cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal Gompertzian analysis of stroke mortality in the U.S., 1951-1986: declining stroke mortality is the natural consequence of competitive deterministic mortality dynamics.

Abstract Age-adjusted mortality rates for stroke in the United States from 1951 to 1986 were subjected to longitudinal Gompertzian analysis. Age-adjusted stroke mortality rate distributions were determined by a variable environmental factor and a constant Gompertz slope. Compared to 1951 values, the environmental factor in 1986 had declined (improved) 49.8% for men and 59.1% for women. This was associated with a 51.9% and 31.4% decrease in the annual crude mortality rate from stroke for men and women respectively. However, the Gompertz slope remained remarkably constant from 1951 to 1986; 0.050152 for men and 0.048341 for women. The constant Gompertz slope for age-adjusted mortality rate distributions for stroke is in sharp contrast to the increasing Gompertz slope which occurs with an improving environment in ‘degenerative’ diseases and aging in general. These findings suggest that the recent dramatic decline in overall stroke mortality is the natural consequence of competitive deterministic mortality dynamics. As the overall environment becomes more conducive to human survival, Gompertzian diseases with converging mortality rate distributions must increase as causes of human mortality at the expense of diseases with constant Gompertz slopes.
REPEATED READING REVISITED: RESEARCH INTO PRACTICE

Scholars have amassed evidence that repeated reading of a text facilitates literacy for both regular and disabled readers. Findings are summarized from five different lines of research that support the effectiveness of repeated reading: (a) reading fluency and comprehension; (b) text‐processing strategies of good and poor readers; (c) repetitive listening, often called read‐alouds; (d) study skills; and (e) rereading during the writing process. It is argued that because of the strong evidence of the effectiveness of repeated reading, this procedure should not be an adjunct to classroom instruction—its many variations should be woven into the very fabric of daily literacy instruction. Specific suggestions for teacher implementation are given, particularly, although not exclusively, applications geared to children with reading problems.
Association of Cholesterol Subfractions and Carotid Lipid Core Measured by MRI

To the Editor: A strong relationship exists between cholesterol and atherosclerosis,1 with low density lipoprotein (LDL) being a major risk factor.2 However, 50% of patients with acute coronary events have “normal” cholesterol, and 75% patients with premature coronary heart disease (CHD) have normal LDL.3 Thus, contribution of other lipoproteins has been explored. High density lipoprotein (HDL), comprised primarily of 2 subfractions, HDL2 (large buoyant) and HDL3 (small dense), has a protective role in CHD.4,5 LDL can be dense or buoyant, and dense LDL is highly atherogenic, associated with 4-fold increased CHD risk.6 Lipoproteina [Lp(a)], is a strong risk factor for CHD and stroke.7 MRI can noninvasively visualize arterial wall remodelling and atherosclerotic plaque components (lipid core, fibrous cap, and calcium).8,9 However, in vivo relationships between plaque components and cholesterol subfractions have not been demonstrated in humans. We examined in vivo relationship between cholesterol subfractions and atherosclerotic plaque, measured by MRI, in internal carotid arteries (ICA) of atherosclerotic patients. This was an exploratory cross-sectional study of consecutively enrolled initial 28 patients who were part of an ongoing randomized trial testing the effects of extended release Niacin versus placebo station top of baseline therapy on carotid plaque regression, analyzed at baseline. All patients signed written informed consent and had documented atherosclerosis in …
INFLUENCE OF CHLOROPHYLL ON THE ACTIVITY OF GONADOTROPIC EXTRACTS TESTED ON NORMAL AND HYPOPHYSECTOMIZED IMMATURE FEMALE RATS1

THE ACTION of various gonadotropic substances may be modified by the fre'I quency and site of injections, and by the addition of physiologically inert J L substances (I-IO). Some anterior pituitary extracts are augmented by the addition of inert substances whereas pregnancy urine and pregnant mare serum are unaffected or inhibited by the addition of zinc sulphate (4, 9). Recently, chloro' phyll has been shown to be capable of augmenting the action of pituitary gonado'tropic hormone (11). However, the influence of chlorophyll on the gonadotropic activity of extracts from other sources, namely, blood serum and urine, were not investigated. In this communication data are presented demonstrating the inhibiting action of chlorophyll on several gonadotropic extracts. MATERIAL AND METHODS For these experiments, a total of 2,23 female rats were used. One hundred seventy-two were used for experiments testing the action of chlorophyll with preg' nant mare serum.
Analysis and Experiments on Three-Dimensional, Irregular Surface Roughness

Randomly placed, nonuniform, three-dimensional roughness with irregular geometry and arrangement is analyzed. New correlations are presented for such roughness for determination of magnitudes of equivalent sand grain roughness size k s from a modified version of the Sigal and Danberg parameter Λ s . Also described are the numerical procedures employed to determine Λ s from three-dimensional profilometry data. The sand grain roughness values determined with this approach are then compared with and verified by k s magnitudes determined using: (i) analytic geometry for uniformly shaped roughness elements arranged in a regular pattern on a test surface, and (ii) measurements made with nonuniform, three-dimensional, irregular roughness with irregular geometry and arrangement. The experiments to obtain these measurements are conducted using this latter type of roughness placed on the walls of a two-dimensional channel. Skin friction coefficients are measured in this channel with three different types of rough surfaces on the top and bottom walls
Small‐angle light scattering by random assemblies of incomplete spherulites. II. Truncated spherulites

Previous theoretical calculations of the scattering from spherulites are for isolated complete spheres, whereas most spherulitic polymer samples contain truncated spherulites as a result of impingement by other spherulites. The effect of such truncations on the scattering patterns for two-dimensional spherulites is explored as a function of the size, number and location of the truncations. The scattering of severely truncated spherulites is modified, particularly with regard to the enhancement of the HV scattering at small angles. However, reasonable amounts of truncation corresponding to experimentally observed structures do not produce appreciable modification of the pattern so that the neglect of truncation will not lead to appreciable error in the estimated spherulite size from light scattering.
Selective mutation testing for concurrent code

Concurrent code is becoming increasingly important with the advent of multi-cores, but testing concurrent code is challenging. Researchers are developing new testing techniques and test suites for concurrent code, but evaluating these techniques and test suites often uses a small number of real or manually seeded bugs. Mutation testing allows creating a large number of buggy programs to evaluate test suites. However, performing mutation testing is expensive even for sequential code, and the cost is higher for concurrent code where each test has to be executed for many (possibly all) thread schedules. The most widely used technique to speed up mutation testing is selective mutation, which reduces the number of mutants by applying only a subset of mutation operators such that test suites that kill all mutants generated by this subset also kill (almost) all mutants generated by all mutation operators. To date, selective mutation has been used only for sequential mutation operators. This paper explores selective mutation for concurrent mutation operators. Our results identify several sets of concurrent mutation operators that can effectively reduce the number of mutants, show that operator-based selection is slightly better than random mutant selection, and show that sequential and concurrent mutation operators are independent, demonstrating the importance of studying concurrent mutation operators.
Lithological mapping in the Central Eastern Desert of Egypt using ASTER data

Abstract This study presents new methods for using Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) data for lithological mapping in arid environments. Visible, near-infrared and short wave infrared reflectance data have been processed and interpreted for mapping ophiolitic and granitic rocks at Fawakhir, Central Eastern Desert of Egypt. Image spectra show that the ophiolitic lithological members (serpentinites, metagabbros, and metabasalts), grey granite, and pink granite have absorption features around spectral bands 3, 6, and 8. ASTER band ratios ((2 + 4)/3, (5 + 7)/6, (7 + 9)/8) in RGB are constructed by summing the bands representing the shoulders of absorption features as a numerator, and the band located nearest the absorption feature as a denominator to discriminate between different ophiolitic and granitic rocks. The results show that ASTER band ratios ((2 + 4)/3, (5 + 7)/6, (7 + 9)/8) in a Red–Green–Blue (RGB) color combination identifies the ophiolitic rocks (serpentinites, metagabbros, and metabasalts) much better than previously published ASTER band ratios analysis. A Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was also implemented to reduce redundant information in highly correlated bands. PCA (5, 4, 2) in RGB enabled the discrimination between ophiolitic rocks and between the grey granite and pink granite. Thus, this technique is also recommended for mapping different types of granitic rocks. A new up-to-date lithologic map of the Fawakhir area is proposed based on the interpretation of ASTER image results and field verification work. It is concluded that the proposed methods have great potential for lithological mapping in arid and semi arid regions with similar climate and rock units as the Central Eastern Desert of Egypt.
Survival and neurocognitive outcomes after cranial or craniospinal irradiation plus total-body irradiation before stem cell transplantation in pediatric leukemia patients with central nervous system involvement.

Purpose To evaluate survival and neurocognitive outcomes in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients with central nervous system (CNS) involvement treated according to an institutional protocol with stem cell transplantation (SCT) and a component of craniospinal irradiation (CSI) in addition to total-body irradiation (TBI) as preparative regimen. Methods and Materials Forty-one pediatric ALL patients underwent SCT with TBI and received additional cranial irradiation or CSI because of CNS leukemic involvement. Prospective neurocognitive testing was performed before and after SCT in a subset of patients. Cox regression models were used to determine associations of patient and disease characteristics and treatment methods with outcomes. Results All patients received a cranial radiation boost; median total cranial dose was 24 Gy. Eighteen patients (44%) received a spinal boost; median total spinal dose for these patients was 18 Gy. Five-year disease-free survival (DFS) for all patients was 67%. Those receiving CSI had a trend toward superior DFS compared with those receiving a cranial boost alone (hazard ratio 3.23, P=.14). Patients with isolated CNS disease before SCT had a trend toward superior DFS (hazard ratio 3.64, P=.11, 5-year DFS 74%) compared with those with combined CNS and bone marrow disease (5-year DFS 59%). Neurocognitive testing revealed a mean post-SCT overall intelligence quotient of 103.7 at 4.4 years. Relative deficiencies in processing speed and/or working memory were noted in 6 of 16 tested patients (38%). Pre- and post-SCT neurocognitive testing revealed no significant change in intelligence quotient (mean increase +4.7 points). At a mean of 12.5 years after transplant, 11 of 13 long-term survivors (85%) had completed at least some coursework at a 2- or 4-year college. Conclusion The addition of CSI to TBI before SCT in pediatric ALL with CNS involvement is effective and well-tolerated. Craniospinal irradiation plus TBI is worthy of further protocol investigation in children with CNS leukemia.
Virological, clinical and serological responses of sheep infected with tissue culture adapted bluetongue virus serotypes 10, 11, 13 and 17.

Sheep were experimentally infected with cloned strains of tissue culture adapted bluetongue virus (BTV) serotypes 10, 11, 13 and 17. All the infected animals developed viremia by Day 2 or 3 post-inoculation (P.I.) and reached maximum viremia on Day 7 P.I. The viremia lasted for 2 to 3 weeks. Animals infected with the different serotypes showed mild clinical bluetongue (BT) responses, characterized by pyrexia and leukopenia, which coincided with the peak of viremia. Antibodies appeared by Day 10 P.I. and reached maximum by Day 28 P.I. There was a temporal relationship between the increase in neutralizing antibody titer, the drop in titer and clearance of virus from the peripheral circulation. Recovery from primary infection protected the animals against secondary challenge with homologous virus.
Bacterial mobilization of polonium

Abstract Polonium has been observed as the sole a-emitting nuclide in groundwaters of central Florida, in the absence of its radiogenic parents, at levels of 1,000 dpm/l or more. Because of the chemical similarity of Po to S (both occupy the same column in the periodic table), studies were begun to determine whether bacteria, particularly those species active in sulfur cycling, could account for the selective solubilization and mobilization of Po. Possible sources of Po are the U-rich phosphate rock and phosphogypsum (gypsum), a byproduct in the manufacture of phosphoric acid. This paper reports on a series of experiments involving the interaction of bacteria with this waste gypsum that resulted in the solubilization of Po. Bacteria were isolated from gypsum that were capable of mediating Po release in column experiments when fed a growth medium. Sulfate-reducing bacteria were particularly effective at mediating Po release provided the sulfide levels did not rise above 10 μM, in which case Po was apparently coprecipitated as a metal sulfide. Conversely, the ability of sulfate-reducing bacteria to effctively remove dissolved Po when sulfide levels are high suggests that these bacteria may be used as an effective bioremediation tool at reducing groundwater Po levels.
The Argument from Design: What Is at Stake Theologically?

This article offers a brief overview of the argument for God's existence grounded in the evidence of design. It gives particular attention to the way the argument has evolved over time and in relation to changing scientific perspectives. The argument from de-sign has in fact been formulated and reformulated in response to the discoveries and challenges it has encountered from the field of science. The conclusion of the article explores the theological importance of this argument—its extent and its limits.
Proposed standard subprograms for basic linear algebraic operations

In the SIGNUM Newsletter, Vol. 8, No. 4, October 1973, page 16, Hanson, Krogh and Lawson presented the thesis that certain advantages would accrue to the scientific computing community if general agreement could be reached on the specifications of a set of FORTRAN callable subprograms for basic linear algebraic operations such as the dot product, y : = αx + y, etc. It was also proposed that constructive discussion of this idea would be furthered by having definite specifications to consider. Specific proposals for subprogram names, parameter lists, and functional specifications were given for a set of thirty-nine such subprograms in the Jet Propulsion Laboratory report JPL TM 33-660 of November 15, 1973.
Chymotrypsinogen . inositol phosphatide complexes and the transport of digestive enzyme across membranes.

Abstract Chymotrypsinogen A was almost quantitatively extracted from aqueous solution in the presence of inositol phosphatides at relatively low concentrations of both ligands. Calcium ion facilitated the interaction at concentrations of 10 −4 –10 −5 M. A water-insoluble chymotrypsinogen · Ca 2+ · inositol phosphatide complex was formed with an apparent stochiometry of 3 mol phospholipid : 3 mol Ca 2+ : 1 mol protein. Small changes in the structure of the protein prevented complex formation; in particular, the almost identical α-chymotrypsin, did not form complexes under the conditions studied. On the other hand, an homologous, but structurally substantially different, secretory protein, trypsinogen, did form complexes. Water-insoluble complexes were not formed with albumin, carbonic anhydrase or lactic dehydrogenase under the same circumstances. Neither phosphatidylethanolamine nor phosphatidylcholine formed complexes with chymotrypsinogen. Phosphatidylserine formed complexes, but was less effective than inositol phosphatides. Complex formation and stability was dependent upon “critical” concentrations of both Ca 2+ and H + . Extraction of the protein from solution increased from neglible to complete when the calcium concentration of the medium was raised slightly from 1.0 · 10 −4 M to 1.5·10 −4 M. Conversely, dissociation was complete when H + concentration was decreased slightly from pH 6.5 to 7.0. The complex is apparently formed as the result of specific electrostatic interactions between the polar head group of the inositol phosphatide and the protein, with the nonpolar alipathic fatty acid chains of the phospholipid providing a hydrophobic microenvironment for the protein. It is proposed that such complexes could account for the movement of digestive enzyme through membranes.
Up-regulation of Nuclear and Mitochondrial Genes in the Skeletal Muscle of Mice Lacking the Heart/Muscle Isoform of the Adenine Nucleotide Translocator

Mice deficient in the heart/muscle specific isoform of the adenine nucleotide translocator (ANT1) exhibit many of the hallmarks of human oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) disease, including a dramatic proliferation of skeletal muscle mitochondria. Because many of the genes necessary for mitochondrial biosynthesis, OXPHOS function, and response to OXPHOS disease might be expected to be up-regulated in the Ant1(-/-) mouse, we used differential display reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction techniques in an effort to identify these genes. 17 genes were identified as up-regulated in Ant1-deficient mice, and they fall into four categories: 1) nuclear and mitochondrial genes encoding OXPHOS components, 2) mitochondrial tRNA and rRNA genes, 3) genes involved in intermediary metabolism, and 4) an eclectic group of other genes. Among the latter genes, we identified the gene encoding anti-apoptotic Mcl-1, the Skd3 gene, and the WS-3 gene, which were previously unknown to be related to mitochondrial function. These results indicate that identification of genes up-regulated in the skeletal muscle of the Ant1-deficient mouse provides a novel method for identifying mammalian genes required for mitochondrial biogenesis.
Brazil–US commodity trade and the J-Curve

Currency devaluation or depreciation is said to temporarily worsen a country’s trade balance and improve it later, an effect that is called the J-Curve. Previous research that tested the J-Curve for Brazil used the country’s aggregate trade flows with the rest of the world and did not find support for the phenomenon. In this article, we consider the trade flows between Brazil and a major trading partner, the United States, disaggregating their trade flows by commodity. We then test the empirical validity of the J-Curve for each of the 92 industries that trade between the two countries. We find support for the phenomenon in 31 industries. Therefore, disaggregation by industry seems to yield some support for the phenomenon.
Steroid avoidance in two-haplotype-matched living donor renal transplants with basiliximab induction therapy.

Abstract Background Induction therapy and haplotype matching are utilized to mitigate immunologic risk in renal transplantation. The incidence of acute rejection (AR) of renal allografts has been reported to be as low as 9.3% within the first year among two-haplotype-matched siblings with no induction and triple-drug maintenance immunosuppression. We report our use of basiliximab induction in a series of two-haplotype-matched living donor renal transplants (LDRT). Methods We retrospectively reviewed 25 patients who received a two-haplotype-matched LDRT with basiliximab induction therapy. The primary endpoints were acute rejection (AR) episodes at 6 and 12 months and 1-year patient and graft survival rates. The secondary endpoints were the incidence of delayed graft function (DGF), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and BK virus (BKV). Results The rate of AR at 6 months was 0% (0/25) and 4% (1/25) at 12 months. The 1-year graft and patient survival rates were 100%. The incidence of DGF was 4% (1/25), while the incidences of CMV and BKV were 0%. Conclusion Basiliximab induction therapy with a steroid-sparing regimen yields favorable results in two-haplotype-matched LDRT, including a notable reduction in the rates of AR as compared to triple-drug maintenance immunosuppression without induction. These patients have excellent graft survival with no increased incidences of secondary infections.
Atrioventricular Junctional Premature and Escape Beats with Altered QRS and Fusion

The interval between an ectopic QRS and a retrograde P wave measured in simultaneous esophageal and other leads may help to identify beats which originate in the atrio-ventricular (A-V) junction. In six cases beats which seem to originate in the A-V junction are associated with a QRS which differs in configuration from the QRS of sinus origin, and in each case atrial premature systoles which give rise to normal QRS complexes occur in tracings which contain the A-V junctional beats also. Comparison of the QRS of the atrial premature systoles with the QRS of the A-V junctional beats with respect to the time of occurrence in the cardiac cycle and the duration of the preceding cycle makes it seem unlikely that the altered QRS of the A-V junctional beats can be explained by aberrant conduction during incomplete recovery. In five of the cases, fusion QRS complexes occur, suggesting activation of the ventricles partly by an impulse of sinus origin and partly by the impulse of A-V junctional origin. These observations support the interpretation previously made by others that impulses of A-V junctional origin may reach the ventricles by pathways other than the usual A-V pathway. If such beats as are described here occur at all frequently, then the diagnostic value of fusion, heretofore considered an almost conclusive criterion of a ventricular focus, may be impaired.
Diet and Physical Activity in Childhood Cancer Survivors: A Review of the Literature

Treatment advances have led to a growing population of childhood cancer survivors. Many are at risk for developing treatment-related late effects. Diet and physical activity may affect levels of health risk. A number of papers have examined these behaviors in childhood cancer survivors. The purpose of this study was to provide a review and summary of the published studies in the areas of diet, physical activity, and related interventions among childhood cancer survivors. A systematic search was conducted for studies published prior to October 2009. Descriptive and intervention studies that included survivors of childhood cancers and a measurement of diet and/or physical activity were reviewed. Twenty-six manuscripts met criteria: ten addressed diet; 20 addressed physical activity, and six included intervention studies. Results suggest that childhood cancer survivors engage in health-promoting activities at rates comparable to the general population. Behavioral interventions have mostly targeted physical activity. Results, overall, are not encouraging, due primarily to difficulties recruiting and retaining participants. Although more rigorous studies are needed, recommendations for health-promoting behaviors should be a regular topic of discussion between health care providers and their childhood cancer survivor patients.
Application of PZT thin films in microelectromechanical systems

Piezoelectric thin films have been integrated with silicon microfabrication methods in the formation of both sensors and actuators (commonly called MEMS). This work describes several applications of merged PZT thin film technology, solid-state micromachining, and silicon-based integrated circuit fabrication methods in the formation of acoustic emission microsensors, cantilever microbeam accelerometers, diaphragm micropumps, and cantilever microvalves. When combined with CMOS-based integrated circuits, these sensors and actuators form smart microelectromechanical systems with potentially low-cost and high performance.
General Models for the Spectra of Surface Area Scaling Strategies of Cells and Organisms: Fractality, Geometric Dissimilitude, and Internalization

Surface areas and volumes of biological systems-from molecules to organelles, cells, and organisms-affect their biological rates and kinetics. Therefore, surface area-to-volume ratios and the scaling of surface area with volume profoundly influence ecology, physiology, and evolution. The zeroth-order geometric expectation is that surface area scales with body mass or volume as a power law with an exponent of two-thirds, with consequences for surface area-to-volume (SA : V) ratios and constraints on size; however, organisms have adaptations for altering the surface area scaling and SA : V ratios of their bodies and structures. The strategies fall into three groups: (1) fractal-like surface convolutions and crinkles; (2) classic geometric dissimilitude through elongating, flattening, fattening, and hollowing; and (3) internalization of surfaces. Here I develop general quantitative theory to model the spectra of effects of these strategies on SA : V ratios and surface area scaling, from exponents of less than two-thirds to superlinear scaling and mixed-power laws. Applying the theory to cells helps quantitatively evaluate the effects of membrane fractality, shape-shifting, vacuoles, vesicles, and mitochondria on surface area scaling, informing understanding of cell allometry, morphology, and evolution. Analysis of compiled data indicates that through hollowness and surface internalization, eukaryotic phytoplankton increase their effective surface area scaling, attaining near-linear scaling in larger cells. This unifying theory highlights the fundamental role of biological surfaces in metabolism and morphological evolution.
Understanding and managing cascades on large graphs

How do contagions spread in population networks? Which group should we market to, for maximizing product penetration? Will a given YouTube video go viral? Who are the best people to vaccinate? What happens when two products compete? The objective of this tutorial is to provide an intuitive and concise overview of most important theoretical results and algorithms to help us understand and manipulate such propagation-style processes on large networks. The tutorial contains three parts: (a) Theoretical results on the behavior of fundamental models; (b) Scalable Algorithms for changing the behavior of these processes e.g., for immunization, marketing etc.; and (c) Empirical Studies of diffusion on blogs and on-line websites like Twitter.The problems we focus on are central in surprisingly diverse areas: from computer science and engineering, epidemiology and public health, product marketing to information dissemination. Our emphasis is on intuition behind each topic, and guidelines for the practitioner.
A “Sleep 101” Program for College Students Improves Sleep Hygiene Knowledge and Reduces Maladaptive Beliefs about Sleep

Sensitizing young adults about sleep hygiene knowledge and helpful sleep attitudes may have the potential to instill long-lasting healthy sleep practices. Towards these ends, evaluation of psychoeducational program "Sleep 101" tailored to college students was undertaken. Following two weeks of sleep-log recordings, participants were randomly assigned to a Sleep 101 (experimental) condition or a sleep monitoring (control) condition. The Sleep 101 condition was comprised of two 90-minute workshops aimed to educate students about healthy sleep practices, helpful thoughts about sleep, and ways to improve sleep. The sleep monitoring group received a sleep hygiene handout and completed sleep logs for the study duration. Sleep 101 participants endorsed fewer maladaptive beliefs and attitudes about sleep, increased sleep hygiene knowledge, and reduced sleep onset latency compared to the sleep monitoring participants. Brief psychoeducational courses may be a cost-effective way to alleviate current, and/or prevent future, sleep problems in young adults.
Origin of Strong Magnetic Fields

A possible mechanism by which extremely strong magnetic fields in neutron stars and white dwarfs could originate involves the existence of thermodynamic equilibrium states (LOFER states) of an electron gas. The essence of the stability theory of a LOFER state is discussed. The extended electronic system considered is in contact with a thermal bath in the presence of an external magnetic field. It is found that it is not necessary to require absolute stability in order to realize a LOFER state in nature.
Polyarteritis nodosa in childhood

The clinical and pathologic findings of 2 infants and 7 older children with polyarteritis nodosa who were autopsied are reported. The most frequent clinical features included prolonged high fever, skin rash, abdominal symptoms, leukocytosis, proteinuria, and signs of either cardiac or renal failure. The 2 infants died of cardiac arrest, whereas renal or neurologic involvement was the most common cause of death in the older children. A consistent finding at autopsy was arteritis of the epicardial coronary arteries.
HYPERSENSITIVENESS TO SOLUBLE SPECIFIC SUBSTANCES FROM YEAST-LIKE FUNGI I. ANAPHYLAXIS

1. The polysaccharide fractions from each of five yeast-like fungi produce rapid, fatal anaphylactic shock in guinea pigs passively sensitized with antiserum from rabbits immunized against the killed organisms. 2. Cross-anaphylactic reactions with heterologous polysaccharide fractions are frequent. They parallel closely the cross-precipitin reactions, thus adding evidence in favor of the identity of precipitin and sensitizing antibody. 3. The polysaccharide fraction from Monilia psilosis produces anaphylactic death in guinea pigs actively sensitized with killed homologous organisms, but an attempt to sensitize actively with the polysaccharide fraction was unsuccessful.
Characterization of primary sensory neurons mediating static and dynamic allodynia in rat chronic constriction injury model

Mechanical allodynia, such as static and dynamic allodynia, is a prominent feature of neuropathic pain syndromes. The aim of this study is to characterize primary sensory neurons mediating the mechanical allodynia in a rat chronic constriction injury (CCI) model with a combination of pharmacological and histological investigations. N -(4-Tertiarybutylphenyl)-4-(3-chloropyridin-2-yl) tetrahydropyrazine-1(2H)-carbox-amide (BCTC), a selective and competitive antagonist of the vanilloid receptor 1 (TRPV1), and resiniferatoxin, which causes desensitization of TRPV1-expressing fibres, suppressed static allodynia but not dynamic allodynia in CCI rats. Immunohistochemical studies of TRPV1 and NF200, an A-fibre marker 200 kDa neurofilament, in dorsal root ganglion neurons demonstrated that each 48% of the positive-stained neurons were immunoreactive only for TRPV1 or NF200. The other 4% of stained neurons were double-positive for TRPV1 and NF200. Of the TRPV1-positive neurons, more than 99% were small- (diameter 45 μm) sized. These findings suggest that two types of mechanical allodynia are transmitted by different primary sensory neurons: static allodynia is mediated by TRPV1 positive small- and medium-sized neurons and dynamic allodynia might be signalled by TRPV1-negative medium- and large-sized neurons.
EXTRACTION OF Mn(II) FROM NITRIC ACID BY CROWN ETHER-SYNERGIZED CATION EXCHANGE EXTENDED EQUILIBRIUM AND INFRARED ANALYSIS*

By use of the modeling program SXLSQA, it has been possible to perform an extensive equilibrium analysis of the extraction of Mn(II) from nitric acid by didodecylnaphthalene sulfonic acid (HDDNS) in combination with either t-butylbenzo-15-crown-5 (tBB15C5) or t-butylcyclohexano-15-crown-5 (tBC15C5) in toluene. Overall, only 1:1 metal:crown ether interactions have been found, and HDDNS acts both as a cation exchanger and as a solvating agent leading to small aggregates. Used alone, HDDNS exists in the form of the fourfold aggregate (HA){sub 4} in equilibrium with the monomer HA (HA represents HDDNS with its acidic proton; associated water is omitted) and extracts Mn(II) to form the species MnH{sub 2}A{sub 4}. The crown ethers used alone extract Mn(II) weakly. When combined with HDDNS, tBB15C5 depresses the extraction of the metal compared with HDDNS used alone. In this case, the apparent antagonism is attributed to the interaction of HDDNS with tBB15C5 to give the adducts (HA)B and (HA){sub 2}B (B represents the crown ether). No complex of Mn(II) with tBB15C5 and HDDNS was found. However, tBC15C5 synergizes the extraction of Mn(II) by HDDNS with formation of a family of 1:1 metal:crown ether complexes of the form M n B H{sub a-2}A{sub a} (a = 2more » to 4). Opposing the synergistic effect was the solvation of the crown ether by HDDNS to give a family of species of the form (HA){sub a}{prime}B (a{prime} = 1, 2 and 4). 42 refs., 9 figs., 2 tabs.« less
Effect of haloperidol and L-dopa on plasma prolactin in stalk-sectioned and intact monkeys.

To investigate further possible direct effects of dopamine agonists and antagonists upon the lactotropic cell in vivo, the PRL response to L-dopa and haloperidol was studied in stalk-sectioned monkeys. Six rhesus monkeys, four of which had undergone pituitary stalk-section, were tested twice over a 10-day period. In the stalk-sectioned monkeys baseline PRL levels were elevated as compared to those of controls. L-Dopa (20 mg), the precursor of DA, significantly (P < 0.01) depressed these elevated baseline PRL levels within 30 min; haloperidol (0.5 mg), a DA antagonist, injected after L-dopa, significantly (P < 0.01) elevated plasma PRL concentrations towards the original baseline within 45 min. In the second session, drugs were administered in reverse order: haloperidol did not increase further the elevated baseline PRL levels; L-dopa, this time injected after haloperidol, failed to decrease PRL concentrations significantly. These findings indicate a direct effect of haloperidol and DA upon the lactotropic...
Enhanced performance of counter flow SOFC with partial internal reformation

We study a counter-flow solid oxide fuel cell system and consider the challenges faced in minimizing thermal variations from the nominal operating conditions for a reasonable range of power tracking. Blower dynamics, reformer transport delays, spatial distribution of the heat generated and the resulting thermal response are among the issues considered. A novel approach, relying on partial internal reformation of the feedstock is proposed as a remedy to maintain a strong level of power tracking with minimal thermal stress to the fuel cell.
Does Wisconsin Works Work? Perspectives of Participating Women and their Employers

Using a qualitative approach, this study explored the experiences of African American women in Milwaukee, WI as they transitioned from welfare to work and the barriers and challenges that impeded their movement to a position of economic self-sufficiency. The study also sought the perspectives of employers on their experiences with post-welfare African American women in the workplace. The study found three systems of barriers to impede the women’s progress. These barriers were the work-first philosophy and case management practices at the local level, labor market conditions and employment practices, and personal history and responsibility. These findings suggest that any reform effort must address both the personal and structural barriers that inhibit movement towards economic self-sufficiency.
Single-bounce monocapillaries for focusing synchrotron radiation: modeling, measurements and theoretical limits

Single-bounce hollow glass capillaries with ellipsoidal shapes have been used at the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source recently for various microbeam experiments, with focal spot sizes from 12 to 23 µm, divergences from 2 to 8 mrad, intensities up to 450 times the intensities of incident X-rays, and working distances up to 55 mm. Simple formulae are developed in this paper to explain capillary performance given the X-ray source size, capillary dimensions and slope errors. Capillary length is optimized for best focusing performance. Capillary fabrication accuracy is reported and capillary X-ray tests confirm the focusing properties expected from formulae. The application of capillaries to third-generation X-ray sources and future energy-recovery linac X-ray sources are discussed.
Multi-platform comparison of ten commercial master mixes for probe-based real-time polymerase chain reaction detection of bioterrorism threat agents for surge preparedness.

Abstract The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and United States Army Research Institute for Infectious Diseases have developed real-time PCR assays for the detection of bioterrorism threat agents. These assays all rely on a limited number of approved real-time PCR master mixes. Because the availability of these reagents is a critical element of bioterrorism preparedness, we undertook a joint national preparedness exercise to address the potential surge needs resulting from a large-scale bio-emergency. We identified 9 commercially-available potential alternatives to an existing approved master mix (LightCycler FastStart DNA Master HybProbes): the TaqMan Fast Universal PCR master mix, OmniMix HS, FAST qPCR master mix, EXPRESS qPCR SuperMix kit, QuantiFast Probe PCR kit, LightCycler FastStart DNA Master PLUS HybProbe, Brilliant II FAST qPCR master mix, ABsolute Fast QPCR Mix and the HotStart IT Taq master mix. The performances of these kits were evaluated by the use of real-time PCR assays for four bioterrorism threat agents: Bacillus anthracis , Brucella melitensis , Burkholderia mallei and Francisella tularensis . The master mixes were compared for target-specific detection levels, as well as consistency of results among three different real-time PCR platforms (LightCycler, SmartCycler and 7500 Fast Dx). Real-time PCR analysis revealed that all ten kits performed well for agent detection on the 7500 Fast Dx instrument; however, the QuantiFast Probe PCR kit yielded the most consistently positive results across multiple real-time PCR platforms. We report that certain combinations of commonly used master mixes and instruments are not as reliable as others at detecting low concentrations of target DNA. Furthermore, our study provides laboratories the option to select from the commercial kits we evaluated to suit their preparedness needs.
Sex differences in intellectual functioning: How much of a difference do genes make?

An X-linkage theory of inheritance of genes controlling sex differences in major intellectual traits is critically examined. A review of the research suggests that the mechanism of inheritance of differences in spatial visualization ability is X-linked recessive and its expression is probably testosterone-limited. However, the evidence concerning inheritance of differences in IQ does not support an X-linkage theory. Several characteristics of heritability estimates are discussed, including their specificity to a particular population at a certain point in time, their fluctuation with changes in amount of environmental variation, and the necessity of unconfounding sex and treatment in order to better determine the relationship between heritability and changeability of sex differences in specific intellectual trait expression.
How accurate are older drivers' judgments of the effects of headlight glare on acuity?

Visual performance declines at night and this effect is more pronounced for older drivers. Despite the fact that high beam headlights can increase visibility when driving at night, drivers tend to underuse their high beams at night. Little is known about why high beams are underused, but the desire to minimize glare to oncoming drivers has been cited as a possible explanation. In this study 12 older drivers judged the distance at which they would just be able to recognize the orientation of a non-retroreflective Landolt C if it were present adjacent to the headlights of an opposing vehicle. The beam setting (low vs. high) of both vehicles was manipulated. Both the participants' judgments of their own visual performance and their actual visual performance decreased when the participants faced the high beams of the opposing vehicle. Reports of glare-induced discomfort increased when participants faced high beams. Interestingly, the participants overestimated their visual performance when their own vehicle used low beams but were more accurate when their own vehicle used high beams. These results may help explain why drivers underuse their high beam headlights even when in conditions that favor their usage. Language: en
Nonlinear Finite-Element Analysis of Reinforced Concrete Bridge Approach Slab

A bridge approach slab serves as a structural slab between the bridge structure and the approach embankment. The primary causes of approach slab failures are undermining, settlement and cracking. Undermining and settlement of the slab can be treated by either mud jacking or by pumping grout material to fill the voids beneath the slab. Transverse and longitudinal cracking leads to distress of the slab and reduces its life expectancy. The objective of this technical note is to numerically study the extent and location of cracks by performing a nonlinear finite-element analysis of the slab. The factors affecting the cracks such as the thickness of the slab and the contact conditions with the soil underneath have been parametrically studied. This technical note brings out the issues and advantages related to the usage of finite-element analysis for approach slabs. The tension stiffening component, has been calibrated before being used for the approach slab model. A thicker approach slab could be a more viable solution as compared to the expensive soil treatment.
β-Hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate and its use in athletics

Nutritional supplements are widely used by patients and athletes around the world for many different reasons. Many companies are thriving on this billion-dollar industry with little proof that these substances do what they are reported or suggested to do. Beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) is a relatively new supplement on the ergogenic landscape. Studies of HMB supplementation have shown minimal gains in strength and lean body mass in specific populations, mainly untrained athletes and patients with wasting syndromes. HMB use in those athletes involved in regular high-intensity exercise has not been proven to be beneficial when multiple variables are evaluated. Unlike other ergogenics, with HMB no adverse events have been reported in association with short-term use. Despite these findings, HMB cannot be recommended as an ergogenic until further studies in larger groups reproduce early data. This review summarizes current literature on HMB, and provides the reader with information to better educate and treat patients and athletes.
Unsteady, one-dimensional gas dynamics computations using a TVD type sequential solver

The efficacy of high resolution convection schemes to resolve sharp gradient in unsteady, 1D flows is examined using the TVD concept based on a sequential solution algorithm. Two unsteady flow problems are considered which include the problem involving the interaction of the various waves in a shock tube with closed reflecting ends and the problem involving the unsteady gas dynamics in a tube with closed ends subject to an initial pressure perturbation. It is concluded that high accuracy convection schemes in a sequential solution framework are capable of resolving discontinuities in unsteady flows involving complex gas dynamics. However, a sufficient amount of dissipation is required to suppress oscillations near discontinuities in the sequential approach, which leads to smearing of the solution profiles.
Remembering the Earthquake: Direct Experience vs. Hearing the News

Three groups of informants--two in California, one in Atlanta--recalled their experiences of the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake shortly after the event and again 11/2 years later. The Californians' recalls of their own earthquake experiences were virtually perfect. Even their recalls of hearing the news of an earthquake-related event were very good: much higher than Atlantan recalls of hearing about the quake itself. Atlantans who had relatives in the affected area remembered significantly more than those who did not. These data show that personal involvement in the quake led to greatly improved recall, but do not show why. Many Californian informants reported low levels of stress/arousal during the event; arousal ratings were not significantly correlated with recall. The authors suggest that repeated narrative rehearsals may have played an important role.
cSRM 2035: a rare-earth oxide glass for the wavelength calibration of near-infrared dispersive and Fourier transform spectrometers

The National Institute of Standards and Technology is developing an optical filter standard for calibration of the wavelength axis of near infrared (NIR) transmission spectrometers. A design goal for the initial candidate Standard Reference Material (cSRM) filter was to provide absorbance peaks evenly covering the spectral region between 800 nm to 1600 mm (12,000 cm-1 to 6,500 cm-1). The reproducibility of the peak location, for batch-certified filters, was to be better than 0.02 nm (approximately 0.1 cm-1). Glasses with 1 to 3 mole % Yb2O3, Sm2O3, and Nd2O3, incorporated into a commercial lanthanum oxide glass were evaluated for this proposed optical standard. An initial batch of cSRM 2035 filters was prepared based on studies of glasses made and evaluated in our laboratory. An interlaboratory comparison study was initiated in February 1997 to evaluate the utility of these filters for the chemical, pharmaceutical, instrumentation, and regulatory communities. Information concerning peak-picking algorithms, wavelength coverage, geometry preferences, and other parameters was solicited from the users. Based upon input from the participants of this interlaboratory study, we are making several changes to make SRM 2035 more useful to our customers. Two of these changes are: (1) incorporating Ho2O3 into the glass to introduce an absorbance peak at approximately 2000 nm (approximately 5000 cm-1) and (2) providing users with a standard center of gravity (COG) peak-picking algorithm to locate the absorbance peaks of the SRM filter precisely. Recent results have demonstrated that the COG method provides a 10 fold improvement in the precision of locating peaks compared with traditional peak-picking methods.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.