cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Synthetic Mesh Versus Acellular Dermal Matrix for Oncologic Chest Wall Reconstruction: A Comparative Analysis.

Management of chest wall defects after oncologic resection is challenging due to multifactorial etiologies. Traditionally, skeletal stabilization in chest wall reconstruction (CWR) was performed with synthetic prosthetic mesh. The authors hypothesized that CWR for oncologic resection defects with acellular dermal matrix (ADM) is associated with a lower incidence of complications than synthetic mesh. Consecutive patients who underwent CWR using synthetic mesh (SM) or ADM at a single center were reviewed. Only oncologic defects involving resection of at least one rib and reconstruction with both mesh and overlying soft tissue flaps were included in this study. Patients’ demographics, treatment factors, and outcomes were prospectively documented. The primary outcome measure was surgical-site complications (SSCs). The secondary outcomes were specific wound-healing events, cardiopulmonary complications, reoperation, and mortality. This study investigated 146 patients [95 (65.1%) with SM; 51 (34.9%) with ADM] who underwent resection and CWR of oncologic defects. The mean follow-up period was 29.3 months (range 6–109 months). The mean age was 51.5 years, and the mean size of the defect area was 173.8 cm2. The SM-CWR patients had a greater number of ribs resected (2.7 vs. 2.0 ribs; p = 0.006) but a similar incidence of sternal resections (29.5% vs. 23.5%; p = 0.591) compared with the ADM-CWR patients. The SM-CWR patients experienced significantly more SSCs (32.6% vs. 15.7%; p = 0.027) than the ADM-CWR patients. The two groups had similar rates of specific wound-healing complications. No differences in mortality or reoperations were observed. The ADM-CWR patients experienced fewer SSCs than the SM-CWR patients. Surgeons should consider selectively using ADM for CWR, particularly in patients at higher risk for SSCs.
A STRUCTURAL COMPARISON OF PORCINE B 4 AND DOGFISH A 4 ISOZYMES OF LACTATE DEHYDROGENASE

ABSTRACT. The LDH:NADHroxamate complex of the B 4 isozyme of porcine heart lactate dehydrogenase crystallizes in the space group C2 with a=162.0 a, b=60.7 a, c=138.5 a and s= 93.2°. The rotation function has been used to show that the P, Q, and R 2-fold axes found in dogfish A 4 lactate dehydrogenase are conserved in the B 4 isozyme. The tetramer is oriented in the unit cell with Q and R rotated 12.5 0 from the b and -c axes respectively and P along a*. The translation function has shown that the molecular center is positioned at (0.29, 0.5, 0.25).
Teaching NeuroImages: Neurologic deterioration after atrial fibrillation ablation.

A 68-year-old man presented with fever and altered mental status 4 weeks following an ablation procedure for atrial fibrillation (AF). Head CT revealed multifocal embolic-appearing infarcts. Chest CT revealed air in the left atrial appendage (figure). These findings led to a diagnosis of cardioembolic stroke secondary to septic emboli from an atrioesophageal fistula (AEF). AEF may occur in up to 0.25% of AF ablations and manifests 1–6 weeks postprocedure with fever, stroke, and/or end-organ damage from septic emboli.1 Transthoracic echocardiogram and chest CT should be considered to rule out AEF in patients with neurologic decline following AF ablation.1,2
Everyday politics and sustainable urban development in the Global South

This paper introduces a framework of sustainable urban development that considers the everyday politics of cities and their neighbourhoods. First, it considers the challenges facing cities in the G...
Early Thromboprophylaxis in Operative Spinal Trauma Does Not Increase Risk of Bleeding Complications.

Abstract Background Thromboprophylaxis in patients with spinal trauma is often delayed due to the risk of bleeding and expansion of the intraspinal hematoma (ISH). Our study aimed to assess the safety of early initiation of thromboprophylaxis in patients with operative spinal trauma (OST). Methods We performed a 2014-2017 retrospective analysis of our level I trauma registry and included all adult patients with isolated OST who received low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH). Patients were stratified into early (≤48 h) and late (>48 h) initiation of LMWH groups. Outcomes were a decline in hemoglobin level, packed red blood cell transfusion, and progression of ISH. We performed multivariable logistic regression. Results We identified a total of 526 patients (early: 332, late: 194). Mean age was 46 ± 22y, and the median spine abbreviated injury scale was 3 [2-4]. After thromboprophylaxis, 1.5% (8) of the patients had progression of ISH and 1% (5) underwent surgical decompression of the spinal canal. There was no difference between the two groups regarding the rate of postprophylaxis ISH progression (1.5% versus 1.6%, P = 0.11) or surgical decompression (0.9% versus 1.1%, P = 0.19). Patients who received LMWH within 48 hrs had a lower incidence of clinically significant deep vein thrombosis (2.4% versus 6.8%, P = 0.02), but no difference in pulmonary embolism (0.6% versus 1.6%, P = 0.33) or mortality (1.2% versus 1.5%, P = 0.41). On regression analysis, there was no difference regarding decline in hemoglobin levels (β = 0.079, [−0.253 to 1.025]; P = 0.23) or number of packed red blood cell units transfused (β = −0.011, [−0.298 to 0.471]; P = 0.35). Conclusions Thromboprophylaxis with LMWH within the first 48 h in patients with OST is safe and efficacious. Prospective studies are needed to further validate their risk-benefit ratio. Level of evidence Level III therapeutic.
Acute Pain in Service Members With Upper-Limb Disability Using the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS): A Mixed Methods Study

Date Presented 04/05/19 Primary Author and Speaker: Chelsea Truax Additional Authors and Speakers: Enrique Smith-Forbes, Brandon Stanley, Brian Gregg Contributing Authors: Robin Tennekoon, Yvette Woods
Карманный справочник для правого избирателя к выборам в XXIV-й Кнессет (Pocket Guide to XXIV-th Knesset Elections for Conservative Voter)

Russian Abstract: Этот материал – небольшое, но, надеюсь, полезное добавление к нашим старым обзорам к выборам в XX и XXI-й Кнессет (первым в затянувшейся серии выборов): «Краткий обзор позиций основных партий, баллотирующихся в Кнессет XXI созыва. Ориентиры для правого избирателя» и «Краткий Обзор Позиций Основных Партий, Баллотирующихся в Кнессет XX Созыва» Позиции партий по проблемам: • Распространение суверенитета Израиля на освобожденные в 1967 году территории (аннексии) • Кровавый навет на евреев в связи с поджогом в Кфар Думе: партии чьи лидеры поддались давлению Шабака (Евсекции) и те, которые не поддались • COVID-19 реакции властей по трем параметрам: поддержка принудительного карантина, принудительное ношение масок на улице (в открытых пространствах), полу-принудительная вакцинация (позиции: Да, нет, не определенная) • Реформа судебной системы и прокуратуры: Разделение полномочий юридического советника правительства от полномочий генерального прокурора; поправка о преодолении решений Верховного суда (поправка к Основному закону о достоинстве и свободе человека ); Назначение судей – по классическим образцам – исполнительная власть назначает по согласованию с Кнессетом по итогам открытых слушаний по кандидатуре; Защита наших военных от произвола военной прокуратуры использующей против них «международные нормы» не ратифицированные Израилем (с 1977 г.) и ограничение полномочий военной прокуратуры. English Abstract: Here is a small Supplement to previously uploaded reports on Israel Parties Programs and History. The Short Review of Parties’ Platforms Towards Elections of XXI-th Knesset. Reference Guide for Conservative Voter and to the more detailed report XX Knesset Elections: What Do These Parties Really Stand for?
Comments : EM-based likelihood inference for some lifetime distributions based on left truncated and right censored data and associated model discrimination

The authors are to be commended for their comprehensive, thorough, and insightful investigation of the EM algorithm in estimating the parameters in lifetime distributions from data involving truncation and censoring. They develop detailed steps of the EM algorithm for several widely used distributions based on left truncated and right censored data. These distributions include the lognormal, Weibull, gamma, and generalized gamma distributions. The investigation on the generalized gamma distribution is of important practical value because it contains the exponential, gamma, Weibull and lognormal distributions as special cases, among others. Although the generalized gamma distribution has this nice property, its third parameter Io is usually challenging to estimate, even with censoring data only. Truncation can add a second layer of difficulty to the optimization of the log-likelihood function. The EM algorithm proposed in the paper can provide a more stable solution.
Field measurements of PM2.5 infiltration factor and portable air cleaner effectiveness during wildfire episodes in US residences

Wildfires have frequently occurred in the western United States (US) during the summer and fall seasons in recent years. This study measures the PM2.5 infiltration factor in seven residences recruited from five dense communities in Seattle, Washington, during a 2020 wildfire episode and evaluates the impacts of HEPA-based portable air cleaner (PAC) use on reducing indoor PM2.5 levels. All residences with windows closed went through an 18-to-24-h no filtration session, with five of seven following that period with an 18-to-24-h filtration session. Auto-mode PACs, which automatically adjust the fan speed based on the surrounding PM2.5 levels, were used for the filtration session. 10-s resolved indoor PM2.5 levels were measured in each residence's living room, while hourly outdoor levels were collected from the nearest governmental air quality monitoring station to each residence. Additionally, a time-activity diary in minute resolution was collected from each household. With the impacts of indoor sources excluded, indoor PM2.5 mass balance models were developed to estimate the PM2.5 indoor/outdoor (I/O) ratios, PAC effectiveness, and decay-related parameters. Among the seven residences, the mean infiltration factor ranged from 0.33 (standard deviation [SD]: 0.06) to 0.76 (SD: 0.05). The use of auto-mode PAC led to a 48%-78% decrease of indoor PM2.5 levels after adjusting for outdoor PM2.5 levels and indoor sources. The mean (SD) air exchange rates ranged from 0.30 (0.13) h-1 to 1.41 (3.18) h-1 while the PM2.5 deposition rate ranged from 0.10 (0.54) h-1 to 0.49 (0.47) h-1. These findings suggest that staying indoors, a common protective measure during wildfire episodes, is insufficient to prevent people's excess exposure to wildfire smoke, and provides quantitative evidence to support the utilization of auto-mode PACs during wildfire events in the US.
Uncertainty Estimation for Ensemble Particle Image Velocimetry

We present a novel approach to estimate the uncertainty in ensemble particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurements. Ensemble PIV is widely used when the cross-correlation signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is insufficient to perform a reliable instantaneous velocity measurement. Despite the utility of ensemble PIV, uncertainty quantification for this type of measurement has not been studied. The existing uncertainty quantification algorithms for PIV are developed and used only for instantaneous PIV measurement and do not account for the improved SNR in ensemble PIV. Existing instantaneous uncertainty quantification methods can be divided into direct and indirect categories. Indirect methods require calibration based on the effect of various image parameters (such as noise, particle size, density, velocity gradient, etc.) on the correlation SNR. Indirect methods have not been calibrated for error sources relevant in an Ensemble PIV measurement. Also, they have lower sensitivity to the error sources compared to direct approaches. Direct methods, such as the moment of correlation (MC) and Image Matching (IM), find the uncertainty based on the images and correlation planes without any calibration and are more reliable (Bhattacharya et al., 2018; Sciacchitano et al., 2013). Ensemble PIV is based on ensemble correlations; therefore, MC, which uses the generalized cross-correlation (GCC) plane as a measure of uncertainty, is the most suitable method to be modified to be applicable for the ensemble PIV. The GCC plane is the inverse Fourier transform of the phase correlation and represents the probability density function (PDF) of particles’ displacements (Bhattacharya et al., 2018; Eckstein and Vlachos, 2009). We replaced instantaneous GCC with ensemble GCC and modified MC’s normalization factor to account for the number of ensembles. The MC’s primary limitation is that it assumes a Gaussian shape for the PDF of displacements and estimate the standard deviation of the underlying PDF using a fitted Gaussian. However, the PDF deviates from Gaussian distribution due to velocity gradient or non-Gaussian random displacements. Therefore, MC’s reliability and applicability are reduced for flow fields with non-Gaussian PDFs. Also, our analysis shows that ensemble MC consistently underestimates the uncertainty. So, a generalized and reliable method for uncertainty quantification for ensemble PIV is needed.
Firm and Industry Supply in the Short-Run

This chapter analyzes the output of a competitive industry in the short run. “Competitive” refers to the market structure in which each firm in the industry is a price taker. No single firm’s output level appreciably affects the market price. The chapter begins by combining the implications of the firm’s output selection for cost with the implications for revenue. We assume that the firm’s goal is to earn maximum profit per time period, and we examine the conditions necessary for achieving this goal.
Collective Search in Concrete and Abstract Spaces

Our laboratory has been studying the emergence of collective search behavior from a complex systems perspective. We have developed an Internet-based experimental platform that allows groups of people to interact with each other in real-time on networked computers. The experiments implement virtual environments where participants can see the moment-to-moment actions of their peers and immediately respond to their environment. Agent-based computational models are used as accounts of the experimental results. We describe two paradigms for collective search: one in physical space and the other in an abstract problem space. The physical search situation concerns competitive foraging for resources by individuals inhabiting an environment consisting largely of other individuals foraging for the same resources. The abstract search concerns the dissemination of innovations in social networks. Across both scenarios, the group-level behavior that emerges reveals influences of exploration and exploitation, bandwagon effects, population waves, and compromises between individuals using their own information and information obtained from their peers.
Mediation analysis of gestational age, congenital heart defects, and infant birth-weight

In this study we assessed the mediation role of the gestational age on the effect of the infant’s congenital heart defects (CHD) on birth-weight. We used secondary data from the Baltimore-Washington Infant Study (1981–1989). Mediation analysis was employed to investigate whether gestational age acted as a mediator of the association between CHD and reduced birth-weight. We estimated the mediated effect, the mediation proportion, and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) using several methods. There were 3362 CHD cases and 3564 controls in the dataset with mean birth-weight of 3071 (SD = 729) and 3353 (SD = 603) grams, respectively; the mean gestational age was 38.9 (SD = 2.7) and 39.6 (SD = 2.2) weeks, respectively. After adjusting for covariates, the estimated mediated effect by gestational age was 113.5 grams (95% CI, 92.4–134.2) and the mediation proportion was 40.7% (95% CI, 34.7%–46.6%), using the bootstrap approach. Gestational age may account for about 41% of the overall effect of heart defects on reduced infant birth-weight. Improved prenatal care and other public health efforts that promote full term delivery, particularly targeting high-risk families and mothers known to be carrying a fetus with CHD, may therefore be expected to improve the birth-weight of these infants and their long term health.
Query by semantic example

A solution to the problem of image retrieval based on query-by-semantic-example (QBSE) is presented. QBSE extends the idea of query-by-example to the domain of semantic image representations. A semantic vocabulary is first defined, and a semantic retrieval system is trained to label each image with the posterior probability of appearance of each concept in the vocabulary. The resulting vector is interpreted as the projection of the image onto a semantic probability simplex, where a suitable similarity function is defined. Queries are specified by example images, which are projected onto the probability simplex. The database images whose projections on the simplex are closer to that of the query are declared its closest neighbors. Experimental evaluation indicates that 1) QBSE significantly outperforms the traditional query-by-visual-example paradigm when the concepts in the query image are known to the retrieval system, and 2) has equivalent performance even in the worst case scenario of queries composed by unknown concepts.
Borsäure-ester von N-substituierten Aminoalkoholen

Borsaure und substituierte Borsauren [RB(OH)2, R2BOH] lassen sich mit N-substituierten Athanolaminen ebenso leicht verestern wie mit unsubstituierten Aminoalkoholen. Die an diesen Estern gewonnenen Erfahrungen uber die Hydrolysebestandigkeit deuten darauf hin, das in ihnen — im Gegensatz zu gewohnlichen Borsaureestern B(OR)3, welche als sehr feuchtigkeitsempfindlich bekannt sind — eine NB-Bindung vorliegt. Loslichkeitsuntersuchungen in wasrigem Medium zeigen, das bei der Hydrolyse der NB-Bindung ein Zwitterion entsteht.
I.T., Repeated Contracts and the Number of Suppliers

Many theories address how IT affects the number of suppliers and supply chain governance. However, their predictions are at times contradictory and there is relatively little empirical evidence with which to evaluate them. We therefore develop an integrated, multi-period model of the optimal number of suppliers that combines search and coordination theory, transaction cost economics, and incomplete contracts theory, and we assess our theoretical predictions using a large new dataset on the global IT sourcing decisions of 1355 firms in 12 countries. Our empirical results support three key predictions about trust, IT and supply base size. First, investments in coordination IT, which reduce search and coordination costs, are correlated with using more suppliers, while use of vendor-specific IT is associated with fewer suppliers. Second, repeated relationships and trust play a major role in supply chain governance. As firms work with fewer suppliers they also engage in more repeated relationships. At the same time asset specificity and the need to induce relationship-specific investments are correlated not only with fewer suppliers, but also with a larger fraction of repeated relationships. Third, supply chain governance differs in human capital-intensive and physical capital-intensive industries. The correspondence between asset specificity and repetition is strong in physical capital-intensive firms and not significant in human capital-intensive firms, while the correspondence between fewer suppliers and more repeated relationships is strong in human capital-intensive firms but not significant in physical capital-intensive firms. This corroborates the differential implications of human and physical capital for bargaining power, contractual risk and trust in buyer-supplier relationships.
Preparation and properties of highly densified yttrium-barium-copper oxide

Abstract In processing oxide superconductors it is important to obtain the highest possible density without having an adverse effect on the electric and magnetic properties of the material. This paper describes the effects of various processing parameters, including grain size, temperature, and gaseous environment, on the density of yttrium-barium-copper oxide. Higher sintering temperatures and smaller grain size result in consistently higher product densities. It is shown that densities as high as 95% of the theoretical density can be reached without affecting the conductivity or the magnetic susceptibility profiles of the material.
Aneurysm of the left atrium

Abstract Congenital left atrial aneurysm is a rare anomaly that has been reported only five times previously. The usual presenting features include an abnormal chest roentgenogram, an apical systolic murmur and supraventricular tachycardia. Even with cineangiocardiography the diagnosis is uncertain, and the lesion is commonly confused with cardiac tumor. Aneurysmectomy is the preferred treatment and has been successful in all patients undergoing operation. The presence of thrombi in the aneurysm necessitates circulatory assistance during excision.
Mid-wave infrared target source characteristics for focal plane applications

The U.S. Army is currently investigating the differences between various bands in the midwave and long wave infrared spectrum. A holistic approach to quantifying scene information is used in previous research. That is, both natural backgrounds and vehicles are present in scenes when correlation analyses are performed. Similar research has also been performed using hyperspectral imagers. Hyperspectral imagers inherently have poor signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). In this research, a mid-wave infrared broadband sensor was cold-filtered to provide four sub-bands in the mid wave region. A multi-waveband sensor as used to collect midwave infrared imagery of military vehicles and natural backgrounds. Three blackbody sources were placed at the same range as the vehicles for radiometric calibration. The goals were to collect radiometrically corrected data of various targets and process this data for comparative analysis. The images were segmented to remove all unwanted imagery from the images under observation. Correlations were performed to assess the differences in information content.
Practical implementation of the double linear damage rule and damage curve approach for treating cumulative fatigue damage

Simple procedures are presented for treating cumulative fatigue damage under complex loading history using either the Damage Curve concept or the Double Linear Damage Rule. A single equation is provided for use with the Damage Curve approach; each loading event providing a fraction of damage until failure is presumed to occur when the damage sum becomes unity. For the Double Linear Damage Rule, analytical expressions are provided for determining the two phases of life. The procedure involves two steps, each similar to the conventional application of the commonly used Linear Damage Rule. When the sum of cycle ratios based on Phase I lives reaches unity, Phase I is presumed complete, and further loadings are summed as cycle ratios based on Phase II lives. When the Phase II sum reaches unity, failure is presumed to occur. No other physical properties or material constants than those normally used in a conventional Linear Damage Rule analysis are required for application of either of the two cumulative damage methods described. Illustrations and comparisons of both methods are discussed.
Clonal evolution of lymphoblastoid cell lines

Lymphoblastoid cell lines represent Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-immortalized B lymphocytes, which are typically prepared by in vitro culture of normal blood cells. In this study, we evaluated the kinetics of clonal evolution in lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) established from five different donors. Immunoglobulin heavy chain (IGH) and T-cell receptor gamma (TRG) gene rearrangements were tracked over time using PCR, while EBV clonality was tracked using Southern blot analysis of the viral terminal repeat fragment. All five cultures evolved towards monoclonal B cells within 8 weeks, while T lymphocytes disappeared over the same period. No significant association was found between the rapidity of clonal emergence and either the proliferation rate or the size of the EBV terminal repeat fragment, suggesting the random nature of clonal selection. Our results suggest that EBV-driven B lymphocytes rapidly progress from polyclonal to virtually monoclonal, which has implications for the pace at which lymphoma might evolve in vivo. In addition, our findings indicate that established lymphobastoid cell lines are not an ideal 'normal control' for human B lymphocytes because they do not represent the spectrum of polyclonal B cells found in healthy humans; instead, they primarily represent the progeny of a single B lymphocyte.
Labor and Community in the Deindustrialization of Urban America

Community groups have become active participants in workers’ struggles against plant closings. This paper compares recent labor-community campaigns in Chicago and Worcester, Massachusetts, and emph...
Arsenic trioxide and low-dose cytarabine in older patients with untreated acute myeloid leukemia, excluding acute promyelocytic leukemia

BACKGROUND. Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) carries a dismal prognosis in older patients. In this study, the authors evaluated the safety and efficacy of arsenic trioxide combined with low-dose cytarabine in untreated patients aged 60 years with AML. METHODS. In a phase 1/2 design, arsenic trioxide was administered intravenously at a dose of 0.25 mg/kg on Days 1 through 5 and on Days 8 through 12, and low-dose cytarabine was given subcutaneously twice daily on Days 1 through 14 in escalating doses to a target of 10 mg/m 2 per dose. Of 64 patients who had pathologically confirmed AML, excluding patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia and using World Health Organization criteria, the median age was 71 years, 10 patients (16%) had treatment-related AML, 40 patients (63%) had an antecedent myelodysplastic syndrome or myeloproliferative disorder, and 35 patients (55%) had unfavorable cytogenetics. Thirty-four patients (53%) had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 2 or 3. RESULTS. Complete remission was achieved in 21 of 61 patients (34%), including 15 of 50 patients (30%) who had secondary or treatment-related AML, 10 of 33 patients (30%) who had unfavorable cytogenetics, and 6 of 34 patients (18%) who had a poor baseline performance status. The mortality rate within the first 4 weeks was 8%. Neutropenic fever was observed in >80% of patients, and 41% of patients had bacteremia. Nonhematologic toxicity generally was mild and reversible and included fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, rash, peripheral edema, and elevated transaminases. There were no clinically significant cardiac arrhythmias. CONCLUSIONS. The addition of arsenic trioxide to low-dose cytarabine appeared to improve responses in elderly patients who had AML compared with either agent alone, and a randomized trial of the combination versus single-agent lowdose cytarabine is ongoing. Cancer 2008;113:2504–11. � 2008 American Cancer Society.
Effect of Dosage and Ratio of Sex Pheromone Components on Behavior of Chrysoteuchia topiaria (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

When the dosage of the primary pheromone component (Z)-ll-hexedecenal (Zll-16:AI) of the cranberry girdler, Chrysoteuchia topiaria (Zeller), was varied from 0.03 to 10 mg in field tests, maximum catch was obtained at a dosage of less than 1 mg. When (Z)-9-hexadecenal (Z9-16:AI)was present at 0.3, 1, or 3% of Zll-16:AI, trap catch was proportional to the logarithm of the dosage over the same concentration range. The amount of Z9-16:Althat produced maximum trap catches within calculated confidence limits of each dosage ranged from 0.2 to 2.1% when the dosages of Zll-16:Al were 0.3, 1,3, and 10 mg. Z9-16:AI at 1% always was included within the confidence limits of these dosages. The two higher dosages captured significantly more males than the two lower dosages, but trap catches were not significantly different between dosages of 0.3–1 and 3–10 mg. The reduced trap catch by Zll-16:AI alone for dosages above 1 mg was the result of the absence of an important pheromone component. In flight tunnel studies, Zll-16:AI induced limited plume-oriented flight (19% of tested males) at a dosage of 0.03 mg only, and males did not reach the source. The percentage of males exhibiting upwind flight in the plume increased dramatically when Z9-16:AI was present. At a dosage of 0.3 mg, upwind flight in the plume was 0% for the single component and 90% for the two components. Maximum upwind flight occurred at dosages from 0.03 to 3 mg and, as occurred in field tests, the Z9-16:AI at 1% of Zll-16:AI always was included within the calculated confidence limits for these dosages. The 3-mg dosage of Zll-16:AI reduced the number of males landing on the septa.
Dynamics of diflubenzuron (dimilin®) concentrations in water and sediment of a supratidal saltmarsh site following repetitive aerial applications for mosquito control

Abstract A field study was conducted to monitor changes in diflubenzuron (DFB) and a degradation product, 4-chlorophenylurea (CPU) in water and sediment collected from a supratidal mosquito breeding lagoon. Three applications of a 0·4% sand granule followed by three applications of a 25% wettable powder formulation were made to the site. Substantial differences in the dynamics of both DFB and CPU concentrations in water were noted among applications. Non-linearity of the logarithm of DFB concentrations in water as a function of time was also evident in some applications. In such cases, the half-life parameter does not characterise the dynamics of the process and is of questionable value. For four of the six applications, there was strong evidence of a decrease in DFB concentration in water. However, there was not significant evidence of a decrease in DFB concentrations in sediment, which appeared to be a major site for DFB adsorption. Water concentrations for each analyte (DFB, CPU) were negatively correlated with sediment concentrations for the same analyte, suggesting that an exchange of both analytes occurs across the water/sedimetn interface. Also, positive correlations were noted between DFB and CPU in both water and sediment. These correlation findings are counter-intuitive, if it is assumed that changes in DFB and CPU concentrations are mainly due to degradation of the former to the latter. While DFB concentrations in the supratidal lagoon water tended to remain above 0·4 μg litre −1 for 7 days post application, it seems unlikely that this toxic concentration would affect planktonic larval crustaceans in adjacent estuaries if DFB entered these waters via runoff or by flooding of supratidal areas. The persistent DFB concentrations in the water and sediment (∼100 μgkg −1 ), however, could be detrimental to detrialfeeding populations of marsh crustaceans (e.g. Uca ).
Male coping processes as demonstrated in the context of a cancer-related social support group.

Purpose The coping styles of five adult men within the context of a cancer-related social support group and their preferences regarding group support were examined.
Neurite outgrowth is enhanced by conditioning factor(s) released from central ganglia of Aplysia californica.

Single neurons of Aplysia californica were cultured on control and conditioned medium-treated cover slips (CM, derived from central ganglia of Aplysia) and fed with L-15 medium plus 20% hemolymph. After 5 h 36.9 ± 3.3% of all neurons plated on CM-treated cover slips sprouted, whereas only 22.9 ± 2.7 % sprouted in the control group. After 24 h the average neurite length in the presence of putative conditioning factor(s) was 621 ± 42 μm versus 411 ± 20 μm in control, but the number of primary processes was the same (4.3 ± 0.5 versus 4.2 ± 0.9).
Barriers to the hybridization of Passiflora species

To avoid compatibility barriers among species of passion fruit that do not normally set fruit, hormones were applied to the stigma following cross pollination. In other cases, two of the three stigmas were cross pollinated, and one was self-pollinated. With such treatments, abscission of the flower was often delayed. and seeds were produced. Seeds were often aborted at an early stage or failed to germinate. Seven new hybrid combinations were produced.
Condensed-phase processes during combustion of solid gun propellants. II. nitramine composite propellants

Burning samples of nitramine composite solid gun propellants were quenched, and the burned surfaces examined microscopically and by chemical analysis. Studies were carried out on XM39 and M43 propellants, on an HMX-polyester composition (HMX2) and on pure RDX, at pressures ranging from atmospheric (0.1 MPa to 2.0 MPa). Scanning electron microscopy examination of quenched samples burned at these low pressures indicates that a liquefied layer 100 to 300 μ thick forms during combustion of these nitramine compositions. Bubbles are present, especially at the lower pressures. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry analysis suggests that in the case of XM39, ethyl centralite stabilizer is depleted in the surface layers relative to the plasticizer acetyl triethyl citrate. High-performance liquid chromatography studies indicate that for XM39 (and presumably for M43), HMX2, and RDX, the surface layers exhibit formation of the mechanistically significant nitrosoamines MRDX (also known as ONDNTA) and DRDX. Examination of the burned surfaces of XM39 and of HMX2 by photoacoustic Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and by microreflectance Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy indicates the presence of increased amounts of binder and its decomposition products. Examination of the burned surface of RDX by photoacoustic Fourier-transform infrared indicates the presence of RDX decomposition products. These observations suggest the occurrence of a significant amount of condensed-phase decomposition. Depth profiling, by surface-abrasion and by cross-section examination, indicates that in the nitramine propellants the molten oxidizer layer is overlain by a layer (∼20 μ thick) of binder and its decomposition products. The roles of vaporization and of thermal decomposition in the liquid layers of the nitramine propellants are also discussed; it appears that both play significant roles.
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. State legislative activity.

MORE than 450 bills have been introduced in state legislatures in 1987, on the subject of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). This flurry of legislative activity reflects the serious public health concern raised by this disease in every part of the country (see "References"). State statutes relating to the subject of AIDS were first enacted in 1983. Most of the early laws created statewide task forces to inform and educate the public. Since that time, statutes have been enacted on a wide variety of AIDS-related topics. The information included herein based on a review through Oct 6, 1987, focus on ten major subject areas that have become matters of state law (Table). The categories highlighted, as well as examples of states that have enacted laws on each of these issues, are (1) antibody testing, (2) blood and blood products, (3) confidentiality, (4) employment, (5) housing, (6) informed consent, (7) insurance, (8)
Indivisibilities and interplant transportation cost: Do they cause market breakdown?

Abstract This paper considers the ability of the land market to allocate space among activities when economic agents operate subject to scale economies, and when the agents trade with one another, thus incurring transport cost. The structure of the problem is that of Koopmans and Beckmann. The land market fails to clear properly only for certain parameter values. The inability of the land market to work properly is found to result from the failure of the market to properly price accessibility, or alternatively, from the failure to price congestion. It is a standard externality problem.
Magnetic excitations in ferromagnetic semiconductors

Magnetic excitations in a series of GaMnAs ferromagnetic semiconductor films were studied by ferromagnetic resonance (FMR). Using the FMR approach, multi-mode spin wave resonance spectra have been observed, whose analysis provides information on magnetic anisotropy (including surface anisotropy), distribution of magnetization precession within the GaMnAs film, dynamic surface spin pinning (derived from surface anisotropy), and the value of exchange stiffness constant D. These studies illustrate a combination of magnetism and semiconductor physics that is unique to magnetic semiconductors.
Untersuchungen über die Degeneration samenbildender Zellen in der normalen Spermatogenese der Ratte

In Ganzpraparaten von Samenkanalchen der Ratte wurden die folgenden Elemente gezahlt: Sertolizellen, Spermatogonien kurz vor ihrer Umwandlung in Spermatozyten, altere Spermatozyten und Spermatiden in dem Stadium, in dem sie tief in den Sertolizellen stecken. Die Anzahl der Spermatiden je Sertolizelle ist 3,18mal so gros wie die der Spermatogonien, was auf einen Zellverlust von etwa 22% wahrend der beobachteten Stadien, d. h. wahrend etwa 2 Drittel der Gesamtdauer der Spermatogenese, schliesen last. Der Zellverlust erklart sich durch das regelmasige Vorkommen von Nekrosen in wenigstens 4 verschiedenen Entwicklungsstadien der Keimzellen. Jede der Degenerationsphasen hat ihren eigenen zahlenmasigen und qualitativen Charakter. Eine erhebliche Anzahl der Spermatozyten gehen im Leptoten- oder Zygotenstadium zugrunde, weniger als 2% wahrend der ersten Reifeteilung, und wiederum eine grosere Anzahl der Spermatiden zu Beginn der Differenzierung des Spermienkopfes. Die Erscheinungen des Zellsterbens sind so regelmasig wie die der Zellteilung und Zelldifferenzierung. Weiterhin wurden an Ganzpraparaten folgende Befunde erhoben: Ein Samenkanalchenabschnitt von 1 cm Lange enthalt etwa 14000 Sertolizellen, und diese produzieren im Verlauf einer spermatogenetischen Welle etwa 125000 Samenfaden. Die Spermatogonien nach ihrer letzten Teilung umgeben die Sertolizellfuse in unregelmasigen Ringen von oft 6, oft 7, 8 oder mehr Zellen. Es kommen im Durchschnitt 2,8 Spermatogonien auf eine Sertolizelle. Die Sertolizellen erscheinen als getrennte Einheiten, nicht nur in den ganz peripheren Schichten, sondern auch da, wo sie zwischen den grosen Spermatozyten liegen. Die Spermatogonien vom Typus A (Stammzellen) sind am Ende einer spermatogenetischen Welle ungleichmasig und in Gruppen an der Peripherie der Kanalchen verteilt, was darauf schliesen last, das die Zahl der von jeder Stammzelle im Lauf eines Zyklus produzierten Stammzellen stark variiert.
Genomic cloning and chromosomal localization of HRY, the human homolog to the Drosophila segmentation gene, hairy.

The Drosophila hairy gene encodes a basic helix- loop-helix protein that functions in at least two steps during Drosophila development: (1) during embryogenesis, when it partakes in the establishment of segments, and (2) during the larval stage, when it functions negatively in determining the pattern of sensory bristles on the adult fly. In the rat, a structurally homologous gene (RHL) behaves as an immediate-early gene in its response to growth factors and can, like that in Drosophila, suppress neuronal differentiation events. Here, the authors report the genomic cloning of the human hairy gene homolog (HRY). The coding region of the gene is contained within four exons. The predicted amino acid sequence reveals only four amino acid differences between the human and rat genes. Analysis of the DNA sequence 5[prime] to the coding region reveals a putatitve untranslated exon. To increase the value of the HRY gene as a genetic marker and to assess its potential involvement in genetic disorders, they sublocalized the locus to chromosome 3q28-q29 by fluorescence in situ hybridization. 34 refs., 4 figs., 1 tab.
Towards interactive exploration of gene expression patterns

Analyzing coherent gene expression patterns is an important task in bioinformatics research and biomedical applications. Recently, various clustering methods have been adapted or proposed to identify clusters of co-expressed genes and recognize coherent expression patterns as the centroids of the clusters. However, the interpretation of co-expressed genes and coherent patterns mainly depends on the domain knowledge, which presents several challenges for coherent pattern mining and cannot be solved by most existing clustering approaches.In this paper, we introduce an interactive exploration system GeneX (Gene eXplorer) for mining coherent expression patterns. We develop a novel coherent pattern index graph to provide highly confident indications of the existence of coherent patterns. Typical exploration operations are supported based on the index graph. We also provide a bunch of graphical views as the user interface to visualize the data set and facilitate the interactive operations. To help users to interpret and validate the mining results, we design the gene annotation panel that connects the genes with some public annotation databases. The experimental results show that our approach is more effective than the state-of-the-art methods in mining real gene expression data sets.
Do more open countries have a higher growth rate but more inequality

While other researchers have examined the effect of outward orientation on economic growth, this paper examines the relationship between outward orientation and 21 measures of economic development using data from 88 developing countries. An attempt is made to answer the question: Does outward orientation result in positive economic growth at the expense of higher income inequality, a higher poverty rate, and other harmful effects on economic development measures? The results show that there is, in the net, a positive correlation between openness and measures of economic development. Second, while outward orientation affects economic growth positively and the higher economic growth in turn leads to a higher level of economic development, there is weak evidence that there are additional direct, negative effects of outward orientation on economic development measures.
Use of ultrasonically guided probes and catheters in neurosurgery

The utility of two-dimensional, real-time intraoperative ultrasound sector scanning for purposes of tumor localization, tumor biopsy, cyst drainage, and placement of ventricular shunt catheters in 13 patients is demonstrated. The technique allows the neurosurgeon to assess the progress of the procedure as it happens. The surgeon can observe biopsy probes entering tumors, thus confirming the location of the tissue sample. Shunt catheters can be easily guided into optimal positions for drainage. The technique is simple and safe, and could become a valuable aid in certain types of neurosurgical operations.
Instability, investment, disasters, and demography: natural disasters and fertility in Italy (1820–1962) and Japan (1671–1965)

This article examines whether natural disasters affect fertility—a topic little explored but of policy importance given relevance to policies regarding disaster insurance, foreign aid, and the environment. The identification strategy uses historic regional data to exploit natural variation within each of two countries: one European country—Italy (1820–1962), and one Asian country—Japan (1671–1965). The choice of study settings allows consideration of Jones’ (The European miracle, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1981) theory that preindustrial differences in income and population between Asia and Europe resulted from the fertility response to different environmental risk profiles. According to the results, short-run instability, particularly that arising from the natural environment, appears to be associated with a decrease in fertility—thereby suggesting that environmental shocks and economic volatility are associated with a decrease in investment in the population size of future generations. The results also show that, contrary to Jones’ (The European miracle, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1981) theory, differences in fertility between Italy and Japan cannot be explained away by disaster proneness alone. Research on the effects of natural disasters may enable social scientists and environmentalists alike to better predict the potential effects of the increase in natural disasters that may result from global climate change.
Effects of Radiation on Tumor Intravascular Oxygenation, Vascular Configuration, Development of Hypoxia, and Clonogenic Survival

Abstract Fenton, B. M., Lord, E. M. and Paoni, S. F. Effects of Radiation on Tumor Intravascular Oxygenation, Vascular Configuration, Development of Hypoxia, and Clonogenic Survival. The underlying physiological mechanisms leading to tumor reoxygenation after irradiation have elicited considerable interest, but they remain somewhat unclear. The current study was undertaken to determine the effects of a single dose of 10 Gy γ radiation on both tumor pathophysiology and radiobiologically hypoxic fraction. Immunohistochemical staining and perfusion markers were used to quantify tumor vasculature, uptake of the hypoxia marker EF5 to assess the distribution of hypoxia, and intravascular HbO2 measurements to determine oxygen availability. Tumor radiosensitivity was measured by a clonogenic assay. At 24 h postirradiation, oxygen availability increased, perfused vessel numbers decreased, EF5 uptake decreased, and the radiobiologically hypoxic fraction was unchanged. Together, these results demonstrate that tumor ...
Management modeling of suspended solids in the Chesapeake Bay, USA

Abstract The Chesapeake Bay, USA, suffers from multiple water quality impairments including poor water clarity. A management strategy aimed at improving water clarity through reduction of nutrient and solids loads to the bay is under development. The strategy is informed through the use of the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Modeling Package. We describe herein aspects of the model devoted to suspended solids, a major contributor to poor water clarity. Our approach incorporates a dynamic model of inorganic solids into an eutrophication model, in order to account for interactions between physical and biotic factors which influence suspended solids transport and fate. Solids budgets based on the model indicate that internal production of organic solids is the largest source of suspended solids to the mainstem bay. Scenario analysis indicates that control of solids loads reduces solids concentration in the vicinity of the loading sources. Control of nutrient loads provides more widespread but lesser reductions in suspended solids.
Pollen dispersal in star cactus (Astrophytum asterias)

Abstract Gene flow occurs via seeds and pollen in plants. In cases where seed dispersal is limited, pollen dispersal can have a substantial impact on the genetic makeup of plant populations. We examined pollen dispersal in Astrophytum asterias, an endangered cactus occurring in southern Texas and northern Mexico. Fluorescent dye was used in this study as a pollen analogue to track the distribution of pollen dispersal within a 1.9 hectare patch of star cactus. Approximately 80% of all recipient plants were located within 30 m of the source plant. Mean dispersal distance was ∼17 m. The longest dispersal event recorded was 142.2 m. Dispersal distances between source and recipient plants were used to calculate estimates of genetic neighborhood size and area using Wright's neighborhood model. These neighborhood estimates (neighborhood size = 41.8 individuals, neighborhood area = 0.094 hectares) indicate potential for population subdivision within the larger patch due to restricted pollen dispersal.