cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
BAP: Not-Quite-Autism in Infants

n this issue of the Journal, Ozonoff et al. describe a study about the broader autism I phenotype (BAP) in infants. The importance of this work cannot be overestimated for both the science of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and for clinical assessment and intervention. Ozonoff et al.’s new paper is on the largest infant longitudinal study of this topic to date, and it provides some clear answers about the existence of a BAP in infants, the timing of its phenomenological origins, and the nature of its expression. Equally important, this paper raises many new questions and suggests critical next steps. Autism is defined by problems with social communication and interaction and by restricted and repetitive behaviors, interests, or activities. The BAP refers to subthreshold and associated symptoms of ASD in individuals who do not meet criteria for ASD but who are relatives of individuals with ASD. In older subjects, symptoms of the BAP may include the following: language and communication problems, difficulties with social interaction, repetitive behaviors and restricted interests, problems with executive functioning and aspects of visual attention and sensorimotor functioning, and personality traits such as rigidity, aloofness, and shyness (for a comprehensive review, see Sucksmith et al.). The term’s use evolved in the 1990s, but the idea dates back to Kanner’s initial description of autism (reviewed by Sucksmith et al.). Considering the BAP is important for research about how autism is transmitted in families. Broadening research study foci beyond the characterization of individuals definitively diagnosed with ASD may increase power for discovering associated and potentially causal genetic and brain-based findings. In addition, individuals with the BAP may experience significant challenges in many life areas and may benefit from symptomand ASD-specific interventions. ASD has an estimated prevalence of 1 in 88. Early identification leads to improved outcome, and many infants and toddlers present with subthreshold symptoms of ASD and/or other motor,
RNA synthesis: divalent cation-related specificity in the initiation step.

Abstract The RNA polymerase isolated from Micrococcus luteus showed specificity in its ability ot initiate the copying of synthetic homopolymers in the presence of Mg 2+ . Only polyguanylic acid synthesis was initiated when the four RNA homopolymers were tested as templates. Using single- and double-stranded DNA homopolymer templates, Mg 2+ allowed the initiation of only polyguanylic and polyadenylic acids. This specificity could be abolished by replacing Mg 2+ with Mn 2+ as cofactor. Initiator specificity similar to that obtained with natural DNA and RNA templates was thus evaluated in a simple model system.
Roles, regulation, and mechanism of polysialic acid function during neural development

The polysialylated form of the neural cell adhesion molecule (PSA-NCAM) appeared during the evolution of vertebrates as a new mechanism for regulation of cell interactions. This large and abundant glycoprotein can exert steric effects at the cell surface that lead to the attenuation of cell-cell bonds mediated not only by NCAM but also a variety of other adhesion receptors. PSA-NCAM expression changes both as a result of developmental programs and physiological inputs. This global modulation of cell-cell attachment has been shown to facilitate cell migration, axon pathfinding and targeting, and plastic changes in the embryonic and adult nervous system.
Meal cost and meal patterns in an uncaged domestic cat.

Abstract As the cost of procuring access to food increases, caged laboratory animals have been found to reduce meal frequency and compensatorily increase meal size. Meal frequency and size, however, have been shown to be influenced by the availability of alternative activities. The present experiment tested the generality of the earlier findings to uncaged animals. The relationships obtained between meal procurement cost and meal frequency and size with a freely roaming cat were the same as those obtained with caged animals. Meal size and meal duration were highly correlated but no significant correlations were found between meal size and pre- or post-meal interval. The results of this research further support the ecological validity of a cost/benefit analysis of feeding behavior.
The Development and Preliminary Validation of the Adolescent Domain Screening Inventory A Substance Use Prevention Tool

The objective of this study was to develop a screen assessing domains in at-risk and substance-using adolescents. The Adolescent Domain Screening Inventory (ADSI) consists of four subscales: school...
Congenital Lymphatic Malformations

"Vascular anomalies" represents a spectrum of vascular lesions, of unclear etiology and often with unpredictable behavior. Patients with vascular anomalies represent a unique population, in that they have focal aberrations of vascular development (in vascular malformations) or vascular proliferation (in hemangiomas). The etiology of these disorders is unclear, and likely represents a multifactorial process. Vascular anomalies are an attractive model for the study of human disorders of vasculogenesis (development of the vasculature) and angiogenesis (new vessel growth from existing vessels).
Additive excess risk model for epidemiologic interaction in retrospective studies

Abstract An additive excess risk model is deduced for prospective studies by drawing a parallel with the concept of interaction in factorial experiments. By analogy, the model is shown to hold for retrospective studies of rare diseases. The concept of desirable and undesirable excess risk modification is introduced to yield a unified approach for handling joint exposures comprising of any combination of risk factors and protective factors. A statistical test of significance is presented and illustrated by real data from a retrospective study on the etiologic role of smoking and vitamin A in lung cancer. Generalization of the model and the statistical test to epidemiologic interactions involving three or more factors is discussed.
Ceria calcination temperature influence on acetic acid ketonization: Mechanistic insights

Abstract The ketonization of carboxylic acids is an attractive method of removing undesirable acidity and oxygen from precursors to biorenewable fuels. However, to be more industrially relevant the ketonization reaction temperature needs to be lowered. Unfortunately, ketonization is not fully understood making this task more challenging. In this work, it was found that the calcination temperature changes the type of interactions that a good ketonization catalyst, cerium oxide, has with the model biomass bio-oil compound acetic acid. Through extensive pre- and post reaction characterization the calcination temperature is determined to influence catalyst final morphology, crystallinity, and oxidation state. Differences in acid, base and redox properties for the ceria calcined at different temperatures did not correlate with the catalytic performance. The crystallinity of the starting ceria, as controlled by the calcinations temperature, was found to dictate whether the reaction proceeds through a bulk or a surface catalyzed mechanism.
Statistical analysis of some reliability models: Parametrics, semi-parametrics and nonparametrics

Abstract An useful survey and unified treatment of the following four statistical reliability problems are considered: (i) bundle strength of filaments, (ii) k -component system — in series, (iii) k -component system — in parallel, and (iv) system availability under spare and repair. Along with the usual parametric solutions, some nonparametric and semi-parametric formulations are presented, and the role of some resampling plans in this context is discussed briefly.
Mnemonic correlates of unit activity in the hippocampus.

Abstract The role of hippocampus in memory processing was examined by recording single unit activity while rats performed two different types of memory tasks. The same apparatus was used for all tasks; it consisted of two goal ☐es, side by side, on the end of a runway. One goal ☐ was white, the other was black. Experiment I used a working memory, delayed match-to-sample (DMTS) task. A trial began with a sample phase in which the rat was forced to a goal ☐ containing a reward. The rat was then placed at the beginning of the runway again for the choice phase and allowed to enter either of the two goal ☐es. Entering the goal ☐ with the same color as that entered during the sample phase was rewarded. Experiment II used a within-subjects, within-units, design to test rats in two reference memory tasks, acue task and aspatial task. During the cue task, the rat was rewarded for choosing the same colored goal ☐ on each trial regardless of its spatial location. During the spatial task, the rat was rewarded for choosing the goal ☐ in a specific location on each trial regardless of its color. During all tasks, the location of the goal ☐es was changed between trials in a pseudorandom, counterbalanced fashion so that each colored goal ☐ was on the right for half of the trials and on the left for half of the trials. During performance of the DMTS task, activity of most units was correlated with a combination of factors such as color and location, or color and phase. For example, most units showing differential activity in one of the colored goal ☐es fired more when that ☐ was in a certain spatial location, or during either the sample or choice phase. During performance of the reference memory tasks, the activity of most units was not correlated with behavior. However, the rate for some units changed between the cue and spatial tasks. When unit activity was correlated with behavior, it was dependent on a combination of dimensions such as color and spatial location. These results demonstrate that units in the hippocampus respond to combinations of stimulus dimensions such as color and spatial location, and to the temporal context necessary to solve a working memory task.
Elemental determinations in NBS 1633A Fly Ash Standard Reference Material using INAA and PGNAA

Instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) was used for the determination of 23 elements and prompt gamma neutron activation analysis (PGNAA) was used for the determination of 10 elements in U.S. National Bureau of Standards (NBS) 1633A Fly Ash Standard Reference Material (SRM). The results are in excellent agreement with the limited number of NBS certified values available.
TextTearing: opening white space for digital ink annotation

Having insufficient space for making annotations is a problem that afflicts both paper and digital documents. We introduce the TextTearing technique for in situ expansion of inter-line whitespace and pair it with a lightweight interaction for margin expansion as a way to address this problem. The full system leverages the dynamism of digital documents and employs a bimanual design that combines the precision of pen with the fluidity of touch. Our evaluation found that a simpler unimanual variant of TextTearing was preferred over direct annotation and margin-only expansion. Direct annotation in naturally occurring whitespace was least preferred.
Informing the nation Jacksonian style The ideological impetus for, and impediments to, the U.S. government's informing function during the antebellum period ☆

Abstract This article examines the development of the U.S. government's informing function during the antebellum period. Particular attention is paid to the ideology of Jacksonian democracy, as expressed through such prominent organs as the Democratic Review and through such representative thinkers as Jeremy Bentham, George Bancroft, and William Leggett. Examined are the ways in which the ideology of democracy not only shaped and contributed to, but also impeded the development of, the informing function of government.
Monitoring the Speed, Configurations, and Weight of Vehicles Using an In-Situ Wireless Sensing Network

The Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is developing an integrated transportation monitoring system that will be capable of monitoring pavement and traffic simultaneously. As part of the system, a backcalculation method, which is presented in this paper, is used to estimate the speed, weight, and configuration of passing vehicles based on the pavement responses collected by in-situ pavement sensors. This method is still in its preliminary stage but could be very helpful in achieving real-time weigh-in-motion and traffic classification once completed in the future. A Gaussian model is used to describe the distribution of the horizontal strain induced by passing vehicles. The parameters of the Gaussian model are correlated with various loading conditions, including the weight and the configuration parameters of the passing vehicles, as proved by finite-element simulation and experimental measurements. The backcalculation process is efficient and valuable, considering the accuracy of the estimation with a low computational cost. The whole method is simple and straightforward and can be conveniently used in real-time monitoring.
Modular invariance in closed superstrings

Abstract Previous explicit results for open superstrings are employed to prove modular invariance and hence finiteness of the pentagon diagram (probably extensible to higher-point one-loop diagrams) in several closed superstring theories: type II, the heterotic string, and the generalizations of the heterotic string due to Narain.
Pathogenesis of Bovine herpesvirus-1 (BHV-1) infections: Interactions of the virus with peripheral bovine blood cellular components

Abstract Bovine herpesvirus -1 (BHV-1) is believed to reach the placenta via the hematogenous route as the virus has been recovered from the blood buffy coat cells of experimentally infected cattle. However, the manner in which the virus relates to these and other blood cells while in transit in the blood is not known. The nature of this relationship was investigated in the present study. An in vitro correlate of the in vivo cell-virus interactions was simulated by isolating peripheral blood cells on a Ficoll-Hypaque gradient and testing their capacity to adsorb and act as host cells for BHV-1 replication. It was shown that all leukocytes, but not red cells, can adsorb virus readily. Of the leukocytic fraction, monocytes and lymphocytes adsorb the virus most effectively. Monocytes supported viral replication while lymphocytes could do so only after stimulation with phytohemagglutinin. It is concluded that in vivo replicating BHV-1 is transported in monocytes, and is adsorbed to all leukocytes from which it finally reaches the placenta, leading to abortion.
STUDIES ON PNEUMONIA VIRUS OF MICE (PVM) : III. HEMAGGLUTINATION BY THE VIRUS; THE OCCURRENCE OF COMBINATION BETWEEN THE VIRUS AND A TISSUE SUBSTANCE.

1. The cause for the phenomenon of hemagglutination with heated PVM suspensions has been sought. 2. Evidence in wide variety indicates that the component responsible for hemagglutination is the virus particle itself. 3. The virus is capable of combining with a substance present in lung tissue of certain mammalian host species susceptible to infection by PVM. The occurrence of such combination accounts for a number of unusual properties manifested by this pneumotropic virus.
Nonindustry-sponsored preclinical studies on statins yield greater efficacy estimates than industry-sponsored studies: a meta-analysis.

Industry-sponsored clinical drug studies are associated with publication of outcomes that favor the sponsor, even when controlling for potential bias in the methods used. However, the influence of sponsorship bias has not been examined in preclinical animal studies. We performed a meta-analysis of preclinical statin studies to determine whether industry sponsorship is associated with either increased effect sizes of efficacy outcomes and/or risks of bias in a cohort of published preclinical statin studies. We searched Medline (January 1966–April 2012) and identified 63 studies evaluating the effects of statins on atherosclerosis outcomes in animals. Two coders independently extracted study design criteria aimed at reducing bias, results for all relevant outcomes, sponsorship source, and investigator financial ties. The I2 statistic was used to examine heterogeneity. We calculated the standardized mean difference (SMD) for each outcome and pooled data across studies to estimate the pooled average SMD using random effects models. In a priori subgroup analyses, we assessed statin efficacy by outcome measured, sponsorship source, presence or absence of financial conflict information, use of an optimal time window for outcome assessment, accounting for all animals, inclusion criteria, blinding, and randomization. The effect of statins was significantly larger for studies sponsored by nonindustry sources (−1.99; 95% CI −2.68, −1.31) versus studies sponsored by industry (−0.73; 95% CI −1.00, −0.47) (p value<0.001). Statin efficacy did not differ by disclosure of financial conflict information, use of an optimal time window for outcome assessment, accounting for all animals, inclusion criteria, blinding, and randomization. Possible reasons for the differences between nonindustry- and industry-sponsored studies, such as selective reporting of outcomes, require further study.
Development of a flexible, computerized database to prioritize, record, and report influenza vaccination rates for healthcare personnel.

Objective. To describe the method used to develop a flexible, computerized database for recording and reporting rates of influenza vaccination among healthcare personnel who were classified by their individual levels (hereafter, “tiers”) of direct patient contact. Design. Three‐year descriptive summary. Setting. Large, academic, tertiary care medical center in the United States. Participants. All of the medical center’s healthcare personnel. Methods. The need to develop a computer‐based system to record direct patient care tiers and vaccination data for healthcare personnel was identified. A plan that was to be implemented in stages over several seasons was developed. Results. Direct patient care tiers were defined by consensus opinion on the basis of the extent, frequency, and intensity of direct contact with patients. The definitions of these tiers evolved over 3 seasons. Direct patient care classifications were assigned and recorded in a computerized database, and data regarding the receipt of vaccinat...
Multicultural Considerations for Curriculum Developers of Online Courses

Grounded in the dimensional model of national culture, the purpose of this literature review was to investigate (a) the cultural impact of globalization on online instruction (in particular Eastern and Western beliefs and values), (b) the knowledge needed by curriculum developers (i.e., instructional designers and online instructors) to create multicultural appropriate content, (c) the identification of appropriate design strategies to promote cultural inclusion; and (d) cultural and functional priorities in the global workplace. Findings from the review of pertinent literature were used to create six guidelines appropriate for curriculum developers who design content for multicultural audiences. These guidelines are intended for online curriculum developers as they design coursework using multicultural design strategies.
Photochemistry of dirhodium(II,II) diphosphazane tetrachloride complexes

The dirhodium complex Rh2(dfpma)3Cl4 (dfpmabis(difluorophosphine)methyl-amine), in THF and in the presence of excess dfpma, undergoes photoreduction (lexc\304 nm) to Rh2(dfpma)3(h 1 -dfpma)2 via the two-electron mixed-valence compound, Rh2(dfpma)3Cl2(h 1 -dfpma). Conversion of Rh2(dfpma)3Cl4 to Rh2(dfpma)3Cl2(h 1 -dfpma) is quantitative with a quantum efficiency of f p 334 0.05(1); the subsequent conversion of Rh2(dfpma)3Cl2(h 1 -dfpma) to Rh2(dfpma)3(h 1 -dfpma)2 also proceeds
Minimum anderson-darling estimation

The Anderson-Darling distance d(Fn ,F0,) between the empirical distribution function Fn and the hypothesized model F0 is minimized to produce estimators with good robustness and efficiency properties. In addition, the residual distance dmin = min0d(Fn,F0.) is availabe to assess model validity. The approximate distribution-free character of ndmin is studied using monte carlo methods.
Corynebactin and a Serine Trilactone Based Analogue-Chirality and Molecular Modeling of ferric Complexes

The chirality of ferric siderophore complexes is a determinant for their cellular recognition and transport. Corynebactin (first isolated from a Gram-positive bacterium) contains L-threonine, unlike the closely related enterobactin, which contains L-serine. Also unlike enterobactin, ferric corynebactin is preferentially L at the iron center. Experimental (circular dichroism spectra and synthesis of a corynebactin/enterobactin hybrid) and theoretical (MM3 and density functional theory calculations) results explain ferric corynebactin's properties.
Labor market effects of import competition: Theory and evidence from the textile and apparel industries

Since the early 1980s, much attention has been given to the possibility of trade-related job losses and wage effects in the textile and apparel industries. This paper uses aggregate time series data from the Annual Survey of Manufacturers [Bartlesman and Gray, 1996] with import price data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics [Alterman, 1991] for 1977–91 to test the effect of imports on employment and wages in textiles and apparel. Theoretical models suggest that import competition should be a factor in the determination of employment, and possibly wages, regardless of whether the U.S. is represented as a price-setter or price-taker. The empirical analysis provides some support.
Combatants, patrons, peacemakers, and the Liberian civil conflict

Abstract The paper examines the various major actors in the Liberian civil conflict, the impact of the conflict, and the efforts to resolve it peacefully. First, the major combatants are identified as the National Patriotic Front of Liberia, the major insurgency movement, the Independent National Patriotic Front of Liberia, the breakaway faction from the National Patriotic Front of Liberia, and the Armed Forces of Liberia, the remnants of the Liberian army that supported the Doe regime. Second, the external players are the Economic Community of West African States, Nigeria, the Ivory Coast, Libya, Burkina Faso, and the United States. The conflict is the by‐product of the perennial problems of socioeconomic underdevelopment and political repression that have undergirded the Liberian polity since the country became independent in 1847. Accordingly, in order to resolve the conflict completely, concerted efforts must be made to address these problems. In other words, the cessation of military hostilities and ...
Complex Patterns of Human Antisera Reactivity to Novel 2009 H1N1 and Historical H1N1 Influenza Strains

Background During the 2009 influenza pandemic, individuals over the age of 60 had the lowest incidence of infection with approximately 25% of these people having pre-existing, cross-reactive antibodies to novel 2009 H1N1 influenza isolates. It was proposed that older people had pre-existing antibodies induced by previous 1918-like virus infection(s) that cross-reacted to novel H1N1 strains.
Ontogeny of immunoreactive cholecystokinin, vasoactive intestinal peptide, and secretin in guinea pig brain and gut

The ontogeny of cholecystokinin (CCK), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), and secretin (SEC) as well as other brain and gut peptides has been extensively studied in the rat. However, since the guinea pig (GP) appears to be functionally more mature at birth than the rat, we hypothesized that the concentrations of brain peptides, but not necessarily of gut peptides, in GP neonates would be closer to adult concentrations than those in the rat. The concentration and organ content of these three peptides were determined at birth, at 7, 14, 21, and 28 days of age, and in the adult in various portions of the gastrointestinal tract and brain. VIP and CCK in the brain at birth are 75% of adult levels compared to less than 10% in the rat. VIP concentrations in the stomach, duodenum, and jejunum are relatively constant from birth through adult life, whereas in the rat, the intestinal VIP concentration increased 3- to 4-fold from birth to adulthood. SEC, which in the gut is found only in mucosal tissues, peaked at ...
Admission C-reactive protein and short- as well as long-term mortality in diabetic versus non-diabetic patients with incident myocardial infarction

Background To investigate the association between admission C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and 28-day case fatality as well as long-term mortality after an incident acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in non-diabetic and diabetic patients.
Crystal Structure of the HSV-1 Fc Receptor Bound to Fc Reveals a Mechanism for Antibody Bipolar Bridging

Herpes simplex virus type-1 expresses a heterodimeric Fc receptor, gE-gI, on the surfaces of virions and infected cells that binds the Fc region of host immunoglobulin G and is implicated in the cell-to-cell spread of virus. gE-gI binds immunoglobulin G at the basic pH of the cell surface and releases it at the acidic pH of lysosomes, consistent with a role in facilitating the degradation of antiviral antibodies. Here we identify the C-terminal domain of the gE ectodomain (CgE) as the minimal Fc-binding domain and present a 1.78-A CgE structure. A 5-A gE-gI/Fc crystal structure, which was independently verified by a theoretical prediction method, reveals that CgE binds Fc at the CH2-CH3 interface, the binding site for several mammalian and bacterial Fc-binding proteins. The structure identifies interface histidines that may confer pH-dependent binding and regions of CgE implicated in cell-to-cell spread of virus. The ternary organization of the gE-gI/Fc complex is compatible with antibody bipolar bridging, which can interfere with the antiviral immune response.
Screening for hemochromatosis by measuring ferritin levels: a more effective approach

Because the penetrance of HFE hemochromatosis is low, traditional population screening measuring the transferrin saturation is unlikely to be cost-effective because the majority of subjects detected neither have clinical disease nor are likely to develop it. Three independent studies show that only patients with serum ferritin concentrations more than 1000 μg/L are at risk for cirrhosis, one of the main morbidities of hemochromatosis. Among 29 699 white subjects participating in the Scripps/Kaiser hemochromatosis study, only 59 had serum ferritin levels more than 1000 μg/L; 24 had homozygous mutant or compound heterozygous mutant HFE genotypes. In all but 5 of the other subjects, the causes of elevated ferritin were excessive alcohol intake, cancer, or liver disease. Screening for hemochromatosis with serum ferritin levels will detect the majority of patients who will be clinically affected and may detect other clinically significant disease in patients who do not have hemochromatosis genotypes. Because the ferritin level of the majority of adult homozygotes for HFE mutations does not rise over long periods of time, excluding subjects with serum ferritin levels less than or equal to 1000 μg/L should not result in missed opportunities for early treatment of patients who could benefit.
Orientational Measurements in Polymers Using Vibrational Spectroscopy

Abstract The mechanical properties of polymers are strongly influenced not only by the structure of the material but by the magnitude of the molecular orientation. Thus a great deal of interest exists in information about the molecular orientation in samples introduced by drawing or other forming processes. Several techniques of evaluation of this orientation exist such as birefringence, x-ray diffraction, sonic modulus, and fluorescence measurements [l, 2]. Vibrational analysis of oriented polymers provides a method of determining independently the molecular orientation both in the crystalline and amorphous phases of polymers. By using vibrational techniques, a number of macromolecules have been studied in the solid state for a variety of different processes. It is the purpose of this review to summarize the recent theoretical and experimental results which have occurred since the review of Zbinden [3]. Infrared and Raman measurements will be reported since they are complementary to each other in their a...
An Interview with CINAHL: What's New in the Nursing and Allied Health Literature

The article presents an interview with Cinahl Information Systems Managing Director June R. Levy and Director of Research Diane S. Pravikoff in August 2008 at Glendale Adventist Medical Center in Glendale, CA. It describes the changes since EBSCO Publishing's acquisition of Cinahl Information Systems in 2003 from Glendale Adventist Medical Center.
Anatomic-manometric correlation of the upper esophageal sphincter: a concurrent US and manometry study

Background The pharyngoesophageal segment commonly referred to as the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) generates a high-pressure zone (HPZ) between the pharynx and the esophagus. However, the exact anatomical components of the UES-HPZ remain incompletely determined. Objective To systematically define the US signature of various components of the pharyngoesophageal junction and to determine how these structures contribute to the development of the UES-HPZ. Design Prospective, experimental study. Setting Tertiary Academic Medical Center. Patients This study involved 18 healthy volunteers. Intervention We studied 5 participants by using a high-frequency US miniprobe (US-MP) and concurrent fluoroscopy and another 13 participants by using the US-MP and concurrent manometry. Main Outcome Measurements Relative contribution of various muscles in the UES-HPZ. Results Manometrically, the UES-HPZ had a median length of 4.0 cm (range 3.0-4.5 cm). A C-shaped muscle, believed to represent the cricopharyngeus muscle, was observed for a median length of 3.5 cm (range 2.0-4.0 cm). The oval configuration representing the esophageal contribution to the UES was seen in 10 of 13 participants (77%) at the distal HPZ (esophagus to UES transition zone). The flat configuration of the inferior constrictor muscle was noted in 7 of 13 participants (54%) at the proximal HPZ (UES to pharynx transition zone). There were 4 to 5 wall layers versus 3 layers in the distal and proximal HPZ, respectively. The mean (± SD) muscle thickness was relatively constant along the length of the UES-HPZ. Limitations Air artifacts in the UES-HPZ. Conclusion The configuration and layers of the UES-HPZ vary along its length. The upper esophagus is a significant contributor to the distal UES-HPZ.
Emergency use of prethawed Group A plasma in trauma patients.

BACKGROUND: Massive transfusion protocols lead to increased use of the rare universal plasma donor, Type AB, potentially limiting supply. Owing to safety data, with a goal of avoiding shortages, our blood bank exploited Group A rather than AB for all emergency release plasma transfusions. We hypothesized that ABO-incompatible plasma transfusions had mortality similar to ABO-compatible transfusions. METHODS: Review of all trauma patients receiving emergency release plasma (Group A) from 2008 to 2011 was performed. ABO compatibility was determined post hoc. Deaths before blood typing were eliminated. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Of the 254 patients, 35 (14%) received ABO-incompatible and 219 (86%) received ABO-compatible transfusions. There was no difference in age (56 years vs. 59 years), sex (63% vs. 63% male), Injury Severity Score (ISS) (25 vs. 22), or time spent in the trauma bay (24 vs. 26.5 minutes). Median blood product units transfused were similar: emergency release plasma (2 vs. 2), total plasma at 24 hours (6 vs. 4), total red blood cells at 24 hours (5 vs. 4), plasma-red blood cells at 24 hours (1.3:1 vs. 1.1:1), and plasma deficits at 24 hours (2 vs. 1). Overall complications were similar (43% vs. 35%) as were rates of possible transfusion-related acute lung injury (2.9% vs. 1.8%), acute lung injury (3.7% vs. 2.5%), adult respiratory distress syndrome (2.9% vs. 1.8%), deep venous thrombosis (2.9% vs. 4.1%), pulmonary embolism (5.8% vs. 7.3%), and death (20% vs. 22%). Ventilator (6 vs. 3), intensive care unit (4 vs. 3), and hospital days (9 vs. 7) were similar. There were no hemolytic reactions. Mortality was significantly lower in [corrected] the patients that [corrected] received incompatible plasma during [corrected] if concurrent with a massive transfusion (8% vs. 40%, p = 0.044). Group AB plasma use was decreased by 96.6%. CONCLUSION: Use of Group A for emergency release plasma resulted in ABO-incompatible transfusions; however, this had little effect on clinical outcomes. Blood banks reticent to adopt massive transfusion protocols owing to supply concerns may safely use plasma Group A, expanding the pool of emergency release plasma donors. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic study, level IV; prognostic study, level III.
Totally laparoscopic total proctocolectomy: A safe alternative to open surgery in inflammatory bowel disease

Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients have a high incidence of wound and overall postoperative complications. A totally laparoscopic approach could potentially reduce these risks. We adopted totally laparoscopic total proctocolectomy (TL-TPC) using the perineal wound for extraction as the procedure of choice in IBD patients who are not candidates for a restorative procedure. This study looks at the TL-TPC results and compares them with our open cohort. Methods: Prospectively collected data from 52 consecutive patients undergoing TL-TPC from 2002 to 2010 were compared to 31 contemporary patients undergoing open TPC. Results: Demographics and patient characteristics including body mass index were similar. Mean operative times were 340 ± 7 minutes for TL-TPC and 337 ± 9 minutes for open TPC (P = 0.91). Intraoperative blood loss was 228 ± 2 mL for TL-TPC and 484 ± 3 mL for open TPC (P 100 mL per 8 hours occurred at 2.7 ± 2.8 days for TL-TPC versus 3.3 ± 1.8 days for open TPC (P = 0.025). The length of stay was 8.4 ± 5.0 days for TL-TPC versus 9.2 ± 3.2 days for open TPC (P = 0.05). The overall complication rate was 43% for TL-TPC versus 65% for open TPC (P = 0.07). Postoperative abdominal wound infections and parastomal hernias occurred in 23% and 10% of open TPC patients, respectively, versus zero (P = 0.001) and 6% (P = 0.67) for TL-TPC. Conclusions: TL-TPC is therefore considered a safe alternative to open surgery for selected IBD patients not candidates for a restorative procedure. (Inflamm Bowel Dis 2011;)
Comparison of preoperative pain and medication use in emergency patients presenting with irreversible pulpitis or teeth with necrotic pulps.

Abstract Objective This retrospective study compared differences in preoperative pain and medication use in patients with moderate to severe pain who sought emergency endodontic care for teeth with irreversible pulpitis and for symptomatic teeth with necrotic pulps. Study design A total of 323 patients seeking emergency endodontic treatment completed questionnaires regarding their biographical information, pain, pain history, and medications. Teeth were tested for vitality, mobility, percussion, and palpation pain. Lymphadenopathy was also evaluated. Results Patients with irreversible pulpitis waited significantly (P .05) were found between the groups in terms of analgesic or antibiotic use and pain relief from preoperative narcotic medications. Nonnarcotic analgesics were reported to significantly reduce pain more often in patients with symptomatic teeth with necrotic pulps. There were sex differences in the group of patients with irreversible pulpitis: More women than men were taking analgesic medications and, in the group having symptomatic teeth with necrotic pulps, more men than women reported pain relief from their analgesic medications. Conclusion Patients with irreversible pulpitis wait longer to seek emergency treatment. A majority (81%-83%) of emergency patients with moderate to severe pain will have taken some type of medication(s) to help control their pain, and more women than men with irreversible pulpitis will take an analgesic. By taking their preoperative medication(s), this group of patients will get relief 62% to 65% of the time; furthermore, more men than women with symptomatic teeth with necrotic pulps will experience pain relief.
Ligand Migration in Sperm Whale Myoglobin

Geminate oxygen rebinding to myoglobin was followed from a few nanoseconds to a few microseconds after photolysis for more than 25 different oxymyoglobin point mutants in the presence and absence of 12 atm of xenon. In all cases, two relaxations were observed: an initial fast phase (half-time 20 ns) and a slower, smaller phase (half-time 0.5-2 micros). Generally, xenon accelerates the fast reaction but slows the slower reaction and diminishes its amplitude. The rates and proportions of the two components and the effects of xenon on them vary widely for different mutants. The locations of specific xenon binding sites [Tilton, R. F., Kuntz, I. D. Jr., and Petsko, G. A. (1984) Biochemistry 23, 2849-2857], the effects of point mutations on the geminate reactions, and molecular dynamics simulations were used to suggest locations in the protein interior occupied by ligands on the nanosecond to microsecond time scale. Photodissociated ligands may occupy xenon site 4 in the distal pocket and xenon site 1 below the plane of the heme. Rebinding from these positions corresponds to the slower geminate phase for O2 rebinding. The rapid geminate component is determined by competition between rebinding from a position closer to the iron atom and escape to solvent or more distant locations in the protein.
Identification of thiabendazole-resistant cyathostome species in Louisiana.

Abstract A critical trial was performed with five ponies 6–9 months of age and raised on a horse farm with demonstrated benzimadazole-resistant cyathostomes. Eleven species of cyathostomes were recovered, seven of which had resistance to thiabendazole. Degrees of resistance varied among ponies and from species to species. Resistant species were Cyathostomum coronatum, Cyathostomum catinatum, Cy Cylicoctephanus minutus, Cylicostephanus calicatus, Cylicostephanus longibursatus, Cylicostephanus goldi and Cylicocyclus nassatus. This is the first study identifying resistant cyathostome species in the Gulf Coast region of the USA and, although no new resistant species were found, results differed somewhat from those of other authors in that none of the cyathostome populations that have been studied contain the same complement of resistant species.
Charisma, Diversity, and Religion in the American City— A Reflection

The faith leaders of North American cities actively engage in the civic affairs of their urban communities. Religious leadership, charismatic preaching, and, possibly, reputation of prophetic powers, continue to play important roles especially in the African American civic leaders’ rise to public authority. The article reflects on the twenty-first-century significance of Max Weber’s concept of “charisma” in interpreting the civic involvement of urban religious leaders in one city in particular, Baltimore. The article suggests that within the context of Baltimore’s dramatic challenges associated with urban poverty, violence, and racial and socio-economic health disparities, charismatic religious leadership continues as a recognized form of communal authority especially among the city’s African Americans. The article suggests that the gender dynamics of contemporary charismatic leadership appears strikingly similar to another time period and place, also analyzed by Weber—namely, medieval Europe. Just as an intense personal faith granted some medieval religious women authority and position they would not have had in the institutions reserved for men, so too the religious leadership and personal experiences of faith support the urban advocacy of African American women leaders.
Inhibition of Growth of Human Osteosarcomas by Antagonists of Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone

Background : Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) may be involved in the proliferation of human osteosarcomas. Most of the IGF-I found in blood is produced in the liver, where transcription of the IGF-I gene is regulated by growth hormone (GH). Recently, we synthesized various potent antagonists of GH-releasing hormone (GH-RH), including [Ibu 0 , D-Arg 2 , Phe(4-Cl) 6 , Abu 15 , Nle 27 ]hGH-RH(1-28)Agm, which is also called MZ-4-71. Purpose : We investigated the effects of this antagonist on the growth of the human osteosarcoma cell lines SK-ES-1 and MNNG/HOS, transplanted into nude mice or cultured in vitro. Methods : Nude male mice bearing SK-ES-1 and MNNG/HOS tumors were treated for 4 and 3 weeks, respectively, with MZ-4-71 administered from osmotic mini-pumps at a dose of 40 μg per animal per day. Tumor volume, tumor weight, and levels of receptors for IGF-I were determined. IGF-I levels in serum, tumor, and liver tissue were measured by radioimmunoassay. In other experiments, tumor-bearing nude mice were treated subcutaneously for 3 weeks with the GH-RH agonist hGH-RH(1-29)NH 2 or with MZ-4-71 for 13 days at doses of 50 μg per animal per day. Effects of MZ-4-71, hGH-RH(1-29)NH 2 , and human GH (hGH) on cell proliferation and on the production of IGF-I and cyclic adenosine monophosphate were also evaluated in SK-ES-1 and MNNG/HOS cells in vitro. Results : The growth of SK-ES-1 and MNNG/HOS tumors in nude mice was significantly inhibited by MZ-4-71, as measured by a reduction in tumor volume and weight (all P values <.05). MZ-4-71 treatment of either SK-ES-1 or MNNG/HOS tumor-bearing animals decreased tumor tissue IGF-I levels. The growth of MNNG/HOS xenografts was stimulated by hGH-RH(1-29)NH 2 (P<.01). IGF-I levels in serum of tumor-bearing nude mice treated subcutaneously for 13 days with MZ-4-71 were decreased (both P values <.01). High-affinity binding sites for IGF-I were demonstrated on cell membranes of SK-ES-1 and MNNG/HOS tumors. In cell cultures of both osteosarcomas, IGF-I production was stimulated by 25 ng/mL hGH but was not changed by 10 ng/mL hGH-RH(1-29)NH 2 or 5 μM MZ-4-71. Incorporation of [ 3 H]thymidine into DNA in SK-ES-1 (but not MNNG/HOS) cells was increased by 25 ng/mL IGF-I (P<.01). The proliferation rate of the two cell lines was not affected by 5-50 ng/mL hGH-RH(1-29)NH 2 or 1-80 ng/mL hGH but was suppressed by 10 -6 -10 -5 M MZ-4-71. Conclusions : Our findings demonstrate that the GH-RH antagonist MZ-4-71 can significantly inhibit the growth of SK-ES-1 and MNNG/HOS osteosarcomas in mice.
Heidegger in Mexico: Emilio Uranga’s ontological hermeneutics

“Exiled” Spanish philosopher Jose Gaos was the first to translate, in its entirety, Martin Heidegger’s Sein und Zeit. Emilio Uranga, a student of Gaos in Mexico City (exiled since 1938), appropriates Heidegger’s ontological hermeneutics in an effort to expose the historico-existential structures making up “lo mexicano,” or Mexicanness. Uranga’s Analisis del ser del mexicano (1952) freely and creatively employs the methods of existential analysis, suggesting that the being-there of the Mexican being is ontologically “insufficient” and “accidental”—modes of being reflected in existential expressions of sentimentality, indifference, and angst particular to this form of life. As a work indebted to Heidegger’s Sein und Zeit, Analysis of the Being of the Mexican fails to be faithful to this method. This, however, is the source of its value. The purpose of this paper is two-fold: one, to introduce the Anglo–American philosophical readership to Uranga’s existential phenomenology; and, two, to disentangle the lines of thought that make up Uranga’s Analisis and in the process defend Uranga from the possible charge that he ignorantly misappropriates Heidegger’s method.
Are African party systems different

Abstract Recently Mozaffar et al. [Mozaffar, S., Scarritt, J.R., Galaich, G., 2003. Electoral institutions, ethnopolitical cleavages and party systems in Africa's emerging democracies. American Political Science Review 97, 379–390] presented evidence suggesting that African party systems are somehow different from party systems elsewhere in the world. In doing so, they promoted the common notion of African exceptionalism. We believe that their conclusions are open to question because they draw inferences from a number of multiplicative interaction models in which they do not include all constitutive terms, interpret constitutive terms as unconditional marginal effects, and fail to calculate marginal effects and standard errors over a sufficiently large range of their modifying variables. By correcting these practices, we reach substantively different conclusions. Specifically, we find that African party systems respond to institutional and sociological factors such as district magnitude and ethnic fragmentation in the same way as party systems in more established democracies.
Heats and entropies of fusion of linear aliphatic polyesters. I. Experimental determinations

Poly(ethylene adipate), poly(ethylene suberate), and poly(ethylene sebacate) were synthesized by a modified ester interchange procedure. Polydispersity was reduced and low molecular weight material removed by fractional crystallization. Samples of 50–60% crystallinity were prepared by bulk crystallization and annealing. Melting points and amorphous densities were obtained by dilatometry. Melting points were 7–12°C higher than previously reported. Heats of fusion were measured by differential scanning calorimetry and extrapolated to 100% crystallinity by using measured amorphous densities and recently redetermined crystalline densities. Entropies of fusion were calculated and separated for the first time into volume expansion and conformational contributions.
New nectriapyrones by salt water culture of a fungus separated from an Indo-Pacific sponge

Abstract The salt water culture of an unidentified fungus separated from an Indo-Pacific marine sponge has yielded new tetraketide natural products, demethyl nectriapyrone A ( 1 ) and nectriapyrone B ( 2 ). These α-pyrone containing compounds are analogous to nectriapyrone ( 3 ), previously reported from a terrestrial fungus.
New Solution of the Problem of EMP Coupling on Cables over Ground of Finite Conductivity

This new solution replaces Dawson's Integral, in the old solution, by an infinite series. For typical EMP parameters, the solution is approximated by a double exponential function whose numerical constants are derived. Both forms of the new solution are convenient for the calculation of the transient.
Migration of low molecular weight components from polymers: 1. Methodology and diffusion of straight-chain octadecane in polyolefins

Abstract The migration kinetics of monomers, oligomers and antioxidants from several polymers into various solvents at different temperatures has been studied by radioactive tracer techniques. This paper describes in detail the methodology used for observing the migration and for reducing the data. Examples of the migration that follows strictly the Fickian diffusion behaviour with a constant diffusion coefficient are shown. These examples were obtained by first saturating the polyolefin test plaques with a labelled oligomer and then extracting the labelled species from the polymer with identical, but unlabelled, oligomer as the solvent. The polyolefin test plaques were made from linear and branched polyethylene, as well as from isotactic polypropylene. The migrating oligomer was straight-chain octadecane. The diffusion coefficients observed range from 2 to 5 μm 2 s −1 at 30°C and 7–22 μm 2 s −1 at 60°C. The activation energies range from 35 to 53 kJ mol −1 for the three polymers.