cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intravenous Nicardipine for Treatment of Postcoarctectomy Hypertension in Children

Our objective was to evaluate the efficacy of intravenous (IV) nicardipine for the treatment of postcoarctectomy hypertension in children with coarctation of the aorta. We carried out a retrospective review in a pediatric intensive care unit at a tertiary care children’s hospital. The patients were children with coarctation of the aorta treated for postcoarctectomy hypertension. Children with postcoarctectomy hypertension defined as a systolic blood pressure >95th percentile for age measured by indwelling arterial catheter were treated with IV nicardipine. We measured change in mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and mean heart rate (HR) from baseline after initiating treatment with IV nicardipine. The outcome measure was a reduction in MAP and mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure after treatment with IV nicardipine. During a 4-year period, 10 children met the study criteria. Median age was 3.25 months (range, 0.25 to 180 months). Initial median treatment dose of IV nicardipine was 1.0 µg/kg/min (range, 0.5 to 6 µg/kg/min); median dose used to control hypertension was 1.5 µg/kg/min (range, 0.25 to 6 µg/kg/min). Median duration of therapy was 26.3 h (range, 13 to 49 h). Treatment with IV nicardipine resulted in a 26.5% decrease in MAP from baseline during the first hour of treatment (p = 0.0006). Mean systolic blood pressure decreased from 133 to 105 mmHg (p = 0.005), and mean diastolic blood pressure decreased from 75 to 52.5 mmHg (p = 0.001) during the first hour of therapy with nicardipine. There was a significant reduction (p = 0.0005) in MAP during continued treatment with IV nicardipine. The mean HR of 150 remained unchanged during the first hour of therapy with nicardipine, and no significant change in mean HR or adverse effects was noted during continued therapy. Two children receiving other antihypertensive therapy demonstrated further reduction in their blood pressure when IV nicardipine was initiated. Tachycardia and hypotension were not observed in any child treated with IV nicardipine. We concluded that IV nicardipine reduced MAP with no significant change in mean HR and no adverse effects in patients with postcoarctectomy hypertension. Nicardipine produced a further reduction in MAP in children receiving other antihypertensive agents. Nicardipine is an effective agent for treatment of postcoarctectomy hypertension in children with coarctation of the aorta.
Atomistic Structure Generation and Gas Adsorption Simulations of Microporous Polymer Networks

A new general procedure for generating structures for atomistic simulations of network polymers is presented. In the presented algorithm, cross-linking and chain formation occur in cycles along with equilibrations to “polymerize” microporous polymer networks. The procedure was validated by application to a hyper-cross-linked polymer, poly(dichloroxylene), but can be applied to other polymer networks as well. The simulated samples were characterized by cross-linking degrees and porosity measurements, and their adsorption behavior was simulated by grand canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) simulations. Two important factors in generating samples with significant microporosity were determined: (a) the degree of cross-linking and (b) the concentration of the system during cross-linking. The effects of these two factors were examined and compared to similarly observed experimental trends. The methodology presented here is thus a promising technique for designing not only hyper-cross-linked polymers but also new amorph...
Significant reversal of thyrotoxicosis-associated dilated cardiomyopathy with induction of the euthyroid state

Thyrotoxicosis rarely precipitates heart failure. Older patients and those with underlying cardiac disease are at greater risk of experiencing this complication of thyrotoxicosis. A 43 year old male who presented with subclinical thyrotoxicosis, atrial fibrillation, and a dilated cardiomyopathy is discussed. There was no evidence of clinically significant underlying cardiac disease. At admission, the patient had an ejection fraction of 25%. Thyrotoxicosis was treated with propylthiouracil. At 14 weeks after hospitalization, the patient had an ejection fraction of 50% with significant reduction in cardiac chamber sizes and left ventricular mass index. He was biochemically euthyroid at that time. After ten months of propylthiouracil therapy, he had progressive improvement in cardiac function and decrease in left ventricular mass index. Thyrotoxicosis-associated cardiomyopathy may reverse significantly with treatment of thyrotoxicosis alone; this complication of thyrotoxicosis should be considered in any young individual with a dilated cardiomyopathy of unknown etiology.
Characterization of the Aroma of Raw Carrots (Daucus carota L.) With the Use of Factor Analyses

Sensory evaluations of 20 aroma related characteristics derived using open discussion profile methods were made on 10 different carrot selections. Factor analysis was applied to the sensory evaluations to determine an orthogonal set of descriptors which were derived from the original set of data. Five factors, defining independent aroma characteristics of raw carrots, were determined to be earthy-organic aroma, basic raw carrot aroma, fruity-perfumy aroma, nonearthy aromatics, and piney aroma. A second application of factor analysis was utilized to identify components in the head space profile which might correlate with the five newly determined aroma descriptions.
Data-based Active Learning in the Principles of Macroeconomics Course: A Mock FOMC Meeting

Abstract: The author presents an active-learning exercise for the introductory macroeconomics class in which students participate in a mock Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting. Preparation involves data gathering and writing both a research report and a policy recommendation. An FOMC meeting is simulated in which students give their policy recommendations, participate in deliberation, and vote on policy. This exercise fosters engagement across diverse groups of students at the introductory level as it develops proficiencies desired for economics majors.
Insurer Performance and Intermediary Remuneration: The Impact of Abandonment of Contingent Commissions

The advent of the 2004 Spitzer investigation subjected the use of contingent commissions to significant scrutiny in the public media. This research uses the Spitzer investigation as a point of differentiation and assesses the relationship shared by the abandonment of contingent commissions and insurer performance across the pre- and post-2004 periods. Our research defines insurer performance using efficiency measures derived through data envelopment analysis. We employ a difference-in-difference methodology to control for extraneous environmental factors across the time period under consideration, 1993–2008. Our results suggest that the decision to abandon the use of contingent commissions after 2004 is associated with decreases in insurer performance. We attribute that reduction in performance to insurers’ abandonment of otherwise performance-maximising remuneration strategies in an attempt to distance themselves from any potential negative associations with the use of contingent commissions.
Mechanopathobiology of Atherogenesis: A Review

Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of mortality in the United States. Atherosclerosis, the primary etiology of cardiovascular disease is hypothesized to be a time-dependent response to arterial injury. Although risk factors for atherosclerosis are systemic in nature, certain arteries (e.g., coronary arteries) are more susceptible to plaque formation than others. The heterogeneous distribution of atherosclerosis in the vasculature is thought to be related to biomechanical factors. A review of the relevant pathological features of atherogenesis and how physiologically-consistent mechanical stimuli can impact those processes supports this notion. However, specific investigations geared toward finding the mechanistic link between mechanical stimuli and early atherogenic processes are required to differentiate those stimuli that facilitate and those that inhibit atherogenesis. Such knowledge is required for intelligent direction in the search for potential targets for clinical intervention.
Regulation of respiratory neuron development by neurotrophic and transcriptional signaling mechanisms.

Abstract Functionally diverse populations of respiratory neurons appear to be targets of common neurotrophic and transcriptional signaling pathways. For example, peripheral chemoafferent neurons and noradrenergic neurons in the pontine A5 cell group both require co-signaling by brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and glial cell line derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) for survival, growth and/or phenotypic differentiation. Moreover, these same cell groups are dependent on the Phox2 family of transcription factors for early cell type specification. In addition, BDNF and its receptor, TrkB, are expressed in the preBotzinger complex (pBC), a critical site for respiratory rhythm generation, and exogenous BDNF can modulate the activity of pBC neurons. This convergence of BDNF, GDNF and Phox2 dependencies may help to explain how mutations in each of these pathways can result in human developmental disorders of breathing.
Circular dichroism and fluorescence spectroscopy of cysteinyl-tRNA synthetase from Halobacterium salinarum ssp. NRC-1 demonstrates that group I cations are particularly effective in providing structure and stability to this halophilic protein.

Proteins from extremophiles have the ability to fold and remain stable in their extreme environment. Here, we investigate the presence of this effect in the cysteinyl-tRNA synthetase from Halobacterium salinarum ssp. NRC-1 (NRC-1), which was used as a model halophilic protein. The effects of salt on the structure and stability of NRC-1 and of E. coli CysRS were investigated through far-UV circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, and thermal denaturation melts. The CD of NRC-1 CysRS was examined in different group I and group II chloride salts to examine the effects of the metal ions. Potassium was observed to have the strongest effect on NRC-1 CysRS structure, with the other group I salts having reduced strength. The group II salts had little effect on the protein. This suggests that the halophilic adaptations in this protein are mediated by potassium. CD and fluorescence spectra showed structural changes taking place in NRC-1 CysRS over the concentration range of 0–3 M KCl, while the structure of E. coli CysRS was relatively unaffected. Salt was also shown to increase the thermal stability of NRC-1 CysRS since the melt temperature of the CysRS from NRC-1 was increased in the presence of high salt, whereas the E. coli enzyme showed a decrease. By characterizing these interactions, this study not only explains the stability of halophilic proteins in extremes of salt, but also helps us to understand why and how group I salts stabilize proteins in general.
Chemical industry emergency response mutual aid in America

Abstract The chemical industry has found mutual aid networks to provide emergency response to incidents involving their products to be very useful to provide quick and effective response. They have used this mechanism to provide emergency response along product lines and in selected geographical areas. They have also found it a cost-effective way to provide specialized equipment and supplies for emergency response. The mutual aid system does increase the liability of the members, but this is more than offset by the benefits of having a qualified team to go to the scene quickly. To expand the benefits of mutual aid, the Chemical Manufacturers Association (CMA) set up a new program called CHEMNET that provides emergency response advice and assistance to a wide variety of products. The program includes membership from companies too small to justify their own emergency response capabilities because they can use the service of other members or contractors.
Effects of stimulus incongruity on children’s curiosity as measured by looking time and expression change

Sixty children, ranging in age from 5 to 11 years, looked at a series of congruous (i.e., normal) pictures (animals and other objects) and at pictures of incongruous objects formed by mismatched combinations of heads and bodies of the congruous objects. Afterwards, the children were asked to give names to all the pictures. The results disclosed longer looking times, more sustained expression changes, and greater likelihood of expression change to the incongruous than to the congruous pictures. Further, older children were more likely than younger children to recognize and respond to incongruity according to these measures and also were more likely to name both components of the incongruous pictures.
High‐Throughput Fabrication, Performance Testing, and Characterization of One‐Dimensional Libraries of Polymeric Compositions

A new general approach for rapid performance-screening of polymer compositions is provided. Multiple compositions are generated as one-dimensional libraries in a microextruder with step- or gradient-composition changes in 2-10 g of polymer in < 1 min. To accelerate testing, environmental stress is applied to only local regions, followed by high-sensitivity spatially resolved characterization. We applied our methodology for weathering of arrays of polymeric compositions and provided ranking of polymer/ UV absorber compositions equivalent to traditional weathering data while achieved 20 times faster.
Coarticulation and formant transition rate in young children who stutter

The purpose of this study was to assess anticipatory coarticulation and second formant (F2) transition rate (FTR) of speech production in young children who stutter (CWS) and who do not stutter (CW...
Evaluation of Coronary Artery Fistula by Color‐Flow Doppler Echocardiography

Summary An asymptomatic newborn infant with a left coronary artery to right ventricular apex fistula was evaluated using color-flow Doppler techniques. Color flow mapping during diastole showed a prominent turbulent flow signal that could be traced from the proximal left coronary artery, along the interventricular septum, to the right ventricular apex. Color flow Doppler is an important complement to two-dimensional imaging for the identification and location of coronary artery fistulas.
Time and its measurememt

A TIMEKEEPER, whether terrestrial or celestial, may be considered as consisting essentially of a fixed dial and a moving pointer. A complete observation may be regarded as a comparison of the angles described by the pointers of two timekeepers between two signals.
Food allergy as a risk factor for asthma morbidity in adults.

Background. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between food allergy and asthma morbidity in adults. Methods. We interviewed a cohort of persistent asthmatics from an inner-city clinic. Allergies to food were assessed by patient report of convincing symptoms of acute allergic reactions. Outcome variables included health resource utilization and medication use. Results. The prevalence of allergy to fish, peanut, tree-nut, shellfish, and seed allergies were 3%, 3%, 3%, 13%, and 1%. Patients with allergies to > 1 food had increased asthma hospitalizations, ED visits, and use of oral steroids (p < 0.05 for all comparisons). Specifically, allergy to fish was associated with a greater risk of health resource utilization and increased frequency of oral steroid use (p ≤ 0.03 for all comparisons). Conclusions. Self-reported allergy to foods was associated with worse outcomes, suggesting that food allergy may be a risk factor for increased asthma morbidity in adults.
The cost of not holding back the sea—economic vulnerability

Abstract A method for quantifying the economic vulnerability of developed shoreline to the threat of greenhouse induced sea level rise is described and applied to Long Beach Island, New Jersey, USA. While the method carefully accounts for structure, land and beach vulnerability along arbitrary sea level rise scenarios from tax maps and careful geographical accounting, it does not produce opportunity cost estimates for abandonment. The data generated here are, nonetheless, the foundation from which such cost estimates can be constructed given market and individual reactions to subjective perceptions of the threat and its timing.
Radiation-induced hemorrhagic disease in chickens.

SummaryIn order to study the hemorrhagic disease resulting from radiation, we produced severe radiation injury by repeated subcutaneous injections of P32 into young chicks. Agranulocytosis and thrombocytopenia developed rapidly and during the same period the clotting mechanism of the blood was altered. However, there was no significant increase in coagulation time as found in animals and the hemorrhagic disease which developed was much less severe than that seen in animals. The increased number of mast cells associated with atomic bomb radiation injury in humans was not seen in the chickens.
PP2A: Unveiling a Reluctant Tumor Suppressor

Although evidence has suggested that the serine/threonine protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) might be a tumor suppressor protein, it has been difficult to pin down its role in tumor suppression because it acts in a wide variety of signaling pathways. Recent findings, including work in this issue by Junttila et al. (2007), provide convincing evidence that suppression of PP2A activity cooperates with other oncogenic changes to cause transformation of multiple cell types.
The Effect of Exercise on Intrinsic Myocardial Performance

Systolic time intervals were performed on 49 male subjects. Twenty-eight subjects were inactive with respect to a continuing exercise program and were classified as a sedentary group. Twenty-one subjects were physically active and were classified as an active group. The active group was composed of 12 members who were moderately active and nine members of a college track team. Using analysis of covariance no significant difference was found in the total duration of electromechanical systole (QS2), left ventricular ejection time (LVET), or the preejection period (PEP) between the moderately active subgroup and the members of the track team. However, a highly significant difference was found between the sedentary and the active group in the QS2 and PEP. The LVET was not significantly different. The results of this study appear to be consistent with the hypothesis that an increase in intrinsic myocardial performance is associated with physical conditioning. In addition, it is suggested that published equations for the QS2 interval and the PEP may be applicable only to sedentary individuals.
Morphologic features of fossa ovalis membrane aneurysm in the adult and its clinical significance.

Abstract Objectives. This study evaluated morphologic features of fossa ovalis membrane aneurysm and associated cardiac abnormalities that may predispose to systemic embolism. Background. An increasing number of fossa ovalis membrane aneurysms are diagnosed by echocardiography. Higher frequencies of such aneurysms have been reported in patients with embolic stroke. Methods. The hearts of 20 adults with fossa ovalis membrane aneurysms (mean [±SD] age 62 ± 19 years, range 24 to 87; 12 women [60%], 8 men [40%]) were examined. The areas of excised atrial septum, fossa ovalis membrane and fossa ovalis were measured. An aneurysm was defined as the ratio of the fossa ovalis membrane to fossa ovalis area ≥1.5. Results. Compared with a control group of 20 adults (mean age 58 ± 21 years, range 18 to 86; 12 women [60%], 8 men [40%]), the 20 patients with fossa ovalis membrane aneurysm had larger (711 ± 240 vs. 203 ± 105 mm2, p Conclusions. Fossa ovalis membrane aneurysm is characterized by thinning and marked redundancy without adherent thrombi or fibrin tags. Mitral valve prolapse, dilated atria, intracardiac thrombi and patent foramen ovale are frequently seen in association with fossa ovalis membrane aneurysm and may explain the increased frequency of embolic stroke in patients with such aneurysms.
Evaluating Implicit Prices of Intermediate Products

Agricultural markets have changed over time, along with the nature and scope of U.S. agricultural production. There has been a shift from spot markets to a variety of alternative vertical exchange mechanisms (Knutson, p. 127). Examples include forward market contracting, vertical integration, cooperatives, and electronic contract marketing. This shift has concerned farmers, researchers, and government agencies because less is known about the interpretation of price differences from one transaction to another when the same exchange instrument is used (i.e., a contract). Jesse and Johnson demonstrated that different contract specifications resulted in different negotiated contract prices. Although their study was a significant contribution, the underlying structure generating the different prices was not explored. This paper utilizes the hedonic framework developed by Rosen to analyze potato contract prices in the Hastings, Florida, growing area. It was hypothesized that there were numerous and varied services associated with vertical exchange mechanisms (Carl). Implicit payments, which affect observed prices, were made and received for these services.
X-ray absorption spectroscopy study of Cu(II) coordination in the interlayer of montmorillonite

Abstract Cu(II) coordination in the interlayer of an expandable clay mineral montmorillonite is studied using X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) along with electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Ab initio calculations are performed using FEFF code to reproduce the X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) portion of the experimentally measured XAS spectra. Cu(II) coordination changes depending on the Cu(II) loading and hydration state of the interlayer. XRD shows that the Cu-saturated montmorillonite has d001-spacing values corresponding to the interlayer thickness of four and one water layer(s) for the hydrated and dehydrated interlayers, respectively. EPR shows that Cu(II) in the fully hydrated, unsaturated interlayer behaves similarly to free Cu(II) ion in a bulk aqueous solution, while Cu(II) forms a square planar complex in the dehydrated interlayer. Cu(II) in the fully hydrated, Cu-saturated montmorillonite has a characteristic singlet 1st derivative XANES spectrum. FEFF calculations show that this singlet feature originates from a quasi-regular octahedral coordination of water molecules around the interlayer Cu(II) atom. All other samples and model compounds including the dry Cu-saturated montmorillonite, wet and dry unsaturated montmorillonite, aqueous Cu(II), cupric nitrate salt (Cu(NO3)2·4.5H2O), and Cu(II) hydroxide precipitates have doublet 1st derivative XANES spectra. FEFF calculations suggest that the doublet features arise from an axially elongated octahedral coordination under the Jahn–Teller effect or square planar coordination. FEFF calculations of the EXAFS spectra as a function of the axial oxygen bond length demonstrate that a destructive interference between backscattering from equatorial oxygen (Oeq) and that from axial oxygen (Oax) atoms leads to an apparent coordination number (CN) less than six expected for the tetragonal coordination, with the farther, loosely bound axial oxygen atoms making a minor, yet negative contribution to the CN determined by the EXAFS analysis. This study shows that Cu(II) has interchangeable octahedral, tetragonal, and square planar coordinations in the interlayer of montmorillonite, depending on Cu(II) loading and degree of hydration. The quasi-regular octahedral coordination of the interlayer Cu(II) in montmorillonite is a new finding of this study.
An algorithm for automated bacterial identification using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry.

An algorithm for bacterial identification using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry is being developed. This mass spectral fingerprint comparison algorithm is fully automated and statistically based, providing objective analysis of samples to be identified. Based on extraction of reference fingerprint ions from test spectra, this approach should lend itself well to real-world applications where samples are likely to be impure. This algorithm is illustrated using a blind study. In the study, MALDI-MS fingerprints for Bacillus atrophaeus ATCC 49337, Bacillus cereus ATCC 14579T, Escherichia coli ATCC 33694, Pantoea agglomerans ATCC 33243, and Pseudomonas putida F1 are collected and form a reference library. The identification of test samples containing one or more reference bacteria, potentially mixed with one species not in the library (Shewanella alga BrY), is performed by comparison to the reference library with a calculated degree of association. Out of 60 samples, no fa...
Quantitative morphology of the primate peripheral retina (Macaca irus).

By using electron microscopy to study the quantitative morphology of the retina, it was possible to determine the spatial density of all principal retinal cells at a defined retinal location. In two retinas of cynomolgus monkeys at a position of 30 degrees nasal of the fovea centralis, the following cell densities were determined from composite electron micrographs: retinal pigment epithelium: 3,400 cell/mm2; rod cells: 115,000 and 168,000 cells/mm2; cone cells: 8,200/mm2; horizontal cells: 7,000/mm2; bipolar cells: 50,000/mm2; amacrine cells: 11,500/mm2; Muller cells: 16,000/mm2; and ganglion cells: 5,350 and 6,750/mm2.
The evidence base

The incidence of diabetes mellitus is at least 3% (1) and predicted to increase to nearly 3.5 million people by 2010 (2) in the UK alone. Audits show that at least 10% of hospital beds are occupied due to diabetes (3, 4). Hyperglycaemia is associated with delayed wound healing, increased infection rates, dehydration (with associated electrolyte disturbances), increased insulin resistance, hyperinsulinaemia, overfeeding and increased
THE SYMMETRIC TONIC NECK REFLEX (STNR) AS A NORMAL FINDING IN PREMATURE INFANTS PRIOR TO TERM

The STNR is a primitive reflex that is characterized by upper extremity (UE) extension and lower extremity (LE) flexion with neck extension, and by UE flexion and LE extension with neck flexion. Although often seen in children with cerebral palsy (CP), it is an uncommon finding in term neonates and infants. Its frequency has been studied in a population of 110 premature infants who were examined at and/or prior to term and who had normal motor milestones on followup at a mean age of 27 months (12-61). The STNR was graded as to intensity and completeness, in the manner of Capute et al (DMCN 26:375, 1984). Mean BW was 1141 gms (460-2190); mean GA was 28.6 wks (23-35). Forty-six had multiple exams prior to term. At term (or NICU discharge), 42% had a definite (Grade 2) STNR and 9% had a complete (Grade 3) STNR. Only 1% had Grade 1 STNR (tone changes only). Of the 53 (48%) who were scored as no STNR, 6 (11%) had evidence of STNR in either the UE or LE (partial STNR). Of the 46 who had multiple exams, 28% had an STNR on one exam but not on an earlier or later exam. When the data on all 238 exams were analyzed by postconceptional age (PCA), the STNR was not elicited prior to 28 wks PCA and was present in 4-6% at 29-32 wks PCA. The frequency and strength of the STNR progressively increased with PCA. By term, 32% had Grade 2 and 14% had Grade 3 STNR. The STNR is a normal finding in premature infants prior to term. It emerges at 30 wks PCA, and is present in half of premature infants at term.
He, Ne and Ar in four mesosiderites and the Binda achondrite.

Mass spectrometric analyses of He, Ne and Ar were performed on the mesosiderites, Clover Springs, Crab Orchard, Patwar, and Hainholtz with comparative analyses also conducted on the achondrite Binda. Gases were released in incremental temperature steps so that variation of spallogenic compositions could be studied. All samples were found to be rich in cosmogenic Ne and Ar. The 21Ne/22Ne ratio showed a variation between 0.83 and 1.00 indicating a definite dependence on the combined effects of target element abundances and cosmic ray shielding. The shielding effect seems to be especially pronounced in the mesosiderites. The 36Ar/38Ar ratio for spallation was found to be ∼0.65 in agreement with previous work. Cosmic ray exposure ages determined from cosmogenic Ar abundances fall in the range 40 to 87myr for mesosiderites. Crab Orchard gave a K-Ar age of 3.2 × 109yr. The Binda achondrite gave 44myr and 3.2 × 109yr respectively for cosmic ray exposure and K-Ar ages.
Wave coupling between the lower and upper atmosphere: case study of an ultra-fast Kelvin Wave

Abstract Since the first published issue of the Journal of Atmospheric and Terrestrial Physics, many papers have been devoted to the topic of wave coupling between atmospheric regions. The present work has two primary objectives. First, we review the effects of mean winds and dissipation on the vertical propagation of high-phase-speed planetary-scale waves from troposphere and stratosphere sources into the mesosphere and thermosphere, drawing on a number of milestone research papers published over the past 35 years. The emphasis here is on departures from the ‘textbook’ or ‘classical’ theory of atmospheric waves. Second, we apply these principles to the vertical propagation of an ‘ultra-fast’ Kelvin wave with period of 3 days and zonal wavenumber equal to one, for which new numerical results are presented. In classical theory without dissipation, this wave is equatorially trapped and has small meridional velocities. It is shown here that in the dissipative thermosphere this wave has non-negligible meridional velocities with maxima at the poles. In addition, westward (eastward) mean zonal mesospheric winds near the equator Doppler-shift the wave to higher (lower) frequencies and increase (decrease) its vertical wavelength, thus reducing (increasing) its susceptibility to dissipation. Winds asymmetric about the equator are found to distort locally the latitudinal shapes of the Kelvin wave fields by coupling into modes which tend to remain confined to the level of excitation. For realistic forcing, dissipation and mean wind configurations, it is shown that the Kelvin wave is capable of achieving amplitudes of order 10–25 K in temperature and 10– 40 m s −1 in zonal wind in the 100–150 km height regime, and producing zonal mean eastward accelerations of order 10– 15 m s −1 day −1 . The Kelvin wave perturbations ought in addition to have significant effects on the dynamo generation of electric fields, the layering of metallic ions, and on variations in various airglow emissions originating between 90 and 105 km altitude.
On the possibility of using available vessels for determining magnetic secular‐variation

In view of the improbability of building a non-magnetic vessel, at least in the near future, it becomes important to consider the possibilities of magnetic work on vessels not especially constructed for the purpose. The principal object in building the Carnegie was to eliminate ship-deviations so that observations could be made frequently without the necessity of computing corrections that require an immense amount of office work, that occasion delays in publication, and that are not very satisfactory after all is done.
Species preference of bovine thymocytes and fibroblasts for bovine interleukin 1

The purpose of this study was to determine whether bovine thymocytes and fibroblasts preferentially respond to bovine IL-1 as compared with human and murine interleukin 1 (IL-1). We compared equivalents units of recombinant murine and human IL-1 alpha, and purified monocyte-derived bovine IL-1, as measured in the murine thymocyte IL-1 assay, for their ability to stimulate the proliferation of bovine thymocytes and fibroblasts. Fetal and adult bovine thymocytes responded to bovine IL-1, but in contrast, did not respond to recombinant human or murine IL-1 alpha at the concentrations tested. Both adult and neonatal murine thymocytes responded similarly to the three IL-1 preparations. Thus, we concluded that the preferential response of bovine thymocytes for bovine IL-1 was not dependent upon the age of the thymus donor. Bovine fibroblasts also preferentially responded to bovine IL-1; fibroblast proliferation was stimulated by bovine but not human or murine IL-1. Our findings, therefore, imply that although IL-1 is highly conserved among mammalian species, its ability to stimulate the proliferation of thymocytes and fibroblasts may vary from species to species.
Granular cell tumors of the vulva.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to review clinical characteristics, histologic findings, and recommendations for surgical treatment of patients with granular cell tumors of the vulva. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study of 20 patients diagnosed with a granular cell tumor of the vulva from December 1963 to June 1994 was undertaken to evaluate age, lesion location, size, histopathologic features, presenting symptoms, progression of disease, and treatment. RESULTS: The average age was 50 years, with a range of 26 to 78 years. Fourteen of the 20 patients were black and six were white. Lesions were identified on the labia majora (18), on the clitoris (one), and in the perineal region (one). Only two patients had multiple lesions. Presenting complaints included increasing growth of the lesion (nine), pain (three), and pruritus (one). Six patients were asymptomatic. Lesion size ranged from 0.4 × 0.4 cm to 7 × 8 × 12 cm. Two lesions were found to infiltrate surrounding connective tissue. The 12 lesions that were stained for S-100 protein all had positive results. Nineteen patients were treated with wide local excision only. The twentieth patient required radical surgery because of the large size of the lesion; she died with pulmonary metastasis. CONCLUSION: Granular cell tumors of the vulva are slow-growing, predominantly solitary tumors that are commonly asymptomatic. The tumors originate at the neural crest, as demonstrated by S-100 staining. The majority of lesions are benign and may be treated with conservative wide local excision. An extremely uncommon histologically benign but clinically malignant form of granular cell tumor of the vulva needs special attention.
Self-reported carpal tunnel syndrome: predictors of work disability from the National Health Interview Survey Occupational Health Supplement.

The objective of this study was to identify risk factors for work disability among persons with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). The study was designed to analyze data from the Occupational Health Supplement of the National Health Interview Survey, a nationwide, population-based survey. Subjects included 544 survey respondents with self-report of CTS and 32,688 survey respondents without CTS, all aged 18–64 years, and with a history of labor force participation. Measurements were as follows: Dependent variables were work disability, defined either as cessation of employment without attribution of cause or, alternatively, as cessation of employment or job change specifically attributed to CTS by the survey respondent. Independent variables were ergonomic risk of work disability, defined by minutes of workplace repetitive hand and wrist bending for the most recent job held. This measure was derived from responses categorized by an occupation and industry matrix independent of CTS status. Socio-demographic and health status risk factors for work disability were based on the respondent report. The main results were as follows: Among 544 persons with CTS, 58 (11%, CI 8–13%) reported work disability specifically attributed to CTS, representing an estimated national prevalence of 240,578 persons with this limitation. Workplace ergonomic risk, measured as repetitive hand or wrist bending in the occupation and industry of last employment, was a significant factor predictive of CTS-attributed work disability (per 120 min of daily exposure, OR 1.7, CI 1.1–2.6), even after taking into account socio-demographic factors and health status. The conclusions were that work disability among persons with CTS is common. For those with CTS, working conditions characterized by repetitive bending of the hand or wrist may increase the risk of work disability associated with this condition. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Lymphocyte-depleted hodgkin's disease. Clinicopathologic review of 25 patients

Clinicopathologic material from 25 patients with lymphocyte-depleted Hodgkin's disease was reviewed. The median age of the patients was 57 years. The patients had no prior diagnosis of Hodgkin's disease and were divided according to pathologic subtype of lymphocyte-depleted Hodgkin's disease: 11 diffuse fibrosis, 10 reticular, and four not otherwise specified. The clinical presentation included B symptoms of fever, weight loss, or night sweats (92 percent), subdiaphragmatic disease (88 percent), frequent marrow involvement (56 percent), and advanced-stage disease (100 percent). Four of 11 patients with diffuse fibrosis had peripheral adenopathy as compared with seven of 10 patients with the reticular subtype (p = 0.3); 10 of 11 patients with diffuse fibrosis had marrow involvement compared with two of nine patients with the reticular subtype (p = 0.006). Among patients who received chemotherapy, median survival was longer in the diffuse fibrosis subtype (nine patients, 39 months) than in the reticular subtype (10 patients, 10 months), p = 0.005. Of the 17 patients who received more than one cycle of combination chemotherapy with mechlorethiamine, vincristine, procarbazine, and prednisone, the median survival was 36 months with 11 (65 percent) complete remissions. In eight patients, disease remains in remission (12 to 127 months) with five patients surviving beyond five years. These results indicate that lymphocyte-depleted Hodgkin's disease has at least two clinicopathologic subtypes and is curable if adequate therapy can be given.
A model study for the biomimetic-type synthesis of rifamycin S

Abstract Acid treatment of the hydroperoxide 5 yielded the enol ether 9 . Hydrogenation of 9 gave the dihydro derivative, the structure of which was established by comparison with the substance synthesized by a different route.
Vascularized Fibular Grafts for Avascular Necrosis After Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis: Is Hip Preservation Possible?

Background Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head is a potential complication in patients with slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE), radiographically occurring in 3–60%. This may lead to early hip fusion or hip arthroplasty. Free vascularized fibular grafting (FVFG) may provide a reasonable means to preserve the femoral head.
Do Smiles Elicit More Inferences than Do Frowns? The Effect of Emotional Valence on the Production of Spontaneous Inferences

Previous work by Liu, Karasawa, and Weiner suggests that perceivers may draw more causal attributions for positive emotions than for negative emotions. If so, then perceivers may draw more inferences spontaneously for positive emotions than for negative emotions. Participants observed a short video of a target who displayed either happiness or sadness. In the first experiment, half of the participants who viewed each of these behaviors were instructed to diagnose the target's disposition and half were instructed to diagnose the target's situation. Results revealed that although participants who viewed sadness drew only the inference consistent with their instructions, participants who viewed happiness drew both dispositional and situational inferences regardless of their instructions. In a second experiment, participants were instructed to diagnose the behavior of a target who displayed either happiness or sadness. Results revealed that perceivers of happy behavior drew inferences spontaneously. Implicati...
Student-Designed Public Service Announcement (PSA) Videos to Enhance Motivation and Engagement.

As educators we often focus on enhancing student motivation and engagement. The present Quick Fix article describes an activity with these aims, in which undergraduates (a) learn about theories and...
Outsourcing the Internal Audit Function: The British Government Experience with Market Testing: Outsourcing the Internal Audit Function

Internal auditing has historically functioned as an integral part of an organization's risk assessment, control, and governance structure. Recently, the internal audit world has been challenged by external firms, including the large professional services firms, who are marketing internal audit services (outsourcing). The market potential for internal audit services is large with some firms projecting internal audit services to be 25% of the total of external audit billings in the next few years. Many governments have also argued that they could improve both the cost and the efficiency of governmental services by subjecting individual governmental units to competition from the private sector. Internal auditing may be an ideal candidate for market testing because (1) it is usually organized as a separate, stand?alone unit, and (2) there are many alternative providers of audit services. The authors had the opportunity to examine the market testing of internal audit services within the British Government. We interviewed most of the major parties involved in a market test of internal audit services. Those interviewed included outsourcing providers, heads of internal audit departments, and a member of the Treasury who provided oversight of the process. Market testing led to some significant changes and challengessome good and some not so good. This paper describes the market testing process in the UK and the potential benefits and costs associated with outsourcing governmental internal audit functions.
A mean for all seasons.

The averaging of scores differs from the averaging of numbers in that behavioral issues are built into scores. The behavioral issues are the weight attached to a score and the metric on which the scores have been gathered. A single equation is proposed, derived from Aczel's (1966) model of the quasilinear mean, that encompasses the standard measures of central tendency. The equation allows for differential weighting of scores and also addresses the metric issue by incorporating response transformation.
Experiments and Modeling of the Heat Transfer of In-Line Square Pin Fin Heat Sinks With Top By-Pass Flow

This paper presents experimental results on the heat transfer characteristics of in-line square pin fin heat sinks with and without top by-pass. A self-consistent set of aluminum heat sinks were utilized, where the pin height was varied from 12.5 mm to 22.5 mm, the pin pitch was varied from 3.4 mm to 5.8 mm and the base dimensions were kept fixed at 25 × 25 mm. The overall base to ambient thermal resistance was measured as a function of Reynolds number and bypass height. Experimental results were then compared with predictions based on a simple one-dimensional “two-branch by-pass model”. Comparisons were made with the data using heat transfer coefficients available in the literature for infinitely long tube bundles. It was shown that there is a good agreement between the temperature predictions based on the model and the experimental data at high approach velocities for tall heat sinks, however the discrepancy between the computations and experiments increases as the approach velocity and heat sink height decrease. The validated model was used to identify optimum pin spacing as a function of clearance ratio.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Material Bookings in Context: A Look at Implementation and Performance

Even though Material Bookings modules have existed in some form for over 20 years, studies remain curiously absent from the literature. In an effort to begin this dialogue, a case study of implementing Innovative's Material Bookings module at the University of Nebraska at Omaha's Criss Library is presented. A survey assessing user satisfaction and experiences with Material Bookings and self-booking were distributed to the Innovative User Group's LISTSERV, and the findings are reported in this text.
Mössbauer spectra of synthetic Ca-Fe pyroxenoids and lunar pyroxferroite

Resolution of the iron sites in the Mossbauer spectra of Ca-Fe pyroxenoids is only partial, two doublets being apparent in each case, whereas there are up to nine cation sites in each structure. Thus the inner and outer doublets represent, respectively: two sites and two sites in Ca0.5Fe0.5SiO3 (ferrobustamite); five sites and two sites in Ca0.15Fe0.85SiO3 (pyroxferroite); and five sites and four sites in FeSiO3 (ferrosolite III). Disorder of iron and calcium which exists in the two calcium-bearing pyroxenoids is not readily apparent in the spectra.
Layered-silicate based polystyrene nanocomposite microcellular foam using supercritical carbon dioxide as blowing agent

Abstract Exfoliated layered-silicate in the polystyrene (PS) block copolymer with different molecular weights was employed as a model material to investigate the PS nanocomposite microcellular foams expanded by supercritical carbon dioxide. Using a well-controlled foaming procedure, we investigated the influence of molecular weight of PS, dispersion and loading of layered-silicate and pressure drop rate of a blowing agent on the cell size and cell density. Our experimental results indicate that only exfoliated layered-silicate can inhibit the cell expansion and has high nucleation efficiency during foaming. The average cell diameter can be reduced from 6 μm to 1.4 μm and the cell density can be increased from 7.6 × 10 9 cells/cm 3 to 5.0 × 10 11 cells/cm 3 . On the contrary, aggregated layered-silicate in PS did not show any effect on the cell morphology of PS foam.
Neurobehavioral phenotyping of G(αq) knockout mice reveals impairments in motor functions and spatial working memory without changes in anxiety or behavioral despair.

Many neurotransmitters, hormones and sensory stimuli elicit their cellular responses through the targeted activation of receptors coupled to Gq family heterotrimeric G proteins. Nevertheless, we still understand little about the consequences of loss of this signaling activity on brain function. We therefore examined the effects of genetic inactivation of Gnaq on responsiveness in a battery of behavioral tests in order to assess the contribution of Gaq signaling capacity in the brain circuits mediating expression of affective behaviors (anxiety and behavioral despair), spatial working memory and locomotor output (coordination, strength, spontaneous activity and drug-induced responses). First, we replicated and extended findings showing clear motor deficits in Gaq knockout mice as assessed on an accelerating rotarod and the inverted screen test. We then assessed the contribution of the basal ganglia motor loops to these impairments, using open field testing and analysis of drug-induced locomotor responses to the psychostimulant cocaine, the benzazepine D1 receptor agonists SKF83822 and SKF83959, and the NMDA receptor antagonist MK-801. We observed significant increases in drug-induced locomotor activity in Gaq knockout mice from the dopaminergic agonists but not MK-801, indicating that basal ganglia locomotor circuitry is largely intact in the absence of Gaq. Additionally, we observed normal phenotypes in both the elevated zero maze and the forced swim test indicating that anxiety and depression-related circuitry appears to be largely intact after loss of Gnaq expression. Lastly, use of the Y-maze revealed spatial memory deficits in Gaq knockout mice, indicating that receptors signaling through Gaq are necessary in these circuits for proficiency in this task.