cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The thrombosed prosthetic graft is a risk for infection of an adjacent graft.

Background A bland thrombosed graft may be more susceptible to the future risk of infection than a patent graft. Once infected, that graft can threaten other patent grafts. Therefore, the purpose of the following study was to assess the role a thrombosed graft might play in infection of contiguous patent bypasses. Methods From 1990, a retrospective review was performed using the operative and medical records of cases in which a prosthetic graft infection was identified arising in association with an adjacent thrombosed graft. Results A total of 22 cases of prosthetic arterial bypass infection were treated at our institution from January 1990 through September 1995. Of these, 7 (32%) were identified by the operative report as arising in a thrombosed prosthetic graft and spreading to an attached or adjacent patent prosthetic graft. All patients had multiple bypasses prior to infection, mean 5.4±.75 (range 3 to 8). All thrombosed infected grafts were infrainguinal polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) for limb salvage: 6 femoralpopliteal and 1 femorotibial. Mean interval time between placement of the primarily infected graft and removal was 14.6±6.7 months (range 1 to 53). The secondarily infected patent bypasses were inflow procedures to the same limb in 6 cases: 1 aortofemoral, 2 ileofemoral, 2 axillofemoral, and 1 femoral femoral graft. The thrombosed infrainguinal bypass was directly attached to the secondarily infected bypass in 5 cases and near but not attached in 1 case. One secondarily infected prosthetic graft was a femoraldistal bypass placed adjacent to the thrombosed graft. Four patients had above-knee amputations with a clinically bland graft divided at the time of amputation. In these 4 patients and 2 additional cases, wet gangrene or infection was present in the distal extremity prior to the development of prosthetic graft infection. At the point that infection became clinically apparent, the thrombosed graft was removed in all cases and the secondarily infected graft was removed in 4 of 7 cases. Overall mortality was 57%. Conclusions A thrombosed prosthetic graft near a patent prosthetic bypass may become secondarily infected and threaten the patent graft. We recommend total removal of any throm-bosed prosthetic graft in proximity to a patent prosthetic bypass when the risk of infection is high or at the time of subsequent amputation for gangrene.
Second-order slope–deflection equations for imperfect beam–column structures with semi-rigid connections

Abstract A new set of second-order slope–deflection equations for Euler–Bernoulli beam–columns of symmetric cross-section including the effects of initial imperfections (i.e., initial curvature, out-of-plumbness and axial load eccentricities) and semi-rigid connections is developed in a classical manner. The proposed method has the following advantages: (1) it can be utilized in the stability and second-order analysis of framed structures made of Euler–Bernoulli imperfect beam–columns with rigid, semi-rigid, and simple connections subject to axial and transverse loads; (2) the effects of semi-rigid connections and member imperfections are condensed into the slope–deflection equations for tension and compression axial loads; (3) it is more accurate than any other method available in the technical literature and capable of capturing not only the first-order and second-order elastic responses of frames made of imperfect beam–columns but also the phenomenon of reversals of deflections along the members as the axial loads are increased; and (4) it is powerful, practical, versatile and easy to apply. Analytical studies indicate that the initial imperfections (a) act as if they were additional transverse loads proportional to the bending stiffness and magnitudes of the imperfections of the corresponding beam–column; and (b) are detrimental to structures, increasing the lateral deflections, moments, and shears, and also reducing the critical axial loads of beam–columns and framed structures. This is particularly critical in structures made of beam–columns with initial crookedness and low stiffness connections subjected to high compressive axial loads. In addition, the effects of initial curvature are amplified by the compressive axial loads applied at the ends of the member. Four comprehensive examples are included that show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Effect of iron chlorosis on protein fractions of corn leaf tissue.

Many concepts of the physiological changes in plants, as related to the organic and inorganic constituents, were determined by bulk analysis. Today a galaxy of new physical and chemical techniques is available to isolate and study individual components of cell tissue, thus permitting far more detailed work. During the last few years the biochemistry, synthesis, and metabolism of plant proteins have been extensively investigated because of their association with enzymes and the fundamental role these molecules play in most biological phenomena (5, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16). The leaf is a seat of enzyme activity and leaf proteins are undoubtedly involved in a major way in photosynthetic reactions. The location of any protein relative to the architecture of the cell, and its separation in pure form from the heterogeneous substances making up the leaf, present extraction problems. Nevertheless, there is much interest in the physical, chemical, and enzymatic properties of cytoplasmic proteins as well as leaf proteins that are thought to be associated with enzymes in different particulate components inside the cell. The present investigation considers the effect of iron chlorosis on the pattern of protein distribution in corn leaf tissue.
Relativistic deflection of radio signals in the solar gravitational field measured with VLBI

For an observer on Earth the general theory of relativity (GR) predicts an apparent outward displacement of a star seen at the Sun's limb of 1.75 arc s. A generalized formulation for gravitational deflection of light1 includes a parameter γ which ranges from 1 (GR) to −1 (no deflection). Early total eclipse measurements2 constrained γ by 20–40%, permitting alternative gravitational theories (for example, ref. 3). Radio interferometer measurements of deflections of extragalactic objects4,5 and timing measurements of spacecraft signals6 have all been consistent with GR with increasing accuracy. We now report the most sensitive measurement of deflection so far achieved, in which very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) observations yield a value of γ of 1.008 with a 1 σ formal standard error of ±0.005.
Nitric oxide differentially affects ERK and Akt in type 1 and type 2 diabetic rats

Background We have shown that nitric oxide (NO) is more effective at inhibiting neointimal hyperplasia in type 2 diabetic rats than in nondiabetic rats, but is not effective in type 1 diabetic rats. Insulin signaling is mediated by the ERK and Akt pathways, and thus we hypothesized that NO differentially affects ERK and Akt activity in type 1 versus type 2 diabetic rats.
Laser-induced photoacoustics influenced by single-cycle terahertz radiation.

Laser-induced plasma acoustic waves are enhanced under the illumination of single-cycle terahertz (THz) radiation, making THz-enhanced acoustics (TEA) a useful method for THz wave detection. During a single-cycle THz pulse with its peak field of 100kV/cm, a pressure enhancement of 10% is observed throughout the acoustic spectrum up to 140kHz, and the TEA signal is found to increase linearly with THz wave intensity. By using dual-color laser excitation to manipulate free electron drift, it is possible to modulate the enhanced acoustic signal and recover a coherent THz time-domain waveform by simply “listening” to the plasma.
Within-reach spatial variability of snails and molluscivory by brown trout.

Abstract Linking habitat distributions of prey to the probability of predation is important to understanding consumptive effects of predators on prey populations. This study reports how within-reach spatial variability of two snails, the hydrobiid Potamopyrgus antipodarum and the physid Physella acuta, was linked to habitat-based predation risk by young brown trout (Salmo trutta) of different age classes. Potamopyrgus is endemic to New Zealand streams and lakes, where it commonly co-exists with the invader P. acuta, but both snails are worldwide invaders to many freshwater systems. Examination of egested snails revealed Potamopyrgus and Physella were consumed in similar numbers within age classes. However, 10-month-old trout consumed, on average, fewer snails than 20-month-old trout, and 8-month-old trout ate essentially no snails, suggesting snails were a more important prey item for larger age-1 fish than smaller age-0 fish. No Physella were egested alive by any trout age class. However, 38% and 16% of ...
The Monofactorial Model for Recurrence Risks with Generalized Penetrance

Recurrence risks are derived explicitly in terms of gene frequencies and penetrance coefficients for the general case in which all genotypes have incomplete penetrance. Maximum likelihood estimation of recurrence risks is achieved through the use of the semi-symmetric intraclass contingency table. The resulting formulas and estimation procedure can be useful for the analysis of population and family data, and in genetic counselling.
The relation between electro-cortical waves and responsiveness of the cortico-spinal system.

Abstract 1. 1. Studies of the responsiveness to electrical stimulation of the system of cortical neurones giving rise to evoked volleys in the medullary pyramid have been carried out in cats. 2. 2. Phasic variations in responsiveness and relayed activity have been correlated with phasic changes of cortical surface potential during the elicitation of augmenting waves and during spontaneous spindle waves. Relayed pyramidal volleys appear during the initial surface positivity of each of these cortical wave forms. During the positive and early negative phases of the surface potential waves, the responsiveness of the efferent neurone system is augmented. During the late phase of cortical negativity, and for 50–150 msec. thereafter, responsiveness of the efferent neurone system is depresses. These changes affect the indirect portion of the evoked pyramidal volley to a significantly greater extent than the direct portion of the volley. 3. 3. Responsiveness of this corticifugal neurone system has also been tested during the elicitation of that particular form of recruitment wave which develops upon stimulation of the midline nuclei of the diffuse thalamic projection system. During this type of recruitment response there is no relayed pyramidal volley. Neither is there any detectable alteration in responsiveness of the efferent neurone system. 4. 4. The marked differences in the effects associated with these electrically similar potential changes indicate the existence of at least two fundamentally different mechanisms subserving thalamo-cortical relationships.
Twitter democracy: policy versus identity politics in three emerging African democracies

Social media offers new ways for citizens to discuss and debate politics and engage in the democratic process. These online systems could be places for rich policy relevant debate, which is favored by scholars of deliberative democracy. Alternatively, social media might be a platform for an identity driven form of political discourse that is routinely scorned by scholars of democracy. To examine these two possibilities, we analyzed tweets sent during three national elections, the defining participatory process of democracy. Our dataset includes over 760,000 tweets gathered during national elections in Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya from 2011 to 2013. In order to analyze the degree to which Twitter was being used for policy relevant discussion we developed policy term sets through a text analysis of the major political party platforms. To examine the amount of discourse focused on identity issues we created identity term sets based upon national religious, tribal, and regional differences. In Nigeria, where divisive identity politics feed violence and electoral misconduct, discussion of tribe, region, and religion dominate mentions of platform policies. In contrast Ghanaians, who enjoy the most robust democracy of the three countries, were seven times more likely to discuss policy issues rather than identity. Kenyan democracy is still undergoing consolidation, and tweets again reflect this, with almost as many tweets devoted to tribal identity as campaign policy. These findings suggest that social media discussions may echo the state of democratic deepening found in a country during its national elections.
Sample preparation for analysis of wood sugars by anion chromatography

Abstract We investigated the degradation of sugars during acid hydrolysis and the effects of other aspects of sample preparation on measurement of wood sugars by anion exchange HPLC using pulsed amperometric detection. Loss of sugars in standards ranged from 6.4% for arabinose to 15.7% for mannose. Measurements of wood samples to which standard was added before hydrolysis were very close to the sum of wood samples and standards hydrolyzed and analyzed separately except in the case of galactose, which was in significantly lower amounts (4.7% lower) in the combined samples. There was greater variance among injections of individual replicates than among replicates. Other, minor procedural details were investigated.
Viscosity dependence of the solute quenching of the tryptophanyl fluorescence of proteins.

Abstract We have studied the viscosity dependence of the acrylamide quenching of the fluorescence on the internal tryptophan residues in cod parvalbumin ribonuclease T 1 as well as the model systems, N -acetyl- l -tryptophanamide glueagon. For the latter systems, the apparent rate constant k q (app), values on acrylamide quenching shows a typical diffusion-limited behavior. For parvalbumin ribonuclease T 1 , however the viscosity dependence of k q (app) is quite different. There is little change in the k q (app) values on increasing the bulk viscosity from 1 to 10 cP (by addition of glycerol), but a further increase from 10 to 100 cP results in a significant reduction in the k q (app). Both an unfolding mechanism and a quencher penetration mechanism are considered to explain the results. Only the penetration mechanism is found to be consistent, and our data are interpreted as indicating that the rate-limiting step for quenching goes from being that of diffusion through the protein matrix, at low viscosity, to diffusion through the bulk solvent, at high viscosity. By also considering the Kramers' relationship in fitting our data, we are able to obtain insight regarding the coupling between internal fluctuations in the structure of the protein motion of the bulk solvent. For parvalbumin ribonuclease T 1 , the internal dynamics are found to be very weakly coupled to the bulk.
Sulfide oxidation by O2: Synthesis, structure and reactivity of novel sulfide-incorporated Fe(II) bis(imino)pyridine complexes

The unsymmetrical iron(II) bis(imino)pyridine complexes [FeII(LN3SMe)(H2O)3](OTf)2 (1), and [FeII(LN3SMe)Cl2] (2) were synthesized and their reactivity with O2 was examined. Complexes 1 and 2 were characterized by single crystal X-ray crystallography, LDI-MS, 1H-NMR and elemental analysis. The LN3SMe ligand was designed to incorporate a single sulfide donor and relies on the bis(imino)pyridine scaffold. This scaffold was selected for its ease of synthesis and its well-precedented ability to stabilize Fe(II) ions. Complexes 1 and 2 ware prepared via a metal-assisted template reaction from the unsymmetrical pyridyl ketone precursor 2-(O=CMe)-6-(2,6-(iPr2-C6H3N=CMe)-C5H3N. Reaction of 1 with O2 was shown to afford the S-oxygenated sulfoxide complex [Fe(LN3S(O)Me)(OTf)]2+(3), whereas compound 2, under the same reaction conditions, afforded the corresponding sulfone complex [Fe(LN3S(O2)Me)Cl]2+ (4).
Diffusion coefficient of the cyclic GMP analog 8-(fluoresceinyl)thioguanosine 3',5' cyclic monophosphate in the salamander rod outer segment

Cyclic GMP (cGMP) is the intracellular messenger mediating phototransduction in retinal rods, with its longitudinal diffusion in the rod outer segment (ROS) likely to be a factor in determining light sensitivity. From the kinetics of cGMP-activated currents in the truncated ROS of the salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum), the cGMP diffusion coefficient was previously estimated to be approximately 60 x 10(-8) cm2 s-1. On the other hand, fluorescence measurements in intact salamander ROS using 8-(fluoresceinyl)thioguanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (Fl-cGMP) led to a diffusion coefficient for this compound of 1 x 10(-8) cm2 s-1; after corrections for differences in size and in binding to cellular components between cGMP and Fl-cGMP, this gave an upper limit of 11 x 10(-8) cm2 s-1 for the cGMP diffusion coefficient. To properly compare the two sets of measurements, we have examined the diffusion of Fl-cGMP in the truncated ROS. From the kinetics of Fl-cGMP-activated currents, we have obtained a diffusion coefficient of 3 x 10(-8) cm2 s-1 for this analog; the cGMP diffusion coefficient measured from the same truncated ROSs was approximately 80 x 10(-8) cm2 s-1. Thus, a factor of 27 appears appropriate for correcting differences in size and intracellular binding between cGMP and Fl-cGMP. Application of this correction factor to the Fl-cGMP diffusion coefficient measurements by Olson and Pugh (1993) gives a cGMP diffusion coefficient of approximately 30 x 10(-8) cm2 s-1, in reasonable agreement with the value measured from the truncated ROS.
Differential effects of sympathetic activity on AV junctional automaticity and AV conduction.

Rapid ventricular response during episodes of supraventricular tachycardia are often followed, on abrupt cessation of the tachycardia, by prolonged pauses terminated by a sluggish and sometimes erratic escape of a supraventricular pacemaker. Such chronotropic-dromotropic paradoxes are readily reproduced in the animal laboratory following elimination of the sinus node and bilateral decentralization of the stellate ganglia and vagi. This study examined whether left stellate stimulation (0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8 and 16 Hz) or lack thereof differentially affected AV junctional automaticity and AV conduction. In the absence of any sympathetic neural activity (maximal sympathetic deficit), the AV junctional rate averaged a mere 22±2 percent of its peak performance, whereas under the same conditions, anterograde AV conduction averaged 73±5 percent and retrograde VA conduction 56 ±13 percent of their respective peak performances. On comparing the response curve (normalized responses) for AV junctional automaticity with that obtained for anterograde AV conduction the differences were significant at all frequencies between 0 and 4 Hz. Retrograde VA conduction (as assessed by the fastest ventricular pacing rate still conducted 1∶1 to the atria) was always significantly less than anterograde AV conduction (as assessed by the fastest atrial pacing still conducted 1∶1 to the ventricles). These results indicate that AV junctional automaticity is considerably more affected by sympathetic deficit than are either anterograde or retrograde AV conduction. In other words, AV junctional automaticity is far more dependent upon sympathetic input than AV conduction. While sympathetic influence is critical to the escape and maintenance of AV junctional automaticity both anterograde and retrograde AV conduction are remarkably resilient even under conditions of severe sympathetic deficit.
9.3.2 “Real Options and Value Driven Design in Spiral Development”

This paper proposes that the failure of many programs stems from inaccurate requirements development and failure to design for spiral development. The tremendous growth in the complexity of our society has led to a proportional growth in the number of requirements and requirements changes for many systems. This paper proposes the use of the Real Options and Value Driven Design paradigms to the system engineering, design, sprial development and program management processes. The paper also discusses how the use of the Pareto frontier with the purpose of optimizing the performance/cost ratio may actually lead to problems in fielding complex systems. This author has recently begun a research project in Real Options to determine the design tenets that make some systems flexible, adaptable, upgradeable, and scalable, while still reliable; thereby enabling these systems to last many more years than comparable systems. Research results will be discussed in a follow up paper.
Personal Attributes and Computer Writing Quality

This article reports the results of a study testing whether any of seventeen personal attributes related to the quality of documents university undergraduates wrote by hand and on the computer. Chi-square analysis showed significant differences for age, class, and word processing and keyboarding experience. The researchers concluded that some attributes do relate to computer writing quality and suggest further study to benefit computer writers and computer writing curriculum and instruction.
Solution bounds for varying geometry beams

Abstract The theory of differential and integral inequalities is applied to obtain upper and lower bounds to the transfer matrix for beams with varying geometry. Various techniques of generating and refining these bounds are investigated. Numerical results indicate that these bounds can be refined to produce numerical agreement of the upper and the lower bound to a given number of significant digits. Proceeding from bounds on the transfer matrix elements a theory is developed for determining upper and lower bounds on the natural frequencies and mode shapes and on the solution state vector for static loading of such beams. This procedure is then extended to the analysis of multispan beams with varying geometry. Numerical results are presented for various configurations.
Optimizing communication energy consumption in perpetual wireless nanosensor networks

This paper investigates the effect of various parameters of energy consumption for communication in pulse-based wireless nanosensor networks that exploit energy harvesting to supply energy. Finding the optimum combination of parameters to minimize energy consumption while satisfying the QoS requirements (e.g. delay and reliability) of communication is a challenging task. We model this problem as a multiobjective function problem. We evaluate the effect of packet size, repetition and code weight on this optimization problem. Through simulation, the effect of network parameters, i.e. topology and energy for pulse transmission/reception, on the optimization problem is studied as well. The model enables optimum energy consumption design in wireless nanosensor networks.
Prior negative experiences: their impact on computer training outcomes

Abstract This study examined how a person's negative experiences with computers prior to a training class interacted with their motivation to predict their performance in a computer class. Participants were 384 students who completed a computer course that was designed to introduce them to personal computers and a popular software package. Questionnaires were administered to the participants on the first day of the course to assess their prior negative experiences with computers, along with their computer attitudes, achievement motivation, and computer knowledge. Performance was measured objectively throughout the course with tests over the relevant material. Results indicated some evidence that the participants' pre-training motivation was moderated by their prior negative experiences when predicting test performance.
Miscibility of bioerodible polyphosphazene/poly(lactide-co-glycolide) blends.

We have previously demonstrated the feasibility of blending bioerodible polyphosphazenes with poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) to form versatile polymeric materials with altered bioerosion propert...
Role of Sialidase in Mycoplasma alligatoris-induced Pulmonary Fibroblast Apoptosis

Mycoplasma alligatoris causes acute lethal cardiopulmonary disease of susceptible hosts. A survey of its genome implicated sialidase and hyaluronidase, synergistic regulators of hyaluronan receptor CD44-mediated signal transduction leading to apoptotic cell death, as virulence factors of M. alligatoris. In this study, after the existence of a CD44 homolog in alligators was established by immunolabeling primary pulmonary fibroblasts with monoclonal antibody IM7 against murine CD44, the sialidase inhibitor 2,3-didehydro-2-deoxy-N-acetylneuraminic acid (DANA) was used to examine the effects of sialidase on fibroblast apoptosis following in vitro infection with M. alligatoris. While their CD44 expression remained constant, infected cells exhibited morphologic changes characteristic of apoptosis including decreased size, rounding, disordered alpha-tubulin, and nuclear disintegration compared to untreated controls. DANA was a potent, non-toxic inhibitor of the sialidase activity, equivalent to about 1mU of Clostridium perfringens Type VI sialidase, expressed by M. alligatoris in the inoculum. Although DANA did not measurably reduce the proportion of infected fibroblasts labeled by a specific ligand of activated caspases, co-incubation with DANA protected (P<0.01) fibroblasts in a concentration-dependent fashion from the M. alligatoris-induced trends toward increased apoptosis receptor CD95 expression, and increased 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine incorporation measured in a terminal dUTP nick end-labeling apoptosis assay. In contrast, incubation with 200-fold excess purified C. perfringens sialidase alone did not affect CD95 expression or chromatin integrity, or induce fibroblast apoptosis. From those observations we conclude that interaction of its sialidase with hyaluronidase or another virulence factor(s) is necessary to elicit the pro-apoptotic effects of M. alligatoris infection.
Visual Strategies for Literary Authority in Modern Hindi

The Hindi-language journal, Sarasvati (1900–82), belonged to a new breed of periodical, the illustrated monthly, emerging in India at the turn of the century. It pursued and established an integral connection between art and literature. In this essay, I examine visually-oriented strategies implemented by the journal's editor, M.P. Dwivedi, to establish literary authority amidst resistance to his poetic agenda. In particular, I focus on two of Dwivedi's earliest attempts at establishing literary authority through combined literary–visual narrative forms: literary criticism conveyed through editorial cartoons, and poetry inspired by, and accompanying, the paintings of Raja Ravi Varma. A closer look at the deliberate cultivation of such literary interactions with the visual provides the basis for a more nuanced history of the modernisation of Hindi poetry and indicates the interactive significance of literature and art across multiple regions in the early twentieth century.
FRACTIONATION OF OLFACTORY TISSUE HOMOGENATES. ISOLATION OF A CONCENTRATED PLASMA MEMBRANE FRACTION

— Differential and sucrose-density-gradient centrifugation techniques were used for studies on the separation of subcellular particles from rabbit brain and olfactory tissue. Comparisons were made among various fractions from the two types of tissue. These comparisons included protein concentration and enzyme activities of the individual fractions as well as their distribution in subfractions from density gradient separations. In tissue whole homogenates, the percentage of total ATPase activity as ouabain sensitive Na+-K+ ATPase activity was about 4 times greater in brain cortex (63 per cent) than in olfactory tissue (17 per cent). Cytochrome oxidase and Na+-K+ ATPase activities were used to indicate the presence and the concentration of mitochondria and of the plasma membranes. A fraction with properties similar to the mitochondria plus nerve ending fraction from brain homogenates (fraction B) was obtained from olfactory tissue. Nerve ending concentration subfractions (B2) were prepared from the B primary fractions. Plasma membrane subfractions were obtained by osmotic shock treatment of B2, In the fraction of plasma membrane from olfactory tissue (E2), 56 per cent of the total ATPase activity was Na+-K+ ATPase activity. In E2 from brain 71 per cent was Na+-K+ ATPase activity. Deoxycholate (DOC)-treated fractions containing nerve endings from brain preparations showed much greater increase in cytochrome oxidase activity than did similar fractions from olfactory tissue. DOC treatment increased the NADH cytochrome c reductase activity of all fractions and subfractions from brain, while it decreased activity in all but one fraction from olfactory tissue. DOC treatment decreased both the Mg2+ and Na+-K+ ATPase activities in both types of tissue. Electron photomicrographs of olfactory B2, B3, E2 and E3 show clear morphological differences among these subfractions. The presence of possible cilia and basal bodies on vesicles in B2 gives morphological evidence for the presence of terminal swellings in this subtraction in agreement with enzyme marker activity results.
Monte Carlo modeling and phantom study for implantable fluorescent analyte sensors for human head

The overall goal for this project is the development and study of a quantitative fluorescence sensor for in vivo detection of β-amyloid (Aβ), the primary protein component of senile plaques in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Toward achieving that goal a Monte Carlo simulation has been developed to model photon propagation through the human head and a phantom model of the human head has been built and tested. In both cases a four layer model that included the skin, skull, fluorescent biosensor, and gray matter was used. A sensitivity study was performed to investigate the influence on the fluorescent output intensity of changes in concentration of the sensor. The results show that the fluorescent output intensity is detectable with a reasonable fluorescent sensor concentration and increases nearly linearly with increases in fluorescent concentration in the sensor. These results imply that the sensor would be detectable through the head using a reasonable optical system. The overall results are being used to aid in the design of the fluorescent sensor and the optical system for early detection of AD.
Boys' and Girls' Motivations for Refraining from Prompting Friends to Talk About Problems

Girls' and boys' peer relationships are thought to have unique strengths and weaknesses. However, developmentalists have done a better job of identifying strengths of girls' friendships than boys' ...
Adaptive multi-point quadrature for elastic-plastic shell elements

Abstract A multi-point integration scheme to enhance the coarse-mesh accuracy of the four-node quadrilateral shell element for elastic–plastic simulations by explicit methods is described. Compared to 1-point quadrature elements, considerably improved results can be obtained by using this multi-point scheme in beam bending problems where a model with one or two layers of elements along the depth is employed. In the interest of efficiency, an adaptive scheme is devised in which the number of quadrature points depends on the state of the element. This speeds up the computation and maintains accuracy in the plastic range. The scheme is designed so that no incompatibility is introduced upon switching from 1-point to multi-point quadrature. The speed-up achieved by adaptive quadrature depends on problem parameters. Numerical examples show that this adaptive quadrature method effectively captures the in-plane bending behavior in elastic–plastic simulations and achieves good efficiency.
Grid‐cell‐based crop water accounting for the famine early warning system

Rainfall monitoring is a regular activity of food security analysts for sub-Saharan Africa due to the potentially disastrous impact of drought. Crop water accounting schemes are used to track rainfall timing and amounts relative to phenological requirements, to infer water limitation impacts on yield. Unfortunately, many rain gauge reports are available only after significant delays, and the gauge locations leave large gaps in coverage. As an alternative, a grid-cell-based formulation for the water requirement satisfaction index (WRSI) was tested for maize in Southern Africa. Grids of input variables were obtained from remote sensing estimates of rainfall, meteorological models, and digital soil maps. The spatial WRSI was computed for the 1996–97 and 1997–98 growing seasons. Maize yields were estimated by regression and compared with a limited number of reports from the field for the 1996–97 season in Zimbabwe. Agreement at a useful level (r = 0·80) was observed. This is comparable to results from traditional analysis with station data. The findings demonstrate the complementary role that remote sensing, modelling, and geospatial analysis can play in an era when field data collection in sub-Saharan Africa is suffering an unfortunate decline. Published in 2002 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Risk for birth defects among premature infants: A population-based study ☆

Abstract Objective: To investigate the relationship between prematurity and birth defects. Study design: In a population-based cohort study, infants with birth defects were ascertained through the Metropolitan Atlanta Congenital Defects Program, a surveillance system with active methods of ascertainment. Gestational age data were obtained from birth certificates of liveborn, singleton infants with and without birth defects born in the 5-county metropolitan Atlanta area. Results: Among 264,392 infants with known gestational ages born between 1989 and 1995, 7738 were identified as having birth defects (2.93%). Premature infants ( Conclusions: The risk for birth defects is increased in premature infants. Awareness of this relationship is important for clinicians caring for premature infants. The morbidity and mortality associated with a particular defect may be significantly altered by the presence of prematurity. Further study of this association may provide insight into the etiology of these relatively common problems. (J Pediatr 2001;138:668-73)
Metabolic activation of 7,8-dihydroxy-7,8-dihydrobenzo[a]-pyrene during prostaglandin biosynthesis.

(1982). Metabolic Activation of 7,8-Dihydroxy-7,8-dihydrobenzo[a]-pyrene during Prostaglandin Biosynthesis. Drug Metabolism Reviews: Vol. 13, No. 2, pp. 235-247.
Dimension reduction for non-elliptically distributed predictors: Second-order methods

SUMMARY Many classical dimension reduction methods, especially those based on inverse conditional moments, require the predictors to have elliptical distributions, or at least to satisfy a linearity condition. Such conditions, however, are too strong for some applications. Li and Dong (2009) introduced the notion of the central solution space and used it to modify first-order methods, such as sliced inverse regression, so that they no longer rely on these conditions. In this paper we generalize this idea to second-order methods, such as sliced average variance estimation and directional regression. In doing so we demonstrate that the central solution space is a versatile framework: we can use it to modify essentially all inverse conditional moment-based methods to relax the distributional assumption on the predictors. Simulation studies and an application show a substantial improvement of the modified methods over their classical counterparts.
Mercury-Catalyzed Dissolution of Aluminum in Nitric Acid

The role of mercury in promoting the dissolution of aluminum in nitric acid was investigated experimentally. The rates at which a broad range of Al sample sizes and shapes dissolved in HNO3 were determined for various combinations of HNO3 and Hg(NO3)2 molarities. The effects of temperature and agitation were also studied, as was the product gas composition. The kinetics of dissolution appeared to shift from first- to nearly zero-order with respect to the concentration of HNO3 as the concentration of Hg was lowered, reflecting a change in rate-controlling step. As the surface-to-volume ratio of the samples was increased, the rate of dissolution per area decreased, and the rate in terms of mass per unit time changed only modestly. Mercury appears to promote Al dissolution via a “bulk” effect involving amalgam formation rather than by a surface catalytic effect.
THEORY AND BOUNDARY ELEMENT METHODS FOR NEAR-FIELD ACOUSTIC HOLOGRAPHY

We consider the problem of recovering surface vibrations from acoustic pressure measurements taken in the interior or the exterior of a region. We give two formulations of the problem. One is based on a representation of the pressure as layer potentials and the other is based on approximation by a class of specific solutions to the Helmholtz equation. Boundary element methods are developed to approximate the integral operators. A conjugate gradient algorithm based on Lanczos bidiagonalization is applied to compute regularized solutions to the ill-conditioned equations in the presence of measurement errors. Numerical examples which compare the two formulations are presented.
Thread Verification - An Experience Report

The paper details the author's thread verification experiences with four applications: Linux kernel code, the Red Hat Linux POSIX Thread library, a portable PThread library, which was developed by the author for NASA, and a HandyChecker prototype. Based on the author's experiences, the paper concludes with a list of challenges for the verification community.
The cellular immunotherapy of cancer: Current and potential uses of interleukin-2

The potential for immune-mediated destruction of neoplasms was suggested nearly one century ago. Despite this, no "magic bullet" has yet been identified. Nevertheless, the physiology of cell-mediated immune reactions has been well characterized in molecular, cellular, and clinical studies of allograft and microbial immunity. Extensive studies performed in laboratory animal models have documented the in vitro and in vivo destruction of various neoplastic tissues by immune cells. This destruction can be directed against autologous, syngeneic, or allogeneic tumors in several systems with varying degrees of "tumor specificity". Two approaches exist towards utilizing these immune reaction in vivo. The first involves providing the tumor bearer with immunostimulatory agents, either specific or nonspecific, designed to activate and amplify the destructive potential of the individual's endogenous immune cells able to recognize and destroy autologous tumor. The second approach provides immune cells with antitumor capacity to a tumor-bearing individual, these cells having been activated exogenously. A number of successful regimens involving these two approaches, and combinations of them, have been delineated in animal tumor models. These experimental studies lay a strong foundation for initiating clinical trials of these concepts for patients with cancer. This review summarizes the diverse experimental studies in animals leading to clinical trials, presents recent data from ongoing clinical trials directly testing the potential for cellular immunotherapy, and then presents some of the major challenges facing further development and application of this potential therapeutic approach.
Accentuating effects of nicotine on ethanol response in mice with high genetic predisposition to ethanol-induced locomotor stimulation

Abstract Background Co-morbid use of nicotine-containing tobacco products and alcohol is prevalent in alcohol dependent individuals. Common genetic factors could influence initial sensitivity to the independent or interactive effects of these drugs and play a role in their co-abuse. Methods Locomotor sensitivity to nicotine and ethanol, alone and in combination, was assessed in mice bred for high (FAST) and low (SLOW) sensitivity to the locomotor stimulant effects of ethanol and in an inbred strain of mouse (DBA/2J) that has been shown to have extreme sensitivity to ethanol-induced stimulation in comparison to other strains. Results The effects of nicotine and ethanol, alone and in combination, were dependent on genotype. In FAST and DBA/2J mice that show high sensitivity to ethanol-induced stimulation, nicotine accentuated the locomotor stimulant response to ethanol. This effect was not found in SLOW mice that are not stimulated by ethanol alone. Conclusions These data indicate that genes underlying differential sensitivity to the stimulant effects of ethanol alone also influence sensitivity to nicotine in combination with ethanol. Sensitivity to the stimulant effects of nicotine alone does not appear to predict the response to the drug combination, as FAST mice are sensitive to nicotine-induced stimulation, whereas SLOW and DBA/2J mice are not. The combination of nicotine and ethanol may have genotype-dependent effects that could impact co-abuse liability.
Privacy Coping and Information-Sharing Behaviors in Social Media: A Comparison of Chinese and U.S. Users

Although many studies examine privacy in social media settings, few studies examine privacy issues that may arise due to characteristics of user populations. This study compares privacy issues among social media users in the United States and China. It also explores privacy issues among users with different levels of Internet addiction and different online identity perceptions. In doing so, it identifies several populations that are more susceptible to privacy violations due to their online behaviors. The study finds that U.S. and Chinese users differ in their privacy coping and information-sharing behaviors. Chinese users may be at greater risk to privacy violations because of their online behaviors. Additionally, users addicted to social media and users with different online identities may be vulnerable to privacy violations. Potential explanations for these findings are provided and directions for future research are offered.
classification of Facial Rejuvenation Techniques Based on the Subperiosteal Approach and Ancillary Procedures

Subperiosteal face lift is a new way of doing facial rejuvenation. There are multiple variations of technique described by several authors. Each variable introduced to the technique may be relevant to the final outcome and potential safety or complications. The most important variables are extent of dissection, combination of the subperiosteal dissection with other planes of dissection, suspension methods, and use of ancillary techniques. A systematic classification of techniques in which a lesser or greater subperiosteal dissection is made has been devised. Each technique is individualized and differentiated from seemingly alike techniques. A list of ancillary techniques is included. This classification is useful for facial evaluation and preoperative planning. A surgical proposal is made individualizing each patient's facial aesthetics rather than giving one type of operation to every patient. This classification is also useful for comparison and analysis of surgical results obtained with different techniques. It has the versatility of adding new variations and any ancillary technique adapted to the surgeon's idiosyncrasy. It can be used as a model to develop a classification of traditional face lift techniques.
The global effects of nuclear winter: science and antinuclear protest in the United States and the Soviet Union during the 1980s

During the 1980s, Carl Sagan and other scientists used the theory of nuclear winter to criticize the arms race. Historians have largely dismissed nuclear winter as a political movement. In fact, nuclear winter influenced debate over nuclear weapons in the United States, despite contentious scientific and political arguments. In addition, an analysis of nuclear winter's reception in the Soviet Union reveals that the theory resonated on both sides of the Iron Curtain. The global debate over nuclear winter shows the potency of scientific arguments against nuclear weapons during the Cold War, and demonstrates the complex relationship between science and politics.
Improving renal allograft survival in black transplant recipients1

Abstract Purpose: Historically, black patients have had 1-year renal allograft survival rates which is 8% to 10% worse than those for whites. With the use of quadruple immunosuppression, we have sought to find a reversal in this trend. Methods: The outcomes of 572 renal allografts—cadaveric (CAD, 477), living related [68; 0-HM (haplomatch), and 1-HM], and living unrelated (UNR, 37) between August 1995 and August 1998 were analyzed. There were 276 black recipients and 295 white recipients. Immunosuppression consisted of induction with either OKT3 10 mg/day for 7 to 10 days (485), Zenapax 1 mg/kg in two doses (86), or ATGAM 15 mg/kg for 10 days (1). Maintenance immunosuppression consisted of cellcept 2 to 3 g/day, prednisone 10 mg/day, and cyclosporine 2 to 4 mg/kg b.i.d. Cyclosporine levels were calculated by using standard fluorescence polarization immunoassay. Patients were followed for occurrence of rejection, infection, death, loss of graft, and other complications. Actuarial analysis of survival was performed by the Kaplan-Meier method, with p values generated by the Wilcoxon test. Confidence limits for survival analysis were expressed as 70%. A p value ≤ .05 was considered significant. All patients with a functioning graft have a minimum of 3 months of follow-up; graft loss was considered to be at the time of nephrectomy, return to dialysis, or death if the graft was functioning. The mean values of descriptive variables between groups were compared with the t -test, and the chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test was used to evaluate independence of groups. Results: Graft Survival BLACK WHITE COMBINED 1-yr (n) 2-yr (n) 1-yr (n) 2-yr (n) 1-yr (n) 2-yr (n) CAD 89% (179) 81% (81) 91% (147) 89% (80) 90% (326) 84% (161) 0-HM 84% (8) 84% (4) 83% (7) 83% (5) 84% (15) 84% (9) 1-HM 90% (5) 45% (1) 95% (5) n/a 94% (10) 78% (5) UNR n/a n/a 97% (30) 92% (17) 97% (30) 92% (17) Conclusions: With use of quadruple immunosuppression, there was no difference in 1-year CAD patient and graft survival between blacks and whites (p = n.s.); however, 2-year graft survival was worse in blacks (p ≤ .05). Despite the aggressive use of anti-T cell antibodies, there was no increase in infectious complications, graft loss due to death, or other complications among the groups (p = n.s.). Living related graft survival showed the same trend, with no difference at 1-year (p = n.s.). Increased graft loss between 1 and 2 years for black versus white CAD patients is attributed to a higher rate of acute/chronic rejection (p = .03). Therefore, improved renal allograft survival is possible in black patients with the use of quadruple immunosuppression; however, black patients remain at increased risk of graft loss due to rejection beyond 1 year.
A Simple Method of Preparing Dried Serum Proteins for Therapeutic Use.

SummaryThe method devised by Hartley for the preparation of dry and lipid-free immune sera has been adapted to the preparation of dried serum proteins in quantity. In spite of some technical difficulties, the serum proteins prepared by this method have been injected into dogs and into a single human subject without serious reactions.
Reversion of Atrial Fibrillation following Hyperkalemia

We report a patient with atrial fibrillation which reverted to normal sinus rhythm after treatment for hyperkalemia. The concept of a sino-ventricular rhythm, with sino-atrial discharge in the presence of hyperkalemic-induced apparent complete atrial depolarization, is presented and related to recent electrophysiologic findings in animals.
Non-dipole effects in Xe 4d photoemission

Abstract We measured the non-dipole parameters for the spin–orbit doublets Xe 4 d 5 / 2 and Xe 4 d 3 / 2 over a photon-energy range from 100 to 250 eV at beamline 8.0.1.3 of the Advanced Light Source at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Significant non-dipole effects are found at relatively low energies as a result of Cooper minima in dipole channels and interchannel coupling in quadrupole channels. Most importantly, sharp disagreement between experiment and theory, when otherwise excellent agreement was expected, has provided the first evidence of satellite two-electron quadrupole photoionization transitions, along with their crucial importance for a quantitatively accurate theory.