cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Taste disturbance post-tonsillectomy improved with zinc supplementation

Abstract Objective To discuss taste disturbance after tonsillectomy and the role of zinc therapy in the treatment of post-tonsillectomy dysgeusia. Methods and Case Presentation: We herein report a rare presentation of dysgeusia after an uncomplicated tonsillectomy in an 11-year-old girl which improved post-operatively shortly after starting zinc supplementation. Results Taste disturbances after tonsillectomy, although rare, may be attributable to multiple causes ranging from inadvertent glossopharyngeal nerve damage during surgery to zinc deficiency. Atypical anatomical distributions of dysgeusia after tonsillectomy prompted the consideration of zinc deficiency as a possible cause of the patient's post-tonsillectomy dysgeusia. Conclusion When evaluating potential causes of dysgeusia after tonsillectomy, otolaryngologists must be mindful of zinc deficiency as a potential contributing factor.
Structural aspects of tobacco mosaic virus.

Publisher Summary This chapter aims to summarize the currently prevailing concepts concerning chemical structure and biological function of the tobacco mosaic virus particle, quoting in many instances only the last stepping stones toward present position. Most of the emphasis is on the protein, concerning the structure and function of which have more definitive data than concerning the ribonucleic acid (RNA). Although viruses differ greatly in their shape, size, and composition, they seem to show several common basic principles of structure and function. The detailed study to which the tobacco mosaic virus is being subjected in many laboratories can therefore be regarded as fruitful ground work for the study of unrelated viruses. The chapter also discusses that nucleic acid inactivated by U.V. light or by various chemical substitution reactions is almost as effective in combining with the protein to yield stable virus-like particles, which are non-infectious. In contrast, traces of ribonuclease decrease at similar rates, the infectivity of RNA preparations and their ability to enter into rod formation. RNA and protein of distantly related strains yield few stable big particles, while non-viral RNA yields almost none. Thus the co-aggregation of the two components of TMV is definitely a function of their structural fit, as determined by their amino acid and nucleotide sequences.
Learning Cities for All: Directions to a New Adult Education and Learning Movement

This chapter features a conceptual framework that considers the practical characteristics of learning cities, pointing to the field of adult and continuing education to lead a movement for the purposes of education, learning, and engagement for all.
Atheism, Agnosticism, and Irreligion

Research on the topics of atheism, agnosticism, and irreligion has been limited during much of the last century. We explain the reasons for a lack of research in this field and discuss the recent interest in this topic. The most recent wave of research has been concentrated during the past decade and tends to look at the dual issues of who composes the religiously unaffiliated and why they choose this self-identification. Recent research has begun to take a much wider and deeper view on the subject. This includes research on particular segments of the population such as atheists, as well as understanding how the religiously unaffiliated are viewed by the broader culture. We conclude by describing important directions for future research. In particular, there is a need to break out the separate forms of irreligion and use creative new methodologies to find and study this significant portion of the population. Keywords: atheism; agnosticism; irreligion; religious nones; secularization; apostasy
Changes in Diffusion Kurtosis Imaging and Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy in a Direct Cranial Blast Traumatic Brain Injury (dc-bTBI) Model

Explosive blast-related injuries are one of the hallmark injuries of veterans returning from recent wars, but the effects of a blast overpressure on the brain are poorly understood. In this study, we used in vivo diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to investigate tissue microstructure and metabolic changes in a novel, direct cranial blast traumatic brain injury (dc-bTBI) rat model. Imaging was performed on rats before injury and 1, 7, 14 and 28 days after blast exposure (~517 kPa peak overpressure to the dorsum of the head). No brain parenchyma abnormalities were visible on conventional T2-weighted MRI, but microstructural and metabolic changes were observed with DKI and proton MRS, respectively. Increased mean kurtosis, which peaked at 21 days post injury, was observed in the hippocampus and the internal capsule. Concomitant increases in myo-Inositol (Ins) and Taurine (Tau) were also observed in the hippocampus, while early changes at 1 day in the Glutamine (Gln) were observed in the internal capsule, all indicating glial abnormality in these regions. Neurofunctional testing on a separate but similarly treated group of rats showed early disturbances in vestibulomotor functions (days 1–14), which were associated with imaging changes in the internal capsule. Delayed impairments in spatial memory and in rapid learning, as assessed by Morris Water Maze paradigms (days 14–19), were associated with delayed changes in the hippocampus. Significant microglial activation and neurodegeneration were observed at 28 days in the hippocampus. Overall, our findings indicate delayed neurofunctional and pathological abnormalities following dc-bTBI that are silent on conventional T2-weighted imaging, but are detectable using DKI and proton MRS.
Noninvasive blood glucose monitoring in the 2.0-2.5 /spl mu/m wavelength range

In the 1.5-1.8 /spl mu/m range the glucose absorption signature is weak and not distinct. Tunable laser sources or arrays of laser diodes can eliminate the low signal limitation, even with modest powers narrow linewidths are not important, but wavelength stability (for lasers in an array) or wavelength reproducibility (for a tunable system) is critical. Successful noninvasive measurements will likely require very large signal-to-noise-ratios, so wavelength deviations must be very small.
Promise and progress for functional and molecular imaging of response to targeted therapies.

Biomarkers to predict or monitor therapy response are becoming essential components of drug developer’s armamentaria. Molecular and functional imaging has particular promise as a biomarker for anticancer therapies because it is non-invasive, can be used longitudinally and provides information on the whole patient or tumor. Despite this promise, molecular or functional imaging endpoints are not routinely incorporated into clinical trial design. As the costs of clinical trials and drug development become prohibitively more expensive, the need for improved biomarkers has become imperative and thus, the relatively high cost of imaging is justified. Imaging endpoints, such as Diffusion-Weighted MRI, DCE-MRI and FDG-PET have the potential to make drug development more efficient at all phases, from discovery screening with in vivo pharmacodynamics in animal models through the phase III enrichment of the patient population for potential responders. This review focuses on the progress of imaging responses to new classes of anti-cancer therapies targeted against PI3 kinase/AKT, HIF-1α and VEGF. The ultimate promise of molecular and functional imaging is to theragnostically predict response prior to commencement of targeted therapy.
A critical review of biologic mesh use in ventral hernia repairs under contaminated conditions

Purpose We used an evidence-based approach to determine whether the promotions and claims of superiority of biologic mesh over synthetic mesh use in ventral hernia repairs (VHRs) under contaminated conditions were sound and valid.
Retinoic acid coordinates somitogenesis and left–right patterning in vertebrate embryos

A striking feature of the body plan of a majority of animals is bilateral symmetry. Almost nothing is known about the mechanisms controlling the symmetrical arrangement of the left and right body sides during development. Here we report that blocking the production of retinoic acid (RA) in chicken embryos leads to a desynchronization of somite formation between the two embryonic sides, demonstrated by a shortened left segmented region. This defect is linked to a loss of coordination of the segmentation clock oscillations. The lateralization of this defect led us to investigate the relation between somitogenesis and the left-right asymmetry machinery in RA-deficient embryos. Reversal of the situs in chick or mouse embryos lacking RA results in a reversal of the somitogenesis laterality defect. Our data indicate that RA is important in buffering the lateralizing influence of the left-right machinery, thus permitting synchronization of the development of the two embryonic sides.
Indole alkaloids from Fischerella inhibit vertebrate development in the zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryo model.

Cyanobacteria are recognized producers of toxic or otherwise bioactive metabolite associated, in particular, with so-called “harmful algal blooms” (HABs) and eutrophication of freshwater systems. In the present study, two apparently teratogenic indole alkaloids from a freshwater strain of the widespread cyanobacterial genus, Fischerella (Stigonemataceae), were isolated by bioassay-guided fractionation, specifically using the zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryo, as a model of vertebrate development. The two alkaloids include the previously known 12-epi-hapalindole H isonitrile (1), and a new nitrile-containing variant, 12-epi-ambiguine B nitrile (2). Although both compounds were toxic to developing embryos, the former compound was shown to be relatively more potent, and to correlate best with the observed embryo toxicity. Related indole alkaloids from Fischerella, and other genera in the Stigonemataceae, have been widely reported as antimicrobial compounds, specifically in association with apparent allelopathy. However, this is the first report of their vertebrate toxicity, and the observed teratogenicity of these alkaloids supports a possible contribution to the toxicity of this widespread cyanobacterial family, particularly in relation to freshwater HABs and eutrophication.
Evolving United States metropolitan land use patterns

We investigate spatial patterns of residential and nonresidential land use for 257 United States metropolitan areas in 1990 and 2000, measured with 14 empirical indices. We find that metropolitan areas became denser during the 1990s but developed in more sprawl-like patterns across all other dimensions, on average. By far, the largest changes in our land use metrics occurred in the realm of employment, which became more prevalent per unit of geographic area, but less spatially concentrated and farther from the historical urban core, on average. Our exploratory factor analyses reveal that four factors summarize land use patterns in both years, and remained relatively stable across the two years: intensity, compactness, mixing, and core-dominance. Mean factor scores vary by metropolitan population, water proximity, type, and Census region. Improved measurement of metropolitan land use patterns can facilitate policy and planning decisions intended to minimize the most egregious aspects of urban sprawl.
Sequence Identity of the Direct Repeats, DR1 and DR2, Contributes to the Discrimination between Primer Translocation and in Situ Priming During Replication of the Duck Hepatitis B Virus

There are two mutually exclusive pathways for plus-strand DNA synthesis in hepadnavirus reverse transcription. The predominant pathway gives rise to relaxed circular DNA, while the other pathway yields duplex linear DNA. At the completion of minus-strand DNA synthesis, the final RNase H cleavage generates the plus-strand primer at direct repeat 1 (DR1). A small fraction of viruses make duplex linear DNA after initiating plus-strand DNA synthesis from this site, a process called in situ priming. To make relaxed circular DNA, a template switch is necessary for the RNA primer generated at DR1 to initiate plus-strand DNA synthesis from the direct repeat 2 (DR2) located near the opposite end of the minus-strand DNA, a process called primer translocation. We are interested in understanding the mechanism that discriminates between these two processes. Previously, we showed that a small DNA hairpin forms at DR1 in the avihepadnaviruses and acts as an inhibitor of in situ priming. Here, using genetic approaches, we show that sequence identity between DR1 and DR2 is necessary, but not sufficient for primer translocation in the duck hepatitis B virus. The discrimination between in situ priming and primer translocation depends upon suppression of in situ priming, a process that is dependent upon both sequence identity between DR1 and DR2, and the presence of the hairpin at DR1. Finally, our analysis indicates the entire RNA primer can contribute to primer translocation and is translocated to DR2 before initiation of plus-strand DNA synthesis from that site.
Intraocular Blastomycosis: Case Report and Review

Intraocular infection due to Blastomyces dermatitidis is rare, and only 10 cases have previously been reported. Manifestations of ocular blastomycosis can range from keratitis to panophthalmitis, and it is often difficult to diagnose ocular blastomycosis early. We report the case of a 45-year-old man who had disseminated blastomycosis that involved the lungs, skin, and ocular uvea and who was successfully treated with systemic and local antifungal therapy. We also review the literature describing the spectrum of clinical findings due to intraocular blastomycosis.
Developmental perspectives on risk and vulnerability in alcoholic families.

A Developmental Perspective of maladaptation among children of alcoholics considers multiple transacting risk and protective factors to predict both adaptive and maladaptlive outcomes over time. This perspective is useful for understanding both psychosocial dysfunction and risk for subsequent alcoholism among high-risk individuals. Moreover, this approach argues that understanding maladaptation among children within one developmental period is advanced particularly by longitudinal assessment of development across developmental periods or transitions. The four articles in this symposium reported on longitudinal studies of the adaptation of children of alcoholics across developmental transitions.
The ultraviolet spectrophotometric determination of rhenium by the pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate method

Abstract A new ultraviolet spectrophotometric method for the determination of small amounts of rhenium has been proposed. The method is based on the formation of a rhenium-pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate complex in very acidic solution. Two procedures are given involving different final acidities and permitting absorbance measurements at 243 nm or 268 nm with corresponding molar absorptivities of 5.60·104 and 2.95·104 1 mole−1 cm−1, respectively.
Superoxide in AVF dysfunction: a new target for intervention.

an adequately functioning vascular access is an absolute requisite for patients receiving hemodialysis. Among the three currently available (fistulae, grafts, and tunneled catheters) vascular accesses, the arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is considered the “gold standard” and is the most common mode
Micromechanics and Contact Forces of Colloidal Aggregates in the Presence of Surfactants

We report measurements of the bending mechanics of colloidal aggregates consisting of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) flocculated with 250 mM MgCl2 in the presence of either pentaethylene glycol monododecyl ether (C12E5), a nonionic surfactant, or sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), an anionic surfactant. In the absence of surfactant, singly bonded aggregates exhibit a substantial bond rigidity, κ0, in the linear bending regime. With the addition of surfactant, the tangential restoring force between particles becomes weaker; aggregates exhibit nonlinear mechanics at a lower critical bending moment, Mc, and the bond rigidity decreases. The decrease in κ0 is related to the reduction of the surface energy of adhesion between particles, WSL. We find that WSL decreases with increasing surfactant concentration below the critical micelle concentration (cmc). However, above the cmc, WSL remains constant within experimental error. These results confirm the relation between the bond rigidity and the surface energy of ad...
266 Maintenance, bacterial contamination and performance of jet nebulizers used by out patients

Jet nebulizers are frequently used for asthma treatment in children. Aim of study To evaluate technical maintenance, cleaning procedures, bacterial contamination and performance of nebulizers used by out patients. Methods We selected 39 families where an asthmatic child was on maintenance treatment with a nebulizer. User aspects of nebulizer therapy were evaluated with a questionnaire. Bacterial samples were taken from the liquid container of the nebulizer, the NaCl 0.9% solutions used as diluent, and from the aerosol. We measured the operating pressure generated by the compressor with a manometer. Particle-size of the aerosol was measured by laser diffraction. Results None of the nebulizers were periodically maintained. The cleaning procedure was insufficient in 38% of the users. One or more strains of pathogenic micro-organisms were cultured from 18/39 reservoirs, 16/39 NaCl 0.9% solutions, and 5/10 aerosols. Operating pressure was lower than specified by the manufacturer in 50% of the nebulizers. There was a straight negative linear correlation between age of the nebuliser and the respirable output. Conclusion Periodically technical maintenance of nebulizers and evaluation of user aspects is needed. Only single dose vials of NaCl 0.9% should be used to dilute aerosol medication.
Gonadectomy in adult life increases tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity in the prefrontal cortex and decreases open field activity in male rats

The prefrontal cortices in rats participate in a range of cognitive, emotional, and locomotor functions that are dependent on its rich catecholamine innervation. Sex differences identified in many of these functions suggest that the prefrontal cortex is also influenced by gonadal hormones. Previous studies have shown that prefrontal catecholamines can be modified by changes in the hormone environment in developing animals. The present analyses, carried out in male rats gonadectomized as adults, with and without supplementation with testosterone proprionate, and examined at intervals from two days to 10 weeks after surgery, revealed that both the anatomical organization of prefrontal catecholamine afferents, and a behavioral measure sensitive to their selective lesioning remain highly responsive to changes in testicular hormones in adulthood. Thus, gonadectomy in adult male rats rapidly led to a large but transient decrease in the density of tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity in all layers of the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex. This was followed by a sustained period in which immunoreactivity in the supragranular layers returned to levels that were just below normal (between 72 and 79% of normal), and labeling in deep laminae stabilized at considerably elevated innervation densities (approximately 150% of normal). Neither the acute decrease nor the chronic over-innervation characteristic of gonadectomized animals was observed in rats that were gonadectomized and supplemented with testosterone proprionate. Open field activity assessed along a corresponding 10 week timeline showed that gonadectomized animals were significantly less active than hormonally intact controls, a behavioral pattern opposite to the hyperactivity which persists following prefrontal dopamine lesions. Gonadectomized animals supplemented with testosterone proprionate, on the other hand, had open field scores that were not significantly different from controls. Taken together, these findings indicate that the adult hormone environment provides a significant, and seemingly functionally significant influence over the catecholamine innervation of the rat prefrontal cortex. Such lifelong responsiveness of the prefrontal cortical catecholamines to circulating hormones suggests that gonadal steroids are an active component of the biology of normal adult cognition, and may also have relevance for cortical dysfunction in disorders such as schizophrenia which are not only strongly tied to the catecholamines, but exhibit considerable biases among men and women as well.
Waste and Sorbent Parameters Affecting Mechanisms of Transient Emissions from Rotary Kiln Incineration

When “containerized” liquid wastes, bound on sorbents, are introduced into a rotary kiln in batch mode, transient phenomena involving heat transfer into, and waste mass transfer out of, the sorbent can promote the rapid release of waste vapor into the kiln. This rapid vapor release can cause depletion of available oxygen, and the formation of a “puff” which can result in a temporary failure of the incinerator system. A systematic study has been completed examining the effect of waste and sorbent properties on the magnitudes of transient puffs in a laboratory scale rotary kiln simulator. Of primary importance were waste boiling point and waste stoichiometric oxygen requirement. Of secondary importance were sorbent parameters such as bulk void fraction, and the fraction of the adsorbed waste that was contained within the individual sorbent particles. A theoretical model that utilizes a vaporization/surface renewal approach can be used as a guide to explain experimental results for several wastes on sawdust ...
Statistical mechanics framework for static granular matter

The physical properties of granular materials have been extensively studied in recent years. So far, however, there exists no theoretical framework which can explain the observations in a unified manner beyond the phenomenological jamming diagram. This work focuses on the case of static granular matter, where we have constructed a statistical ensemble which mirrors equilibrium statistical mechanics. This ensemble, which is based on the conservation properties of the stress tensor, is distinct from the original Edwards ensemble and applies to packings of deformable grains. We combine it with a field theoretical analysis of the packings, where the field is the Airy stress function derived from the force and torque balance conditions. In this framework, Point J characterized by a diverging stiffness of the pressure fluctuations. Separately, we present a phenomenological mean-field theory of the jamming transition, which incorporates the mean contact number as a variable. We link both approaches in the context of the marginal rigidity picture proposed by Wyart and others.
Spin configurations of ferromagnetic magnons in a periodic loop

A periodic loop is considered with two magnetic electrons per atom occupying two degenerate bands with negligible bandwidth. The Hamiltonian considered contains terms representing the intra-atomic Hund's-rule coupling and the assumed ferromagnetic nearest-neighbor Heisenberg exchange interaction between electrons of the same and of different bands. The competing effects of these terms are studied in the exact solution of the spin-1 ferromagnon problem using a method due to Bethe. Both the energy spectra and the associated wave functions are obtained. It is found that the lowest-lying spin-wave excitations are characterized by a side-by-side spin-1 triplet pair configuration dominating over the on-site triplet configuration (rigid $z$-spin a on the atom), no matter how large the Hund's rule coupling.
International relocation of inpatriate managers: assessing and facilitating acceptance in the headquarters organization

Abstract The shortage of qualified managers to assign to overseas positions has necessitated rethinking of the viable candidates pools. A relatively new group of global managers have emerged, inpatriate managers. These are foreign nationals and third-country nationals who are relocated to the organization's domestic headquarters to serve as a “linking-pin” to the global marketplace. This paper examines challenges to effectively incorporating these inpatriate managers into the domestic organization. The various issues with inpatriate manager adjustment to the domestic macro and organizational culture are examined. In addition, the necessary social support in work and non-work contexts is discussed.
Radial dependence of solar wind properties deduced from Helios 1/2 and Pioneer 10/11 radio scattering observations

Radio scattering measurements at 2.3 GHz, conducted over the heliocentric distance range of 1.7 to 180 solar radii, provide data for a study of the radial dependence of the solar wind characteristics. The data are obtained from the Helios 1 and 2 and the Pioneer 10 and 11 spacecraft. Spectral broadening measurements, together with angular broadening data for the spacecraft signal, indicate a value of 24 km/sec for the solar wind velocity at 1.7 solar radii. A velocity profile of the solar wind in the acceleration range is developed. In addition, phase scintillation measurements obtained suggest that the solar wind is slightly converging in the equatorial region between approximately 20 and 180 solar radii.
An economic analysis of photoelectrochemical cells

Abstract The economic viability of photoelectrochemical cells is examined for two representative systems based on n-type GaAs and n-type CdSe electrodes in contact with aqueous polyselenide and polysulfide electrolytes respectively. Cell fabrication costs for these systems are compared with a test case comprising a sequence of processes in a typical fabrication of silicon p-n junction solar cells. A standardized methodology based on the solar array manufacturing industry costing standards improved price estimation guideline is employed for the comparison. Under the framework of assumptions implicit in this analysis, photoelectrochemical systems emerge as a viable cost-competitive option to silicon p-n junction solar cells. The sensitivity of the computed cell costs to parameters such as cell efficiency and material costs is discussed.
Molecular species identification of commercially important penaeid shrimp from the Gulf of Mexico using a multiplex haplotype-specific PCR assay

This study describes a multiplex PCR assay based on the 16S rRNA mitochondrial gene to identify the penaeid shrimp Farfantepenaeus aztecus, Farfantepenaeus duorarum, Farfantepenaeus brasiliensis and Litopenaeus setiferus, all native to the Gulf of Mexico, and the exotic Litopenaeus vannamei. The assay was validated using positively identified adult shrimp and confirmed by direct sequencing. Samples of postlarvae and early juveniles collected in the eastern and western Gulf of Mexico were tested yielding 119 F. aztecus, 78 F. duorarum and five L. setiferus. Reliable identification of the morphologically similar early life stages of F. aztecus and F. duorarum has important implications for management and conservation. Similarly, the ability to identify L. vannamei is relevant as early detection could help minimize the ecological impact if this species escapes to the wild.
Genetic and physical maps of jerker (Espnje) on mouse chromosome 4

The jerker mutation causes degeneration of cochlea and vestibular sensoryhair cells in mice. A frame-shift mutation in the actin bundling gene Espin (Espn) leads to hair bundle defects bydisrupting the actin filament assemblyin stereocilia. Previously , jerker was mapped to distal mouse chromosome 4. Here, analyzing 2536 informative meioses derived from two intersubspecific intercrosses, we localize jerker to a 0:51 � 0:14 cM interval on chromosome 4. The following order and distances of genes and markers were determined: D4Mit180—0:44 � 0:13 cM—Hes2, Espn je —0:08 � 0:06 cM—D4Mit356—0:28 � 0: 1c M—D4Mit208. A 300 kb physical bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) contig was generated containing the Espn je locus. The human homologous region maps to 1p36.31. We present a detailed high-resolution genetic and physical map of markers located at distal chromosome 4 and demonstrate concordance of Espn with jerker. 2002 Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.
Applications of Fourier Transform Infrared Photoacoustic Spectroscopy to Solid Propellant Characterization

Fourier transform infrared photoacoustic spectroscopy (FT-IR/PAS) has been used to examine surfaces of composite solid propellants. Depletion of crystalline energetic material from extruded surfaces, and of plasticizen from aged surfaces, has been documented. In addition, a method has been developed to determine the mass per unit area of graphite on coated propellant surfaces.
StrandCast: Peer-to-peer content distribution for latency tolerant applications

Existing streaming peer-to-peer distribution architectures are designed to balance inherent trade-offs between stretch, stress, and robustness to churn. Several rely on multiple description coding in order to facilitate mesh-based or forest-based approaches. We believe, however, that a number of important applications such as broadcast video, pyramid video-on-demand, digital fountains, and data cycles to name a few exhibit a great deal of latency tolerance. For these applications, stretch is immaterial as long as join/leave latencies are minimized. If stretch is no longer a concern, simply chaining peers into a line emerges as a natural design choice for minimizing stress. The realities of loss, churn, and heterogeneous peer capabilities make implementing such a design challenging. In this paper, we show that by using a layered data model, a linear distribution scheme can be very effectively achieved and can be superior to MDC-based schemes. The paper describes our system called StrandCast and presents simulation results demonstrating its effectiveness and comparing it to SplitStream.
Venous thromboembolism in pregnant women with sickle cell disease: a retrospective database analysis.

Abstract Introduction The risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) is higher during pregnancy, with an incidence between 0.05 and 0.2%, and among persons with sickle cell disease (SCD), yet the rates and risk factors, such as pneumonia, vasooclusive crisis (VOC), and acute chest syndrome (ACS), associated with pregnancy-related VTE are not firmly established in SCD. Methods Inpatient hospital discharge data from 2007-2011 were obtained from the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council to estimate the rate of VTE among African American delivery hospitalizations with SCD and to compare pregnancy complications and medical comorbidities among pregnant women with SCD. Results Among 212 hospitalized deliveries in African-American women with SCD, 6 (2.8%, 95% CI 1.0%-5.9%) had VTE compared to 0.05 to 2.0% in the general population. Risk factors for VTE included pneumonia and diabetes mellitus. Overall, the prevalence of VTE, among hospitalized deliveries in SCD women with pneumonia, VOC, and/or ACS, 6.6%, was significantly greater than among those without these conditions, 2.2%, p Conclusion Pregnancy-related VTE in women with SCD appears to be 1.5 to 5 times greater than pregnancy-related VTE in the general population. The higher prevalence of VTE among pregnant women with pneumonia, VOC, and/or ACS, and their potential clinical overlap, suggests that VTE may be missed in such women. We conclude that VTE in pregnant women with SCD may be more common than previously reported, and such women might be candidates for thromboprophylaxis.
Morphine withdrawal causes subsensitivity of adrenergic receptor response.

Abstract To determine whether the hyperactivity of noradrenergic neurons that occurs during opiate withdrawal might be associated with a reciprocal alteration in noradrenergic receptor response, isoproterenol-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity was examined in the cerebella of morphine-addicted monkeys at two time periods: a) prior to withdrawal, and b) during late withdrawal. Compared to controls, the chronically-addicted group showed a significant increase in maximal enzyme velocity, a finding consistent with the observed hypoactivity of noradrenergic neurons which occurs during opiate administration. In contrast, the morphine withdrawal group demonstrated a significant decrease in enzyme activity. Piperoxan, known to mimic the effects of withdrawal in causing noradrenergic hyperactivity, also decreased enzyme activity. In no group was there a change in Ka for isoproterenol. These findings, indicating that opiate withdrawal is associated with a subsensitivity of noradrenergic receptor response, suggest a possible etiology for certain of the physiological changes of noradrenergic hypoactivity seen during the secondary (or protracted) abstinence syndrome.
Soft biometric classification using local appearance periocular region features

This paper investigates the effectiveness of local appearance features such as Local Binary Patterns, Histograms of Oriented Gradient, Discrete Cosine Transform, and Local Color Histograms extracted from periocular region images for soft classification on gender and ethnicity. These features are classified by Artificial Neural Network or Support Vector Machine. Experiments are performed on visible and near-IR spectrum images derived from FRGC and MBGC datasets. For 4232 FRGC images of 404 subjects, we obtain baseline gender and ethnicity classifications of 97.3% and 94%. For 350 MBGC images of 60 subjects, we obtain baseline gender and ethnicity results of 90% and 89%.
Intramitochondrial inclusions in the kidney of the pygmy mouse.

Abstract 1. 1. Intramitochondrial inclusions averaging 1000 A in diameter were observed in the cells of the proximal convoluted tubules in samples of kidneys from pygmy mice, Baiomys taylori. 2. 2. Electron microscopic study of unstained sections and mitochondrial fractions showed that these inclusions are lipid and found at a S.G. 1.37 in a linear sucrose gradient. 3. 3. Renal glycogen, inorganic phosphate and plasma sodium were significantly higher in the pygmy mouse and plasma calcium was lower, as compared with the laboratory mouse. 4. 4. We believe these intramitochondrial inclusions to be lipid which accumulates divalent cations, particularly calcium, which acts as a sodium pump allowing the pygmy mouse to conserve water and adapt to its environment.
Cascaded-grating holography for artificial neural networks

A holographic technique for implementing optical neural networks is described in which each connection weight is distributed among a series of cascaded angularly and spatially multiplexed photorefractive gratings. This greatly reduces cross talk caused by the conical Bragg degeneracy associated with a single grating, reduces distortions caused by beam coupling, and improves the utilization of pixels in the input spatial light modulator. Experimental examples of high-quality holographic storage and optical implementations of the perceptron and backpropagation neural networks are also discussed.
Beyond socio-technical systems: introduction to the special issue

Abstract This article serves as an introductory essay to this special issue of Journal of Technology and Management. It identifies and articulates the broad themes of the five papers included in this issue. Additionally, it outlines areas where further research is likely to make considerable contributions to the field of socio-technical systems.
Satellite observations of transionospheric pulse pairs

The BLACKBEARD payload aboard the ALEXIS satellite has been making broadband observations in the VHF band of the radio spectrum. Since November of 1993 several hundred unusual signals have been recorded. The peculiar nature of these bursts of radio noise is that they have a duration of approximately 10 {mu}sec, are typically 20 to 40 dB brighter than the average background, and occur in pairs separated by approximately 50 {mu}sec. The authors have dubbed these emissions TransIonospheric Pulse Pairs, or TIPP events. They do not know what the source of these emissions is, but the dispersion of these signals is consistent with an origin at or near the earth`s surface. The satellite field of view and time of day when TIPP events are generally detected are consistent with regions of thunderstorm activity such as south-central Africa or Indonesia. 4 refs., 5 figs.
Assessment of Larval Fish Consumption by Goldeye (Hiodon alosoides) in Two Missouri River Backwaters

Abstract The presence of large numbers of adult goldeye (Hiodon alosoides) in backwater habitats of the upper Missouri River, combined with the presence of many other native fishes and their larvae, has raised questions about the predatory effect that goldeye may have on the larval fish community. Goldeye and larval fishes were sampled in backwater habitats during April, May, July, August, and September of 1997. Peak relative abundance of adult goldeye coincided with peak relative abundance of larval fishes in July. We examined the stomach contents from 161 goldeye collected in July and August to determine what proportion of the goldeye diet was composed of larval fishes. Only four stomachs contained larval fish (2.5% frequency of occurrence), and larval fishes composed less than 0.1% of the total number of food items. Corixidae, Coleoptera, and zooplankton (Copepoda and Cladocera) were the primary diet items.
Regenerative power converters representation of grid control and actuation emulator

An ultra-wide-area transmission network emulator represented by regenerative converters is developed in this paper. The converters are paralleled to provide and share power similar to electromechanical generators. Others are controlled to emulate loads, such as, induction motors and constant impedance, current, power (ZIP) loads. The structure and control algorithms of these power system component emulators are discussed in detail, and the performance of overall system architecture is presented. As is well-known, the induction motor will induce large power perturbation when it starts. The simulation results clearly show the dynamic response and starting up process of the load.
Age Work Values

The article presents a study that examines a possible relationship between age and work values. According to the results of the study, older workers place a greater level of importance on pride in ...
Hyponatremia in a Nursing Home Population

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of hyponatremia in a nursing home population and to identify clinical factors that increase the risk for development of hyponatremia. DESIGN: Retrospective and prospective record review. SETTING: A Veterans Affairs nursing home care unit. PATIENTS: One hundred nineteen residents, who ranged in age from 60 to 103 years. Sixty ambulatory patients, 62 to 91 years of age, who attended a geriatric medicine outpatient clinic served as a reference population. MEASUREMENTS: Most recent serum sodium, creatinine, BUN, and all serum sodium determinations during the preceding 12 months; clinical diagnoses, diet, medications, and significant events at the time of recorded hyponatremic episodes; response to acute water loading in a subset of patients; number of deaths in the 12 months following entry into the study. RESULTS: In the 119 nursing home patients, ages 60 years or older, the most recent serum sodium identified 18% who were hyponatremic, compared with a prevalence of 8% in similarly aged ambulatory patients. When all serum sodium determinations for the previous 12 months were examined, 53% of the nursing home patients had at least one episode of hyponatremia during this time period. There was a high incidence of central nervous system (CNS) and spinal cord disease in the total nursing home population. Episodes of hyponatremia were frequently associated with an increased intake of fluids, given either orally or intravenously, and with tube feeding. Water load testing revealed abnormal water handling consistent with the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (ADH) secretion in 18 of 23 patients who had a history of hyponatremia. Seventeen percent of the patients with hyponatremia died over the following 12 months, compared to a death rate of 21% in the normonatremic patients. CONCLUSIONS: Hyponatremia is a common occurrence in nursing home residents and may be a consequence of abnormal ADH secretion resulting from CNS disease. Exposure to increased fluid intake, or to a low sodium tube-feeding diet, can lead to the onset of hyponatremia or to a worsening of an already present low-serum sodium concentration.
Simple method for calculating confidence limits around inbreeding rate and effective population size estimates from pedigrees

An important concept in population genetics is effective population size (Ne), which describes the expected rate of loss of genetic variability from a population. One way to estimate Ne is using a pedigree. However, there are no methods for comparing the Ne estimated from a pedigree with that expected from life-history models. In the paper we show how Ne can be estimated from the change in inbreeding rate (f) estimated from a pedigree. The mean individual inbreeding rate in a population at a given time must be calculated from averaged values for males and females, where each age class is weighted by its reproductive value. We show an exact method for placing confidence intervals around f and Ne using a binomial distribution, and present a method for approximating this interval for large Nes using a Poisson distribution. These confidence intervals can be used to compare f and Ne from a pedigree to expected values from demographic models, and to compare Nes of two populations.
History calls: delivering automated audio tours to visitors' cell phones

Many museums around the world rent audio players to their visitors to provide automated tours delivering pre-recorded information about their exhibits. Though generally pleased with their patrons' responses to automated audio tours museum administrators find that hosting them can be expensive, time consuming, and frustrating. Ongoing advances in mobile wireless technology provide an alternative to the current cumbersome method of renting sound players to museum visitors. Many patrons bring their own "digital sound player" with them in the guise of their personal cell phone. As cell phones proliferate and the price of calling plans falls cell phones may present a viable alternative to current audio tour systems. History calls was a recent experiment using VXML technology to deliver an automated audio museum tour directly to patrons' cell phones.
Negative bias temperature instability on three oxide thicknesses (1.4/2.2/5.2 nm) with nitridation variations and deuteration

Abstract In these experiments, we explored various methods of nitridation of thermal oxide. Rapid thermal oxidation (RTO), rapid thermal oxidation with nitric oxide (RTNO), remote plasma nitridation (RPN), and decoupled plasma nitridation (DPN) processes were performed, and the result on 1.4, 2.2, and 5.2 nm oxides was measured. It is shown that the initial threshold voltage and the shift during negative bias temperature instability (NBTI) stress are proportional to the nitrogen in the oxide. Not surprisingly the threshold voltage is dependent on the interfacial nitrogen, but it was also found that the NBTI shift depends on the total nitrogen incorporated throughout the bulk of the insulator. The thinnest oxide showed boron penetration for the unnitrided split, but also very low NBTI shift. Furthermore, wafers from each of the aforementioned nitridation variants were processed with and without deuterium passivation. Although the NFET hot–carrier response is substantially improved, no significant advantage in NBTI shift is observed.
Purification and peptide mapping of calmodulin and its chemically modified derivatives by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography.

Abstract Methods were developed for the isolation and peptide mapping of calmodulin and its chemically modified derivatives by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Calmodulin and its guanidinated, iodinated, and performic acid-oxidized derivatives can be isolatedon alkylphenyl columns by using gradients of acetonitrile in 10 mM potassium phosphate, pH 6.0, 2mM EGTA. Peptide mapping by HPLC, following complete digestion of the proteins with clostripain, allows identification of the modified amino acids residues. Clostripain peptides are eluted in the order 87–90, 75–86, 91–106, 107–126, 127–148, 107–148, 1–37, and 38–74. Performic acid oxidation of methionines decreases the retention times of the modified peptides, whereas iodination of tyrosines or guanidination of lysines increases retention times of modified peptides. These HPLC methods are applicable to the identification of specific modifications of calmodulin, allowing the assessment of the role of individual amino acid residues in determining the unique physical, chemical, and spectroscopic properties of this ubiquitous intracellular calcium-binding protein.
When Do Adolescents Reason

Summaries English Educators need to know when an adolescent will use a particular available problem‐solving mechanism or strategy. If a student can solve proportional reasoning problems in mathematics and physics classes but fails to comprehend the ‘odds’ in a local lottery, the teacher would like to know why. Three task context factors that form obstacles to generalizing logical reasoning strategies are illustrated by research studies. The obstacles are perceived relevance of the variables, perceived goal of the experiment and variable salience. The relationship between these factors and Piagetian theory is explored. Piaget's view that generalization is difficult to predict is a pessimistic one for educators. In contrast to this view, our findings suggest that it is possible to make some predictions abouthow and when logical mechanisms will be generalized to new situations. Implications for designing educational programmes which enhance generalizability of instruction in logical reasoning are described.
Identifying deep-gravel strata from dispersed thermal radiation

First efforts by the Southern Regional Office of the U.S. Forest Service at locating gravel deposits using thermal imagery began in 1983. Of the available remote sensing methods, only the method using the Thermal Infrared Multi Spectral Scanner (TIMS) has produced a promising correlation with known subsurface gravel deposits. In 1988, The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) found the results of these efforts of sufficient interest to accept the study as a joint effort with the NASA Space Technology Laboratory at Bay St. Louis, MS under their Earth Observation Commercialization and Applications Program (EOCAP). That program continued through 1992. Over three million cubic meters of gravel bearing deposits were identified with thermal imagery between 1987 and 1991.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Effects of evaluation and coaction on anxiety and anagram performance

Abstract In an experiment designed to investigate the effects of experimenter presence on the performance of groups of coacting subjects, male and female subjects worked either alone or in groups of four on a difficult anagrams task. Half the subjects in each of these conditions were observed by the experimenter whereas half worked alone. The results showed that when the experimenter was present, but not when she was absent, coacting subjects experienced higher levels of state anxiety, attempted fewer anagrams, and correctly solved a higher proportion of anagrams attempted than subjects who worked alone. In addition, state anxiety was negatively correlated with the number of anagrams attempted in three of the four treatment groups. The results are discussed in terms of the inhibiting effect of state anxiety on performance and the role of observation in fostering evaluation apprehension in coaction settings.