cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Anthropometry's promise and pitfalls in the diagnosis of undernutrition among infants.

Anthropometry, the rigorous methods used to measure the physical dimensions of the human body, is widely used in medicine and public health to identify and label individuals with suboptimal nutritional status. In paediatrics, anthropometry’s tool set and international standards are widely used throughout resource-constrained areas of the world to identify and label children with malnutrition, which is often given further descriptive labels such as ‘acute’ and ‘chronic’, ‘severe’ and ‘moderate’. But what is often glossed over is that these various forms of malnutrition are only screened for by anthropometry—these measurements are not the disease in and of itself; they only imply risk, to guide clinical care, to generate advocacy. Anthropometric standards are but a mere proxy for nutritional status, not an end point , as they tell us surprisingly little about what really matters to clinicians and policymakers—optimal child development, which encompasses the physical, cognitive, social, linguistic and emotional development of children that begins prenatally and continues at least through primary school. While we should celebrate that childhood mortality rates continue to fall worldwide, we must be sober in our realisation that a third of all children are not developing optimally.1 As UNICEF and many others have pointed out, children are surviving but not necessarily thriving . Nevertheless, anthropometry remains an important screening tool, and remains the best and most practical means of identifying malnourished children and guiding our management in everyday clinical practice. Even as we accept its limitations, the population of infants under 6 months of age remain most underserved and under-represented by …
Image Processing Techniques

Image processing includes those methods that operate on arrays of pixels to produce a modified image in which some of the information is enhanced in visibility and necessarily some other information is reduced. This is done presumably because the user can determine from the intended use of the image which information is currently important. In other situation, different processing might be used to extract other information from the image. There are several different ways to organize image processing methods to aid in understanding and to provide a logical structure for explanation. One is by purpose: to correct defects in images that arise from imperfect cameras, illumination, etc; to enhance the visibility of particular structures within images; to recognize and locate features; etc. In many cases, the same tools can be used for several of these different objectives. Another method is to distinguish between operations that work on single pixels, within small neighborhoods, and globally on the entire image. This article discussed single-pixel operations. Keywords: image processing; single pixel; operations; neighborhood operations; ranking; edge enhancement; texture; combinations; thresholding; frequency domains; convolution; correlation
Agreement of Minimum Data Set 3.0 depression and behavioral symptoms with clinical diagnosis in a nursing home.

Objectives: While the Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 has adopted Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-9 to screen for depression and rephrased language for behavioral symptoms among nursing home resident...
Cultural difference as a resource for arguments in institutional interactions

This article analyzes how institutional members orient to cultural difference during arguments in meeting interactions. Membership categorization analysis (MCA) of 21 h of audio-recorded conversati...
Bridge to the spirit world

“Bridge to the Spirit World” is a poem based on my first undergraduate research experience performing archival and oral history research with the LGBTQ History of Monterey County Archiving Project....
The type II integral ER membrane protein VAP-B homolog in C. elegans is cleaved to release the N-terminal MSP domain to signal non-cell-autonomously.

Abstract VAMP/synaptobrevin-associated protein B (VAP-B) is a type II ER membrane protein, but its N-terminal MSP domain (MSPd) can be cleaved and secreted. Mutations preventing the cleavage and secretion of MSPd have been implicated in cases of human neurodegenerative diseases. The site of VAP cleavage and the tissues capable in releasing the processed MSPd are not understood. In this study, we analyze the C. elegans VAP-B homolog, VPR-1, for its processing and secretion from the intestine. We show that intestine-specific expression of an N-terminally FLAG-tagged VPR-1 rescues underdeveloped gonad and sterility defects in vpr-1 null hermaphrodites. Immunofluorescence studies reveal that the tagged intestinal expressed VPR-1 is present at the distal gonad. Mass spectrometry analysis of a smaller product of the N-terminally tagged VPR-1 identifies a specific cleavage site at Leu156. Mutation of the leucine results in loss of gonadal MSPd signal and reduced activity of the mutant VPR-1. Thus, we report for the first time the cleavage site of VPR-1 and provide direct evidence that intestinally expressed VPR-1 can be released and signal in the distal gonad. These results establish the foundation for further exploration of VAP cleavage, MSPd secretion, and non-cell-autonomous signaling in development and diseases.
Cytoplasmic traffic jams affect circadian timing

Cytoplasmic crowding may underlie the disruption of the circadian clock in neurodegeneration.
Manuscript characteristics associated with the altmetrics score and social media presence: an analysis of seven spine journals.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND CONTEXT Impact factor, citation rate, and other traditional measures of scholarly impact do not account for the role that social media has in the dissemination of research. The Altmetric Attention Score (AAS) quantifies the active online presence of individual articles on various platforms (eg, Twitter, Facebook). PURPOSE We sought to better understand the factors associated with greater online attention and AAS in seven spine journals. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING Cross-sectional study. PATIENT SAMPLE No patients were included in this study. We analyzed 380 articles in seven major spine journals. OUTCOME MEASURES Extracted manuscript characteristics included AAS; number of Twitter, Facebook, and news outlet mentions; number of citations, references, academic institutions, and authors; and sample size, geographic region, subject of study, and level of evidence. METHODS All original scientific manuscripts published in the official January, February, and March 2017 issues of Spine, The Spine Journal, Spine Deformity, Journal of Neurosurgery-Spine, Clinical Spine Surgery, Global Spine Journal, and European Spine Journal were identified. The correlation of AAS and number of citations was determined by Spearman's Rho (ρ) correlation coefficient. Manuscript factors associated with AAS were determined by a multivariable linear regression analysis. RESULTS A total of 380 manuscripts were included in the analysis. The average AAS across all seven journals was 4.9 (SD: 19.4; Range: 0–356), with the highest average AAS reported for The Spine Journal at 8.0 (SD: 13; Range: 0–60). There was a weak, positive correlation between AAS and number of citations (ρ = .32; p CONCLUSIONS Our analysis of seven spine journals revealed a weak, positive correlation between AAS and number of citations. Number of references was associated with higher AAS. We believe these findings may be useful to authors seeking ways to maximize the impact of their research.
The importance of organisational justice on schedule satisfaction: a study of Latin American call centre employees

Using organisational justice theory as a basis for hypotheses formation, we consider the relationship between fairness perceptions in how employee work shifts are assigned and reported employee satisfaction with their work schedule. Secondary survey data (N = 3,871) from employees working in call centres in Costa Rica, Brazil, and Argentina were supplied by the employing organisation. We randomly drew 400 replies from each country for use in hypothesis testing. The results suggest that feelings of justice are positively related to employee feelings of satisfaction with their work schedule. Procedural and distributive justices are the strongest predictors. Length of time with the company was found to moderate the relationship between interactional justice and satisfaction with the schedule, with the effect significantly greater for recently hired employees. We also consider the impact of national culture on the relationship between justice perceptions and reported schedule satisfaction. The findings suggest that the relationship between distributive and procedural justice and satisfaction with schedule is stronger for employees from the high power distance national culture of Brazil. Implications for theory and recommendations for practice are offered.
Patient Satisfaction of General Dermatology Providers: A Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis of 38,008 Online Reviews

Measuring patient satisfaction of general dermatology providers is an important goal because it can lead to improved clinical outcomes. Online reviews are emerging as the newest forum for evaluating physicians in real time and provide a valuable tool for measuring patient satisfaction. We analyzed both quantitative and qualitative online reviews of general dermatology providers at 121 Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education‒accredited dermatology programs across the country to determine which elements are most discussed in online ratings using the online platforms Vitals, US News, WebMD, Google Reviews, and Healthgrades. There were 38,008 online reviews included from general dermatology providers at Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education‒accredited programs. The median average overall quantitative rating of providers was 4.35 of 5. There were more positive (77%) than negative (23%) comments. The overall ratings of general dermatology providers were favorable. The most influential factors in both positive and negative comments were patient’s perceived experience and physician’s bedside manner (26% and 17%, respectively). Less important factors included office space, treatment by auxiliary staff, wait time, costs, and time spent with patients. This suggests that a provider’s personality, expressed compassion, empathy, and kindness may overcome other issues and create an overall positive experience.
Commercial Friendships During a Pandemic

Although much of the nascent scholarship on COVID-19 has highlighted the tremendous health, economic, and social consequences of the pandemic, what has been underappreciated is the loss of commercial friendships due to the pandemic. Markets are social spaces where individuals can meet and form meaningful connections. But, because many market interactions that would have taken place in person before the pandemic moved remote and online, or were cancelled altogether, the COVID-19 pandemic has limited the ability of market participants to form and maintain meaningful social bonds. Indeed, we argue that COVID-19 is a disruptor of the formation and continuance of these commercial relationships. Specifically, we find that throughout the COVID-19 pandemic: (1) commercial interactions have become more anonymous and less personalized;(2) the formation and maintenance of commercial friendships are hindered because of the transition to virtual platforms, which are imperfect substitutes for in person connections;(3) during lockdowns, individuals spend more time interacting with closer ties rather than weaker ties;and (4) during the pandemic commercial settings are less likely to serve as social arenas. © 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.
A Brief History of the Independent Counsel Law

This Article summarizes comments given at a conference in which Professor Gottlieb offered a brief history of constitutional structure that led up to the Senate, for only the second time in its history, sat in judgment over whether to remove from office a president twice elected by the people. This article analyzes the significance of two institutions not clearly the creature of any of the three branches of government: the Independent Counsel and the press.
Stability of undiluted and diluted adenosine at three temperatures in syringes and bags

The stability of adenosine in various diluents in polypropylene syringes and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) bags at three temperatures was studied. Portions of pooled undiluted adenosine infusion (3 mg/ mL) were stored in 60-mL capped syringes, 20 for each storage condition. Adenosine infusions were prepared by mixing adenosine with 5% dextrose injection, 0.9% sodium chloride injection, lactated Ringer's injection, or 5% dextrose and lactated Ringer's injection to produce a concentration of 0.75 mg/mL. Samples of each infusion were stored in 60-mL capped syringes and 50-mL bags, 20 syringes and 20 bags for each storage condition. Syringes and bags were stored in the dark at 25, 5, and -15 degrees C. At various sampling times, three syringes and three bags of each infusion were removed for visual inspection, pH measurement, and high-performance liquid chromatographic analysis. At 10 and 16 days, fungal growth at 25 degrees C was suspected in the infusions prepared with 5% dextrose injection. For all other samples, there was no evidence of precipitation or change in pH. The concentration of adenosine remained constant in all samples at all storage conditions. Adenosine 3 mg/mL was stable in polypropylene syringes for 7 days at 25 degrees C, 14 days at 5 degrees C, and 28 days at -15 degrees C; adenosine 0.75 mg/ mL in 0.9% sodium chloride injection and in 5% dextrose injection was stable in polypropylene syringes and PVC bags for 16 days at 25, 5, and -15 degrees C; and adenosine 0.75 mg/mL in lactated Ringer's injection and in 5% dextrose and lactated Ringer's injection was stable in syringes and bags for 14 days at 25, 5, and -15 degrees C.
Reactivity of the Tryptophan Residues in Lysozyme

REPORTS have recently been published on the nature of the tryptophan residues in hen's egg white lysozyme and the relation of these residues to enzymatic activity. Hartdegen and Rupley1 showed that the oxidation of a single tryptophan residue with iodine results in the loss of enzymatic activity. Hachimori et al.2 have oxidized the tryptophan residues of lysozyme with hydrogen peroxide, concluding that all the tryptophans in lysozyme are relatively refractory toward oxidation and that the destruction of 1.4 mole of this amino-acid per mole of the enzyme results in the loss of 95 per cent of the lytic activity. Hamiguchi and Kurono3 have examined the effect of 2-chloroethanol on the secondary structure of lysozyme; they reported that when the enzyme is treated with solvents varying in composition from 0 to 32 per cent 2-chloroethanol (v/v), there are spectral changes indicating the disruption of hydrophobic regions and the exposure of buried tryptophan residues, although the optical rotatory dispersion investigations show no alteration, of helix content. Only at higher concentrations of 2-chloroethanol does the helix content increase.
Mesozoic-cenozoic history of calcareous nannofossils in the region of the southern ocean

Abstract The Mesozoic-Cenozoic evolution of high southern latitude calcareous nannofossil assemblages developed in parallel with that of the Southern Hemisphere ocean basins and the attendant progressive changes in global climate. The equitable Middle to Late Jurassic climates are reflected in a cosmopolitan zonation although distinctive high latitude taxa developed in both polar regions. Monospecific or low diversity provincial assemblages characterized the incipient Early Cretaceous South Atlantic Basins until the introduction of Tethyan elements during the Aptian. Bipolar or austral provincial taxa are useful in erecting a biostratigraphic subdivision for the remainder of the Cretaceous sequence on the Falkland Plateau. In contrast to the middle Cretaceous, the global sample coverage of DSDP holes for the Campanian-Maestrichtian is sufficiently broad to demonstrate a distinct latitudinal distribution of species and assemblages. Provincial austral or bipolar taxa are relatively minor components of the Paleocene-Eocene assemblages, but quantitative methods document the existence of definable high latitude assemblages which shifted latitudinally in response to climatic changes. Indirect evidence suggests that calcareous nannofossils were deposited in the interior basins of Antarctica during this interval. Species diversities declined progressively through the Oligocene-Miocene epochs in response to the deterioration of Neogene climates and glacial episodes on the Antarctic continent, finally resulting in low diversity assemblages generally dominated by high latitude taxa. Sharp migrations of these assemblages occurred in response to glacial-climatic events. Plio/Pleistocene sediments deposited beneath the expanding Antarctic water mass are essentially barren of calcareous nannofossils, but coccoliths are widely distributed in the Subantarctic region as a result of the amelioration of Holocene climate and the Quaternary descent of the carbonate compensation depth. Two new taxa are described: Stephanolithion bigotii brevispinus n. ssp. from the Upper Jurassic and Gephyrobiscutum diabolum n.g., n. sp. from the lower Campanian.
The flushing patient: Differential diagnosis, workup, and treatment

Cutaneous flushing—a common presenting complaint to dermatologists, allergists, internists, and family practitioners—results from changes in cutaneous blood flow triggered by multiple conditions. Most cases are caused by very common, benign diseases, such as rosacea or climacterum, that are readily apparent after a thorough taking of history and physical examination. However, in some cases, accurate diagnosis requires further laboratory, radiologic, or histopathologic studies to differentiate several important clinicopathologic entities. In particular, the serious diagnoses of carcinoid syndrome, pheochromocytoma, mastocytosis, and anaphylaxis need to be excluded by laboratory studies. If this work-up is unrevealing, rare causes, such as medullary carcinoma of the thyroid, pancreatic cell tumor, renal carcinoma, and others, should be considered. Learning objective At the completion of this learning activity, participants should be familiar with the mechanisms of flushing, its clinical differential diagnosis, the approach to establish a definitive diagnosis, and management of various conditions that produce flushing.
TOR kinase domains are required for two distinct functions, only one of which is inhibited by rapamycin

Abstract The rapamycin-sensitive signaling pathway is required to transduce specific mitogenic signals to the cell cycle machinery responsible for G1 progression. Genetic studies in yeast identified two related genes on this pathway, TOR1 and TOR2 , thought to encode novel phosphatidyllnositol kinases. We now show that an intact kinase domain Is required for the G1 cell cycle functions of both proteins, for the ability of a mutation in a neighboring FKBP12-rapamycin-binding domain of the TOR1 protein to inhibit the growth of yeast cells when overexpressed, and for the essential function of the TOR2 protein. The G1 function of both TOR proteins is sensitive to rapamycin, but the essential function of TOR2 is not. Thus, FKBP12-rapamycin does not appear to inhibit the kinase activity of TOR proteins in a general way; instead, it may Interfere selectively with TOR protein binding to or phosphorylation of G1 effectors.
Local surface interpolation with Bézier patches

A surface interpolation method for meshes of cubic curves is described. A mesh of cubic curve is constructed between the given vertices. This mesh is filled with Bezier patches, so that the surface is represented as a union of geometrically continuous bicubic quadrilateral and/or quartic triangular Bezier patches. The method is local and uses Farin's [Farin '83] conditions of G^1 continuity between patches. The procedure for finding the needed control points of the Bezier patches is simple and efficient.
Segmental orientation and infrared dichroism of model bimodal elastomeric networks

Model bimodal networks of polytetrahydrofuran (PTHF) were prepared by end-linking reactions. They consist of two different molecular-weight species designated L (long) and S (short). With the S, the hydrogen atoms were replaced by deuterium, so that C-H and C-D infrared bands could be associated with the L and S species, respectively. Infrared dichroism could then be used to determine the second-order orientation function, P2, for each species. Kuhn and Grun's (K-G) rubber elasticity theory permits a calculation of P2 as a function of the elongation ratio, λ. For the unimodal system, the P2 was found to become greater with decreasing molecular weight between crosslinks, Mc, and is consistent with the theory. For the bimodal network system, the P2 for the L species was found to be almost equal to the P2 for the S species, suggesting a heterogeneous (or non-affine) deformation of the S and L chain segments at molecular level. In another way, the equality of (P2)L and (P2)S allows us to assume that the bimodal network can be treated as the “unimodal” network consisting of the chain segments with the weight-averaged length between the long and short chains. Under the assumption of affine deformation for such an “averaged unimodal” system, the number of statistical segments, N, was evaluated using the K-G theory; the value of N is linearly proportional to the averaged molecular weight between the L and S species and one statistical segment was found to consist of three tetrahydrofuran (THF) monomeric units.
Tensors — In “words of one syllable”

Tensor analysis continues to interest — and to perplex — many electrical engineers. In several previous articles and papers, including a series in the first three issues of ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING for 1938, efforts have been made to explain tensor methods and their great power and usefulness. In a hopeful effort to broaden the general understanding of the fundamentals of tensor analysis and their relation to more commonly used mathematical methods, this further discussion of the subject is published. In trying to get as close as possible to fundamentals the author of this article tells the story of tensors, figuratively, in words of one syllable, and suggests a course of study to be used as a stepping stone to a working knowledge of tensor analysis.
Chemical oxidation of anthracite with hydrogen peroxide via the Fenton reaction

Solutions of 30% H2O2 ranging from pH = 0 to pH = 11.5 have been used to oxidize anthracite at room temperature. The inorganic impurities, primarily pyrite, catalysed the oxidation and reduction of H2O2 (the Fenton reaction) to form the hydroxyl radical; the oxidation of the organic matter was minimal and was observed only in strong acidic solutions (pH < 1.5). After acid demineralization, samples of the same anthracite underwent a significant enhancement of oxidation in both acid and alkaline solutions (pH = 0.4–11.5). As all the iron had been removed from the surface and the reactions were completed in a much shorter time, the oxidation mechanism must have been of a different nature than that for the untreated anthracite. A qualitative model based on the catalytic decomposition of H2O2 by activated carbon sites in the coal surface is used to explain the oxidation of the demineralized anthracite.
The complexity of problems in systems of communicating sequential processes

Abstract We examine the complexity of solving certain problems, like the lockout problem, in systems of communicating processes. We restrict our attention to a model where the processes are finite state and where the communication mechanism is that of “shaking hands.” Because the lockout problem is equivalent to the problem of determining whether a player has a winning strategy in a certain kind of game, it can be shown that solving the lockout problem requires exponential time.
Surfactant Foam/Bioaugmentation Technology for In Situ Treatment of TCE-DNAPLs

Abstracts for the 96th American Society for MicrobiologyGeneral Meeting , New Orleans, LA, 1996; Q115.(22) Oolman, T.; Godard, S. T.; Pope, G. A.; Jin, M.; Kirchner, K. Ground Water Monit. Rem. 1995 , 125-137.(23) Fountain, J. C.; Starr, R. C.; Middleton, T.; Beikirch, M.; Taylor,C.; Hodge, D. Ground Water 1996 , 34 (5), 910-916.(24) Nash, J. H. Field Studies of In Situ Washington ; U.S. Environ-mental Protection Agency: Cincinnati, OH, 1987; EPA/600/2-87/110.(25) Baran, J. R.; Pope, G. A.; Wade, W. H.; Weerasooriya, V.; Yapa,A. Environ. Sci. Technol. 1994 , 28 (7), 1361-1366.(26) Kovscek, A. R.; Patzek, T. W.; Radke, C. J. Soc. Pet. Eng. 1993 , 26042 , 309-322.(27) Kovscek, A. R.; Radke, C. J. Foams: Fundamental Applicationsin the Petroleum Industry ; American Chemical Society: Wash-ington, DC, 1993; Chapter 3.(28) Fountain, J. C.; Waddell-Sheets, C.; Lagowski, A.; Taylor, C.;Frazier, D.; Byrne, M. Surfactant-enhanced Subsurface Reme-diation: Emerging Technologies ; ACS Symposium Series 594;American Chemical Society: Washington, DC, 1995; pp 117-190.(29) Chown, J. C.; Kueper, B. H.; McWhorter, D. B.
The Use of Discriminant Analysis to Investigate the Influence of Non-Cognitive Factors on Engineering School Persistence

This study identified post-enrollment attitudes and perceptions that influence students' decisions to remain in an engineering curriculum. Non-cognitive factors including expectations and perception of the engineering profession, assessment of personal attributes, and subject-matter confidence were investigated. Discriminant analysis functions were developed to distinguish among three mutually exclusive groups: those who remained in the engineering school, those who remained at the university in a different school, and those who left the university altogether. Self-reported confidence in college-level math/science ability and the belief that an engineering degree enhances career security at a respectable salary were found to be significant predictors of both short-term and long-term persistence in engineering.
Doubts about skepticism

Skeptics are made, not born. One is driven to skepticism from some non-skeptical place of origin. One may be carried by different routes, but one must be carried by some route or other. Both one’s starting point and one’s destination lie within the rather vague boundaries of what may be called common sense. The skeptic, despite appearances, does not deny common opinion. On the contrary, he abandons one platitude for the sake of others., He appeals not to arcane considerations, hidden details, but to familiar intuitions. These lead him perhaps to reject something important but, from this point of view, to do so only for the sake of the larger edifice.
The biogeochemical fate and toxicity of mercury in Controlled Experimental Ecosystems

Abstract The affinity of mercury for organic matter was the most important parameter governing its chemical speciation, transport and toxicity in Controlled Experimental Ecosystems (CEEs) of the Controlled Ecosystem Pollution Experiment (CEPEX) deployed in Saanich Inlet, B.C., Canada, Particulate, colloidal and high molecular weight dissolved forms of mercury accounted for about 90% of the total mercury present in the water column. Bioassays indicated that organic matter in the above size classes had an important influence on the toxicity of mercury to phytoplankton. Sorption of mercury to particulate organic matter in the CEEs could be described by either Freundlich or linear adsorption isotherms. An observed depth-dependent increase in mercury content of particulate matter was attributed to selective biological degradation of non-mercury-binding organic components of the particles during settling. The high affinity of mercury for settling particulate organic matter led to rapid removal of mercury from CEEs. Removal rates could be described as first order and were a function of primary production rates. Deviations of measured half-removal times from those predicted by an empirically formulated relationship between primary production and mercury half-removal times could be related successfully to the influence of other occasionally significant biological parameters such as zooplankton grazing activity.
Fusarium equiseti pathogenic to pine

Fusarium equiseti isolated from a dead branch of loblolly pine caused a grey lesion and epinasty of the apex when inoculated on wounded young seedlings. On older seedlings a slight lesion developed on stems, but no wilt occurred.
Compound heterozygosity for a disease-causing G1489E [corrected] and disease-modifying G530S substitution in COL5A1 of a patient with the classical type of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome: an explanation of intrafamilial variability?

The classical type of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is an autosomal dominant connective tissue disorder characterized by skin hyperelasticity, tissue fragility, and joint hypermobility. We investigated the molecular defect of EDS in a three-generation family. Cultured dermal fibroblasts from the propositus and his daughter produced abnormal α1(V) and α2(V) collagen molecules. Mutation analysis by means of RNase cleavage and direct sequencing of reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction products showed in both the presence of a heterozygous G1489D mutation in the COL5A1 gene, which represents the first report of a glycine substitution in the main triple-helical region of α1(V) collagen. In the propositus, his unaffected daughter, and mother we identified a further newly recognized G530S substitution in the NH2-terminal domain, which did not cosegregate with the EDS phenotype and was found in only one of 51 unrelated control individuals. Because the NH2-terminal domain plays a crucial role in modulating fibril formation, the G530S substitution may alter the structure and function of this region and consequently the formation of collagen fibrils. Indeed, indirect evidence supports our hypothesis: (1) the EDS phenotype in the compound heterozygous propositus is more severe than that of his affected daughter with the G1489D mutation only; (2) his unaffected daughter and mother with the G530S substitution present with thin skin and delayed wound healing; (3) as does the only control individual with the same substitution. Thus, in the compound heterozygous propositus the EDS phenotype is caused by the G1489D mutation and possibly aggravated by the G530S substitution, which may explain intrafamilial variability. Am. J. Med. Genet. 90:72–79, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Photoinductive Imaging: A New NDE Technique

We describe a new NDE imaging technique based on eddy current detection of thermal waves. NDE applications of thermal-wave imaging techniques using detection by photoacoustic, piezoelectric, radiometric, and optical beam deflection methods are well known [1,2]. Saniie and Luukkala [3] previously reported generating thermal waves in metals with eddy currents, but we believe this is the first instance of detecting thermal waves with an eddy current probe. Since the method depends on detecting photothermally induced changes in the inductance of an eddy current coil, we have coined the term “photoinductive imaging” to describe this new technique.
The changing profile of the patient undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery

Abstract The first 100 consecutive patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass surgery in 1975 were evaluated with respect to the incidence of operative risk factors and outcome. When compared with an identically selected group from 1985, there was significant worsening of the preoperative condition over the decade with regard to mean age (p Despite the deterioration in the clinical profile of the patient undergoing coronary bypass surgery, elective procedures were still performed with low mortality. The significant increase in overall mortality was chiefly in patients undergoing emergency operation (p
A single serum test for measuring early pregnancy outcome with high predictive value.

Abstract Objectives: Current testing to determine a failing pregnancy requires two separate clinic visits to measure the hCG doubling rate. Diagnosing a failing pregnancy is often done in emergency departments where simplified and accelerated testing methods are needed. Here, we investigated hyperglycosylated hCG (hCG-H) for predicting pregnancy failure. Design and methods: We studied two independent sets of patient samples collected in the early weeks of gestation. One set was urine samples, and the other was serum samples. In all cases, hCG and hCG-H were measured using automated chemiluminescence immunoassays. Concentrations of hCG and hCG-H were plotted on a scattergram, and levels in failing pregnancies were compared to those in continuing pregnancies. Results: Data indicated that a threshold level of hCG-H (13 μg/L) in both serum and urine samples defined the concentration below where pregnancies were likely to fail. This cut-off corresponded to 73% detection of failures at a 2.9% false positive rate using serum and 75% detection at a 15% false positive rate using urine. Using an hCG cut-off that corresponded to the same false positive rates, hCG detected only 42% of failures using serum and 43% of failures using urine. Conclusions: Our data indicate that hCG-H provides a much more accurate single test than hCG for assessing pregnancy outcome. Compatible with the use of serum or urine samples, a single hCG-H test might provide simpler, faster, and more accurate results for predicting the progress of a pregnancy than standard hCG testing.
Cytotoxicity of amyloidogenic immunoglobulin light chains in cell culture

Light-chain amyloidosis (AL) is a devastating protein-misfolding disease characterized by abnormal proliferation of plasma cells in the bone marrow that secrete monoclonal immunoglobulin light chains that misfold and form amyloid fibrils, thus causing organ failure and death. Numerous reports on different protein-misfolding diseases show that soluble oligomeric species populated by amyloidogenic proteins can be quite toxic to cells. However, it is not well established whether the soluble immunoglobulin light-chain species found in circulation in patients with AL are toxic to cells in target organs. We determined the cellular toxicity of two well-characterized light-chain variable domain proteins from cardiac AL patients and their corresponding germline protein, devoid of somatic mutations. Our results show that the soluble form of the AL proteins we characterized are toxic to cardiomyocytes, and that the species found in cell culture correspond, for the most part, to the species present in circulation in these patients.
Substantive Participation: A Model of Public Participation that Works for Citizens and Administrators

Decision-makers and affected parties engaged in solving contemporary governmental problems are recognizing that traditional decision-making strategies are insufficient. A participatory democracy approach to public participation has been offered as a potential solution to these problems; however, a more sophisticated understanding of this approach is needed. This study defines a more substantive brand of public participation, identifies barriers to its implementation, and provides recommendations for implementation. Models of substantive participation should empower and educate all stakeholders, reeducate public administrators, and establish new administrative structures and processes. These objectives as well as a discussion of particular barriers to substantive participation are outlined.
Characterization of established, cell lines derived from mutagen-sensitiveDrosophila strains

Six established cell lines have been generated from embryos ofDrosophila melanogaster homozygous for different X-linked mutations. Four of these mutants, confer hypersensitivity to chemical mutagens in larvae. The cell lines derived from the two mutageninsensitive stocks, serve as controls in the analyses of DNA metabolism. One cell line (UCD-Dm-mei-9-2) is uniquely identified by a strong hypersensitivity to ultraviolet radiation. Another (UCD-Dm-mus104-1) expresses an enzyme variant not found in the other lines. The population doubling time for these cultures varies between 24 and 47 h. Labeling indices of 24.4 to 37.5% were found. The duration of the S phase in one of the control cell lines is estimated to be about 9 h. Karyotype stability was monitored for five lines over a period of about 1 y. In general these cultures each, became hypotetraploid with a preferential loss of the Y and fourth chromosomes. DNA synthesis in two of the lines fails to exhibit the pattern of sensitivity to mutagens or caffeine that is observed in the corresponding primary cultures.
New estimate of Sun's distance

(1879). New estimate of Sun's distance. The London, Edinburgh, and Dublin Philosophical Magazine and Journal of Science: Vol. 7, No. 44, pp. 377-377.
An experimental investigation of the incentives to form agricultural marketing pools

Abstract This paper presents theoretical extensions and laboratory tests of Hoffman and Libecap's (1994) model of individual firms' incentives to form agricultural marketing pools. The key incentives are lower variance in output prices and economies in scale in marketing. This paper extends the model by formulating the pooling problem as a game of incomplete information in which firms have heterogeneous and private risk attitudes. An experiment is conducted to test the theoretical implications of this model. Statistical analysis of the experimental data supports the model predictions of pooling rates, but also reveals that subjects form systematic probability biases and do not behave as strategically as the model suggests.
Generalized Heisenberg commutation relations and uncertainty inequality for relativistic harmonic oscillators

Abstract Generalized Heisenberg commutation relations and a Hamiltonian are proposed for relativistic harmonic oscillators. Using a Lie algebra and Schwinger's dual-bosonic representation of x , p , and the Hamiltonian, expressions for the quantized energy are derived and a revised uncertainty inequality for ( Δx ) 2 ( Δp ) 2 is given.
Compression ignition engine modifications for straight plant oil fueling in remote contexts: Modification design and short-run testing

Abstract Though many plant oils have a similar energy density to fossil diesel fuel, several properties of plant oils are considerably different from those of diesel. Engine modifications can overcome some of these differences. An engine modification kit has been designed and tested for a slow speed, stationary, indirect-injection diesel engine – the Lister-type CS 6/1, common throughout the developing world. The kit allows waste vegetable oil fueling with similar performance to that of diesel fueling. The kit’s simple yet robust design is targeted for use as a development mechanism, allowing remote farmers to use locally grown plant oils as a diesel substitute. The modification kit includes a preheating system and the tuning of the injector pressure and timing to better atomize given the unique properties of straight plant oils. The design methodology for the modifications is detailed and a suite of performance test results are described including fuel consumption, efficiency, pre-combustion chamber pressure, and various emissions. The results of the study show how a combination of preheating the high pressure fuel line, advancing the injector timing and increasing the injector valve opening pressure allows this engine to efficiently utilize plant oils as a diesel fuel substitute, potentially aiding remote rural farmers with a lower cost, sustainable fuel source – enabling important agro-processing mechanization in parts of the world that needs it most.
Fourier descriptors for parametric shape estimation in inverse scattering problems

We present new methods for computing fundamental performance limits for parametric shape estimation in inverse scattering problems, such as passive radar imaging. We evaluate Cramer- Rao lower bounds (CRB) on shape estimation accuracy using the domain derivative technique from nonlinear inverse scattering theory. The CRB provides an unbeatable performance limit for nay unbiased estimator, and under fairly mild regularity conditions, is asymptotically achieved by the maximum likelihood estimator (MLE). Furthermore, the resultant CRBs are used to define a global confidence region, centered around the true boundary, in which the boundary estimate lies with a prescribed probability. These global confidence regions conveniently display the uncertainty in various geometric parameters such as shape, size, orientation, and position of the estimated target, and facilitate geometric inferences. Numerical simulations are performed using the layer approach and the Nystrom method for computation of domain derivatives, and using Fourier descriptors for target shape parameterization. This analysis demonstrates the accuracy and generality of the proposed methods.
Three-dimensional Full-field Measurements of Large Deformations in Soft Materials Using Confocal Microscopy and Digital Volume Correlation

A three-dimensional (3-D) full-field measurement technique was developed for measuring large deformations in optically transparent soft materials. The technique utilizes a digital volume correlation (DVC) algorithm to track motions of subvolumes within 3-D images obtained using fluorescence confocal microscopy. In order to extend the strain measurement capability to the large deformation regime (>5%), a stretch-correlation algorithm was developed and implemented into the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT)-based DVC algorithm. The stretch-correlation algorithm uses a logarithmic coordinate transformation to convert the stretch-correlation problem into a translational correlation problem under the assumption of small rotation and shear. Estimates of the measurement precision are provided by stationary and translation tests. The proposed measurement technique was used to measure large deformations in a transparent agarose gel sample embedded with fluorescent particles under uniaxial compression. The technique was also employed to measure non-uniform deformation fields near a hard spherical inclusion under far-field uniaxial compression. Introduction of the stretch-correlation algorithm greatly improved the strain measurement accuracy by providing better precision especially under large deformation. Also, the deconvolution of confocal images improved the accuracy of the measurement in the direction of the optical axis. These results shows that the proposed technique is well-suited for investigating cell-matrix mechanical interactions as well as for obtaining local constitutive properties of soft biological materials including tissues in 3-D.
An integrated CMOS quantitative-polymerase-chain-reaction lab-on-chip for point-of-care diagnostics

Considerable effort has recently been directed toward the miniaturization of quantitative-polymerase-chain-reaction (qPCR) instrumentation in an effort to reduce both cost and form factor for point-of-care applications. Considerable gains have been made in shrinking the required volumes of PCR reagents, but resultant prototypes retain their bench-top form factor either due to heavy heating plates or cumbersome optical sensing instrumentation. In this paper, we describe the use of complementary-metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) integrated circuit (IC) technology to produce a fully integrated qPCR lab-on-chip. Exploiting a 0.35 μm high-voltage CMOS process, the IC contains all of the key components for performing qPCR. Integrated resistive heaters and temperature sensors regulate the surface temperature of the chip to an accuracy of 0.45 °C. Electrowetting-on-dielectric microfluidics are actively driven from the chip surface, allowing for droplet generation and transport down to volumes less than 1.2 nanoliter. Integrated single-photon avalanche diodes (SPADs) are used for fluorescent monitoring of the reaction, allowing for the quantification of target DNA with more than four-orders-of-magnitude of dynamic range and sensitivities down to a single copy per droplet. Using this device, reliable and sensitive real-time proof-of-concept detection of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is demonstrated.
Aortic branch artery pseudoaneurysms accompanying aortic dissection. Part III: natural history.

Abstract Purpose To document the natural history of branch artery pseudoaneurysms (BAPs), which are sequelae of aortic dissection with false lumen thrombosis that have been distinguished anatomically from penetrating ulcers. Materials and Methods Serial computed tomography (CT) scans in 50 patients with at least two CT scans greater than 1 month apart were retrospectively studied. Mean follow-up was 29 months, with longitudinal analyses of 119 BAPs. Changes in BAPs, false lumen thrombosis, and aortic diameter were assessed. Results No patient had an aortic rupture or other poor outcome. All BAPs eventually disappeared (ie, thrombosed), with 50% thrombosed within 18 months. Aortas were ectatic, with a mean diameter of 36 mm. There was no statistically significant change in total aortic diameters; however, there was a significant increase in true lumen diameters ( P P P = .003), in men ( P = .02), in subjects with hypertension ( P = .04), and in older patients ( P = .05). Conclusions Most BAPs spontaneously thrombose, and associated intramural hematoma regresses/disappears. Isolated BAPs were not associated with poor clinical outcomes.
Correlation energy of the neon atom

Abstract Pair correlation energies for the L-shell of Ne( 1S ) are computed using an extended orbitat basis set that includes spherical harmonies up to l . The sum of pair computed to be 105.2% of the emperical correlation energy. This result is exepected to be close to the true variational limit.
Concentration dependence of hydrogen diffusion in Armco iron

Abstract The electrochemical permeation technique was used to determine diffusivity and solubility of hydrogen in annealed Armco iron. Analysis of permeation build-up transients showed that hydrogen diffusivity increased with increase in charging current density. From analyses of build-up and decay transients, the hydrogen concentration within the metal was found to increase with increase in charging current density. Diffusivity and concentration data from these analyses were fitted by the method of least squares to the linear equation D22°C = 4.05 × 10−5 + 46.87cavecm2sec−1 where Cave is the average hydrogen concentration in the metal in units of mole H/cc of Fe. Numerical methods were used to solve the problem of one-dimensional diffusion in a plane sheet for the case where D is dependent on concentration by the above relationship. Results from this calculation were found to be in fair agreement with the hydrogen permeation results. Based on these findings, it is proposed that hydrogen diffusivity in Armco iron increases with concentration.
Microstructural trapping effects on hydrogen induced cracking of a microalloyed steel

The susceptibility of a Ti microalloyed HSLA steel to internal hydrogen induced cracking has been correlated with the hydrogen trapping character of the microstructure. Both of these properties are influenced by aging reactions which determine the type and extent of carbide precipitation as well as metalloid segregation to grain boundarie. In turn, crack path susceptibility and total trapping character determine in large part the threshold and steady-state cracking propensities. Thus, metalloid segregation concurrent with potent irreversible trap (TiC) precipitation results in low inherent toughness, but no appreciables drop in threshold stress intensity. Conversely, cementite precipitates formed at lower aging temperatures provide potent crack initiation sites in the absence of deep trapping, resulting in a lower threshold for cracking.