cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pilot Study: Occupational Therapy in an Equine Environment for Youth With Autism

Despite growing prevalence, research investigating occupational therapy incorporating horses for youth with autism is limited. This study aimed to (a) pilot a screening, evaluation, and intervention protocol of occupational therapy in an equine environment and (b) assess preliminary effects on occupational performance goals, behavior, and social functioning of youth with autism. A multiple baseline single-case experimental design was used. Six youth with autism participated in a no-treatment baseline phase and 10 weeks of intervention. Therapists implemented the intervention with 95% fidelity. Per parent report, participants improved in occupational performance goals, social motivation, and communication; four demonstrated decreased irritability and hyperactivity. This research operationalizes a screening, evaluation, and intervention protocol for occupational therapy in an equine environment, and demonstrates it may improve occupational, behavioral, and social outcomes for youth with autism. Next steps include manualizing the intervention, refining feasibility measures, and implementing a randomized controlled efficacy study.
Influence of Alkaline-Earth-Metal Substitutions on the Bismuth Ruthenate Structure: Bi2-xA'xRu2O6O'1-y (A' = Mg, Ca, Sr).

Solid solutions with the formula of Bi2–xA′xRu2O7–y (A′ = Mg, Ca, Sr; 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.2 for Mg, 0 ≤ x ≤ 1 for Ca, and 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5 for Sr) have been synthesized and characterized. The crystal structures f...
Neuroergonomics Behind Culture: A Dynamic Causal Modeling (DCM) Study on Emotion.

Emotion is an important psychological facet of user experience, despite receiving comparatively less attention than cognitive facets such as working memory and attention. However, emotion is also known to vary with individual differences, including cultural background. To further corroborate findings of culture-driven differences in emotion processing, we applied the dynamic causal modeling (DCM) method to electroencephalography (EEG) measurements that were obtained from Chinese (N = 10) and US (N = 10) participants during an emotion rating task involving fear-evoking and neutral images. As part of DCM, Bayesian model averaging (BMA) revealed significant culture differences in connections from frontal regions to the amygdala, with Chinese participants uniquely showing strong negative gain, suggesting inhibition of the amygdala. Furthermore, Bayesian model selection revealed that Chinese participants uniquely favored a model involving greater integration of the dlPFC with other frontal regions. The dlPFC has been previously implicated in cultural differences in emotion regulation [1] and is argued to be involved in emotion conceptualization [2]. Both findings corroborate an account in which culture influences how emotions are processed. Furthermore, these findings give reason to suspect that culture also factors into emotional aspects a task or technology.
From L.A. to Boise: How Migration Has Changed During the COVID-19 Pandemic

We provide an assessment of how migration patterns and motivations for moving have changed during the COVID-19 pandemic. We use proprietary data on over 300,000 residential, interstate moves over the last four years with accompanying survey data. We find more than 10% of moves between April 2020--May 2021 were influenced by COVID-19, with a significant shift in migration towards smaller cities, lower cost of living locations, lower tax locales, and locations with fewer pandemic-related restrictions. Higher income households are moving out of more populous cities at greater rates, and are moving more for lifestyle reasons and less for work-related reasons, consistent with increased location flexibility due to shifts to remote work arrangements. Low income households reasons for moving are relatively unchanged. Our results have implications for many outcomes of interest including the structure of cities, the persistence of remote work arrangements, municipal financing, and real estate.
A dialogue on the ethics of science: Henri Poincaré and Pope Francis

To teach the ethics of science to science majors, I follow several teachers in the literature who recommend “persona” writing, or the student construction of dialogues between ethical thinkers of interest. To engage science majors in particular, and especially those new to academic philosophy, I recommend constructing persona dialogues from Henri Poincare’s essay, “Ethics and Science” (1963/1913), and the non-theological third chapter of Pope Francis’s (2015) encyclical on the environment, Laudato si. This pairing of interlocutors offers two advantages. The first is that science students are likely to recognize both names, since Poincare appears in undergraduate mathematics and physics textbooks, and because Francis is an environmentalist celebrity. Hence students (in my experience) show more interest in these figures than in other philosophers. The second advantage is that the third chapter of Laudato si reads like an implicit rebuttal of Poincare’s essay in many respects, and so contriving a dialogue between those authors both facilitates classroom discussion, and deserves attention from professional ethicists in its own right. In this paper, I present my own contrived dialogue between Francis and Poincare, not for assigning to students as a reading, but as a template for an effective assignment product, and as a crib sheet for educators to preview the richly antiparallel themes between the two works.
Dynamics of food-chain models with density-dependent diffusion and ratio-dependent reaction function

Abstract This paper is concerned with a 3-species and a 2-species food-chain reaction diffusion systems in a bounded domain where the diffusion coefficients may be density dependent and the reaction functions are ratio-dependent. These equations are quasilinear where the diffusion coefficients may be degenerate on the boundary of the domain. Three basic types of Dirichlet, Neumann and Robin boundary conditions are considered, and in each case some very simple conditions are obtained to ensure the dynamical behavior of the time-dependent solution in relation to some positive solutions or quasi-solutions of the steady-state problem, including the existence of these solutions. This dynamical behavior leads to the coexistence and global attractor of the food-chain systems. In the case of Neumann boundary condition sufficient conditions are given to ensure that the steady-state problem has a unique positive constant solution which is a global attractor of the time-dependent system.
Potassium uptake and release by human blood platelets

Thrombin is known to reduce the K+ content of human platelets, but the subcellular origin of the lost K+ is not known. The effect of aggregating agents on K+ release was studied in platelets labeled in plasma by preincubation with 42KCI. Platelets were separated from plasma by gel filtration through Sepharose 2B equilibrated with K+ -free Tyrode's buffer. Platelet K+ was 116nEq/10(8) platelets, of which 23% was found to be extracellular immediately after gel filtration. K+ influx was 65 nEq/10(8) platelets/hr at pH 7.5 and was more rapid at pH 7.9. About 70% of cell K+ exchanged with plasma in 4 hr with first-order kinetics, while a minor fraction of about 30% exchanged with a slower time course. This slowly exchanging fraction of platelet K+ was thought to arise from heterogeneity in the platelet population. Epinephrine and ADP aggregated gel-filtered platelets and released serotonin, but with loss of only 5%-10% of cell K+ and no beta-glucuronidase. In contrast, thrombin released up to 30% of platelet K+, whether aggregation occurred or was prevented by not stirring the cells. The specific activity of K+ released by all aggregating agents was identical to the specific activity of total platelet K+. Thrombin (0.01-0.2 NIH U/ml) released serotonin and also beta-glucuronidase (an enzyme of the alpha-granule), and there was a linear relation between release of K+ and this enzyme (r = 0.88). No lysis of platelets occurred, since lactic dehydrogenase was not detected. Pretreatment of platelets with aspirin in vitro inhibited thrombin-induced release of serotonin but had no effect on the loss of K+ or beta-glucuronidase. In contrast, the ingestion of aspirin by mouth inhibited the release of serotonin, beta-glucuronidase, and K+ by thrombin. The data suggested that the K+ loss induced by thrombin was primarily derived from release of alpha-granules and that these organelles contained about 20% of the total platelet K+ in a freely exchangeable and nonsequestered state.
Relationship of Plaque Size and Virulence for Chickens of 14 Representative Newcastle Disease Virus Strains

Ability of 14 Newcastle disease virus strains to produce large plaques was related to virulence for chickens. Plaque-size comparisons were made under standard conditions in chick embryo cell monolayers. All plaque-producing strains showed a range of plaque sizes modified to a degree by the overlay medium used. An increase in size was found for most strains under methyl-cellulose overlay medium. Markedly larger plaques were found under this medium for both Calif-RO and Calif-CG strains. Heterogeneity in plaque size was most pronounced in velogenic (high virulence) strains. Only populations of small plaques were found in mesogenic (intermediate virulence) strains, and plaques were rarely found in lentogenic (low virulence) strains. Statistical analysis showed that the plaque size of velogenic strains differed significantly from mesogenic strains. None of the 11 plaque-producing strains had a normal distribution of plaque sizes, owing primarily to the presence of different genotypes within the plaquing population of a strain. This was demonstrated by derivation of clones from two of the strains. The populations of the large (Herts L) and small (Herts S) clear plaque clones derived from Eng-Herts were homogenous and distinct from one another on the basis of plaque size. Herts L was more virulent than Herts S. Although Herts L became more heterogenous in respect to plaque size upon repeated passage in embryonated eggs, no decrease in virulence of the strain was observed.
Chapter 4 Sedimentary fill of the late devonian flynn creek crater: a hard target marine impact

Abstract The 3.6 km wide Flynn Creek crater in north-central Tennessee was produced by an asteroid that struck a flatlying succession of Ordovician carbonates. The crater is filled by a basal breccia and Late Devonian Chattanooga black shale. Conodonts in shallow water lag deposits that overlie the Ordovician succession in the region indicate lower Frasnian flooding of the area. The continuous stratigraphic record in the crater spans impact and post-impact deposits; the recovery of shallow water components and lower Frasnian conodonts in initial marine deposits above the crater fill breccia indicate that marine sedimentation commenced immediately after impact and that the impact occurred in shallow water. Most recent radiometric calibrations of Devonian conodont zones suggest that the impact occurred around 382 Ma. Stratigraphy and sedimentary features suggest the following sequence of events: (1) shallow water impact duringthe early Frasnian; (2) formation of basal breccia as a fallback deposit; (3) deposition of graded breccia as displaced water rushed back into the crater; (4) ejecta washed back into the crater by storm-induced waves and currents; (5) accumulation and preservation of black shale first in the crater, and also as sea level rose outside the crater. Because the target rocks were lithified carbonates, the Flynn Creek crater has the morphologic characteristics of a subaerial impact. The sediment fill, however, reflects the shallow marine setting of the impact site.
Yeast Inorganic Pyrophosphatase III. KINETICS OF Ca2+ INHIBITION

The magnesium ion-dependent hydrolysis of pyrophosphate catalyzed by yeast inorganic pyrophosphatase is markedly inhibited by calcium ion. The kinetics of inhibition have been measured and analyzed in terms of a model involving strong interactions between CaPPi and two metal-complexed forms of the enzyme, EMg and ECa. Inhibition constants for these interactions have been estimated by nonlinear regression and are compared with those obtained by equilibrium measurements. These results are discussed in terms of several theories for specificity in metal ion activation of catalysis.
Oracles and Divinations: A Monument to Biocultural Diversity Loss

This essay explores the emergency posed by global biocultural diversity loss and the emergence of a new form of electronic monumentality, theorized by Gregory Ulmer in Electronic Monuments , and used here to address the biocultural diversity crisis. Like Ulmer, who created an agency - the EmerAgency - to produce electronic monuments, I have done the same.
Use of Outpatient Care in Veterans Health Administration and Medicare among Veterans Receiving Primary Care in Community-Based and Hospital Outpatient Clinics

Objective To examine differences in use of Veterans Health Administration (VA) and Medicare outpatient services by VA primary care patients.
Bone marrow involvement by non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: the clinical significance of morphologic discordance between the lymph node and bone marrow. Nebraska Lymphoma Study Group.

Bone marrow specimens from 317 patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) obtained at initial staging were evaluated for the presence of lymphoma or benign lymphoid aggregates. Thirty-two percent (102 patients) had lymphoma in their bone marrow, and 9% had benign lymphoid aggregates. Bone marrow lymphoma was present in 39% of low-grade, 36% of intermediate-grade, and 18% of high-grade lymphomas. The bone marrow was involved in 25% of patients with diffuse large-cell or immunoblastic NHL (ie, diffuse histiocytic lymphoma of Rappaport). Bone marrow involvement did not affect survival of patients with low-grade NHL, but survival was significantly shorter (P = .03) for patients with intermediate- and high-grade NHL with bone marrow involvement. Bone marrow involvement was equally common in B-cell and T-cell NHL (31% v 32%). However, patients with T-cell NHL and bone marrow involvement had shorter survival than B-cell NHL with marrow involvement (P = .02) or T-cell NHL without marrow involvement (P = .05). A high incidence of morphologic discordance between lymph node and bone marrow was observed (ie, 40%), always with a more aggressive subtype in the lymph node than in the bone marrow. Presence of large-cell lymphoma in the bone marrow predicted for short survival. Survival for patients with small-cell lymphoma in their bone marrow did not differ significantly from patients with negative bone marrows. We conclude that bone marrow involvement in large-cell NHL, especially in those of T-cell origin, portends a poor prognosis. However, the subgroup of patients with an aggressive histologic subtype of NHL in a lymph node biopsy and small-cell NHL in the bone marrow do not have a poorer outlook than those without bone marrow involvement.
Spitz Nevus Variants

Spitz nevus has a huge number of morphological variants, which help make the differential diagnosis with melanoma a nightmare for many pathologists and a challenge for the most expert dermatopathologists.
Limitations of health-risk estimates for 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzodioxin

Abstract The major limitations underlying the use of safety factors and quantitative risk assessments underscored by the difficulties encountered with 2,3,7,8-TCDD were discussed. The need for further research in validating the major assumptions underlying quantitative risk assessment were stressed.
Managed care and the community surgeon.

Managed care is rapidly spreading in the United States. Although it has led to reduced costs, the patient-physician relationship has been negatively affected. Managed care has an impact on patient care, student learning, and residency training. Physicians must act together to maintain a quality medical care system in this country. Arch Surg. 1996;131:1024-1026
SYNTHESIS AND STUDY OF Hg-Ba-Ca-Cu-O SUPERCONDUCTORS

We have synthesized good-quality Hg-Ba-Ca-Cu-O samples using a precursor method. The samples are dominated by Hg-1212 phase HgBa2CaCu2O6. Annealing in flowing oxygen or in a vacuumed glass tube increases its Tc by about 20 K to an onset temperature of 130 K and a zero-resistance temperature up to 126 K. The samples also contain a small amount of Hg-1223 phase HgBa2Ca2Cu3O8, which, after annealing, exhibits an onset temperature of 135 K. Possible much higher temperature superconductivity may exist in the Hg-Ba-Ca-Cu-O system.
Three-dimensional time and frequency-domain theory of femtosecond x-ray pulse generation through Thomson scattering

The generation of high intensity, ultrashort x-ray pulses enables exciting new experimental capabilities, such as femtosecond pump-probe experiments used to temporally resolve material structural dynamics on atomic time scales. Thomson backscattering of a high intensity laser pulse with a bright relativistic electron bunch is a promising method for producing such high-brightness x-ray pulses in the 10--100 keV range within a compact facility. While a variety of methods for producing subpicosecond x-ray bursts by Thomson scattering exist, including compression of the electron bunch to subpicosecond bunch lengths and/or colliding a subpicosecond laser pulse in a side-on geometry to minimize the interaction time, a promising alternative approach to achieving this goal while maintaining ultrahigh brightness is the production of a time-correlated (or chirped) x-ray pulse in conjunction with pulse slicing or compression. We present the results of a complete analysis of this process using a recently developed 3D time and frequency-domain code for analyzing the spatial, temporal, and spectral properties an x-ray beam produced by relativistic Thomson scattering. Based on the relativistic differential cross section, this code has the capability to calculate time and space dependent spectra of the x-ray photons produced from linear Thomson scattering for both bandwidth-limited and chirped incident laser pulses. Spectral broadening of the scattered x-ray pulse resulting from the incident laser bandwidth, laser focus, and the transverse and longitudinal phase space of the electron beam were examined. Simulations of chirped x-ray pulse production using both a chirped electron beam and a chirped laser pulse are presented. Required electron beam and laser parameters are summarized by investigating the effects of beam emittance, energy spread, and laser bandwidth on the scattered x-ray spectrum. It is shown that sufficient temporal correlation in the scattered x-ray spectrum to produce sub-100 fs temporal slice resolution can be produced from state-of-the-art, high-brightness electron beams without the need to perform longitudinal compression on the electron bunch.
Design of multilayer polymeric coatings for indentation resistance

Indentation is often a mode of in-service loading for a thin coating deposited on a substrate. Under such a loading, the strong adherence of the coating to the substrate is a basic necessity for successful performance of the coating. In this study, we investigate the indentation behavior of thin single and multilayered polymeric coatings using the finite element method. The deformation patterns and the stress fields that are generated during indentation are obtained by employing constitutive models which accurately represent the elastic-viscoplastic and hyperelastic behavior of the glassy and rubbery states of the polymeric layers under investigation. Three types of loading conditions are considered: indentation to (1) a fixed depth; (2) a fixed work; and (3) a fixed force. For these loading conditions, we then investigate the mechanical performance of various composite coatings subjected to an overall thickness design constraint. The composite structure is altered via variation in individual layer material composition, layer thickness and layer arrangement. It is shown how the placement of different material layers in a multilayer coating can alter the flow pattern and hence the distribution of stress state and resulting failure. It is also shown that a soft rubber elastic layer acts to greatly minimize the interfacial shear stress at the substrate, thereby reducing the risk of delamination of the coating, but the presence of the rubber can also produce detrimental tensile stresses on the surface. We then demonstrate that the tensile stress state can be eliminated through manipulation of the rubber layer thickness, without increasing the interface shear stress. Through these examples, a framework for evaluation and design of multilayer coatings for indentation resistance is provided.
Are marine and nonmarine extinctions correlated

Recent papers in Eos have debated the possible relationships between marine mass extinctions, comet showers, and volcanism [Alvarez, 1986; Officer and Grieve, 1986], and ail three might be linked [Rampino, 1987]. Moreover, as Officer and Grieve [ 1986] point out, various other causes have been suggested for given extinction events, including changes in climate, ocean circulation, and sea level fluctuations, possibly related to plate tectonics and continental positions. Also under debate is the issue of whether mass extinctions were gradual, stepped, or geologically sudden events (see, for example, Hut et al. [1987]). A missing ingredient thus far in these debates has been the record of faunal diversity of nonmarine animals. Does this show any agreement with the marine extinction record?
Application of a complex adaptive systems perspective: a post 9/11 survey of US trucking managers

Complexity theory addresses an important problem with standard business models that assume linear organisational behaviour and ignore the ambiguity that exists in complex environments. This study frames the US trucking industry as a complex adaptive system (CAS). Framing the US trucking industry in this manner offers the potential to more accurately represent the industry's complex reality and ability to adapt to disruptive events. The historical 9/11 attacks are chosen as the backdrop for qualitative in-depth interviews among trucking terminal managers. The interviews demonstrate the application of exploratory research for obtaining feedback to environmental change at different management levels. The authors propose that senior managers use feedback from terminal managers to guide the adaptive evolution of information systems and whole organisations and to reshape the firm and optimise adaptation to change. Interactions among management and operations offer potential for predicting response behaviours to unexpected environmental events and for managing future responses.
Dysregulation of the Levels of Matrix Metalloproteinases and Tissue Inhibitors of Matrix Metalloproteinases in the Early Phase of Cerebral Ischemia

To the Editor: Castellanos et al1 reported increased matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 plasma levels to be an independent risk factor for hemorrhagic transformation in all stroke subtypes. Plasma levels of MMP-9 in patients without hemorrhage were not significantly different from controls, suggesting that MMP-9 does not play an important role in early pathophysiological events in cerebral ischemia. Elevated plasma levels of MMP-9 may therefore play a role in hemorrhagic transformation. Interestingly, similar findings were reported in an animal model of nonhuman primates2: MMP-9 was only significantly increased in subjects with hemorrhagic transformation. Plasma levels of MMP-9 are elevated in such diseases as diabetes,3 carotid artery plaques,4 and atherosclerosis.5 We recently found elevated levels of MMP-9 in the plasma of patients with Alzheimer’s disease.6 We investigated levels of MMPs and tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMP) in 24 patients who were admitted with a first episode of cerebral ischemia to the New York Presbyterian Hospital at Weill Cornell Medical Center. Controls were from the outpatient department and were admitted because of headache or seizures. The mean age was not significantly different between the groups (Table). The research ethics committee approved the study, and written informed consent was obtained from all patients (or from family members when necessary). Ten milliliters of blood were collected by venipuncture within 24 hours from the onset of symptoms. Samples were immediately centrifuged at 3000 g for 10 minutes and the plasma was stored at −80°C. The gelatinolytic activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 was evaluated by zymography and …
Vancomycin resistance : structure of D-alanine:D-alanine ligase at 2.3 A° resolution

The molecular structure of the D-alanine:D-alanine ligase of the ddlB gene of Escherichia coli, co-crystallized with an S,R-methylphosphinate and adenosine triphosphate, was determined by x-ray diffraction to a resolution of 2.3 angstroms. A catalytic mechanism for the ligation of two D-alanine substrates is proposed in which a helix dipole and a hydrogen-bonded triad of tyrosine, serine, and glutamic acid assist binding and deprotonation steps. From sequence comparison, it is proposed that a different triad exists in a recently discovered D-alanine:D-lactate ligase (VanA) present in vancomycin-resistant enterococci. A molecular mechanism for the altered specificity of VanA is suggested.
Mama/Reciprocal Energy: Reciprocity as an Agent of Identity Formation in the Works of Maria Magdalena Campos-Pons

Since immigrating to the United States in the early 1990s, Maria Magdalena Campos-Pons has garnered praise as one of the most important artists to emerge from post-revolutionary Cuba. Campos-Pons’ oeuvre bears witness to issues central to the experience of diaspora populations. On view for the first time, the exhibit “Maria Magdalena Campos-Pons: MAMA/RECIPROCAL ENERGY” at the Vanderbilt Fine Arts Gallery (October 12 – December 8, 2011) presents new works by Campos-Pons that attest to the ability of fragmented and seemingly dislocated elements of the artists’ lived experiences to coalesce into a multifaceted identity. The dynamic quest for selfhood demonstrated by the works rejects absolutes; rather, it fosters an interconnected network where issues such as gender, exile, dislocation, race, religion, and cultural memory play out in a reciprocal manner. This paper first establishes Campos-Pons’ early conceptual basis as an artist. What follows is an extensive exploration of the exhibit argued through a thematic dynamic that highlights the relationship of themes among and between the works. Finally, it suggests that while Campos-Pons’ conceptual basis retains its earliest formative notions, the shifting narrative that emerges from the exhibit and corresponding stylistic changes confirm the inclusion of the artists’ entire lived experiences in her artistic search for identity.
Kinematically nontrivial CP violation in beauty decay

Abstract CP-violating observables that involve particle momenta or spins are discussed. In addition, it is shown that there are cleanly-predicted CP-violating effects in neutral B decays to final states that are not quite CP eigenstates because they are mixtures of several partial waves. These cleanly predicted effects complement those already identified in decays to true CP eigenstates.
The NASA ocean data system at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Global change studies require satellite oceanographic observations archived in an active data center. This paper describes the activities of an experimental active oceanographic data archive center specializing in distribution of high-level oceanographic data products produced by research oceanographers from satellite altimeter, scatterometer, and microwave and infrared radiometer measurements. Methods to encourage data sharing practices were developed. Services initiated to help oceanographers conduct research more effectively included rapid delivery of data, reprocessing data sets, subsetting of large data sets, and distribution of multiple data sets on a single medium.
Bone microstructure deformation observed by Raman microscopy

While many macroscopic approaches have been used to study bone's mechanical properties, little is known about the effect of mechanical stresses on bone tissue at the microstructural and submicrostructural levels. Raman microspectroscopy has been found to be an extremely sensitive technique for examining the effects of mechanical loading on polymer structures and thin films, as well as for the study of protein conformations. We present the first application of this technique to bone tissue. The organic component of bone is a highly ordered matrix composed mainly of collagen fibrils. Stress upon the bone tissue creates disorder in this structure; this disorder can easily be detected by Raman spectroscopy. Small changes in the matrix structure manifest themselves as band shifts in the Raman spectra.
Unusual presentation of vaginal foreign body.

A variety of foreign objects have been left in the adult vagina for long periods of time, usually forgotten. Such objects include tampons, sex toys, bottle caps and occasionally dangerous corrosive...
Subcutaneous fat necrosis associated with severe hypocalcaemia in a neonate

Subcutaneous fat necrosis (SFN) of the newborn is an uncommon disorder of the adipose tissue, mostly affecting full-term or post-term newborns who experience perinatal distress. The lesions of SFN typically occur during the first six weeks of life; they are usually self-limited and no specific therapy is required. The disorder may be rarely complicated with hypercalcaemia. We present the case of a neonate with perinatal asphyxia who manifested SFN followed by hypocalcaemia instead of hypercalcaemia and a biochemical profile of pseudohypoparathyroidism four weeks after the eruption of skin lesions. The infant was treated with alfacalcidiol. Blood biochemistry was normalized within one week and serum parathyroid hormone levels declined to normal over the next two months. It is suggested that perinatal asphyxia was the common etiopathogenetic factor for the development of both SFN and pseudohypoparathyroidism.
A new photochemical method for the preparation of disiloxane and hexamethyldistannoxane

Abstract Various inorganic ethers, such as (SiH 3 ) 2 O and [(CH 3 ) 3 Sn] 2 O, can be prepared as a result of mercury photosensitized reactions of SiH 4 or (CH 3 ) 3 SnH or (CH 3 ) 3 Sn·Sn(CH 3 ) 3 with nitric oxide in the vapor phase.
Advances in prevention and treatment of cerebral palsy

In recent years there have been a number of advances in understanding of predisposing and protective factors in the development of cerebral palsy in infants. Multiple gestation births, maternal infection, and maternal and fetal thrombophilic conditions all predispose to the development of CP in the infant. Opportunities for prevention of CP may develop from an improved understanding of these factors and their mechanisms of operation. Similar progress has been made in the evaluation of treatments for CP and the effects of these treatments on the individual's impairment, function, and disability. Selective posterior rhizotomy and Botulinum toxin A are now widely used in the treatment of spasticity. The challenge remains to determine how effectively these promising interventions can alter long-term function and quality of life outcomes in children and adults with CP.
Relationship between adverse childhood experiences and unemployment among adults from five US states

Purpose Our study assesses the relationships between self-reported adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) (including sexual, physical, or verbal abuse, along with household dysfunction including parental separation or divorce, domestic violence, mental illness, substance abuse, or incarcerated household member) and unemployment status in five US states in 2009.
Superconducting accelerators for megawatt-class free-electron lasers

Power beaming and industrial materials processing are two applications which require high average power lasers operating in the visible or near infrared. Although a handful of gas lasers in the hundred kilowatt range exist, free electron lasers (FELs) should be capable of producing even greater powers, and provide continuous tunability and higher beam quality. While these benefits were realized early in the development of FELs, the highest average power FEL to date has produced just over ten watts. Progress in achieving more average power has been hindered largely by a lack of appropriate accelerators. We believe that superconducting accelerators, which offer continuous operation at high gradients and high efficiency with excellent beam quality are ideal candidates as drivers for such a device. We discuss the challenges of operating both superconducting and room temperature accelerators at high powers and described solutions to these problems. We propose general guidelines along which a superconducting FEL capable of 100 kW to 1 MW could be built and discuss recent experimental demonstrations of these design principles. Finally, we compare the superconducting approach with other possibilities and outline areas requiring future research.
Treatment of Basal Cell Carcinomas with Pulsed Dye Laser: A Case Series

Background. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most prevalent skin cancer. Because of its highly vascular characteristic, it is amendable to treatment with pulse dye laser (PDL). The goal of this study is to determine the safety and efficacy of PDL therapy for mostly facial BCCs. Materials and Methods. Sixteen men and thirteen women (29 total) with 39 biopsy-proven BCCs were treated with 1–4 PDL (595 nm) therapies at 2–4-week intervals. The treatment parameters included pulse energy of 15 J/cm 2, pulse length of 3 millisecond, with no dynamic cooling, and 7 mm spot size. The age of the patients was 30–90 years (mean 73 years). Response rates were evaluated by the clinical assessments with mean followup of 11 months. Results. Twenty-four patients with thirty-two tumors reached at least three months followup: 24/32 (75%) tumors with complete resolution (mean 3 treatment sessions); 5/32 (16%) tumors recurred; 3/32 (9%) tumors with incomplete responses after four treatments. Minimal side effects and discomfort were experienced by the patients with PDL therapy. Conclusion. PDL is a safe, tolerable, and moderately effective method of treating various BCCs. The ideal niche and standardized settings for PDL treatment of BCCs are yet to be determined.
Phase inversion and collapse of cross-spectral function

Cross-spectral analysis is a mathematical tool for extracting the power spectral density of a correlated signal from two time series in the presence of uncorrelated interfering signals. A set of conditions is demonstrated and explained where the detection of the desired signal using cross-spectral analysis fails partially or entirely in the presence of a second uncorrelated signal. Not understanding when and how this effect occurs can lead to dramatic under-reporting of the desired signal. Theoretical and simulated demonstrations of this effect are presented.
In vivo rate of serotonin synthesis in brain and spinal cord of young, spontaneously hypertensives rats

Abstract The accumulation of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) following decarboxylase inhibition was measured in hypothalamus (HYP), pons-medulla (PM) and spinal cord (SC) of 4- and 8-week-old spontaneously hypertensive (SH) and normotensive (WKY) rats. Using this method, a significant increase in the in vivo activity of tryptophan hydroxylase was observed in the PM and SC of 4-week-old, but not 8-week-old SH rats. These findings show a transient elevation in rate of 5-HT synthesis prior to the onset of hypertension, which does not appear to continue during the maintenance phase.
Edge currents and nanopore arrays in zigzag and chiral graphene nanoribbons as a route toward high-$ZT$ thermoelectrics

We analyze electronic and phononic quantum transport in zigzag or chiral graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) perforated with an array of nanopores. Since local charge current profiles in these GNRs are peaked around their edges, drilling nanopores in their interior does not affect edge charge currents while drastically reducing the phonon heat current in sufficiently long wires. The combination of these two effects can yield highly efficient thermoelectric devices with maximum figure of merit $ZT\ensuremath{\simeq}5$, at both liquid nitrogen and room temperature, achieved in $\ensuremath{\sim}$1 $\ensuremath{\mu}$m long zigzag GNRs with nanopores of variable diameter and spacing between them. Our analysis is based on the nonequilibrium Green's function formalism combined with the $\ensuremath{\pi}$-orbital tight-binding Hamiltonian including up to third-nearest-neighbor hopping for an electronic subsystem, or with an empirical fifth-nearest-neighbor force-constant (5NNFC) model for a phononic subsystem. Additionally, we demonstrate that different empirical FC models typically overestimate the phonon conductance when compared to first-principles results.
Effects of reduced coronary flow on thallium-201 accumulation and release in an in vitro rat heart preparation.

To study the relation between myocardial thallium-201 (Tl-201) uptake, Tl-201 release, and reduced coronary flow, isolated Langendorff rat hearts (n = 8) were perfused for 3 hours at constant flows ranging from physiologic (12 ml/min) to severely ischemic (1.5 ml/min); thallium activity was monitored with a scintillation probe. Each heart was perfused for 1 hour with thallium buffer, followed by 2 hours with thallium-free buffer at the same flow rate. Accumulation curves for all 4 flows were monoexponential. However, release curves during the 2 hours of washout with thallium-free buffer demonstrated a biexponential configuration. The early fast release component decreased with reductions in coronary flow, and the later slow release component did not vary significantly with flow. These data show that thallium clearance has at least 2 components: a rapid (possibly extracellular) component related to coronary flow and a slow (possibly intracellular) component independent of coronary flow. These findings should be useful in providing a better understanding of thallium redistribution observed clinically.
Generation of forcing functions for evaluating performance at the man-machine interface

The evaluation of the performance of individuals or devices at the man-machine interface can, in most instances, be accomplished through the simulation of typical dynamic tasks. This paper describes a simple, flexible technique for the generation of waveforms for use as forcing functions in such situations. The technique uses an analog computer under the control of external digital logic. A one-dimensional tracking problem illus trates the use of the technique. Diagrams and all relevant parameters for this problem are given. The simulation system creates a straight-line- segment graph to control the target. The system includes an automated scoring feature with digital printou t.
Exploring connections among nature, biodiversity, ecosystem services, and human health and well-being: Opportunities to enhance health and biodiversity conservation ☆

Abstract We are at a key juncture in history where biodiversity loss is occurring daily and accelerating in the face of population growth, climate change, and rampant development. Simultaneously, we are just beginning to appreciate the wealth of human health benefits that stem from experiencing nature and biodiversity. Here we assessed the state of knowledge on relationships between human health and nature and biodiversity, and prepared a comprehensive listing of reported health effects. We found strong evidence linking biodiversity with production of ecosystem services and between nature exposure and human health, but many of these studies were limited in rigor and often only correlative. Much less information is available to link biodiversity and health. However, some robust studies indicate that exposure to microbial biodiversity can improve health, specifically in reducing certain allergic and respiratory diseases. Overall, much more research is needed on mechanisms of causation. Also needed are a re-envisioning of land-use planning that places human well-being at the center and a new coalition of ecologists, health and social scientists and planners to conduct research and develop policies that promote human interaction with nature and biodiversity. Improvements in these areas should enhance human health and ecosystem, community, as well as human resilience.
Doppler Radar Observations of Mammatus

Abstract Observations of mammatus-like cloud features associated with a convective rain shower were obtained using a vertically pointing 8-mm-wavelength Doppler radar. The radar's excellent sensitivity and resolution allowed even very weak, finescale features of the cloud to be resolved. The mammatus were located 3–5 km above ground along the underneath side of an anvil-like stratiform region of the storm cloud and preceded the arrival of precipitation. Both reflectivity and velocity exhibited strongly periodic patterns, with larger downward motions and larger reflectivities occurring together. The mammatus lobes were separated by about 90 s or approximately 1 km, horizontally. The mammatus features could be traced more than 500 m upward into the cloud echo interior where the amplitude of the vertical velocity oscillations was greatest. The measured vertical velocities of particle motions ranged from +0.5 to −3.0 m s−1. The observed reflectivity and velocity patterns suggest that although evaporation was ...
Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli in children with diarrhea: a prospective point-of-care study.

Abstract Objective: To conduct a prospective cohort study to determine the frequency and characteristics of Shiga toxin (Stx)-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infections in children with diarrhea attending an emergency department and a private clinic in Seattle, Washington. Methods: Between November 1998 and October 2001, 1851 stools were processed for STEC by sorbitol-MacConkey (SMAC) agar screening and a commercial Stx enzyme immunoassay (EIA). Results: STEC belonging to serotypes O157:H7 (n = 28), O103:H2 (n = 4), O118:H16 (n = 2), O26:H11, O111:nonmotile, O111:H8, O121:H19, and O rough:H11 (n = 1 each) were recovered from 39 (2.1%) stools. EIA and SMAC agar detected 89% and 100% of the patients with E coli O157:H7, respectively. E coli O157:H7-infected patients had significantly higher frequencies of bloody stools, fecal leukocytes, and abdominal tenderness and shorter symptom duration. Hemolytic uremic syndrome developed in 5 (18%) and none of the children infected with E coli O157:H7 and non-O157:H7 STEC, respectively ( P =.30). Conclusions: E coli O157:H7 is the predominant STEC in this population. Children infected with E coli O157:H7 have clinical presentations different from those whose stools contain non–O157:H7 STEC. Culture and Stx detection are needed to optimally detect STEC of all serotypes in stools. SMAC agar screening should not be replaced by EIA. (J Pediatr 2002;141:172-7)
Quantitative Analyses of Normal Tissue Effects in the Clinic (QUANTEC): An Introduction to the Scientific Issues

Advances in dose-volume/outcome (or normal tissue complication probability, NTCP) modeling since the seminal Emami paper from 1991 are reviewed. There has been some progress with an increasing number of studies on large patient samples with three-dimensional dosimetry. Nevertheless, NTCP models are not ideal. Issues related to the grading of side effects, selection of appropriate statistical methods, testing of internal and external model validity, and quantification of predictive power and statistical uncertainty, all limit the usefulness of much of the published literature. Synthesis (meta-analysis) of data from multiple studies is often impossible because of suboptimal primary analysis, insufficient reporting and variations in the models and predictors analyzed. Clinical limitations to the current knowledge base include the need for more data on the effect of patient-related cofactors, interactions between dose distribution and cytotoxic or molecular targeted agents, and the effect of dose fractions and overall treatment time in relation to nonuniform dose distributions. Research priorities for the next 5-10 years are proposed.
Social skill acquisition and psychosocial development of alcoholics: A review

Abstract Studies with data on male prealcoholics and alcoholics are reviewed. The review concentrates on studies which relate to social skill acquisition and the development of interpersonal competence. The role of modeling and family structure; peer relationships in high school, college and adult life; and the effects of alcohol on social responses are considered. The evidence suggests that a social skill acquisition model is a promising one for research on the development and maintenance of problem drinking behaviors.
Evolution of hip joint replacement

Hip joint replacement received its impetus when the modern operating room environment allowed surgery of this magnitude to be accomplished. The cup or mold arthroplasty was probably the precursor of our present designs and techniques. This was followed by the single femoral endoprosthesis. The two were then combined to create total hip arthroplasty. The tremendous thrust in development occurred with the use of high-density polyethylene and methylmethacrylate, both pioneered by Sir John Charnley. Present methods of total hip replacement, however, are moving away from fixation with cement to biologic fixation through bony growth into porous coated prostheses. A sound knowledge of the biomechanics and the biologic response to foreign bodies is essential to the present use and further development of total hip replacement.
Development and Validation of the Sexual Agreement Investment Scale

Sexual agreements are ubiquitous among gay men. Lower levels of investment in these agreements may be associated with breaking them or engaging in risky sexual behavior. A scale was developed to measure agreement investment levels among gay men. Qualitative data from 78 gay men in committed relationships were analyzed to inform item development, followed by quantitative analyses of two larger samples (n = 380, n = 1,001) to assess construct, convergent, and discriminant validity. The Sexual Agreement Investment Scale (SAIS) is a psychometrically sound measure of the level of investment in sexual agreements among gay men in relationships. Men with higher agreement investment were less likely to break agreements and less likely to engage in unprotected anal intercourse with outside partners. The SAIS can be used to measure investment in sexual agreements and its impact on sexual behavior in a wide variety of settings, including research on relationships, sexuality, couples therapy and HIV prevention.