cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Association between primary language, a lack of mammographic screening, and later stage breast cancer presentation

Background Health determinants are known to influence the stage of breast cancer presentation, but it is unclear to what extent language affects stage. This study investigates whether non-English-speaking (NES) patients present at a later stage than their English-speaking (ES) counterparts and whether language is associated with mammographic screening. Methods This study was a retrospective, single-institution cohort analysis of women undergoing breast radiotherapy from 2012 to 2017 (n = 1057). Patients were categorized as ES (n = 904) or NES (n = 153). Ordinal logistic regression analysis identified variables associated with later stage presentation, including language, race/ethnicity, and age. A subcohort analysis investigated the influence of mammographic screening on stage for NES patients. Results NES patients had greater odds of later stage disease than ES patients (odds ratio, 1.47; 95% confidence, 1.001-2.150). This association persisted across all races/ethnicities. An additional analysis examined age categories associated with mammographic screening. For women eligible for screening (ie, those 40-50 years old or older than 50 years), there was a significant association between language and stage. NES patients older than 50 years were twice as likely to present at an advanced stage in comparison with ES patients (16.19% vs 8.11%; P = .0082). An additional subset analysis accounted for mammograms. NES patients who did not undergo screening had a higher probability of stage III disease (40.3% of NES patients vs 12.7% of ES patients). There was no difference in stage between NES and ES patients who did undergo screening. Conclusions Language is independently associated with later stage breast cancer for NES patients, regardless of race/ethnicity. NES patients may have difficulty in accessing the health care system. Future interventions should seek to reduce language barriers for mammographic screening and diagnosis.
Signed, Sealed, Delivered: Increasing Patient Notification of Test Results in an Internal Medicine Resident Continuity Clinic.

Objectives Informing patients of their test results is an important patient safety issue, yet many physicians perform dismally in this regard. Residents often face additional barriers to communicating test results to patients. We wanted to determine whether streamlining the notification process, communicating expectations, and having residents audit their performance would increase result notification rates. Methods We used a quasi-experimental design, and a single-group before-and-after intervention. Our multifold intervention consisted of development and standardization of a notification process in the electronic medical record, an education component, and a self-audit component. During a 15-minute session, we educated residents on the use of the new process. We also restated expectations regarding notifying patients of their results. Residents audited their own charts for a period before the intervention and during a second, postintervention period. An independent review of notification rates took place simultaneously as well as during an additional period several months later. Results In total, 87 residents were eligible for participation. All 87 completed the project, giving a 100% participation rate. Resident-reported laboratory test notification rates increased from 16% to 91%; other test result rates increased from 33% to 84%. The three independent reviews showed laboratory test notification rates increased from 18.5% to 71.7% to 87.1%, and notification of other test results increased from 23.5% to 66.7% to 91.7%. Conclusions Baseline rates of notification for diagnostic tests results were low, but streamlining the notification process, clearly stating expectations for using it, and using resident self-audit can improve notification rates.
The Toxicology of Polycyclic Organic Matter from Exhaust Gases

The assessment of the potential toxic effects of polycyclic organic matter from exhaust gases can be approached in a variety of ways using short-term in vitro studies, whole animal studies testing total exhaust emissions or fractions thereof, and epidemiologic studies. Each of these approaches has its own problems of interpretation and extrapolation. Many of the experimental methods available today are claimed to yield results related to or predictive of human carcinogenesis. These same methods are not claimed to be predictors of non-neoplastic disease. These test systems are often used to evaluate fractions of the exhaust emissions or pure compounds which have been identified in the total exhaust. Caution is necessary in the interpretation of such results as many examples are known where results differ when compounds are tested alone or as components of a mixture. The majority of the in vitro tests monitor the initiation phase of carcinogenesis, whereas we know that cancer is a multistage process with a multifactorial etiology. The efforts of dissecting the emissions with the intention of identification and removal of toxic components to produce a higher quality emission must be weighed against simply reducing the quantity of total emissions.
Productivity and cost-effectiveness of short-rotation hardwoods on various land types in the southeastern USA.

AbstractDespite the growing need to produce energy crops, information on comprehensive feasibility of growing short-rotation woody crops (SRWCs) on non-contentious and less-utilized lands and lands...
Development of a Blastoid Variant, Mantle Cell Lymphoma Model in Transgenic Mice.

Abstract Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL) is a poorly understood, aggressive histotype of B-cell non-Hodgkin's Lymphomas (NHL-B) that remains the most therapeutically resistant of the NHL-B. Little is known regarding why MCL is so clinically aggressive and therapeutically refractory. Blastoid variant MCL (MCL-BV) is an even more aggressive form of MCL that appears to be increasing in incidence in the US. It may represent progression from classic MCL, often with leukemic involvement and complex lymphoma karyotypes. Interleukin 14 (IL-14) is cytokine that was identified and cloned from a Burkitt lymphoma (BL) cell line that acts as a growth factor for normal B-lymphocytes. The expression of IL-14a protein and mRNA levels are elevated at lease fifty-fold in B-cell non-Hodgkin's Lymphomas (NHL-B), including mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), in contrast to very low levels of IL-14a in quiescent (Go) B cells by both western and northern blot analysis. To evaluate the role of IL-14 in vivo, we have generated transgenic mice expressing IL-14 with pEuSR. The IL-14 TG mice generally live a normal life span, however when autopsies are performed at 18 months of age, splenomegaly is noted, and 50% have evidence of B cell lymphoma. This lymphoma is CD5+, CD19+, sIgM+, CD21− and contains a monoclonal population of B-lymphocytes with rearranged immunoglobulin genes. Morphologically the lymphoma arising in IL-14 transgenic mice resembles the centroblastic/Immunoblastic histotype of DLBCL. Because of the frequent involvement of c-myc in various B cell malignancies, we crossed Eμ-myc (c-myc TG) mice with the IL-14 TG mice. By 3 months of age, 100% of the double transgenic (DTG) mice develop an aggressive B cell malignancy that is characterized by extensive lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly with intermediate to large atypical lymphoid cells, strongly resembling MCL-BV morphologically. This tumor, like that derived from the IL-14 TG mice, is CD5+, CD19+, sIgM+, CD21−. It is also CD23− and over-expresses Cyclin D1 in monoclonal B lymphoid cells with re-arranged IgH immunoglobulin genes, mimicking the MCL phenotype. At the time of autopsy, tumor infiltration of DTG mice is generally found in all organs evaluated, including peripheral blood, lymph nodes, spleen, liver, bone marrow, thymus and kidneys, consistent with the usual findings in MCL-BV. No tumors are observed in IL-14α TG or c-myc TG mice autopsied at this age. This MCL-BV model allows for the molecular and genotypic characterization of the murine B lymphoid cell compartment from birth to lymphoma development (3 mos.), including histogenesis and functional determination of the growth and survival characteristics of these tumors in DTG bone marrow and peripheral B cell populations. Preliminary comparative in vitro and in vivo (SCID Xeno-transplants) studies in DTG/MCL-BV lymphomas have shown additional molecular similarities to the pathophysiology (e.g constitutive NF-kB activation) of MCL-BV cell lines and patient samples, that should provide insights for future potential therapeutic approaches to MCL.
Innovation and Growth: Applying Clayton M. Christensen’s Theories to Academic Libraries

Academic libraries are facing many challenges as documents become digital objects on the network and services that were once their sole province are now provided by others at network-scale. Academic libraries will need to identify and develop new services if they are to remain vital. Using two theories from Clayton M. Christensen’s work, the first on different kinds of innovation and their impact on growth, and the second on the “jobs to be done” framework, can guide librarians in this task. Understanding the different types of innovation and the results they bring should shape budget and resource allocation strategies. Understanding the “jobs of be done” framework should provide the means of identifying new products and services that will be valued by students and faculty. The two theories, taken together, can provide academic libraries the means to assure their continuing relevance.
Feasibility and safety of transradial access for pediatric neurointerventions

Background Diagnostic cerebral angiograms are increasingly being performed by transradial access (TRA) in adults, following data from the coronary literature supporting fewer access-site complications. Despite this ongoing trend in neuroangiography, there has been no discussion of its use in the pediatric population. Pediatric TRA has scarcely been described even for coronary or other applications. This is the first dedicated large study of transradial access for neuroangiography in pediatric patients. Methods A multi-institutional series of consecutively performed pediatric transradial angiograms and interventions was collected. This included demographic, procedural, outcomes, and safety data. Data was prospectively recorded and retrospectively analyzed. Results Thirty-seven diagnostic angiograms and 24 interventions were performed in 47 pediatric patients. Mean age, height, and weight was 14.1 years, 158.6 cm, and 57.1 kg, respectively. The radial artery measured 2.09+/-0.54 mm distally, and 2.09+/-0.44 mm proximally. Proximal and distal angiography were performed for both diagnostic and interventional application (17 distal angiograms, two distal interventions). Clinically significant vasospasm occurred in eight patients (13.1%). Re-access was successfully performed 11 times in seven patients. Conversion to femoral access occurred in five cases (8.2%). The only access-related complication was a small asymptomatic wrist hematoma after TR band removal. Conclusions Transradial access in pediatric patients is safe and feasible. It can be performed successfully in many cases but carries some unique challenges compared with the adult population. Despite the challenge of higher rates of vasospasm and conversion to femoral access, it is worth exploring further, given the potential benefits.
Recommended Imaging for Salivary Gland Disorders

Imaging modalities useful in the contemporary evaluation of salivary gland disorders are discussed. Salivary gland ultrasound—due to its wide applicability, versatility, availability, and low cost—is supported as a frontline evaluation and is frequently done as an in-office procedure by the treating surgeon. Contrast-enhanced CT may be as accurate as non-contrast CT in detecting sialolithiasis. Although conventional sialography (fluoroscopic salivary gland evaluation with ductal dilation and radiocontrast insufflation) was initially designed as a diagnostic procedure, more recently, reported experience has demonstrated it to result in improved salivary function for several disorders—including its use as treatment of juvenile recurrent parotitis. Conventional sialography remains the most accurate method to assess the full ductal anatomy and is superior to MRI sialography which fails to adequately image the more proximal ducts. For benign salivary tumors, US may obviate the need for further imaging and provide reliable estimation of tumor location. Salivary gland disorders are most efficiently imaged with in-office ultrasound. In settings where US cannot be performed, CT (with or without contrast) remains a reliable initial method to detect salivary gland abnormalities including sialolithiasis. MR sialography has become a useful modality for evaluating stenosis and may be considered when conventional sialography is not available.
Heterogeneity in the Continuity and Change of Early and Adult Risk Factor Profiles of Incarcerated Individuals: A Latent Transition Analysis:

Considerable research has examined risk factors for offending, but far less is known on the constellations of co-occurring risk factors, such as adverse childhood experiences and low self-control, ...
Etiology and Comorbidity Diagnoses Effect on Outcomes for Patients Undergoing Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography.

Introduction Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is now the first-line approach to treating choledocholithiasis. As a minimally invasive procedure, it is considered relatively safe but still entails a higher risk than other routine endoscopic procedures. This study aims to look at possible patient etiologies and comorbidities that may affect patient outcomes. Methods This study used the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) from the years 2012 - 2015 to collect anonymous patient data through the use of International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) codes. Specific codes were used to determine the top five etiologies (or presenting diagnosis) for patients who had this surgery and to separate outpatients with specific comorbidity diagnoses. The IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) (IBM SPSS Statistics, Armonk, NY) was then used to compare patients with these diagnoses or etiologies to those without to measure differences in patient outcomes, such as mortality, length of stay, and total charges. Results Patients who had an etiological diagnosis of acute kidney failure had worse outcomes than patients who were admitted for ERCP without that etiological diagnosis. There were also specific comorbidity diagnoses that were noted to have worse patient outcomes, including congestive heart failure, diabetes mellitus with complications, a coagulopathy disorder, anemia, or chronic liver disease. Additionally, patients who had both acute kidney disease and chronic liver disease had the worst outcomes. Conclusions This study highlights the need to understand all patient risk factors before having them undergo ERCP, especially in the setting of scheduled surgery. Working to control these factors before surgery can increase the possibility of avoiding negative outcomes like mortality, increased patient costs, and increased length of stay.
Predicting City-Level Construction Cost Index Using Linear Forecasting Models

AbstractBecause of the importance of budget planning and contract bidding, accurate prediction of future movements of the construction cost index (CCI) has been a crucial part of construction cost ...
Immune Responses to SARS-CoV-2 in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by a complex interplay between severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) dynamics and host immune responses. Hosts with altered immunity, including solid organ transplant recipients, may be at increased risk of complications and death due to COVID-19. A synthesis of the available data on immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection is needed to inform therapeutic and preventative strategies in this special population. Few studies have directly compared immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 between transplant recipients and the general population. Like non-transplant patients, transplant recipients mount an exuberant inflammatory response following initial SARS-CoV2 infection, with IL-6 levels correlating with disease severity in some, but not all studies. Transplant recipients display anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and activated B cells in a time frame and magnitude similar to non-transplant patients—limited data suggest these antibodies can be detected within 15 days of symptom onset and may be durable for several months. CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphopenia, a hallmark of COVID-19, is more profound in transplant recipients, but SARS-CoV-2–reactive T cells can be detected among patients with both mild and severe disease. The limited available data indicate that immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 are similar between transplant recipients and the general population, but no studies have been sufficiently comprehensive to understand nuances between organ types or level of immunosuppression to meaningfully inform individualized therapeutic decisions. The ongoing pandemic provides an opportunity to generate higher-quality data to support rational treatment and vaccination strategies in this population.
A quantitative analysis of accuracy, reliability and bias in judgements of functional analyses

Functional analysis can be considered a diagnostic assessment that behavior analysts use to determine behavioral function. Such a diagnosis ultimately requires a yes or no decision (i.e., a variable maintains a behavior, or it does not) that is determined by both subjective (clinical judgement) and objective (data) variables. Accurate and reliable identification of function is essential for successful treatment, yet behavior analysts' interpretation of data relies on their ability to detect visual differences in graphed data. Some research indicates that behavior analysts have questionable reliability in their visual analysis. To further examine the reliability, accuracy, and bias in visual analysis of functional analysis graphs, we simulated functional analysis results and surveyed 121 BCBA-Ds experienced in visual analysis. We then examined reliability of responses and used a signal detection theory approach to analyze accuracy and bias. Findings suggest that reliability and accuracy of judgements are questionable, and exploration of decision aids is warranted.
Effects of financial incentives on volunteering for clinical trials: A randomized vignette experiment.

Abstract Background Financial incentives may aid recruitment to clinical trials, but evidence regarding risk/burden-driven variability in participant preferences for incentives is limited. We developed and tested a framework to support real-world decisions on recruitment budget. Methods We included two phases: an Anchoring Survey, to ensure we could capture perceived unpleasantness on a range of life events, and a Vignette Experiment, to explore relationships between financial incentives and participants' perceived risk/burden and willingness to participate in high- and low-risk/burden versions of five vignettes drawn from common research activities. We compared vignette ratings to identify similarly rated life events from the Anchoring Survey to contextualize ratings of study risk. Results In our Anchoring Survey (n = 643), mean ratings (scale 1 = lowest risk/burden to 5 = highest risk/burden) indicated that the questions made sense to participants, with highest risk assigned to losing house in a fire (4.72), and lowest risk assigned to having blood pressure taken (1.13). In the Vignette Experiment (n = 534), logistic regression indicated that amount of offered financial incentive and perceived risk/burden level were the top two drivers of willingness to participate in four of the five vignettes. Comparison of event ratings in the Anchoring Survey with the Vignette Experiment ratings suggested reasonable concordance on severity of risk/burden. Conclusions We demonstrated feasibility of a framework for assessing participant perceptions of risk for study activities and discerned directionality of relationship between financial incentives and willingness to participate. Future work will explore use of this framework as an evidence-gathering approach for gauging appropriate incentives in real-world study contexts.
State Transportation Agencies’ Current Practices in Providing Design Information for Design-Build Projects during Procurement

AbstractOwners that solicit proposals for lump-sum design-build transportation projects must provide a minimum level of design and other pertinent information to prospective design-builders in the ...
To Determine Relationship Between Lifestyle and Mental Health

Lifestyle factors including type of occupation, eating habits, addictions and sleeplessness can all affect your psychological state. If anyone experiences and have a psychological state problem there are often these factors responsible. Good psychological state helps to be happy in life and affect difficulties and complications successfully. It gives a way of well-being and inner quality or a state of physical or mental strength. As you're taking care of your body with proper nutrition and exercise, you'll do things to guard your psychological state. Many studies are conducted on the connection between lifestyle and mind in recent years, a number of which are scientifically stronger than others. Ezoe and Morimoto (1994) research seeks to integrate behaviors with the main components of psychological state. They found that healthiness habits are often unique and are all related to better psychological state conditions. there's ample evidence that medical lifestyle changes (TLCs) apply to both medical and general populations. within the 21st century, alternative therapies may have to be developed as a basis for psychological, medical and community health.”
On Thermal Effects in Viscoelastic Fluids with Microstructure

Thermal effects in polymer melts are important considerations in the processing of the polymeric material. The work reported here addresses the problem from a theoretical viewpoint. The polymer melt is treated as a viscoelastic microfluid subjected to a temperature and microtemperature distribution.
Applications of the Double Frequency Technique in Bubble Sizing and Pressure Measurements in Fluids

The detection and sizing of microbubbles in fluids has potential applications in industry and medicine. Non-invasive techniques using ultrasound appear attractive compared to optical techniques. Different methods employing ultrasound have been shown to be capable of detecting bubbles in fluids and of estimating their sizes. These include those using the Doppler effect (Nishi, 1972)1 , resonant scattering (Fairbanks and Scully, 1977)2 and second harmonic generation (Miller, 1981)3. There are some major drawbacks in these techniques. In the Doppler technique there is no way of distinguishing echoes from a cluster of small bubbles from those of a large bubble occupying the same volume. The Doppler technique is also incapable of detecting stationary bubbles, such as those trapped in tissues. The resonant scattering and the second harmonic generation techniques work on the basis of the fact that bubbles have a characteristic resonant frequency dependent on their sizes. In resonant scattering, however, it is found that larger bubbles give rise to a stronger echo than bubbles at resonance, giving rise to ambiguities which would make it difficult to measure the size distribution of bubbles covering a range of sizes. Both the resonant scattering and the second harmonic generation methods suffer from poor spatial resolution.
Rule-based multiple object tracking for traffic surveillance using collaborative background extraction

In order to address the challenges of occlusions and background variations, we propose a novel and effective rule-based multiple object tracking system for traffic surveillance using a collaborative background extraction algorithm. The collaborative background extraction algorithm collaboratively extracts a background from multiple independent extractions to remove spurious background pixels. The rule-based strategies are applied for thresholding, outlier removal, object consolidation, separating neighboring objects, and shadow removal. Empirical results show that our multiple object tracking system is highly accurate for traffic surveillance under occlusion conditions.
Series merging of hydrogen Balmer lines during a stellar flare

It is demonstrated that the series merging of Stark broadened hydrogen Balmer profiles can produce a significant and, possibly, observable continuum enhancement in the vicinity of the Balmer jump. The implications of this result for the enhanced 'blue' continuum that is often observed in solar and stellar flares are discussed.
Macrophysical properties of tropical cirrus clouds from the CALIPSO satellite and from ground‐based micropulse and Raman lidars

Lidar observations of cirrus cloud macrophysical properties over the U.S. Department of Energy Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) program Darwin, Australia site are compared from the Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and In- frared Pathfinder Satellite Observation (CALIPSO) satellite, the ground-based ARM micropulse lidar (MPL), and the ARM Raman lidar (RL). Comparisons are made using the subset of profiles where the lidar beam is not fully attenuated. Daytime measurements using the RL are shown to be relatively unaffected by the solar background and are therefore suited for checking the validity of diurnal cycles. RL and CALIPSO cloud fraction profiles show good agreement while the MPL detects significantly less cirrus, particularly during the daytime. Both MPL and CALIPSO observations show that cirrus clouds occur less frequently during the day than at night at all altitudes. In contrast, the RL diurnal cy- cle is significantly different than zero only below about 11 km; where it is the opposite sign (i.e. more clouds during the daytime). For cirrus geomet- rical thickness, the MPL and CALIPSO observations agree well and both datasets have signficantly thinner clouds during the daytime than the RL. From the examination of hourly MPL and RL cirrus cloud thickness and through the application ofmore » daytime detection limits to all CALIPSO data we find that the decreased MPL and CALIPSO cloud thickness during the daytime is very likely a result of increased daytime noise. This study highlights the vast im- provement the RL provides (compared to the MPL) in the ARM program's ability to observe tropical cirrus clouds as well as a valuable ground-based lidar dataset for the validation of CALIPSO observations and to help im- prove our understanding of tropical cirrus clouds.« less
Introduction to Cirquent Calculus and Abstract Resource Semantics* This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0208816, and 2005 Summer Research Grant from Villanova University.

This article introduces a refinement of the sequent calculus approach called cirquent calculus. Roughly speaking, the difference between the two is that, while in Gentzen-style proof trees sibling (or cousin, etc.) sequents are disjoint and independent sequences of formulas, in cirquent calculus they are permitted to share elements. Explicitly allowing or disallowing shared resources and thus taking to a more subtle level the resource-awareness intuitions underlying substructural logics, cirquent calculus offers much greater flexibility and power than sequent calculus does. A need for substantially new deductive tools came with the birth of computability logic --- the semantically constructed formal theory of computational resources, which has stubbornly resisted all axiomatization attempts within the framework of traditional syntactic approaches. Cirquent calculus breaks the ice. Removing contraction from the full ('classical') collection of its rules yields a sound and complete system for the basic fragment CL5 of computability logic, previously thought to be 'most unaxiomatizable'. Deleting the offending rule of contraction in ordinary sequent calculus, on the other hand, throws out the baby with the bath water, resulting in the strictly weaker affine logic. An implied claim of computability logic is that it is CL5 rather than affine logic that adequately materializes the resource philosophy traditionally associated with the latter. To strengthen this claim, the article further introduces an abstract resource semantics and shows the soundness and completeness of CL5 with respect to it. Unlike the semantics of computability logic, which understands resources in a special --- computational --- sense, abstract resource semantics can be seen as a direct formalization of the more general yet naive intuitions in the 'can you get both a candy and an apple for one dollar?' style. The inherent incompleteness of affine or linear logics, resulting from the fundamental limitations of the underlying sequent calculus approach, is apparently the reason why such intuitions and examples, while so heavily relied on in the popular linear-logic literature, have never really found a good explication in the form of a mathematically strict and intuitively convincing semantics. The article is written in a style accessible to a wide range of readers. Some basic familiarity with computability logic, sequent calculus or linear logic is desirable only as much as to be able to duly appreciate the import of the present contribution.
Differential Serine Phosphorylation Regulates IκB-α Inactivation

Abstract NF-κB is a ubiquitous transcription factor involved in the signal transduction mechanisms of the immune response, acute phase reactions, and viral infections. NF-κB proteins are retained in the cytoplasm by association with an inhibitor, termed IκB. Studies on the regulation of mammalian IκB-α have revealed that two amino-terminal conserved phosphoserines are the target sites of incoming signals. We report that the corresponding amino-terminal phosphoserines of avian IκB-α are phosphorylation targets leading to inactivation of IκB-α upon stimulation. In addition, we show differential roles for these two serines. Mutation of serine 40 to alanine blocks all stimuli tested (TNF-α, phorbol ester, and anti-CD3 and anti-CD28), leading to NF-κB activation, while mutation of serine 36 to alanine attenuates only certain transduced signals (PMA, TNF-α). These novel findings support the hypothesis that the amino-terminal phosphoserine residues of avian IκB-α differentially mediate NF-κB signal transduction pathways and activation by distinct signals, thereby resulting in the activation NF-κB.
Fire safety of soft furnishings—an overview

The fire risk posed by soft furnishings such as bedding materials and upholstered furniture and the strategies being developed to reduce the number of fire-related casualities are reviewed from a Canadian point of view. Statistics from Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom indicate that a substantial reduction in the number of fire deaths would be possible if the ability of assemblies of materials to resist ignition by smokers' materials, such as cigarettes and matches, could be improved. The post-ignition performance of furnishings that results in generation of heat, smoke and toxic gases is also important from a safety point of view. A need exists for both full-scale and small-scale fire tests, and for mathematical modelling for present and future control strategies.
Distribution of quasars on the sky.

It is shown that high-redshift quasars of bright apparent magnitude are concentrated in the direction of the centre of the Local Group of galaxies. A number of them are distributed along a line originating from the Local Group companion galaxy, M 33. A similar, but shorter and fainter line of quasars is seen emanating from the spiral galaxy NGC 300 in the next nearest, Sculptor Group of galaxies.
Reflection effects in interferometry

Spurious distortions of interference fringes are often encountered in the interferometry of planar solid–fluid phase boundaries. These distortions mimic refractive-index variations near the interface and introduce uncertainty in locating the position of the interface on the interferogram. Light reflection from the slightly rounded edge of the solid surface has been identified as the principal cause of these distortions.
Relationship between dietary lipid source, oxidative stress, and the physiological response to stress in sub-yearling chinook salmon ( Oncorhynchus tshawytscha )

Relationships between dietary lipid source, stress, and oxidative stress were examined in juvenile chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha). Four different experimental diets were used: menhaden oil (MHO; elevated 20:5n-3 and 22:6n-3), soybean oil (SBO; elevated 18:2n-6), linseed oil (LSO; elevated 18:3n-3), and a mixture of 55% linseed oil and 45% soybean oil (MIX; approximately equal levels of 18:2n-6 and 18:3n-3). Juvenile salmon (initial body weight of 16.0 g) were fed experimental diets for 12 weeks (early March to early June). At the end of feeding, fish subjected to a low-water stressor for 96 h had greater liver and brain lipid peroxidation compared to unstressed controls; peroxidation was not influenced by diet. Diet and stress affected plasma cortisol levels. Stressed fish fed SBO had the greatest cortisol concentrations, followed by MIX, MHO, and LSO (mean concentrations for the SBO and LSO diets differed significantly). The cortisol response to stress may have been influenced by the ratio of prostaglandin 1- and 2-series to prostaglandin 3-series precursor fatty acids provided by the different diets. The results of this study suggest a connection between the physiological response to stress, dietary lipid quality, and oxidative stress. This is the first evidence of such a relationship in fish. Abbreviations: AA - arachidonic acid; ACTH - adrenocorticotropin; BHT - butylated hydroxytoluene; BLPO - brain lipid peroxidation; dGLA - dihomo-γ-linolenic acid; DHA - docosahexanoic acid; EPA - eicosapentanoic acid; FER - feed efficiency ratio; FOX - ferrous oxidation-xylenol orange; GLA -γ-linolenic acid; LA - linoleic acid; LCO3 - long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids; LLPO - liver lipid peroxidation; LN - linolenic acid; LPO - lipid peroxidation; LSO - linseed oil; MHO - menhaden oil; MIX - 55% linseed oil + 45% soybean oil; PC - plasma cortisol; PG - prostaglandin(s); PGE2- prostaglandin E2; PUFA - polyunsaturated fatty acid; SBO - soybean oil.
Tuberculosis and the Victorian Literary Imagination

Tuberculosis and the Victorian Literary Imagination Katherine Byrne New York: Cambridge UP, 2011 x +223, 1 illustration. ISBN 978–0–521–76667–8 To scholars of the nineteenth-century novel, the phra...
Cognitive development and children's comprehension of humor /

MCGHEE, PAUL E. Cognitive Development and Children's Comprehension of Humor. CHILD DEVELOPMENT, 1971, 42, 123-138. This study investigated the relationship between children's level of cognitive functioning (according to Piaget's theoretical framework) and their comprehension and appreciation of humor based on violation of cognitive expectancies. A distinction was drawn between novelty and incongruity humor, differing in the nature of expectancy violation represented. The general hypothesis tested was that operational thinking is necessary for comprehension of incongruity humor but is not necessary for comprehension of novelty humor. The Ss were 30 boys at each of 3 age levels: 5, 7, and 9. The above hypothesis was confirmed only for the 7-year-old group. Also, for the incongruity humor (but not novelty humor), operational thinking was found to be an important factor in the ability to give interpretive, as opposed to descriptive, explanations. Level of cognitive development was not significantly related to humor appreciation for either novelty or incongruity humor. Analyses of age differences indicated consistent significant increases in comprehension with increasing age for all humor stimuli. Similar analyses for humor appreciation yielded no significant age differences.
Echocardiographic predictors of survival after surgery for mitral regurgitation in the age of valve repair

Abstract The objective of this study was to identify echocardiographic and clinical predictors of survival after mitral valve surgery when mitral repair is an option. In 132 patients undergoing mitral valve repair or replacement for the diagnosis of mitral regurgitation, preoperative echocardiograms were analyzed quantitatively and reviewed by two independent observers for structural abnormalities of the mitral valve. In Cox regression analysis, clinical factors such as age (mortality rate ratio [MMR] 1.7/decade, 95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.1, 2.4), and New York Heart Association class IV (MRR 3.1, 95% CI 1.4, 6.7) and echocardiographic factors including morphologic evidence of endocarditis or myxomatous disease (MRR 0.3, 95% CI 0.1, 0.7) were significant predictors of overall survival, although valve repair itself was not. End-systolic dimensions and volumes were not, likely related to the small number of patients with markedly increased end-systolic dimensions or volumes (5 patients [4%] with end-systolic dimension >5.5 cm, 12 patients [9%] with end-systolic volume index >60 ml/m2). New York Heart Association class IV (MRR 2.9, 95% CI 1.3, 6.4), age (MRR 1.7/decade, 95% CI 1.2, 2.6), and the presence of calcification (MRR 4.6, 95% CI 1.3, 16.2) were independent predictors of survival in multivariate analysis. In this contemporary cohort of patients undergoing repair or replacement for mitral regurgitation, factors such as echocardiographically determined cause of disease and presence of calcification predicted survival; traditional measurements such as end-systolic dimensions and volumes were less predictive, most likely because patients underwent surgery before their ventricles became markedly enlarged. Clinical factors such as age and functional status remained the most potent predictors of survival after surgery for mitral regurgitation.
An absolute method for aerosol particle mass and charge measurement

Abstract An absolute method for single aerosol particle mass and charge measurement has been developed. The method involves suspension of a charged particle in an electrodynamic chamber called a quadrupole. From the voltage required to balance the particle against gravity, the particle charge-to-mass ratio can be measured. By irradiating the particle with ultraviolet light, a single electron can be removed and a new balancing voltage determined. From the balancing voltages measured before and after this so-called process of “electron-stepping,” the particle mass and charge are determined absolutely without requiring knowledge of the particle shape, density, or any adjustable parameters. Excellent agreement is obtained by comparing the measured mass of calibration particles of known size.
DNA during the Development of the American Sea Urchin

WE reported recently on the properties of the deoxyribonucleic acids isolated from the egg, sperm and adult diploid tissues of the American sea urchin, Arbacia punctulata1. It was found that the DNA isolated from the two haploid cells had similar buoyant densities of 1.700 g/cm3. This can be taken to mean that the DNAs from these sources have identical base compositions2. On the other hand, the DNA derived from adult diploid cells exhibited a buoyant density of 1.702 g/cm3. If this difference in the density values of the haploid and adult diploid cells reflects a real shift in base composition, it is indeed a most unexpected finding. The current ideas concerning cellular development and differentiation are based on the belief that just as the adult diploid cells derive from the original zygote by orderly mitotic division, so the DNA from the adult cell is derived from the fertilized egg by exact replicative cycles. Because the DNAs of sperm and egg have identical base compositions, this belief would lead to the prediction that a diploid cell resulting from this union would contain DNA with a correspondingly identical base composition. Implied in this concept is the hypothesis that cellular differentiation is not the result of changes in the DNA but rather that it is controlled by histone-masking and/or “cytoplasmic regulators” which have now been equated with messenger RNA.
Acetabular Labral Tears of the Hip in Women

Acetabular labral tears are a major cause of hip dysfunction in young patients and a primary precursor to hip osteoarthritis. In addition, labral disease more commonly occurs in women and can present with nonspecific symptoms. It is possible to diagnose, quantify, and treat labral tears before the onset of secondary joint deterioration. However, the diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion, special attention to subtle patterns of presentation, and timely consideration for imaging studies. Treatment options are still evolving and include a wide array of nonsurgical and surgical techniques. Treatment should also address secondary dysfunction that can be associated with hip pathology. An initial trial of conservative management is recommended and failure to progress is an indication for surgical consultation.
Synthesis of carbon-11 labelled amides via carbonylation of lithium dialkylamides

Carbon-11 labelled carboxylic acid amides can be prepared by the carbonylation (11CO) of lithium dialkylamides.
Abnormalities of renal physiology in systemic sclerosis. A prospective study with 10-year followup.

Objective. To evaluate the prognostic value of measurements of renal plasma flow and circulating vasoactive hormones in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Methods. Renal plasma flow (para-aminohippurate [PAH] clearance) and levels of selected circulating hormones (plasma renin activity [PRA] and serum aldosterone and catecholamines) were assessed in 57 SSc patients under the following conditions: at rest, in response to cold, while in upright position, and in response to sodium depletion. Survival was assessed 10.7 years after testing (20 patients had died). Results. Both unstimulated and stimulated PRA clearance rates were frequently elevated. Resting PAH clearances were usually abnormally low. PAH clearances and levels of aldosterone and catecholamines did not change during cold stimulation. Supine PRA levels following acute sodium depletion correlated with survival (P < 0.008). Conclusion. The frequent finding of elevated PRA and reduced PAH values reflects clinically the high frequency of renovascular disease noted histopathologically in SSc. Isolated decreases in PAH and elevations in PRA, however, did not predict renal crisis. Changes in PAH clearances were not demonstrable during cold stimulation. An abnormally high supine PRA after sodium depletion correlated with improved survival.
Assessment and Intervention of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome in School Psychology Practice

Children with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) in schools have specific needs that require attention to assessment, educational programming, and intervention. This paper identifies approaches to address these concerns and describes FAS in terms of the prevalence, role of the family and home environment, characteristics, and diagnosis. Functional skill deficits and behavioral problems are areas on which to focus special services. The importance of early intervention, behavioral analytic solutions, and curriculum strategies are delineated. Activities advocated for are prevention through prenatal counseling and education of adolescents. Support to FAS students from the community and school districts are also suggested.
Nonlinear modal equations for a levitating drop

Based on variational method, we deduce nonlinear modal equations describing the dynamics of a levitating drop. Using these equations, we construct an asymptotic modal theory for axisymmetric drop oscillations. We consider nonlinear free oscillations of the drop with a frequency close to the lowest natural frequency. The results are compared with experimental data and numerical results obtained by other authors.
Tracer Diffusion in Amorphous Ni-Zr Alloys

Tracer impurity diffusion coefficients for Co and Hf were measured in a series of amorphous NixZr(1-x) alloys in the range 0.30 < x < 0.70 and at temperatures between 250 °C and 350° C. The diffusion coefficients for the Co atoms are between 2 and 4 orders of magnitude greater than those for Hf, depending on alloy composition and temperature. Diffusion coefficients for Hf are independent of alloy composition, whereas those for Co decrease strongly with increasing Ni content. The activation enthalpies of diffusion and the pre-exponential factors were both found to be significantly smaller for the Hf than the Co tracer impurity atoms. These results are discussed in terms of possible diffusion mechanisms in amorphous metallic alloys.
Response to 'Targeting hyperphosphatemia: truth or dare'

We thank Meijers and Evenepoel1 for their comments in ‘Targeting hyperphosphatemia: truth or dare.’ We agree that the most desirable study of phosphorus binders on dialysis is a blinded, placebo-controlled randomized trial. We also agree that challenging existing paradigms is essential, especially when those paradigms themselves are based largely on expert opinion, as in the case for serum phosphate targets on dialysis. Unfortunately, however, practical considerations must often prevail over ideal theory to force compromises in the interest of progress. In our opinion, the use of phosphorus binders on dialysis is one example where such concessions may need to be made. We would eagerly support and participate in a double-blinded placebo-controlled study if it was proven that recruitment and retention of participants was feasible in the real world. We are skeptical, however, given the widespread view among nephrologists that control of phosphate is the most important aspect of the management of mineral metabolism on dialysis. This attitude would lead to preferential withdrawal of participants from the placebo arm in the event of severe hyperphosphatemia. With limited research resources and numerous questions to be answered, the risk of failure of the ‘perfect’ phosphorus binder study on dialysis due to poor enrollment, limited power, and bias would be unacceptably high. At the crossroads of theory and practice, we believe that a trial of more- versus less-intensive phosphate control will present a far greater chance for operational success and will yield critically important results that would be readily transferable into practice. Regardless of how the nephrology community ultimately proceeds, we are excited that our blueprint has initiated a much-required dialogue exemplified by the comments made by Meijers and Evenepoel.
RegRand: statistical software for the multiple-baseline design.

RegRand (Version 1.0) is Macintosh-based software that enables a researcher to conduct a nonparametric statistical analysis of the data from Koehler and Levin’s (1998) recently described regulated randomization single-case multiple-baseline design. Regulated randomization design and analysis principles are reviewed in relation to an educational research application and a step-by-step illustration of them in relation to the RegRand program is presented.
The approximation of one matrix by another of lower rank

The mathematical problem of approximating one matrix by another of lower rank is closely related to the fundamental postulate of factor-theory. When formulated as a least-squares problem, the normal equations cannot be immediately written down, since the elements of the approximate matrix are not independent of one another. The solution of the problem is simplified by first expressing the matrices in a canonic form. It is found that the problem always has a solution which is usually unique. Several conclusions can be drawn from the form of this solution. A hypothetical interpretation of the canonic components of a score matrix is discussed.