cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Patterns of Childhood Sexual Abuse Characteristics and Their Relationships to Other Childhood Abuse and Adult Health

The purpose of this study was twofold: (a) to cluster women who experienced childhood sexual abuse (CSA) according to their shared patterns of CSA characteristics and (b) to examine differences across clusters on measures of other childhood abuse and adult health. Seven CSA characteristic variables were used for cluster analysis. The seven-cluster solution that emerged ranged from a noncontact extrafamilial CSA cluster that occurred without force only once to the most severe clusters in which penetration by an intrafamilial or extrafamilial abuser occurred multiple times with force. Significant differences among clusters were found for childhood emotional abuse and physical abuse, adult physical and psychosocial symptomatology, and depression. There were no significant differences for health care utilization. The results promote further understanding of which victims of CSA are more likely to have experienced other forms of childhood abuse and which victims are more at risk for poor health in adulthood.
Hydrocarbon Fuel Flash Vaporization for Pulsed Detonation Combustion

Practical operation of pulsed detonation propulsion requires operation on kerosene-based jet fuels. These low vapor pressure fuels remain in liquid form at typical pulsed detonation inlet conditions and residence times, and the subsequent presence of fuel droplets significantly slows the combustion and hinders engine operability. A fuel flash vaporization system was designed and built to reduce evaporation time and provide gaseous fuel to the pulsed detonation engine. Four fuels that vary in volatility were tested: n-heptane, isooctane, aviation gasoline, and JP-8. Results showed the flash vaporization system quickly provides a detonable mixture for all of the fuels tested without coking the fuel lines. A significant result of this work was the successful detonation of flash vaporized JP-8 in air over a range of fuel temperatures and fuel-to-air ratios.
Phenotypic and functional characterization of allospecific and nonspecific (NK- and K-like) cytotoxic T lymphocytes generated in human mixed-lymphocyte cultures from noncytotoxic precursors

Abstract Highly efficient cytotoxic cells able to lyse unsensitized, antibody-coated, and relevant targets were generated de novo following sensitization in allogeneic human mixed lymphocyte cultures (MLC) of noncytotoxic IgG-Fc receptor (FcR)-negative T lymphocytes. The MLC-induced killers maintained the surface markers of T cells, as demonstrated by their reactivity with two monoclonal anti-T-cell antibodies. None of them reacted with a monoclonal antibody specific for myelomonocytic cells and up to 30% expressed DR antigens. The nonspecific (NK-and K-like) effector cells had lower affinity for sheep erythrocytes than the allospecific killers and appeared to have low-affinity FcR as compared to freshly isolated NK and K cells. Unlike fresh NK cells, the MLC-induced NK-like cells were not sensitive to trypsin treatment. However, both fresh NK and MLC-induced NK-like cells were sensitive to interferon treatment and were completely inactivated after preincubation with unlabeled K562 cells at 37 °C for 4 hr. The latter observation suggests the possible use of this system to deplete NK-like effects from the MLC-generated killers and to discriminate between nonspecific and allospecific cytotoxic T lymphocytes.
Mechanical Properties of PDMS Membrane and Influences of Commonly Used Chemicals in Microfabrication

Microfluidics is both a science and a technology that offers great and perhaps even revolutionary capabilities to impact the society in the future. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) has been widely used in fabricating microfluidic systems but few attentions were paid in the past to mechanical properties of PDMS. Very importantly there is no report on influences of microfabrication processes which normally involve chemical reaction processes. A comprehensive investigation was made by authors to study fundamental issues regarding chemical emersion and their effects on mechanical properties of PDMS. Results shown in this work can be used to guide future developments of microfluidics in utilizing PDMS especially those devices involve actuation of PDMS membranes.© 2008 ASME
Balloon optimization versus stent study (BOSS): provisional stenting and early recoil after balloon angioplasty.

Abstract “Optimal” percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) may have a late restenosis rate similar to stenting. We sought to assess short- and long-term results of a provisional stenting/optimal PTCA approach compared with elective stenting in a prospective, randomized study. A total of 97 patients with discrete, de novo lesions in native coronary arteries ≥3 mm in diameter were randomized 2:1 in PTCA with prolonged perfusion balloon inflation (n = 66) versus elective stenting (n = 31). Recoil after PTCA was assessed by routine delayed angiograms (5 and 20 minutes). Cross over to stent was allowed for an inadequate result; there was no on-line quantitative angiography. An independent core angiographic laboratory assessed all results and evaluated the adequacy of the subjective interpretation. Within the PTCA arm, there were 24 (36%) crossovers to stenting (5 of 24 [21%] due to recoil), whereas 2 stents could not be delivered to the lesion and crossed over to PTCA. As assessed by quantitative angiography, baseline reference vessel diameters were similar between the PTCA and stent groups. The immediate lumen diameter achieved with PTCA was smaller than that achieved with stenting (2.18 ± 0.49 vs 2.44 ± 0.38 mm, respectively, p = 0.01). There were no differences in angiographic results between elective and crossover stenting and there were no in-hospital complications in any patient. Target lesion revascularization at 8 months was 19% (n = 6) in the elective stent arm versus 21% (n = 14) in the PTCA arm, p = NS; respective rates in PTCA alone and crossed over-to-stent subsets were 23% (n = 10) versus 17% (n = 4), p = NS. Angiographic restenosis was 47% after elective stenting versus 38% after PTCA (intention to treat), p = NS. By received treatment, it was 41% (11 of 27) in the group treated with the PTCA versus 33% (5 of 15) in the crossover-to-stent arm (p = NS). Thus, provisional stenting can be safely performed in the treatment of discrete, native de novo lesions. Early recoil after PTCA cannot be reliably assessed without quantitative angiography.
Influence of ibuprofen as a solid-state plasticizer in eudragit® RS 30 D on the physicochemical properties of coated beads

The purpose of this study was to investigate the physicochemical properties of nonpareil beads coated with Eudragit® RS 30 D containing ibuprofen as a multifunctional agent. The influence of the concentration of ibuprofen in the film coating and the effect of the coating level on drug release from coated beads was determined in pH 7.2 phosphate buffer solution. The influence of storage time at 23°C and 60°C on the release of ibuprofen from coated beads was also investigated. The thermal properties of the films were determined using a differential scanning calorimeter. Scanning electron microscopy was employed to image the surface morphology of the coated beads. Infrared spectroscopy was used to study the interaction of Eudragit RS 30 D and ibuprofen. Results from the dissolution studies demonstrated that increasing the amount of ibuprofen in the polymeric film reduced the rate of drug release, mainly because of a more complete coalescence of the polymeric particles of the latex dispersion. The glass transition temperature (Tg) of Eudragit RS 30 D films decreased and the surface of the coated beads became smoother as the concentration of ibuprofen was increased. Hydrogen bonding between the polymer and ibuprofen was demonstrated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. No significant differences were found in drug dissolution between the coated beads stored at 23°C for 12 months and those stored at 60°C for 12 hours. The results of this study demonstrated that the ibuprofen plasticized the Eudragit RS 30 D. Furthermore, the dissolution rate of ibuprofen can be controlled and changes in the drug release rate can be minimized by using the drug-induced plasticization technique with this polymer.
A GSMP formalism for discrete event systems

A precise mathematical framework for the study of discrete event systems is described. The idea is to define a particular type of stochastic process, called a generalized semi-Markov process (GSMP), which captures the essential dynamical structure of a discrete event system. An attempt is also made to give the flavor of the qualitative theory and numerical algorithms that can be obtained as a result of viewing discrete event systems as GSMPs. Likelihood ratio concepts for importance sampling are briefly described. >
The Hospital for the Ruptured and Crippled, Entering the Twentieth Century, ca. 1900 to 1912

The continuing story of Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) from its origin in 1863 as the Hospital for the Ruptured and Crippled (R&C) on lower Second Avenue in New York saw expansion at its second site. A new 200-bed hospital was constructed and opened in 1870 on the corner of 42nd street and Lexington Avenue. Converted by the second surgeon-in-chief, Virgil P. Gibney, M.D., from a 28-bed home for the incurables to a modern orthopedic and surgical hospital with outstanding professional staff, the R&C emerged into the 20th Century as a unique treatment center for disabled children and adults and a foremost training center for young orthopedic surgeons. The interaction of the New York Central Railroad and support of a very influential and philanthropic Board of Managers helped promote the growth and development of this institution. In 1912, it relocated for the third time in its history to 321 East 42nd Street, just east of Second Avenue. That same year the HSS Alumni Association was founded as the Alumni Association of the R&C.
The continuation of the normal mode solution of the underwater acoustic wave equation

Abstract Conditions are established that support the continuation of the usual normal mode, separation of variables, solution of the reduced wave equation in a lossy underwater acoustic waveguide. The conditions exclude the existence of generalized eigenfunctions that occur when the loss is large enough to cause the eigenvalues of the lossless problem to coalesce. The existence of generalized eigenfunctions substantially complicates the normal mode solution for the acoustic field in the waveguide, so conditions that preclude their existence are of practical interest. The methods used to establish the conditions are taken from analytic perturbation theory. Examples are given to show how to use the conditions.
Collaboration to Facilitate Research and Education in a Transitioning Electric Power Industry

The electric supply industry is in transition from its historical objectives, structure,ownership, operating practices, planning processes, and customer services. Since the transition hasno well-defined end-point, it may be thought of as ?end-less.? From this perspective, decision-makersaddressing challenges in the transition should focus on means and processes for finding solutionsin addition to identifying and evaluating possible solutions themselves. By putting greater relianceon collaborative research programs involving the ?triple helix? of industry, universities, andgovernment, synergies can be captured from multi-institution, multi-discipline collaboration forclarifying research needs, and for developing and implementing research plans to address thoseneeds. But collaboration requires attention to interpersonal dynamics among other principles ofeffective collaboration. In this paper, we give examples of collaborative research program structuresand of principles that can help make collaborative programs successful. A case study illustrates howthe collaboration principles can be applied. The paper concludes with comments about issues facingdeveloping countries in using collaborative research. In general, investments in research andeducation are needed along with investments in physical facilities such as ?poles and wires? by allcountries in order to transition each one?s electric power industry in the most beneficial way possiblefor their society.
Harmonic Functions from a Complex Analysis Viewpoint

(1986). Harmonic Functions from a Complex Analysis Viewpoint. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 93, No. 4, pp. 246-258.
Cleaning Characterization of Protein Drug Products Using UV-vis Spectroscopy

This study uses on-line absorbance monitoring to evaluate cleanability of protein drug products. Characterization and validation of equipment cleanliness is a key requirement for a biopharmaceutical facility. A manufacturing-scale cleaning cycle has to be developed and validated for its ability to clean all of the equipment parts for a given soil. Cleaning validation in a multiproduct fill-finish facility could benefit from using a worst-case-based approach that involves validating the cleaning process for the most difficult to clean product. Such an approach minimizes the number of required validation runs. Scaled-down cleaning evaluations can provide helpful information for evaluating multiple products and determine the worst case. This study presents a simple and rapid technique for bench-scale characterization of cleanability of protein drug products. On-line A280 (UV absorbance at 280 nm) measurements are performed using a fiber optic probe, and the data are used to establish the dynamics of protein dissolution in cleaning solution. The model not only helps to estimate cleaning time of different formulated proteins (and peptides) but also provides insights into the kinetics of cleaning under different thermal and chemical conditions. Protein product degradation during cleaning is also evaluated through gel electrophoresis. Such information is useful in designing new cleaning cycles. While the study is performed using drug products, the model as well as the findings are also applicable for characterization of final purified bulk soils relevant to bulk drug manufacturing.
Census and population trends of black lechwe in Zambia

Summary An aerial census of black lechwe antelope was conducted in October 1983 as part of the long-term monitoring of this species. Population size was estimated to be 41,401, a 64% increase since October 1973 when a similar type of count was carried out. The average rate of increase over this 10-year period was about 5% year-1–i. e. considerably less than the potential rate of increase, which is believed to be at least 20% year-1. Subsistence hunting by the local people probably accounts for this difference. The need for regular monitoring of population size is emphasized. Resume Un recensement aerien du lechwe noir fut mene en Octobre 1983 comme partie de l'etude a long terme de cette espece. L'importance de la population est estimee a 41,401, soit une augmentation de 44% depuis Octobre 1973, ou un type similaire de comptage fut entrepris. Le taux moyen d'augmentation sur cette periode de 10 ans fut d'environ 5% par an; c'est beaucoup moins que le taux potentiel de croissance que l'on situe a 20% par an au moins. La chasse que mene la population locale pour sa subsistance explique probablement cette difference. La necessite d'un controle regulier de la taille de la population est mise en evidence.
The effect of feeding Hydrogel-95 to emu chicks at hatch

Abstract Very little research has been conducted on emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) in comparison to other types of poultry. Much of the information that is available to producers is very conflicting. Feed restriction for the emu chick for the first 4 d of life is a common practice among the emu industry; however, scientific research has not supported this practice. To the best of our knowledge, the effects of hydration supplements have not been investigated in the emu. Therefore, weights were recorded on emus fed Hydrogel-95 and were compared with emus that were not fed any supplements to determine if the supplement had any effect on the growth parameters of emu chicks. From these 2 field trials, we conclude that feeding Hydrogel-95 significantly decreases weight loss in emu chicks during the first week of life.
Regions of Drosophila Notch That Contribute to Ligand Binding and the Modulatory Influence of Fringe

Two glycosyltransferases that transfer sugars to epidermal growth factor (EGF) domains, OFUT1 and Fringe, regulate Notch signaling. To characterize the impact of glycosylation at the 23 consensus O-fucose sites in Drosophila Notch, we conducted deletion mapping and site-specific mutagenesis and then assayed the binding of soluble forms of Notch to cell-surface ligands. Our results support the conclusion that EGF11 and EGF12 are essential for ligand binding, but indicate that other EGF domains also make substantial contributions to ligand binding. Characterization of Notch deletion constructs and O-fucose site mutants further revealed that no single site or region can account for the influence of Fringe on Notch-ligand binding. Additionally, we observed an influence of Fringe on a Notch fragment including only 4 of its 36 EGF domains (EGF10–13). Together, our observations imply that glycosylation influences Notch-ligand interactions through a distributive mechanism that involves local interactions with multiple EGF domains and led us to suggest a structural model for how Notch interacts with its ligands.
Image-Segmentation Evaluation From the Perspective of Salient Object Extraction

Image segmentation and its performance evaluation are very difficult but important problems in computer vision. A major challenge in segmentation evaluation comes from the fundamental conflict between generality and objectivity: For general-purpose segmentation, the ground truth and segmentation accuracy may not be well defined, while embedding the evaluation in a specific application, the evaluation results may not be extended to other applications. We present in this paper a new benchmark for evaluating image segmentation. Specifically, we formulate image segmentation as identifying the single most perceptually salient structure from an image. We collect a large variety of test images that conforms to this specific formulation, construct unambiguous ground truth for each image, and define a reliable way to measure the segmentation accuracy. We then present two special strategies to further address two important issues: (a) the most salient structures in some real images may not be unique or unambiguously defined, and (b) many available image-segmentation methods are not developed to directly extract a single salient structure. Finally, we apply this benchmark to evaluate and compare the performance of several state-of-the-art image-segmentation methods, including the normalized-cut method, the level-set method, the efficient graph-based method, the mean-shift method, and the ratio-contour method.
Boundary Additive Effect on Abrasive Wear During Single Asperity Plowing of a 3004 Aluminum Alloy

Aluminum forming processes such as rolling, extrusion, and ironing involve the transfer of large loads through a tooling/workpiece interface to plastically deform the workpiece to a desired shape. Sharp tool surface asperities can plow the workpiece and lead to elevated friction and temperatures in the interface with a subsequent increase in abrasive wear debris which in turn degrades the surface aesthetics of the final product. To minimize associated friction and wear levels in aluminum forming processes, a base oil with one or more boundary additives is used as a lubricant. At the present time, however, little is known about the mechanisms by which a given additive influences abrasive wear in an aluminum metal forming interface. In the present work, a series of single asperity plowing experiments on a 3004-O aluminum alloy with selected lubricant components was conducted. Three additives were separately investigated, viz., stearic acid, butyl stearate, and lauryl alcohol. The plowing motion of a pyramidal diamond indentor with a cutting edge oriented in the plowing direction (i.e., a sharp indentor) was controlled with the piezo-electric transducers of an atomic force microscope. The experiments help to provide insight about the interplay between additive reaction with the surface and plowing mechanics. Further insight into this interplay and abrasive wear debris generation was sought, albeit qualitatively, through additional experiments involving a diamond indentorfor which no one cutting edge was oriented in the plowing direction (i.e., a blunt indentor). The tests allowed evaluation of the boundary lubricant mechanism and propensity for generating wear debris.
Determination of U, Th and Pu in natural waters, biological materials and clinical samples by ETV-ICP-MS

A method for the determination of U, Th and Pu in natural water, biological materials and urine samples by electrothermal vaporization inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ETV-ICP-MS) is described. Carbide formation was minimized using sample vaporization from a tantalum surface for U and additional use of tetrafluoromethane (Freon-23) as a gaseous modifier for Th and Pu. A prior Ca3(PO4)2 co-precipitation provided an enrichment factor of 50, yielding procedural detection limits (LOD) of 0.013, 0.029 and 0.017 pg g−1 for Th, U and Pu, respectively and corresponding absolute LODs of 0.13, 0.29 and 0.17 fg. Recovery of spikes from urine was typically 80%, whereas those from seawater, river water and biological materials averaged 99%. The accuracy of the method was validated by determination of U and Th in NIST SRM 1566b Oyster Tissue and U in a series of NRC natural water CRMs SLRS-4, CASS-4, NASS-5 and SLEW-3. Precision of determination was better than 10% at concentrations of 0.1 ng mL−1.
Common problems in automatic digitization of strong motion accelerograms

Abstract Common problems encountered in automatic digitization of strong motion accelerograms, recorded on film, are presented and discussed. These include synchronization of the time scale for the three components of motion, non-uniform film speed, trace following in case of scratches or trace crossings, distortions from high contrast preprocessing of the scanned image, and trace “rotation” resulting from rotated position of the scanned film record. Procedures for correcting or eliminating these problems are suggested. The image processing hardware has developed so much during the past 20 years, that at present it exceeds the technical requirements for processing strong motion accelerograms. The problems described in this paper result from lack of training of the operators and lack of quality control in the process, which still seems to be esoteric and highly specialized. This situation may have been caused by the low demand by the engineering profession for high quality and large volume of strong motion data.
Database design tool generation via software reusability

Describes the Data Model Compiler (DMC) project. The goal of the DMC is to generate automatically data-model and application-specific database system software. A component of the DMC, called SeaWeed, automatically generates conceptual database design tool software for specific data models using the software reusability approach. The technique of design reuse is used to derive the requirement specification of the software being generated, and the mechanism of code reuse is adopted to produce the necessary reusable software components. The authors present SeaWeed's software generation paradigm including the derivation of requirement specifications, the formal representation of design reuse, and the implementation and organization of the reusable software component library. >
Seasonal prevalence of Taenia taeniaeformis: relationship to age, sex, reproduction and abundance of an intermediate host (Peromyscus maniculatus).

Livers from 4,501 deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) collected from a weedy habitat in northeastern California during 48 consecutive monthly samplings were examined microscopically for Taenia taeniaeformis larva. Although there were pronounced seasonal fluctuations in host density, there were no significant annual or season-related differences in cestode intensities in adult deer mice. There were no significant differences in prevalences associated with sex of the host, nor were there significant changes in level of reproduction noted between infected and non-infected hosts. There were, however, significant differences in prevalences between young (1.2%) and adult (4.2%) hosts. Plausible mechanisms for this age-related difference in prevalence rates include (1) differential susceptibility due to the activity pattern of adult mice and/or (2) passive immunity in neonates as a result of colostrum- and/or transplacentally-transferred immunoglobulins and (3) capture of subadult animals before they had complete...
AN EFFICIENT WEIGHTING UPDATE METHOD TO ACHIEVE ACCEPTABLE CONSISTENCY DEVIATION IN ANALYTICAL TARGET CASCADING

Weighting coefficients are used in Analytical Target Cascading (ATC) at each element of the hierarchy to express the relative importance of matching targets passed from the parent element and maintaining consistency of linking variables and consistency with designs achieved by subsystem child elements. Proper selection of weight values is crucial when the top level targets are unattainable, for example when “stretch” targets are used. In this case, strict design consistency cannot be achieved with finite weights; however, it is possible to achieve arbitrarily small inconsistencies. This article presents an iterative method for finding weighting coefficients that achieve solutions within user-specified inconsistency tolerances and demonstrates its effectiveness with several examples. The method also led to reduced computational time in the demonstration examples.
High precision fluidic alignment of carbon nanotubes using magnetic attraction on a metal catalyst

Precise self-assembly of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by magnetic attraction on a catalyst and alignment by fluidic shear forces is reported in this work. The solution containing dispersed nanotubes was flowed in a microchannel and external magnetic field was applied by a permanent magnet for attracting a metal catalyst located at the end of the CNT. The assembly procedure and electrical characterization of the assembled nanotubes are presented and results are discussed. This work can provide a potential breakthrough for creating massively parallel CNT circuits for high performance nano electronic devices or nano biosensors.
Lectin binding identifies a subpopulation of neurons in chick dorsal root ganglia

We screened a variety of lectins with different sugar specificates to determine whether subpopulations of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons in the chick can be distinguished by the carbohydrates they express. Of the 15 lectins tested only those that recognize N-acetylgalactosamine (galNac) residues labeled a subset of DRG neurons. For example, Dolichos biflorus (DBA) labeled a population of small-diameter neurons in the dorsomedial DRG and their terminals in the dorsal horn in hatchling chicks. Staining of live neurons in vitro demonstrated that DBA was binding to the cell surface. Labeling first appeared in sensory neurons at about St.38 (E12) and in dorsal horn laminae 1 and 2 at about St.42 (E16). Fainter labeling appeared somewhat later in lamina 3, after hatching. Labeling of the tissue sections was eliminated by chloroform: methanol extraction and reduced by alpha-N-acetylgalactosaminidase digestion, but survived trypsinization. Together these results suggest that a subset of DRG neurons in the chick can be identified by the presence of a cell surface glycoconjugate, perhaps a glycolipid, containing terminal alpha-linked galNac residues.
Optimizing Multiple Queries in Distributed Data Stream Systems

We consider the problem of query optimization in distributed stream based systems where multiple continuous queries may be executing simultaneously. In such systems, distribution adds degrees of freedom to an already complex optimization problem. Thousands of network nodes may need to be considered for operator placements in order to support in-network processing - clearly overwhelming even from the perspective of distributed query optimization. Added to this complexity is the potential for significant savings by combining query plans in order to re-use the stream of intermediate results. These issues force us to develop new techniques for query optimization. We present a formal definition of the multi-query optimization problem in such systems and propose some initial directions.
Negative goodwill: An M&A “fix” that doesn't work

The often-confusing rules for accounting for business combinations have a huge impact on M&A activity. To curb abuses, those rules were recently changed—and may be changed again. But the author finds that solving one problem only creates others. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
L-Curve and Curvature Bounds for Tikhonov Regularization

The L-curve is a popular aid for determining a suitable value of the regularization parameter when solving linear discrete ill-posed problems by Tikhonov regularization. However, the computational effort required to determine the L-curve and its curvature can be prohibitive for large-scale problems. Recently, inexpensively computable approximations of the L-curve and its curvature, referred to as the L-ribbon and the curvature-ribbon, respectively, were proposed for the case when the regularization operator is the identity matrix. This note discusses the computation and performance of the L- and curvature-ribbons when the regularization operator is an invertible matrix.
Framing Contests: Strategy Making Under Uncertainty

I develop a model of framing contests to elucidate how cognitive frames influence organizational strategy making. By using ethnographic techniques to study the day-to-day practices of strategy making in one firm, I examine the ways actors attempted to transform their own cognitive frames of a situation into predominant frames through a series of interactions. Frames are the means by which managers make sense of ambiguous information from their environments. Actors each had cognitive frames about the direction the market was taking and about what kinds of solutions would be appropriate. Where frames about a strategic choice were not congruent, actors engaged in highly political framing practices to make their frames resonate and to mobilize action in their favor. Those actors who most skillfully engaged in these practices shaped the frame that prevailed in the organization. This framing perspective suggests that frames are not only instrumental tools for the ex post justification of actions taken through p...
A preliminary study of cocaine absorption from the nasal mucosa.

Objective/Hypothesis: To determine factors affecting the safe use of topical cocaine for anesthesia and vasoconstriction during rhinologic surgery. Study Design : Prospective, randomized study of the kinetics of cocaine absorption through human nasal mucosa in 12 consecutive patients without nasal mucosal disease who were having septoplasty or septorhinoplasty. Methods: With patients under general anesthesia, cocaine was applied topically to each nasal cavity by using cottonoid pledgets. Group I received 4 mL of a 4% solution (160 mg) of cocaine for 10 min, Group II received 4 mL of a 4% solution (160 mg) of cocaine for 20 min, and Group III received 4 mL of a 10% solution (400 mg) of cocaine for 20 min. Absorption rate was determined by measuring serum cocaine concentration at intervals of 5, 10, 15, and 20 min. Residual cocaine was extracted from the pledgets and was analyzed quantitatively by using gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy. Results: Of total cocaine applied, 35% was absorbed systemically: 17% was absorbed within 5 min, 25% within 10 min, and 32% within 15 min. Of the cocaine absorbed, 47% was absorbed within the first 5 min, 70% within 10 min, and 90% within 15 min. Two patients (16.6%), both in Group III, had intraoperative hypertension ; one of these patients also had transient ventricular tachycardia. Conclusions: Although a 4% solution of cocaine applied to the nasal mucosa on cottonoid pledgets for 20 min is safe, we observed an idiosyncratic absorption rate four times greater than expected ; therefore, we advise against topical use of a 10% cocaine solution for anesthesia and vasoconstriction during rhinologic surgery.
Selenium from beef is highly bioavailable as assessed by liver glutathione peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.9) activity and tissue selenium.

The bioavailability of Se from ground beef has been previously found in this laboratory to be greater than that of selenite or selenate when fed to female Fischer 344 rats. In the present study we examined the bioavailability of Se from various commercial portions of beef, the liver, striploin, round, shoulder and brisket. All beef was cooked, freeze-dried, finely powdered and mixed with the other dietary ingredients. The experimental diets were fed to the weanling Fischer 344 rats which had been subjected to dietary depletion of Se for 6 weeks. The bioavailability of Se from the beef diets was compared with that of Se as selenite or L-selenomethionine (SeMet) added to torula-yeast diets. Each experimental diet contained 0.10 mg Se/kg. After 8 weeks of dietary Se repletion, relative activity of liver glutathione peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.9; GSHPx) from the different dietary groups compared with that of control animals (100%) was (%): selenite 91, SeMet 122 (P beef muscle = beef liver > selenite. Muscle tissue deposition of Se was highest from SeMet > beef muscle > selenite = beef liver. In addition, the faecal excretion of Se was lowest from the SeMet dietary group and highest from the selenite dietary group. The experimental results suggest that all cuts of beef appear to be highly bioavailable sources of dietary Se when compared with selenite or L-SeMet.
Synapse-specific accumulation of lithium in intracellular microdomains: a model for uncoupling coincidence detection in the brain.

Lithium's therapeutic specificity for the treatment of bipolar disorder may be attributable in part to an ability to target sites where there are high levels of synaptic activity. We show that glutamate receptors expressed in oocytes are highly permeable to lithium. Mathematical simulations of Li 1 diffusion in mature dendritic spines suggest that in the presence of 1 mM extracellular lithium one synaptic current can increase Li 1 concentration in the spine head by 4 mM with a decay time constant of about 15-20 ms. Two or more current spikes will produce oscillations between 6 and 8 mM or potentially higher. These results predict that the local intracellular lithium in dendritic spines can rise to high enough levels to uncouple second messenger mecha- nisms of coincidence detection. Synapse 28:271-279, 1998. r 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Coupling grain boundary motion to shear deformation

Abstract Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations confirm that normal grain boundary (GB) motion must often be coupled to tangential translation of grains and will then produce shear deformation of the lattice traversed by the GB. Conversely, shear stresses applied to a GB can induce its normal motion. Using [0 0 1] symmetrical tilt GBs in copper as a model, the coupling factor β between the GB motion and grain translations has been calculated by MD simulations over the entire misorientation range and a wide range of temperatures. The coupling factor is multivalued, can be positive or negative, and shows an abrupt switch from one branch to another at a tilt angle of about 35°. At high temperatures the response of high-angle GBs to shear changes from coupling to sliding until coupling disappears. No sliding is observed for low-angle GBs up to near the melting point. A geometric model of coupling proposed in this work predicts the misorientation dependence of β in excellent agreement with MD results and relates the multivalued character of β to the point symmetry of the crystal. Two kinds of low-angle GBs with different dislocations occur when the tilt angle is small and again when it approaches 90°. In these limits, the multiplicity of β is explained by different Burgers vectors of the dislocations. The results of this work are summarized as a temperature–misorientation diagram of mechanical responses of GBs. Unsolved problems and future work in this area are discussed.
Candida-Elicited Murine Th17 Cells Express High CTLA-4 Compared with Th1 Cells and Are Resistant to Costimulation Blockade

Effector and memory T cells may cross-react with allogeneic Ags to mediate graft rejection. Whereas the costimulation properties of Th1 cells are well studied, relatively little is known about the costimulation requirements of microbe-elicited Th17 cells. The costimulation blocker CTLA-4 Ig has been ineffective in the treatment of several Th17-driven autoimmune diseases and is associated with severe acute rejection following renal transplantation, leading us to investigate whether Th17 cells play a role in CD28/CTLA-4 blockade-resistant alloreactivity. We established an Ag-specific model in which Th1 and Th17 cells were elicited via Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Candida albicans immunization, respectively. C. albicans immunization elicited a higher frequency of Th17 cells and conferred resistance to costimulation blockade following transplantation. Compared with the M. tuberculosis group, C. albicans-elicited Th17 cells contained a higher frequency of IL-17(+)IFN-γ(+) producers and a lower frequency of IL-10(+) and IL-10(+)IL-17(+) cells. Importantly, Th17 cells differentially regulated the CD28/CTLA-4 pathway, expressing similarly high CD28 but significantly greater amounts of CTLA-4 compared with Th1 cells. Ex vivo blockade experiments demonstrated that Th17 cells are more sensitive to CTLA-4 coinhibition and therefore less susceptible to CTLA-4 Ig. These novel insights into the differential regulation of CTLA-4 coinhibition on CD4(+) T cells have implications for the immunomodulation of pathologic T cell responses during transplantation and autoimmunity.
Experiments in x-ray holographic microscopy using synchrotron radiation

We report on experiments in x-ray holographic microscopy using a storage-ring x-ray source. Holograms of various simple objects in the size range 0.5–12 μm have been recorded by using 0.4-keV x rays and reconstructed by using a He:Cd laser (4416 A). The reconstructed image characteristics are in line with expectations concerning resolution, signal-to-noise ratio, field of view, etc. In particular, the transverse resolution in the best case was 1–2 μm, and exposure times were in the range 3–100 min.
Reciprocating living kidney donor generosity: tax credits, health insurance and an outcomes registry

Kidney transplantation significantly improves patient survival, and is the most cost effective renal replacement option compared with dialysis therapy. Living kidney donors provide a valuable societal gift, but face many formidable disincentive barriers that include not only short- and long-term health risks, but also concerns regarding financial expenditures and health insurance. Other than governmental coverage for their medical evaluation and surgical expenses, donors are often asked to personally bear a significant financial responsibility due to lost work wages and travel expenses. In order to alleviate this economic burden for donors, we advocate for the consideration of tax credits, lifelong health insurance coverage, and an outcomes registry as societal reciprocity to reward their altruistic act of kidney donation.
Solid‐State Solar Thermal Fuels for Heat Release Applications

Closed cycle systems offer an opportunity for solar energy harvesting and storage all within the same material. Photon energy is stored within the chemical conformations of molecules and is retrieved by a triggered release in the form of heat. Until now, such solar thermal fuels (STFs) have been largely unavailable in the solid-state, which would enable them to be utilized for a multitude of applications. A polymer STF storage platform is synthesized employing STFs in the solid-state. This approach enables uniform films capable of appreciable heat storage of up to 30 Wh kg−1 and that can withstand temperature of up to 180 °C. For the first time a macroscopic energy release is demonstrated using spatial infrared heat maps with up to a 10 °C temperature change. These findings pave the way for developing highly efficient and high energy density STFs for applications in the solid-state.
Employee Satisfaction and Internal Service Performance: Some Preliminary Evidence

This study draws on the service, quality, and job satisfaction literature to explore the relationship between employee satisfaction and internal service performance. The results reveal that employee satisfaction with coworkers is a determinant of several internal service performance variables. Managerial implications are provided.
Pattern of Near-Uniform Avalanche Breakdown in Off-Oriented 4H SiC

A streaky emission pattern was observed for near-uniform avalanche breakdown in large-area high-voltage p-n diodes in off-oriented 4H SiC. The streaks originate from unilateral expansion of microplasmas in the direction of the C-axis inclination. The unilateral expansion of avalanche plasma is attributed to anisotropy of high-field carrier transport in 4H SiC. At a high current density, the plasma streaks coalesce to form continuous plasma region over the entire area of the high-power device.
Experimental Demonstration of Femtosecond Two-Color X-Ray Free-Electron Lasers

With an eye toward extending optical wave-mixing techniques to the x-ray regime, we present the first experimental demonstration of a two-color x-ray free-electron laser at the Linac Coherent Light Source. We combine the emittance-spoiler technique with a magnetic chicane in the undulator section to control the pulse duration and relative delay between two intense x-ray pulses and we use differently tuned canted pole undulators such that the two pulses have different wavelengths as well. Two schemes are shown to produce two-color soft x-ray pulses with a wavelength separation up to $\ensuremath{\sim}1.9%$ and a controllable relative delay up to 40 fs.
Analysis on death cause and life lost among children/adolescents ages 0-19 years in Wenzhou,Zhejiang,2012-2013

Objective To understand the patterns and level of death among the children / adolescents aged 0- 19 years in Wenzhou,Zhejiang province, provide a scientific evidence for the intervention and control measures. Methods Descriptive epidemiological analysis was conducted on the death data of children and adolescents in Wenzhou from 2012 to2013 by using the indicators of mortality,potential years of life lost( PYLL),potential years of life lost rate( PYLLR) and average years of life lost( AYLL). Results From 2012 to 2013,the crude mortality in 0- 19-year-old children / adolescents was 39. 94 / lakh,the age standardized mortality was 51. 30 / lakh,the crude mortality was 42. 74 / lakh in males and 36. 48 /lakh in females( P 0. 05). The top three diseases with high PYLL were injure / poisoning,congenital anomaly and perinatal diseases,the PYLL was 86 985. 00 person years,the rate of PYLL and AYLL were 25. 47‰ and 63. 77 years per person respectively. The PYLL due to injure / poisoning was 25 729. 50 person years and the PYLL of the children aged 0- 1caused by perinatal diseases was 14 490. 00 person years. Conclusion Injure / poisoning has become the first cause of death among the 0- 19-year-old children / adolescents in Wenzhou and perinatal diseases has become a major threat to the children aged 0- 1 years,therefore,it is necessary to take appropriate preventive measures.
Malignant Lymphoma of the Testis: A Clinicopathologic Study of 37 Cases

AbstractThe clinicopathologic findings in 37 cases of malignant lymphoma with primary clinical manifestation in the testis were analyzed. Of these cases 34 were classified as histiocytic lymphoma and 3 as lymphocytic lymphoma.Patients usually presented with a painless small testicular mass of short duration. The peak incidence occurred in the fifth through eighth decades. Metachronous testicular involvement was noted in 35 per cent of the cases and simultaneous bilateral involvement in 3 per cent. In 25 per cent of the cases the first manifestation of lymphoma after orchiectomy was in the opposite testis. Regional and distant nodes were equally common sites of lymphoma after orchiectomy.The long-term survival of a few patients after orchiectomy may suggest that some malignant lymphomas are truly primary in the testis. However, the short interval free of disease and the rapid death of most patients imply that most testicular lymphomas are a manifestation of multicentric origin of systemic malignant lymphom...
The effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol upon fear-motivated behavior in squirrel monkeys

The present study investigated the effects of three doses (4.0, 8.0, 12.0 mg/kg) of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) upon the behavior of six squirrel monkeys subjected to a Sidman nondiscriminated avoidance schedule that superimposed conditioned stimuli (CS)—unavoidable shock pairings upon the ongoing avoidance behavior. All the animals demonstrated facilitated avoidance response rates and general motor activity during the aversive CS. Oral administration of THC produced avoidance decrements with a consequent increase in the number of shocks received only under the highest dosage (i.e., 12.0 mg/kg). All doses of THC reduced the facilitation of avoidance response rates normally noted during the aversive CS and severely reduced general motor activity. These results were interpreted to suggest that THC may reduce the level of fear normally generated during the presentation of an aversive CS previously associated with unavoidable shock.
Tracing U.S. Renewable Energy Policy

It is commonly asserted that the Unites States, especially compared to other countries, lacks a cohesive renewable energy policy. This essay unravels the fallacy of this claim. The United States does have a national renewable energy policy. Assertions to the contrary are really just resurrected versions of the politically convenient allegation that the United States has "no" energy policy at all. The fact, however, that U.S. energy policy generally favors fossil fuels and nuclear energy does not mean domestic energy law ignores renewables. Rather, a conglomeration of statutes, regulations, and laws makes up U.S. renewable energy policy. These include subsidies like the renewable energy production tax credit ("PTC"), support regimes like the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act ("PURPA"), and mandates like state law renewable portfolio standards ("RPSs") and the federal renewable fuels standard ("RFS"). Together, these laws do not just comprise the body of U.S. renewable energy policy, they manifest its core features. U.S. renewable energy policy is, in its current form, tentative, cyclical, and often subordinate.
Early-Age Behavior of an Adjacent Prestressed Concrete Box-Beam Bridge Containing UHPC Shear Keys with Transverse Dowels

AbstractAdjacent precast prestressed concrete box-beam bridges have been used in the United States for many years and have performed well. However, the shear keys between adjacent box beams are sus...
Does Paying More Mean Getting a Better Product: Comparison of Modes of Survey Administration

This chapter begins by discussing a review of the literature on the various types of survey designs. The chapter then moves on to discuss the strengths and limitations of each type of survey design, paying special attention to design costs and response rates of each. Finally, the chapter moves on to discuss mixed mode survey designs, paying special attention to prenotice contacts and phasing; if using mixed mode surveys appear to provide significant improvements in response rates and the quality of data gathered; and if the increased costs occurred are commensurate with an improvement in the quantity and quality of data gathered from the mixed mode design model.