cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Surgical Management of Idiopathic Clubfoot in the United States from 1997-2012: An analysis of 11,940 discharges

INTRODUCTION: With the introduction of the Ponseti Method in the late 1990’s, rates of operative intervention of clubfoot within the first year of life have significantly declined. However, operative procedures for clubfoot continue to be routinely performed in the United States. Our purpose was to analyze trends in the operative management of clubfoot in the US, including total costs from 1997-2012. METHODS: The Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) Kids’ Inpatient Database (KID) was used to identify discharges associated with idiopathic clubfoot (ICD-9-CM diagnosis codes 754.70 and 754.51) and one …
Evil and divine sovereignty

Since at least the tenth century, some theists have argued that God’s sovereignty as creator exempts God from moral evaluation, and so any argument employing moral principles or the idea of God as morally perfect is fallacious. In particular, any argument contending that the occurrence of pointless evil presents strong evidence against the existence of God is flawed, as God morally owes his creation nothing. This appeal to divine sovereignty, however, fails to rescue any theistic tradition proclaiming that God loves humans, as no one would be indifferent concerning the pointless suffering of her beloved.
Increased Equivalent Input Noise in Glaucomatous Central Vision: Is it Due to Undersampling of Retinal Ganglion Cells?

Purpose Recent evidence shows that macular damage is common even in early stages of glaucoma. Here we investigated whether contrast sensitivity loss in the central vision of glaucoma patients is due to an increase in equivalent input noise (Neq), a decrease in calculation efficiency, or both. We also examined how retinal undersampling resulting from loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) may affect Neq and calculation efficiency. Methods This study included 21 glaucoma patients and 23 age-matched normally sighted individuals. Threshold contrast for orientation discrimination was measured with a sinewave grating embedded in varying levels of external noise. Data were fitted to the linear amplifier model (LAM) to factor contrast sensitivity into Neq and calculation efficiency. We also correlated macular RGC counts estimated from structural (spectral-domain optical coherence tomography) and functional (standard automated perimetry Swedish interactive thresholding algorithm 10-2) data with either Neq or efficiency. Furthermore, using analytical and computer simulation approach, the relative effect of retinal undersampling on Neq and efficiency was evaluated by adding the RGC sampling module into the LAM. Results Compared with normal controls, glaucoma patients exhibited a significantly larger Neq without significant difference in efficiency. Neq was significantly correlated with Pelli-Robson contrast sensitivity and macular RGC counts. The results from analytical derivation and model simulation further demonstrated that Neq can be expressed as a function of internal noise and retinal sampling. Conclusions Our results showed that equivalent input noise is significantly elevated in glaucomatous vision, thereby impairing foveal contrast sensitivity. Our findings further elucidated how undersampling at the retinal level may increase equivalent input noise.
An Examination of the Efficacy of Christian-Based Socially Responsible Mutual Funds

This study examines the efficacy of Christian-based socially responsible mutual funds by comparing their returns with those of the S&P 500 Index as well as other types of socially responsible mutual funds. Christian-based funds have been recommended for achieving the dual purpose of investing in a manner that honors one’s faith while also being a good financial steward. However, the efficacy of these investment options is not clear. This study was developed to add to the emerging field of research regarding Christian-based socially responsible mutual funds. TOPICS:ESG investing, equity portfolio management, mutual fund performance Key Findings • Christian-based socially responsible mutual funds have been suggested as a way to honor one’s beliefs through equity investments in companies that are consistent with the Christian worldview. • While a number of funds have been developed and marketed to Christians, a limited amount of research has been conducted to closely examine the comparative efficacy of those funds. • This study provides an analysis of the current body of Christian-based equity-only socially responsible mutual funds and found that, as a group, the funds underperformed the S&P 500 Index as well as other types of socially responsible mutual funds. • Post hoc analysis of the data points to variability within the universe of Christian-based socially responsible mutual funds that require additional attention and study.
Transfer Learning with MotifTransformers for Predicting Protein-Protein Interactions Between a Novel Virus and Humans

Abstract The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, which causes Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is a significant threat to worldwide public health. Viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 infect the human body by forming interactions between virus proteins and human proteins that compromise normal human protein-protein interactions (PPI). Current in vivo methods to identify PPIs between a novel virus and humans are slow, costly, and difficult to cover the vast interaction space. We propose a novel deep learning architecture designed for in silico PPI prediction and a transfer learning approach to predict interactions between novel virus proteins and human proteins. We show that our approach outperforms the state-of-the-art methods significantly in predicting Virus–Human protein interactions for SARS-CoV-2, H1N1, and Ebola.
The Modern Emergency Psychiatry Interview

Varied and complex, the clinical interview is the most important technical procedure in emergency psychiatry. It is also one that benefits only modestly from didactic instruction.
Multigroup Segregation Analyses with Covariates

The author introduces methods for the decomposition analysis of multigroup segregation measured by the index of dissimilarity, the squared coefficient of variation, and Theil’s entropy measure. Usi...
The development of mucous membrane epidermolysis bullosa acquisita in a pediatric patient.

Autoimmune diseases have been reported to develop months to years following drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome. However, the development of autoimmune bullous diseases in a patient with a history of DRESS syndrome is extremely rare. We here report the unusual case of mucous membrane epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (MM-EBA) presenting 2 years after lamotrigine-induced DRESS syndrome in a pediatric patient. The patient also developed nonpathogenic autoantibodies directed against BP 180 and BP 230.
Evaluation and Management of Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction is an extremely prevalent medical condition among adult men. The causes of erectile dysfunction can be multifactorial, which necessitates a systemic approach to both diagnosing and treating this disease. In this chapter, we will discuss the intricacies that physicians should be aware of when evaluating and managing patients who present with erectile dysfunction.
A 50.7-Bit Retransmission-Based Chipless RFID Tag With Miniaturized Resonators

In this paper, a retransmission-based chipless RFID tag operating from 3.4 to 10 GHz is implemented. The simulation and measurement results of the multiresonator and tag are presented. By using the resonance frequency position and the quality factor of 32 resonators as two coding dimensions, the overall tag capacity of 50.7 bits is achieved. The proposed tag outperforms all reported retransmission-based tags in terms of the overall number of bits.
Contribution of Hedonic Hunger and Binge Eating to Childhood Obesity.

Background: Studies examining the association between hedonic hunger, that is, having frequent thoughts about food in the absence of an energy deficit, and obesity in youth show mixed results. This...
Communication of scientific knowledge in class - from verbalization to the concept of chemical equilibrium

The second in the Distinguished Paper Series is ‘Communication d'un savoir scientifique en classe: de la verbalisation au concept d'equilibre chimique’ by Nathalie Evrard, Anne‐Marie Huynen and Cecile de Bueger‐Vander Borght. It first appeared in the French‐language journal Didaskalia, 6, 9‐37 and appears by kind permission of the Editor, M. Michel Jezierski, De Boeck Universite, Paris, Bruxelles. Translation is by Dr Veronica Heath, Department of French Studies, at the University of Reading.
Productive Dissonance: A Musical-analytical Exploration of Teacher Educator Perceptions in a Multicultural Education Program

The purpose of this study is to explore, using a musical metaphor, the consonance, counterpoint, dissonance, and resonance of a large-scale multicultural teacher education program. In particular, it examines the different instructional approaches of seven graduate students and two faculty who currently teach an undergraduate multicultural education course at a large mid-western university. By combining a theoretical framework (Bennett, 2010) with a musical-analytical approach, the study explores how the interplay of individual voices contributes to a “productive dissonance” that has the potential to transform the overall program.
On Empty Compliments and Deceptive Detours

The philosophical question Nunez raises is whether we can have, as he thinks we need, a theoretical grounding for appeal to the intrinsic value of nature. This article examines the neopragmatist reasons for repudiating metaphysical realism's notions of intrinsicality and subject-independent reality. Following the holism of Donald Davidson and Richard Rorty rather than the epistemological premises of Holmes Rolston and Bernard Lonergan, the author concludes that coping with the ecological crisis does not require conjuring an epistemic crisis. Environmental ethics in neopragmatist hands would seek procedures for bringing about agreement in improving our practices, not our epistemology.
Coordinate: probabilistic forecasting of presence and availability

We present methods employed in COORDINATE, a prototype service that supports collaboration and communication by learning predictive models that provide forecasts of users' presence and availability. We describe how data is collected about user activity and proximity from multiple devices, in addition to analysis of the content of users' calendars, the time of day, and day of week. We review applications of presence forecasting embedded in the PRIORITIES application and then present details of the COORDINATE service that was informed by the earlier efforts.
Dissolved organic matter composition of winter flow in the Yukon River basin: Implications of permafrost thaw and increased groundwater discharge

[1] Groundwater discharge to rivers has increased in recent decades across the circumpolar region and has been attributed to thawing permafrost in arctic and subarctic watersheds. Permafrost-driven changes in groundwater discharge will alter the flux of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in rivers, yet little is known about the chemical composition and reactivity of dissolved organic matter (DOM) of groundwater in permafrost settings. Here, we characterize DOM composition of winter flow in 60 rivers and streams of the Yukon River basin to evaluate the biogeochemical consequences of enhanced groundwater discharge associated with permafrost thaw. DOC concentration of winter flow averaged 3.9 ± 0.5 mg C L−1, yet was highly variable across basins (ranging from 20 mg C L−1). In comparison to the summer-autumn period, DOM composition of winter flow had lower aromaticity (as indicated by specific ultraviolet absorbance at 254 nm, or SUVA254), lower hydrophobic acid content, and a higher proportion of hydrophilic compounds (HPI). Fluorescence spectroscopy and parallel factor analysis indicated enrichment of protein-like fluorophores in some, but not all, winter flow samples. The ratio of DOC to dissolved organic nitrogen, an indicator of DOM biodegradability, was positively correlated with SUVA254and negatively correlated with the percentage of protein-like compounds. Using a simple two-pool mixing model, we evaluate possible changes in DOM during the summer-autumn period across a range of conditions reflecting possible increases in groundwater discharge. Across three watersheds, we consistently observed decreases in DOC concentration and SUVA254 and increases in HPI with increasing groundwater discharge. Spatial patterns in DOM composition of winter flow appear to reflect differences in the relative contributions of groundwater from suprapermafrost and subpermafrost aquifers across watersheds. Our findings call for more explicit consideration of DOC loss and stabilization pathways associated with changing subsurface hydrology in watersheds underlain by thawing permafrost.
Children's Perceptions of Class Differences: Worries and Self-Perceptions

Abstract This qualitative study explores middle- and low-income children's perspectives about the worries and self-perceptions of children from different socioeconomic groups. Projective techniques utilizing photographs of houses representing different income levels were used to interview 24 children between the ages of 5 and 14 in each of the two income categories. Respondents generally expected the poor child to worry about life's harsh realities, while the worries of the middle-class child would reflect the normal vulnerabilities of childhood. Furthermore, respondents anticipated that self-worth rose along with children's socioeconomic status.
Organic chemistry by infrared lasers: 5. Pulsed CO2 laser induced photoablative decomposition of biomass materials☆

Abstract Pulsed CO2 laser irradiation of pulverized corn cobs, oak leaves, pine sawdust and processed cotton in an evacuated sealed system at 1077 cm−1 affords a limited number of low molecular weight chemicals. The product mixture is very nearly the same in each reaction. The product ratios vary somewhat depending upon the initial biomass material used. The major gaseous products identified are CO, CO2, CH4, C2H2, C2H4, C2H6, C3H6, H2O, acetaldehyde and acrolein. Irradiation at 1054 cm−1 or 944 cm−1 or under atmospheric conditions does not change the results significantly. The latter seems to indicate an ablative process wherein the cellulosic material decomposes by expelling neutral low molecular weight fragments from the biomass surface where high concentrations of radicals seem to be formed during, or very shortly after laser irradiation. Comparison with known thermolytic processes of biomass materials indicates that the laser induced ablation may be more controlled than pyrolysis. The results suggest the possibility of using the laser method for the continuous production of some of the low molecular weight chemicals and for studying the modes of decomposition of biomass materials.
Foucault pintor: aproximación desde la lectura de Gilles Deleuze

This paper aims to chart a path through the reading Gilles Deleuze makes on the works of Michel Foucault, paying special attention to the articles that Deleuze writes, not only when the philosopher was alive but also post-mortem, and that make up the book published in 1986 entitled Foucault. This path will focus specifically on the descriptions that Foucault develops around Velasquez's Las Meninas in The Order of Things, which, according to Deleuze, "have the value of paintings". Paintings-descriptions, along with Magritte, Manet, prison, asylum, etc., constitute a light regime, a field of visibility, where his own philosophy shines. In this exercise we can follow not only Deleuze’s steps in his reading on Foucault, but also points of convergence between the two philosophers, despite having different philosophical projects
An adaptive load voltage regulator using a microprocessor controlled series switched capacitor

This paper describes a microprocessor based adaptive load voltage regulator using a series switched capacitor. A capacitor will be inserted for a percentage of each positive and negative half cycle. The system load voltage is measured during every cycle by the microprocessor and compared with the desired value. Correspondingly, the microprocessor will make adjustments to the period of time for which the series compensation capacitor is inserted into the circuit, thereby regulating load voltage. The advantage of the proposed system is the fast and continuous regulation of load voltage. >
Restriction Enzyme BsoBI–DNA Complex: A Tunnel for Recognition of Degenerate DNA Sequences and Potential Histidine Catalysis

Abstract Background: Restriction endonucleases form a diverse family of proteins with substantial variation in sequence, structure, and interaction with recognition site DNA. BsoBI is a thermophilic restriction endonuclease that exhibits both base-specific and degenerate recognition within the sequence CPyCGPuG. Results: The structure of BsoBI complexed to cognate DNA has been determined to 1.7 A resolution, revealing several unprecedented features. Each BsoBI monomer is formed by inserting a helical domain into an expanded EcoRI-type catalytic domain. DNA is completely encircled by a BsoBI dimer. Recognition sequence DNA lies within a 20 A long tunnel of protein that excludes bulk solvent. Interactions with the specific bases are made in both grooves through direct and water-mediated hydrogen bonding. Interaction with the degenerate position is mediated by a purine-specific hydrogen bond to N7, ensuring specificity, and water-mediated H bonding to the purine N6/O6 and pyrimidine N4/O4, allowing degeneracy. In addition to the conserved active site residues of the DX n (E/D)ZK restriction enzyme motif, His253 is positioned to act as a general base. Conclusions: A catalytic mechanism employing His253 and two metal ions is proposed. If confirmed, this would be the first example of histidine-mediated catalysis in a restriction endonuclease. The structure also provides two novel examples of the role of water in protein–DNA interaction. Degenerate recognition may be mediated by employing water as a hydrogen bond donor or acceptor. The structure of DNA in the tunnel may also be influenced by the absence of bulk solvent.
CTA spot sign predicts hematoma expansion in patients with delayed presentation after intracerebral hemorrhage.

Background Hematoma expansion after acute intracerebral hemorrhage occurs most frequently in patients presenting within 3 h of symptom onset. However, the majority of patients present outside this window or with an unknown onset time. We investigated the prevalence of hematoma expansion in these patients and assessed the accuracy of the CT angiography (CTA) spot sign for identifying risk of hematoma expansion.
Effects of the northern fowl mite on White Leghorn chickens.

Experiments were conducted with Ornithonyssus sylviarum (Canestrini & Fanzago) on White Leghorn hens on a commercial poultry ranch in California. Weekly examination of all liens during test periods of 5 to 6 months showed that mite ratings of 0, 1–25, 50–1000, and 25,000–100,000 were reliable under experimental conditions except that laboratory counts from samples of mites on hens in the last 2 ratings revealed that numerical ratings were about ⅓ higher than the number counted. Egg production means were not significantly different among older hens, pullets, or on any one of 8 different family lines rated negatively, moderately, or heavily mite-infested. Low egg production was evident among hens which received a low protein ration, but mite-infested hens on the ration produced more eggs than their noninfested counterparts. Whole blood and serum analyses from heavily infested and noninfested hens in 2 experiments showed that mean protein values were not statistically different. Packed cell volume of heavily infested hens was not lower than that of clean hens, suggesting that anemia is not a symptom of heavy mite infestation. In general, skin scabs in the vent region of hens were more numerous as mite counts neared 100,000, and molted hens showed an increase in their number of mites which was contrary to the general opinion that mite infestations declined during and after a molting period. The application of 0.5% carbaryl spray to all hens in 1 experiment resulted in poor and good mite control on heavily and moderately infested hens, respectively.
Enhanced antibacterial resistance in neutropenic mice treated with human recombinant interleukin-1 beta

Human Recombinant IL-1 was investigated for its ability to increase non-specific resistance to Staphylococcus aureus in neutropenic mice. Mice, rendered neutropenic with cyclophosphamide and then administered IL-1 intraperitoneally, demonstrated enhanced resistance to subsequent challenge with S. aureus as measured by increased survival and bacterial clearance. No protective effects were observed with heat inactivated IL-1. Efficacy was observed only when both IL-1 and the subsequent bacterial challenge were administered into the same site. Despite the observed protective effects, animals treated with IL-1 did not have increased numbers of blood leukocytes or peritoneal phagocytes prior to infection or at the times coincident with bacterial clearance. Based upon these observations, enhanced activity of resident macrophages may be responsible for the protective effects observed in IL-1 treated mice.
The impact of corruption on financial markets

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to focus specifically on the role of corruption in affecting financial markets. Recently, there are several studies that examine how one country’s level of corruption might affect asset prices in other countries. The aim of this article is to summarize how corruption may affect the bond and stock markets.Design/methodology/approach – The paper is organized as follows. Section 1 defines corruption and briefly examines the causes of corruption. Section 2 examines various measures of corruption and provides a ranking of countries. Section 3 explains how corruption may affect business and provide anecdotal evidence. Section 4 provides a summary of some empirical evidence of corruption on firm performances. Section 5 concludes.Findings – Across international financial markets, corruption is found to be associated with higher firm’s borrowing cost, lower stock valuation, and worse corporate governance.Originality/value – This paper provides a brief summary on research rela...
CO-IMPREGNATION OF RHODIUM CHLORIDE WITH HYDROFLUORIC ACID INTO DRY AND PRE-WET ALUMINA

Abstract This work compares and contrasts wet versus dry co-impregnation of RhCl3 with hydrofluoric acid into the walls of honeycomb supports made from γ-alumina. The internal distributions of rhodium within the supports were measured by electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) and compared with respect to the transport mechanisms during wet and dry impregnation. The type of rhodium distribution produced was strongly effected by the type of impregnation (wet versus dry) and the impregnation time. With short impregnation times, the wet and dry co-impregnations produced subsurface bands (egg-whites) of rhodium. These subsurface bands were found to diffuse toward the support center with increasing impregnation times. Calculated characteristic times for diffusion during wet and dry impregnation are shown to be capable of accurately predicting the penetration depth of these bands during diffusion. Subsurface cores (egg-yolks) of rhodium were formed for both the wet and dry methods at long impregnation times (>5 min) by diffusion of the subsurface bands. At still longer impregnation times, these subsurface cores were washed out by back-diffusion and produced uniform distributions of rhodium. This back-diffusion process is modelled accurately as the diffusional decay of a square concentration profile.
Overall design of reliable centralized voice/data communication network

Abstract Multicluster voice communication networks operating under reliability requirements are considered. The design objective is to determine capacities of all links and routing strategies in order to provide a communication with a required grade or service and minimal networking cost. The algorithm for software is described, its complexity is analyzed and the routing strategies are discussed.
That fish (NEMO) again

Comment on Temmerman et al, page [2324][1] Even though the mutations in NEMO were linked to immunodeficiency 5 years ago, unraveling the exact role of NEMO in host defense took a while to figure out. Now we have more answers to “how?” Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) is critical in modulating the
Creep viscosity of glass-matrix composites near the percolation threshold

The effect of inclusions on the composite creep viscosity was investigated for a model glass-matrix composite consisting of a soda-lime glass matrix and nickel inclusions of various sizes. The effect of inclusion on the creep viscosity of glass-matrix composites has been modelled both analytically and numerically
A Novel Approach to Eliminate Cardiac Perforation in the Nuss Procedure

Pectus excavatum is the most common congenital abnormality of the chest wall. It may lead to adverse psychosocial development and preoccupation with a negative body image. The Nuss procedure is a minimally invasive approach for improving these patients' body image. The most dangerous complication is cardiac perforation from the insertion of the introducer. Our technique modifies this procedure to include a small subxiphoid incision and a novel sternal lift system that elevates the sternum. This facilitates the insertion of the introducer and placement of the pectus bar(s), and it reduces the risk of intraoperative cardiac perforation.
Surgical treatment of an abscess in a rathke's cleft cyst

An abscess in a Rathke's cleft cyst was surgically treated in a 39-year-old man. The patient presented with headaches, fever, and visual deficits. Transcranial decompression of the optic chiasm was carried out first. The abscess recurred, however, and drainage of the abscess and removal of its wall via the transsphenoidal route was carried out 4 weeks later. Visual evoked responses were useful in the successful management of this lesion. The patient regained normal pituitary function and visual function after the operation.
Expression of biochemical properties of oligodendrocytes in oligodendrocyte x glioma cell hybrids proliferating in vitro.

Abstract In order to generate cell lines that grow continuously in tissue culture and that express the biochemical properties of oligodendrocytes (the cells which produce myelin in the central nervous system), we isolated oligodendrocytes from calf brain and fused them with C6 rat glioma cells. Of the 60 hybrid clones tested, several expressed oligodendroglial properties at levels comparable to isolated oligodendrocytes. In particular, hybrid clone CO-13-7 showed a high level of expression of all six oligodendroglial properties tested: 2′ : 3′-cyclic nucleotide 3′-phosphohydroiase, glycero-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, and induction of GPDH by hydrocortisone, all of which were also found in C6 cells and in oligodendrocytes; and galactocerebroside, sulfatide, and myelin basic protein, which were found in normal oligodendrocytes but not in C6 glioma cells. Therefore, the hybrids express a spectrum of oligodendrocyte biochemical properties that is not found in any other cell line that can be maintained continuously in tissue culture.
Response to Letters Regarding Article, “Tissue Doppler Imaging in the Estimation of Intracardiac Filling Pressure in Decompensated Patients With Advanced Systolic Heart Failure”

We thank all the authors for their interest and insightful comments about our article1 and the tremendous contributions of the American Society of Echocardiography/European Association of Echocardiography Diastology Writing Group.2 We believe the many issues raised about the potential inaccuracies of our findings are precisely the factors that may directly influence the reliability of the ratio of early transmitral velocity to tissue Doppler mitral annular early diastolic velocity (E/Ea) to act as the single surrogate estimate of left ventricular filling pressures. In particular, the confounding factors that they addressed (such as the degree of ventricular remodeling, prevalence of mitral regurgitation, presence of dyssynchrony, or previous cardiac resynchronization therapy) are commonly observed in patients presenting with advanced decompensated heart failure. These are the exact patients in whom assessing intracardiac filling pressures may have a major impact on treatment decisions (such as initiation of diuretic therapy to relieve congestion). In essence, their salient points about the limitations of our findings are concordant with our observations on the …
Serotonergic regulation of the release of renin is not mediated by the autonomic nervous system but involves beta adrenoceptors

Abstract p -Chloroamphetamine (PCA) which releases serotonin is known to increase the activity of plasma renin in conscious rats by stimulating serotonergic neurotransmission in the brain. The present studies were designed to investigate whether this effect is mediated from the serotonin receptors in the brain to the kidneys via the sympathetic nervous system. The effect of PCA on the activity of plasma renin was completely blocked by the beta receptor blockers sotalol and atenolol, but was not prevented by the sympathetic inhibitor, bretylium tosylate. In additional studies, chemical sympathectomy with 6-hydroxydopamine, combined with adrenal medullectomy did not prevent the effect of PCA on the activity of plasma renin even though the renal content of norepinephrine was reduced to undetectable levels. Furthermore, complete transection of the spinal cord between the first and second thoracic vertebrae did not prevent the effect of PCA on the activity of plasma renin, suggesting that the sympathetic nervous system and adrenal catecholamines do not mediate the effect of PCA. Studies by others have suggested that extrarenal beta receptors play an important role in the regulation of secretion of renin. The results of the present study support this possibility. The role of the parasympathetic nervous system in the rise in the activity of plasma renin induced by PCA was investigated by pretreatment of the rats with the peripheral muscarinic receptor blocker, methyl atropine. Methyl atropine caused a small increase in the activity of plasma renin but did not prevent the effect of PCA, suggesting that the parasympathetic nervous system does not mediate the effect of PCA on the secretion or renin. Finally, bilateral nephrectomy blocked the effect of PCA on the activity of plasma renin and reduced it to very low levels, indicating that the kidney is the source that releases renin into the circulation after an injection of PCA.
Perspectives on molecular assays for measuring mutation in humans and rodents.

The original idea for this article was to examine the new molecular techniques for detection of mutation directly at the DNA level in exposed individuals or their offspring and to assess their relative advantages and disadvantages for mutation monitoring in humans and rodents. However, an examination of the articles and a comparison of the technology indicated that our constant quests for methods improvement were leading to some loss of insight into the important health-related questions that should be guiding these endeavors. As a result, individual methods are not covered here in great technical detail. Instead, a few molecular methods are presented in a general overview, along with some of the biological issues related to the detection of induced mutations within individuals and populations. Some hypothetical scenarios are also presented because molecular approaches will continue to change rapidly, and we must continually adjust our thinking to combine the useful attributes of each current and future technical approach with the most appropriate biological questions. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc. *
Death due to anaphylactic reaction, with presentation of pertinent biochemical parameters. A case report

Autopsy findings in a young worker point to acute anaphylaxis. The conclusion was supported by a number of biochemical parameters in the blood collected after death. The nature of the antigen involved could not be established. However, the data collected may be useful in the future evaluation of similar cases.
Inhibition of small intestinal mucosal and smooth muscle cell function by ricinoleic acid and other surfactants.

Abstract Sodium ricinoleate, dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate, sodium dodecyl (lauryl) sulfate, polysorbate 80, sodium deoxycholate and chenodeoxycholate were found to produce depression of in vitro mucosal and smooth muscle cell function. These actions were assessed by measuring net water and electrolyte transport from everted hamster gut sacs and contractile activity of the electrically stimulated guinea-pig ileum. All compounds were effective depressants of both systems at concentrations which were likely to be below their respective critical micellar concentration. Ricinoleic acid may produce its cathartic effect due to its amphipathic nature, possibly by hydrophobic interaction with membrane lipoproteins. Ricinoleic acid and the other surfactants may be acting through a common mechanism.
Speech modelling using cepstral-time feature matrices in hidden Markov models

The paper explores the use of 2-dimensional cepstral-time features for the utilisation of correlation among successive speech spectral vectors, within a hidden-Markov-model (HMM) framework. A cepstral-time-feature matrix is obtained from a 2-dimensional discrete cosine transform of a spectral-time matrix. Advantages of cepstral-time features are that cepstral-time-feature matrices are a simple and robust method of representing short-time variation of speech spectral parameters; a cepstral-time matrix contains information on the transitional dynamics of feature vectors within the matrix; speech recognition based on cepstral time matrices is more robust in noisy environments; and use of a matrix of M cepstral vectors implies a minimum HMM-state duration constraint of M vector units. A simple framework investigated in the paper for applications of cepstral-time features is a finite-state-matrix quantiser (FSMQ), a special case of the HMM. It is used for initialisation of the training phase of HMMs.
Averaging theory for diesel particulate filter regeneration

Axial thermal gradients play a key role in monolithic diesel particulate filters. For complete particulate regeneration, the ignition location must be near the leading edge of the diesel particulate filter. A new reduced model in terms of the capacitance-weighted and mixing cup average temperature is formulated here using the Liapunov–Schmidt reduction technique to describe the ignition behavior and account for the axial variation. The major advantage of the reduced model is that one can neglect the details of the fine scale dynamics and focus on the large scale dynamics. This new, reduced model has the ability to accurately predict two important ignition characteristics: ignition time and ignition length. Based on the reduced model results, it is shown that the thermal dispersion [a coupling of transverse diffusion (short-scale) and axial convection (long-scale)] plays a dominant role on ignition. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2007
The superfund remedial action decision process: a review of fifty records of decision.

Abstract Although the Superfund remedial action decision process is a complex process involving a variety of technical, political, and public health issues, the primary goal of remedial action is the protection of public health. We performed an in-depth analysis of 50 post-SARA Records of Decision in order to characterize the role of risk assessment in the decision-making process and determine whether decisions are being made in an effective and environmentally protective manner. Our findings indicate that the majority of decisions to remediate Superfund sites are based on the existence of contamination per se and not on actual public health risk. Although hypothetical risk is an essential consideration, this gray area is not well-defined in the current decision-making process. The lack of assessment of the degree of risk reduction associated with the remedial alternatives evaluated and the lack of support indicating the effectiveness of the remedial alternatives selected also constitute major weaknesses ...
Miniaturization challenges for autonomously phased arrays in a CubeSat application

This paper described the miniaturization challenges in implementing an RDA architecture for a heavily resource-constrained CubeSat platform; by demonstrating this, a transition towards implementation on other highly mobile platforms can be accelerated. Addressing size, weight, and power in RDAs can be achieved through downsizing of circuitry through PCB design while reducing power consumption in each of the operating states, most importantly the prevalent static state.
Medical and surgical treatment of seronegative spondyloarthropathies.

Advances in the treatment of the seronegative spondyloarthropathies are reviewed here. The search for effective disease-modifying agents in this group of disorders has continued. Recent attention has focused primarily on sulfasalazine and different immunosuppressive agents. Sulfasalazine has been evaluated by several groups of investigators in ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis. Results have been variable, but data suggest that sulfasalazine is less effective for spinal disease than for peripheral joint involvement. Preliminary studies have shown that cyclosporine and other immunosuppressive agents are beneficial in patients with psoriasis and Behcet's disease. Azathioprine appears to be highly effective in Behcet's disease.
Physics Of In-Situ Laser Deposition Of Superconducting Thin Films

The physics of the in-situ laser deposition process is reviewed. Emphasis will be placed on the use of excimer lasers, and the deposition of YBCO thin films. It will be shown that the laser target interaction conditions, and the properties of the laser generated plume are inducive to the formation of high quality films. In addition to the formation of energetic atomic beams, laser deposition is also highly compatible with reactive deposition which make it suitable for oxide and nitride films. An in-situ diagnostic technique is introduced which is capable of detecting the inter-facial boundary layer between the film and the substrate. It is also shown that post-deposition in-situ oxidation is necessary for the formation of superconducting films.
High Blood Pressure A Lifetime Issue

Elevated blood pressure remains a major public health problem in the United States, with increasing risks of stroke, heart disease, heart failure, and end-stage renal disease. Although the prevalence of high blood pressure increases with age, hypertension control rates for treated hypertensives decline with age.1 The prevalence of hypertension among young adults is considerably lower than the rates of older adults, whereas control rates among treated hypertensives are significantly higher among the younger individuals with high blood pressure.1 Thus, the early identification and treatment of elevated blood pressure are critical components of population high blood pressure control. Likewise, hypertension prevention programs depend on interventions early in life before disease manifestation. In this issue of Hypertension , Rosner et al2 describe the levels of blood pressure among children and adolescents from a database of merged population-based data sets. These analyses demonstrate the increase in blood pressure with body size and age among the 58 …
A tale of two paradigms or metatheoretical approaches to cognitive neuropsychology: did Schmolck, Stefanacci, and Squire (2000) show that hippocampal lesions only impair memory, whereas adjacent (extrahippocampal) lesions impair detection and explanation of sentence ambiguity?

This note discusses two fundamentally different paradigms or metatheoretical approaches that currently guide cognitive neuropsychology: the Theoretical- vs. Anatomical-paradigms. To illustrate these paradigms, we compare a Theoretical-paradigm paper (MacKay & James, 2001) with an Anatomical-paradigm paper (Schmolck, Stefanacci, & Squire, 2000): These papers report virtually identical experiments on relations between language, memory, and hippocampal systems, using the same task (the detection and explanation of ambiguities in sentences that participants know are ambiguous), virtually identical ambiguous sentences, and at least one identical participant (the amnesic HM). However, MacKay and James made strikingly different claims from Schmolck et al., and we show that the Schmolck et al. claims comport not with their data but with an unstated theory to which they are implicitly committed within the Anatomical-paradigm.
PH-domain-dependent selective transport of p75 by kinesin-3 family motors in non-polarized MDCK cells.

A key process during epithelial polarization involves establishment of polarized transport routes from the Golgi to distinct apical and basolateral membrane domains. To do this, the machinery involved in selective trafficking must be regulated during differentiation. Our previous studies showed that KIF5B selectively transports vesicles containing p75-neurotrophin receptors to the apical membrane of polarized, but not non-polarized MDCK cells. To identify the kinesin(s) responsible for p75 trafficking in non-polarized MDCK cells we expressed KIF-specific dominant-negative constructs and assayed for changes in post-Golgi transport of p75 by time-lapse fluorescence microscopy. Overexpression of the tail domains of kinesin-3 family members that contain a C-terminal pleckstrin homology (PH) domain, KIF1A or KIF1Bβ, attenuated the rate of p75 exit from the Golgi in non-polarized MDCK cells but not in polarized cells. Analysis of p75 post-Golgi transport in cells expressing KIF1A or KIF1Bβ with their PH domains deleted revealed that vesicle transport by these motors depends on the PH domains. Furthermore, purified KIF1A and KIF1Bβ tails interact with p75 vesicles and these interactions require the PH domain. Knockdown of canine KIF1A also inhibited exit of p75 from the Golgi, and this was rescued by expression of human KIF1A. Together these data demonstrate that post-Golgi transport of p75 in non-polarized epithelial cells is mediated by kinesin-3 family motors in a PH-domain-dependent process.
Racial incidence of hemolytic uremic syndrome.

Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is the most common cause of acute renal failure in children and is caused by infection with verotoxin-producing Escherichia coli. There is no consensus on the relative incidence of HUS in blacks and whites. An equal racial incidence has been reported by two centers with small black populations. A series from Washington D.C. reported a low incidence in blacks. The population of Alabama is 32% black and 66% white. The Children's Hospital of Alabama admission rate has a similar racial distribution (35% black, 65% white). A record review from 1980-1992 identified 45 patients with HUS; 43 (96%) were white and only 2 (4%) were black. Based on census data for Alabama in 1980 and 1990, this gives an average annual incidence of HUS of 0.45 per 100,000 in whites and of 0.043 per 100,000 in blacks (P < 0.001, Fischer's exact test). Similar results were found in the group of patients with HUS and a history of diarrhea; whites 0.39 and blacks 0.02 (P < 0.001). However, in those with no history of diarrhea there was no significant racial difference: whites 0.05 and blacks 0.02. There were too few blacks to compare clinical course and outcome. We conclude that typical diarrhea-associated HUS is a relatively rare disease in blacks compared with whites. The reasons are unclear.
A cross-lag analysis of longitudinal associations between preschool teachers’ instructional support identification skills and observed behavior

Abstract The present study examined the pattern of association(s) over time between (a) knowledge of and observational skills in identifying teacher–child interactions, and (b) observed behavior in the domain of instructional interaction for 405 preschool teachers enrolled in a professional development study. Teacher's knowledge/observational skills and observed instructional support behaviors with children were assessed in the fall and spring over a two-year period. During this time, the teachers were also randomized into a college course focused on interactions, then re-randomized into a coaching intervention, also focused on instructional interaction. Cross-lagged analyses suggest that prior observed behavior was the stronger predictor of change in both knowledge/observation skills and in later observed behavior, and that both the course and the coaching interventions contributed to improvements in teachers observed instructional support behavior. Mediational analyses of the course effects indicated longer-term impact on observed instructional behavior were through immediate impacts on those same behaviors, whereas long-term impacts on knowledge were through immediate impacts on both observed instructional behavior and knowledge. The results have implications for the design, delivery, and focus of professional development for early childhood educators.
Intercultural Therapy with Latino Immigrants and White Partners: Crossing Borders Coupling

SUMMARY Interethnic and interracial marriages of Latinos and White Americans are on the rise and will continue to reshape the identities of individuals, couples, families, and communities. Clinicians working with these intercultural couples find no systematic training to address what is becoming a significant segment of our society. Couple therapists, however, cannot be culturally competent and effective based solely on knowledge of some dimensions of a couple's cultural backgrounds. Using clinical and theoretical ideas, the author defines clinical work with these couples as an explicit intercultural exchange. Our task as clinicians requires a rethinking of our conversations with these couples. It involves a caring therapeutic approach that is sustained on relational and systemic levels, and intercultural conversational skills inspired by clinical and other literatures that are explicitly dedicated to work with cultural difference and the “other.”
Forecasting the epidemic potential of influenza virus variants based on their molecular properties.

Abstract Sequence analysis of the influenza haemagglutinin, HA, (H1 and H3) suggests that many antigenic variants that are identified but which do not become predominant differ from contemporary epidemic strains in one or two amino acids, in the region 188–193. This information may assist in the optimum selection of vaccine strains when multiple variants are co-circulating. Genome analysis of H1N1 virus, from 1977 to 1983 (but not of H3N2 virus thus far) has identified two instances when large changes in total genome sequence was associated with major epidemic activity. The early detection of such gross genetic changes may provide a further indicator that can be used to forecast the likelihood of more widespread activity than normal.
Framework design using function generalization: a binary tree traversal case study

A software framework is a technology that enables software reuse, potentially yielding rich dividends but requiring significant long-term investment. However, a framework is not a panacea because it is more difficult to design than a single application. Systematic approaches seek to make framework design more convenient and less error-prone. This paper illustrates the function generalization approach to framework design by developing a framework for binary tree traversals. A binary tree traversal is a well known algorithm, which makes it an excellent example. The approach involves a systematic process for generalizing a fixed application expressed as Haskell functions to produce a set of functions that precisely describe the generalized application. This generalized application encompasses various common and variable aspects of a family of applications. By using design patterns as a guide, the resulting set of functions can be converted to a Java framework.