cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
“Is it worth risking your life?”: Ethnography, risk and death on the U.S.–Mexico border

Every year, several hundred people die attempting to cross the border from Mexico into the United States, most often from dehydration and heat stroke though snake bites and violent assaults are also common. This article utilizes participant observation fieldwork in the borderlands of the US and Mexico to explore the experience of structural vulnerability and bodily health risk along the desert trek into the US. Between 2003 and 2005, the ethnographer recorded interviews and conversations with undocumented immigrants crossing the border, border patrol agents, border activists, borderland residents, and armed civilian vigilantes. In addition, he took part in a border crossing beginning in the Mexican state of Oaxaca and ending in a border patrol jail in Arizona after he and his undocumented Mexican research subjects were apprehended trekking through the borderlands. Field notes and interview transcriptions provide thick ethnographic detail demonstrating the ways in which social, ethnic, and citizenship differences as well as border policies force certain categories of people to put their bodies, health, and lives at risk in order for them and their families to survive. Yet, metaphors of individual choice deflect responsibility from global economic policy and US border policy, subtly blaming migrants for the danger - and sometimes death - they experience. The article concludes with policy changes to make US-Mexico labor migration less deadly.
Effects of Phendimetrazine Treatment on Cocaine vs Food Choice and Extended-Access Cocaine Consumption in Rhesus Monkeys

There is currently no Food and Drug Administration-approved pharmacotherapy for cocaine addiction. Monoamine releasers such as d-amphetamine constitute one class of candidate medications, but clinical use and acceptance are hindered by their own high-abuse liability. Phendimetrazine (PDM) is a schedule III anorectic agent that functions as both a low-potency monoamine-uptake inhibitor and as a prodrug for the monoamine-releaser phenmetrazine (PM), and it may serve as a clinically available, effective, and safer alternative to d-amphetamine. This study determined efficacy of chronic PDM to reduce cocaine self-administration by rhesus monkeys (N=4) using a novel procedure that featured both daily assessments of cocaine vs food choice (to assess medication efficacy to reallocate behavior away from cocaine choice and toward choice of an alternative reinforcer) and 20 h/day cocaine access (to allow high-cocaine intake). Continuous 21-day treatment with ramping PDM doses (days 1–7: 0.32 mg/kg/h; days 8–21: 1.0 mg/kg/h) reduced cocaine choices, increased food choices, and nearly eliminated extended-access cocaine self-administration without affecting body weight. There was a trend for plasma PDM and PM levels to correlate with efficacy to decrease cocaine choice such that the monkey with the highest plasma PDM and PM levels also demonstrated the greatest reductions in cocaine choice. These results support further consideration of PDM as a candidate anti-cocaine addiction pharmacotherapy. Moreover, PDM may represent a novel pharmacotherapeutic approach for cocaine addiction because it may simultaneously function as both a monoamine-uptake inhibitor (via the parent drug PDM) and as a monoamine releaser (via the active metabolite PM).
Incontinence After a Lateral Internal Sphincterotomy: Are We Underestimating It?

This study was designed to assess the long-term outcomes and quality of life of patients who have undergone a sphincterotomy for chronic anal fissure. The medical records of patients who underwent this operation between 1992 and 2001 were reviewed. A questionnaire was mailed to assess their current status, along with the Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life and Fecal Incontinence Severity Index surveys. A total of 298 patients were identified (158 males; 53 percent; mean age, 46.9 years; mean follow-up, 4.3 years). Postal survey response was 62 percent. Recurrence of the fissure occurred in 17 patients (5.6 percent) of whom 9 (52 percent) were females. Significant factors that resulted in recurrence were initial sphincterotomy performed in the office and local anesthesia (P < 0.001). When comparing office records and response to the postal survey, significantly more patients had flatal incontinence than that recorded in their medical records (P < 0.001). Twenty-nine percent of females who had a vaginal delivery recorded problems with incontinence to flatus (P = 0.04). Temporary incontinence was reported in 31 percent of patients and persistent incontinence to gas occurred in 30 percent. Stool incontinence was not a significant finding. The overall quality-of-life scores were in the normal range, whereas the median Fecal Incontinence Severity Index score was 12. Recurrence after lateral internal sphincterotomy may be higher after local anesthesia or office procedure. Females who have two or more previous vaginal deliveries should be warned about possible flatal incontinence. Long-term flatal incontinence that is not reported to the caregiver may occur in up to one-third of patients and could be permanent.
Keratinocytes produce IL-6 in response to desmoglein 1 cleavage by Staphylococcus aureus exfoliative toxin A

Many skin infections are caused by Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterial pathogen that produces virulence factors associated with these conditions such as exfoliative toxins A and B (ETA, ETB) and the leukotoxin Panton–Valentine leukocidin (PVL). Herein, we examine the potential of skin-infecting S. aureus to produce virulence factors and their impact on the local immune response. Toxin gene profiles were generated from 188 S. aureus isolated as single infecting organisms from skin lesions and demonstrated a higher potential to express ETA, ETB, and PVL than community isolates (p < 0.001). Within the study isolate group, the prevalence of genes encoding PVL was higher among methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA; n = 49), while genes encoding ETs were more prevalent in methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA; n = 139). When lesion-associated white blood cell (WBC) counts were dichotomized into high- or low-WBC-count-associated bacteria, the gene for ETA was found to be associated with a low WBC count among MSSA (p = 0.001). The ETA-induced mouse model of staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome was used to investigate the link between ETA and cytokine production. Elevated IL-6 levels in the serum and increased expression of IL-6 mRNA in the skin were detected in response to ETA exposure. These findings were recapitulated in vitro using primary human keratinocytes. Thus, S. aureus may influence the local immune response via ETA cleavage of desmoglein 1 and the induction of cutaneous IL-6 expression.
Diastolic mitral regurgitation in patients with atrioventricular conduction abnormalities: A common finding by doppler echocardiography

M-mode and Doppler echocardiography were performed in 16 patients with first degree atrioventricular (AV) block, 1 patient with second degree (Werickebach type) and 3 patierits with third degree AVblock; 20 individuals with a hormal PR interval served as control subjects. The time from the onset of the P wave to the mitral valve closure by M-mode and to the end of mitral flow by Doppler echocardiography were obtained. In 20 normal subjects, the P wave to niitral valve closure interval measured 220 ± 30 ms by M-mode and to the end of mitral flow 225 ± 29 ms by Doppler technique (p = NS). In patients with first degree AV block, these intervals measured 242 ± 41 and 249 ± 36 ms, respectively (p = NS). Late diastolic (before the onset of the QRS complex) mitral regurgitation was detected by pulsed mode Doppler imaging in 9 (56%) of the 16 patients with first degree AV block but in none with a normal PR interval. In the four patients with advanced AV block, intermittent mid or late diastolic mitral regurgitation was found to depend oil the position of the P wave in diastole. With early diastolic P waves, the end of mitral valve flow by DOppler technique occurred 230 to 250 ms after the onset of the P wave and was foliowed by mild diastolic mitral regurgitation of variable duration. With P waves falling in systole, the mitral valve remained open throughout diastole; during most of diastole, however, there was neither forward mitral flow (diastasis) nor diastolic mitral regurgitatioh detected by Doppler technique. Forward aortic flow velocities by Doppler recording were not different in cardiac cycles with or without diastolic mitral regurgitation. It is concluded that prolongation of the PR interval can result in development of a left ventricular-left atrial pressure gradient in diastole induced by the atrial contraction and premature mitial valve closure, which. is probably incomplete and is often associated with diastolic mitral regurgitation of no apparent hemodynamic significance.
Relation of the internal medicine residency and the medical school curriculum.

Abstract ▪ Students should have contact with faculty members in internal medicine throughout their medical education. Faculty internists should play a role in admission of students, in the basic sc...
Toward segmentation of popular music

This paper presents my dissertation framework to extract local keys, chords, and segment popular music from audio signals; all unsupervised. Music signals are denoised using wavelet transform to obtain a smoother approximation for chroma extraction. We extract a bag of local keys from the chromagram using an infinite Gaussian mixture and use the key information to extract a time series of chords. Using chords, we transform the bag of keys into a timed sequence of local keys. The two time series, local keys and chords, are used to construct multi-dimensioned "harmonic rhythm" as segmentation cues. We propose to calculate the strangeness of the cues from the perspective of keys, speed, and dependence as a basis for change detection in the framework of a martingale-based algorithm to find segmentation boundaries. Given the structural information, the chord sequence can be further improved in a refinement loop consisting of keys, chords, and segmentations.
Elapsed decision time affects the weighting of prior probability in a perceptual decision task

Decisions are often based on a combination of new evidence with prior knowledge of the probable best choice. Optimal combination requires knowledge about the reliability of evidence, but in many realistic situations, this is unknown. Here we propose and test a novel theory: the brain exploits elapsed time during decision formation to combine sensory evidence with prior probability. Elapsed time is useful because (1) decisions that linger tend to arise from less reliable evidence, and (2) the expected accuracy at a given decision time depends on the reliability of the evidence gathered up to that point. These regularities allow the brain to combine prior information with sensory evidence by weighting the latter in accordance with reliability. To test this theory, we manipulated the prior probability of the rewarded choice while subjects performed a reaction-time discrimination of motion direction using a range of stimulus reliabilities that varied from trial to trial. The theory explains the effect of prior probability on choice and reaction time over a wide range of stimulus strengths. We found that prior probability was incorporated into the decision process as a dynamic bias signal that increases as a function of decision time. This bias signal depends on the speed-accuracy setting of human subjects, and it is reflected in the firing rates of neurons in the lateral intraparietal area (LIP) of rhesus monkeys performing this task.
Visibility of individual particles inside a dense particle ensemble

Prompted by our expectation that even in a dense particle suspension there is a significant probability of straight paths through the particle field that permit the imaging of individual particles, we have been able to obtain real-time distinct images of small polystyrene spheres suspended in a transparent liquid under conditions when the sum of their scattering cross sections was 30 times the cross section of the signal wave. We replicated this new-found ability to observe particles inside a dense particle ensemble by employing a simple numerical model that imitates imaging of a point source of light through a layer of overlapping randomly distributed opaque disks.
Effects of a rational-emotive school mental health program on children's emotional adjustment

The effectiveness of a rational emotive mental health program on children's emotional adjustment was examined. Fourth and eighth grade students (n = 204) were given 15 weekly classroom sessions of rational emotive education. Comparisons were made with alternate treatment and no treatment controls at each grade level. In general, the results supported the hypotheses that rational emotive principles can be acquired by school children, and that such acquisition corresponds to lowered trait anxiety and neuroticism scores. Contrary to prediction, younger students benefited more than older students. Implications and suggestions for further research are discussed.
Structural basis of orientation sensitivity of cat retinal ganglion cells

We investigated the structural basis of the physiological orientation sensitivity of retinal ganglion cells (Levick and Thibos, '82). The dendritic fields of 840 retinal ganglion cells labeled by injections of horseradish peroxidase into the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (LGNd) or optic tracts of normal cats, Siamese cats, and cat deprived of patterned visual experience from birth by monocular lid-suture (MD) were studied. Mathematical techniques designed to analyze direction were used to find the dendritic field orientation of each cell. Statistical techniques designed for angular data were used to determine the relationship between dendritic field orientation and angular position on the retina (polar angle). Our results indicate that 88% of retinal ganglion cells have oriented dendritic fields and that dendritic field orientation is related systematically to retinal position. In all regions of retina more than 0.5 mm from the area centralis the dendritic fields of retinal ganglion cells are oriented radially, i.e., like the spokes of a wheel having the area centralis at its hub. This relationship was present in all animals and cell types studied and was strongest for cells located close to the horizontal meridian (visual streak) of the retina. Retinal ganglion cells appear to be sensitive to stimulus orientation because they have oriented dendritic fields.
The Influence of Evoked Nostalgia on Consumers' Responses to Advertising: An Exploratory Study

Abstract Nostalgia (i.e., individuals' yearning for the past) has become an increasingly popular theme with advertisers and marketers. Nonetheless, little academic research has attempted to determine whether nostalgia has a positive influence on consumers. The current study addresses this situation in the context of advertising by examining whether nostalgic reactions to an advertisement affect attitudes toward the advertisement (Aad), brand attitudes (Ab) and likelihood of purchase (Lpur). The results provide support for the hypothesized relationships between ad-evoked nostalgia and consumers' responses. Further tests of the data indicated that nostalgia's effects are mediated by attitudinal (Aad and/or Ab) variables. Practical and theoretical implications, as well as directions for future research, are discussed.
Contemporary Radical Prostatectomy

Purpose. Patients diagnosed with clinically localized prostate cancer have more surgical treatment options than in the past. This paper focuses on the procedures' oncological or functional outcomes and perioperative morbidities of radical retropubic prostatectomy, radical perineal prostatectomy, and robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. Materials and Methods. A MEDLINE/PubMed search of the literature on radical prostatectomy and other new management options was performed. Results. Compared to the open procedures, robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy has no confirmed significant difference in most literatures besides less blood loss and blood transfusion. Nerve sparing is a safe means of preserving potency on well-selected patients undergoing radical prostatectomy. Positive surgical margin rates of radical prostatectomy affect the recurrence and survival of prostate cancer. The urinary and sexual function outcomes have been vastly improved. Neoadjuvant treatment only affects the rate of positive surgical margin. Adjuvant therapy can delay and reduce the risk of recurrence and improve the survival of the high risk prostate cancer. Conclusions. For the majority of patients with organ-confined prostate cancer, radical prostatectomy remains a most effective approach. Radical perineal prostatectomy remains a viable approach for patients with morbid obesity, prior pelvic surgery, or prior pelvic radiation. Robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) has become popular among surgeons but has not yet become the firmly established standard of care. Long-term data have confirmed the efficacy of radical retropubic prostatectomy with disease control rates and cancer-specific survival rates.
Mercury in swamp sparrows ( Melospiza georgiana ) from wetland habitats in Wisconsin

Wetlands play a major role in the export of methylmercury (MeHg) to a watershed. The large contribution of wetlands to watersheds in northern Wisconsin, coupled with the acidic environment of this area, makes these habitats especially vulnerable to mercury (Hg) accumulation by biota. The purpose of this study was to compare Hg accumulation between northern Wisconsin wetlands and southern Wisconsin wetlands using the swamp sparrow (Melospiza georgiana) as a representative species. The swamp sparrow was selected as a representative passerine species in which to examine Hg in these habitats, because during their breeding season, they feed at a higher trophic level than many of their counterparts. During the breeding seasons of 2007 and 2008, blood samples were collected from swamp sparrows inhabiting wetlands in both northern and southern Wisconsin and analyzed for total Hg. The mean concentration of total Hg in swamp sparrows from northern wetlands was 0.135 ± 0.064 μg/ml while the mean concentration of total Hg in swamp sparrows from southern wetlands was 0.187 ± 0.106 μg/ml. Results revealed no significant difference (P = 0.17) between Hg accumulation in swamp sparrows from less-acidic wetlands in southern Wisconsin and Hg in swamp sparrows from acidic wetlands in northern Wisconsin. The results are contrary to those observed in other species such as common loon, tree swallow and river otter where higher accumulation has been observed in individuals from acidic habitats. Reasons for the lack of this accumulation pattern in swamp sparrows are unclear and warrant further study.
Age-dependent somatic excision of transposable element Tc1 in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Abstract The Tc1 element of the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is a well characterized transposon that is present in 30–500 copies per haploid genome, depending on the strain. Excision of Tc1 elements, which occurs readily in somatic tissues during larval development, has not previously been examined during aging of adult worms. We have identified a recently inserted Tc1 element in the KR1787 mutator strains of C. elegans and have found that Tc1 somatic excision at that site increases by more than 14-fold during the organism's lifespan.
Obstetric management and Group B Streptococcal sepsls: Have we made progress? Has it made a difference? • 1339

Obstetric management and Group B Streptococcal sepsls: Have we made progress? Has it made a difference? • 1339
Effectiveness of teacher modeling to encourage food acceptance in preschool children.

Although Social Cognitive Theory (Bandura, 1997) suggests that teacher modeling would be one of the most effective methods to encourage food acceptance by preschool children, opinions of experienced teachers have not yet been sampled, teacher modeling has rarely been examined experimentally, and it has produced inconsistent results. The present study considers opinions of teachers and conditions under which teacher modeling is effective. Study 1 was a questionnaire in which preschool teachers (N=58) were found to rate modeling as the most effective of five teacher actions to encourage children's food acceptance. Study 2 and Study 3 were quasi-experiments that found silent teacher modeling ineffective to encourage either familiar food acceptance (N=34; 18 boys, 16 girls) or new food acceptance (N=23; 13 boys, 10 girls). Children's new food acceptance was greatest in the first meal and then rapidly dropped, suggesting a “novelty response” rather than the expected neophobia. No gender differences were found in response to silent teacher modeling. Study 4 was a repeated-measures quasi-experiment that found enthusiastic teacher modeling (“Mmm! I love mangos!”) could maintain new food acceptance across five meals, again with no gender differences in response to teacher modeling (N=26; 12 boys, 14 girls). Study 5 found that with the addition of a competing peer model, however, even enthusiastic teacher modeling was no longer effective to encourage new food acceptance and gender differences appeared, with girls more responsive to the peer model (N=14; 6 boys, 8 girls). Thus, to encourage children's new food acceptance, present results suggest that teachers provide enthusiastic modeling rather than silent modeling, apply such enthusiastic modeling during the first five meals before children's “novelty response” to new foods drops, and avoid placing competing peer models at the same table with picky eaters, especially girls.
Incident gout in women and association with obesity in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study.

Background We hypothesized that women with early- and mid-adult life obesity, as well as high mid-adult life waist-to-hip ratios, and high weight gain during adulthood, experience a greater incidence of gout.
Oxygen composition modulation effects on flame propagation and NOx formation in methane/air premixed flames

The effect of O2 composition modulation on the dynamics and structure of lean CH4/air premixed flames was computationally and experimentally investigated, in light of its relevance to oxygen-enhanced combustion (OEC). OEC can result in conditions of stable combustion with reduced NOx emissions. Experiments were conducted in the stagnation flow configuration. Laminar flame speeds, as well as temperature and NOx concentration profiles, were determined. The laminar flame speeds were measured by using laser Doppler velocimetry. Temperatures were measured by using thermocouples, and the NOx profiles were measured by using a chemiluminescence analyzer. The experiments were modeled in detail by using the GRI 3.0 mechanism, and satisfactory agreement was found between the experimental and simulated results, for both laminar flame speeds and nitrogen chemistry. It was found that addition of extra O2 in the oxidizer noticeably extends the lean flammability limit. Thus, stable combustion can be achieved at leaner conditions, which are also characterized by reduced fuel consumption, lower flame temperatures, and reduced NOx emissions. The reduction of NOx is caused by the synergistic effect of temperature and N2 concentration reductions as more O2 is added. Furthermore, studies conducted by extensively modulating the O2 composition in the oxidizer, and by keeping the ratio of N2 to CH4 supplies constant, revealed non-monotonic effects on both the laminar flame speed and the maximum NOx concentration. The nonmonotonic effect on the laminar flame speed was found to be a result of the competing effects of O2 concentration and temperature variations on the main branching H+O2→OH+O reaction, which critically affects propagation. The non-monotonic effect on the maximum NOx concentration was explained from first principles by assessing the relative importance of the reactions that are largely responsible for NO production and destruction.
Crystal aging and crystal habit of terephthalic acid

Etude du mecanisme du viellissement et discussion sur son utilisation possible en tant que methode de purification
Comparison of soil physical properties under two different water table management regimes

Soil physical properties are important indicators of the potential for agricultural production. The objective of this research was to examine the difference in soil physical properties 9 yr after the initiation of two water table management (WTM) treatments in Wood County, Ohio. Water table management treatments included both unrestricted subsurface drainage year round (Drainage Treatment) and subirrigation during the crop-growing season to maintain the water table at 25 cm below the surface with unrestricted subsurface drainage the remainder of the year (Subirrigation Treatment). Soil samples were collected in eight plots, in six depth increments to a 1-m depth. Soil aggregation and related properties were significantly different in response to WTM treatments and soil depths. The subirrigated treatment had lower aggregate stability at 40 to 50 cm compared with the drainage treatment. The mean weight diameter (MWD) and geometric mean diameter (GMD) of aggregates in the subirrigated treatment were smaller than the drainage treatment at depths of 30 to 75 cm. Percentage of macroaggregates and aggregate ratios were generally lower in the subirrigation treatment than the drainage treatment. Subirrigated soils exhibited relatively lower bulk density with an associated increase in total porosity. The drainage treatment had greater penetration resistance from 30 to 45 cm on readings taken in Spring 2000. Subirrigated soils retained a greater volume of moisture at all matric potentials except -0.00015 and --1.5 MPa. The subirrigated soils are apparently not able to develop large, stable aggregates as seen in the continuously drained soil, perhaps because of the frequent water saturation followed by slaking of soil macroaggregates associated with subirrigation.
Dietary Fat, Trans Fatty Acids, and Risk of Coronary Heart Disease

Results from human feeding studies and recent large-scale epidemiologic surveys suggest that dietary trans fatty acids enhance the risk of developing coronary heart disease. Despite a lack of accurate data regarding dietary intake of trans fatty acids, existing epidemiologic data and evidence from experimental feeding studies support the idea that lowering current intakes of trans fatty acids may lower the risk of coronary heart disease.
Effect of water vapour content in H2–H2O–CO–CO2 mixtures on MgO solubility in slag under conditions of novel flash ironmaking technology

AbstractThe effects of different gas atmospheres on the solubility of MgO in CaO–FeO–Al2O3–SiO2–P2O5–MnO slags were studied in the temperature range of 1550–1650°C with wt-%CaO/wt-%SiO2 of 0·8–1·4 and under pO2 = 10−10 to 10−9 atm. The investigated gas atmospheres were H2/H2O (H2 reductant), CO/CO2H2/H2O (natural/coal gas) and CO/CO2. MgO solubility was found to decrease with basicity and FeO content, and increased with temperature. The following correlation was developed for MgO solubility as a function of slag composition and temperature This correlation adequately predicts MgO solubility in slags with FeO contents of 1–50 wt-%, CaO/SiO2 ratios of 0·4–1·6 and temperatures of 1550–1650°C. In addition, MgO solubility was correlated with temperature and basicity defined as: B = (wt-%CaO+0·7 wt-%FetO+0·59 wt-%MnO)–(0·5 wt-%SiO2+0·6 wt-%Al2O3), as follows The MgO solubility at 1550°C and pO2 of 1·6×10−5 atm, which represent typical ironmaking conditions, was 17, 20 and 26 wt-% respectively for slags under CO...
Body size and morphometric affinities of the appendicular skeleton in Oreopithecus bambolii (IGF 11778)

Abstract A new estimate of body mass is provided for the partial skeleton of Oreopithecus bambolii (IGF 11778) based on multiple regression analysis of body mass on joint size in living hominoids. Based on a variety of statistical criteria, an estimate of 32 kg seems most plausible. This value is much greater than predicted by tooth size, but is lower than most prior estimates from the postcranium. Appendicular dimensions (humerus, radius, femur, tibia, and ilium lengths) are placed into a comparative size-related context in a variety of ways: percentage departures from expected values for other catarrhines, “narrow allometry”, and multivariate analysis of mass-adjusted—variables. Oreopithecus emerges as most similar overall to female orang-utans, and substantial similarity between these two taxa is inferred for positional repertoire and substrate use.
Graft copolymers from cobalt‐60 pre‐irradiated starch and mixtures of acryl‐amide with N,N,N‐trimethylaminoethyl methacrylate methyl sulfate

Starch was preirradiated with cobalt-60 and then allowed to react with mixtures of acrylamide and N,N,N-trimethylaminoethyl methacrylate methyl sulfate (TMAEMA·MS) in a water solution. The graft copolymers resulting were purified and characterized, and the influence of a number of irradiation and reaction variables on graft copolymer composition was determined. Although the reaction of irradiated starch with monomers must be carried out with a monomer solution purged with nitrogen to remove dissolved oxygen, a nitrogen atmosphere over the starch sample during irradiation is not necessary to achieve graft polymerization. With monomer mixtures containing 2, 5, 10, 15, and 50 mol% TMAEMA·MS, the mole percentage of TMAEMA·MS in grafted branches was less than that in the initial monomer mixture, whereas ungrafted polymer generally contained a higher percentage of the cationic monomer than was present initially. A tenfold variation in irradiation dose (0.5–5.0 Mrad) caused only small variations in percent add-on; however, intrinsic viscosities of grafted branches decreased with increasing irradiation dose. Substituting aqueous ethylene glycol for water as the reaction medium produced more frequent grafts of lower molecular weight. Graft polymerization onto partially degraded starches gave graft copolymers with better water solubility.
Lead contamination in a wetland watershed : isotopes as fingerprints of pollution

The Pb-isotope composition of soils and sediments has been measured from both highly contaminated and non-contaminated regions of Bayou Trepagnier, a bayou in southern Louisiana that has had oil refinery effluent discharged into it over the past 66 years. Spoil banks created by the dredging of the bayou bottom approximately 50 years ago are the main source of contamination within the ecosystem. The 206Pb/207Pb isotope composition of the contaminant is relatively constant averaging 1.275 ±0.008. A literature search reveals that such radiogenic values are typical of ores from southeastern Missouri. When surficial soil 206Pb/208Pb and 206Pb/207Pb isotope ratios are plotted against each other, a straight line is defined (r2=0.99). The linear correlation suggests mixing between Pb from the spoil banks and Pb from a natural source. The latter source may consist of Pb in soil that has been leached of its natural radiogenic component during weathering processes. Mixing calculations indicate that transport of contaminant Pb is widespread and occurs several hundred meters from the spoil banks. Despite the low Pb concentrations of some of the soils, the isotope data demonstrate that a significant amount of the Pb is derived from the pollutant source.
Perioperative Brain Shift and Deep Brain Stimulating Electrode Deformation Analysis: Implications for rigid and non-rigid devices

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) efficacy is related to optimal electrode placement. Several authors have quantified brain shift related to surgical targeting; yet, few reports document and discuss the effects of brain shift after insertion. Objective: To quantify brain shift and electrode displacement after device insertion. Twelve patients were retrospectively reviewed, and one post-operative MRI and one time-delayed CT were obtained for each patient and their implanted electrodes modeled in 3D. Two competing methods were employed to measure the electrode tip location and deviation from the prototypical linear implant after the resolution of acute surgical changes, such as brain shift and pneumocephalus. In the interim between surgery and a pneumocephalus free postoperative scan, electrode deviation was documented in all patients and all electrodes. Significant shift of the electrode tip was identified in rostral, anterior, and medial directions (p < 0.05). Shift was greatest in the rostral direction, measuring an average of 1.41 mm. Brain shift and subsequent electrode displacement occurs in patients after DBS surgery with the reversal of intraoperative brain shift. Rostral displacement is on the order of the height of one DBS contact. Further investigation into the time course of intraoperative brain shift and its potential effects on procedures performed with rigid and non-rigid devices in supine and semi-sitting surgical positions is needed.
An automated activation analysis data acquisition system

An automated neutron activation analysis data acquisition system has been assembled from commercially available equipment. The modifications of the components needed to make this into a working system are described in the text. The main components of the data acquisition system are a sample changer, a Ge(Li) detector, a magnetic tape deck and a minicomputer based multichannel analyzer. The sample changer has a 200-sample capacity and can handle both solid and liquid samples. Software for controlling the data acquisition system is flexible, yet simple to use. The system has operated reliably for a year and has sharply reduced the effort needed for data acquisition.
An Lp Bound for the Riesz and Bessel Potentials of Orthonormal Functions

Let \({\Psi _1},...,{\Psi _N}\)be orthonormal functions in Rd and let \({u_1} = {( - \Delta )^{ - 1/2}}{\Psi _i}\) or \({u_1} = {( - \Delta + 1)^{ - 1/2}}{\Psi _i}\) and let \(p(x) = {\sum {\left| {{u_i}(x)} \right|} ^2}\). Lp bounds are proved for p, an example being for \({\left\| P \right\|_P} \le {A_d}{N^{1/p}}for{\rm{ d}} \ge {\rm{3, with p = d(d - 2}}{{\rm{)}}^{ - 1}}\). The unusual feature of these bounds is that the orthogonality of the ψi yields a factor N 1/P instead of N, as would be the case without orthogonality. These bounds prove some conjectures of Battle and Federbush (a Phase Cell Cluster Expansion for Euclidean Field Theories, I, 1982, preprint) and of Conlon (Comm. Math. Phys., in press).
Nulling interferometry with three telescopes: triple beam-combiners, virtual telescope arrays, and phased arrays

Suppression of starlight by nulling interferometry has the potential to enable the direct detection of planets around nearby stars, and several interferometer configurations have been proposed which meet, to varying degrees, the numerous associated experimental goals, such as high sensitivity, high angular resolution, high stellar rejection, and extraneous signal rejection. However, the more capable approaches involve fairly complex systems, so that minimization of complexity is vital if a space-based nulling interferometry mission is to become a reality. The simplest case, the two-aperture nulling interferometer, possesses fairly limited capabilities, but most other configurations being considered for nulling interferometry missions involve four or more apertures. Another relatively simple case which has not received much attention to date is that of the three-aperture nulling interferometer. In this paper, the three-telescope case is discussed in detail, from the necessary triple-beam nulling beamcombiners, to the properties of the pupil plane configurations. It is concluded that three-telescope nullers share many of the desirable capabilities of four-telescope nullers, such as a phase modulation capability, and so in fact represent a very capable "simplest case" nulling interferometer configuration.
The wound-core distribution transformer

A radically new form of core of simple structure and highly efficient performance has recently been developed. It is made by winding a long ribbon of magnetic steel in a tight spiral on a mandrel into the form of a heavy-walled circular cylinder. This core construction has been designated as the "wound core." It eliminates or minimizes most of the objections inherent in other types. (a) The flux runs with the grain direction throughout. All material in the core is active material. (b) There is but one effective gap in the magnetic circuit and this is of very short length and large area. (c) Only one or two pieces of strip steel are necessary to make the average small core. These are prewound and assembled on machines at high speed. (d) The waste in handling and fabrication is very small since each element is simply cut from large reels of continuous strip made to correct width at the mill. It is the purpose of this paper to describe its present application to distribution transformers.
Electrohydrodynamic Enhancement of Heat Transfer for Developing Air Flow in Square Ducts

Corona discharge in air was used to generate a secondary flow that significantly improved the convective heat transfer coefficient in the developing region of a square duct. A wire electrode, charged with a high voltage, was placed at the center of the duct. The electrode ionized the air and created a corona current, which was measured experimentally and used in the computations. The conservation differential equations for flow, energy, and electric field were considered for the 3D flow in the developing region of the duct, and they were solved numerically. The computational results indicated that the secondary flow gradually evolves into a fully-developed eight-cell vortical structure that creates flow mixing and turbulence and enhances the heat transfer coefficient. In this study, the ranges of Reynolds number and applied voltage were 500–10,000 and 0–11.7 kV, respectively. The normalized Nusselt number, Nu/Nuo, ranged from 1.06 (Re = 10,000 and 8.1 kV) to 13.58 (Re = 2000 and 11.7 kV), but the pressure...
Effect of metal additives on L10 ordering of chemically synthesized FePt nanoparticles

Abstract The effect of additive Au, Ag, Pd, Cr, and Cu on the chemical ordering, magnetic properties, and grain growth of chemically synthesized FePt nanoparticles has been investigated. The L1 0 phase has been obtained by solution annealing and direct synthesis. Easy axis alignment has been obtained using dispersed L1 0 FePt nanoparticles.
A small business worksite wellness model for improving health behaviors.

Objectives:To evaluate the effectiveness of a wellness program delivered by WellSteps, LLC, aimed at improving employee health behaviors in small companies that lack the resources to independently develop and manage a wellness program.Methods:Analyses are based on 618 employees from five diverse com
Coerulospinal cells containing neuropeptide Y in the cat.

Spinally projecting neuropeptide Y (NPY)-immunoreactive cells were sought in the feline locus coeruleus (LC) nuclear complex after horseradish peroxidase (HRP) injection into the lumbar cord; HRP injection was followed by intracerebroventricular colchicine administration. Our results revealed that a significant number (approximately 20% of all descending cells from the LC complex) of spinally projecting NPY-immunoreactive neurons arise from the LC alpha, the subcoeruleus and the Kolliker-Fuse nuclei. Other nonspinally projecting NPY-containing cells were also evident in the laterodorsal tegmental nucleus and the LCd, in addition to those occurring in the aforementioned LC nuclear complex.
Changes of isoflavones during processing of soy protein isolates

Soy protein isolate (SPI) is a widely used food ingredient and is made by extracting soy flour (SF) under slightly alkaline pH, followed by precipitation, washing, and drying. Soy foods and foods containing soy protein ingredients have great potential in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases and cancers. These health benefits have been attributed to isoflavones in soy protein ingredients. However, the current processing techniques were developed many years ago without this knowledge. The objective of this study was to investigate the mass balance of different isoflavones during manufacturing of SPI and to provide basic information to assist further development efforts leading to preservation of soy isoflavones in soy protein ingredients. The study revealed that only about 26% of the total isoflavones in SF remained in SPI. The percentages of total isoflavones lost during extraction, precipitation, and washing were 19, 14, and 22%, respectively. Washing was the step where most isoflavones were lost. The isoflavone profile of the SPI was different from that of SF. The former contained much more aglucones (genistein and daidzein), while the latter had almost none. The high content of aglucones in SPI was probably due to the hydrolysis of glycosides.
Surgical Pearl: Hemostat-assisted nail avulsion revisited

From the Department of Dermatology, University of Alabama at Birmingham. Reprints not available from authors. J Am Acad Dermatol 2001;45:943-4. Copyright © 2001 by the American Academy of Dermatology, Inc. 0190-9622/2001/$35.00 + 0 16/74/118544 doi:10.1067/mjd.2001.118544 N ail plate avulsion is performed to facilitate nail bed or matrix biopsy (or both), to treat onychocryptosis and pincer nail deformity, or to debulk onychomycotic nails. Through the years, nail surgeons have proposed several different techniques and instruments for use in this endeavor. In the 1970s, textbooks described nail avulsion with the straight hemostat.1,2 Later, other instruments were introduced, such as the Freer elevator and several combination instruments that were created specifically for nail avulsion.3,4 These instruments have their advantages, but we propose that the hemostat is still a reliable, inexpensive instrument to be used alone for partial and complete nail avulsion. To use an elevator or spatula in nail avulsion, it is passed between the nail plate and nail bed and with repeated side-to-side strokes or by entry, removal, and reentry, the nail plate is detached. Then, the nail plate is grasped with hemostats and rolled laterally to remove. With this method, often the nail plate must be rigorously rocked back and forth to break attachments between the nail plate and the proximal and lateral nailfolds. In partial nail avulsion, longitudinal strips of the nail plate are removed in a similar fashion after the selected section has been detached and split from the remaining nail plate. Although elevator/spatula type instruments have been used successfully, these instruments have some drawbacks. Because of its thickness, the Freer elevator can potentially damage or traumatize the nail bed and matrix when inserted between the nail plate and nail bed, leading to postoperative pain, scarring, and onychodystrophy. In addition, the thickness and curvature of the instrument may work satisfactorily for larger nails that have a curvature similar to the instrument; however, as the nail size decreases, the thickness and curvature of the instrument may become excessive. If the sharp edge of the Freer elevator is used, unwanted laceration of nail bed tissue or matrix may occur. Finally, the hemostat is usually needed in addition to these instruments to complete the job. We propose that the hemostat, as presented by the pioneers in nail avulsion, is the one instrument needed for this procedure. The hemostat is opened and one arm is grasped in the palm. With the serrated surface against the dorsal nail plate, the tip of the hemostat is used to free the attachments of the nail plate and the proximal and lateral nailfolds (Fig 1). One jaw is then inserted, serrated side against the ventral nail plate, between the nail plate and the nail bed at the midpoint of the nail (Fig 2). The hemostat jaw is advanced proximally, removed, and reinserted until the desired amount of separation is obtained, whether partial or complete. The other jaw of the PEARLS
Referral patterns and exercise response in the rehabilitation of female coronary patients aged ≥62 years

Gender-related differences in cardiac rehabilitation referral patterns and response to an aerobic conditioning program were examined in 226 hospitalized older coronary patients (aged greater than or equal to 62 years). Overall, the outpatient cardiac rehabilitation participation rate in this population was 21%. Older women were less likely to enter cardiac rehabilitation than were older men (15 vs 25%; p = 0.06), despite similar clinical profiles. This was explained primarily by a greater likelihood of primary physicians to strongly recommend cardiac rehabilitation to men. Before conditioning, women who entered cardiac rehabilitation were less fit than were men; peak oxygen consumption was 18% lower in women (16 +/- 5 vs 20 +/- 5 ml/kg/min; p = 0.02). However, both groups improved aerobic capacity similarly in response to a 12-week aerobic conditioning program, with maximal oxygen consumption increasing by 17% in women and by 19% in men. Thus, older female coronary patients are less likely to be referred for cardiac rehabilitation, despite a similar clinical profile and improvement in functional capacity from the training component.
Reduced primacy and related features in schizophrenia.

Abstract Subtle memory disturbances are widely reported in schizophrenia. We investigated one such disturbance, reduced primacy in serial position recall among 20 schizophrenic patients, 20 depressed patients, and 20 normal controls. The main finding is that schizophrenic subjects show reduced primacy and middle position performance, but are able to match the recency recall of controls. We further demonstrate that primacy performance is associated with another memory anomaly frequently noted in schizophrenia, decreased context associated gain in recall. Among schizophrenic subjects, primacy performance is also related to increased repetition in speech, a feature associated with formal thought disorder in schizophrenia. These observations suggest that memory deviances and disorder speech may have a common pathogenesis.
Hardness and toughness of exoskeleton material in the stone crab, Menippe mercenaria

Techniques from the field of materials science and engineering were utilized to examine the mechanical effects of dark pigment in exoskeleton material on the distal portion of stone crab, Menippe mercenaria, chelae. We made specimens from dark-and light-colored exoskeleton material to measure hardness and fracture toughness. The results from these tests showed the dark material to be much harder and tougher than light-colored material from the same crab chela. Scanning electron microscope photographs are presented to document the microstructure and level of porosity. We think that the structural difference in material properties is due to the lower level of porosity and phenolic tanning in dark material and that this tanning caused the dark color and filling of porosity. The exoskeleton structure is a laminated organic-inorganic structure which can serve as a model for self-healing structures.