cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Seismic structure beneath the Tonga arc and Lau back-arc basin determined from joint Vp, Vp/Vs tomography

The Tonga arc and associated Lau basin exhibit many geologically important processes that link subduction and mantle flow with plate separation and crustal production. We create seismic tomograms of the Tonga-Lau region by jointly inverting for Vp and Vp/Vs structure using data from the LABATTS ocean bottom seismograph experiment and several island deployments to better constrain dynamic processes in the mantle wedge. Jointly using P and S data can help distinguish between the various mechanisms responsible for seismic velocity anomalies such as temperature and the presence of melt and/or volatiles. Because high attenuation in the wedge limits the S wave data set, we focus on 2-D inversions beneath the linear OBS array where resolution is best and also parameterize the solution in terms of the Vp/Vs ratio. As expected, the subducting slab has fast Vp and Vs and a low Vp/Vs ratio, consistent with the cold downgoing plate. The Central Lau Spreading Center (CLSC) exhibits stronger anomalies in Vp/Vs than in Vp, with the anomalies larger than would be predicted purely by temperature variations. The CLSC anomaly extends >100 km to the west of the axis, suggesting a broad region of melt production driven by passive upwelling from plate separation rather than active upwelling mechanisms. The anomaly is asymmetric about the axis, suggesting that slab-induced corner flow possibly influences mantle dynamics several hundred kilometers away from the arc. There is a strong anomaly beneath the volcanic arc that gradually deepens as it trends toward the back arc, likely outlining a hydrated region of melt production that feeds the volcanic front. Hydration possibly continues throughout the wedge to at least 400 km depth. The Lau ridge exhibits a thicker lithosphere relative to the rest of the Basin, while the Fiji platform likely has a thinner lithosphere than the Lau Ridge from more recent extension. There is also a reasonable likelihood of a small degree of partial melt in the uppermost mantle beneath the platform.
Reactions of uranium carbonitrides and uranium nitride with aqueous solutions of hydrochloric, sulfuric, and nitric acids

Abstract The uranium carbonitrides reacted with 6 M HCl or 6 M H2SO4 to yield primarily CH4, H2, NH4+, and either U4+ or U(SO4)2·4H2O. At 80°C, UN0·77C0·23 was inert in water, but UC0·68N0·25 hydrolyzed to CH4, H2, NH4+, and UO2. Uranium mononitride reacted with 0·5–15·8 M HNO3 producing a yellow uranyl nitrate solution, N2, nitrogen oxides, HNO2, and, under some conditions, NH4+. The uranium carbonitrides reacted exothermally with nitric acid, yielding the same products that were obtained with uranium mononitride, as well as CO2, unidentified nitric acid-soluble organic compound(s), and, in some cases, black organic residues. Ammonium ion was an intermediate in the oxidation of nitride or carbonitride nitrogen to N2.
Natural history of twin gestation complicated by in utero fetal demise: associations of chorionicity, prematurity, and maternal morbidity

Objectives: To evaluate the pathophysiology by which the in utero death of 1 twin might increase morbidity to its co-twin survivor and its mother. To assess previously reported risk
Ambient air pollution impairs regulatory T-cell function in asthma

Background Asthma is the most frequent chronic disease in children, and children are at high risk for adverse health consequences associated with ambient air pollution (AAP) exposure. Regulatory T (Treg) cells are suppressors of immune responses involved in asthma pathogenesis. Treg-cell impairment is associated with increased DNA methylation of Forkhead box transcription factor 3 (Foxp3), a key transcription factor in Treg-cell activity. Because AAP exposure can induce epigenetic changes, we hypothesized that Treg-cell function would be impaired by AAP, allowing amplification of an inflammatory response. Objectives To assess whether exposure to AAP led to hypermethylation of the Foxp3 gene, causing impaired Treg-cell suppression and worsened asthma symptom scores. Methods Children with and without asthma from Fresno, Calif (high pollution, Fresno Asthma Group [FA], n = 71, and Fresno Non Asthmatic Group, n = 30, respectively), and from Stanford, Calif (low pollution, Stanford Asthma Group, n = 40, and Stanford Non Asthmatic Group, n = 40), were enrolled in a cross-sectional study. Peripheral blood Treg cells were used in functional and epigenetic studies. Asthma outcomes were assessed by Global Initiative in Asthma score. Results Fresno Asthma Group Treg-cell suppression was impaired and FA Treg-cell chemotaxis were reduced compared with other groups ( P ≤ .05). Treg-cell dysfunction was associated with more pronounced decreases in asthma Global Initiative in Asthma score in FA versus the Stanford Asthma Group. Foxp3 was decreased in FA compared with the Fresno Non Asthmatic Group ( P ≤ .05). FA also contained significantly higher levels of methylation at the Foxp3 locus ( P ≤ .05). Conclusion Increased exposure to AAP is associated with hypermethylation of the Foxp3 locus, impairing Treg-cell function and increasing asthma morbidity. AAP could play a role in mediating epigenetic changes in Treg cells, which may worsen asthma by an immune mechanism.
Feature Point Tracking for Incomplete Trajectories

A new algorithm is presented for feature point based motion tracking in long image sequences. Dynamic scenes with multiple, independently moving objects are considered in which feature points may temporarily disappear, enter and leave the view field. This situation is typical for surveillance and scene monitoring applications. Most of the existing approaches to feature point tracking have limited capabilities in handling incomplete trajectories, especially when the number of points and their speeds are large, and trajectory ambiguities are frequent. The proposed algorithm was designed to efficiently resolve these ambiguities. Correspondences between moving points are established in a competitive linking process that develops as the trajectories grow. Appearing and disappearing points are treated in a natural way as the points that do not link. The proposed algorithm compares favorably to efficient alternative algorithms selected and tested in a performance evaluation study.
Frequency mixing in fibre-optic interferometer systems

Frequency mixing effects introduced by the photodetectors in optical fibre interferometer systems have been examined experimentally. Thin film PVF2 strips attached to the single-mode-fibre interferometer arms served as voltage-driven phase modulators. These mixing effects, while possibly limiting the dynamic range of fibre sensor systems, may be used for frequency multiplexing.
The Family-of-Origin Scale with adolescents: Preliminary norms

The Family-of-Origin Scale (FOS) is a 40-item, ten-subscale, Likert instrument founded upon psychodynamic models of family functioning. The FOS is based upon two subordinate constructs – Autonomy and Intimacy – associated with positive individual adjustment. The original FOS was designed to assess adults’ retrospective views of their family. The scale has been recently modified to assess adolescents’ perceptions of current family functioning. The present study involved administering the FOS to 664 adolescents. No significant differences were obtained between the adolescents and the published adult FOS norms. The FOS appears to be appropriate for adolescents.
Is mean squared error a consistent indicator of accuracy for spatially structured demographic models

Animal demographic models are used in many disciplines and it is well-understood that their results and interpretation depend greatly on their structure and complexity. However, when models are constructed using data compiled from multiple sources it is difficult to objectively assess optimal structure and complexity. We explore the use of mean squared error (MSE) to identify optimal model structure. To illustrate, we compare the performance of a single-patch model versus a two-patch model for a migratory songbird in a spatially structured environment. In the single-patch model, mean fecundity across patches is estimated, and movement between patches is ignored. In the two-patch model, patch-specific reproductive rates are estimated, which requires the estimation and use of rates of movement between patches. MSE performed well as an indicator of optimal model structure, consistently conforming to our intuition about which model should be preferred under different combinations of model parameters. We show that (1) when dispersal offsets patch-specific demography, the single-patch model will always be favored, (2) with good estimates of vital rates, only modest sample sizes for dispersal are required to make the two-patch model more accurate, and (3) the same factors that result in large bias in the simple model also result in large sampling error for the two-patch model. Finally, our analyses also suggest that erroneous conclusions about optimal model complexity can be reached when additional structure is added to an already poorly parameterized model and we recommend a stepwise approach to the study of model complexity.
Aortic remodeling after endovascular repair of acute complicated type B aortic dissection.

Objective The role of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) in the management of acute type B aortic dissection remains undefined. Entry tear coverage during the acute phase is an appealing method to treat acute complications, and by inducing false lumen thrombosis, might also prevent late aneurysm formation. This study evaluated structural changes by serial computed tomography (CT) in the thoracic aorta after TEVAR performed for acute complicated aortic dissection. Methods Between August 2005 and October 2007, 33 patients with complicated acute type B aortic dissection were treated with TEVAR (19 from a prospective industry sponsored trial, 14 from our institution). CT images obtained preprocedurally (PP), at 1 month (1M), and 1 year (1Y) were evaluated for each patient. Four patients with no postprocedural imaging were excluded. The largest diameters of the thoracic aorta, dissection true lumen, and false lumen were recorded at each time point. Canges in total aortic and true and false lumen diameters were evaluated using a mixed effect analysis of variance model of repeated measures. Results The average age was 58 years (range, 38-87 years); 26 (81%) were male. Indications for TEVAR included malperfusion syndrome in 17 (53%), refractory hypertension in 14 (44%), impending rupture in 12 (28%), and refractory pain in 14 (44%); 19 (59%) had more than one indication. The average length of aorta covered was 19.5 cm (range, 10-29.3 cm). The maximum aortic diameter decreased over time ( P = .04) and averaged 39.9 (PP), 41.3 (1M), and 34.8 mm (1Y). The true lumen diameter increased over time ( P = .02) and averaged 23.7 (PP), 29.0 (1M), and 31.1 mm (1Y). The false lumen diameter decreased ( P = .046) and averaged 19.5 (PP), 12.1 (1M), and 9.6 mm (1Y). Partial or complete thrombosis of the false lumen along the stented segment of aorta was recorded in 87% (PP), 93% (1M), and 88% (1Y). Conclusions TEVAR of acute complicated aortic dissection appears to promote early aortic remodeling. Nearly 90% of patients maintained at least partial false lumen thrombosis at 1 year. Because continued false lumen patency correlates strongly with late aneurysm formation, such favorable remodeling is considered a surrogate for prevention of late aneurysm, but longer follow-up is required.
Improving the screening accuracy for preterm labor: is the combination of fetal fibronectin and cervical length in symptomatic patients a useful predictor of preterm birth? A systematic review.

Objective Our objective was to systematically review the current medical literature to assess the accuracy of the combination of fetal fibronectin (fFN) plus ultrasound assessment of cervical length (CL) as screening tools for preterm labor and prediction of preterm birth (PTB), and to compare this to the traditional clinical method of digital cervical examination. Study Design We searched PubMed and Cochrane databases without date restriction using the key words "fibronectin" and "cervical length," limited to human studies published in English. In all, 85 studies were identified and supplemented by 1 additional study found through bibliographic search. Results Nine studies reported the association between fFN positivity plus CL measurement with PTB in women presenting with symptomatic uterine contractions. We conducted an analytic review of the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of fFN plus CL for PTB. Further metaanalysis was not performed due to study heterogeneity, especially with respect to the range of gestational ages and variations in cutoff values for the diagnosis of short cervix. Although the clinical diagnostic methodology of preterm labor diagnosis by documenting uterine contractions plus cervical change is currently standard practice, a newer approach combining fFN and CL screening results in a higher sensitivity and positive predictive value for PTB risk while maintaining high negative predictive value. Conclusion We conclude that this combined screening approach yields useful information regarding short-term risks that can be used to guide acute management, and effectively identifies a population at low risk in whom expensive and potentially dangerous interventions could be avoided.
Addressing the digital divide through collection development

This paper discusses how libraries have and can address the digital divide through collection development. It provides specific examples of services and/or programs that have been implemented with this objective in mind. Since the term “digital divide” is often debated, a working definition is presented. The definition includes various components, each of which are discussed in relation to libraries. The paper also provides an overview of how collection development has changed in general through the emergence of digital technology. The importance of partnership among various institutions of society is stressed if the divide is to be properly addressed.
Electrical heating for SEOP-based polarized 3He system

Development of neutron spin filters based on polarized 3He is underway at Spallation Neutron Source (SNS). We report the progress of electrical heating tests in polarized 3He based on Spin-Exchange Optical Pumping (SEOP) method. We first test the system performance based on electrical heating via non-inductance heating pads. We observe a contribution of 955 hours to the relaxation time T1 from the heating pads. We then test the electrical heating SEOP pumping system at the SNS beamline Magnetic Reflectometer. We currently obtain 73% 3He polarization in a cell with 820 cm3 in volume.
The microbial turnover of carbon in the deep-sea environment

Abstract The microbial turnover of inorganic and organic carbon in the deep-sea is limited by input of the source of energy, low temperatures and high hydrostatic pressures, in that order of effectiveness. In reference to surface water conditions, these limitations are partly compensated by special adaptations: oligotrophy, psychrophily and barophily. The pool of total organic carbon is largely consisting of unknown recalcitrant compounds, but also contains low molecular substrates readily available to microbial metabolism but below the threshold concentrations for effective uptake. The growth limiting input of photosynthetically produced organic carbon does not apply at certain areas of tectonic spreading activity where the availability of inorganic reduced substrates function as the source of energy for the microbial reduction of inorganic to organic carbon (chemosynthesis) in the presence of free oxygen. Estimated for the deep-sea environment, this chemosynthetic production of of organic carbon compares to 10% of the photosynthetic input.
Cloning mammals: Current reality and future prospects

Abstract Animal husbandry would be well served by procedures that created new phenotypes by selective breeding and propagated them by cloning—that is by asexual or vegetative reproduction. Such reproductive patterns characterize some plants and some invertebrate animals. Even a few species of reptiles, amphibians, and fish exhibit parthenogenetic reproduction. Mammalian eggs can easily be provoked to develop parthenogenetically but no mammalian parthenote has ever developed to term. However the parthenote cells can be rescued by aggregating them with normal cells to make a chimera that can reach adulthood and reproduce using the parthenote cells. Replication and growth of embryos in vitro has led to twins or even quadruplets. Continued growth in vitro, as exemplified by teratocarcinomas, could lead to useful cloning. Nuclear transplantation, leading to cloning, can be carried out in mammals by using embryonic nuclei but this presents no economic advantage. Cloning with adult nuclei is not possible at present. Circumventing meiosis altogether, coupled with parthenogenesis, would lead to the most desirable mode of cloning, and this might be achieved through a series of mutations.
Infant leukemia and congenital abnormalities: A Children's Oncology Group study

Background Leukemia in infants is rare and has not been well-studied apart from leukemia in older children. Differences in survival and the molecular characteristics of leukemia in infants vs. older children suggest a distinct etiology, likely involving prenatal factors.
Quantitative assessment of colon distention for polyp detection in CT virtual colonoscopy

Virtual colonoscopy is becoming a more prevalent way to diagnose colon cancer. One of the critical elements in detecting cancerous polyps using virtual colonoscopy, especially in conjunction with computer-aided detection of polyps, is that the colon be sufficiently distended. We have developed an automatic method to determine from a CT scan what percentage of the colon is distended by 1cm or larger and compared our method with a radiologist's assessment of quality of the scan with respect to successful colon polyp detection. A radiologist grouped 41 CT virtual colonoscopy scans into three groups according to the degree of colonic distention, "well", "medium", and "poor". We also employed a subvoxel accurate centerline algorithm and a subvoxel accurate distance transform to each dataset to measure the colon distention along the centerline. To summarize the colonic distention with a single value relevant for polyp detection, the distention score, we recorded the percentage of centerline positions in which the colon distention was 1cm or larger. We then compared the radiologist's assessment and the computed results. The sorting of all datasets according to the distention score agreed with the radiologist's assessment. The "poor" cases had a mean and standard deviation score of 78.4% ± 5.2%, the "medium" cases measured 88.7% ± 1.9%, and the "well" cases 98.8% ± 1.5%. All categories were shown to be significantly different from each other using unpaired two sample t-tests. The presented colonic distention score is an accurate method for assessing the quality of colonic distention for CT colonography.
Phorbol ester serves as a coepibolin in the spreading of primary guinea pig epidermal cells

Abstract In earlier studies, it was shown that the human plasma-spreading glycoprotein, epibolin (the 65 kD species of serum-spreading factor or vitronectin), requires a second plasma component, termed coepibolin, in order to support maximal dissociated epidermal cell spreading in tissue culture. Whereas epibolin alone in defined medium supports some cell spreading, the purified plasma coepibolin preparations do not effect spreading in the absence of epibolin. Although not yet entirely purified, coepibolin associates with some plasma fractions but not with others; it is certainly not a property of all proteins, e.g., while bovine serum albumin (BSA) has coepibolin activity, ovalbumin does not. The data presented here show that the phorbol ester, 12-tetradecanoyl-l-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA) can act as a potent coepibolin and support maximal spreading over a concentration range of 10–100 ng/ml. In the absence of epibolin TPA does not stimulate the spreading of epidermal cells when given alone or in the presence of BSA or ovalbumin. Coepibolin activity appears to associate with tumor-promoting activity in that the phorbol derivative, phorbol-12,13-didecanoate, shows coepibolin activity, while its inactive non-tumor-promoting isomer, phorbol-4α-phorbol-12,13-didecanoate, does not. These data suggest that the proteinaceous plasma-derived cofactor acts in a fashion similar to TPA and that this as yet unexplained mechanism of TPA action is important to the full expression of epibolin and to the early phase of epidermal cell spreading.
Effects of contrast medium on left ventricular pressure and volume with emphasis on coronary artery disease.

Summary Forty-one patients had left ventricular angiographyrepeated 3 minutes after an initial study in order to evaluate the effect of angiographic contrast medium on left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (EDP) and volume (EDV). Seven patients had no evidence of heart disease (normal group) and 34 patients had coronary artery disease. Single-vessel disease was present in 10, double-vessel disease in 10, and triple-vessel disease in 14 patients. Seven other patients with radiopaque epicardial clips previously attached to the left ventricle underwent cinefluorographic studies to determine end-diastolic intraclip distance at various intervals after a left ventricular angiogram. In all the groups studied there was a significantincrease (p
Attraction of predatorily naive postlarval lobsters to extracts of metabolites of common prey:Mytilus edulis, Mya arenaria, Cancer irroratus, andAsterias vulgaris.

Postlarval lobsters (4th–7th stage) exclusively fed frozen brine shrimp (Artemia saline) were assayed for food-search response to extracts and metabolites from four common prey: soft clams (Mya arenaria), blue mussels (Mytilus edulis), rock crabs (Cancer irroratus), and sea stars (Asterias vulgaris). Concentrations of soluble primary amines, protein, and ammonia in prey tissues and metabolites were determined. No significant responses were observed for any prey metabolites diluted to 1 and 10%, while onlyA. vulgaris evoked a significant response at full strength, suggesting that predatorily naive lobsters have yet to develop more pronounced chemosensory responses shown by field-collected lobsters. Removal of protein with retention of small-molecular-weight polar molecules did not appear to affect response to prey extracts. EC50s, as micromoles per liter amines, computed from prey extract dose-response curves indicate differences per unit amine between prey extracts, withA. vulgaris extract more potent as an attractant than either bivalve extract.C. irroratus extract was equally attractive as the other three extracts. Ammonia levels excreted into seawater over 3 hr were similar for all prey species, while soluble primary amines and proteins were undetectable. Ammonia and protein per gram whole prey varied significantly between extracts of prey species, while primary amines were similar. Lobsters may be attracted preferentially to carrion species with higher concentrations of amines and/or higher potency of attractants per unit amine.
A role for the non-conserved N-terminal domain of the TATA-binding protein in the crosstalk between cell signaling pathways and steroid receptors

Transcriptional induction by steroid receptors is coupled to cellular signal transduction pathways although,in general,the mechanisms governing these events are not well defined. Using TATA-binding protein (TBP) specificity mutants that recognize a TGTA box,we show that yeast TBP expressed in mammalian cells can support steroid-mediated gene induction to a similar degree as human TBP,however yeast TBP does not support the 8-Bromo-cAMP-mediated potentiation of glucocorticoid receptor (GR)-dependent transactivation. Chimeras between yeast and human TBP reveal that it is the non-conserved N-terminus of TBP that governs the potentiation of GR action. While the conserved core of TBP is sufficient for TATA-element binding and preinitiation complex formation,the role of the N-terminus has remained elusive. Our results suggest a role of the N-terminus of human TBP in coupling cell signaling events to steroid-mediated transcription,thereby establishing one of the few described functional roles of this polypeptide domain in a physiological process.
Dancing tragedy: José Limón's adaptations of Shakespeare

This article analyses two dance adaptations of Shakespeare by the Mexican-American choreographer Jose Limon: The Moor's Pavane (1949), which reimagines Othello as a courtly dance for Othello, Iago, Desdemona, and Emilia, and Barren Sceptre (1960), which pares down Macbeth into a duet for Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. Limon's Shakespearean works have been almost entirely unstudied by literary critics, despite his status as one of the twentieth century's most celebrated modern dance pioneers. I explore his engagement with Shakespeare's tragedies through the motif of tensions between opposing forces. His movement creates literal tensions in the bodies of his dancers, and his adaptations of Othello and Macbeth explore the struggle between Apollonian moderation and restraint and Dionysian excess and abandon. His protagonists – Othello and Emilia, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth – remain alive at the end to attain tragic self-knowledge. Further, his dances extend the tension between Apollonian and Dionysian into a struggl...
Causes of death and mortality crossovers by race

The phenomenon of "mortality crossovers," the intersection of age curves of mortality at older ages, has been observed in comparisons of various populations for some time. Some researchers have argued that crossovers are an artifact of deficient reporting of age that is greater for some populations than others. Other researchers attribute crossovers to selective processes by age that vary by group. We use mortality data from the National Center for Health Statistics for the U.S. at ages 55 and over, supplemented by comparable data from matched records of the National Health Interview Survey and National Death Index, to reexamine causes of death linked to mortality crossovers for Whites and Blacks in the U.S. Findings portray a more elaborate set of influences of causes of death than has been discovered heretofore; however, the major finding is that the mortality crossover for Whites and Blacks in the U.S. is real and, although observed for several causes of death, operates principally through varying trajectories of heart disease mortality.
Dissolution Rates under Sink Conditions

Abstract Equations are given for the dissolution of a drug into an aqueous phase overlayered with a lipid phase, in which back transfer from the lipid phase is assumed possible. Consideration of both the presence and absence of back transfer, assuming in each that the amount of drug in the aqueous phase either approaches saturation or remains negligible, results in four equations for following the amount of drug in the lipid phase versus time. Three of the four equations are identical in form, predicting that after a brief lag time, a plot of the amount of drug in the lipid phase versus time will become linear. However, only in the instance for which no back transfer occurs and for which the buildup of drug in the aqueous phase is negligible (Case IV) is the slope of the line equal to the zero-order dissolution-rate constant, k 0 . In the other cases, the slope represents a fraction of k 0 , depending upon the relative rates of dissolution, partitioning, and back transfer. Thus, it becomes important to be completely certain that the conditions under which dissolution studies into a „perfect sink” are carried out do actually meet the requirements of Case IV.
Derivation of pipecolic acid from L-lysine by familial hyperlysinemics.

Extract: Normal children and children with familial hyperlysinemia were given L-(U-14C)-ly-sine by intramuscular injection. Labeled pipecolic acid and N-α-acetyllysine were found in the urines, indicating derivation of these substances from lysine. The percentage of administered radioactivity excreted as 14CO2 and as urinary lysine varied markedly between controls and those with hyperlysinemia, but the percentage excreted in the urine in the form of various metabolites of lysine was about the same for controls (1.7–2.4) and those with hyperlysinemia (1.9–2.2). The proportion of these urinary lysine metabolites comprising pipecolic acid, homocitrulline, homoarginine, N-α-acetyllysine and N-α-acetyllysine was two to seven times greater for children with hyperlysinemia than for controls. These findings suggest that these pathways for lysine degradation are being maximally utilized by patients with familial hyperlysinemia who cannot degrade lysine by way of the saccharopine pathway. Speculation: L-Pipecolic acid is derived in humans, at least in part, from L-lysine. The availability of a pathway for lysine degradation by way of pipecolic acid may play some part in the fact that three of four children with hyperlysinemia in this family had no clear somatic expression of biochemical disorder.
Work function and LEED study of Na and O2 covered surfaces of W(112)

Abstract Coadsorption of Na and O on W (112) surfaces has been studied with LEED and work function measurement. The composition and sequence of deposition of the adsorbates have been varied systematically. The results suggest that Na and O form a W-O-Na double layer, regardless of the sequence of deposition. It is found that the underlying O layer causes increased interaction among the Na atoms which improves the long range older of the Na array. An expansion of the Na layer due to O adsorption has been observed.
The color line of American politics: The vying ideologies of blacks and whites

This article examines citizens’ beliefs about the role and scope of government—what government should provide and what it should not. Do blacks and whites differ greatly in their views towards government social policy? This study argues that blacks generally share a common political worldview and believe that government is obligated to address citizens’ basic needs. The analysis reveals the political chasm between blacks and whites and shows that there is far greater consensus among black citizens, rather than disagreement, in their support of government social protection.
Prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency in spinal cord injury.

Abstract Petchkrua W, Burns SP, Stiens SA, James JJ, Little JW. Prevalence of vitamin B 12 deficiency in spinal cord injury. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2003;84:1675–9. Objective To assess the prevalence of vitamin B 12 deficiency in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) or disease (SCD). Design Cross-sectional study with prospective blood collection and retrospective medical record review. Setting Regional Veterans Affairs SCI service. Participants One hundred six adult men with chronic SCI or SCD and without other acute medical or surgical complications; most had SCI or SCD due to trauma or cervical spinal stenosis. Interventions Not applicable. Main outcome measures Fasting blood samples were obtained at annual evaluation for serum B 12 , folic acid, methylmalonic acid (MMA), and homocysteine. Serum levels were analyzed graphically and associated with patient variables by using statistical tests. Results The vitamin B 12 level was subnormal in 5.7% of subjects; of those, all had supranormal MMA levels, all were age 40 to 59, most had complete SCI, and 67% had symptoms suggestive of B 12 deficiency. Low-normal B 12 levels were associated with a high prevalence of supranormal MMA. Subjects with either subnormal B 12 or low normal B 12 with supranormal MMA, both suggestive of vitamin B 12 deficiency, comprised 13.3% of the total group of subjects. Conclusion Vitamin B 12 deficiency is most common in middle-aged SCI or SCD persons with complete or near-complete spinal cord involvement (ie, American Spinal Injury Association class A–C injuries). Treatment with either parenteral or oral B 12 replacement may optimize health and prevent irreversible neuropsychiatric complications in those with subnormal and low-normal B 12 levels.
Evolution of the Perioperative Clinical Nurse Specialist Role

Perioperative nursing roles continue to rapidly change as we enter the twenty-first century. The need for strong leadership skills, expert clinical skills, creative management, ongoing continuing education, and research continues to grow in every department of surgical services. The clinical nurse specialist plays an important role in addressing each of these needs. Great opportunities exist within the field of nursing for perioperative nurses to expand their practice using their creativity, ideas, and skills. Using the clinical nurse specialist in the perioperative setting can foster creativity, stimulate development of new methods based on research, and maximize the delivery of high quality care by the entire OR staff.
The effects of ABCG5/G8 polymorphisms on HDL-cholesterol concentrations depend on ABCA1 genetic variants in the Boston Puerto Rican Health Study.

Abstract Background and aims ATP-binding cassette transporters G5/G8 (ABCG5/G8) are associated with HDL-C concentrations. To assess whether the effect of ABCG5/G8 genetic variants on HDL-C concentrations is dependent on ATP-binding cassette transporters A1 ( ABCA1 ), we studied potential interactions between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at ABCG5/G8 (i7892T>C, 5U145A>C, T54CA>G, T400KC>A) and ABCA1 (i27943G>A, i48168G>A, K219RG>A, i125970G>C, 3U8995A>G) genes with HDL-C concentrations. Methods and results ABCG5 / G8 and ABCA1 SNPs were genotyped in 788 subjects (228 men and 560 women) who participated in the Boston Puerto Rican Health Study. Biochemical measurements were determined by standard procedures. Genotyping was performed using TaqMan ® assays according to routine laboratory protocols. Significant gene–gene interactions for HDL-C were found between ABCG8 (5U145A>C, T54CA>G, T400KC>A) SNPs and ABCA1 _i48168G>A genetic variant ( P =0.009, P =0.042 and P =0.036, respectively), in which carriers of the 5U145C and 54C alleles, and homozygotes for the T400 allele at ABCG8 genetic variants displayed lower HDL-C concentrations than homozygotes for the 5U145A and T54 alleles, and heterozygotes for the 400K allele at ABCG8 SNPs, only if they were also homozygous for the minor allele (A) at the aforementioned ABCA1 SNP. Conclusions The gene–gene interactions reported in the present study support the hypothesis that the effect of ABCG5/G8 genetic variants on HDL-C concentrations is dependent on ABCA1 expression. Replication of these analyses to further populations, particularly with low HDL-C, is clearly warranted.
A CRITICAL ASSESSMENT OF MODELS PREDICTING ALLOYING BEHAVIOUR, BY MEANS OF PATTERN RECOGNITION

Abstract Pattern recognition techniques are applied in order to investigate the relevance of a large set of physical and chemical parameters for the description of the formation of binary alloys. Only alloys with a well-established sign of the heat of formation are considered. The electronic work function and the electron density at the boundary of the Wigner–Seitz cell, as given by Miedema et al., appear to be the most relevant parameters. A difference between the Miedema scale and the Pauling electronegativity scale is noted. The parameters suggested by Miedema et al. are evaluated.
Progress on pricing with peering

This paper examines a simple model of how a provider ISP charges customer ISPs by assuming the provider ISP wants to maximize its revenue when customer ISPs have the possibility of setting up peering connections. It is shown that finding the optimal pricing is NP-complete, and APX-complete. Customers can respond to price in many ways, including throttling traffic as well as peering. An algorithm is studied which obtains a 1/4 approximation for a wide range of customer responses.
Prototype of an Engineering Equation of State for Heterosegmented Polymers

The square-well fluid thermodynamics and liquid structure derived from Barker−Henderson's perturbation theory, including a truncation correction, are used within a SAFT framework to develop a prototype of an engineering equation of state for alkane chains, referred to as SAFT1. For small n-alkanes, not only the vapor pressure and liquid density, but also the second virial coefficient, heat of vaporization, and heat capacity, are found to be more accurate. SAFT1 parameters are well behaved and hence easy to estimate reliably for high-molecular-weight alkanes and polyolefins. These parameters are found to predict cloud points in mixtures of homo- and heterosegmented molecules, such as polyolefins, without fitting.
Complications after traction removal of direct percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy: three case reports

thology of the gastric wall. Fortunately, histology confirmed TB and our patient was able to avoid an unnecessary invasive diagnostic procedure. The fact that she was eventually found to have tuberculous lymphadenitis involving the cardia shows that TB must be considered in the differential diagnosis, even if it is rare, for patients with this presentation. The rapid resolution of her lesion and symptoms with the antituberculous medications serves to imply that the main challenge of this condition lies in its diagnosis and not in its therapy.
Seismic reflection processing by plane-wave synthesis

Seismic reflection is the preferred technique for subsurface stratigraphic and structural mapping and it is routinely used for hydrocarbon exploration and characterizing the structure of the Earth's upper crust. Because of the time and skill typically required for processing seismic reflection data, the method is underutilized for near-surface applications. Here, a simple seismic reflection processing procedure is introduced that is computationally efficient and simple to apply. The method requires data from an array of geophones and a multiplicity of source location to synthesize the response to a plane wave propagating straight down in variable terrain. The signal processing method is demonstrated through its application to both synthetic and real data with encouraging results.
Induction of Survivin Expression by Taxol (Paclitaxel) Is an Early Event, Which Is Independent of Taxol-mediated G2/M Arrest

Abstract Survivin is a novel anti-apoptotic protein that is highly expressed in cancer but is undetectable in most normal adult tissues. It was reported that taxol-mediated mitotic arrest of cancer cells is associated with survivin induction, which preserves a survival pathway and results in resistance to taxol. In this study, we provide new evidence that induction of survivin by taxol is an early event and is independent of taxol-mediated G2/M arrest. Taxol treatment of MCF-7 cells rapidly up-regulated survivin expression (3.5–15-fold) within 4 h without G2/M arrest. Lengthening the treatment of cells (48 h) with taxol resulted in decreased survivin expression in comparison with early times following taxol treatment, although G2/M cells were significantly increased at later times. Interestingly, 3 nm taxol induces survivin as effectively as 300 nm and more effectively than 3000 nm. As a result, 3 nm taxol is ineffective at inducing cell death. However, inhibition of taxol-mediated survivin induction by small interfering RNA significantly increased taxol-mediated cell death. Taxol rapidly activated the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt and MAPK pathways. Inhibition of these pathways diminished survivin induction and sensitized cells to taxol-mediated cell death. A cis-acting DNA element upstream of -1430 in the survivin pLuc-2840 construct is at least partially responsible for taxol-mediated survivin induction. Together, these data show, for the first time, that taxol-mediated induction of survivin is an early event and independent of taxol-mediated G2/M arrest. This appears to be a new mechanism for cancer cells to evade taxol-induced apoptosis. Targeting this survival pathway may result in novel approaches for cancer therapeutics.
Preparation of Pt@SnO2 Core‐Shell Nanoparticles for Photocatalytic Degradation of Formaldehyde

We report the synthesis and characterization of platinum-tin oxide core-shell nanoparticles (Pt@SnO2) for use as a photocatalyst for formaldehyde (HCHO) degradation. We used a sol-gel process followed by calcination to prepare the Pt@SnO2 photocatalyst. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) revealed that the average Pt core diameter was 7-10 nm in diameter, and the SnO2 shell was approximately 2 nm thick. UV-Visible spectroscopy displayed the peak from the Pt@SnO2 core-shell structures is red-shifted by 16 nm from that of the Pt nanoparticles. We determined photocatalytic activity by irradiating formaldehyde gas in the presence of nanoparticle samples with an 18 W daylight lamp for 180 min. The irradiated Pt@SnO2 nanoparticles achieved 93.2% formaldehyde degradation, while TiO2 (P25), SnO2, and 1 wt.% Pt/SnO2 achieved 70.1%, 67.5%, and 66.0% respectively. Thus, Pt@SnO2 was the most effective material for the degradation of formaldehyde, demonstrating its potential for use as a high efficiency photocatalyst for the degradation of formaldehyde.
Spontaneous twiddler's syndrome in a patient with a deep brain stimulator

Abstract Background The subcutaneous placement of IPGs with electrodes to various intracranial and extracranial sites for the purpose of controlling conditions such as essential tremor, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, and pain is increasing. Experience with similar placement of cardiac pacemakers and defibrillators had revealed the possibility of generator migration and subsequent lead fracture either spontaneously or, more often, through a patient's conscious or subconscious manipulation of the device through the skin. This phenomenon has been termed twiddler's syndrome. Case Description An elderly patient's IPG used in the treatment of a debilitating essential tremor had spontaneously rotated during the course of normal physical activities. This resulted in the twisting and fracturing of the leads. Torsional displacement of and tissue stress on subauricular lead connectors caused early discomfort in that region. Recurrent tremors occurred upon device failure. Surgical replacement of the IPG lead and use of a polyester pouch sutured to the surrounding fascia were observed to correct the problem. Conclusion Those caring for patients, especially elderly and obese patients, with an IPG should be aware of the potential of device failure as a result of spontaneous twiddler's syndrome.
Elevation Plane Beam Scanning of a Novel Parasitic Array Radiator Antenna for 1900 MHz Mobile Handheld Terminals

A novel internal antenna system is introduced for the GSM 1900 MHz frequency band which utilizes the electrically steerable parasitic array radiator (ESPAR) concept to steer the elevation plane beam in specific angular directions. The proposed antenna consists of a planar inverted-F antenna (PIFA) as the driven element and two inverted L antennas (ILAs) as parasitic elements. The ILAs are terminated with capacitive impedances at their bases. Full-wave analysis shows that the radiation beam can be scanned in space when the antenna is in free space as well as next to human head and hand phantoms. Measured results using varactor diodes controlling the base reactances show good return loss bandwidth.
Equilibrium in Queues Under Unknown Service Times and Service Value

In the operations research literature, the queue joining probability is monotonic decreasing in the queue length; the longer the queue, the fewer consumers join. Recent academic and empirical evidence indicates that queue-joining probabilities may not always be decreasing in the queue length. We provide a simple explanation for these nonmonotonic queue-joining strategies by relaxing the informational assumptions in Naor's model. Instead of imposing that the expected service time and service value are common knowledge, we assume that they are unknown to consumers, but positively correlated. Under such informational assumptions, the posterior expected waiting cost and service value increase in the observed queue length. As a consequence, we show that queue-joining equilibria may emerge for which the joining probability increases locally in the queue length. We refer to these as “sputtering equilibria.” We discuss when and why such sputtering equilibria exist for discrete as well as continuously distributed priors on the expected service time with positively correlated service value.
Shorter sleep duration is associated with increased risk for being overweight at ages 9 to 12 years

OBJECTIVE. The potential association between short sleep duration or sleep problems and childhood overweight has not been well described. The objective of this study was to test the independent associations of sleep duration and problems with overweight risk in children. METHODS. Data from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development were analyzed. In 3rd and 6th grades, sleep duration and problems were obtained by maternal report, and height and weight were measured, with overweight defined as a BMI of ≥95th percentile for age and gender. Logistic regression evaluated the association of sleep duration and problems with overweight at 6th grade cross-sectionally adjusting for gender, race, and maternal education. Additional covariates tested individually included the level of chaos at home, the quality of the home environment, the lax-parenting subscale score of the Raising Children Checklist, and the Child Behavior Checklist internalizing and externalizing subscale scores. Logistic regression also evaluated the relationship of sleep duration at 3rd grade and overweight at 6th grade, adjusting for gender, race, maternal education, and the child9s BMI z score in 3rd grade. RESULTS. Of 785 children, 50% were male, 81% were white, and 18% were overweight in 6th grade. Shorter sleep duration in 6th grade was independently associated with a greater likelihood of overweight in 6th grade. Shorter sleep duration in 3rd grade was also independently associated with overweight in 6th grade, independent of the child9s weight status in 3rd grade. Sleep problems were not associated with overweight. CONCLUSION. One preventive approach to overweight may be to ensure adequate sleep in childhood.
Risk for Fractures with Centrally Acting Muscle Relaxants: An Analysis of a National Medicare Advantage Claims Database

Background:In older adults, both muscle relaxants and benzodiazepines are associated with sedation and cognitive impairment. Although benzodiazepines have been linked to falls and fracture injuries, no studies have examined the risk of fracture associated with muscle relaxants.Objective:To determine whether muscle relaxants identified in the Beers criteria are associated with an increased risk of fracture injuries and to compare this risk to that with benzodiazepine use.Methods:We conducted a case-control study using both medical and pharmacy claims data from 1.5 million enrollees in the Medicare Advantage plans of a large health maintenance organization. We matched 8164 cases of fractures with 8164 controls based on age, sex, health plan, and comorbidities. We measured the use of muscle retaxants, short-acting benzodiazepines, and long-acting benzodiazepines. Adjusted odds ratios were estimated using conditional logistic regression,Results:After adjusting demographic and clinical covariates, muscle relax...
Growth of neurotropic viruses in extraneural tissues IV. Poliomyelitis virus in human testicular tissue in vitro.

SummaryThe Lansing and Hof. strains of poliomyelitis virus multiplied extensively in tissue cultures of testes from men 57 to 93 years old, most of whom had carcinoma of the prostate gland. Lansing virus was carried through 8 successive tissue cultures and Hof. virus was carried through 7 cultures. Several less extensive series were completed with each virus. The amount of Hof. virus in these tissue cultures per milligram of tissue was approximately the same as was obtained in infected monkey spinal cords.