cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inhibitory Action of Narcotics on the Histamine Contraction of Plain Musculature

Summary(1) Narcotics belonging to various chemical groups inhibit the histamine contraction of plain musculature (intestinal strips of guinea pigs). (2) This inhibiting action of the narcotics can be enhanced by (a) substitution of aliphatic radicals with increasing C-atoms; (b) substitution of a phenyl group; and (c) halogenation. (3) The described inhibitory action is probably due to the relaxing effect of narcotics on plain musculature.
THE LIMITS OF ENERGY POLICY ANALYSIS

Glenn R. De Souza, Energy Policy and Forecasting: Economic, Financial, and Technological Dimensions Raymond C. Scheppach and Everett M. Ehrlich, (Eds.), Energy-Policy Analysis and Congressional Action Aaron Wildavsky and Ellen Tenenbaum, The Politics of Mistrust: Estimating American Oil and Gas Resources
Screening Efficiency of the Child Behavior Checklist and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire: A Systematic Review

Objective: Assess the screening efficiency of the caretaker-report CBCL and SDQ in community and clinical samples using published data. Methods: PyschInfo, Medline, and EMBASE were systematically searched to identify studies with appropriate efficiency data. Estimates of sensitivity and specificity were extracted from identified studies and used to generate summary likelihood ratio estimates on which the scales were compared. Summary estimates of sensitivity and specificity were calculated with respect to a ‘true’ diagnosis to compare scales. Results: A total of 29 and 3 studies met inclusion criteria for CBCL and SDQ respectively. Summary estimates of the likelihood ratios for domains assessed by CBCL ranged from 3.86 (2.23, 6.69) to 4.87 (2.90, 8.18); and for SDQ from 5.02 (1.61, 15.63) to 8.32 (2.72, 25.48). Heterogeneity was low. For total problems, the SDQ caretaker-report was found to be most specific (0.93, 95% CI 0.92, 0.94) and the CBCL caretaker-report to be most sensitive (0.66, 95%CI 0.60, 0.73). Conclusions: This meta-analysis supports continued use of the CBCL and SDQ via caretaker-report in clinical and community samples. Additional research is required to determine if there is a true difference in efficiency between the two scales.
Strain-Rate Sensitivity, Relaxation Behavior, and Complex Moduli of a Class of Isotropic Viscoelastic Composites

A micromechanical principle is developed to determine the strain rate sensitivity, relaxation behavior, and complex moluli of a linear viscoelastic composite comprised of randomly oriented spheoidal inclusions. First, by taking both the matrix and incluions as Maxwell or Voigt solids, it is found possible to construct a Maxwell or a Voigt composite when the Poisson ratios of both phases remain constant and the ratios of their shear modulus to shear viscosity (or their bulk counterparts) are equal; such a specialized composite can never be attained if either phase is purely elastic. In order to shed some light for the obtained theoretical structure, explicit results are derived next with the Maxwell matrix reinforced with spherical particles and randomly oriented disks. General calculations are performed for the glass/ED-6 system, the matrix being represented by a four parameter model
Relationship influences for probationers with mental disorder.

Background Many probationers have serious mental disorders that complicate supervision. Compared to their relatively healthy counterparts, probationers with mental disorder (PMDs) are at double the risk of probation failure and incarceration. In an effort to improve outcomes for PMDs, some U.S. jurisdictions have developed specialty mental health caseloads. In these specialty programs, officers with interests or training in mental health supervise reduced caseloads comprised of PMDs. These caseloads reintroduce the notion of treatment to supervision and embody tension between the goals of protecting community safety ("control") and promoting offender rehabilitation ("care"). Specialty mental health officers are tasked with negotiating these dual roles. In this presentation, I describe the key dimensions of these dual role relationships and their impact on PMDs'outcomes. Although research indicates that the therapeutic alliance affects outcomes more strongly than the specific techniques applied, measures of the alliance do not capture the dual roles inherent in relationships with involuntary clients.
Mood disorders in laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy patients: does it affect early weight loss?

Abstract Background Research has demonstrated that laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass patients with a lifetime history of a mood disorder have a lower percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) compared with patients without this lifetime history. No studies have examined the effect of psychiatric history on postoperative outcomes among laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) patients. The objectives of the present study were to determine whether mood disorders relate to the first year of weight loss for patients undergoing LSG at an academic medical center. Methods A total of 104 patients (78.6% white and 71.2% women), with a median body mass index of 60.35 kg/m 2 (range 31.37–129.14) underwent LSG. The patients were prospectively followed up at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. The semistructured preoperative psychiatric evaluations demonstrated that 43.1% had a current, and 62.5% a lifetime, diagnosis of a mood disorder. Results LSG patients with current mood disorders had a significantly lower %EWL than patients without a psychiatric diagnosis at the 1-, 3-, 6-, and 9-month follow-up visits. LSG patients with a lifetime history of a mood disorder had a significantly lower %EWL than patients without psychiatric diagnosis at the 1-, 9-, and 12-month follow-up examinations. However, after removing patients with bipolar disorder from the analyses, no significant differences were found in the %EWL between patients with and without a lifetime history of depressive disorders. Conclusion Consistent with the laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass findings, a lifetime history of mood disorders appears to be associated with significantly less weight loss in LSG patients. These findings highlight the importance of the psychiatric assessment in bariatric patients. Additionally, patients with a current or lifetime history of mood disorders might need additional pre- and postoperative care to improve their outcomes.
Comparison of the primary sequences of two potato tuber ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase subunits.

Near-full-length cDNA clones to the small and large subunit of the heterotetrameric potato tuber ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase have been isolated and characterized. The missing amino terminal sequence of the small subunit has also been elucidated from its corresponding genomic clone. Primary sequence comparisons revealed that each potato subunit had less identity to each other than to their homologous subunit from other plants. It also appeared that the smaller subunit is more conserved among the different plants and the larger subunit more divergent. Amino acid comparisons of both potato tuber sequences to theEscherichia coli ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase sequence revealed conserved regions important for both catalytic and allosteric function of the bacterial enzyme.
Spatially Heterogeneous Dynamics and Dynamic Facilitation in a Model of Viscous Silica

We perform molecular dynamics simulations to study the structural relaxation dynamics of a model of viscous silica, the prototype of a strong glass former. We find that the melt dynamics are spatially heterogeneous regardless of whether the bulk relaxation is non-Arrhenius or Arrhenius, and cannot be understood as a statistical bondbreaking process. Further, we show that stringlike motion is suppressed by the covalent bondings, yet high particle mobility propagates continuously, supporting the concept of dynamic facilitation emphasized in recent theoretical work.
Evaluation of producing fuel and chemicals from corn stover pre-treated with flue gas

Production of fuels and chemicals from corn stover is currently at the economic crossroads. Two problems, low yield and high cost, need to be resolved. One of the solutions to these problems is to improve digestibility of corn stover by using cheap chemicals. This paper explores the possibility of developing a low-cost corn fibre pre-treatment method with SO2 and fly ash in flue gas. An economic analysis of producing hydrogen and acetic acid from corn stover pre-treated with SO2 was conducted.
Statistical Analysis of Multichannel Signals

As opposed to single channel statistics, the analysis of superimposed signals is complicated due to signal overlap and loss of channel identity. We present a statistical method that uses a newly defined concept of multichannel events. These events can be easily differentiated and analyzed to provide information on single channel parameters such as ON and OFF times.
Confined rapid thermolysis/FTIR/ToF studies of triazolium-based energetic ionic liquids

Abstract The initiation of decomposition of several energetic ionic liquids (EILs) was studied by confined rapid thermolysis. Rapidscan FTIR spectroscopy and time-of-flight mass spectrometry were utilized to identify the products evolved from sub-milligram quantities subjected to heating rates of about 2000 K/s. The compounds studied were 2-amino-4,5-dimethyl-tetrazolium iodide (2AdMTZI), 2-amino-4,5-dimethyl-tetrazolium nitrate (2AdMTZN), 1-amino-4,5-dimethyl-tetrazolium iodide (1AdMTZI), and 1-amino-4,5-dimethyl-tetrazolium nitrate (1AdMTZN). Decomposition studies involving the 2AdMTZ salts were carried out around 300 °C. The major decomposition pathway involves a nucleophilic transfer to the anion leading to the formation of methyl iodide and methyl nitrate, from 2AdMTZI and 2AdMTZN, respectively. Methyl iodide (m/z = 142) was detected both in the ToFMS and FTIR spectra. Methyl nitrate (m/z = 77) was visible in the FTIR spectra. The resultant nitrogen-rich amino-methyl-tetrazole (m/z = 99) was found to decompose to form primarily molecular nitrogen and methyl isocyanide. Unlike the 2AdMTZ salts, the 1AdMTZ salts were found to initiate decomposition at temperatures lower by at least 50 °C. Decomposition was found to proceed through three major pathways—formation of the corresponding methylated anion and 1-amino-5-methyl-tetrazole, formation of ammonia by the amino group, and expulsion of nitrogen from the tetrazole cation itself. 1-Amino-5-methyl tetrazole was found to rapidly decompose to form mainly ammonia and nitrogen. The ammonia formed in the condensed phase during the decomposition of 1AdMTZN was reduced by methyl nitrate, to form smaller molecular weight species, such as N2O, H2O, NO2, NO, CO2, and others.
Indoor broadband optical wireless communications: optical subsystems designs and their impact on channel characteristics

With proper system design, infrared multispot diffusing (MSD) configuration communications links promise several orders of magnitude higher bit rates than radio links. Essential to the communications system are the optical subsystems: transmitter and receiver optics. Preliminary experiments on fabrication of beamshaping optical elements for the transmitter and receiver optical front-end have been conducted. The impact of optical subsystems on channel characteristics is investigated, and the results undoubtedly prove the great potential of MSDC. Use of holographic optical elements at both transmitter and receiver increases the signal-to-noise ratio by at least 11 dB and at the same time significantly improves the power budget of the system by reducing path loss by more than 6 dB.
Trisubstituted (E)-Alkene Dipeptide Isosteres as β-Turn Promoters in the Gramicidin S Cyclodecapeptide Scaffold

A concise synthesis of a gramicidin S analogue with trisubstituted (E)-alkene dipeptide isostere (TEADI) replacements at both d-Phe-Pro positions was realized. Conformational analysis demonstrated that TEADIs can serve as type II β-turn promoters in a cyclic scaffold and successfully mimic a proline residue.
Micromechanics of brittle faulting and cataclastic flow in Berea sandstone

Abstract The micromechanics of failure in Berea sandstone were investigated by characterizing quantitatively the evolution of damage under the optical and scanning electron microscopes. Three series of triaxial compression experiments were conducted at the fixed pore pressure of 10 MPa and confining pressures of 20, 50 and 260 MPa, respectively, corresponding to three different failure modes: shear localization with positive dilatancy, shear localization with relatively little dilatancy and distributed cataclastic flow. To distinguish the effect of non-hydrostatic stress from that of hydrostatic pressure, a fourth suite of hydrostatically loaded samples was also studied. Using stereological procedures, we characterized quantitatively the following damage parameters: microcrack density and its anisotropy, pore-size distribution, comminuted volume fraction and mineral damage index. In the brittle regime, shear localization did not develop until the post-failure stage, after the peak stress had been attained. The microcrack density data show that very little intragranular cracking occurred before the peak stress was attained. We infer that dilatancy and acoustic emission activity in the prefailure stage are primarily due to intergranular cracking, probably related to the shear rupture of lithified and cemented grain contacts. Near the peak stress, intragranular cracking initiates from grain contacts and this type of Hertzian fracture first develops in isolated clusters, and their subsequent coalescence results in shear localization in the post-failure stage. The very high density of intragranular microcracking and pronounced stress-induced anisotropy in the post-failure samples are the consequence of shear localization and compactive processes operative inside the shear band. In contrast, Hertzian fracture was a primary cause for shear-enhanced compaction and strain hardening throughout the cataclastic flow regime. Grain crushing and pore collapse seem to be most intense in weakly cemented regions. Finite element simulations show that the presence of cement at grain contacts alleviates the tensile stress concentration, thus inhibiting the onset of Hertzian fracture and grain crushing.
Modeling and optimization for big data analytics: (Statistical) learning tools for our era of data deluge

With pervasive sensors continuously collecting and storing massive amounts of information, there is no doubt this is an era of data deluge. Learning from these large volumes of data is expected to bring significant science and engineering advances along with improvements in quality of life. However, with such a big blessing come big challenges. Running analytics on voluminous data sets by central processors and storage units seems infeasible, and with the advent of streaming data sources, learning must often be performed in real time, typically without a chance to revisit past entries. Workhorse signal processing (SP) and statistical learning tools have to be re-examined in todays high-dimensional data regimes. This article contributes to the ongoing cross-disciplinary efforts in data science by putting forth encompassing models capturing a wide range of SP-relevant data analytic tasks, such as principal component analysis (PCA), dictionary learning (DL), compressive sampling (CS), and subspace clustering. It offers scalable architectures and optimization algorithms for decentralized and online learning problems, while revealing fundamental insights into the various analytic and implementation tradeoffs involved. Extensions of the encompassing models to timely data-sketching, tensor- and kernel-based learning tasks are also provided. Finally, the close connections of the presented framework with several big data tasks, such as network visualization, decentralized and dynamic estimation, prediction, and imputation of network link load traffic, as well as imputation in tensor-based medical imaging are highlighted.
Program spectra analysis with theory of evidence

This paper presents an approach to automatically analyzing programspectra, an execution profile of programtesting results for fault localization. Using a mathematical theory of evidence for uncertainty reasoning, the proposed approach estimates the likelihood of faulty locations based on evidence from program spectra. Our approach is theoretically grounded and can be computed online. Therefore, we can predict fault locations immediately after each test execution is completed. We evaluate the approach by comparing its performance with the top three performing fault localizers using a benchmark set of real-world programs. The results show that our approach is at least as effective as others with an average effectiveness (the reduction of the amount of code examined to locate a fault) of 85.6% over 119 versions of the programs. We also study the quantity and quality impacts of program spectra on our approach where the quality refers to the spectra support in identifying that a certain unit is faulty. The results show that the effectiveness of our approach slightly improves with a larger number of failed runs but not with a larger number of passed runs. Program spectra with support quality increases from 1% to 100% improves the approach's effectiveness by 3.29%.
Effect of Combined Glass Particles on Hydration in Cementitious Systems

AbstractFinely ground glass has the potential for pozzolanic reactivity and can serve as a supplementary cementitious material (SCM). Uniform composition, amorphous nature, and high silica content make ground glass ideal for studying the effects of glass type and particle size on glassy material reactivity at different temperatures. This study focuses on how the combination of glass types and particle sizes affects the microstructure and performance properties of cementitious systems containing glass cullet as a SCM. In this study, the reaction rate, pozzolanicity, and hydration degree quantification of four sets of combined glass types and sizes were investigated using isothermal calorimetry, chemical shrinkage, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and analysis of scanning electron microscope (SEM) images. Moreover, compressive strength and water sorptivity were performed on mortar samples to correlate reactivity of cementitious materials containing glass to the performance of cementitious mixtures. Results...
Production of English Syllable Final /l/ by Mandarin Chinese Speakers

This study examined the production of English syllable final /l/s by Chinese speakers. It was found that 1) Chinese speakers had great difficulties in producing syllable final /l/. 2) More importantly, Chinese speakers used three strategies to modify syllable final /l/: vocalization, deletion, and retroflexion. Among the strategies, vocalization is used to modify the syllable final /l/ after front and back vowels, while deletion and retroflexion occur only after back vowels. Furthermore, vocalization and retroflexion occurred after the back vowels more frequently in formal speech than in casual speech. 3) Experienced ESL learners produced more native-like syllable final /l/s than inexperienced ones, and females produced accurate or near accurate syllable final /l/ more frequently than males.
Through a widow's eyes

This article draws upon interviews I conducted with widows in Pakistan's North West Frontier Province (NWFP) after September 11, 2001. Since the late 1990s, I've interviewed some 50 widows worldwide and quickly realized that these women comprise a group of invisible millions. A majority of the interviews I conducted were in South Asia where many widows become social pariahs. The most harrowing stories I heard came from women in Pakistan's NWFP. Through the narratives of the NWFP widows, it became clear that while circumstances differed from one culture to the next, the severity of the hardships endured was most closely related to woman's level of education and her degree of isolation. However, despite the many differences, there was one common thread that wove its way through all their stories – the women's overwhelming concern for their children's well being and their commitment to provide a better future for them.
Korean Expressive Arts Therapy Students’ Experiences with Movement-Based Supervision: A Phenomenological Investigation

This study explored the experience of six native Korean expressive arts therapy students (four art therapy and two dance/movement therapy) in movement-based supervision (MBS) at a Korean university. The overarching research question was how Korean expressive arts therapy students experience MBS. Two specific research questions were explored: (a) How does MBS impact comfort levels within the supervisory relationship and among peers? and (b) How does movement experience impact verbal sharing? To address these two questions, a phenomenological analysis was conducted by coding and categorizing data to identify emergent themes in a total of 30 individual weekly journal entries and individual interviews. Finally, four themes (emotional experience, new experience, the role of art media, and professional experience) and nine categories emerged from 203 meaning units. These results indicated that, in the experience of these participants, movement was significant in creating less authority in the supervisory relationship and in enhancing verbal sharing in clinical supervision.
A constitutive model for predicting the large deformation thermomechanical behavior of fluoropolymers

This paper presents a newly developed constitutive model for predicting the time and temperature-dependent mechanical behavior of fluoropolymers, including PTFE, PFA and FEP. The mathematical details of the theory and its connection with the underlying microstructure are presented together with aspects of its numerical implementation into large-strain finite element simulations. A set of uniaxial tension, uniaxial compression, hydrostatic compression, multi-cycle thermomechanical, and small sample punch (disk bend) tests were performed on glass fiber filled PTFE to evaluate the predictive capabilities of the model. The tests were performed using monotonic and cyclic load histories, at different deformation rates and temperatures. A direct comparison between the experimental data and the model predictions show that the constitutive theory accurately captures the material response. The model is also capable of predicting the influence of hydrostatic stress on both the deviatoric and volumetric flow rates, enabling accurate predictions of fluoropolymers with small amounts of porosity.
When Are Clients Ready to Terminate

Abstract Termination of psychotherapy has received less attention in the research literature than other aspects of the treatment process. This paper presents a structured framework emphasizing observable markers to indicate when termination with a client is appropriate during cognitive behavioral treatment. The 7 criteria that indicate when a client is ready for termination are: (a) decrease in symptoms as assessed by sound measures; (b) decrease in symptoms that is stable and maintained for 8 weeks; (c) decrease in functional impairment; (d) evidence that the decrease in symptoms is not a spontaneous remission, such as lower symptoms associated with the use of new skills; (e) usage of the new skills, particularly at times or on themes of former vulnerability; (f) sense of pride regarding the new skills, in contrast to initial doubt regarding whether the techniques would work; and (g) carryover of decrease in symptoms to other areas. A case report and discussion regarding the clinical application of the framework is presented.
Ultrasound of Primary Aneurysmal Bone Cyst

Aneurysmal bone cysts (ABC) are rare, benign, expansile lesions of bone often found in the metaphyses of long bones in pediatric and young adult population. Multiple fluid levels are typically seen on imaging with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT). We describe a case of a primary ABC in the fibula of a 34-year-old man diagnosed on ultrasound with a mobile fluid level demonstrated sonographically.
Choosing safe dispersing media for C60 fullerenes by using cytotoxicity tests on the bacterium Escherichia coli.

Assessment of C60 nanotoxicity requires a variety of strategies for dispersing it into biological systems. Our objective was to determine organic solvent/surfactant combinations suitable for this purpose. We used Escherichia coli (ATCC# 25254) to determine the cytotoxicity of C60 in solvents at concentrations up to 100 ppm. In this preliminary study we hypothesized that C60 toxicity is directly correlated with its degree of dispersion in solution and that more solubilizing solvents induce higher toxicity. Test solvent concentration (1%) and Tween 80 (0.04%) were based on E. coli viability assay. Sonication was used to further enhance C60 dispersal. The end-point response was measured with viability (in terms of LC50) and general metabolic activity (in terms of IC50 )o fE. coli cultures after exposure. The ultimate goal was to select safe dispersing media and enrich the database of C60 nanotoxicity for NanoQuantitativeStructure–Activity-Relationship (NanoQSAR) applications. LC50 range was 30 ppm to >400 ppm. IC50 followed the trend. Among the six solvent combinations, DMSO combined with Tween 80 was the optimum combination for defining a dose–response relationship for assessing its toxicity to E. coli. However, N,N-dimethylformamide has the greatest potential to be a safe solvent for C60 applications based upon its biocompatibility. Solvent solubility alone could not account for the cytotoxicity observed in this study. © 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Effect of long and medium chain length lipids upon aqueous solubility of α‐tocopherol

The efficiency by which α-tocopherol is solubilized in vitro into mixed bile salt micelles containing different lipids was studied. Alterations in solubility due to addition to the incubation media of triglyceride, free fatty acid, monoglyceride, and lecithin of either long or medium chain length were examined. Results are expressed as a partition ratio between a micellar and an oil phase. The triglyceride of both long and medium chain length fatty acids greatly decreased the solubility of α-tocopherol in bile salt solutions. When added singly, monoglyceride and lecithin of long chain length fatty acids increased the α-tocopherol solubilized four- to fivefold; fatty acids of either chain length and medium chain monoglyceride when added singly had no significant effect upon the tocopherol solubilized. An additive effect was observed when a combination of long chain monoglyceride and lecithin was added. Addition of fatty acid to this combination, however, significantly decreased the α-tocopherol solubility into the micellar phase. Although the solubility of α-tocopherol was increased by all combinations of medium chain length polar lipids, except the fatty acid-monoglyceride pair, the effect was three to seven times less than for the corresponding long chain mixture.
A shelf in the 'subthreshold' photofission cross section

The influence of a double-humped fission barrier on the photofission cross section far below the top of the barrier is considered. In the region about 2 MeV below the top of the outer barrier and at a cross section in the region of 10-9-10-6 b the photofission is expected to become almost entirely isomeric or delayed fission. When this occurs a ''shelf'' should appear in the photofission cross section where the cross section changes with energy far more slowly than at higher γ-ray energy. The cross section on the shelf can therefore be orders of magnitude higher than otherwise expected. While the angular distribution near the top of the barrier is expected to have a well- defined and nonisotropic angular dependence, the angular distribution on the shelf is expected to be isotropic. The cross sections, although small, appear to be measurable with bremsstrahlung beams in the 3 to 5 MeV range using a several hundred μA electron beam. Successful experiments of this type should provide information on the shape of the inner and outer barriers at much lower excitation energies than possible by other techniques.
One-step synthesis of a C-functionalized phospha-alkene: X-ray crystal structure of 2,4,6-tBu3C6H2PC(H)CN

Abstract The reaction of 2,4,6-tBu3C6H2PCl2 with two equivalents of LiCH2CN results in the exclusive formation of the cis (i.e. Z) isomer of the C-functionalized phospha-alkene, 2,4,6-tBu3C6H2PC(H)CN (1). The structure of 1 was established by X-ray crystallography.
Personal Experiences of Pregnancy and Fertility in Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury

Individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCIs) often face a number of barriers in family planning and pregnancy. These barriers can be structural (i.e. inaccessible health care provider offices and providers unfamiliar with fertility, pregnancy, and SCI) or social (i.e. friends, family, and even providers suggesting that individuals with SCI should not have children), and can affect both men and women. Additionally, much of the information about SCI and pregnancy is from a medical perspective and the psychosocial aspects of pregnancy for individuals with SCI have not been considered. 253 men and women with SCI were asked about the information they received about SCI and pregnancy, where they received this information, and how their SCI affected their family planning. The responses shared in this study can be used to inform individuals who work with people with SCI to better assist their clients or patients who have sustained SCI and are considering pregnancy.
Nongray radiative transfer in a planar medium exposed to a collimated flux

Abstract The problem of energy transfer through a plane layer of an absorbing and emitting medium exposed on one side to a monochromatic collimated radiation flux is analyzed to determine the effect of line or band shape on radiative transfer. The analysis is restricted to a medium in local thermodynamic equilibrium and an absorption coefficient K v of the Milne-Eddington type, i.e., K v (T) = α(v)β(T) . For the case when K v consists of an array of equal intensity, nonoverlapping bands or lines, the solution for the source function and the radiative flux are expressed in terms of universal functions. Numerical solutions for the Chandrasekhar X and Y-functions are presented in graphical and tabular form for the rectangular, triangular, exponential, Lorentz and Doppler profiles.
Median nerve compression at the fibrous arch of the flexor digitorum superficialis: an anatomic study of the pronator syndrome

Flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) arch is a site of compression in pronator syndrome yet little is known about its anatomic structure. The purpose of the study is to delineate the surgical anatomy of the FDS arch along with its relationship to the anterior interosseous nerve (AIN) takeoff. Thirty-eight cadavers were dissected using a modified Henry’s approach. The FDS arch was identified, and its distance to the antebrachial crease and medial and lateral epicondyle were measured. The FDS arch was divided in a sequential fashion until adequate decompression of the median nerve was achieved. The total length of the release was measured. The takeoff of the AIN was identified in relation to the FDS arch. Two types of the FDS arch were discovered, a distinct fibrous arch and an indistinct fibrous arch with vertical fibers blending into overlying fascia. Only 42 % of specimens had a distinct FDS arch averaging 1.69 cm in length. The majority of specimens had an indistinct arch, and of those, 77 % had overlying muscle, requiring an average release of 2.6 cm. The AIN branched at or distal to the FDS arch in 74 % of specimens, and only 8 % was found to have an ulnar-sided origin off the median nerve. A longer surgical release is needed with indistinct FDS arches. Overlying muscle during dissection may be indicative of an indistinct arch. Dissection along the ulnar side of the median nerve can possibly decrease the chance of injury to the AIN during decompression.
Biophysical Constraints on Optimal Patch Lengths for Settlement of a Reef-Building Bivalve

Reef-building species form discrete patches atop soft sediments, and reef restoration often involves depositing solid material as a substrate for larval settlement and growth. There have been few theoretical efforts to optimize the physical characteristics of a restored reef patch to achieve high recruitment rates. The delivery of competent larvae to a reef patch is influenced by larval behavior and by physical habitat characteristics such as substrate roughness, patch length, current speed, and water depth. We used a spatial model, the “hitting-distance” model, to identify habitat characteristics that will jointly maximize both the settlement probability and the density of recruits on an oyster reef (Crassostrea virginica). Modeled larval behaviors were based on laboratory observations and included turbulence-induced diving, turbulence-induced passive sinking, and neutral buoyancy. Profiles of currents and turbulence were based on velocity profiles measured in coastal Virginia over four different substrates: natural oyster reefs, mud, and deposited oyster and whelk shell. Settlement probabilities were higher on larger patches, whereas average settler densities were higher on smaller patches. Larvae settled most successfully and had the smallest optimal patch length when diving over rough substrates in shallow water. Water depth was the greatest source of variability, followed by larval behavior, substrate roughness, and tidal current speed. This result suggests that the best way to maximize settlement on restored reefs is to construct patches of optimal length for the water depth, whereas substrate type is less important than expected. Although physical patch characteristics are easy to measure, uncertainty about larval behavior remains an obstacle for predicting settlement patterns. The mechanistic approach presented here could be combined with a spatially explicit metapopulation model to optimize the arrangement of reef patches in an estuary or region for greater sustainability of restored habitats.
Mobile medical relief and military assistance in Somalia.

INTRODUCTION: Mobile medical clinics were established by an international medical relief organization to provide health care to victims of the war in Somalia. The study's purpose was to examine the prevalence of diseases seen and the effectiveness of mobile medical clinics, and to evaluate military support in security and care provisions. METHODS: This is a descriptive case series conducted over a 6-month period. Physicians determined clinical diagnoses, and clinic personnel assigned security scores (one to five) based on: 1) crowd control; 2) the incidence of looting; and 3) threats of violence by individuals demanding treatment. SETTING: Mobile medical teams that provided health care to regions in urban and rural Somalia assisted by United States and Italian military forces. PARTICIPANTS: At 149 mobile clinics, 25,265 patients were treated. INTERVENTIONS: Medical treatment included dispensing medications, intravenous rehydration, and minor surgical procedures. The effectiveness of security measures was scored based on: 1) effective crowd control; 2) the lack of theft or threats of violence; and 3) the unimpaired operation of the clinic. RESULTS: Medical teams treated 25,265 patients. The most common medical problems encountered were skin infections (19.5%), upper and lower respiratory tract infections (16.1%), and gastroenteritis with dehydration (7.1%). Malnutrition was seen in 4.7% of cases, and trauma accounted for only 0.7% of complaints. When military escorts were provided, the mean security score was 43% higher (4.85 +/- 0.46) as compared to the absence of a military escort (3.40 +/- 0.60) (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Mobile medical clinics were found to be effective in this setting despite difficult conditions, limited therapeutic modalities, and few in-patient facilities. Infectious diseases were most common, while malnutrition and trauma were less commonly seen. The cooperation of United States and Italian military forces facilitated relief efforts by maintaining security, particularly in unstable areas.
Work in Progress: Improving K-12 Mathematics Understanding with Engineering Design Projects

Engineering design projects can provide a rich opportunity to enhance student knowledge in core disciplinary subject areas, such as mathematics and science. The informed design process was created as part of a NSF materials development program and formed the engineering design framework for this study. Structured mathematics activities (knowledge and skill builders - KSBs) were developed and linked to the design challenge. In this challenge, students apply the mathematical reasoning to solve an engineering problem; the design of a food dehydrator. Four middle and high school teachers, from four different and diverse schools, participated in this research study. They had all used informed design and had taught the five-week unit on dehydration before. They were familiar with the pedagogical strategies inherent in the informed design process. The teachers implemented the unit in winter and spring of 2006. The paper will present preliminary results of the research which indicate a dramatic improvement in mathematical reasoning.
Microwave spectra and quadrupole coupling measurements for methyl rhenium trioxide

Abstract Microwave rotational transitions for J′ ← J = 1 ← 0 and 2 ← 1 were measured in the 6–14 GHz range for methyl rhenium trioxide using a Flygare-Balle type, pulsed-beam spectrometer. The rotational constants for the most abundant isotopomers are B( 187 Re ) = 3466.964(2) MHz and B( 185 Re ) = 3467.049(3) MHz . The quadrupole coupling strengths are eQq( 187 Re ) = 716.55(2) MHz and eQq( 185 Re ) = 757.19(3) MHz . Transitions were also observed for 13C isotopomers and 18O isotopomers. The value for the ReC bond length obtained from a Kraitchman analysis is R( ReC ) = 2.080 A . The rhenium quadrupole coupling strengths are about 20% smaller than those obtained for HRe(CO)5.
Deconstructing Privilege: An Examination of Privilege in Adult Education.

This paper presents a conceptualization of deconstructing privilege. It includes a discussion of the manifestations, determinants, and triarchy of privilege. The absence of the voice of dominant me...
Use of intravenous contrast agents in patients receiving metformin.

Editor: In daily practice of prescribing oral agents in medical treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (1), a practical issue of whether to use intravenous contrast agents in patients with diabetes who receive metformin, which should be considered in emergency medicine practice, is typically not considered. In almost every hospital in this country—including small community hospitals—radiologists refuse to use intravenous contrast agents in such patients, even in emergency situations. The following points should be considered in the patients receiving metformin. 1. The rate of lactic acidosis in patients with diabetes who did not receive metformin was equivalent to that in patients with diabetes who received metformin (2). Although this finding suggests both that metformin may not be a cause of increased lactic acidosis and that other conditions may cause lactic acidosis in patients with diabetes, the retrospective study (2) merits further investigation. Nonetheless, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), lactic acidosis in patients using metformin is rare: The condition occurs at an annual rate of five cases per 100,000 persons (2). 2. In nonurgent situations and when serum creatinine level is within normal range ( 1.5 mg/dL [ 132.6 mol/L]), intravenous contrast agents are not contraindicated. The generally recommended step of withholding administration of metformin for 48 hours before and after administration of an intravenous contrast agent in patients with type 2 diabetes may not be necessary. The same strategy applies in emergency situations in which serum creatinine level is normal. In such situations, patients should be well hydrated before receiving the intravenous contrast agent (3–5). 3. In nonurgent cases in which the patient is receiving
Cognitive Load and Classroom Teaching: The Double-Edged Sword of Automaticity

Research in the development of teacher cognition and teaching performance in K–12 classrooms has identified consistent challenges and patterns of behavior that are congruent with the predictions of dual-process models of cognition. However, cognitive models of information processing are not often used to synthesize these results. This article reviews findings from the research on teaching and teacher education through the lens of a dual-process model and emphasizes the role that cognitive load plays in driving teaching performance. Data reflecting the salience of automaticity and its relationship with cognitive overload are highlighted, and implications for teacher preparation and inservice training strategies are discussed. Specific suggestions for teacher training draw on empirical findings from cognitive approaches to training that emphasize the development of automaticity in teaching skills to minimize extraneous cognitive load and maximize effective performance.
Intravascular effect in velocity-selective arterial spin labeling

Arterial spin labeling (ASL) has been developed into a useful tool for measuring local tissue perfusion with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Velocity-selective ASL (VS-ASL) tags spins on a basis of flow velocity, instead of the spatial distribution that is commonly used by conventional ASL techniques. Using a 90deg-180deg-90deg radiofrequency pulse train in combination with flow-sensitive gradients, VS-ASL can potentially generate tags that are very close to the imaging plane and whereby avoid the main error source of conventional ASL techniques coming from T1 relaxation during inflow time (TI). In practice, however, TI of VS-ASL should still be chosen with caution with respect to intravascular signal and cutoff velocity (Vc). With higher Vc, the maximum of VS-ASL signal was observed at shorter TI, which is due to intravascular signal in large vessels. For perfusion measurement in human brain, small Vc (=<2cm/s) is recommended. In contrast to the previous studies that suggested CSF suppression for Vc < 5cm/s, this study used lower amplitude and longer separation of diffusion gradients in the VS pulse train, which reduced b-value and eliminated the necessity of CSF suppression for Vc down to 2 cm/s
NITROGEN FERTILIZER AND CROP RESIDUE EFFECTS ON SEED MORTALITY AND GERMINATION OF EIGHT ANNUAL WEED SPECIES

Abstract Weed seed persistence in the soil seedbank is central to weed population dynamics; however, limited knowledge of mechanisms regulating seed survival in soil remains an obstacle to developing seed-bank management practices. Weed seeds are rich in carbon and nitrogen, and therefore may represent an important nutritional resource to soil microbes. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that weed seed mortality due to microbial predation is limited by soil inorganic N availability and soil C:N ratio. A factorial of N fertilizer rate (0, 14, and 28 mg N kg soil−1) and corn stover addition rate (0 and 3,000 mg stover kg soil−1) was applied to bioassay units containing Illinois field soil (silt loam, 3.8% organic carbon) and seeds of one of eight annual weed species common to Illinois field crops: giant foxtail, green foxtail, yellow foxtail, wooly cupgrass, giant ragweed, redroot pigweed, velvetleaf, and Venice mallow. Seeds were incubated for 2 mo, after which they were recovered from ...
Nigral dopamine loss induces a global upregulation of presynaptic dopamine D1 receptor facilitation of the striatonigral GABAergic output

In Parkinson's disease (PD), the dopamine (DA) neuron loss in the substantia nigra and the DA axon loss in the dorsal striatum are severe, but DA neurons in the ventral tegmental area and DA axons in middle and ventral striatal subregions are less affected. Severe DA loss leads to DA receptor supersensitivity, but it was not known whether the supersensitivity of the DA D1 receptors (D1Rs) on the striatonigral axon terminal is determined by the severe striatal or nigral DA loss. This question is important because these two possibilities affect the extent of the striatonigral terminals with supersensitive D1Rs and hence the strength of the direct pathway output. Here we have investigated this question in the transcription factor Pitx3 mutant mice that have a PD-like DA loss pattern. We found that the presynaptic D1R function was upregulated globally: the D1R-mediated facilitation was equally enhanced for the striatonigral GABA output originated in the dorsal striatum where the DA loss is severe and the somatic D1Rs are supersensitive, and for the striatonigral GABA output originated in the middle and ventral striatum where the DA loss is moderate and the somatic D1Rs are not supersensitive. These results suggest that severe nigral DA loss is sufficient to induce functional upregulation of the D1Rs on striatonigral axon terminals. Consequently, in PD, the globally enhanced D1Rs on striatonigral axon terminals originated in broad striatal subregions may strongly enhance the striatonigral GABA output upon D1R stimulation, potentially contributing to D1R agonism's profound motor-stimulating effects.
Developmental trajectories of nonsocial reinforcement and offending in adolescence and young adulthood: An exploratory study of an understudied part of social learning theory

Abstract Purpose Within social learning theory, nonsocial reinforcement has been hypothesized to have a link with offending. The purpose of the present study was to address two questions: (1) Does nonsocial reinforcement change or remain stable over time? And (2) does nonsocial reinforcement have a reciprocal link with offending, as Wood et al. (1997) would expect? Methods We used a subsample (N = 413) of the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (NLSY) data and semi-parametric group-based modeling (SPGM). Results and Conclusions The SPGM suggested three distinct groups of nonsocial reinforcement (one trajectory group appeared to have a low but stable rate of nonsocial reinforcement, one trajectory appeared to be higher but stable, another trajectory higher but also stable). A cross-tabulation of the nonsocial reinforcement trajectories and offending trajectories indicated that offending increased as nonsocial reinforcement became greater. Study limitations and implications are also discussed.
Rubella in the United States: toward a strategy for disease control and elimination.

More than 25 years have passed since the last rubella epidemic in the United States. The rubella pandemic of 1964–5 demonstrated clearly the extraordinary teratogenic potential of the rubella virus. In the United States alone, it is estimated that more than 12500000 cases of rubella occurred during the winter and spring of 1964–5. Congenital rubella infection occurred in an estimated 30000 pregnancies, 10000 resulting in fetal death or therapeutic abortion and 20000 resulting in infants born with congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) [1]. In contrast, during 1988, only 225 cases of rubella were reported to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, the lowest annual total since rubella became a nationally notifiable disease in 1966 [2]. However, in 1989, this downward trend of reported cases was interrupted, with the number of reported rubella cases in the United States increasing nearly twofold, and in 1990, the total increased another threefold (to more than 1000 cases) [3]. Although the 1990 reports represent the highest total since 1982, the overall incidence of rubella in the United States has still declined by more than 98% since 1969, the year rubella vaccine was licensed (Fig. 1).
Men of Mountains

Elnur Gajiev, MA, is a doctoral student in the Clinical Psychology program at the University of Denver’s Graduate School of Professional Psychology. He finds purpose in integrating elements of creative expression and meaningful growth into his life’s work with individuals, families, and communities at large. El is also the co-founder of Mustaches for Mental Health, a nonprofit organization aimed at reducing stigma surrounding men’s mental health issues.