cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Angioedema of the upper aerodigestive tract: risk factors associated with airway intervention and management algorithm

Background Angioedema of the upper aerodigestive tract can lead to significant airway obstruction. To date no articles have delineated risk factors for progression after initial evaluation. Methods This article presents the results of a retrospective study of patients with angioedema at a single institution. Patients included were consecutive otolaryngology consultations for angioedema in the emergency department (ED) from 1999 to 2003. All patients were evaluated by an otolaryngologist and underwent fiber-optic laryngoscopy, which was repeated serially depending on findings. Data was collected on demographics, comorbidities, intubation, disposition, and progression of angioedema. Results A total of 177 patients were included in the study: 32 (18%) patients required intubation; 25 (14%) on initial presentation and 7 (4%) who progressed from an initially stable airway to requiring intervention after reevaluation. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) demonstrated a statistically significant variance between location of edema and rate of intubation, with higher rates in the pharynx and larynx vs the lip and face. Patients who required intubation after progression between serial evaluations were statistically more likely to have edema that involved deeper portions of the aerodigestive tract. Patients who required intubation were statistically more likely to be older (average age 61.8 vs 55.1 years, p = 0.03). Conclusion In this large series of patients managed for aerodigestive angioedema we demonstrate risk factors associated with airway intervention, and risk factors associated with clinical progression on serial examination to airway intervention. In addition, we demonstrate a successful management algorithm for patients with aerodigestive angioedema.
A generalized strategy eliminability criterion and computational methods for applying it

We define a generalized strategy eliminability criterion for bimatrix games that considers whether a given strategy is eliminable relative to given dominator & eliminee subsets of the players' strategies. We show that this definition spans a spectrum of eliminability criteria from strict dominance (when the sets are as small as possible) to Nash equilibrium (when the sets are as large as possible). We show that checking whether a strategy is eliminable according to this criterion is coNP-complete (both when all the sets are as large as possible and when the dominator sets each have size 1). We then give an alternative definition of the eliminability criterion and show that it is equivalent using the Minimax Theorem. We show how this alternative definition can be translated into a mixed integer program of polynomial size with a number of (binary) integer variables equal to the sum of the sizes of the eliminee sets, implying that checking whether a strategy is eliminable according to the criterion can be done in polynomial time, given that the eliminee sets are small. Finally, we study using the criterion for iterated elimination of strategies.
Trivalent Cerium Doped Crystals as Tunable Laser Systems: Two Bad Apples

The 5d→4f transitions of trivalent doped crystals have broad emission bands with large oscillator strengths and near unity quantum efficiency. These characteristics make cerium systems strong candidates for tunable solid state lasers. However, two such cerium crystals will probably never lase. The first is Ce3+:YAG where a strong excited state absorption quenches the lasing transition. Our recent measurements have indicated that the excited state absorption terminates in the YAG conduction band with a peak cross-section of 1.0 × 10−17 cm2 at 700 nm. Some of the general features of impurity ion to band spectra are discussed. The second system is Ce3+:CaF2 where a UV pump-induced photochromic center is produced following excitation of the cerium ions. The initial measurements of cerium-related transient absorptions in Ce3+:YLF are also presented.
Lightning: Lightning effects on the chemistry of the atmosphere

… it will be necessary to learn much more about the physics of lightning and its global occurrence before it will be possible to assess accurately its importance as a source of nitrogen oxides. B. Vonnegut (1982) Introduction The Earth's atmosphere below about 80–90 km, the height above which significant ionization occurs (subsection 13.2.1 and Fig. 13.5), is composed of about 21 percent molecular oxygen, O 2 , about 78 percent molecular nitrogen, N 2 , and small percentages of carbon dioxide, CO 2 , molecular hydrogen, H 2 , argon, Ar, and other noble gases, and water vapor, H 2 O. Both the pressure and density of the atmosphere decrease approximately exponentially with altitude, with a decay height of about 10 km for all constituents of the air except water vapor. The water vapor content decreases more rapidly with height. The overall pressure at an altitude of 15 km is about one-tenth that at the surface, at 30 km about one-hundredth, and at 50 km near one-thousandth. Different regions of the atmosphere have been given different names, based on the characteristics of their temperature profiles, as illustrated in Fig. 14.1. Adjacent to the Earth's troposphere , in which the temperature decreases with height. The troposphere is often called the lower atmosphere. In the mid-latitudes the troposphere extends from the is typically near 300 K, to the tropopause, near 15 km, where the temperature in the summer is just above 200 K, although the jet stream can produce a discontinuity in the tropopause leading to a double tropopause. In the tropics the tropopause is a few kilometers higher and 10 to 20 K colder than in temperate regions. The tropopause is also discussed in Section 3.1.
Integrating a digital dictation system with a network data base for creating and managing radiologic teaching files.

Rationale and objectives A method for facilitating the creation and management of radiologic teaching files is described. Methods A digital dictation system was integrated with a personal computer data base. The data base is maintained with user-friendly, graphically oriented software. Radiologists can dictate any examination for the teaching file from any dictation station in the department with minimal interruption of their clinical activities. The data base resides on a file server, thus providing department-wide access for radiologists and students. Results Attending radiologists and residents have responded favorably to the system. Maintenance and retrieval of teaching files are facilitated by using a computer for otherwise tedious aspects of information management. Data are stored in a well-organized manner, thus increasing the value of the teaching file while reducing redundant data entry. Conclusion Computer technology can facilitate the maintenance of radiologic teaching files. Radiology departments that have a convenient, department-wide method for entering cases--such as a digital dictation system and existing computer network--are ideal for the technique that we describe.
Quantifying Southern Oscillation-Precipitation Relationships

Abstract A series of earlier studies has identified regions of the world in which precipitation appears to have a consistent relationship with the Southern Oscillation (SO). In this paper, the authors attempt to quantify this relationship based on shifts in the statistical distribution of precipitation amounts with emphasis on shifts in the median, which are associated with the warm (low SO index) and cold (high SO index) phases of the SO. This paper is partially an attempt to provide long-range forecasters with some guidance in making seasonal and multiseasonal predictions. Observed SO-related shifts in the median precipitation amounts, expressed as percentiles with respect to “climatological” conditions, can he used as a simple indication of the “typical” SO response for a given region. In general, the authors find that for many of the large areas identified in previous studies, median precipitation amounts shift on the order of 20 percentile points, that is, from the median to either the 30th percentil...
Microspines in the alimentary canal of arthropoda, onychophora, annelida

Abstract The presence and variation of microspines within the foregut and hindgut of the taxa Arthropoda, Onycophora, and Annelida were presented. Microspines appear to be sympleisiomorphic to the Arthropoda sensu stricto. Unispinose microspines constitute the original ancestral condition, and these have been retained and variously modified within the classes to aid in filtering ingested food, food movement through the gut and retain symbionts, and possibly protect the cellular linings of the gut in particulate food eaters.
Geomorphology to paleoecology: Gigantopithecus reappraised

Abstract Critical evaluation of the geomorphological circumstances leading to the formation of and deposition within the Gigantopithecus blacki cave near Liucheng, South China is undertaken on the basis of the available data. Models for the evolution of the Liucheng tower karst and the mode of deposition of the fossiliferous Quaternary sediments are presented. Analyses concerning the behavioural, phylogenetic and taxonomic placements of G. blacki are examined in the light of the proposed models. Hominid affinity or parallel in terms of behaviour or savannah provenance are questioned.
Small-Angle X-ray Scattering of Reduced Ribonuclease A: Effects of Solution Conditions and Comparisons with a Computational Model of Unfolded Proteins

The disulfide-reduced form of bovine ribonuclease A, with the Cys thiols irreversibly blocked, was characterized by small-angle x-ray scattering. To help resolve the conflicting results and interpretations from previous studies of this model unfolded protein, we measured scattering profiles using a range of solution conditions and compared them with the profiles predicted by a computational model for a random-coil polypeptide. Analysis of the simulated and experimental profiles reveals that scattering intensities at intermediate angles, corresponding to interatomic distances in the range of 5-20 A, are particularly sensitive to changes in solvation and can be used to assess the internal scaling behavior of the polypeptide chain, expressed as a mass fractal dimension, D(m). This region of the scattering curve is also much less sensitive to experimental artifacts than is the very small angle regime (the Guinier region) that has been more typically used to characterize unfolded proteins. The experimental small-angle x-ray scattering profiles closely matched those predicted by the computational model assuming relatively small solvation energies. The scaling behavior of the polypeptide approaches that of a well-solvated polymer under conditions where it has a large net charge and at high urea concentrations. At lower urea concentrations and neutral pH, the behavior of the chain approaches that expected for theta-conditions, where the effects of slightly unfavorable interactions with solvent balance those of excluded volume, leading to scaling behavior comparable to that of an idealized random walk chain. Though detectable, the shift toward more compact conformations at lower urea concentrations does not correspond to a transition to a globule state and is associated with little or no reduction in conformational entropy. This type of collapse, therefore, is unlikely to greatly reduce the conformational search for the native state.
Resistance of a circular loop with dipolar current distribution in a cylindrical waveguide

The resistance of a circular loop having a dipolar current distribution around its circumference and situated coaxially inside a cylindrical waveguide is determined and the dependence of the resistance on the size of the loop relative to the radius of the waveguide is examined.
Circadian phase determines effects of repeated ethanol vapor exposure and withdrawal on body temperature and activity rhythms of male mice.

Background Physiological responses to acute ethanol (EtOH) injection depend critically on the timing of their administration. Whether daily timing modulates effects of longer intoxication intervals characteristic of alcohol-dependent humans remains unknown. The present work examines time-of-day effects during EtOH exposure and withdrawal measured by locomotor activity (ActLoc) and body temperature (Tb) across multiple rounds of EtOH exposure/withdrawal. Methods Two groups of C57BL/6J mice (n = 8 per group), implanted with radio-telemeters, were entrained to opposite light–dark periods (14:10 LD cycle) so that their rest/activity cycles were 12 hours apart. Under a 2-hour skeleton photoperiod animals were simultaneously exposed to 3 daily cycles of EtOH vapor inhalation (14 hours EtOH on) and withdrawal (10 hours EtOH off). During this time, air-only control groups (n = 4 per group) matched for entrainment were handled in a comparable manner. After the third cycle of EtOH vapor, the animals were left undisturbed for 11 days to recover. The 14-day protocol was repeated 3 additional times. Results During intoxication, mice exposed to EtOH in the subjective night exhibited greater hypothermia and more overall disruptions in the Tb and ActLoc rhythms. Acute withdrawal induced hypothermia during the subjective night and hyperthermia during the subjective day. Animals in both phases demonstrated significant disruptions in ActLoc during withdrawal. ActLoc had little effect on Tb during EtOH exposure, but it significantly influenced Tb during acute withdrawal. Conclusions The physiological responses of both EtOH exposure and withdrawal differ as a function of time of day. These findings suggest that controlling for the circadian phase of exposure and/or withdrawal may mitigate the severity of symptomatic withdrawal.
Cardiac response to exercise in patients with chronic aortic regurgitation

Rest and exercise measurements of left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) and volumes were obtained by radionuclide angiocardiography (RNV) in 30 patients with severe aortic regurgitation (AR). The ratio of peak systolic pressure to end-systolic volume was used as an index of contractility. Volumetric cardiac output (CO) averaged 11.7 +/- 3.8 L/min at rest and 18.4 +/- 5.6 L/min during exercise. Much individual variation occurred in LVEF and end-diastolic volume (EDV) responses to exercise, and there was no consistent change in these measurements. Resting hemodynamic parameters and clinical history correlated poorly with changes observed during exercise. An increase in heart rate was one mechanism used by all 30 patients to increase CO during exercise. An inverse relationship was defined between the change in myocardial contractility and the change in EDV during exercise. Patients with the greatest increase in contractility during exercise showed the greatest decrease in EDV. Less use of an exercise increase in contractility was associated with an exercise increase in EDV to meet the demand for greater CO. Therefore, exercise measurements of LV function provide unique information regarding the degree of impairment of the LV myocardium in these patients with chronic AR.
Analytic evaluation of two-center molecular integrals

By using the Fourier-transform technique, the explicit expressions for the one-electron - two-center overlap integrals of Slater-type atomic orbitals up to 3d are derived. The final expressions are analytic, simple, and independent of local coordinates. Furthermore, they do not contain the nonclosed-form of exponential integrals which were presented in expressions given in earlier work. It is shown that the two-electron - two-center Coulomb integrals, as well as the hybrid integrals, can simply be expressed in terms of these integrals. The numerical instability arising from the situation in which the exponents of the two orbitals are almost equal is discussed, and a solution for this problem based on a Taylor-series expansion of the integral is suggested.
Non-linear level crossing in the X 1Σ+g state of iodine

Abstract A method has been developed for measuring level crossing resonances by observing the effect of non-linear processes on molecular fluorescence. This method has been applied to the iodine molecule, and the average value of [gβN] of the ν = 0, J = 12 and 14, levels of the X 1 Σ + g state was determined to be 9.13×10 −4 nuclear magnetons.
An equation of state for nuclear and higher-density matter based on relativistic mean-field theory

Abstract A model stress tensor for high-density matter based on a linearized relativistic quantum field theory is examined. The two coupling constants are fit to nuclear matter. Other properties of nuclear and neutron matter and neutron stars are then implied.
TU‐D‐BRB‐04: Comparison Between the Ultraviolet and 6 MV Radiation Responses of Optically Stimulated Radiation Detectors and Their Potential Applications in Ultraviolet Phototherapy Dosimetry

Purpose: To compare the ultraviolet (UV)radiation response of optically stimulated luminescent detectors (OSLDs) to their response to 6 MV photons and investigate their potential for applications in UVphototherapydosimetry.Method and Materials: The OSLDs used are 0.7 cm diameter, 0.02 cm thick, plastic disks containing Al 2 O 3 : C encapsulated in light‐tight plastic holders with dimensions 2.4×1.2×0.2 cm3. A miniature UV quartz pencil lamp provided the UV radiation and a Varian Cl 2100 provided the 6 MV photons for comparing their megavoltage and UV responses. Individual detector sensitivity factors were obtained by irradiating them with 6 MV photons to an absorbed dose of 0.5 Gy followed by optical bleaching with a 15 W fluorescent light to clear the radiation effects.Results: Consecutive detector readings for the UV irradiations showed that their signal varied more than the 6 MV readings, 3% compared to less than 1%. With both irradiations the signal stabilized after 8 minutes post irradiation. The OSLD response to UV radiation was non linear over the measured absorbed dose range of 0.29 to 38 kGy (21 to 2820 mJ/cm2) and their response was approximately two thousand times less sensitive than their response to 6 MV photons. However, optical bleaching was more effective in removing the UV radiation signal requiring about 4 hr to remove the radiation effects as compared to about 30 hr to remove the effects of the 6 MV radiations.Conclusion: These results demonstrate the ability of OSLDs to measure UV radiation. However, because of their non linear response, their calibration will be more involved. Although, their UV response is significantly less than their megavoltage response, their wide dynamic range provides sufficient sensitivity for measuring UV radiation and optically bleaching was more effective removing the UV than the megavoltage radiation effects.
The 17, 20-lyase activity of cytochrome P450c17 from human fetal testis favors the Δ5 steroidogenic pathway

Cytochrome P450c17 catalyzes both 17alpha-hydroxylation and 17,20-lyase conversion of 21-carbon steroids to 19-carbon precursors of sex steroids. P450c17 can mediate testosterone biosynthesis via the conversion of pregnenolone to dehydroepiandrosterone (the delta(5) pathway) or via conversion of progesterone to androstenedione (the delta(4) pathway). In many species, the 17, 20-lyase activity of P450c17 for one pathway dominates, reflecting the preferred steroidogenic pathway of that species. All studies of recombinant human P450c17 and of human adrenal microsomes have found high 17, 20-lyase activity only in the delta(5) pathway. Because the 17, 20-lyase activities in both the delta(4) and delta(5) pathways for testicular P450c17 have not been directly compared, however, it is not known if the delta(5) pathway dominates in the human testis. To resolve this issue, we assayed the conversion of 17alpha-hydroxypregnenolone to dehydroepiandrosterone (delta(5) 17, 20-lyase activity) and of 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone to androstenedione (delta(4) 17, 20-lyase activity) by human fetal testicular microsomes. We obtained apparent Michaelis constant (K(m)) and maximum velocity (V(max)) values of 1.0 microM and 0.73 pmol.min(-1). microg(-1) for delta(5) 17, 20-lyase activity and of 3.5 microM and 0.23 pmol.min(-1). microg(-1) for delta(4) 17, 20-lyase activity. Catalytic efficiencies, expressed as the ratio V(max)/K(m), were 0.73 and 0.066 for the delta(5) and delta(4) reactions, respectively, indicating 11-fold higher preference for the delta(5) pathway. We conclude that the majority of testosterone biosynthesis in the human testis proceeds through the conversion of pregnenolone to dehydroepiandrosterone via the delta(5) pathway.
Cardiac responses of larval and adult tiger salamanders to submergence and emergence

Abstract 1. 1. The ECG of aquatic Amhystoma tigrinum from the Colorado Rocky Mountains was recorded while the animals submerged and emerged in water. Older larvae and metamorphosed adults were compared. 2. 2. Free-swimming animals of both types showed slight emergence tachycardia when taking a “gulp” of air. 3. 3. Preventing access to air for 30 min or more resulted in a slight bradycardia in larvae. Some adults responded with increased, others with decreased, heart rate depending on their level of excitement. 4. 4. Restraining the animals before forced submergence caused a greater bradycardia than when unrestrained. 5. 5. Low dissolved oxygen accentuated the cardiac responses of larvae to submergence but not in adults. 6. 6. Atropine only partially blocked the diving responses of both forms. 7. 7. The degree of submergence bradycardia seems to be a function of the ability to extract oxygen from water. It probably is not an adaptation to diving in these forms. Instead the submerged heart rate in these predominantly aquatic salamanders may be the “normal” rate with emergence tachycardias for breaths of air.
On the Computation of Isobaric Wet-Bulb Temperature and Saturation Temperature over Ice

Abstract Non-iterative methods for computing isobaric wet-bulb temperature and the temperature at the lifted sublimation level are presented. These quantities are then computed by these direct techniques and compared to values derived through iterative methods. In the case of the isobaric wet-bulb temperature, differences in the two methods are less than 1C over normal ranges of atmospheric temperature and pressure for dewpoint depressions <30C. Differences in the two methods are less than 0.03C for the temperature at the lifted sublimation level over the same range of dewpoint depression.
Transport and deposition of plutonium in the ocean: evidence from Gulf of Mexico sediments

Abstract A study of sediments in the Gulf of Mexico shows dramatic gradients in Pu content and isotope ratios from the continental shelf to the Sigsbee Abyssal Plain. In terms of predicted direct fallout inventory of Pu, one shelf core contains 745% of the predicted inventory, while abyssal plain sediments contain only 15–20% of the predicted value. Absolute Pu concentrations of shelf sediments are also conspicuously high, up to 110 dpm/kg, compared to 13.5 dpm/kg in Mississippi River suspended sediment. There is no evidence of Pu remobilization in Gulf of Mexico shelf sediments, based on comparison of Pu profiles with Mn/Al and Fe/Al profiles. Horizontal transport of fallout nuclides from the open ocean to removal sites in ocean margin sediments is concluded to be the source of both the high concentrations and high inventories of Pu reported here. The shelf sediments show 240 Pu/ 239 Pu ratios close to 0.179, the average stratospheric fallout value, but the ratios decrease progressively across the Gulf to low values of 0.06 in abyssal plain sediments. The source of low-ratio Pu in deep-water sediments may be debris from low yield tests transported in the troposphere. Alternatively, it may represent a fraction of the Pu from global stratospheric fallout which has been separated in the water column from the remainder of the Pu in the ocean. In either case, the low-ratio material must have been removed rapidly to the sea floor where it composes a major fraction of the Pu in abyssal plain sediments. Pu delivered by global atmospheric fallout from the stratosphere has apparently remained for the most part in the water or has been transported horizontally and removed into shallow-water sediments.
Theoretical analysis of ABSS data for HEBBLE

Abstract As part of HEBBLE (the High Energy Benthic Boundary Layer Experiment), a 5 MHz Acoustic Backscatter System (ABSS) has been employed to determine remotely the concentration profile of the suspended sediments in the first meter above the benthic boundary. In order to extract this information from the raw data, an ABSS computer simulator has been created. The simulator mimics the ABSS output by solving the sonar equation in a forward modeling approach with the concentration being essentially the only free parameter available for matching simulated and actual output. Both theoretical and experimental results are presented, and directions for future work are discussed.
Origin of a widespread marine bonebed deposited during the middle Miocene Climatic Optimum

Bonebeds are vertebrate bioclast concentrations in beds that are local to basinal in extent. The middle Miocene Sharktooth Hill bonebed in the southeastern San Joaquin Basin of California is among the largest of such deposits, exposed over 15 km and containing a rich assemblage of marine vertebrates, with a mean density of ~200 specimens/m 2 . It ranks among the most widespread and richest bonebeds known, yet its genesis is poorly understood. Hypotheses for its origin and formation include mass death from shark predation, volcanic or red tide poisoning, accumulation from a calving ground for marine mammals, and condensed accumulation over a long period of time. Based on multiple kinds of evidence, we conclude that the bonebed formed over a protracted time interval of little to no net clastic sedimentation, coincident with a significant transgressive-regressive cycle between 16 and 15 Ma ago, during the middle Miocene Climatic Optimum (MMCO). Geochronological constraints bracket the duration of bonebed formation to no longer than 700 ka, indicating that time averaging is a critical consideration for paleoecological analyses of North Pacific Ocean biotic richness during the MMCO.
Investigation of antiviral activity of 1-beta-D-arabinofuranosylthymine (ara-T) and 1-beta-D-arabinofuranosyl-E-5-(2-bromovinyl)uracil (BV-ara-U) in monkeys infected with simian varicella virus.

Abstract 1-β- d -Arabinofuranosylthymine (ara-T) and 1-β- d -arabinofuranosyl -E-5-(2- bromovinyl ) uracil (BV-ara-U) were shown to have antiviral activity in vitro and in vivo against simian varicella virus. Both compounds successfully prevented clinical disease caused by inoculation of African green monkeys with simian varicella virus, eliminating the development of rash and substantially suppressing viremia. Ara-T treatment was effective by either intraperitoneal or oral routes of administration and BV-ara-U was active by both oral and intramuscular routes. Ara-T, however, was associated with the appearance of marked signs of neurotoxicity. Histologic examination of brain tissue demonstrated chromatolysis and pyknosis of neurons and pyknotic nuclei in glial cells. The neurologic impairment persisted in affected monkeys. This observation of central nervous system toxicity in monkeys is in contrast to studies in mice and rats where high doses of ara-T by multiple routes of administration were nontoxic. No apparent toxicity was observed in monkeys treated with BV-ara-U.
SU‐GG‐I‐141: Automatic Segmentation of Static and Moving Target Volumes Using Respiratory Ungated (3D) and Gated (4D) PET/CT Images

Purpose: Thresholding methods are commonly used to segment lesion volumes in PETimages. However, the presence of motion makes it difficult to determine the optimum threshold. To measure the threshold needed to produce the true volume of a moving target, we have investigated the effect of respiratory motion on the threshold at varying target‐to‐background activity concentration ratios (TBRs) using gated (4D) and ungated (3D) PETimages.Method and Materials: Using a PET/CT scanner with gating capability, spherical targets (0.5–26.5 mL) filled with 18 F ‐ FDG in a NEMA IEC body phantom were imaged with both a 3D‐PET scan corrected with a 3D‐CT attenuation map and a 4D‐PET scan corrected with phase‐matched 4D‐CT maps. . The phantom was either at rest or moving sinusoidally in the superior‐inferior direction with an amplitude of 2 cm and a period of 4.5 s to simulate respiratory motion. The optimum threshold values which give the true volumes of the spheres were derived from the 3D and 4D‐PET images at TBR = 4, 8, and infinite. For the 4D‐PET images, 5‐bin gating data were used in this analysis.Results: The TBR‐threshold‐volume curves show that the optimum threshold exponentially decreases as the volume increases. In addition, the threshold increases as the TBR decreases. The results also illustrate that the threshold values applied to the 4D‐PET images for the moving targets are well correlated with the optimum threshold values applied to the 3D‐PET images for the targets at rest. However, the same thresholds significantly over‐estimate the target volume if applied to the 3D‐PET images of moving targets. Conclusion: The TBR‐threshold‐volume curves clearly demonstrate the advantage of gating for detecting the true volume of moving target. Therefore, respiratory‐gated PET acquisition should be performed in the presence of relatively large organ movement to accurately determine the gross tumor volume for clinical applications.
A microtiter test for detecting and titrating noncytopathogenic bovine viral diarrhea virus.

Bovine cells free of noncytopathogenic bovine viral diarrhea virus (NC-BVDV) treated with polyriboinosinic acid : polyribocytidylic acid (poly I:C) were protected against challenge with vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), whereas NC-BVDV-infected cells treated with poly I:C were not protected against VSV. An assay based on the ability of NC-BVDV to inhibit poly I:C protection of cells against VSV was developed and is herein referred to as PINBA (poly I:C for NC-BVDV assay). Noncytopathogenic BVDV was titrated as cytopathogenic strains except that several days after infection with NC-BVDV, the cultures were treated with poly I:C and VSV. Titration endpoints were reached 24 hours later. PINBA was standardized for amount of VSV, time of addition of poly I:C, and time NC-BVDV had to be present to obtain stable titration endpoints. PINBA also was useful for titrating virus neutralizing antibodies. Compared with the fluorescent antibody test, PINBA was less subjective for detection of NC-BVDV. Compared with the interference test in which NC-BVDV infected cultures are challenged with a cytopathogenic strain of BVDV, PINBA was more reliable. The technique described herein is a simple and practical microtiter method for titrating NC-BVDV and virus neutralizing antibodies and for the presumptive detection of NC-BVDV.
Bacteremia and Bacterial Translocation in the Naturally Occurring Canine Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus Patient

This prospective study was performed to determine the prevalence of bacteremia in the naturally occurring gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) patient, the possible relationship between bacteremia and survival, and whether bacteremia was a result of translocation from the stomach. Blood cultures were collected from each patient. Bacterial cultures were collected from the liver, mesenteric lymph node, and stomach. Forty-three percent of the GDV cases and 40% of the controls developed positive blood cultures. Gram-negative rods were the most frequently isolated organisms. Evidence of bacterial translocation from the stomach could not be demonstrated in GDV patients, and survival was not affected by the presence of bacteremia.
Bromination of Aniline with Pyridinium Hydrobromide Perbromide: some Mechanistic Considerations

In aqueous polar solvents it is suggested that both pyridinium hydrobromide perbromide and molecular bromine are involved in the bromination of aniline.
Astrophysics: Monster star found hiding in plain sight.

Massive stars are rare, but they are sources of some of the most energetic phenomena seen in the Universe today. A high-mass candidate has now been found in a star-forming region that has been observed for more than 50 years.
Inhibitory Effect of Continuous Infusion of Oxytocin on Lactation in Cows

Abstract Sixteen Holstein cows in varying stages of lactation were randomly assigned to four groups of four cows each. Indwelling polyethylene catheters were placed in the jugular vein, and solutions were administered with infusion pumps. Group 1 (control) received 500 milliliters of saline solution (.9% sodium chloride) per day. Group 2 received 50 United States Pharmacopeia Units (USPU) of oxytocin per day; group 3, 100 per day; and group 4, 200 per day during a 5-day treatment. During pre-treatment and post-treatment of 4 days all cows were infused with 500 milliliters of saline solution. Oxytocin was diluted with saline solution to a concentration permitting amounts infused of 500 milliliters of solution per day. Yield of milk, fat, proteins, and total solids were determined daily. In the control group no differences between means of the three periods were significant; infusion of saline solution had no effect. Milk yields were lower during treatment and post-treatment than pre-treatment. Yields of protein and total solids during treatment were reduced compared to the pre-treatment. Fat yield was adversely affected by oxytocin treatments.
Ultrasonic Degradation of Trichloroacetonitrile, Chloropicrin and Bromobenzene: Design Factors and Matrix Effects

Abstract Power ultrasound has been employed to degrade numerous environmental pollutants. Through a series of experiments, the viability of sonication for pollution control in higher complexity systems was investigated. First, a mixture of chloropicrin (CCl 3 NO 2 ), trichloroacetonitrile (C 2 Cl 3 N), and bromobenzene (C 6 H 5 Br) was irradiated in a batch system. At a frequency of 20 kHz and a sound intensity of 30.8 W cm −2 , a minimal difference was observed between rate constants during sonication of a mixture and rate constants during sonication of individual compounds. Ultrasonic irradiation at 358 kHz was also viable for treatment of a mixture characterized by a high chemical oxygen demand (COD=3470 ppm). Sonication in a complex aqueous matrix, river water, demonstrated minimal to moderate decreases in efficiency compared to sonication in reagent grade water. The recovery ratios for chloride, bromide, and inorganic nitrogen (nitrite plus nitrate) were 72±1, 56±3 and 91±2%, demonstrating the extent of mineralization of the parent compounds. A flow-through reactor was also studied. Higher flow rates and appropriate positioning of the ultrasonic probe accelerated the observed reaction rates. For example, increasing the flow rate from 4.4 to 34 ml min −1 doubled the sonication coefficient for bromobenzene in a mixture, possibly due to better temperature control and mixing. Also, the sonication coefficient was 34% higher for chloropicrin degradation when the probe was positioned 1 cm from the entrance than when the probe was positioned 14.2 cm from the entrance.
Protein-to-film adhesion as examined by amino analysis of protein binding to three different packaging films

Abstract A weak protein solution extracted from chicken breast meat was exposed to three types of packaging materials. The crude myofibrillar protein solution (12.0 mg protein/mL buffer) was suspended in a 0.6M NaCl/NaPO4 buffer, then placed in bags made from either polyethylene (nonbinding film), a nylon blend (binding film), or Surlyn (binding film). Two separate experiments were conducted to determine the effects of exposure time at a constant temperature and varying endpoint exposure temperatures on the amount of bound protein by amino acid analysis. Bound amino acids were quantified and grouped by class based on functional side group. It was theorized that differences in the amount of bound amino acid class was linked to the mechanism by which the meat-to-film binding occurs. The protein solution was sealed in bags and held in a water bath for 5 s, 20 min, 40 min, and 60 min at 25.8 C for the timed experiment and heated from 25.8 C to 40, 55, 70, and 80 C for the temperature experiment. Protein adhesion occurred due to exposure of the solution to all films at 25.8 C. Greater protein adhesion was found in the two binding films than in the nonbinding film after 60 min of exposure. Heating the protein solution increased adhesion for the Surlyn film and showed a clear delineation in the degree of binding between the film types. Surlyn bound the most protein, followed by the nylon blend and then polyethylene. Bound protein increased in the Surlyn film with heating to 80 C, whereas the polyethylene did not show an increase in the amount of bound protein. Increases in binding observed between 55 and 80 C for Surlyn may be associated with transitional and conformational changes in muscle proteins that affect the adhesion of meat to the film surface.
GONADOTROPIN-RELEASING HORMONE (GNRH)/THYROTROPIN-RELEASING HORMONE (TRH) TESTING SECONDARY TO HYPOTHALAMIC HAMARTOMA

GONADOTROPIN-RELEASING HORMONE (GNRH)/THYROTROPIN-RELEASING HORMONE (TRH) TESTING SECONDARY TO HYPOTHALAMIC HAMARTOMA
Attitudinal and behavioral reactions to fear-arousing communications.

The present study tested the hypothesis that the relationship between fear arousal and persuasion is a curvilinear one. High-, moderate-, and low-fear messages were presented to over 900 students in 6 public schools. In addition to paper-and-pencil measures, a behavioral measure of toothbrushing was used. In general, the results did not support the curvilinear hypothesis but did tend to support studies showing a positive relationship between levels of fear and attitude change but not with respect to behavioral change. Problems dealing with the curvilinear model are discussed.
Workplace heterosexism and adjustment among lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals: The role of unsupportive social interactions

This study examined the relationships between workplace heterosexism, unsupportive social interactions (negative responses from others concerning one's experience of heterosexism), and adjustment among 97 employed lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals. Results revealed that heterosexism and unsupportive social interactions were each related to negative psychological health outcomes. After controlling for outness and involvement in the LGB community, responses characterized by blaming were found to moderate the relationship between heterosexism and both depression and distress. Contrary to predictions, results suggested that at low levels of blaming there was a positive relationship between heterosexism and both depression and distress. It may be possible that at low levels of blaming, the salient stressor was heterosexism, whereas at high levels of blaming, the salient stressor was the blaming itself.
Kinetics of the electrogenic step and cytochrome b6 and f redox changes in chloroplasts: Evidence for a Q cycle

The spectroscopic measurements of the slow phase of the electrochromic effect and the redox kinetics of cytochrome b6 and f provide strong evidence that a Q cycle operates in chloroplasts under conditions of non-cyclic electron transport. The effect of HQNO and DBMIB on the extent and kinetics of these light-induced changes places several constraints on the mechanism of quinol oxidation by the cyt. b/f—FeS complex: for each electron removed from the cyt. b/f—FeS complex by P700 an additional charge is transferred across the membrane; the cyclic pathway of electrons involved in quinol oxidation by the cyt. b/f—FeS complex includes at least one of the two b6 cytochromes; the electrogenic step associated with quinol oxidation is subsequent to the reduction of at least one cytochrome b6 quinol oxidation may proceed in a stepwise manner, with the first electron going to cytochrome b6 and the second electron going to the FeS center and cytochrome f.
Fat Digestion and Absorption in the Proximal Intestine of the Dog.

SummaryTwo jejunal fistula dogs were fed a mixed test meal containing cottonseed oil triglycerides as the source of fat. Quantitative collection of material not absorbed during the complete transit of chyme to the fistulous opening revealed that cottonseed oil triglycerides were efficiently absorbed (69.9% and 55.0%) in the proximal intestine. Analysis of unabsorbed fat for free fatty acids and monoglycerides showed this lipid to be moderately well digested. Although absorption was increased when digestion was more complete, both the extent of digestion and absorption of fat could have depended primarily on variations in other gastrointestinal processes. Consequently, it cannot be concluded from these experiments that fat absorption is enhanced by increased lipolysis. The importance of soap formation in fat absorption is minimized by the fact that intestinal contents were almost always acid during the course of collection.
System Approach for Reducing Car Pollution

Federal policy emphasizes more exacting specifications for new cars to combat pollution. Some doubts are cast on this approach, and alternatives are suggested. Ease of maintenance, high reliability, and inspection are essential to pollution control and must be provided for in the specifications. A total system approach to reduce car pollution is outlined.
Reverse testing: an efficient framework to select amongst classifiers under sample selection bias

One of the most important assumptions made by many classification algorithms is that the training and test sets are drawn from the same distribution, i.e., the so-called "stationary distribution assumption" that the future and the past data sets are identical from a probabilistic standpoint. In many domains of real-world applications, such as marketing solicitation, fraud detection, drug testing, loan approval, sub-population surveys, school enrollment among others, this is rarely the case. This is because the only labeled sample available for training is biased in different ways due to a variety of practical reasons and limitations. In these circumstances, traditional methods to evaluate the expected generalization error of classification algorithms, such as structural risk minimization, ten-fold cross-validation, and leave-one-out validation, usually return poor estimates of which classification algorithm, when trained on biased dataset, will be the most accurate for future unbiased dataset, among a number of competing candidates. Sometimes, the estimated order of the learning algorithms' accuracy could be so poor that it is not even better than random guessing. Therefore,a method to determine the most accurate learner is needed for data mining under sample selection bias for many real-world applications. We present such an approach that can determine which learner will perform the best on an unbiased test set, given a possibly biased training set, in a fraction of the computational cost to use cross-validation based approaches.
A Cost-effectiveness Analysis of Prevaccination Testing for Hepatitis B in Adolescents and Preadolescents

Objective: To study the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of prevaccination testing for hepatitis B virus in adolescents and preadolescents. Design: Decision analysis model comparing (1) prevaccination testing for hepatitis B surface antibodies, (2) no testing, and (3) testing at the same time as the first vaccine dose. Sensitivity analyses of the first two strategies were performed varying the seroprevalence of hepatitis B surface antibodies, compliance with follow-up, and costs of testing. Setting: Charges for testing and vaccination were obtained from Children's Hospital and Medical Center in Seattle, Wash. Vaccination compliance, hepatitis B surface antibodies seroprevalence, and vaccine response rates are from published literature. Patients: A hypothetical cohort of 100 000 11-year-old children presenting for well-child care. Main Outcome Measures: Rate of complete vaccination, cost of testing and vaccination for each cohort, and cost per patient protected from hepatitis B virus. Results: No testing was the most cost-effective strategy. Prevaccination testing elevated costs by $2.9 million for every 100 000 patients and lowered the rate of complete vaccination by 22% compared with vaccination without testing. For prevaccination testing to be cost-effective, the seroprevalence of hepatitis B surface antibodies needed to be greater than 40%. As the seroprevalence of hepatitis B surface antibodies decreased, the ratio of testing costs to vaccination costs had to decrease for prevaccination testing to remain cost-effective. Even with perfect compliance, prevaccination testing required high seroprevalence rates to be cost-effective. Conclusions: For most populations of preadolescents and adolescents, prevaccination testing for hepatitis B virus is not effective in terms of cost or rate of complete vaccination. (Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 1994;148:915-920)
Race, Socioeconomic Status, and Self-Esteem: The Impact of Religiosity

This research examines two factors that have an impact on the self-esteem of African Americans and whites: religion and socioeconomic status (SES). Using data from the National Survey of Families and Households, we find that for whites, belief in the Bible (i.e., that it is the literal word of God) and self-identifying as fundamentalist were significant predictors of self-esteem. For African Americans, belief in the Bible and being Catholic were significant predictors of self-esteem. However, the association between belief in the Bible and self-esteem was stronger for African Americans than whites. SES was positively associated with self-esteem for both groups. The interactions between SES and the measures of religiosity reveal a greater impact on self-esteem for lower SES respondents. This was especially true for African Americans. These findings are discussed in light of the resource compensation hypothesis.
Adsorbate and Substrate Characterization Using Extended X-Ray Absorption Fine Structure

We illustrate the usefulness of the extended x-ray absorption fine-structure effect for determining the chemical state, structure, and location of adsorbed species by a study of 0.2 monolayers of bromine adsorbed on graphite at room temperature. Bromine adsorbs as molecules with one atom fixed above the basal-plane hexagonal site while the molecular axis is free to flop around.
Parents' perceptions of neighborhood safety and children's physical activity.

OBJECTIVE.: The obesity epidemic disproportionately affects minority and poor children. Negative perceptions of neighborhood safety in poor communities may affect overweight by inhibiting children's physical activity. This study investigates the degree to which parents in a poor inner city vs. a middle-class suburban community limit their children's outdoor activity because of neighborhood safety concerns. METHOD.: Parents of children aged 5-10 years from an inner city family practice in a poor community and from a suburban pediatric practice in a middle-class community completed a 20-item questionnaire. Parents estimated the amount of their child's activity in various situations and indicated their level of anxiety concerning gangs, child aggression, crime, traffic, and personal safety in their neighborhood. RESULTS.: Inner city children (n = 204) engaged in less physical activity than suburban children (N = 103) (P KW: SR2S Language: en