest concentration studied. Surprisingly, for very high concentrations, the chain size increases with increasing concentration. Contrary to expectations, the chains do not become disklike at high concentrations, and the asphericity changes by only about 10% over the entire range of concentrations. In fact, the distribution of shapes of the chains remains essentially unchanged as the concentration is increased, and there is considerable interpenetration between polymer molecules. Results are also presented for the pa...
A comparative analysis of genetic algorithms and directed grid search for parametric optimization

In this paper, a comparative analysis of the performance of the Genetic Algorithm (GA) and Directed Grid Search (DGS) methods for optimal parametric design is presented. A genetic algorithm is a guided random search mechanism based on the principle of natural selection and population genetics. The Directed Grid Search method uses a selective directed search of grid points in the direction of descent to find the minimum of a real function, when the initial estimate of the location of the minimum and the bounds of the design variables are specified. An experimental comparison and a discussion on the performance of these two methods in solving a set of eight test functions is presented.
Block of sodium conductance by n-octanol in crayfish giant axons.

Abstract The block of the Na+ current by n- octanol was studied in crayfish giant axons under axial wire voltage-clamp conditions. Standard kinetic analysis of the Na+ currents was undertaken to test the hypothesis that the n- octanol-induced block of the Na+ current could be accounted for on the basis of changes in the voltage dependence of the kinetic parameters. Alterations in the membrane dipolar potential arising from rearrangement of membrane lipids would be the anticipated source of changes in the voltage dependence. Although some changes in voltage dependence did evolve with the block by n- octanol , the changes were not of sufficient magnitude to account for the block. In conclusion, although higher concentrations of n- octanol produced shifts along the voltage axis of the kinetic parameters, direct blocking action of n- octanol on the channel appears to be the most important mechanism of the block.