cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hydronephrosis and Hydroureter Improvement Rates in Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Uretero-Ureterostomies: Does Anastomotic Site Matter?

Abstract Objective To compare improvement/change of hydronephrosis and hydroureter in patients with complete ureteral duplications that underwent upper and lower robotic-assisted laparoscopic uretero-ureterostomies. The hypothesis being that improvement of hydronephrosis and hydroureter between the two groups was similar. Methods 35 subjects met inclusion criteria and were reviewed retrospectively. ‘Upper’ anastomoses were defined as those being done below the lower pole of the kidney (Group 1), while ‘lower’ anastomoses were those done below the iliac vessels (Group 2). Primary variables analyzed were antero-posterior and diameter measurements of the renal pelvis and ureter, respectively, before and after surgery. Secondary variables included operative time, length of hospital stay, and complication rates. Results Group 1 consisted of 20 subjects while Group 2 consisted of 15 subjects. Presenting diagnoses were hydronephrosis in 31 subjects and incontinence in 4 subjects. Group 1 mean AP renal diameters decreased by 62.9% (P Conclusion The improvement rate of hydronephrosis and hydroureter is similar in upper versus lower RAL UU. Operative time was significantly shorter in the lower anastomosis group.
Critical country-level determinants of death rate during Covid-19 pandemic.

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic has already led to over 94 million confirmed cases and over 2 million deaths globally (John Hopkins CSSE, 2021). Due to the magnitude of the socio-economic damage of COVID-19 all over the world, we analyzed the critical country-level determinants of the death rate during the COVID-19 pandemic. We have examined the effects of GDP (allocated to pandemics and health), education, gender, cultural factors, number of physicians (per 1000 of the population) on the death rate. A correlation between the death rate and socio-economic conditions has been observed. The finding shows that power distance, individualism, gender, and age affect the death rate more than other socio-economic factors we use. We have also performed the same analysis by using Lockdown levels as a moderator. Lockdown levels have a more significant moderating effect on cultural factors rather than the other socio-economic factors. However, due to the topic's sensitivity, we still need to pay attention to the socio-economic factors that may have lower levels of significant relationship with the death rate, since even 0.1 % of changes in coefficients of our other socio-economic variables could mean thousands of lives. The study results will help health organizations, administration, and policymakers take the necessary steps to combat and manage the pandemic.
The human role in space: Technology, economics and optimization

Man-machine interactions in space are explored in detail. The role and the degree of direct involvement of humans that will be required in future space missions are investigated. An attempt is made to establish valid criteria for allocating functional activities between humans and machines and to provide insight into the technological requirements, economics, and benefits of the human presence in space. Six basic categories of man-machine interactions are considered: manual, supported, augmented, teleoperated, supervised, and independent. Appendices are included which provide human capability data, project analyses, activity timeline profiles and data sheets for 37 generic activities, support equipment and human capabilities required in these activities, and cumulative costs as a function of activity for seven man-machine modes.
Embryocidal action of a bis(dichloroacetyl)-diamine: an oral abortifacient for rats.

Abstract N,N′-bis(dichloroacetyl)-1,8-octamethylenediamine (Win 18,446), previously used to suppress spermatogenesis in man and other mammals, is shown to be an effective oral abortifacient for rats. When administered at the appropriate dosage and time of gestation, the drug produces the resorption of 100 per cent of the embryos, with no toxic effect to the mother. The optimal regimen for embryocidal action is 200 mg. daily for days 10 and 11 after mating. A mechanism is proposed involving mitochondrial function and replication to explain the action of this drug in the inhibition of embryonic development as well as the suppression of spermatogenesis.
Voltammetry at inert electrodes

Abstract An exhaustive study of linear diffusion techniques has been carried out at B4C electrodes. In addition to proving the utility of B4C electrodes for both practical and theoretical investigations, some novel inter-relationships between modern electrochemical techniques have been developed, and the validity of the R andles —S evcik equation has been established for slow scan rates.
Studies in the diabetic mutant mouse. IV. DBM, a modified diabetic mutant produced by outcrossing of the original strain.

Body weight, blood glucose, serum insulin and islet morphology were studied in DBM mice, modified diabetic mutants produced by crossing mice from the original black diabetic strain (C 57 BL/Ks-db) with normal misty colored mice (C 57 BL/6J-m). DBM mutants appeared to live longer than most mice from the original strain. Only 1 of 6 animals, 7 months of age or older, showed the fall in body weight observed in the majority of the original mutants during the terminal stage of the disease. Blood glucose levels in both types of mutants were similar, generally reaching levels of 400 to 500 mg glucose/100 ml blood. The mean insulin level in older (18 weeks or greater) DBM mutants was significantly greater than in the original mutants. These differences could be explained by the failure of DBM mutants to develop the marked decrease in numbers of beta cells seen in older mutants from the original strain.
Informal Intergovernmental Organizations (IIGOs)

The recent renaissance in the theoretical analysis of intergovernmental organizations has focused on formal IGOs—legalized interstate arrangements coordinated through permanent secretariats with varying degrees of autonomy. But many intergovernmental organizations are informal in nature—they are subject to no formal treaty and/or have no permanent secretariat. Important examples include the various G-groups that are the locus of much high-level interaction among states. What does the broader set of informal intergovernmental organizations (IIGO) look like? How can they best be conceptualized in relation to the full spectrum of international institutions? Why would states choose to create and work through an IIGO rather than a formal IGO? We build on the analysis of soft law, informal agreements, and informal governance to understand why IIGOs are important in their own right and more than just stepping stones to formal organizations—although we are also interested in that possibility. IIGOs act as complements for formal IGOs when states face high uncertainty surrounding other states’ preferences and the state of the world; IIGOs offer a low risk forum for creating focal point solutions that can be implemented through coordinated state action or through formal entities. IIGOs act as substitutes for formal IGOs when states need increased flexibility, speed, ambiguity or weaker enforcement. We locate IIGOs along the spectrum of intergovernmental arrangements with varying degrees of formality and we supplement this theoretical analysis with an empirical analysis that develops a comprehensive list of informal intergovernmental organizations.
Uncertainty About the Incubation Period of AIDS and Its Impact on Backcalculation

We analyze three sets of doubly-censored cohort data on incubation times, estimating incubation distributions using semiparametric methods and assessing the comparability of the estimates. Weibull models appear to be inappropriate for at least one of the cohorts, and the estimates for the different cohorts are substantially different. We use these estimates as inputs for backcalculation, using a nonparametric method based on maximum penalized likelihood. The different incubations all produce fits to the reported AIDS counts that are as good as the fit from a nonstationary incubation distribution that models treatment effects, but the estimated infection curves are very different. We also develop a method for estimating nonstationarity as part of the backcalculation procedure and find that such estimates also depend very heavily on the assumed incubation distribution. We conclude that incubation distributions are so uncertain that meaningful error bounds are difficult to place on backcalculated estimates and that backcalculation may be too unreliable to be used without being supplemented by other sources of information on HIV prevalence and incidence.
Las pesadillas de shango: los "Asesinatos constanzo" de Matamoros en el cine

El articulo examina dos peliculas inspiradas por los asesinatos cometidos por Adolfo de Jesus Constanzo, los cuales tuvieron lugar en Matamoros y el Distrito Federal de Mexico en los anos 80, mas notoriamente en 1989 cuando se sacrifico al estudiante estadounidense Mark Kilroy. Constanzo empleo una mezcla particular y repugnante de las religiones afro-hispanas, santeria y palo mayombe para realizar sus asesinatos rituales y controlar a sus seguidores. Los dos largometrajes son Perdita Durango (1997) de Alex de la Iglesia, y Borderland (2007) de Zev Berman.
Analysis of Noise in Phase Detection in a Fiber Optic Rate Sensor

The mathematical analysis of the effect of noise on the detection of optical phase shift in a fiber optic rate sensor must be based upon appropriate mathematical modeling of the noise. Noise may be categorized as being (I) additive to the optical field, (2) additive to the phase of the optical field, (3) multiplicative to the detector signal current, or (4) additive to the signal current. Because the rate information is contained within the phase of the detector current, it is the level crossings of the detector current that contain the desired information. We consider the effects of two types of noise on the level crossings of the signal current — that due to the optical source which is additive to the optical field, and that due to the polarization fluctuations of the two counter-propagating optical fields in the fiber gyro which is multiplicative to the signal current.
Model checking for database theoreticians

Algorithmic verification is one of the most successful applications of automated reasoning in computer science. In algorithmic verification one uses algorithmic techniques to establish the correctness of the system under verification with respect to a given property. Model checking is an algorithmic-verification technique that is based on a small number of key ideas, tying together graph theory, automata theory, and logic. In this self-contained talk I will describe how this “holy trinity” gave rise to algorithmic-verification tools, and discuss its applicability to database verification.
Pitfalls in the Use of Stereoacuity in the Diagnosis of Nonorganic Visual Loss.

Purpose The Titmus Stereotest (Stereo Optical Co., Inc., Chicago, IL) has been used to estimate visual acuity (VA) in the evaluation of nonorganic visual loss. Previous predictions were derived from optical degradation of VA in normal subjects and may not account for the variability seen in patients with neuro-ophthalmic pathologies included in the differential diagnosis of nonorganic visual loss. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between Titmus stereoacuity and minimal VA based on a real-world testing environment. Design Cross-sectional observational study. Participants All patients treated at the authors' neuro-ophthalmology service between April 25, 2014, and July 31, 2014. Methods All subjects underwent routine neuro-ophthalmic examination, including Titmus stereoacuity measurements. A compound Bayesian logit-lognormal model accounting for heteroscedasticity was used to determine 95% and 99% prediction intervals of the worse eye's near VA based on stereoacuity. Logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution VA and log stereoacuity were analyzed. Main Outcome Measures Titmus stereoacuity and worse eye VA. Results Of 561 patients, 364 subjects 11 to 91 years of age were included. Titmus stereoacuity was associated positively with VA: 9 circles correct (40 seconds of arc) indicated VA of at least 20/40 with 95% confidence and VA of at least 20/79 with 99% confidence; 6 circles correct (80 seconds of arc) indicated VA of at least 20/62 and 20/180, respectively; and 4 circles correct (140 seconds of arc) indicated VA of at least 20/110 and 20/570, respectively. Conclusions When fully accounting for individual variation and the full spectrum of neuro-ophthalmic diseases affecting VA, stereoacuity remains associated with VA, but previous commonly used VA estimates based on stereoacuity overestimated VA. Our results more accurately predict minimum VA from Titmus stereoacuity and should be used preferentially when evaluating patients with suspected nonorganic visual loss. We demonstrated that Titmus stereoacuity cannot definitively establish normal VA, and therefore can suggest, but not fully establish, the diagnosis of nonorganic visual loss.
MCNP - a general Monte Carlo code for neutron and photon transport

MCNP is a very general Monte Carlo neutron-photon transport code with approximately 250 person years of Group X-6 code development invested. It is highly portable, user-oriented, and a true production code as it is used about 60 Cray hours per month by about 150 Los Alamos users. It has as its data base the best cross-section evaluations available. MCNP contains state-of-the-art traditional and adaptive Monte Carlo techniques to be applied to the solution of an ever-increasing number of problems. Excellent user-oriented documentation is available for all facets of the MCNP code. Many useful and important variants of MCNP exist for special applications.
Social Interest, Loneliness, and Narcissism:

Narcissism has received fair attention recently as a cultural trend (3), as a personality disorder ( 1 ) , and as a personality trait (5 ) . Since some of the characteristics of this pattern specifically involve possibilities of disturbed interpersonal relationships, e.g., exploitativeness, lack of empathy, feelings of entidement, we might expect that narcissistic people would tend to be low in social interest. Also, Millon and Everly (4) characterized persons with narcissistic personalicy disorder as having a passively independent reinforcement system, as likewise did individuals with the related nonpathological confident personality. We would expect that this trait narcissism should be inversely related to the experience of loneliness. A sample of 17 male and 40 female srudents was drawn from general psychology classes composed almost entirely of freshmen and sophomores between ages 18 and 24 yr. All subjects responded to the Narcissistic Personality Inventory (5). the Social Interest Scale (2), and the Revised UCLA Loneliness Scale (6). The means and standard deviations (in parentheses) for narcissism, social interesr, and loneliness, respectively were 16.37 (7.69), 9.91 (3.18), and 37.60 (9.40). Scores on narcissism correlated (Pearson's procedure) -.394 with social incerest (P < .01) and -.I33 with loneliness. Scores on social interest correlated -.I88 with loneliness. Holding narcissism constant, scores on social incerest were inversely related to those on loneliness (r = -.264, 9 < .05). Narcissism was correlated -.431 with social interest (p < .01) when loneliness was held constant and -.229 with loneliness when social interest was held constant. This lamer result approached significance (p < .lo). In general, the values were small; only the one between narcissism and social interest accounted for 16% of the rota1 variance. As predicted, the results suggest that narcissism does tend to go with deficient social interest. On the other hand, the predicted relationship between narcissism and loneliness was nonsignificant, although in the expected direction. This may reflect absence of self-absorption in some individuals who otherwise have narcissistic characteristics, particularly those whose self-interest is milder. Social interest correlated inversely with loneliness only when the narcissism of the respondents was accounted for statistically. This result suggests that further research using any two of these variables might well also include the third.
Recovery and Stability of RNA in Vaginal Swabs and Blood, Semen, and Saliva Stains

RNA expression patterns, including the presence and relative abundance of particular mRNA species, provide cell and tissue specific information that could be used for body fluid identification. In this report, we address perceived concerns on the stability, and hence recoverability, of RNA in forensic samples. Stains were prepared from blood, saliva, semen, and vaginal secretions and exposed to a range of environmental conditions from 1 to 547 days. The persistence and stability of RNA within each type of body fluid stain were determined by quantitation of total RNA, and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using eight different mRNA transcripts from selected housekeeping and tissue-specific genes. The results demonstrate that RNA can be recovered from biological stains in sufficient quantity and quality for mRNA analysis. On average, several hundred nanograms of total RNA was recovered from 50-microL-sized blood and saliva stains, 1 microg from a 50-microL semen stain and nearly 70 microg from a whole vaginal swab. Messenger RNA is detectable in some samples stored at room temperature for at least 547 days. The environmental samples that were protected from direct rain impact exhibited housekeeping and tissue specific mRNA recoverability up to 7 days (saliva and semen), 30 days (blood), or 180 days (vaginal swab). Additionally, rain had a detrimental effect on the recoverability of blood (3 days), saliva (1 day), semen (7 days), and vaginal secretions (3 days) specific transcripts, with one of the mRNA species (the semen marker PRM2) not being detectable after 1 day.
Correction terms to pair potential model values of the energy of formation for transition element-polyvalent element phases

Abstract A simple procedure to allow calculation (prediction) of the absolute value for the energy of formation for phases having transition element-polyvalent element components has been developed and is incorporated in a computer program ABSNRG. The RMS deviation between calculated and measured heats of formation for AB compounds is 1615 cal/g atom (6760 J/g atom).
Substrate-induced lattice strain in particulate palladium deposits

Abstract Particulate films of palladium were vapor deposited onto single-crystal surfaces of MgO and ultrahigh-vacuum-cleaved mica. For small particles (average diameters less than 10 nm), an increase in the palladium lattice parameter was observed by selected area transmission electron diffraction. Palladium films on MgO grew epitaxially with a lattice expansion that was nearly uniform with particle size although a possible sawtooth variation in the strain with particle size is also discussed. The amount of change in the palladium lattice parameter for films grown on ultrahigh-vacuum-cleaved mica increased with diminishing particle size. The substrate temperature during deposition affected the epitaxy and structure of the particles and thus also changed the degree of lattice distortion.
Absence of salt appetite in adrenalectomized and DOCA-treated hamsters

Female hamsters do not increase their intake of 0.3% and 1.0% NaCl solutions after adrenalectomy and typically do not survive for more than 10 days. When saline solutions are sweetened with sucrose or saccharin, adrenalectomized hamsters consume large volumes and survive for long periods. The ingestion of saccharin or of sucrose does not by itself prolong survival of adrenalectomized hamsters. The hamster is unusual among commonly studied mammals in its aversion to a wide range of NaCl solutions and we conclude that the principal function of the sweeteners in the effective mixtures is to mask the taste of NaCI and thereby ensure the ingestion of large quantities of salt. However, there is no evidence of sodium deficiency in adrenalectomized hamsters and it remains unclear what specific functions the life-sustaining component of the sucrose-saline solutions perform. Rats treated with deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA) markedly increase their intake of a 3% NaCl solution but DOCA treatment has no effect on the hamster's salt consumption. The results of these and other experiments suggest that the maintenance of sodium balance in hamsters is relatively independent of the adrenal hormones. The absence of a sodium appetite in hamsters is discussed in relation to adaptation to a desert environment.
PHOTON-PHOTON COLLISIONS*

Studies of photon-photon collisions are reviewed with particular emphasis on new results reported to this conference. These include results on light meson spectroscopy and deep inelastic e..gamma.. scattering. Considerable work has now been accumulated on resonance production by ..gamma gamma.. collisions. Preliminary high statistics studies of the photon structure function F/sub 2//sup ..gamma../(x,Q/sup 2/) are given and comments are made on the problems that remain to be solved.
Knowledge is More than We Can Talk about: Implicit Learning in Motor Skill Acquisition

This article discusses the acquisition of knowledge about environmental regulatory features that guide the selection and execution of movements involved in performing open motor skills. First, empirical evidence related to the visual search characteristics of skilled and novice performers is considered to demonstrate that learning environmental regulatory features is an important part of performing an open motor skill. Then, the hypothesis is proposed and discussed that environmental regulatory features can, and probably should, be learned implicitly, which means the features can be learned and used, even though the learner is not consciously aware of the specific characteristics of those features. This article also discusses laboratory-based experiments that provide evidence supporting this hypothesis and presents implications for developing instructional strategies and practice conditions.
When to Recommend Intervention

The first treatment efficacy decision that faces the clinician is deciding when a child with language impairments can benefit from intervention. This article reviews the critical issues that influence this decision and recommends a data-based approach to answering the question. Three procedures (profiling, dynamic assessment, and tracking/monitoring) are recommended as the tools for helping speech-language pathologists make informed decisions about when children might best benefit from intervention.
Green-Riemann functions for a class of hyperbolic focal point problems

Focal point problems such as those in [Hiroshima Math J., 14 (1984), pp. 203–210] in a characteristic triangle have been extended to similar problems for hyperbolic equations of the form $u_{tt} - u_{xx} + q(s,t)u = - \lambda p(s,t)u$. Criteria for the existence of eigenvalues are established by means of Riemann and the generalized Green functions.
Reward-based learning for virtual neurorobotics through emotional speech processing

Reward-based learning can easily be applied to real life with a prevalence in children teaching methods. It also allows machines and software agents to automatically determine the ideal behavior from a simple reward feedback (e.g., encouragement) to maximize their performance. Advancements in affective computing, especially emotional speech processing (ESP) have allowed for more natural interaction between humans and robots. Our research focuses on integrating a novel ESP system in a relevant virtual neurorobotic (VNR) application. We created an emotional speech classifier that successfully distinguished happy and utterances. The accuracy of the system was 95.3 and 98.7% during the offline mode (using an emotional speech database) and the live mode (using live recordings), respectively. It was then integrated in a neurorobotic scenario, where a virtual neurorobot had to learn a simple exercise through reward-based learning. If the correct decision was made the robot received a spoken reward, which in turn stimulated synapses (in our simulated model) undergoing spike-timing dependent plasticity (STDP) and reinforced the corresponding neural pathways. Both our ESP and neurorobotic systems allowed our neurorobot to successfully and consistently learn the exercise. The integration of ESP in real-time computational neuroscience architecture is a first step toward the combination of human emotions and virtual neurorobotics.
Cook reducibility is faster than Karp reducibility in NP

Abstract It is unknown whether Cook reducibility of a set A to a set B —that is reduction of A to B via a Turing machine operating in polynomial time with “free” procedural calls to an algorithm for B —is more general than Karp reducibility—that is reduction of A to B via a function computable in polynomial time—on sets in NP. While we conjecture that Cook reducibility is indeed a more general notion than Karp reducibility on sets in NP, proving this would imply that P NP. Here we investigate more tractable subcases of the problem. For example, we prove that Cook reducibility is much faster than Karp reducibility on some classes of NP-complete sets. We also prove that for some classes of NP-complete sets Cook reductions between members of the classes can be both linearly fast and “linearly honest” while any Karp reduction must be highly “dishonest.”
NADH brain surface scanning and 3-D computer display.

Abstract The method of NADH oxidation-reduction state microfluorometry has been applied to the surface of the rat brain in an attempt to record a two-dimensional picture of NADH fluorescence in normoxia, with the animal breathing 20% oxygen, and to determine the extent and location of fluorescence intensity changes in hypoxia caused by lowering inspired oxygen level to 2%. The 50 μm beam of a microfluorometer was scanned in parallel lines 250 μm apart over the cerebrocortical surface, dura intact. Chart records of corrected fluorescence, or 366 nm reflected light substracted from 450 nm fluorescence emission in a 1:1 ratio, were digitized and the resulting data utilized by a computer to produce ‘three-dimensional’ plots of normoxic and hypoxic fluorescence and the difference between them. Heterogeneities were noted in the distribution of fluorescence over the cortex in normoxia. Non-uniformity of changes in local fluorescence magnitude with hypoxia was also observed.
A QUANTITATIVE STUDY OF THE VASCULARITY OF THE ADRENAL GLAND OF THE RAT DURING PREGNANCY AND AFTER CORTISONE TREATMENT12

THE maintenance and activity of cells of an organ is dependent among other things on the functional adequacy of the blood supply. The functional adequacy of the circulation of any organ depends in turn on a number of factors: the blood volume, rate of blood flow, the concentration of gases, nutrients and metabolites in the blood and tissue fluid, the tissue permeability of these substances, and the area of the capillary bed. In an endocrine organ, like the adrenal cortex, these factors are especially important, as the functional activity is expressed by the pattern of blood circulation. The complexities in the morphology of the adrenal cortex of mammals are so great that it seems practical at the present time to approach experimentally only the estimation of the area of the capillary bed. This area may be expressed as a ratio of the surface of the capillary bed to the volume of tissue occupied by it (S. V.).
The Two Concepts of Information

(1967). The Two Concepts of Information. Journal of the American Statistical Association: Vol. 62, No. 318, pp. 685-686.
On Art and Intention

The author discusses a puzzle about the place of intention in art, a puzzle first articulated by Richard Wollheim in his well-known lecture ‘On Drawing an Object’. The puzzle arises if we try to hold jointly three commonly-held claims, viz. (1) Art is intentional; (2) The artist, in making a work of art, needs to observe what he has done, in order to know what he has done; (3) A necessary condition of intentional action is that when an agent acts intentionally then he knows what he is (intentionally) doing without observation, or any need for it. Prima facie it would appear that we cannot hold all these claims together. The author spells out the problem, discusses Wollheim’s own solution to it (which he rejects) and seeks to dispel the puzzle by closer attention to intention and action in relation to artistic production.
BIOGENESIS OF ESTROGENS BY THE HUMAN OVARY: THE CONVERSION OF ANDROSTENEDIONE-4-C14 TO ESTRONE AND ESTRADIOL IN HIGH YIELD12

Androstenedione-4-C14 was incubated with tissue from the polycystic ovaries of a woman treated preoperatively with gonadotropic hormones. Radioactive cstronc and estradiol were isolated. The total amount formed approximated 15% of the starting material. The possible significance of such a relatively high yield is discussed. It has been demonstrated that human ovarian tissue converts testosterone to estrogens (1, 2), but in such low yield as to raise some question concerning the importance
The impact of three economic factors on cigarette procurement and consumption

This experiment examined the effects of three economic variables on the number of cigarettes earned in nicotine dependent cigarette smokers: (i) the ‘price’ of the cigarettes, (ii) the magnitude of an alternative, monetary reinforcer, and (iii) the ‘openness’ of the cigarette economy. In a laboratory study, smokers earned cigarettes and money by responding on two concurrent random-ratio schedules. Varying the number of responses required on the cigarette schedule varied cigarette price within sessions. Varying the amount of money that could be earned on the money schedule varied the magnitude of the monetary reinforcer between sessions. Varying the number of ‘free’ cigarettes provided after the task varied openness of the cigarette economy between sessions. Analyses revealed that fewer cigarettes were earned as the price of cigarettes increased, and this effect was more pronounced when the alternative monetary reinforcer was large and when free cigarettes were available. We conclude that the decline in the number of cigarettes earned as cigarette price increased was directly related to the availability of substitutes for the earned cigarettes. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A cDNA encoding an ADP/ATP carrier from the mosquito Anopheles gamblae

Two cDNAs are described from Anopheles gambiae that correspond to the ADP/ATP carrier or translocase. The clones are identical except for minor differences in the 5' non-coding region and in the lengths of the poly-A tails. They code for mRNAs of 1261 and 1263 bp and contain one open reading frame of 906 bp. A probe made from the 1263 bp cDNA hybridized to bands of approximately 1260 and 1700 bp on developmental Northern blots. The putative 300 amino acid peptide sequence shows from 53.4-78.5% identity to AAC peptide sequences from a range of organisms from Zea mays to human. Both clones mapped to region 26a on the left arm of chromosome 2 in An. gambiae.
Periodic Disturbance Accommodating Control for Blade Load Mitigation in Wind Turbines

Performance of a model-based periodic gain controller for wind turbines is presented using Disturbance Accommodating Control (DAC) techniques to estimate fluctuating wind disturbances. The control objective is to regulate rotor speed at above-rated wind speeds while mitigating cyclic blade root loads. Actuation is via individual blade pitch, and sensors are limited to rotor angle and speed. The modeled turbine is a two-bladed, downwind machine with simple blade and tower flexibility having four degrees of freedom. Comparisons are made to a time-invariant DAC controller and to a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) design. Simulations are performed using a fluctuating wind input and a nonlinear turbine model. Results indicate that the state-space control designs are effective in reducing blade loads without a sacrifice in speed regulation. The periodic controller shows the most potential because it uses a time-varying turbine model to estimate unmeasured states. The use of additional sensors to help reconstruct the blade flap rate can significantly improve the level of load attenuation, as witnessed in full-state feedback results.
Transition classes: a viable alternative for the at-risk child?

Increased interest in the child “not ready” for reading has led to the use of a number of instructional options, of which the transition class is one. Efficacy of transition room programs is reviewed and importance of teacher attitudes is discussed. Educators will need to examine current educational practices in order to reduce the school failure rate.
Water constituents and trace elements in relation to cardiovascular diseases.

Abstract Significant inverse correlations between the hardness of drinking water and local cardiovascular mortality rates are found consistently in major national studies and less consistently within smaller regions. A number of bulk and trace constituents of finished water at the treatment plant show correlations with mortality of equal but not greater magnitude to the correlations of hardness with mortality. Little is known about these relationships with tap water, but levels of several trace metals of biological significance are known to vary markedly within water distribution systems and are probably related to types of pipe and the corrosiveness of the water supplied. Tap water studies and studies of localities within smaller regions are recommended to disentangle the association of water quality and health from the associations of both to other regionally distributed factors. Rainfall is one such factor which may influence the content of both drinking water and soil and thus human mineral intake. A number of other environmental and social factors seem unlikely to be intermediaries from the results of several multivariate studies.
The effect of therapeutic treatment crossovers on the power of clinical trials

Abstract The Silicone Study is a randomized clinical trial comparing two surgical methods for reattaching the retina when detachment is associated with proliferative vitreoretinopathy. If the retina redetaches subsequently, the patient will usually undergo additional surgery using the assigned treatment. In a limited number of cases the patient may be switched to the alternative treatment, if a “therapeutic crossover” is endorsed by an independent committe of ophthalmologists. A successful outcome is continued anatomic attachment of the retina and an adequate visual result 6 months after the final surgery. The therapeutic treatment crossover affect the power of the trial to detect a difference between the two treatments. A simulation study shows that the loss in power depends on the magnitude and degree of bias in the probability of being switched from one treatment to the other. Unlike the usual case of lack of compliance, complete information about treatment history may allow statistical adjustment for the crossover. The outcome may be modeled using a multinomial distribution. Much of the power lost due to switching may be recouped under some strong assumptions.
Effects of Experimentally Produced Heart Failure on the Peripheral Vascular Response to Severe Exercise in Conscious Dogs

The peripheral vascular response to severe exercise in eight dogs with heart failure produced by tricuspid avulsion and progressive pulmonary stenosis was compared to the response determined in eight control dogs. After full recovery from implantation of Doppler flow probes and miniature pressure gauges, measurements of arterial blood pressure and blood flow were telemetered from untethered dogs running behind a mobile recording vehicle at speeds of 10-25 mph over distances averaging 1 mile. Severe exercise in control dogs increased heart rate from 78 to 281 beats/min and mean arterial blood pressure from 93 to 134 mm Hg. Iliac blood flow rose from 151 to 897 ml/min, but mesenteric and renal blood flows did not change significantly. Iliac vascular resistance decreased from 0.64 to 0.15 mm Hg/ml min-1, but mesenteric vascular resistance increased from 0.31 to 0.47 mm Hg/ml min-1 and renal vascular resistance increased from 0.49 to 0.75 mm Hg/ml min-1. Severe exercise in dogs with heart failure increased heart rate from 102 to 274 beats/min, but mean arterial blood pressure only increased from 100 to 107 mm Hg. Iliac blood flow rose from 96 to 360 ml/min, whereas mesenteric blood flow decreased from 237 to 89 ml/min and renal blood flow decreased from 226 to 79 ml/min. Iliac vascular resistance decreased from 1.09 to 0.34 mm Hg/ml min-1, but mesenteric vascular resistance increased from 0.49 to 1.31 mm Hg/ml min-1 and renal vascular resistance increased from 0.47 to 1.81 mm Hg/ml min-1. Thus, in heart failure a distinctly abnormal peripheral vascular response to severe exercise occurs, characterized by a very small elevation in mean arterial blood pressure and intense visceral vasoconstriction resulting in diversion of visceral blood flows.
Mitochondrial genetic diseases

Purpose of review Mitochondrial diseases are individually uncommon, but collectively pose a significant burden on human health. Primary mitochondrial disease is caused by defects in the mitochondrial DNA-encoded genes or in nuclear genes whose products are imported into the mitochondrion. Great strides have been made in determining the cause of mitochondrial disorders, but the clinical ability to diagnose these conditions lags behind because of phenotypic overlap between distinct genetic entities and the complexity and invasiveness of standard diagnostic testing. In this review, we evaluate new findings in mitochondrial genetics, recent developments in mitochondrial disease diagnostic testing, and emerging ideas for mitochondrial disease therapies.
The future of therapy for glioblastoma

Effective therapy for malignant gliomas has centered on traditional approaches such as surgery and radiation therapy. Over the past two decades, more innovative approaches involving the use of chemotherapy and immunotherapy have been developed. Although these techniques have improved the quality of survival for many patients, the median survival following diagnosis and adjuvant treatment still remains only about a year. Recently, genetically engineered viruses for gene transduction and targeted cell killing have been used successfully in the experimental treatment of glioblastoma multiforme. We provide a review of the current and possible future therapies for malignant glioma with the belief that molecular biologic and genetic techniques offer the greatest hope of significantly altering the course of disease.
Pediatricians' reported practices regarding early education and Head Start referral.

Background Early learning programs have proven benefits for impoverished children; Head Start is the most widespread of such programs. The current involvement of pediatricians in the Head Start enrollment process is unknown. Objectives 1) To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and reported practices of pediatricians on referring families to Head Start; 2) to assess pediatricians' receptivity to a potential practice-based intervention to enhance their ability to make Head Start referrals. Methods Mail survey to stratified random sample of pediatricians practicing in poor and non-poor US zip codes. Prevalence estimates and logistic regression models were estimated using weighted data. Results Of 1000 surveys distributed, 472 of 772 presumed-eligible subjects completed surveys for a response rate of 61%. Respondents and nonrespondents were similar with regard to age, gender, years in practice, and urban/rural practice setting. Eighty percent of pediatricians reported discussing child care arrangements with a majority of their preschool-aged patients' families, while only 14% reported actually assisting these families in applying to Head Start. Lack of time (77% of pediatricians) and nonphysician office staff (71%) were listed as the most significant barriers to helping families apply to Head Start. Unfamiliarity with early childhood education (10%) was generally not seen as a barrier to this practice. Head Start knowledge (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.43; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01, 2.02), self-efficacy in advising families how to access local Head Start programs (aOR: 3.49; 95% CI: 1.46, 8.38), and the belief that it is the pediatrician's responsibility to do so (aOR: 9.98; 95% CI: 3.91, 25.48) were significantly associated with assisting families with Head Start enrollment. The majority of respondents (77%) reported a willingness to participate in a proposed computer-based intervention to aid eligible families in applying to Head Start. Having access to a social worker (aOR: 2.48; 95% CI: 1.17, 5.21) and respondent age (aOR: 0.96 for each year; 95% CI: 0.93, 0.99) were significantly associated with likely participation in the intervention. Conclusions Although pediatricians report commonly discussing child care issues, few actively assist patients in the application process for Head Start. An intervention to facilitate Head Start referral from the physician's office must address time and staff limitations; education of pediatricians is a secondary need.
Population aging policies in East Asia and the United States

As a result of successful efforts to reduce fertility and mortality, East Asian populations are beginning to age, in some cases rapidly. Policies in response to population aging range from attempts in Singapore to reverse it by encouraging more births to efforts in Japan to accommodate it by increasing employment opportunities for older workers. The population of the United States, which had a longer postwar baby boom, is aging more slowly than these two countries and may be able to learn from the East Asian experience with aging policies.
Transport of Lactate-Modified Nanoscale Iron Particles in Porous Media

AbstractNanoscale iron particles (NIPs) have recently been shown to be effective for dehalogenation of recalcitrant organic contaminants such as pentachlorophenol and dinitrotoluene in the environment. However, the effective transport of NIPs into the contaminated subsurface zosnes is crucial for the success of in situ remediation. Previous studies have shown that the transport of NIPs in soils is very limited and surface modification of NIPs is required to achieve adequate transport. This paper investigates the transport of lactate-modified NIPs (LMNIPs) through four different sand porous media. A series of laboratory column experiments was conducted to quantify the transport of bare NIPs and LMNIPs at two slurry concentrations, 1 and 4 g/L, under two flow velocities. The NIPs used in this study possessed magnetic properties; thus, a magnetic susceptibility sensor system was used to monitor the changes in magnetic susceptibility (MS) along the length of the column at different times during the experiment...
Experiences with advanced cancer among Latinas in a public health care system.

Abstract Context Cultural dimensions related to illness are triggered at significant times in an illness trajectory, such as at illness onset or when death approaches. These factors influence views on how illness is understood and managed, which is likely more difficult for minority populations. Although Latinos experience barriers to high-quality health care, late-stage cancer diagnoses, and poor health outcomes, little is known about their experiences with advanced, life-threatening cancers. Objectives We examined Latinas' experiences with advanced, metastatic cancers to identify sociocultural beliefs that influenced their care. Methods We interviewed 24 Latinas taking part in a randomized controlled trial focused on improving quality-of-life outcomes for co-occurring cancer and depression and explored their beliefs about the cause, course, and cure of cancer. This study used a phenomenological analytical approach to explore women's lived experiences of having advanced cancer. Results Themes revealed issues about experiencing advanced cancer that included the following: initial reactions to cancer, disbelief about the lack of pain, economic impact, beliefs about the cause, coping with cancer, beliefs about the cure, and confusion about cancer severity. Sociocultural factors influence misunderstanding and confusion about cancer care but also can be a source of strength. Conclusion Providers need to become culturally sensitive to the needs of underserved Latinas. Denial or ignorance of these issues can create other problems, such as gaps in patient-centered decision making from diagnosis through the end of life.
Doppler mapping in hypothenar syndrome: An alternative to angiography☆

Four patients with hypothenar hammer syndrome were evaluated preoperatively with Doppler mapping and angiography. Both tests documented ulnar artery occlusion. In one patient, the proximal extent of thrombosis could not be identified by angiography. In all cases Doppler mapping accurately documented the extent of occlusion as confirmed by surgical exploration. Doppler mapping is a noninvasive alternative to angiography in the evaluation of hypothenar hammer syndrome.
Capillary pressure and heterogeneity for the CO2/water system in sandstone rocks at reservoir conditions

Abstract A novel method is presented to measure drainage capillary pressure curves both at the core and sub-core scale using CO2 and water at reservoir conditions. The experimental configuration is very similar to the one used in traditional steady-state relative permeability experiments. Capillary pressure measurements are made at the inlet face of the sample by successively increasing the flow rate of the non-wetting phase while measuring the saturation with a medical X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) scanner. The method requires that the wetting phase pressure is uniform across the core and can be measured in the outlet end-cap. A capillary pressure curve is obtained in less than two days, as compared to weeks for existing methods that use porous plates. Drainage capillary pressure curves of CO2 and water are measured for two sandstones rock cores with different lithology and pore size distribution. Experiments are carried out at 25 and 50 °C and at 9 MPa pore pressure, while keeping the confining pressure on the core at 12 MPa. There is excellent agreement between the new method and data from mercury intrusion porosimetry; beside providing confidence in the new technique, such comparison allows for an estimate of the wetting and interfacial properties of the CO2/water system. X-ray CT scanning allows for precise imaging of fluid saturations at a resolution of about (2.5 × 2.5 × 1) mm3, thus enabling quantification of sub-core scale capillary pressure curves. These measurements provide independent confirmation that sub-core scale capillary heterogeneity plays an important role in controlling saturation distributions during multiphase flow.