cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Advertising and the First Amendment: A Practical Test for Distinguishing Commercial Speech from Fully Protected Speech:

Because of the substantially greater amount of regulation that is allowed under the First Amendment for commercial speech compared with fully protected speech, it is important to be able to disting...
Nonparametric adaptive change point estimation and on line detection

Under standard conditions of change point problems with one or both distributions being unknown, we propose efficient on line and off line nonparametric algorithms for detecting and estimating the change point. They are based on histogram density estimators, which allows applications involving ordinal and categorical data. Also, they are designed to detect any changes in distribution, not necessarily related to the location or scale parameters. EfFiciency of the proposed schemes is demonstrated by relevant inequalities for the mean delay and the mean time between false alarms. Asymptotically, they are shown to behave similarly to the most efficient procedures based on the known distributions. The stopping rule achieves an asymptotically linear rnean delay and an exponential mean time between false alarms. The guidelines on selecting the threshold and the partition for the histogram density estimation are given, based on the obtained results. Proposed methods are applied to the England temperatures data an...
Long‐term patterns and short‐term dynamics of stream solutes and suspended sediment in a rapidly weathering tropical watershed

[1] The 326 ha Rio Icacos watershed in the tropical wet forest of the Luquillo Mountains, northeastern Puerto Rico, is underlain by granodiorite bedrock with weathering rates among the highest in the world. We pooled stream chemistry and total suspended sediment (TSS) data sets from three discrete periods: 1983–1987, 1991–1997, and 2000–2008. During this period three major hurricanes crossed the site: Hugo in 1989, Hortense in 1996, and Georges in 1998. Stream chemistry reflects sea salt inputs (Na, Cl, and SO4), and high weathering rates of the granodiorite (Ca, Mg, Si, and alkalinity). During rainfall, stream composition shifts toward that of precipitation, diluting 90% or more in the largest storms, but maintains a biogeochemical watershed signal marked by elevated K and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentration. DOC exhibits an unusual “boomerang” pattern, initially increasing with flow but then decreasing at the highest flows as it becomes depleted and/or vigorous overland flow minimizes contact with watershed surfaces. TSS increased markedly with discharge (power function slope 1.54), reflecting the erosive power of large storms in a landslide-prone landscape. The relations of TSS and most solute concentrations with stream discharge were stable through time, suggesting minimal long-term effects from repeated hurricane disturbance. Nitrate concentration, however, increased about threefold in response to hurricanes then returned to baseline over several years following a pseudo first-order decay pattern. The combined data sets provide insight about important hydrologic pathways, a long-term perspective to assess response to hurricanes, and a framework to evaluate future climate change in tropical ecosystems.
A Detailed Comparison of First Order Transitions by DSC and TMC

Indium was analyzed with both, standard differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and temperature-modulated DSC (TMDSC) using sinusoidal and saw-tooth modulation. Instrument and sample effects were separated during nucleated, reversible melting and crystallization transitions, and irreversible crystallization with supercooling. The changes in heat flow, time, and sample and reference temperatures were correlated as functions of heating rate, mass, and modulation parameters. The transitions involve three regions of steady state (an initial and a final region before and after melting/crystallization, a region while melting/crystallization is in progress) and one region of approach to steady state (melting peak to final steady state region). Analyses in the time domain show promise when instrument lags, known from DSC, are used for correction of TMDSC. A new method of integral analysis is introduced for quantitative analysis even when irreversible processes occur in addition to reversible transitions. The information was derived from heat-flux calorimeters with control at the heater block or at the reference temperature sensor.
Referral and diagnostic trends in pediatric electromyography in the molecular era

Introduction: Major advances in genetic analysis and neuroimaging have modified the traditional diagnostic approach for neuromuscular disorders. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of electromyography (EMG) in the molecular era. Methods: We retrospectively surveyed reports of all EMG studies performed at Boston Children's Hospital from 2001 through 2011. Data were collected on study numbers, patient ages, referring provider subspecialty, study indication, electrophysiological diagnosis, and study utility. Results: A total of 2100 studies were performed. The volume increased from ∽160 to ∽250 studies/year. There was a trend toward studying older children. Neurologists, including neuromuscular specialists, constituted the major referral pool, whereas referrals from orthopedics increased steadily. Polyneuropathies followed by mononeuropathies were the most common indications and diagnoses. Fifty-seven percent of studies were normal. EMG provided meaningful information in 94% of cases. Conclusion: EMG continues to play a cardinal role in the diagnosis of pediatric neuromuscular disorders, although its practice paradigm is evolving. Muscle Nerve 50:244–249, 2014
Spontaneous Obstruction of Interatrial Communication in Infants with Atrioventricular Valve Atresia or Stenosis in the Neonatal Period: Serial Echocardiographic-Doppler Study.

Background and Methods: The objective of this serial echocardiographic study was to document the critical size of the interatrial communication in infants with atrioventricular valve atresia, with which spontaneous obstruction is most likely to occur. Spontaneous obstruction of interatrial communication (patent foramen ovale) has been reported to occur in infants with atrioventricular valve atresia or severe stenosis. Atrial septostomy or septectomy therefore may be considered during initial palliation of these infants. Serial two-dimensional Doppler echocardiographic examinations were performed on 11 newborn infants with complex cyanotic congenital cardiac lesions for whom Fontan procedure was contemplated. These newborn infants had either mitral or tricuspid valve atresia or severe stenosis other than hypoplastic left heart syndrome. The size of the foramen ovale was measured from the subcostal frontal, long-axis oblique, and parasagittal views. Conventional Doppler and color flow mapping of the interatrial shunt also was obtained on each patient. Results: The size of the foramen ovale was 5 mm in nine patients at birth. Five of these patients underwent Blalock-Taussig shunt in the neonatal period for severely restricted pulmonary blood flow. In three patients, surgery was postponed due to severe systemic (noncardiac) disease. One patient underwent the hemi-Fontan procedure without a previous shunt. In all nine patients, the foramen ovale remained the same size or became progressively smaller beyond the neonatal period, and atrial septectomy was performed in five patients after initial palliation. In the remaining two patients (who underwent Blalock-Taussig shunt as initial palliation), the foramen ovale measured ≤ 10 mm at birth and became progressively larger on subsequent follow-up studies. Atrial septectomy was not necessary in these patients. In the first nine patients, Doppler technique did not detect any obstructive pattern during the first 2–4 weeks of life, after which it became progressively obstructive (i.e., > 2 m / sec and nonphasic). Conclusions: In newborn infants with either atrioventricular valve atresia or severe stenosis, the interatrial communication, which may not appear restrictive by Doppler at birth, becomes progressively obstructed beyond the neonatal period. If the size of the communication is < 10 mm in diameter, as measured by two-dimensional echocardiography, atrial septectomy should be performed as an integral part of any initial palliation to protect the pulmonary vascular bed for subsequent successful Fontan repair.
Fetal/fatal knowledge: new reproductive technologies and family-building strategies in India, by Sunil Khanna

In this critical ethnography, Sunil Khanna presents the first long-term ethnographic study that highlights the cultural value of son preference among an urbanizing Indian peasant community. Khanna ...
The Propensity to Consume

I. The Distribution of Income, 121.— II. Statistical Evidence on the Relation between Income and Expenditure: the Brookings study, 123; Lough's study, 124; Zimmerman's findings, 125; the Consumer Purchase data for Chicago, Denver and Providence, 125; for villages in New England and the Middle West, 129; for small cities, 129; for farm operators, 134.— Data for occupational groups, 134.— Kaplan's analysis, 134.— Definition of savings, 135.— Inferences concerning Mr. Keynes' psychological law, 135.— III. The Psychological Basis, 138.— Conclusion, 140.
Effect of Metal Composition and Structure on Corrosion and Oxidation

Abstract Metallurgical factors such as heat treatment and cold-work are not important when corrosion in aqueous media is controlled by diffusion of reactants, e.g. dissolved O2, from the environmen...
Synthesis and characterization of fluorescent neutral lipid analogs containing N-(7-nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazol-4-yl)-aminohexanoic acid☆

The synthesis, identification and characterization of neutral lipid analogs containing N-(7-nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazoi-4-yl)-aminocaproic acid are reported. The acyl-imidazole derivative of the fluorescent fatty acid was used to esterify L-alpha-glycerophosphorylcholine. Fluorescent phosphatidylcholines were converted to the corresponding diacylglycerols by phospholipase C digestion. Triacylglycerols were formed by esterification with either fluorescent fatty acid-imidazole or non-fluorescent fatty acid anhydride. The 11 compounds synthesized were identified by a combination of thin layer chromatography, liquid secondary ion mass spectrometry and enzymatic digestion. A solvent system for identifying all eleven analogs by thin layer chromatography is presented. The fluorescence characteristics of these analogs are consistent with previously observed parameters of NBD-lipid analogs, including the density-dependent quenching of analogs containing multiple NBD fluorophores. These analogs mimic native lipids, as evidenced by digestions with the enzymes, porcine pancreatic lipase, phospholipase C and phospholipase A2.
uPA binding to PAI-1 induces corneal myofibroblast differentiation on vitronectin.

Purpose. Vitronectin (VN) in provisional extracellular matrix (ECM) promotes cell migration. Fibrotic ECM also includes VN and, paradoxically, strongly adherent myofibroblasts (Mfs). Because fibrotic Mfs secrete elevated amounts of urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA), we tested whether increased extracellular uPA promotes the persistence of Mfs on VN.
A NEW DYNAMIC MODEL FOR EARTH DAMS EVALUATED THROUGH CASE HISTORIES

ABSTRACT Static finite element analyses and laboratory measurements suggest that the shear modulus of soil in earth dams and embankments increases approximately as the 2/3-power of the distance from the crest, a variation that is also confirmed from field measurements of shear wave velocities in actual earth and rockfill dams. A shear-beam model has been developed and is outlined in this paper that accounts for such an increase of modulus with depth. The main thrust of the paper is to evaluate this model by comparing its predictions with the recorded response of a number of dams and embankments subjected to earthquake or man-induced vibrations. It is demonstrated that the model successfully explains observed modal displacement shapes, peak accelerations and seismic coefficients experienced by several Japanese, one American and one European dam, as well as by a large-scale laboratory embankment model. Consequently, the model offers a significant improvement over the classical, homogeneous shear beam model that is presently used to evaluate the seismic safety of earth dams.
Design And Construction Of A Short Pulse Front End For A Large CO2 Laser

A CO/sub 2/ laser oscillator, switch out, and preamplifier system which produces 1 ns pulses of 10.6 ..mu..m light with an energy of about 1 joule was designed and constructed. Commercial CO/sub 2/ TEA devices were used throughout. Alignment was simplified by using a single He-Ne laser and penta prism reflectors on kinematic mounts. Performance of this system as compared with calculations with the Laser Optical Train simulation (LOTS) program is discussed.
Neuropeptides in the sympathetic system: presence, plasticity, modulation, and implications.

Neuropeptides are ubiquitous in the sympathetic system and modulate transmission at the levels of the intermediolateral cell column, sympathetic ganglia, and neuroeffector junctions. Several neuropeptide-containing pathways from the hypothalamus and medulla modulate excitability of preganglionic neurons. Neuropeptides coexist with norepinephrine or acetylcholine in subpopulations of chemically coded, target-specific sympathetic ganglion neurons. Neuropeptide Y is colocalized in adrenergic vasoconstrictor neurons, whereas vasoactive intestinal polypeptide is colocalized in cholinergic sudomotor neurons. Neuropeptide expression is plastic; during development, neurons that switch from a noradrenergic to a cholinergic phenotype increase expression of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, somatostatin, and substance P. Preganglionic inputs increase neuropeptide Y and inhibit substance P expression. Sympathetic denervation produces sprouting of sensory fibers containing substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide in target tissues. Neuropeptides from preganglionic fibers (e.g., enkephalin) and primary afferents (e.g., substance P, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide) modulate transmission in sympathetic ganglia. Neuropeptide Y produces vasoconstriction, prejunctional inhibition of norepinephrine release, and postjunctional potentiation of norepinephrine effects. Plasma neuropeptide Y increases during intense sympathoexcitation, hypertension, and pheochromocytoma. Dystrophic neurites containing neuropeptide Y occur in human sympathetic ganglia during aging, diabetes, and dysautonomia. Sympathetic neuropeptides may thus have important clinical implications.
Flow-Through and Batch Methods for Determining Calcium-Magnesium and Magnesium-Calcium Selectivity

Conducting binary-exchange experiments is a common way to identify cationic preferences of exchanger phases and the two most common approaches are the flow-through and batch methods. The objectives of this research were to provide the materials and methods for both flow-through and batch equilibration techniques and to compare Ca-Mg and Mg-Ca selectivity when using these two methods on a montmorillonitic soil. The methods were evaluated by comparing both the Gibbs free energy values (ΔG ex ) and selectivity diagrams derived from the flow-through and batch exchange reactions. The ΔG ex values for the Ca-Mg reaction were 634 and 444 J mol -1 as determined by the flow-through and batch methods, respectively, indicating an exchanger preference for Ca. Exchanger preference for Ca was also evident in the Mg-Ca reaction with ΔG ex values of -882 and -784 J mol -1 for the flow-through and batch methods, respectively. The flow-through and batch methods worked very well for determining cation selectivity and results indicate no significant differences existed between the two methods.
Host biomarkers of clinical relevance in tuberculosis: review of gene and protein expression studies.

Context: Identification of clinically relevant biomarkers is required for better diagnosis, prevention and treatment of tuberculosis.Objective: In this review, potential host biomarkers in blood or blood cells in tuberculosis were identified by a systematic approach.Methods: A total of 55 articles were selected from PubMed and Google Scholar that analyzed gene and or protein expression in humans in active and or latent TB. Articles were scored according to certain criteria and categorized as strong or weak studies. Biomarkers reported by more than one article or by a single strong article were identified as potential biomarkers.Results: Six most promising markers (IP-10, IL-6, IL-10, IL-4, FOXP3 and IL-12) were identified based on their presence in both mycobacterial antigen-stimulated and -unstimulated samples.Conclusions: With this review we hope to provide a reliable guideline for biomarker studies in tuberculosis.
ACM CSC '92 case panel session

As CASE continues to broaden its scope from Software Engineering to Systems Engineering, more data designer aids will be needed that spread further “upstream”: to the critical problem definition and project-planning support areas. CASE should help provide a complete systems developer's environment, for the full SDLC; it then would include data re-engineering and enable reuse of existing data files.
SLAC CAMAC Crate Controller CCU2 with Auxiliary Controller Bus Interface

The development of a new CAMAC type U crate controller, compatible with the SLAC parallel branch high-way, is described. The controller also provides an interface for the Standard Auxiliary Controller Bus, control and timing logic to implement a handshake system between the host computer and the crate controller, an internal timing generator for Dataway cycles, and a LAM handling facility with priority arbitration along the parallel branch highway. A highly integrated module implementation was achieved through extensive use of firmware and finite state logic machine realizations of many crate controller functions.
The carbohydrate metabolism enzymes sucrose-P synthase and ADG-pyrophosphorylase in phaseolus bean leaves are up-regulated at elevated growth carbon dioxide and temperature

Abstract Kidney bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv. Montcalm) plants were grown under daytime maximum/nighttime minimum temperatures of 28/18, 34/24 and 40/30 °C at ambient carbon dioxide concentration (CO 2 ; 350 μmol mol −1 ), and 28/18, 31/21, 34/24, 37/27 and 40/30 °C at elevated (twice-ambient) CO 2 , to characterize how increases in growth CO 2 and temperature affected kidney bean leaf photosynthesis and carbohydrate metabolism. Elevated CO 2 enhanced leaf photosynthetic rates by about 57% across the temperature regimes, compared with plants grown an ambient CO 2 . As growth temperature increased from 28/18 to 40/30 °C, leaf photosynthetic rates decreased at both ambient and elevated CO 2 . Growth at either elevated temperature or CO 2 decreased activity, protein content and activation of the primary photosynthetic enzyme ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase-oxygenase (Rubisco). Elevated CO 2 increased activities of sucrose-phosphate synthase (SPS) and adenosine-5′-diphosphoglucose pyrophosphorylase (AGP) and accumulation of soluble sugars and starch across all temperatures, compared with plants grown at ambient CO 2 . At elevated CO 2 , growth temperatures above 34/24 °C significantly increased leaf carbohydrates (total soluble sugars and starch) and activity of AGP. The up-regulation of leaf carbohydrate metabolism enzymes under elevated CO 2 plus temperature would be beneficial for growth and productivity of kidney bean in future climates.
FEDRAM: A DRAM cell based on ferroelectric-gated field-effect transistor

A capacitor-less DRAM cell based on ferroelectric-gate memory transistor structure is presented. Compared to the conventional DRAM cell, it offers much simpler cell structure, easier scaling, longer retention time, and lower power consumption. Cell size of 4F2 can be realized. It is also most suitable for embedded applications.
A Spectrum of Nectar-Eater Communities

Three nectar-eater systems differ in the degree and consistency with which nectar is limiting to the birds. A gradient of nectar limitation exists, ranging from no limitation to limitation some years but not others, to apparent limitation most of the time. The ecological and evolutionary effects of different limitation regimes on aggression and tcrritoriality, on resource partitioning and avian community structure, and on plant pollination strategies are discussed.
Continuing adventures in lysozyme crystal growth

Results obtained on the crystal nucleation and growth of lysozyme are presented. Special attention is given to the anion-protein binding, the nucleation kinetics, the mechanisms of aggregation, and the conditions that promote or inhibit lysozyme (110)-face growth rate. The emerging theory that is currently being used for data interpretation and for designing new experimental approaches is outlined.
The CD1 family of lipid antigen-presenting molecules

Abstract The paradigm that T cells recognize peptide antigens presented by major histocompatibility complex class I and class II molecules has been a guiding principle in the development of immunology. Here, Steven Porcelli and colleagues review studies that extend this paradigm by showing that CD1 proteins are a separate lineage of antigen-presenting molecules with unusually hydrophobic ligand-binding grooves that present nonpeptide lipid and glycolipid antigens to T cells.
Genetic analysis of immune suppression. I. Gene complementation is required for suppression of antigen-specific proliferative responses by T-cell derived factors.

We have analyzed the genetic control of susceptibility to suppression by 1-J+, suppressor-T-cell derived factors (TsF) specific for the synthetic polymer L-glutamic acid50-L-tyrosine50 (GT). GT-TsF activity was measured as specific inhibition of proliferative responses to GT developed in cultures of lymph-node T cells from mice primed with GT complexed to methylated bovine serum albumin (GT-MBSA). These experiments demonstrated that there is no MHC-encoded genetic restriction between donors and recipients of GT-TsF in suppression of proliferative responses. We have also confirmed the observations that mice of the H-2b, H-2d, and H-2khaplotypes can produce GT-TsF, whereas H-2amice do not, and that H-2b, H-2d, and H-2kmice are sensitive to GT-TsF from all producer strains, whereas H-2bmice are not sensitive to GT-TsF from any strain. Analysis of the effect of GT-TsF on responses by mice bearing recombinant haplotypes suggests that at least two genes are required for susceptibility to GT-TsF and that these genes show coupled complementation.
Elevated Tumor Necrosis Factor-α in Association with Severe Anemia in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection and Mycobacterium Avium Intracellulare Infection

Mycobacterium avium intracellulare (MAI) infection is a serious opportunistic infection that occurs in children with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. In MAI the hematologic system is profoundly affected. In the present study the hematologic manifestations of MAI in 37 HIV-infected infants and children were reviewed. Anemia was the predominant feature in all patients, with severe anemia (hemoglobin < 6 g/dL) occurring in 7 of 34 (21%) patients. This was followed by leukopenia (79%), monocytosis (82%), thrombocytopenia (59%), leukoerythroblastic reaction (68%), and neutropenia (41%). Serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α was markedly elevated in all patients with MAI with an X ± SE of 702 ± 182 pg/mL. There was an association between elevated TNF-α and anemia in these patients.
Decomposable measures of income tax progressivity

A class of decomposable income tax progressivity indices is defined by using a family of generalized entropy measures. For demonstration, changes in income tax progressivity in the United States are studied over time.
Architecture of a complex arithmetic processor for communication signal processing

The Complex Arithmetic Processor (CAP) is a high performance, single chip Digital Signal Processor optimized for communication signal processing operations. The CAP VLSI provides the communication system building block necessary to meet the increased signal processing requirements of complex modulation types, voice and image compression while maintaining the requirement for small, low power implementations. The chip is intended for high speed, low power digital communication system applications such as hand held spread spectrum communications systems. The CAP architecture has been developed specifically for the complex arithmetic functions required in communication signal processing. The CAP is a software programmable, highly integrated parallel array of processors containing the arithmetic resources, memories, address generation, bit manipulation and logic functions necessary to support the sophisticated processing required in advanced communication equipment. The CAP executes a 1024 point complex Fast Fourier Transform in 131 microseconds.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Surface and grain-boundary scattering in nanometric Cu films

We report a quantitative analysis of both surface and grain-boundary scattering in Cu thin films with independent variation in film thickness (27 to 158 nm) and grain size (35 to 425 nm) in samples prepared by subambient temperature film deposition followed by annealing. Film resistivities of carefully characterized samples were measured at both room temperature and at 4.2 K and were compared with physical models that include the effects of surface and grain-boundary scattering. Grain-boundary scattering is found to provide the strongest contribution to the resistivity increase. However, a weaker, but significant, role is observed for surface scattering. We find that the data are best fit when the Mayadas and Shatzkes' model of grain-boundary scattering and the Fuchs and Sondheimer's model of surface scattering resistivity contributions are combined using Matthiessen's rule (simple addition of resistivities). This finding implies that grain-boundary scattering preserves the component of electron momentum parallel to the grain-boundary plane. Using Matthiessen's rule, we find our data are well described by a grain-boundary reflection coefficient of 0.43 and a surface specularity coefficient of 0.52. This analysis finds a significantly lower contribution from surface scattering than has been reported in previous works and we attribute this difference to the careful quantitative microstructural characterization performed on our samples. The effects of surface roughness, impurities, voids, and interactions between surface and grain-boundary scattering are also examined and their importance is evaluated.
Energy transfer from phycobiliproteins to photosystem I in vegetative cells and heterocysts of Anabaena variabilis.

The presence of phycobilins in heterocysts of Anabaena variabilis is established on the basis of absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy. At 77 K heterocysts exhibit fluorescence emission bands at 645 and 661 nm indicative of phycocyanin and allophycocyanin, respectively. Both allophycocyanin levels and fluorescence emission at 695 nm were low in heterocysts relative to whole filaments. In situ fluorescence microscopy confirmed the presence of phycobilins in individual heterocysts, but the pigment levels varied considerably among cells. Heterocysts exhibited Photosystem I activity, as evidenced by photooxidation of P-700, but no Photosystem II activity. The quantum efficiency of phycobilins in sensitizing P-700 photooxidation was 50–70% that of chlorophyll a. Phycobilins were also effective in promoting light-dependent reduction of acetylene to ethylene. The results are discussed in terms of the role of the heterocyst in nitrogen fixation and of the significance of energy transfer from phycobilins to Photosystem I in heterocysts.
Production of Cell-Free Xanthan Fermentation Broth by Cell Adsorption on Fibers

Xanthan gum is a microbial polysaccharide widely used in food and oil-drilling industries. Xanthan gum produced from the current commercial fermentation process usually contains cells and cell debris, which lower the filterability of the xanthan solution and limit its applications. The production of cell-free xanthan gum fermentation broth is thus desirable. The feasibility of removing cells from the xanthan fermentation broth by cell adsorption to various woven fibrous materials was studied. It was found that both cotton and polyester fibers could be used to adsorb Xanthomonas campestris cells present in the fermentation broth either during batch fermentation or after the fermentation. Almost all cells were removed from the fermentation broth by adsorption to fibers. Cotton terry cloth had rough surfaces and was the preferred material for cell adsorption. Cell adsorption to cotton was faster than to polyester fibers. The adsorption kinetics can be modeled by a first-order rate equation. The adsorption rate constants were 30-40% higher for cotton than for polyester. Cell adsorption was not efficient in the absence of xanthan gum, suggesting that the exopolysaccharide, xanthan gum, was important for efficient cell adsorption to fibers.
The approach to the patient with anaphylaxis

Abstract Anaphylaxis is an acute, life-threatening, multisystem response to a variety of triggers. Anaphylaxis affects multiple organ systems including the cutaneous, pulmonary, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal systems. In 1949, the first case of fatal anaphylaxis to penicillin was reported. Antibiotics remain the most common cause. Other drugs implicated include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Hymenoptera stings represent the second most common cause of anaphylaxis. Food is also a common offender. The clinical manifestations of anaphylaxis are the end result of a complex cascade involving multiple cell lines and chemical mediators. The final common pathway in anaphylaxis is the activation of mast cells and circulating basophils with subsequent degranulation and release of preformed mediators. The earliest cell mediator to be recognized was histamine. While it is important to note the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis vary from patient to patient, one of the hallmarks of anaphylaxis is the rapidity of onset of symptoms. Cutaneous manifestations include urticaria and angioedema. The more serious aspects involve the pulmonary and cardiovascular systems. Prompt recognition and initiation of treatment is crucial. Respiratory failure and cardiovascular collapse can occur in a matter of minutes. Initial management should be directed at protecting the airway and maintaining cardiovascular function. Pharmacological measures should be based on the severity of symptoms as well as the clinical presentation. As with all allergic diseases, avoidance and prevention are the mainstays of therapy.
Fast algorithms for a space-time concordance measure

This paper presents a number of algorithms for a recently developed measure of space-time concordance. Based on a spatially explicit version of Kendall's $$\tau $$ ? the original implementation of the concordance measure relied on a brute force $$O(n^2)$$ O ( n 2 ) algorithm which has limited its use to modest sized problems. Several new algorithms have been devised which move this run time to $$O(n log(n) +np)$$ O ( n l o g ( n ) + n p ) where $$p$$ p is the expected number of spatial neighbors for each unit. Comparative timing of these alternative implementations reveals dramatic efficiency gains in moving away from the brute force algorithms. A tree-based implementation of the spatial concordance is also found to dominate a merge sort implementation.
Denitrification in Agriculturally Impacted Streams: Seasonal Changes in Structure and Function of the Bacterial Community

Denitrifiers remove fixed nitrogen from aquatic environments and hydrologic conditions are one potential driver of denitrification rate and denitrifier community composition. In this study, two agriculturally impacted streams in the Sugar Creek watershed in Indiana, USA with different hydrologic regimes were examined; one stream is seasonally ephemeral because of its source (tile drainage), whereas the other stream has permanent flow. Additionally, a simulated flooding experiment was performed on the riparian benches of the ephemeral stream during a dry period. Denitrification activity was assayed using the chloramphenicol amended acetylene block method and bacterial communities were examined based on quantitative PCR and terminal restriction length polymorphisms of the nitrous oxide reductase (nosZ) and 16S rRNA genes. In the stream channel, hydrology had a substantial impact on denitrification rates, likely by significantly lowering water potential in sediments. Clear patterns in denitrification rates were observed among pre-drying, dry, and post-drying dates; however, a less clear scenario was apparent when analyzing bacterial community structure suggesting that denitrifier community structure and denitrification rate were not strongly coupled. This implies that the nature of the response to short-term hydrologic changes was physiological rather than increases in abundance of denitrifiers or changes in composition of the denitrifier community. Flooding of riparian bench soils had a short-term, transient effect on denitrification rate. Our results imply that brief flooding of riparian zones is unlikely to contribute substantially to removal of nitrate (NO3-) and that seasonal drying of stream channels has a negative impact on NO3- removal, particularly because of the time lag required for denitrification to rebound. This time lag is presumably attributable to the time required for the denitrifiers to respond physiologically rather than a change in abundance or community composition.
Microsatellite markers for Sclerotinia subarctica nom. prov., a new vegetable pathogen of the High North

Eight polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated from the ascomycete fungus Sclerotinia subarctica nom. prov. In Alaska, this pathogen causes white mold vegetable diseases sympatrically with the cosmopolitan and closely related Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Eighteen alleles were observed across the 41 isolates tested and ranged from two to three alleles per locus. Together, the alleles from the eight polymorphic loci yielded only four haploid multilocus genotypes and exhibited significant linkage disequilibrium, reflecting extreme selfing and clonal vegetative reproduction.
On power margins

The characteristic subgroup M,,(G) has exponent n and will bc called the n-power margin of G. As an easy exercise it can be shown that M2(G) consists of the elements of order 2 in the center of G. This seems to be the only known fact about power margins beyong those which follow directly from the definition. Shedding some further light on power margins is the objective of this paper. In particular, we are interested in their embedding into the upper central series of a group, and the interrelationship between Engel elements and power margins. Since a group of exponent n coincides with its own n-power margin, it is reasonable to expect such embeddings only if all groups of exponent n are nilpotent of bounded class, namely if n = 2, 3 (cf. [S]). Meier-Wunderli’s theorem in [7], stating that a metabelian p-group of exponent p has nilpotency class at most p, suggests a result on the embedding of the p-power margin in the upper central series of a metabelian group. In addition, a sufficient condition will be given such that the @“-power margin is embedded in the hyperccnter of a group. Similar investigations have been done for n-Engel margins by T. Teague (cf. [lo]) and by the author (cf. [3]). For the variables X, y, x, we define the commutator word of weight 2 as [x, y] = .Y‘y-‘.xy; the commutator 337 002 l-8693/89 $3.00
Adverse Side Effects Associated with Mexiletine

Mexiletine is a new antiar-rhythmic drug that has minor negative inotropic effects even in patients with underlying left ventricular dysfunction. The drug can be used in patients with underlying conduction system disease although reports of worsening sinus node function or atrioventicular conduction abnormalities have been noted. Mexiletine may aggravate venticular arrhythmias. The drug can be used safely with other cardioactive agents. Side effects are frequent but can be minimized by starting with low doses and titrating the dosage as tolerated. Mexiletine should be administered with meals or a snack or with antacids or possibly cimetidine to reduce gastrointestinal side effects. Mexiletine can cause abnormal liver function tests, hematologic abnormalities, and elevated titers of antinuclear antibodies (ANA). Regular monitoring of these parameters is suggested.
Efficacy of antibodies to adhesion molecules, CDlla or CD18, in rabbit models of uveitis

Adhesion molecules play a critical role in leukocyte emigration to a site of inflammation. In order to assess the potential therapeutic benefit of blocking adhesion molecule function in anterior uveitis, the efficacy of antibodies to specific adhesion molecules was tested in 3 separate rabbit models of anterior uveitis. Antibodies to two different leukocyte molecules, CDlla and CD18, and antibodies to the endothelial ligand for CD11a/CD18, ICAM-1 (intercellular adhesion molecule-1, CD54), were studied in inflammation after intravitreally injected interleukin-1, intravitreally injected endotoxin, or an ocular reversed passive Arthus reaction. The CD18 antibody (2 mg/kg intravenously) reduced the cellular infiltrate with each of these 3 models. The antibody to CDlla was equally effective but was tested only in the IL-1-induced model. The antibody to ICAM-1 reduced the cellular infiltrate associated with this model, but the results did not reach statistical significance. None of the antibodies was able to re...
Dynamic suburethral suspension with pedicled external oblique aponeurosis in the management of female urinary incontinence.

AbstractPurpose: Despite excellent postoperative continence with pubovaginal sling procedures, the resultant morbidities of de novo urgency and urinary obstruction due to sling tension remain valid concerns. The feasibility and outcome of dynamic suburethral suspension using bilateral strips of external oblique aponeurosis left attached medially to the anterior rectus sheath and joined beneath the urethra under no tension were determined.Materials and Methods: Between May 1995 and April 1998, 25 women with stress urinary incontinence were evaluated and underwent a dynamic suburethral suspension procedure. All patients were followed annually with a 10-point questionnaire by an independent registered nurse who analyzed the results, complications and satisfaction outcome.Results: At a mean followup of 26 months all patients (100%) were cured of stress incontinence. Associated urge incontinence due to detrusor overactivity persisted in 3 patients postoperatively and, thus, the overall postoperative cure/dry r...
Framework using functional forms of hardening internal state variables in modeling elasto-plastic-damage behavior

Abstract This work gives the thermodynamically consistent theoretical formulations and the numerical implementation of a plasticity model fully coupled with damage. The formulation of the elasto-plastic-damage behavior of materials is introduced here within a framework that uses functional forms of hardening internal state variables in both damage and plasticity. The damage is introduced through a damage mechanics framework and utilizes an anisotropic damage measure to quantify the reduction of the material stiffness. In deriving the constitutive model, a local yield surface is used to determine the occurrence of plasticity and a local damage surface is used to determine the occurrence of damage. Isotropic hardening and kinematic hardening are incorporated as state variables to describe the change of the yield surface. Additionally, a damage isotropic hardening is incorporated as a state variable to describe the change of the damage surface. The hardening conjugate forces (stress-like terms) are general nonlinear functions of their corresponding hardening state variables (strain-like terms) and can be defined based on the desired material behavior. Various exponential and power law functional forms are studied in this formulation. The paper discusses the general concept of using such functional forms. however, it does not address the relevant appropriateness of certain forms to solve different problems. The proposed work introduces a strong coupling between damage and plasticity by utilizing damage and plasticity flow rules that are dependent on both the plastic and damage potentials. However, in addition to that the coupling is further enhanced through the use of the functional forms of the hardening variables introduced in this formulation. The use of this formulation in solving boundary value problems will be presented in future work. The fully implicit backward Euler scheme is developed for this model to be solved in a Newton–Raphson solution procedure.
Kinetic Roughening of Multilayer Ag/Ag(100) Films: Complex Temperature-Dependence in a Simple System

Metal(100) homoepitaxial systems constitute perhaps the simplest class of systems in which to study thin film growth. Yet, our Variable-Temperature Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (VTSTM) analysis of Ag/Ag(100) homoepitaxy reveals that the variation of roughness with temperature is extraordinarily complex. As the deposition temperature is reduced from 300K to 50K, the roughness of 25 monolayer films first increases, then decreases, and then increases again. Furthermore, a transition from mound formation to self-affine (semi-fractal) growth occurs at around 135K. We postulate that the following the atomistic mechanisms underly this behavior: the existence of a small step-edge barrier inhibiting diffusive downward transport; “downward funneling” of atoms deposited at step edges and microprotrusions towards lower four-fold hollow adsorption sites; and statistically significant deviations from “complete” downward funneling at lower temperatures, where deposited atoms instead become trapped on the sides of (the more prevalent) small steep microprotrusions. To support these postulates, we employ kinetic Monte Carlo simulations to show that atomistic (lattice-gas) models for epitaxial growth, which incorporate these mechanisms, reproduce the experimental data quantitatively.
AHA: audio HTML access

Abstract This report discusses the “AHA” system for presenting HTML in audio for blind users and others who wish to access the WWW non-visually. AHA is a framework and set of suggestions for HTML presentation based on an initial experiment. Further experimentation and further revisions will be performed with the system.
Metal-Insulator Transition in a Generalized Hubbard Model

An extension of the Hubbard model, introduced by Montorsi and Rasetti, is studied using exact diagonalization and quantum Monte Carlo methods. Our numerical results for the static and dynamic properties of one- and two-dimensional systems strongly suggest the occurrence of a metal-insulator transition.
Agoraphobia With Panic Attacks: Development, Diagnostic Stability, and Course of Illness

• A structured psychiatric interview was used to examine the symptom history of 55 patients meeting DSM-III criteria for agoraphobia with panic attacks and five patients meeting DSM-III criteria for panic disorder. Anticipatory anxiety and generalized anxiety occurred in over 80% of the patients, and these anxiety states together with panic attacks and phobic avoidances had courses that were chronic and unremitting. Major depression occurred in 70% of the patients and had an episodic course that differentiated it from the anxiety states. Other frequently reported disorders were childhood separation disorder (18%), alcoholism (17%), and obsessive compulsive disorder (17%). An initial nonspontaneous first panic attack and separation anxiety was associated with earlier onset and longer duration of agoraphobia and panic disorder. An inaccurate cognitive appraisal of the initial panic attack frequently led to the rapid development of subsequent agoraphobia. Caffeine consumption exacerbated anxiety in 54% of the patients and triggered panic attacks in 17%. Fifty-one percent of female agoraphobics experienced premenstrual exacerbation of anxiety symptoms.
Child care assistance for families involved in the child welfare system: Predicting child care subsidy use and stability

Abstract Early child care and education programs have the potential to play a supportive role in the lives of vulnerable children and families involved in the child welfare system. Child care subsidies can help low-income families to access these programs. The current study examines the use and stability of child care subsidies among children from families involved in the child welfare system. Administrative data were obtained from the Oregon Department of Human Services through two linked datasets: Child Welfare Services and Employment Related Day Care (Oregon's child care subsidy program). Results indicate that children placed out of their biological homes through child welfare services, and those with more instability in child welfare placements, are less likely to receive subsidized child care than those protected in their homes. Findings further suggest that children involved in child welfare services have even less stability in child care subsidy use than other children from low-income families, evidenced by shorter durations of subsidy use. These findings provide a platform for future research in this area, and have implications for the well-being of children and families involved in child welfare services, whose lives involve a host of challenges, risks, and instabilities.
Time-gated fluorescence spectroscopy improves endoscopic detection of low-grade dysplasia in ulcerative colitis.

Background Dysplasia in ulcerative colitis is frequently missed with 4-quadrant biopsies. An experimental setup recording delayed fluorescence spectra simultaneously with white light endoscopy was recently developed. Objective We compared detection of invisible flat intraepithelial neoplasia with protoporphyrin IX fluorescence and standard 4-quadrant biopsies. Design Prospective, crossover design without randomization of the order of procedures. Setting Gastroenterology Department, Humboldt University, Charite, Berlin, Germany. Patients Forty-two patients with extensive ulcerative colitis of more than 10 years' duration were included. Interventions Colonoscopy with 4-quadrant biopsies and targeted biopsies of macroscopic lesions and time-gated fluorescence–guided colonoscopy were performed 2 weeks apart by 2 blinded endoscopists. Three independent pathologists examined the biopsy specimens. Main Outcome Measurements The primary outcome criterion was detection rate of invisible flat intraepithelial neoplasia. Results Invisible flat intraepithelial neoplasia was detected in 3 (7%) patients by white light 4-quadrant biopsies and in 10 (24%) patients by fluorescence-guided endoscopy ( P = .02). The sensitivity and specificity for differentiating patients with and without dysplasia were 100% and 81%, respectively. Dysplastic and nondysplastic mucosa could be discriminated with a sensitivity and specificity of 73% and 81%, respectively. Limitations The trial was not randomized. Conclusion The detection rate of intraepithelial neoplasia in patients with ulcerative colitis can be improved by fluorescence-guided colonoscopy.
Client interests in premarital counseling: A further analysis

A survey was conducted of over 150 college students concerning their attitudes toward premarital preparation. In general, the students valued brief, high-quality, low-cost, voluntary programs led b...
Mutations in AID and UNG extend the function of AID.

Mutations now reveal fresh clues about the in vivo function of AID. Interactions with other proteins seem to influence subsequent mutation and DNA rearrangement.