cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Thalassemia

Although recent advances in gene therapy are expected to increase the chance of disease cure in thalassemia major, at present hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) remains the only consolidated curative approach for this disorder. The widest experience has been obtained in the HLA-matched family donor (MFD) setting, with probabilities of overall and thalassemia-free survival exceeding 90% and 85%, respectively. As for most patients a suitable MFD is not available, alternative donors (HLA-matched unrelated donor, unrelated cord blood, HLA-haploidentical relative) have been increasingly explored, translating into the expansion of the number of patients treatable with HSCT.
Promoting motivation during robot-assisted rehabilitation

Abstract Patient motivation is an important aspect of robot-assisted rehabilitation, as unmotivated patients do not exercise frequently or intensely enough. This chapter thus describes how patient motivation can be promoted using virtual environments. It first divides such environments into activities of daily living, which emphasize relatability, and games, which emphasize enjoyment. It then describes how the design of these environments can take the hardware, the patients' characteristics, and the goal-related feedback into account. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of ensuring an appropriate challenge level for the patient using difficulty adaptation algorithms. Finally, it covers methods of measuring motivation: self-report questionnaires and indirect, objective measures such as exercise duration.
How Minority Religion Can Shape Corporate Capitalism: An Emergentist Account and Empirical Illustration:

Theories of how religion shapes business tend to focus on dominant religious institutions. What happens in the case of minority religions, where the alignment of religion with other dominant instit...
Closed set mining of biological data

We present a closed set data mining paradigm which is particularly effective for uncovering the kind of deterministic, causal dependencies that characterize much of basic science. While closed sets have been used before in frequent set data mining, we believe this is the first algorithm to incrementally combine closed sets one at a time to actually mine associations.
Hepatocellular Cancer: Pathologic Considerations

While the incidence of HCCs has been rising worldwide, there has been a steady stream of novel information related to the histologic characteristics of HCCs, including their pattern of spread, the risk factors for recurrence, and long-term prognosis. More particularly, a focus of great interest has been the diagnosis of early HCC. Understanding by histopathologists, surgeons, hepatologists, and oncologists of the nuances of the diagnosis of early HCC, as well as the importance of detailed pathologic analysis of surgical specimens, is crucial to developing appropriate therapeutic algorithms based on precise prognostic stratification.
Monitoring of Resin-Transfer Molding Using Laser-Based Ultrasound

In both the aerospace and automotive industries, polymer-based composite materials are increasingly being used to replace metallic structures. To reduce the cost of fabricating complexly contoured polymer composite structures, manufacturers are actively developing low-cost alternatives to hand lay-up/autoclave curing and other labor and capital-intensive processes. One technique, that has proven to be an economical method for fabricating polymer composite structures containing complex contours, is resin-transfer molding (RTM). In the RTM process a dry fiber preform is placed between two faces of a mold. Resin is injected into the mold at low pressure and fills the mold cavity permeating the fiber reinforcement. After the part is fully cured it is removed from the mold. The key to efficient and cost-effective resin-transfer molding is to have an automated process in which the infusion of resin is controlled so that the flow front rapidly and evenly permeates the fiber preform. Several problems can occur during the transfer of the resin into the mold such as lack of penetration into all regions of the mold or incomplete infiltration of the fiber preform. Thus, in situ sensors are required to monitor the RTM process and ensure that pumping of resin is not stopped prematurely. Laser-based ultrasound (LBU) is well suited for this monitoring application since it can work with heated molds having nonplanar surfaces and can acquire ultrasonic C-scan images in times that are short compared to the total transfer time of the resin. These ultrasonic images can be used to enable rapid assessment of degree-of-completion of resin transfer, and indicate problems associated with the resin transfer or with defects in the mold. In this paper, results are presented which demonstrate the capability of laser-based ultrasound to monitor the resin flow front along the inner surface of the mold during the RTM process.
Subtractive morphology and morpheme identity in Arabic pausal forms

In classical Arabic, most words have two forms: at the ends of major syntactic constituents (“in pause”) a word is shorter than the same word when it appears in non-final position. The pausal form is shorter than the full form by up to one whole syllable and by the whole or part of as many as three morphemes, as the following examples illustrate:1
Harlequin as Theatergram: Transmitting the Timeworn Black Mask, Ancient to Antebellum

The foolish Harlequin’s signature black mask links this initially dim-witted clown’s blackness with pan-European traditions of the “natural fool,” a rationally impaired butt often marked via blackface. It invokes traditions that can be traced from ancient theatre, where a comic typology of blackness passed from Hellenistic theatrical masks of smiling Africans to soot-smeared Roman phallophores, the humiliating first-century face-blackening episode of the Satyricon, and illustrations of dark-masked slaves in Terence codices housed in monastic libraries. Evidence of early blackface comic traditions and conventions being adopted in Christian iconography first appears in Augustine’s early fifth-century work The City of God. In drama, these influences ranged from face-blackening episodes in Hrotsvitha’s neo-Terentian drama to foolish devils like the popular Latinate devil Titivillus/Tutuvillus and other comic devils such as “Hellequine.” Far from being the product of any singular unbroken lineage, then, Harlequin was a cultural palimpsest of closely related tropes. He was portrayed as African by the first known Harlequin touring Europe from 1584 to 1621 and late seventeenth-century illustrations of “Dominique” Biancolelli through Cowardy, Cowardy Custard; or Harlequin Jim Crow and the Magic Mustard Pot (1836). Whether recognized as racial impersonation or not, Harlequin codified what would become proto-racist comic stereotypes about blackness, including laughable sartorial pretension and inept misspeaking.
Developing Predictive Models to Enhance Clinician Prediction of Suicide Attempts Among Veterans With and Without PTSD.

The limitations of self-report confine clinicians' ability to accurately predict suicides and suicide attempts (SAs). Behavioral assessments (e.g., Death Implicit Association Test [IAT]) may be a means of supplementing self-report and clinician prediction. Objective The authors aimed to build and test a predictive model of SAs that included established risk factors and measures of suicide risk, and Death IAT scores. The authors also sought to test the predictive validity of the SA model among subgroups of Veterans with and without PTSD. Method Participants included 166 psychiatrically hospitalized Veterans. Results A model that included patient prediction, age, and Death IAT scores improved upon clinician prediction of SAs during the six-month follow-up (C-statistic for clinician prediction = 73.6, 95% CI [62.9, 84.4] and C-statistic for model = 82.8, 95% CI [74.6, 91.0]). The model was tested in subgroups of Veterans with and without PTSD. Among Veterans without PTSD, the Death IAT and patient prediction predicted SAs above and beyond clinician prediction, while these variables did not significantly improve prediction among Veterans with PTSD (C-statistic for no-PTSD = 91.3, 95% CI [80.6, 1.00]; C-statistic for PTSD = 86.8, 95% CI [76.8, 96.8]). Building a separate model for Veterans with PTSD did not improve upon clinician prediction. Conclusions Findings indicate that predictive models may bolster clinician prediction of SAs and that predictors may differ for Veterans with PTSD.
Imaging in neurointerventional stroke treatment: review of the recent trials and what your neurointerventionalist wants to know from emergency radiologists

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Standard treatment for stroke is intravenous (IV) injection of tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) rapidly after symptom onset. However, there are limitations of IV t-PA treatment, such as a short time window for administration and risk for hemorrhage. Recent trials have demonstrated the benefit of endovascular treatment when added to standard treatment to improve outcomes for patients. Advanced imaging was utilized in some trials to identify patients with proximal intracranial occlusion to target for endovascular reperfusion therapy, and to exclude patients with large infarct cores or poor collateral circulation who would not be expected to benefit from intervention. This article summarizes the use of imaging in recent stroke trials in details, provides a stroke imaging protocol, and provides tips which radiologists should know to help their neurointerventionalists.
Colorectal Cancer in Young Adults

Routine screening for colorectal cancer (CRC) in adults > 50 years of age has led to overall reductions in CRC incidence and CRC-related mortality. Yet CRC incidence among young adults age < 50 continues to increase without a clear explanation. This review examines the changing epidemiology of CRC and emerging evidence regarding the influence of genetic and lifestyle factors on risk for colorectal neoplasia. Young-onset CRC (yCRC), defined as CRC diagnosed in individuals younger than age 50, is a heterogeneous disease. Approximately, one in every five individuals affected with yCRC carries a pathogenic germline variant in genes associated with predisposition to cancer. However, most have no clinically identifiable risk factors. Analyses of birth cohorts estimate CRC risk among millennials to be 2–4 times higher than their grandparents’, suggesting that changes in health behaviors and environmental factors are having an impact on CRC risk. Young individuals with CRC tend to be diagnosed at later stages and often present with metastatic disease. yCRC tumors arise predominantly in the distal colon and are more likely than older-onset tumors to exhibit microsatellite and chromosome stable (MACS) phenotypes. Although yCRC patients are more likely than their older counterparts to be treated with multimodality chemotherapy regimens, more aggressive treatments have not yielded measurable survival gains. Since one in ten new CRC diagnoses involve individuals age < 50, recent guidelines have proposed lowering the age for average risk CRC screening from 50 to 45; however, further studies are needed to evaluate testing strategies based on individuals’ age and risk. Significant shifts in CRC epidemiology and diversity of tumor phenotypes support genetic and environmental factors as modifiers of cancer risk. Emerging data correlating tumor molecular features with outcomes justify further investigation into mechanisms of carcinogenesis to elucidate how specific factors (inherited and/or acquired) might stimulate young-onset colorectal neoplasia.
Chapter 10. Antibiotics and Related Compounds

Publisher Summary This chapter presents key references to some of the most noteworthy chemotherapeutic advances. The worldwide increase in drug-resistant gram-negative Enterobacteriacea can be attributed to infectious drug resistance, wherein resistance is transmitted on extrachromosomal DNA through conjugation. A series of reports presented evidence that a nondialyzable retentate from some commercial benzylpenicillin was more allergenic than protein-free benzylpenicillin. Comparative skin tests in two benzylpenicillin-hypersensitive individuals indicated a significantly reduced allergenic potential for the purified product. Immune cross-reactivity of benzylpenicillin and cephalothin was reported. Cross-allergenicity to penicillins and cephalorsporins was noted. An orally effective cephalosporin as well as oral penicillins would appear to have greatly less sensitizing potential than those given by injection. The use of microbial amidases for the production of 6-aminopenicillanic acid was reviewed. An amidase from E. coli showed comparable efficacy in deacylating penicillins and cephalosporins containing the sterically similar phenylacetyl and thienylacetyl components. Prolonged ampicillin serum levels compared to those of benzylpenicillin were ascribed to the combined effects of resistance to degradation by the liver and to decreased renal clearance.
Design and control performance of a frictional tuned mass damper with bearing–shaft assemblies:

This paper explores the feasibility of leveraging the damping generated by the friction between movable flange-mounted ball bearings and a stationary shaft. This bearing–shaft assembly is integrate...
Effectiveness of titanium plate usage in laminoplasty

Background: Laminoplasty is an established technique for the treatment of cervical stenosis. However, the usage of plates to maintain patency of the laminoplasty door has not been well reported. This study plans to compare the clinical outcomes of laminoplasty with the usage of Sofamor-Danek laminoplasty plates versus techniques without plate usage. Materials and Methods: This study conducted a 2-year medical record review of all patients with multilevel cervical myelopathy who were treated with laminoplasty at UCLA or Cedars-Sinai medical center. Of 46 patients 18 had sufficient documentation to assess clinical outcome, 11 of which had placement of laminoplasty plates. Clinical outcomes were assessed using Odom's scoring criteria. Results: Blood loss and hospital stay are decreased with plate usage during laminoplasty. Average Estimated Blood Loss (EBL) was 160 cc with plate and 380 cc without. Hospital stay was 4.8 days with plate and 5.6 days without. There were no complications during any of the laminoplasty procedures regardless of instrumentation. All patients demonstrated improvement in symptoms after laminoplasty, with 73% of patients in the plate cohort having Odom Scores of “Excellent” versus 44% in the nonplate group. All patients, regardless of technique, showed improvement in symptoms. Conclusions: Laminoplasty with plate utilization is an effective treatment for cervical myelopathy. The similarity in outcomes and complications between these two similar cohorts suggests plate usage in laminoplasty is an attractive alternative to other methods. We hope that future efforts will continue to demonstrate the effectiveness and perhaps superiority of plate utilization in laminoplasty.
The Photochemistry of Various Para-Substituted Tetrafluorophenyl Azides in Acidic Media and the Formation of Nitrenium Ions

Laser flash photolysis of polyfluorinated aryl azides in acetonitrile at ambient temperature produces singlet nitrenes which have lifetimes of tens to hundreds of nanoseconds. The lifetimes are controlled by ring expansion and intersystem crossing to the lower energy triplet state. In the presence of sulfuric acid the singlet nitrene can be protonated to form a new species whose transient absorption is attributed to a nitrenium ion. This assignment is based in part on analogy to other nitrenium ion spectra and studies reported recently by Falvey (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1993, 115, 7254) and McClelland and Novak (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1994, 116, 4513) and to the protonation of p-biphenylnitrene reported by Davidse et al. (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1994, 116, 4513). The polyfluorinated nitrenium ions likely have singlet ground states, consistent with recent calculations of the parent structure.
Leveraging Delivery of Blood Pressure Control Interventions among Low-income African American Adults: Opportunities to Increase Social Support and Produce Family-level Behavior Change.

Purpose: Few family-oriented cardiovas­cular risk reduction interventions exist that leverage the home environment to produce health behavior change among multiple family members. We identified opportu­nities to adapt disease self-management interventions included in a blood pressure control comparative effectiveness trial for hypertensive African American adults to ad­dress family-level factors. Methods: We conducted and analyzed semi-structured interviews with five inter­vention study staff (all study intervention­ists and the study coordinator) between December 2016 and January 2017 and with 11 study participants between Septem­ber and November 2015.1 All study staff involved with intervention delivery and co­ordination were interviewed. We sampled adult participants from the parent study, and we analyzed interviews that were originally obtained as part of a previous study based on their status as a caregiver of an adoles­cent family member.1 Results: Thematic analysis identified family influences on disease management and the importance of relationships between index patients and family members, between in­dex patients and study peers, and between index patients and study staff through study participation to understand social effects on healthy behaviors. We identified four themes: 1) the role of family in health behavior change; 2) the impact of family dynamics on health behaviors; 3) building peer relationships through intervention par­ticipation; and 4) study staff role conflict. Conclusions: These findings inform development of family-oriented interven­tions to improve health behaviors among African American index patients at high risk for cardiovascular disease and their family members. Ethn Dis. 2019;29(4):549-558; doi:10.18865/ed.29.4.549
Computer-Assisted Immersive Visual Rehabilitation in Argus II Retinal Prosthesis Recipients

Purpose The field of retinal prostheses is expanding. However, the best approach to training and assessing the functional benefit of postoperative vision has not been established. The purpose of this single-center prospective interventional case series was to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of using the Computer Assisted Rehabilitation Environment (CAREN) system as a visual rehabilitation tool in Argus II patients. Design Single-center prospective interventional case series ( clinicaltrials.gov identifier, NCT03444961 ). Participants Four Argus II recipients (3 men and 1 woman). Methods Eight visual rehabilitation sessions using the CAREN system (twice weekly for 4 weeks). Main Outcome Measures Baseline and postintervention assessments consisted of visual function, mobility, and balance tests. Results All patients successfully completed training on the CAREN system. While the Argus II device was active, walking speed increased from baseline to immediately after the intervention on flat and undulating surfaces and while localizing objects by 20%, 10%, and 18%, respectively. An improved ability to complete the timed up and go test successfully was observed. Conclusions Novel methods of visual rehabilitation for retinal prostheses recipients, such the CAREN system, are feasible and may result in improved ability to use the Argus II while performing functional tasks. Immersive technology may provide a solution for the standardization of effective rehabilitation approaches to augment retinal prosthesis performance. Heterogeneity of results indicates that a larger sample size would be beneficial.
Timing of Initial Posttracheostomy Surveillance Endoscopy in Pediatric Patients.

ObjectiveTo determine the optimal timing of the first posttracheostomy microlaryngoscopy and bronchoscopy (MLB).Study DesignCase series with chart review.SettingTertiary pediatric medical center.Su...
Impact of Bus Routes on Crash Frequency in Metropolitan Areas

Although research in transportation safety is abundant, very few studies have examined the relationship between public transportation systems and safety performance. Most studies on the subject hav...
Calculations of fast-reactor data-testing assemblies utilizing cross sections from the MC 2 and SDX codes

Reactor physics calculations were performed with ENDF/B Version-III cross-section data for several of the fast-reactor data-testing assemblies specified by the Cross Section Evaluation Working Group. In these calculations, multigroup cross sections were generated using both the Argonne MC/sup 2/ and SDX codes for comparative purposes. The multigroup cross sections were then used in S/sub n/ transport-theory calculations to obtain k/sub eff/ and central activation rattos, and in perturbation-theory calculations to obtain central worths. Results with MC/sup 2/ and SDX cross sections are in good agrement except whem regions containing large amounts of a structure material are involved. (auth)
Does Industrial Upgrading Generate Employment and Wage Gains

As production of goods and services in the late twentieth century increasingly became organized within international networks – with lead firms coordinating suppliers, logistics and marketing in multiple locations – the path of economic development has changed. Economic development has become associated with “industrial upgrading” within these networks, sometimes called “global value chains” (GVCs). The internationalization of production brings new opportunities and new challenges for the improvement of living standards in lowand middle-income countries.
Interview 13 Peter Shawn Bearman

Profile: Peter S. Bearman is the Director of the Interdisciplinary Center for Innovative Theories and Empirics (INCITE) and the Cole Professor of Social Science at Columbia University. He earned his B.A. in sociology from Brown University in 1978, and his M.A., Ph.D. in sociology from Harvard University in 1982 and 1985 respectively. He worked on the Committee on Degrees in Social Studies at Harvard University for a year after he graduated and then joined the faculty at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill in 1986.
Prediction of thermal fluxes to very blunt planetary entry vehicles by the integral method.

An integral method which has previously been applied to the hypersonic blunt body thermal problem is improved and extended to obtain downstream flux predictions and to improve stagnation predictions. To account for the effect of downstream conditions propagated upstream through the subsonic shock layer region, the normal momentum equation is solved simultaneously with the other governing conservation equations. The effects of viscosity, conduction, dissociation and ionization, nongray radiation, surface emissivity, and ablation are included. Illustrative results are presented for body models of hemispheres and a continuous curvature body which closely approximates a hemispherically blunted wide angle (60 half angle) cone. The atmospheric models are air and a 50% Co2-50% N mixture at low densities, which should be representative of the Martian or Venusian atmospheres.
Statistics-based motion synthesis for social conversations

Plausible conversations among characters are required to generate the ambiance of social settings such as a restaurant, hotel lobby, or cocktail party. In this paper, we propose a motion synthesis technique that can rapidly generate animated motion for characters engaged in two-party conversations. Our system synthesizes gestures and other body motions for dyadic conversations that synchronize with novel input audio clips. Human conversations feature many different forms of coordination and synchronization. For example, speakers use hand gestures to emphasize important points, and listeners often nod in agreement or acknowledgment. To achieve the desired degree of realism, our method first constructs a motion graph that preserves the statistics of a database of recorded conversations performed by a pair of actors. This graph is then used to search for a motion sequence that respects three forms of audio-motion coordination in human conversations: coordination to phonemic clause, listener response, and partner's hesitation pause. We assess the quality of the generated animations through a user study that compares them to the originally recorded motion and evaluate the effects of each type of audio-motion coordination via ablation studies.
COVID-19 Risk Perceptions and Social Distancing Practice in Latin America.

Objectives:Many developing countries use social distancing as part of their mitigation strategy during epidemics. This study aimed to understand individual decisions to practice different social di...
Multiplex Ventilation: Solutions for Four Main Safety Problems.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increased demand for mechanical ventilators and concerns of a ventilator shortage. Several groups have advocated for 1 ventilator to ventilate 2 or more patients in the event of such a shortage. However, differences in patient lung mechanics could make sharing a ventilator detrimental to both patients. Our previous study indicated failure to ventilate in 67% of simulations. The safety problems that must be solved include individual control of tidal volume (VT), individual measurement of VT, individualization of PEEP settings, and individual PEEP measurement. The purpose of this study was to evaluate potential solutions developed at our institution. METHODS: Two separate lung simulators were ventilated with a modified multiplex circuit using pressure control ventilation. Parameters of the lung models used for simulations (resistance and compliance) were evidence-based from published studies. Individual circuit-modification devices were first evaluated for accuracy. Devices were an adjustable flow diverter valve, a prototype dual volume display, a PEEP valve, and a disposable PEEP display. Then the full modified multiplex circuit was assessed by ventilating 6 pairs of simulated patients with different lung models and attempting to equalize ventilation. Ventilation was considered equalized when VT and end-expiratory lung volume were within 10% for each simulation. RESULTS: The adjustable flow diverter valve allowed volume adjustment to 1 patient without affecting the other. The average error of the dual volume display was –17%. The PEEP valves individualized PEEP, but the PEEP gauge error ranged from 17% to 41%. Using the multiplex circuit, ventilation was equalized regardless of differences in resistance or compliance, reversing the “failure modes” of our previous study. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this simulation-based study indicate that devices for individual control and display of VT and PEEP are effective in extending the usability and potential patient safety of multiplex ventilation.
New experimental approach to nonlinear dielectric effects in the static limit

Abstract We present a nonlinear dielectric technique that measures the real and imaginary component of permittivity in a time resolved fashion for a sequence of high field amplitudes. Data is recorded within a few milliseconds of exposing the sample to sinusoidal fields without dc-bias. This short exposure time and a sample thickness of only 10 μm greatly reduces heating effects. The Piekara factor quantifying the nonlinear dielectric effect can be derived from analyzing the response at both the fundamental and the third harmonic frequency, and for both quantities the near quadratic field dependence is verified. The small deviations from the expected field dependence are ascribed to a resolved fifth harmonic response. In this manner, the nonlinear dielectric effect of the polar glass-forming liquid propylene glycol is determined in the static limit, and it is found that the Piekara factor changes from −2.9 × 10−16 V−2 m2 to −1.4 × 10−16 V−2 m2 when the temperature is raised from 204 K to 235 K.
How to take into account a student's degree of certainty when evaluating the test results

To more adequately gauge the student's knowledge, it is desirable to take into account not only whether the student's answers on the test are correct or nor, but also how confident the students are in their answers. For example, a situation when a student gives a wrong answer, but understands his/her lack of knowledge on this topic, is not as harmful as the situation when the student is absolutely confident in his/her wrong answer. In this paper, we use the general decision making theory to describe the best way to take into account the student's degree of certainty when evaluating the test results.
Risk-based security assessment for operating electric power systems

The power system is a widespread and complex network whose complete behavior, at present, still remains partially characterized. Power systems have operated in most cases reliably, but conservatively with the help of many deterministic techniques that rely heavily on the modeling of system components and the associated dynamics. Now, with mcreasing competition and growing demand, the power system, however, has been shifting from a deterministically regulated system to a competitive and uncertain market environment Power utilities are required to have a com(»ehensive knowledge of the risks as well as benefits in their transmission operations. Our interest is motivated by this need of the industry to provide a method to quantify the risk of operating a power system with consideration to the probabilistic nature of system behaviors. The objective of this dissertation is to develop a foundation of risk-based bulk power system security assessment that leads to the definition, calculation, and application of the "risk" in operating electric power systems. The work includes three parts of risk assessments: transmission line thermal overload, voltage insecurity and composite risk assessments. Both the probability of insecurity problems and their cost consequences are measured such that an expected monetary impact is given as the measurement of risk. This quantitative measurement of thermal, voltage, and composite risk is helpful for the operator to trade off the benefits and costs in the competitive utility environment For making this economic tradeoff, several decision criteria, including both deterministic and probabilistic strategies, from conservative to greedy preference, are introduced to aid the operator to make operating decisions. This research establishes a bridge between power system seciuity and economics by the index of risk that is compatible with the economic results of market-based electricity trading. Both the method to quantify the risk and the ways to apply it in decision-making make contributions to the power industry.
Acute intermittent porphyria: pathophysiology and treatment

Acute intermittent porphyria is caused by an inherent error of porphyrin metabolism characterized by a deficiency of porphobilinogen deaminase and increased activity of delta-aminolevulinic acid synthase, key enzymes necessary for the biosynthesis of heme. During an attack patients may have abdominal pain, vomiting, muscle weakness, constipation and neuropsychiatric symptoms. In the majority of individuals the disease remains clinically latent throughout life. Various drugs and chemicals, hormones and nutritional factors predispose to clinical attacks, probably by inducing hepatic delta-aminolevulinic acid synthase. Avoidance of these substances is important in preventing attacks. Screening of family members to detect genetic carriers permits precautionary measures. Management of attacks includes symptomatic therapy, high carbohydrate intake and intravenous administration of hematin.
CATALOGUING EMISSION LINE SPECTRA FROM FE VII{FE XXIV IN THE EXTREME ULTRAVIOLET

Detailed laboratory astrophysics measurements are in progress to produce spectral tables for the Fe VII { Fe XXIV line emission in the EUV wavelength band. Results for Fe XIII are presented that update line lists used in the Chandra Emission Line Project.
Use of Identity Theory to Inform Fathering Scholarship

Our goal was to assess the contributions of identity theory to fathering research by critically reviewing the fathering literature that incorporated concepts and assumptions from this theory to frame their efforts. Overall, research findings support the association between father identity and fathering behavior, although differences in the nuance of theoretical constructs (status vs. role) in this association are less pronounced. We identify several weaknesses in this literature (e.g., variations in conceptualization and operationalization of constructs that result in conflicting results, confusion of status and role-level conceptualization). We end with conclusions about the continued utility of this theory in informing this body of research.
Consistent malfunction diagnosis inside control loops using signed directed graphs

Abstract Though signed directed graphs (SDG) have been widely used for modeling control loops, due to lack of adequate understanding of SDG-based steady state process modeling, special and cumbersome methods are used to analyze control loops. In this article, we discuss a unified SDG model for control loops (proposed by Maurya et al. (2002 b ) ), in which both disturbances (sensor bias etc.) as well as structural faults (sensor failure etc.) can be easily modeled. Various fault scenarios such as external disturbances, sensor bias, controller failure etc. have been discussed. Two case studies are presented to show the utility of the SDG model for fault diagnosis. A tank-level control system is used as first case study. The second case study deals with fault diagnosis of a multi-stream controlled CSTR.
Exercise, alveolar macrophage function, and susceptibility to respiratory infection

The effects of exercise on susceptibility to respiratory infection were determined by using a murine model of intranasal challenge with herpes simplex type 1 virus (HSV-1). Two doses of treadmill exercise were assessed: moderate short-term (30 min) exercise and prolonged strenuous exercise to voluntary fatigue (2.5-3.5 h). Morbidity and mortality among exercised and control mice were compared after intranasal challenge with HSV-1. We also assessed the ability of alveolar macrophages to restrict HSV-1 viral replication (intrinsic resistance) among exercise and control groups of mice at several time points postexercise. Exercise to fatigue followed by exposure to viral infection resulted in greater morbidity and mortality than either no exercise or short-term moderate exercise. In addition, antiviral resistance of macrophages obtained from the lungs of both exercised groups was suppressed, albeit for a longer duration in the fatigued group. These data are particularly important in that they identify an exercise-induced decrease in antiviral resistance of a specific component of the immune system within the lungs, in conjunction with increased susceptibility to respiratory infection in vivo. The specific mechanism of decreased antiviral resistance of alveolar macrophages and its role in respiratory infection after exercise remains to be determined.
Micromanganese nodules in deep-sea sediments: Uranium-isotopic evidence for post-depositional origin

Abstract Micromanganese nodules from three deep-sea cores are found to contain less U than average nodules dredged from the sea floor. The 234 U 238 U ratio in these micronodules is higher than any previously reported in deep-sea sediments. We interpret these data to mean that at least some micronodules form well after deposition of the enclosing sediments, in particular where conditions are less oxidizing than average.
Comments on and correction to "Axiomatic derivation of the principle of maximum entropy and the principle of minimum cross-entropy" (Jan 80 26-37) [Corresp.]

An error in the subject paper is pointed out: when the axioms given there are restricted to the discrete case, they do not imply the discrete case of the principle of minimum cross-entropy. The principle is shown to follow, however, from the adoption of an additional axiom: if new information is consistent with a prior estimate of a probability distribution, then the posterior estimate equals the prior. Minor other improvements and corrections to the arguments in the paper are made.
Fast and sensitive silver staining of DNA in polyacrylamide gels

The photochemically derived silver stain of nucleic acids in polyacrylamide gels originally described by Merril et al. (1981, Science 211, 1437-1438) was modified to reduce unspecific background staining and increase sensitivity (down to 1 pg/mm2 band cross-section). Detection limits for double-stranded DNA fragments from HaeIII endonuclease digests of phage phi X174 were maintained despite eliminating oxidation pretreatment of fixed gels and reducing silver nitrate concentration. Preexposure to formaldehyde during silver impregnation enhanced sensitivity and the inclusion of the silver-complexing agent sodium thiosulphate in the image developer decreased background staining. Higher formaldehyde concentration during image development resulted in darker bands with good contrast. The procedure almost halves the number of steps, solutions and experimental time required and can be used for the staining of DNA fragments in polyacrylamide gels bound to a polyester backing film by controlling temperature during image development. We have applied this improved staining procedure for the routine analysis of complex DNA profiles generated by DNA amplification fingerprinting (DAF).
Preparative optical chromatography with external collection and analysis

Optical chromatography, used for particle separation, involves loosely focusing a laser into a fluid flowing opposite the direction of laser propagation. When microscopic particles in the flow path encounter this beam they are trapped axially along the beam and are pushed upstream from the laser focal point to rest at a point where the optical and fluid forces on the particle balance. Because optical and fluid forces are sensitive to differences in the physical and chemical properties of a particle, separations are possible. An optical chromatography beam which completely fills a fluid channel can operate as an optically tunable filter for the preparative separation of polymeric/colloidal and biological samples. We show how the technique can be used to separate injected samples containing large numbers of colloids. The power of optical chromatographic separations is illustrated through combination with epi-fluorescence microscopy and sample purification for real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) detection of Bacillus anthracis spores.
Use of ultra stable UNCG tetraloop hairpins to fold RNA structures: thermodynamic and spectroscopic applications

Abstract RNA molecules of > 20 nucleotides have been the focus of numerous recent NMR structural studies. Several investigators have used the UNCG family of hairpins to ensure proper folding. We show that th UUCG hairpin has a minimum requirement of a two base-pair stem. Hairpins with a CG loop closing base pair and an initial 5'CG or 5'GC base pair have a melting temperature approximately 55 degrees C in 10 mM sodium phosphate. The high stability of even such small hairpins suggests that the hairpin can serve as a nucleation site for folding. For high resolution NMR work, the UNCG loop family (UACG in particular) provides excellent spectroscopic markers in one-dimensional exchangeable spectra, in two-dimensional COSY spectra and in NOESY spectra that clearly define it as forming a hairpin. This allows straightforward initiation of chemical shift assignments.
Adapting distributed voting algorithms for secure real-time embedded systems

Information assurance in real-time application settings requires dealing with extreme failure behaviors at the infrastructure level such as data corruptions by malicious processes and message timeliness violations in the network. Functional replication is employed to deal with such failures, with voting among the replica nodes to move correct pieces of data through the application-level subsystems. The goal is to develop a voting machinery that dynamically adjusts its internal mechanisms to deal with various types of failures. We present the design issues, with considerations of protocol correctness and performance engineering. A goal is to reduce the message overhead - and hence the power drain on wireless connected processes. The protocol is highly adaptive to deal with various types of failures occurring at the infrastructure level, in meeting the goal.
Congressional controversy over the federal Prohibition Bureau's public relations, 1922

Abstract Prohibition went into effect in early 1919, with the ratification of the 18th amendment to the Constitution. Yet, its adoption did not end the controversy. For ‘drys’ and ‘wets’ in Congress, conflict over the Prohibition Bureau's public relations became a proxy for the ongoing battle over prohibition itself. This is an historical summary of the 1922 battle over the appropriateness of that agency's public relations.
Digitalis and baroreflexes in heart failure

A physiologic hallmark of heart failure is neurohumoral excitation, due in large part to abnormalities in baroreflex control of the circulation. New experimental and clinical evidence suggests that digitalis glycosides, long considered important inotropic agents in the management of heart failure, also have important autonomic actions and may play a major role as neural sensitizing agents in this clinical disorder.
Concomitant 5-fluorouracil, Mitomycin-C, and radiotherapy for advanced gynecologic malignancies

Abstract Advanced gynecologic neoplasms continue to pose major therapeutic problems; 22,500 deaths were estimated for 1987. Between December 1983 and October 1985, there were 25 patients evaluated at our institution who on joint evaluation by the radiation oncologist and gynecologic oncologists were found to have extensive disease not amenable to standard therapy. Patients were to be treated by a combined modality approach with Mitomycin-C and 5-Fluorouracil given concomitantly with radiotherapy. Nineteen patients were treated definitively and six patients were treated with palliative intent (24 primary, 1 recurrent). The patients ranged in age from 27 to 90 years with a mean of 57.3 and a median of 57. Primary sites at presentation were: cervix—14 patients, vagina—7 patients, and vulva—4 patients. The initial FIGO stages at time of the initial diagnosis were: Stage I—1 (recurrent), Stage II—4, Stage III—15, and Stage IV—5. Chemotherapy consisted of 5-fluorouracil 1 gm/m2 given continuous infusion for 4 days with Mitomycin-C 10 mg/m2 IV push on day 1. Radiation therapy was started on day 1. Only 2 of 25 patients (8%) required chemotherapy reductions. All 25 patients received mega-voltage irradiation. The external beam dose range was 2000–6500 cGy and 14 25 patients received intracavitary or interstitial therapy. In the definitive patient group, there was no reduction in the therapeutic dose. Only four patients underwent surgical therapy. With a minimum follow-up of 8 months and a median follow-up of 28 months, the survival for the entire population was 56%. Fourteen of the 19 patients (74%) treated definitively are surviving with 12 patients having no evidence of disease. Survival by site in the definitive therapy group was cervix—70%, vulva—100%, and vagina—66%. The overall response rate was 84% at 3 and 9 months (3 months; CR—36%, PR—48%, and 9 months; CR—60%o, PR—24%). There were no local recurrences in the 12 patients who achieved a complete response. Three patients died of metastatic disease alone and the overall local control was 60%. Evaluation of therapeutic side effects was performed. Hematologic analysis by the Southeastern Oncology Group criteria showed neutropenia in 14 patients (1—lifethreatening, 2—severe, and 11 patients—mild/moderate) and thrombocytopenia was observed in 11 patients (all mild or moderate). All hematologic complications resolved. Acute complications did not appear increased except for the addition of mild oral mucositis (12 patients). Six patients demonstrated late effects with only 2 patients felt to have severe complications. We conclude that this combined regimen has acceptable toxicity and may add a benefit not only to local control but in survival. Based on this trial, a randomized study of advanced gynecologic malignancies will be performed.
Civic Education Among College Students: A Case Study

The purpose of this study is to analyze the extent of civic engagement among college students and to determine some of the factors that are associated with civic engagement among these students. To this effect, a survey of students at North Carolina Central University, a predominantly Black institution, was conducted and analyzed using correlation analysis. Most of the respondents considered voting to be important in civic engagement. The study also found that institutions of higher learning that have integrated community service in their academic programs are contributing to the promotion of civic engagement.
Design sensitivity and optimization of composite cylinders

Abstract Composite cylinders are often used in both rotary- and fixed-wing applications where low weight and high strength are important design issues. This paper, the first of a two-phase study, addresses the failure of such cylinders, under axial compressive loading, using design optimization and sensitivity analysis procedures. Thin-walled cylinders made of different types of symmetric orthotropic laminates and several wall thicknesses are examined. Formal optimization techniques are used and the diameter and individual ply orientations are varied to maximize the critical buckling load of the cylinder. Constraints are imposed on the longitudinal, normal and inplane shear stresses of each ply. The optimization is performed using the nonlinear programming method of feasible directions. A two-point exponential approximation method is also used to reduce computational effort. Results are presented for Graphite/Epoxy, Glass/Epoxy and Kevlar/Epoxy composite cylinders with symmetric ply arrangements.
VDP templates with theme-driven layer variants

Many graphic artists and designers have adapted their skills to the use of tools that extend static layout applications, allowing the creation of Variable Data Print template documents. These connect text and image placeholders to database fields, allowing creation of a set of instances at job time. Much of the VDP work flowing through digital presses originates this way. However, in the field we have observed limitations to simple approaches which make it hard to create templates that do much more than can be achieved with mail merge and variable backgrounds. In this paper we describe two examples which illustrate the problems. Solutions have been developed but a frequent drawback is that they move the graphic artist out of the loop, either because they do not support the fine layout control creative professionals expect to use, or because they are aimed at programmers and database professionals. Agencies and PSPs however, are so keen to keep creative professionals in the loop that we have seen ingenious but fragile and inefficient in-house solutions which support complex VDP outputs while still keeping the designer in the team. We have developed tools for creative professionals that extend standard layout applications and allow designers to go a step beyond simple VDP. This paper describes the application of these tools to real use cases. We show that the tools can replace custom solutions giving improvements in VDP job creation, database simplification and resilience to changing requirements.
Who Really Matters: The Core Group Theory of Power, Privilege, and Success

The article presents a review of the book “Who Really Matters: The Core Group Theory of Power, Privilege, and Success” by Art Kleiner.