cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Change in body mass index and expiratory flow in World Trade Center workers

Introduction: Although overweight or obesity have been linked to reduced lung function, no study has estimated the effects of lung function on weight in adults. Aim: We investigated the relation between expiratory flow and body size, and vice versa, in a cohort of adults. Methods: Prospective study in 1,329 former World Trade Center (WTC) workers who were included in the WTC Chest Imaging Archive and had a minimum of 2 spirometries between 2002 and 2018 (mean [SD] follow up=7.2 [3.9] years). We used mixed linear models to test for association between change in first-second forced expiratory volume (∆FEV1) or forced vital capacity (∆FVC) and change in body mass index (∆BMI) between sequential visits, and vice versa. All models included sex, race, educational level, age at each visit, smoking status, arrival at the WTC site within 48 hours, baseline value for the predictor of interest (lung function measure or change in body mass index), and intervals between test dates (accounting for unequal intervals). Results: In multivariable analyses, a 200 ml loss in FEV1 or FVC was associated with 0.29 kg/m2 (95% CI=0.26, 0.33) and 0.22 kg/m2 (95% CI=0.20, 0.22) increment in BMI, respectively. On the other hand, a 0.2 kg/m2 gain in BMI between visits was associated with losses of 7 ml (95% CI= -6 to -8 ml) and 9 ml (95% CI= -8 to -1) ml in FEV1 and FVC, respectively. Conclusion: Change in BMI and change in FEV1 or FVC were inversely associated with each other, and this association was bidirectional. Further work is needed to identify the mechanisms underlying these associations.
“¡VOY A GOLPEAR LA ETERNIDAD CON LA CACHA DE MI REVÓLVER!”. PABLO DE ROKHA: POESÍA BAJO LA PRESIÓN DEL ACONTECIMIENTO POLÍTICO.

Este trabajo reflexiona sobre la radical poesia de Pablo de Rokha, concentrandose en esa poesia que ha sido arrancada y basureada mas unanimemente: su poesia politica. La poesia de Pablo de Rokha ha sido constantemente admirada y estudiada; sin embargo, dada su monumentalidad casi inconmensurable de paginas, estilos y temas, ha sido tambien una poesia “seleccionada” y depurada para tratar de hacer legibles o digeribles sus arrebatos esteticos. Dentro de esa depuracion selectiva los trabajos rokhianos que mezclan mas activamente poesia con la politica de emancipacion han sido los mas atacados por considerarlos resentidos en su calidad estetica. En este trabajo busco incorporar esteticamente las ideas poeticas y politicas de Pablo de Rokha, pensar como se relacionan y ejecutan en sus poemas y los alcances de estas ideas comprados con otro arte politico (Neruda). Este ensayo no es reivindicacion de la poesia politica de Pablo de Rokha, sino una manera de pensarla esteticamente, no solo como una contaminacion que finalmente imposibilita la poesia, sino como una de las claves para entender lo revolucionario de la poesia de Pablo de Rokha.
Recent Advances in Nanoparticle Drug Delivery for Targeting Lymph Node -An Overview in Cancer Immunotherapy

Generally, it is said that the lymph node plays very important role in the cancer immunotherapy. So, delivering immunomodulating compounds to lymph node can be useful strategy for cancer immunotherapy. In case of this lymph node drug delivery system, lipid nanoparticles are widely used. High amount of drugs, nucleic acids and various other compounds can easily load in lipid nanoparticle, and they are easy to be manufacture on industrial scale also. In this review, we have focused on the potential of lipid nanoparticle technology to aim lymph nodes. However, there are many factors that control the delivery of drugs to lymphatics. Before the lymphatic detection, lipid nanoformulations are necessary to go through interstitial hindrance which alters delivery of them. So, the distribution and detection of lipid nanoformulations by means of lymphatic system depend on charge present on nanoparticles, hydrophobicity, particle size and molecular weight, form & type of lipid and emulsifier concentrations are as well significant factors disturbing the delivery of drugs in the lymphatic system.
Feasibility of longitudinal monitoring of atherosclerosis with Pulse Wave Imaging in a swine model.

Objective. Atherosclerosis is a vascular disease characterized by compositional and mechanical changes in the arterial walls that lead to a plaque buildup. Depending on its geometry and composition, a plaque can ruptured and cause stroke, ischemia or infarction. Pulse Wave Imaging (PWI) is an ultrasound-based technique developed to locally quantify the stiffness of arteries. This technique has shown promising results when applied to patients. The objective of this study is to assess the capability of PWI to monitor the disease progression in a swine model that mimics human pathology. Approach. The left common carotid of three hypercholesterolemic Wisconsin miniature swines, fed an atherogenic diet, was ligated. Ligated and contralateral carotids were imaged once a month over 9 months, at a high-frame-rate, with a 5-plane wave compounding sequence and a 5MHz-linear array. Each acquisition was repeated after probe repositioning to evaluate the reproducibility. Wall displacements were estimated from the beamformed RF-data and were arranged as spatiotemporal maps depicting the wave propagation. The PWV estimated by tracking the 50%-upstroke of the wave was converted in compliance using the Bramwell-Hill model. At the termination of the experiment, the carotids were extracted for histology analysis. Main results. PWI was able to monitor the evolution of compliance in both carotids of the animals. Reproducibility was demonstrated as the difference of PWV between cardiac cycles was similar to the difference between acquisitions (9.04% vs. 9.91%). The plaque components were similar to the ones usually observed in patients. Each animal presented a unique pattern of compliance progression, which was confirmed by the plaque composition observed histologically. Significance. This study provides important insights on the vascular wall stiffness progression in an atherosclerotic swine model. It therefore paves the way for a thorough longitudinal study that examines the role of stiffness in both the plaque formation and plaque progression.
Impulse Buying: A New Framework

This paper examines the research on impulsive behavior, unplanned purchasing and impulse buying. It describes factors that may be linked to impulse buying intensity and then introduces a new framework for analyzing this phenomenon.
Four-Dimensional Magnetic Resonance Imaging With 3-Dimensional Radial Sampling and Self-Gating-Based K-Space Sorting: Early Clinical Experience on Pancreatic Cancer Patients.

Purpose To apply a novel self-gating k-space sorted 4-dimensional MRI (SG-KS-4D-MRI) method to overcome limitations due to anisotropic resolution and rebinning artifacts and to monitor pancreatic tumor motion. Methods and Materials Ten patients were imaged using 4D-CT, cine 2-dimensional MRI (2D-MRI), and the SG-KS-4D-MRI, which is a spoiled gradient recalled echo sequence with 3-dimensional radial-sampling k-space projections and 1-dimensional projection-based self-gating. Tumor volumes were defined on all phases in both 4D-MRI and 4D-CT and then compared. Results An isotropic resolution of 1.56 mm was achieved in the SG-KS-4D-MRI images, which showed superior soft-tissue contrast to 4D-CT and appeared to be free of stitching artifacts. The tumor motion trajectory cross-correlations (mean ± SD) between SG-KS-4D-MRI and cine 2D-MRI in superior–inferior, anterior–posterior, and medial–lateral directions were 0.93 ± 0.03, 0.83 ± 0.10, and 0.74 ± 0.18, respectively. The tumor motion trajectories cross-correlations between SG-KS-4D-MRI and 4D-CT in superior–inferior, anterior–posterior, and medial–lateral directions were 0.91 ± 0.06, 0.72 ± 0.16, and 0.44 ± 0.24, respectively. The average standard deviation of gross tumor volume calculated from the 10 breathing phases was 0.81 cm 3 and 1.02 cm 3 for SG-KS-4D-MRI and 4D-CT, respectively ( P =.012). Conclusions A novel SG-KS-4D-MRI acquisition method capable of reconstructing rebinning artifact–free, high-resolution 4D-MRI images was used to quantify pancreas tumor motion. The resultant pancreatic tumor motion trajectories agreed well with 2D-cine-MRI and 4D-CT. The pancreatic tumor volumes shown in the different phases for the SG-KS-4D-MRI were statistically significantly more consistent than those in the 4D-CT.
Childhood Sexual Abuse in the Lives of Black Women

Abstract Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is associated with long-term mental health consequences. This article reviews the results of one longitudinal study, whose sample consisted primarily of African American women. The purpose is to give voice to an understudied group of CSA survivors and to highlight the variability in risk and protective factors. Key findings related to mental health consequences, re-traumatization, and resilience are reviewed and set within the broader context of research on African American women and child sexual abuse. Implications for future research and clinical practice are discussed.
Memory Packaging Material and Assembly Trends

This paper reviews the packaging designs available for DRAM DIMM modules and miniaturized, removable digital flash cards using NAND chips. For present day DRAM modules the packages are switching from leadframe types to chip scale packages (CSP). For the flash cards leadframe packages, CSP and chip on board (COB) are all being applied, depending on the card type and size. Current and future module and card design and their assembly trends are discussed. Due to lead-free requirements, all packages and materials must meet the high reflow temperature conditions used for lead-free assembly.
Chapter 21 The financial accelerator in a quantitative business cycle framework

Abstract This chapter develops a dynamic general equilibrium model that is intended to help clarify the role of credit market frictions in business fluctuations, from both a qualitative and a quantitative standpoint. The model is a synthesis of the leading approaches in the literature. In particular, the framework exhibits a “financial accelerator”, in that endogenous developments in credit markets work to amplify and propagate shocks to the macroeconomy. In addition, we add several features to the model that are designed to enhance the empirical relevance. First, we incorporate money and price stickiness, which allows us to study how credit market frictions may influence the transmission of monetary policy. In addition, we allow for lags in investment which enables the model to generate both hump-shaped output dynamics and a lead-lag relation between asset prices and investment, as is consistent with the data. Finally, we allow for heterogeneity among firms to capture the fact that borrowers have differential access to capital markets. Under reasonable parametrizations of the model, the financial accelerator has a significant influence on business cycle dynamics.
Heteromeric Kainate Receptors Formed by the Coassembly of GluR5, GluR6, and GluR7

In the CNS kainate subtype glutamate receptors (GluRs) are likely to be heteromeric assemblies containing multiple gene products. However, although recombinant kainate receptors from the GluR5–GluR7 gene family have been studied extensively in their homomeric forms, there have been no tests to determine whether these subunits can coassemble with each other. We used the GluR5 selective agonists ( RS )-2-amino-3-(3-hydroxy-5- tert butylisoxazol-4-yl)propanoic acid (ATPA) and ( S )-5-iodowillardiine (I-will) to test for the coassembly of GluR5 with GluR6 and GluR7 by measuring changes in rectification that occur for heteromeric receptors containing both edited and unedited Q/R site subunits. Birectifying ATPA and I-will responses resulting from polyamine block for homomeric GluR5(Q) became outwardly rectifying when GluR6(R) was coexpressed with GluR5(Q), although GluR6 was not activated by ATPA or I-will, indicating the formation of heteromeric receptors. Similar approaches showed the coassembly of GluR7 with GluR6 and GluR5. Heteromeric kainate receptors containing both GluR5 and GluR6 subunits exhibited novel functional properties, including reduced desensitization and faster recovery from desensitization than those recorded for homomeric GluR5. Coexpression of GluR6 with GluR5 also enhanced the magnitude of responses to GluR5 selective agonists. In contrast, the coassembly of GluR7 with GluR6 markedly decreased the amplitude of agonist responses. Our results indicate that, similar to AMPA receptors, the kainate receptor subunits GluR5–GluR7 exhibit promiscuous coassembly. The formation of heteromeric kainate receptors may help to explain why the functional properties of native kainate receptors differ from those that have been reported for recombinant kainate receptors.
Visual Temporal Order: A New Illusion

Brief visutal stimuli presented in rapid sequience, one to the left and one to the right, appear to occur left first, then right, regardless of the actual order of presentation. This illutsion persists under conditions of forced-choice testing and does not vary with presemitation to the same or opposite retinal hemifields, A series of experiments suggests that this illutsion may be the product of an internal mechanism that scans visual inputs in a left-to-right order.
Cross‐city evidence on the relationship between immigration and crime

Public concerns about the costs of immigration and crime are high, and sometimes overlapping. This article investigates the relationship between immigration into a metropolitan area and that area's crime rate during the 1980s. Using data from the Uniform Crime Reports and the Current Population Surveys, we find, in the cross section, that cities with high crime rates tend to have large numbers of immigrants. However, controlling for the demographic characteristics of the cities, recent immigrants appear to have no effect on crime rates. In explaining changes in a city's crime rate over time, the flow of immigrants again has no effect, whether or not we control for other city-level characteristics. In a secondary analysis of individual data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (NLSY), we find that youth born abroad are statistically significantly less likely than native-born youth to be criminally active.
Recruitment of a SAP18-HDAC1 Complex into HIV-1 Virions and Its Requirement for Viral Replication

HIV-1 integrase (IN) is a virally encoded protein required for integration of viral cDNA into host chromosomes. INI1/hSNF5 is a component of the SWI/SNF complex that interacts with HIV-1 IN, is selectively incorporated into HIV-1 (but not other retroviral) virions, and modulates multiple steps, including particle production and infectivity. To gain further insight into the role of INI1 in HIV-1 replication, we screened for INI1-interacting proteins using the yeast two-hybrid system. We found that SAP18 (Sin3a associated protein 18 kD), a component of the Sin3a-HDAC1 complex, directly binds to INI1 in yeast, in vitro and in vivo. Interestingly, we found that IN also binds to SAP18 in vitro and in vivo. SAP18 and components of a Sin3A-HDAC1 complex were specifically incorporated into HIV-1 (but not SIV and HTLV-1) virions in an HIV-1 IN–dependent manner. Using a fluorescence-based assay, we found that HIV-1 (but not SIV) virion preparations harbour significant deacetylase activity, indicating the specific recruitment of catalytically active HDAC into the virions. To determine the requirement of virion-associated HDAC1 to HIV-1 replication, an inactive, transdominant negative mutant of HDAC1 (HDAC1H141A) was utilized. Incorporation of HDAC1H141A decreased the virion-associated histone deacetylase activity. Furthermore, incorporation of HDAC1H141A decreased the infectivity of HIV-1 (but not SIV) virions. The block in infectivity due to virion-associated HDAC1H141A occurred specifically at the early reverse transcription stage, while entry of the virions was unaffected. RNA-interference mediated knock-down of HDAC1 in producer cells resulted in decreased virion-associated HDAC1 activity and a reduction in infectivity of these virions. These studies indicate that HIV-1 IN and INI1/hSNF5 bind SAP18 and selectively recruit components of Sin3a-HDAC1 complex into HIV-1 virions. Furthermore, HIV-1 virion-associated HDAC1 is required for efficient early post-entry events, indicating a novel role for HDAC1 during HIV-1 replication.
A connection between self-normalized products and stable laws

Abstract Let X 1 , … , X n constitute a random sample from a population with underpinning cumulative distribution function F ( x ) . For any value 0 α 1 , we prove that under a condition of stable laws, the self-normalized product n 1 / 2 α X 1 X 2 … X n / ∑ * X i 1 2 … X i n - 1 2 follows the same distribution as X 1 , where ∑ * denotes the sum of over all permissible sequences of integers 1 ⩽ i 1 i 2 ⋯ i n - 1 ⩽ n .
Resectional management of thyroid carcinoma invading the airway

Fifty-two patients had thyroid carcinoma invading the airway. Thirty-four underwent resection; 18 were male and 16 female. Age ranged from 17 to 79 years. Twenty-seven had resection with airway reconstruction (1 wedge excision, 10 sleeve tracheal resections, 6 tracheal resections with a portion of the cricoid cartilage, and 10 complex laryngotracheoplastic resections). Seven required cervicomediastinal exenteration with mediastinal tracheostomy; 3 of these had esophagectomy with colon interposition. Nineteen tumors were papillary, 6 follicular, 4 mixed papillary and follicular, 1 squamous, 2 undifferentiated giant cell, 1 anaplastic spindle cell carcinoma, and 1 carcinosarcoma. Three postoperative deaths occurred. Thirteen of the 31 survivors died of cancer from 1/4 to 10 1/4 years postoperatively (average, 4.4 years). Four died of other diseases. Fourteen are alive from 1/12 to 14 1/3 years postoperatively (average, 5.3 years). Only 2 patients had airway recurrence. Resection of the airway invaded by thyroid malignancy in the absence of extensive metastases offers prolonged palliation, avoids suffocation due to bleeding or obstruction, and may produce cure. Airway reconstruction should be performed whenever technically feasible.
To Accept or Not to Accept: That Is the Editorial Question

The final outcome of the review and editorial process is a decision to either ‘‘accept’’ the manuscript or ‘‘not to accept’’ the manuscript. I use those two terms on purpose rather than the more common pair of outcome terms of ‘‘accept’’ and ‘‘reject.’’ When editors get together the question is usually asked: ‘‘What is your rejection rate?’’ as if that is somehow a measure of the quality of the journal—the more papers you reject the more stringent the selection process and hence the inferred higher quality of those that are accepted.
The renal patient with coronary artery disease: Current concepts and dilemmas

The patient with chronic kidney disease and coronary artery disease (CAD) presents special challenges. This report reviews the scope of the challenge, the hostile internal milieu predisposing to CAD and cardiac events, management issues, unresolved dilemmas, and the need for randomized trials to allow for evidence-based treatment.
Toward better specification of the mood-congruency effect in recall

Abstract According to the mood-congruency hypothesis, happy material is learned better in happy moods, and sad material is learned better in sad moods. One explanation of the effect is provided through the associative network model of mood; moods activate concepts with similar valence, which in turn activate still other, similarly valenced material. The greater density of associations that are available when a mood is activated renders mood-congruent material easier to learn and remember. Certain controversies exist concerning the effect; for example (a) it may be easily alterable-or even caused-by instructions, (b) it may be related to mood strength, and (c) it may be moderated by personality variables. One hundred and ninety-six participants went through mood-congruency procedures. Mood congruency appeared, was unrelated to various instructional manipulations, unrelated to reported mood strength, and mostly unrelated to personality variables. Such a pattern suggested a spreading-activation explanation, perhaps due more to cognitive priming than mood per se.
Graft copolymers prepared by anionic techniques–a review

The synthesis of graft copolymers by anionic polymerization techniques is reviewed. Two basic procedures are described. In one a polymer having a reactive end-group is prepared and allowed to react with another polymer having suitable functional groups. In the second procedure, anions are generated on a preformed polymer backbone and used to initiate the polymerization of subsequently added monomers.
The organization of retinal maps within the dorsal and ventral lateral geniculate nuclei of the rabbit

The cytoarchitectonic subdivisions in the rabbit's dorsal and ventral lateral geniculate nuclei have been related to the several retinal maps that can be defined in terms of the distribution of retinal axons within these nuclei. Destruction of different retinal sectors was combined with intravitreal injections of 3H-proline, so that the distribution of fiber degeneration and autoradiographic label in the geniculate nuclei could be used to define the retinal maps in each nucleus, and to compare the two nuclei with each other. The two nuclei show surprisingly similar patterns of organization. Each is made up of a laminated alpha sector that curves around a relatively cell-sparse beta sector. Two morphologically distinct layers of each alpha sector receive contralateral retinal afferents and between these there is a small region in receipt of ipsilateral afferents. In each nucleus, the lines of projection that represent single points in visual space pass perpendicular to the layers of the alpha sector and continue an almost straight course into the beta sector. Quantitative comparisons of the retinal maps show that the relative volumes devoted to the representation of segments of the visual field are approximately the same in the two nuclei.
Telomere recombination requires the MUS81 endonuclease

Telomerase-negative cancer cells maintain their telomeres through the alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) pathway. Although a growing body of evidence demonstrates that the ALT mechanism is a post-replicative telomere recombination process, molecular details of this pathway are largely unknown. Here we demonstrate that MUS81, a DNA structure specific recombination endonuclease, has a key role in the maintenance of telomeres in human ALT cells. We find that MUS81 specifically localizes to ALT-associated promyelocytic leukaemia (PML) nuclear bodies (APBs) and associates with telomeric DNA in ALT cells, which is enriched during the G2 phase of the cell cycle. Depletion of MUS81 results in the reduction of ALT-specific telomere recombination and leads to proliferation arrest of ALT cells. In addition, the endonuclease activity of MUS81 is required for recombination-based ALT cell survival, and the interaction of MUS81 with the telomeric repeat-binding factor TRF2 regulates this enzymatic activity, thereby maintaining telomere recombination. Thus, our results suggest that MUS81 is involved in the maintenance of ALT cell survival at least in part by homologous recombination of telomeres.
Racial and ethnic disparities in osteoarthritis phenotypes.

Purpose of reviewThis paper summarizes previous research regarding how osteoarthritis varies across racial groups, including differences in prevalence and radiographic features and differences in pain and function.Recent findingsRegarding the prevalence of osteoarthritis, prior studies indicate knee
The dynamic behavior and compliance of a stream of cavitating bubbles.

The role played by turbopump cavitation in the POGO instability of liquid rockets motivates the present study on the dynamic response of streams of cavitating bubbles to imposed pressure fluctuations. Both quasistatic and more general linearized dynamic analyses are made of the perturbations to a cavitating flow through a region of reduced pressure in which the bubbles first grow and then collapse. The results when coupled with typical bubble number density distribution functions yield compliances which compare favorably with the existing measurements. Since the fluids involved are frequently cryogenic, a careful examination was made of the thermal effects both on the mean flow and on the perturbations. As a result the discrepancy between theory and experiment for particular engines could be qualitatively ascribed to reductions in the compliance caused either by these thermal effects or by relatively high reduced frequencies.
The hyperkinetic child syndrome: the need for reassessment.

The dramatic increase in the incidence of hyperkinesis witnessed in recent years constitutes a growing concern for the children so classified. Some relevant issues are discussed in terms of (a) diagnostic practices, (b) treatment practices, and (c) changing views about the nature of the disorder itself. Rather than focusing on the child as a source of the problem (as has typically been the case), future research and practices need to demonstrate a broad-based perspective on the adjustment problems of these children that examines “situational” determinants and institutional policies.
Particle propagation effects on solar flare X- and γ-ray time profiles

Much of the evidence for second stage particle acceleration in solar flares lies in the temporal variation of solar X- and γ-ray emissions. However, the solar flare X- and γ-ray burst time-intensity profiles are governed not only by the production or acceleration of electrons and protons but by the propagation of these particles in the solar atmosphere. The effects of particle propagation on X-ray and γ-ray time profiles are illustrated and compared through the use of three models with the result that a variety of particle propagation schemes reproduce effects commonly associated with second stage acceleration. The first model is that of a closed uniform density trap. The other two models employ particle diffusion from a trap to denser regions of the solar atmosphere to produce the high energy radiation. These calculations show that delayed peaking of the photon flux with respect to particle production and reduction in the impulsiveness of the high energy emission is to be expected, effects commonly associated with second stage acceleration. Thus, well understood physical processes are capable of producing so-called time delays in the high energy emission independent of any delays produced by additional particle acceleration processes. Diagnostic differences between these models are also discussed.
The lymphatic vascular system in liver diseases: its role in ascites formation

The lymphatic system is part of the circulatory system and plays a key role in normal vascular function. Its failure plays a crucial role in the development and maintenance of various diseases including liver diseases. Lymphangiogenesis (the growth of lymphatic vessels) and changes in the properties of lymphatic vessels are associated with pathogenesis of tumor metastases, ascites formation, liver fibrosis/cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Despite its significant role in liver diseases and its importance as a potential therapeutic target for those diseases, the lymphatic vascular system of the liver is poorly understood. Therefore, how the lymphatic vascular system in general and lymphangiogenesis in particular are mechanistically related to the pathogenesis and maintenance of liver diseases are largely unknown. This article summarizes: 1) the lymphatic vascular system; 2) its role in liver tumors, liver fibrosis/cirrhosis and portal hypertension; and 3) its role in ascites formation.
The mechanisms of the reduction reactions of Cr(VI) in the radiolysis of acidic potassium and silver dichromate solutions in the presence or absence of acetic acid

Abstract The mechanisms and the kinetics of reactions in deoxygenated and oxygen-saturated aqueous solutions of potassium dichromate in the range of pH 0.4–0.8, in the presence and absence of acetic acid, were investigated by pulse and steady-state radiolysis. Computer simulation of reaction mechanisms was compared with experimental kinetics data for solutions containing silver dichromate and acetic acid. It was found that carboxymethyl reduces Cr(VI) to Cr(V) with a rate constant of 1.8 x 10 8 M -1 s -1 , while carboxymethylperoxyl does not reduce Cr(VI). Hydroperoxyl reduces Cr(VI) to Cr(V), but at a much lower rate constant of 6 M -1 s -1 . The oxidation-reduction reaction between radiolytically produced Cr(V) and Ag(II) was measured and found to have a rate constant of 1.0 x 10 8 M -1 s -1 . The mechanism for the enhanced stability of Cr(VI) in the presence of Ag + was studied in the light of the kinetics and the reactivity of the Ag(II) with the intermediate free radicals occurring in this system. The present findings help elucidate the mechanisms of the dichromate dosimeter, its dose-rate independent response and its stability.
The geometric optics approximation for reflection from two-dimensional random rough surfaces

Abstract The geometric optics approximation for wave scattering from two-dimensional random rough surfaces is compared to the experimental results from five independent facilities and to the existing numerical electromagnetic theory predictions. The samples include both metallic and dielectric materials with surface slopes ranging from 0.11–0.71. The surface roughness and incident wavelength vary from 0.57–3.58 and from 0.64 microns-3.00 millimeters, respectively. The geometric optics results are in good agreement with all the electromagnetic theory calculations and the experimental findings for the considered two-dimensional surfaces. In addition, the two-dimensional geometric optics approximation predicts both the phenomenon of retro-reflection for surfaces with a slope as low as 0.33 and off-specular peak reflection. For surface parameters within the geometric optics domain of validity for one-dimensional random rough surfaces, the geometric optics results indicate that the one-dimensional domain is valid for two-dimensional surfaces.
The Self and What It’s Like to Be One: Reviews of José Luis Bermúdez, The Paradox of Self‐Conciousness and Lawrence Weiskrantz, Consiousness Lost and Found

Books reviewed in this article: Jose Luis Bermu dez, The Paradox of Self-Conciousness Lawrence Weiskrantz, Conciousness Lost and Found: A Neuropsychological Exploration
Renormalized Thermal Distribution Function in an Interacting Electron-Phonon System

The electron-phonon interaction is used to demonstrate the important effect of interactions on the electronic distribution function at finite temperature. It is shown that the usual picture of "thermal (Fermi) smearing" is a greatly oversimplified one. The distribution function resulting from an Einstein spectrum with various coupling strengths is presented and interpreted, and an exact expression for the spin susceptibility is used to illustrate the utility of this novel viewpoint for thermodynamics.
Inhibition of Lactic Acid Bacteria by Herbs

Increasing concentrations (0.5–8g/liter) of oregano, rosemary, sage, and thyme progressively delayed growth and acid production by Lactobacillus plantarum and Pediococcus acidilactici in a liquid medium. After the bacteriostatic activity was overcome, all four herbs strongly stimulated acid production. The relative inhibitory effect of the herbs toward both microorganisms was oregano ≫ rosemary = sage gt; thyme. L. plantarum was more resistant than P. acidilactici to the toxic effect of the herbs. Organisms from cultures exhibiting delayed fermentation in the presence of sublethal concentrations of an herb, when subcultured into fresh media containing identical herb concentrations, initiated fermentation without delay, indicating development of resistance to the herb's effect. Moreover, bacteria which had acquired a resistance to one herb were also resistant to the other three herbs.
Packing Stress Relaxation in Polymer−Lipid Monolayers at the Air−Water Interface: An X-ray Grazing-Incidence Diffraction and Reflectivity Study

Using synchrotron grazing-incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXD) and reflectivity (XR), the authors have determined the in-plane and out-of-plane structure of phospholipid monolayers at the air-water interface as a function of hydrophilic lipid headgroup size. Di-stearoyl-phosphatidyl-ethanolamine (DSPE) lipid monolayers were systematically modified by chemically grafting hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) chains of MW = 90 g/mol (2 ethylene oxide, EO, units), MW = 350 g/mol (8 EO units), and MW = 750 g/mol (17 EO units) to the lipid headgroups. The monolayers were studied in the solid phase at a surface pressure of 42 mN/m. At these high lipid packing densities, the PEG chains are submerged in the water subphase. The increased packing stresses from these bulky polymer headgroups distort the unit cell and the in-plane packing modes of the monolayers, leading to large out-of-plane alterations and staggering of the lipid molecules. Surprisingly, a change in the molecular packing of the monolayer toward higher packing densities (lower area per molecule) was observed on increasing the PEG MW to 750 g/mol (17 EO units). This rearrangement of the monolayer structure may be due to a conformational change in the PEG chains.
Effect of collagen and cell shape on binding of fibronectin to cells

Abstract Using quantitative immunologic methods, we have examined the binding of fibronectin to cells in suspension and in monolayer culture. Much of the fibronectin which accumulates in the cell layer is produced by the cells, while the rest is derived from the serum used in the culture medium. Cells in suspension bind less exogenous fibronectin than do cells in monolayer, but in both cases binding is enhanced two- to six-fold by the addition of soluble collagen. Serum also enhanced fibronectin binding to cells through a component(s) other than fibronectin since fibronectin-free serum had a similar effect. Certain gangliosides which are known to bind to fibronectin block the binding of fibronectin to the cell surface even in the presence of soluble collagen. The data indicate that as the cells attach to the collagen substrate, additional receptors on the cell surface become available for binding fibronectin.
Pulse-Duration-Dependent Mid-Infrared Laser Ablation for Biological Applications

There are significant benefits to medical laser surgeries performed with mid-infrared wavelengths, including the ability to select laser parameters in order to minimize photochemical and thermal collateral damage. It has been shown that a wavelength of 6.1 μm is optimal when high ablation efficiency and minimal collateral damage is desired in biological soft tissues. Historically, free electron lasers were the only option for ablating tissue at this wavelength due to their ample pulse energy and average power. In recent years, new sources are being developed for this wavelength that can successfully ablate tissue. These alternative sources have different pulse structures and pulse durations than free electron lasers, motivating investigation of how these parameters affect the ablation process. Here, we present the pulse duration dependence for mid-IR laser ablation of biological tissues at a wavelength of 6.1 μm on a tissue phantom of cooked egg white. The crater shape, depth, and volume all changed in a significant, nonmonotonic manner as the laser pulse duration was increased from 100 ns to 5 μs.
Review Article: Inventing Historical Myths—Deborah S. Cornelius. Hungary in World War II. Caught in the Cauldron.

This article questions the validity of Deborah S. Cornelius’s claims which she presents in her recently published book on interwar and World War II Hungary. These exonerate the revisionist, anti-Semitic and war-time policies of the Horthy regime. The monograph also presents the Hungarian leaders in an undeservedly positive light. The author of the review demonstrates that Cornelius’s representation of the past was accomplished by the selective reading of primary and secondary sources. Cornelius also commits too many factual errors in order to justify some of her assertions.
Simplification of the mass spectrometric assay for the major urinary metabolite of prostaglandin D2

The symptoms and hemodynamic alterations that accompany systemic mast cell activation have been attributed in large part to an excessive release of prostaglandin D2 (PGD2). Further, PGD2 has been implicated in the adverse effects of some pharmacologic agents (e.g. nicotinic acid). Quantitation of the major urinary metabolite of PGD2 has been invaluable in elucidating a role for PGD2 in these clinical entities and in the biochemical diagnosis of the disease systemic mastocytosis. However, the stable-isotope mass spectrometric assay originally developed for quantification of this metabolite has been too cumbersome for routine use. We now report improvements in the assay that greatly increase its utility by shortening sample processing and eliminating the need for purification using thin-layer chromatography. The precision and accuracy of the modified assay was evaluated and found to be comparable with the previously described assay. These modifications potentially allow wider use of the assay to explore the role of PGD2 in human disease and in the routine biochemical diagnosis of systemic mastocytosis and other disorders of mast cell activation.
Toxicity of fatty ozonides and peroxides

Studies on the acute toxicity of the ozonides and hydroperoxides of methyl linoleate are reported. High purity preparations of these compounds were injected intravenously or administered orally to adult male rats. The lethal dose by iv injection of these compounds was virtually the same −0.07 mmol/100 g body wt. No deaths were caused in a 24 hr period by single oral dosages of these compounds of ca. 10-fold that causing death by the iv route. The major effect of these compounds was on the lungs. The lungs became enlarged from edema and accumulation of fluid, and the animals died of lung congestion and injury similar to the effects of ozone toxicity. There was no destruction of vitamin E in the tissues of animals given lethal dosages of ozonides or peroxides intravenously, but significant changes occurred in fatty acid composition of the lipids of the serum and lung. Arachidonic acid increased at the expense of linoleic and oleic acids in these tissues. Only small amounts of peroxidic and TBA positive substances were detected in lung and serum, indicating that the injected ozonides and hydroperoxides were destroyed in the tissues.
Mutual and unilateral cooperation in arms race settings

Accounts of numerous historical and contemporary arms races suggest that cooperation, in the form of a slowdown, freeze, or reduction, is uncommon and difficult to achieve. Analytical and empirical results from the iterated Prisoner's Dilemma game which, it is argued, closely resemble the structure and decision problems facing arms race participants, demonstrate that cooperation is unlikely but possible. In this analysis, the analytical conditions under which cooperation is individually “rational” (in an expected payoff sense) are discussed in detail. Then, the stumbling blocks to cooperation, even when individually rational, are discussed. No absolute solution is offered since none appears to exist. However, institutional, structural and mediating devices which can make cooperation more likely are suggested.
Adolescence and breast carcinoma risk

BACKGROUND Breast carcinoma risk may be modified by early life factors, including physical growth and development, diet, and life-style factors of preadolescence and adolescence, as well as genetic factors. METHODS The authors tested their hypothesis that adolescent growth and development are related to breast carcinoma incidence by evaluating 65,140 women who participated in the Nurses' Health Study. During 16 years of follow-up, 806 women were diagnosed with breast carcinoma prior to menopause, and another 1485 were diagnosed after menopause. Because adolescent growth was not directly observed in this cohort, the peak height growth velocity for each participant was estimated by using a model from another longitudinal study. Finally, Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to study associations between breast carcinoma incidence and adolescent factors in the Nurses' Health Study. RESULTS Later menarche (relative risk [RR] = 0.52 for ≥15 vs. ≤11 years) and more body fatness at age 10 years (RR = 0.60 for fattest vs. leanest) were associated with a decreased risk of premenopausal breast carcinoma. The risk of postmenopausal breast carcinoma was lower for girls with later menarche (RR = 0.80), more body fat at age 10 years (RR = 0.72), and shorter adult height (RR = 1.29 for ≥67 vs. ≤62 inches). Higher peak height growth velocity, derived from these 3 variables, was associated with increased risk of both premenopausal (RR = 1.31 for highest vs. lowest quintile) and postmenopausal (RR = 1.40) breast carcinoma. These analyses controlled for birth cohort, other possible risk factors from the adolescent period, and family history. These associations persisted after controlling for age at the birth of a first child, parity, adult adiposity, and age at menopause. Post-hoc analyses suggested that, although childhood body fatness was associated with lower risk, increasing body fatness between ages 10 and 20 years was not protective against either premenopausal or postmenopausal breast carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS Earlier menarche, extremely lean body mass at age 10 years, and taller adult height were predictive of elevated breast carcinoma risk. The same three factors were also predictive of higher peak growth velocities during adolescence, lending credence to the hypothesis that more rapid adolescent growth may increase the risk of breast carcinoma development. Cancer 1999;85:2400–9. © 1999 American Cancer Society.
Bilateral humeral fractures mimicking Todd's paralysis.

A 57-year-old man with hypothyroidism on levothyroxine presented for elective surgical resection of a large right parasagittal meningioma (Fig. 1A and 1B). The patient underwent successful tumor re...
User-steered image boundary segmentation

In multidimensional imaging, there are, and will continue to be, situations wherein automatic image segmentation methods fail and extensive user assistance in the process is needed. For such situations, we introduce a novel user-steered image boundary segmentation paradigm under two new methods, live-wire and live-lane. The methods are designed to reduce the time spent by the user in the segmentation process providing tight user control while the process is being executed. The strategy to reach this goal is to exploit the synergy between the superior abilities of human observers (compared to computer algorithms) in boundary recognition and of computer algorithms (compared to human observers) in boundary delineation. We describe evaluation studied to compare the utility of the new methods with that of manual tracing based on speed and repeatability of tracing and on data taken from a large on-going application. We conclude that the new methods are more repeatable and on the average two timers faster than manual tracing. Live-wire and live-lane operate slice-by-slice in their present form. Their 3D and 4D extensions, which we are currently developing, can further reduce the total segmentation time significantly.
Effects of estrogen and progesterone on transcription, chromatin and ovalbumin gene expression in the chick oviduct

Abstract The effects of estrogen, progesterone and estrogen + progesterone combined on nuclear transcriptional processes in oviducts of immature chicks, previously withdrawn from estrogen, are reported. The responses to the steroids of the endogenous nuclear RNA polymerase activities, both nucleolar (I) and nucleoplasmic (II), the chromatin compositions and template capacities, and the appearance of ovalbumin messenger RNA (mRNA) are compared. When immature chicks (previously treated for 14 days with estrogen) are withdrawn from estrogen treatment, there is a gradual reduction in both polymerase activities. Diurnal variations in polymerase II activities in the oviduct of withdrawn chicks required that subsequent experiments include time-matched controls. The hormones alter RNA polymerase I and II activities in vivo as assayed in isolated nuclei. Progesterone represses the polymerase I and II activities, while estrogen alone and estrogen + progesterone enhance both polymerase activities immediately after injection. Diethylstilbestrol, a synthetic estrogen, causes changes similar to those of estrogen. The effects of these steroids on the polymerases are detected within 15 min of hormone injection. Changes in the capacities of chromatins to serve as template for RNA synthesis in general correlated with changes in polymerase II activities. Interestingly, in the case of estrogen treatment, the acidic chromatin protein (but not histone) levels fluctuate positively with the template capacities of the chromatin. An antagonism between estrogen and progesterone is observed in the responses of both RNA polymerases I and II activities as well as in the chromatin template capacity. Levels of messenger RNA coding for ovalbumin, as detected by hybridization with labeled complementary DNA, increase in oviducts of withdrawn chicks within 2–3 h of the injection of estrogen, progesterone or estrogen + progesterone. This rapid accumulation of ovalbumin mRNA is not accompanied in each case by a similar increase in polymerase II activity or chromatin template capacity.
Does schooling really lead to alienation from village life? Evidence from three pacific island communities

Abstract The literature of education and development, including some national development plans, suggests a widespread endorsement of the idea that formal education, especially academic schooling, produces school-leavers who are dissatisfied with rural life, who despise manual labour, who aspire unrealistically to white-collar jobs, and who migrate to urban areas upon completion of their schooling. Little empirical research has been done in Oceania to test these beliefs. Research in Western Samoa, American Samoa and Kiribati suggests that student aspirations and attitudes are more ambivalent, and less decidedly pro-urban/modern sector, than is usually assumed in the literature.
Neptune has another moon

The smallest satellite of the planet Neptune is sufficiently difficult to image by earth-based telescopes so as to have precluded many efforts at detection. Now there is a new challenge for telescope astronomers in the recent report by H. Reitsema, W. Hubbard, L. Lebofsky, and D. Tholen of a third satellite moon in orbit around Neptune (Science, 215(, 289–291, 1982). The technique used to observe Neptune and investigate the upper atmosphere involves spectroscopic measurement by earth-based telescope during an occultation event of an uncatalogued star. The combined signals of Neptune and the stars were observed with a two-channel photometer gated at 10 ms. The two channels collected filtered light in red and blue bands. Neptune's atmosphere is blue as a result of strong methane absorption, so that the blue-filtered channel would experience only a slight drop in signal (½%) at full occultation. The red channel would experience a stronger drop in signal (4%). Shortly before 8 h 37 min coordinated universal time, as Neptune occultation of the star approached, an abrupt event occurred on the record that is interpreted as being due to passage of the previously unknown third moon in front of the star (see figure).