cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transcatheter occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus using a new angled Amplatzer duct occluder: initial clinical experience.

In the present study, we report the initial clinical experience with the new angled Amplatzer duct occluder (ADO) for the percutaneous closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Percutaneous closure of PDA using standard ADO in infants and in patients with small PDA ampulla is difficult, or even impossible, due to protrusion of the aortic disk into the descending thoracic aorta. The aortic disk of an angled ADO is angled at 32° to the body of the device and concave toward the aorta to prevent protrusion of the disk into the aorta. Percutaneous closure of PDA was attempted in nine patients with a median age of 5.2 years (range, 0.5–12.7) and median weight of 20 kg (range, 4.9–55). Selection of the occluder and the implantation technique were similar to the standard ADO. The minimal PDA diameter ranged from 2.1 to 3.7 mm (median, 2.5 mm). Occluders were successfully implanted in all patients. Immediate complete PDA closure was achieved in all patients. There were no complications. The new angled ADO is a safe and effective device for PDA closure, particularly suitable for infants and patients with small PDA ampulla. Further studies and long-term follow-up are necessary to confirm our initial experience. Cathet Cardiovasc Intervent 2003;58:261–267. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Thematics and Intellectual Content: The XVth Triennial Congress of the International Comparative Literature Association in Leiden

Marko Juvan's article, "Thematics and Intellectual Content: The XVth Triennnial Congress of the International Comparative Literature Association in Leiden," offers an in-depth view of the intellectual structure and atmosphere of the Congress. The author describes both in detail and in an overview the thematics of the Congress, Literature as Cultural Memory, and explicates the intellectual content of a good number of important panels and papers presented at the Congress. The article represents in a concise manner the current situation of the discipline of Comparative Literature in an international context. Marko Juvan, "Thematics and Intellectual Content: The XVth Triennnial Congress of the International Comparative Literature Association in Leiden" page 2 of 10 CLCWeb: Comparative Literature and Culture 1.1 (1999):
Cerebrosides and tocopherol trimers from the seeds of Euryale ferox

Two new cerebrosides, ferocerebrosides A (1) [(2S,3R,4E,8E,2'R)-1-O-(beta-glucopyranosyl)-N-(2'-hydroxydocosanoyl)-4,8-sphingadienine] and B (2) [(2S,3R,4E,8E,2'R)-1-O-(beta-glucopyranosyl)-N-(2'-hydroxytetracosanoyl)-4,8-sphingadienine], two new tocopherol trimers, ferotocotrimers C (5) and D (6), and two known tocopherol trimers, IVb (3) and IVa (4), were isolated from the seeds of Euryale ferox. Their structures were determined on the basis of spectroscopic data, especially 1D and 2D NMR experiments. Compounds 1 and 2 showed cytotoxicity in the brine shrimp lethality bioassay, with LC50 values of 0.17 and 0.20 mM, respectively.
College women who had sexual intercourse when they were underage minors (13-15): age of their male partners, relation to current adjustment, and statutory rape implications.

In a survey of 1,439 female college students, 24% reported that they had what they considered consensual sexual intercourse between ages 13 and 15 (2% at age 13, 7% at age 14, and 15% at age 15). Contrary to the impression left by studies of teenage mothers, the majority of their male sexual partners were not substantially older than them but instead were more typically "somewhat older" (2-4 years apart) or similar aged (less than 2 years apart). The percentage of "much older" partners (5 or more years older) was 31 % for those who had intercourse at age 13, 17% for those who had intercourse at age 14, and 13% for those who had intercourse at age 15. Women who had intercourse at age 13 endorsed more current symptoms of psychological distress than those who first had intercourse at age 14 or 15. There were no significant differences between the groups in current levels of sexual satisfaction. Partner's age difference was not significantly associated with current levels of either psychological distress or s...
Two‐compartment model for a drug and its metabolite: Application to acetylsalicylic acid pharmacokinetics

A general solution is presented for solving the pharmacokinetic parameters which describe a drug and its metabolite in a two-compartment open model. The method is specifically applied to the treatment of plasma data for acetylsalicylic acid and its metabolite, salicylic acid, following intravenous administration of acetylsalicylic acid. The acetylsalicylic acid data were found to be adequately described by a model in which elimination occurs solely from the central compartment.
Contractile units in disordered actomyosin bundles arise from F-actin buckling.

Bundles of filaments and motors are central to contractility in cells. The classic example is striated muscle, where actomyosin contractility is mediated by highly organized sarcomeres which act as fundamental contractile units. However, many contractile bundles in vivo and in vitro lack sarcomeric organization. Here we propose a model for how contractility can arise in bundles without sarcomeric organization and validate its predictions with experiments on a reconstituted system. In the model, internal stresses in frustrated arrangements of motors with diverse velocities cause filaments to buckle, leading to overall shortening. We describe the onset of buckling in the presence of stochastic motor head detachment and predict that buckling-induced contraction occurs in an intermediate range of motor densities. We then calculate the size of the ``contractile units'' associated with this process. Consistent with these results, our reconstituted actomyosin bundles show contraction at relatively high motor density, and we observe buckling at the predicted length scale.
Elevated peripheral eosinophils are associated with new-onset and persistent wheeze and airflow obstruction in world trade center-exposed individuals.

Background. Exposure to World Trade Center (WTC) dust and fumes is associated with the onset of asthma-like respiratory symptoms in rescue and recovery workers and exposed community members. Eosinophilic inflammation with increased lung and peripheral eosinophils has been described in subpopulations with asthma. We hypothesized that persistent asthma-like symptoms in WTC-exposed individuals would be associated with systemic inflammation characterized by peripheral eosinophils. Methods. The WTC Environmental Health Center (WTC EHC) is a treatment program for local residents, local workers, and cleanup workers with presumed WTC-related symptoms. Patients undergo a standardized evaluation including questionnaires and complete blood count. Between September 2005 and March 2009, 2462 individuals enrolled in the program and were available for analysis. Individuals with preexisting respiratory symptoms or lung disease diagnoses prior to September 2001 and current or significant tobacco use were excluded, Results...
John Hunter and Joanna Baillie: Veterinary Science, Animal Rights, and the Pathology of Cruelty

This essay focuses on Joanna Baillie's pamphlet and poems against cruelty to animals. It contextualizes this aspect of her work with respect to growing concerns about the treatment of animals during the Romantic Era and with respect to the biographical circumstances – Baillie's lodging with her uncle, the renowned surgeon John Hunter – that placed her in the midst of controversy about animal experimentation.
Actinomycin D and the response to parathyroid hormone.

Actinomycin D inhibits the effect of parathyroid hormone upon bone, as measured by calcium mobilization, without altering its effects upon the renal excretion of phosphate and calcium.
Periodic changes in the compact radio structure of SS 433

VLBI observations of SS 433 at 2.3 GHz made on 12 days between 1979 May and 1980 August yield the following results: (a) the position angle of the radio 'jet' of angular size of about 0.1 arcsec varies approximately sinusoidally about a mean value of 100.2 + or - 1.7 deg with an amplitude of 19.3 + or - 3.4 deg for a period fixed at 163.6 days. This resolves the ambiguity in the two angles of the optical model of Abell and Margon and assigns the inclination of the axis of the precession cone to the 79 deg value; (b) the position angle of the radio structure on this scale lags that of the optical model by 17.4 + or - 1.6 days; and (c) at least some of the radio emitting material appears to propagate away from the core in blobs. Using the rate of change of angular separation of the blobs from the core obtained from measurements on four different days, and assuming that the radio emission is traveling at the speed derived for the optical jets from the kinematic model, a distance to SS 433 of 5.1 + or - 0.5 kpc is obtained.
The Pussy Riot affair: gender and national identity in Putin's Russia

The Pussy Riot affair was a massive international cause celebre that ignited a widespread movement of support for the jailed activists around the world. The case tells us a lot about Russian society, the Russian state, and Western perceptions of Russia. It also raises gender as a frame of analysis, something that has been largely overlooked in 20 years of work by mainstream political scientists analyzing Russia's transition to democracy. It has important implications for how Western feminist categories can be applied to the Russian context. This introduction summarizes the main events associated with the trail of the three group members who were accused of staging a “punk prayer” performance in the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in February 2012. It also introduces the findings of the six papers that make up this special section.
The segregation of the germ cells in the grasshopper, Melanoplus differentialis (acrididae; orthoptera)†

The segregation of the germ cells is related in time and differentiation to the ectoderm (ventral plate), the inner germ-band layer (lower layer) and the mesenteron (entoderm) rudiments. The inner germ-band layer is formed by invagination of cells from a median blastoporic groove and by cellular proliferations among the invaginating cells and from the median line of the ectoderm immediately caudad of the blastoporic groove. The mesenteron material is derived from inner germ-band layer material associated with the internal ends of the stomodaeum and proctodaeum. The germ cells are segregated from the lateral margins of the abdominal lobe ectoderm in the region of the amnion attachment as segmentation of the abdominal lobe is initiated. They ultimately become separated from the ectoderm cells of the lateral wall and from the amnion and migrate in a passive manner onto the coelomic sacs where they become associated with the inner walls of the sacs. When the coelomic sacs unite the germ cells and the splanchnic wall mesoderm cells form two continuous cell strands from the first to the eighth abdominal segments, inclusive. These strands form the indifferent genital rudiments. An endeavor is made to correlate the segregation of the germ cells in the grasshopper with that of various other insects.
Blood levels of 3H-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and its metabolites in tolerant and nontolerant pigeons☆

Abstract Pigeons were made tolerant to the behavioral effects of 1-Δ9-trans-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) by repeated intramuscular injections. The tolerant birds, as well as birds that had no received Δ9-THC previously, were injected with 3H-Δ9-THC and blood samples were drawn over a period from 1 min to 2 weeks after injection. High levels of radioactivity appeared in the blood 1 min after injection and peak levels were reached in 30 min, after which there was a gradual decline with some radioactivity still present after 2 weeks. The levels of radioactivity in the petroleum ether-extractable fraction [mostly Δ9-THC by thin-layer chromatography (TLC)], in the diethyl ether- extractable fraction (mostly hydroxylated metabolites by TLC), and in the residue fraction of the plasma were also determined over the 2-week period. There were no differences between tolerant and nontolerant birds in levels of radioactivity in total plasma, or in any of the plasma fractions. In other experiments, seven injections of 3H-δ9-THC were given to pigeons over a 2-week period during which behavioral tolerance developed. Radioactivity gradually accumulated in the plasma of these birds; however, most of the radioactivity was accounted for in the residue fraction, with levels of radioactivity in the petroleum ether-extractable fraction and the diethyl ether-extractable fractions remaining at about the same levels after seven injections as after one injection. These results suggest that tolerant birds handle an injection of δ9-THC in much the same manner as nontolerant birds, and that levels of δ9-THC and its metabolites are as high as or higher in the blood of tolerant birds than they are in the blood of nontolerant birds. Thus, tolerance to δ9-THC in the pigeon does not appear to be metabolic in origin.
The Longitude of Rio

MAY I ask for a few lines in which to correct an erroneous impression naturally made by a sentence in my recent paper on “Ten Years' Progress in Astronomy,” which you have honoured me by reprinting in NATURE. The sentence relates to the longitude of Rio; and although it does not really assert that the error in this longitude was first detected and corrected by our American naval officers, yet I must frankly admit that the connection and form of expression are such that this would be the natural, though incorrect, inference. The fact is that Admiral Mouchez and his coadjutors in the French Navy had already, by their chronometric and other work, brought the uncertainty to very narrow limits (say ± 2s.) before the telegraphic campaign of the Americans. The history of the case is peculiar, but too long to be given here: it affords an excellent example of the uncertainty of longitudes based on lunar observations.
Child and Family Therapy Process: Concordance of Therapist and Observational Perspectives

The objective of this study is to examine the characteristics of outpatient mental health services delivered in community-based outpatient clinics, comparing information obtained from two different sources, therapists serving children and families, and observational coders viewing tapes of the same treatment sessions. Videotaped therapy sessions were rated by therapists and independent coders regarding goals and strategies pursued during each session. Sixty-three sessions were taped of outpatient care provided to 18 children and their caregivers by 11 therapists. Children were 4–13 years old and families were receiving services at least in part due to reported child behavior problems, confirmed by ratings from the Child Behavior Checklist and Conners Parent Rating Scale—Revised. Analyses assessed the frequency, type, and intensity of goals and strategies pursued in therapy sessions from both therapist and observational coders’ perspectives. Reliability of observer ratings and correspondence between therapist and observer reports were also examined. The reliability of observational coding of goals and strategies was moderate to good, with 76% of 39 codes having ICCs of .5 or greater. Therapists reported pursuing 2.5 times more goals and strategies per session, on average, than identified by observational coders. Correspondence between therapists and coders about the occurrence of specific goals and strategies in treatment sessions was low, with 20.5% of codes having a Kappa of .4 or higher. Substantial differences exist in what therapists and independent coders report as occurring in outpatient treatment sessions. Both perspectives suggest major differences between the content of services provided in community-based outpatient clinics and the structure of evidence-based programs, which emphasize intense pursuit of a small number of goals and strategies in each treatment session. Implications of the findings for quality improvement efforts in community-based mental health care settings are discussed.
Disease Risk of Missense Mutations Using Structural Inference from Predicted Function

Advancements in sequencing techniques place personalized genomic medicine upon the horizon, bringing along the responsibility of clinicians to understand the likelihood for a mutation to cause disease, and of scientists to separate etiology from nonpathologic variability. Pathogenicity is discernable from patterns of interactions between a missense mutation, the surrounding protein structure, and intermolecular interactions. Physicochemical stability calculations are not accessible without structures, as is the case for the vast majority of human proteins, so diagnostic accuracy remains in infancy. To model the effects of missense mutations on functional stability without structure, we combine novel protein sequence analysis algorithms to discern spatial distributions of sequence, evolutionary, and physicochemical conservation, through a new approach to optimize component selection. Novel components include a combinatory substitution matrix and two heuristic algorithms that detect positions which confer structural support to interaction interfaces. The method reaches 0.91 AUC in ten-fold cross-validation to predict alteration of function for 6,392 in vitro mutations. For clinical utility we trained the method on 7,022 disease associated missense mutations within the Online Mendelian inheritance in man amongst a larger randomized set. In a blinded prospective test to delineate mutations unique to 186 patients with craniosynostosis from those in the 95 highly variant Coriell controls and 2000 control chromosomes, we achieved roughly 1/3 sensitivity and perfect specificity. The component algorithms retained during machine learning constitute novel protein sequence analysis techniques to describe environments supporting neutrality or pathology of mutations. This approach to pathogenetics enables new insight into the mechanistic relationship of missense mutations to disease phenotypes in our patients.
Rouge and crocodile dung: notes on Ovid, Ars 3.199-200 and 269-70.

In Ars Amatoria 3.267–72, part of a longer sequence which begins in 261, Ovid advises his female readers on how to conceal various physical shortcomings. Text and apparatus are quoted from Kenney's revised OCT:quae nimium gracilis, pleno uelamina filosumat, et ex umeris laxus amictus eat;pallida purpureis tangat sua corpora uirgis,nigrior ad Pharii confuge piscis opem;pes malus in niuea semper celetur aluta,arida nee uinclis crura resolue suis;…
Fixed-interval schedule of cocaine reinforcement: effect of dose and infusion duration

Rhesus monkeys were trained on a fixed-interval 9-min limited-hold 3-min schedule of intravenous cocaine reinforcement. A 15-min timeout followed each reinforcement or limited-hold expiration. An identical schedule of food reinforcement was interspersed in the session to assess rate-modifying effects of the drug infusions not specific to drug reinforcement. In one experiment, response rate for cocaine reinforcement was shown to be a positive function of reinforcement magnitude for a dose range from 0 to 800 ug/kg/inj. At these doses, there was little effect on food reinforced responding except at the highest dose, where responding decreased. Results of the second experiment indicated that increasing the duration of the cocaine infusion produced a change in response rate similar to decreasing unit dose. The response rate change for a given increase in infustion duration was less at a unit dose of 400 ug/kg than at 200 ug/kg.
Low birth weight among adults with a family history of diabetes decreases the risk of metabolic syndrome

DECREASES THE RISK OF METABOLIC SYNDROME BETTINA PAEK, KATHERINE EASTWOOD, KRISTINA UTZSCHNEIDER, JENNY TONG, FERNANDO GERCHMAN, DREW ROBILIO, WILFRED FUJIMOTO, STEVEN KAHN, DARCY CARR, University of Washington, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seattle, Washington, University of Washington, Medicine, Seattle, Washington OBJECTIVE: Having a low weight at birth (LBW) or macrosomic weight (MBW) have been linked to cardiovascular risk factors and type 2 diabetes (T2D) later in life. We hypothesized that the risk of obesity, hypertension (HTN), the metabolic syndrome (MS), and T2D would be increased in subjects who weighed !2500g (LBW) or 4000g (MBW) at birth and had a first-degree relative with T2D. STUDY DESIGN: We performed a cross sectional analysis on 1148 motherchild pairs who participated in the GENetics of Non-Insulin dependent Diabetes (GENNID) to compare the frequencies of the MS and T2D in adult offspring with reported LBW (n=120) or MBW (n=122) compared to normal BW (NBW: n=906). The MS was defined by the revised National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III. T2D was determined by medical history or fasting and 2 hour glucose values. RESULTS: The groups had similar age (meanGSE: LBW 45.2G1.12 vs NBW 44.2G0.39 vs MBW 43.4G1.07 years,p=0.5), sex distribution (female: 63 vs 59 vs 56%, p=0.6) and smoking status (48 vs 49 vs 57%, p=0.1). LBW subjects were more likely to be African American (25 vs 14 vs 9%, p=0.001). Adjusting for age, sex, smoking, and race, LBW were less obese than NBW (BMI 28.4G0.64 vs 31.3G0.28 kg/m, p!0.0001 and had lower waist circumference 92G2 cm vs 101G1 cm, p!0.0001), whereas MBW had higher BMI (33.6G0.87 vs 31.4G0.28 kg/m, p=0.02) and a trend to higher waist circumference (105G2 vs 101G1 cm, p=0.09). LBW also had lower blood pressures (systolic 119G2 vs. 123G1 mmHg, p=0.006) and insulin levels (13.9G1.3 vs 17.6G0.7 iU/ml, p=0.007). Consistent with this, LBW had a decreased risk of the MS (LBW 58 vs NBW 70%, OR .54, 95% CI .30-.95, p=0.03). However, the risk of T2D was not different (LBW 61 vs NBW 60 vs MBW 60%, p=0.9). CONCLUSION: Among individuals with a family history of T2D, having LBW decreased the risk of obesity, central adiposity, HTN, and the MS later in life. Thus, in this high-risk population, LBW appears protective for future metabolic risk; whereas MBW did not confer additional risk of MS or T2D over NBW.
Gene therapy for disc repair.

Abstract Background context Recent advances in our understanding of the biologic makeup and environment of the intervertebral disc (IVD) have led to increased interest in the development of novel treatments for disc degeneration. Certain genes found to alter rates of matrix synthesis and catabolism within the disc have provided targets for scientists seeking to alter the balance between the two. To this end, gene therapy has emerged as a potential therapeutic option, and recent research efforts have yielded very promising results. Purpose To update and consolidate information regarding the recent advances in gene therapy and its application to IVD degeneration. Study design/setting Review of recent and ongoing research in the field of gene therapy, particularly regarding its application to the treatment of IVD degeneration. Methods Literature review. Results With its unique ability to provide sustained delivery of potentially therapeutic agents, gene therapy has shown much promise with regard to the treatment of IVD degeneration. There have been many exciting developments such as safer and more reliable vector constructs, favorable results using therapeutic transgenes in disc cells both in vitro and in vivo, and improvement in transgene regulation, and investigators continue to explore ways in which gene therapy can become a powerful tool in the future treatment of disc degeneration. Conclusions With continued perseverance and dedication, many advances have been made in the application of gene therapy to the IVD, and it continues to demonstrate great potential to become a powerful tool in the future treatment of disc degeneration.
Parsimonious downgrading and decision trees applied to the inference problem

Abstract : In this paper we present our new paradigm for dealing with the inference problem which arises from downgrading. Our new paradigm has two main parts: the application of decision tree analysis to the inference problem, and the concept of parsimonious downgrading. We also include a new thermodynamically motivated way of dealing with the deduction of inference rules from partial data.
Self-rated sedation and plasma concentrations of desmethyldiazepam following single doses of clorazepate.

Plasma concentrations of desmethyldiazepam (DMDZ) and intensity of self-rated sedation (SRS) were measured at multiple points in time during 6h after a single 15 mg oral dose of clorazepate dipotassium. Mean plasma DMDZ levels and mean SRS scores both became maximal at 1.0–2.5 h after drug dosage. By 6 h, however, mean SRS had returned to the predrug baseline score while mean DMDZ concentration fell only slighty from the maximum value. Disappearance of SRS despite persistence of high DMDZ levels might be due to adaptation or tolerance. If this is the case, subjective effects of benzodiazepines may depend upon duration of drug exposure as well as dose and concentration.
Effect of low-density polyethylene on smoke emissions from burning of simulated debris piles

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) plastic is used to keep piled debris from silvicultural activities—activities associated with development and care of forests—dry to enable efficient disposal by burning. The effects of inclusion of LDPE in this manner on smoke emissions are not well known. In a combustion laboratory experiment, 2-kg mixtures of LDPE and manzanita (Arctostaphylos sp.) wood containing 0, 0.25, and 2.5% LDPE by mass were burned. Gaseous and particulate emissions were sampled in real time during the entire flaming, mixed combustion phase—when the flaming and smoldering phases are present at the same time—and during a portion of the smoldering phase. Analysis of variance was used to test significance of modified combustion efficiency (MCE)—the ratio of concentrations of fire-integrated excess CO2 to CO2 plus CO—and LDPE content on measured individual compounds. MCE ranged between 0.983 and 0.993, indicating that combustion was primarily flaming; MCE was seldom significant as a covariate. Of the 195 compounds identified in the smoke emissions, only the emission factor (EF) of 3M-octane showed an increase with increasing LDPE content. Inclusion of LDPE had an effect on EFs of pyrene and fluoranthene, but no statistical evidence of a linear trend was found. Particulate emission factors showed a marginally significant linear relationship with MCE (0.05 < P-value < 0.10). Based on the results of the current and previous studies and literature reviews, the inclusion of small mass proportions of LDPE in piled silvicultural debris does not appear to change the emissions produced when low-moisture-content wood is burned. In general, combustion of wet piles results in lower MCEs and consequently higher levels of emissions.
Quantum cryptography using optical fibers

Quantum cryptography permits the transmission of secret information whose security is guaranteed by the uncertainty principle. An experimental system for quantum crytography is implemented based on the linear polarization of single photons transmitted by an optical fiber. Polarization-preserving optical fiber and a feedback loop are employed to maintain the state of polarization. Error rates of less than 0.5% are obtained.
Localization of FtsI (PBP3) to the septal ring requires its membrane anchor, the Z ring, FtsA, FtsQ, and FtsL

Assembly of the division septum in bacteria is mediated by several proteins that localize to the division site. One of these, FtsI (also called penicillin-binding protein 3) of Escherichia coli, consists of a short cytoplasmic domain, a single membrane-spanning segment, and a large periplasmic domain that encodes a transpeptidase activity involved in synthesis of septal peptidoglycan. We have constructed a merodiploid strain with a wild-type copy of ftsI at the normal chromosomal locus and a genetic fusion of ftsI to the green fluorescent protein (gfp) at the lambda attachment site. gfp-ftsI was expressed at physiologically appropriate levels under control of a regulatable promoter. Consistent with previous results based on immunofluorescence microscopy GFP-FtsI localized to the division site during the later stages of cell growth and throughout septation. Localization of GFP-FtsI to the cell pole(s) was not observed unless the protein was overproduced about 10-fold. Membrane anchor alterations shown previously to impair division but not membrane insertion or transpeptidase activity were found to interfere with localization of GFP-FtsI to the division site. In contrast, GFP-FtsI localized well in the presence of β-lactam antibiotics that inhibit the transpeptidase activity of FtsI. Septal localization depended upon every other division protein tested (FtsZ, FtsA, FtsQ, and FtsL). We conclude that FtsI is a late recruit to the division site, and that its localization depends on an intact membrane anchor.
The Unique Phase Doppler Particle Analyzer Application and Analysis of Solid Particle Flow in the Fluidized Bed Combustor (FBC) Cold Model

The hydrodynamic effects of varying operating parameters in the fluidized bed combustor (FBC) have been of great interest to the FBC design and manufacturing process. Some experiments to investigate the gas/particle flows in the gaseous fluidized bed were performed with the laser-based phase Doppler particle analyzer (PDPA). In the experiments, the PDPA was used to measure the vertical component of fluidizing particle velocity at one specific position point. The robust experimental design method was used to evaluate the experimental conditions and to analyze the experimental results. An empirical model for the particle velocity vertical component Vy with particle size (S) and fluidizing airflow rate (R) as variables was developed for the FBC cold model. From the model, it was found that vertical component Vy has a strong linear relationship with the fluidizing airflow rate (R), while particle size (S) has less linear relationship to Vy. It can also be seen that Vy increased when fluidizing airflow rate in...
Trial-by-Trial Adjustments of Cognitive Control Following Errors and Response Conflict are Altered in Pediatric Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.

Background: Impairments of cognitive control have been theorized to drive the repetitive thoughts and behaviors of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) from early in the course of illness. However, it remains unclear whether altered trial-by-trial adjustment of cognitive control characterizes young patients. To test this hypothesis, we determined whether trial-by-trial adjustments of cognitive control are altered in children with OCD, relative to healthy controls. Methods: Forty-eight patients with pediatric OCD and forty-eight healthy youth performed the Multi-Source Interference Task. Two types of trial-by-trial adjustments of cognitive control were examined: post-error slowing (i.e., slower responses after errors than after correct trials) and post-conflict adaptation (i.e., faster responses in high-conflict incongruent trials that are preceded by other high-conflict incongruent trials, relative to low-conflict congruent trials). Results: While healthy youth exhibited both post-error slowing and post-conflict adaptation, patients with pediatric OCD failed to exhibit either of these effects. Further analyses revealed that patients with low symptom severity showed a reversal of the post-conflict adaptation effect, whereas patients with high symptom severity did not show any post-conflict adaptation. Conclusion: Two types of trial-by-trial adjustments of cognitive control are altered in pediatric OCD. These abnormalities may serve as early markers of the illness.
Properties of the slab modes in photonic crystal optical waveguides

We show that by placing a slab of semiconductor material between two photonic bandgap (PBG) mirrors, waveguide modes at frequencies out of the PBG can be obtained. These modes are similar to the modes of a conventional dielectric slab waveguide. Using these modes, we can obtain very good coupling between a PBG waveguide and a dielectric slab waveguide with similar slab properties. We discuss the properties of these slab modes and outline the guideline for the optimization of the PBG waveguides based on these properties.
An approach to determine long-term behavior of concrete members prestressed with FRP tendons

Abstract The combined effects of creep and shrinkage of concrete and relaxation of prestressing tendons cause gradual changes in the stresses in both concrete and prestressing tendons. A simple method is presented to calculate the long-term prestress loss and the long-term change in concrete stresses in continuous prestressed concrete members with either carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) or aramid fiber reinforced polymer (AFRP) tendons. The method satisfies the requirements of equilibrium and compatibility and avoids the use of any empirical multipliers. A simple graph is proposed to evaluate the reduced relaxation in AFRP tendons. It is shown that the prestress loss in FRP tendons is significantly less than that when using prestressing steel, mainly because of the lower moduli of elasticity of FRP tendons. The long-term changes in concrete stresses and deflection can be either smaller or greater than those of comparable girders prestressed with steel tendons, depending on the type of FRP tendons and the initial stress profile of the cross-section under consideration.
Practical and general synthesis of 5′-adenylated RNA (5′-AppRNA)

A simple strategy is reported for 5'-adenylation of nearly any RNA sequence of indefinite length. The 5'-adenylated product (5'-AppRNA) is an activated RNA that is structurally similar to 5'-triphosphorylated RNA, which is usually prepared by in vitro transcription using T7 RNA polymerase. In the new 5'-adenylation strategy, the RNA substrate is first 5'-monophosphorylated either by T4 polynucleotide kinase, by in vitro transcription in the presence of excess GMP, or by appropriate derivatization during solid-phase synthesis. The RNA is then 5'-adenylated using ATP and T4 RNA ligase, in an interrupted version of the natural adenylation-ligation mechanism by which T4 RNA ligase joins two RNA substrates. Here, the final ligation step of the mechanism is inhibited with complementary DNA blocking oligonucleotide(s) that permit adenylation to occur with good yield. The 5'-AppRNA products of this approach should be valuable as activated RNAs for in vitro selection experiments as an alternative to 5'-triphosphorylated RNAs, among other likely applications. The 5'-terminal nucleotide of an RNA substrate to be adenylated using the new method is not restricted to guanosine, in contrast to 5'-triphosphorylated RNA prepared by in vitro transcription. Therefore, using the new approach, essentially any RNA obtained from solid-phase synthesis or other means can be activated by 5'-adenylation in a practical manner.
Integrated mission models and simulation through the entire program lifecycle

A key factor in developing a successful system is the ability to characterize the system mission and capabilities in the early lifecycle phases, thus verifying the validity of the project from a technical standpoint. It is an unfortunate fact of engineering that the mission modeling activities often are uncoupled from the later systems analysis and architecture activities. By integrating the mission models and simulations with the earliest lifecycle products, such as the OV-1 and OV-2 DoD Architecture Framework (DoDAF) models, we show how a Model Based System Engineering (MBSE) approach can establish continuity between system lifecycle phases when implemented over the entire system lifecycle, as well as provide feedback between the models and simulation results. An approach integrating IBM Rhapsody Designer for Systems Engineers with OPNET network modeling is presented.
Morphological control of heterostructured nanowires synthesized by sol-flame method.

Heterostructured nanowires, such as core/shell nanowires and nanoparticle-decorated nanowires, are versatile building blocks for a wide range of applications because they integrate dissimilar materials at the nanometer scale to achieve unique functionalities. The sol-flame method is a new, rapid, low-cost, versatile, and scalable method for the synthesis of heterostructured nanowires, in which arrays of nanowires are decorated with other materials in the form of shells or chains of nanoparticles. In a typical sol-flame synthesis, nanowires are dip-coated with a solution containing precursors of the materials to be decorated, then dried in air, and subsequently heated in the post-flame region of a flame at high temperature (over 900°C) for only a few seconds. Here, we report the effects of the precursor solution on the final morphology of the heterostructured nanowire using Co3O4 decorated CuO nanowires as a model system. When a volatile cobalt salt precursor is used with sufficient residual solvent, both solvent and cobalt precursor evaporate during the flame annealing step, leading to the formation of Co3O4 nanoparticle chains by a gas-solid transition. The length of the nanoparticle chains is mainly controlled by the temperature of combustion of the solvent. On the other hand, when a non-volatile cobalt salt precursor is used, only the solvent evaporates and the cobalt salt is converted to nanoparticles by a liquid–solid transition, forming a conformal Co3O4 shell. This study facilitates the use of the sol-flame method for synthesizing heterostructured nanowires with controlled morphologies to satisfy the needs of diverse applications.
Occupational nickel dermatitis in the electroforming industry.

An outbreak of occupational dermatitis in an electroforming plant where there was heavy exposure to nickel is described. Patch test investigations confirmed nickel allergy in 13 of 27 exposed individuals Nickel chloride was found to be a more reliable patch test allergen than nickel sulphate. Improvements in industrial hygiene led to an immediate decrease in the incidence of dermatitis. Persistent patch test sensitivity to nickel was found in three individuals who had been removed from the process chemicals for some years.
Large Retroperitoneal Liposarcoma Diagnosed upon Radiological Evaluation of Mild Right-Sided Inguinal Hernia

While inguinal hernia is common in the primary care office, the differential diagnosis is extensive and includes infectious, inflammatory and neoplastic processes. Varicocele is another frequent, generally benign condition which occasionally reflects serious disease entities. Left-sided or bilateral varicoceles account for the overwhelming majority of varicoceles because the left gonadal vein drains into the left renal vein in contrast to the right gonadal vein, which drains directly into the inferior vena cava, thus making left-sided or bilateral venous congestion more likely. Presence of an uncommon unilateral right-sided varicocele thus warrants further radiological workup, in particular CT abdomen and pelvis, to evaluate for retroperitoneal pathology. We describe a case in which appropriate use of a variety of imaging modalities including testicular ultrasound and CT led to an important diagnosis of a large, well-differentiated liposarcoma in the right retroperitoneum of a patient with a right-sided groin mass.
Closing the research to practice gap: Redefining feasibility

Recent attention to closing the research to practice gap reflects a new paradigm in which community partners assume more active roles in intervention research. Funders are shaping this new genre of collaborative research, and yet still require letters of support from investigators documenting access to sites as evidence of feasibility. Defining feasibility by access, however, derives from a basic research model that translates poorly to a collaborative one. At the same time, university‐community collaboration within externally funded research poses a number of ethical challenges. We encourage a redefinition of feasibility that prioritizes collaboration by reconstructing the purpose and content of letters of support and by encouraging investigators to build into studies sufficient time and specific plans for building sustainable partnerships.
Are ictal vocalisations related to the lateralisation of frontal lobe epilepsy

The purpose was to analyse whether non-speech vocalisations in seizures originating in the frontal lobe do have lateralising value. Patients were included who had undergone presurgical evaluation with ictal video-EEG monitoring at the Epilepsy Centre, had had resective epilepsy surgery involving the frontal lobe, and who had remained seizure free>1 year postoperatively. Twenty seven patients aged 1-42 years (mean 18) met the inclusion criteria. Age at epilepsy onset ranged from 1 month to 41 years (mean 7.1 years). All selected patients had a unilateral MRI detected lesion within the frontal lobe. Fifteen patients had right sided, 12 patients had left sided epileptogenic zones. Seizures recorded during EEG-video monitoring were re-evaluated to identify the occurrence of ictal vocalisations. Pure ictal vocalisations were distinguished from ictal sound productions due to motor or vegetative seizure activity (for example, cloni or respiratory sounds). Pure ictal vocalisation occurred in 11 patients of whom nine had a left frontal epileptogenic zone (p<0.01). It is concluded that ictal vocalisation could be an additional lateralising sign in frontal lobe epilepsy. The results suggest that not only speech, but vocalisation at a subverbal level also shows a left hemispheric dominance in humans.
The Impropriety of Plea Agreements: An “Anthropological” View

David Lynch1 nicely captures what John Langbein has denounced as the "torture" of plea bargaining.2 Langbein's wickedly suggestive essay traced modem criminal trial practice back to medieval criminal systems in which the body of the defendant became the victim in a social sacrifice.3 The modem analog, for Langbein, is that the Warren Court due process revolution "guaranteed" defendants a wide variety of procedural rights that society simply cannot afford (or, Lynch would say, refuses to afford) them. The result is the outrageously generous offer the state makes to the defendants. Put somewhat differently, this sort of "incentive system" plays mind games with the much-touted principle of autonomy built into the due process/waiver model. If trials establish an automatic "risk-preferring" principle on defendants, plea bargaining tempts them with a risk-averse alternative they might well wish they had never been offered. It is both more choice and less freedom. Plea bargaining forces a "normatively thinking" defendant into the world described by Judge Easterbrook in a parallel wickedly suggestive essay,4 in which he portrays bargaining as the cost system for rendering into usable averages all the predictive doubts we may have about the defendant's chances of winning on both substantive and procedural grounds.
Electronegativities of carbon, silicon, germanium, tin and lead—II

Abstract The chemical reactions of analogous compounds of carbon, silicon, germanium, tin and lead are discussed briefly and shown to be inconsistent with the customary interpretation of the Mendeleeff periodic table and with the most widely accepted values of electronegativity. The electronegativities of these elements are calculated herein from data supplied by nuclear quadrupole resonance, by work functions, by calculations based on thermochemical data and by calculations based on electrostatics. In addition, relative electronegativities for these elements are determined experimentally by measuring the chemical shift of the tetramethyl derivatives at infinite dilution in carbon tetrachloride as a solvent. The electronegativity values 2·60 for carbon, 1·90 for silicon, 2·00 for germanium, 1·93 for tin, and 2·45 for lead are proposed as the most accurate ones applicable to the Group IV-B elements in sp3 valence states.
ISKCON AND IMMIGRANTS: The Rise, Decline, and Rise Again of a New Religious Movement

This article examines the impact of Indian immigration on the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), popularly known as “Hare Krishnas.” After its emergence and initial growth as a new religious movement in the 1960s, ISKCON entered a period of decline and withdrawal in the 1980s because of second-generation problems and a series of financial and sexual scandals. A case study of the Chicago ISKCON temple shows that, since then, Indian immigration has provided ISKCON with new resources and a new target population for conversion. This has led to the reemergence of ISKCON as a religious movement, but one that differs in both its membership and its actions from the “seeker” movement of the 1960s and 1970s. The resurgence of ISKCON's movement activities is a product of congregational-level transnational interactions. The emergence of new religious movements, thus, must be seen in the context of broader historical dynamics as well as local microcosmic interactions. To the extent that these in...
Warning system concepts to prevent controlled flight into terrain (CFIT)

Terrain Following Radar (TFR) systems have employed techniques for avoiding collision with terrain and man-made obstacles since their inception over twenty years ago. Evolutionary advances in terrain following technology have produced the Covert Penetration System (CPS), which combines information from the forward looking radar with a digital map to enhance the capabilities of the TF component and add functionality such as Terrain Referenced Navigation (TRN), and Terrain and Threat Avoidance (TA/ThA). The addition of the digital map data also enhances the system's ability to perform the Ground Collision Avoidance (GCA) function. The GCA algorithms used in TFRs and in CPS can be used to help prevent CFlT mishaps. This paper examines the GCA concepts currently employed in Texas Instruments TFRs, their extensions as envisioned for CPS, and concepts for a stand-alone GCA system. Applications to both civil and military aircraft are discussed, as is operation both with and without real-time forward looking sensors. >
"We Have No Rights, We Get No Help": The Legal and Policy Dilemmas Facing Grandparent Caregivers

Guided by an ecological perspective on family policy, this qualitative study used family life history interviews to document the legal and policy dilemmas faced by 26 grandparent caregivers residing in Montana. Most grandparents (n = 18) were caring for their grandchildren in informal or private care arrangements. Findings revealed four legal or policy contexts that hindered informal grandparent caregiving, including the lack of a kinship care navigation system, the lack of legal rights, fear of the child welfare system, and disparities between informal and formal kinship care policies. Future policy directions, including expanding subsidized guardianship programs and granting informal grandparent caregivers' legal authority over their grandchildren, are discussed.
Presbytis cristatus (Silvered leaf-monkey)

Skin biopsies of two animals were made available by Dr. C. Gray, National Zoological Park, Washington, D.C., USA. In contrast to other langurs with 2n=44 (see Egozcue), all metaphases of this male have a larger unmatched chromosome that appears to be the Y. This element is not specifically identified as the Y chromosome, however. Pronounced secondary constrictions are found in the long arms of one small metacentric chromosome, here placed as the last autosome.
Differential measurements of interband and intersubband coherence and exciton-exciton correlations in quantum wells

A novel temporally-gated technique and standard differential detection techniques are used to study quantum beats involving the light and heavy hole excitons in GaAs quantum wells. The contributions of intravalence band coherence are separated from those of conduction-to-valence band coherence and the contributions of dynamic exciton-exciton correlations are identified by taking advantage of the polarization selection rules for the excitonic transitions.