cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Protein–Energy Wasting and Nutritional Interventions in Chronic Kidney Disease

Protein–energy wasting (PEW) is a common comorbid condition in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), especially in ones with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and on maintenance dialysis. PEW in CKD patients is associated with increased rates of hospitalization and death. The unique aspects of CKD confound reliable screening for PEW and assessment of nutritional status, complicating management of this comorbid condition. Several measures can be applied to prevent development of PEW in CKD by targeting the etiologic factors such as appropriate dietary nutrient intake, avoiding catabolic effects of renal replacement therapy, and treating systemic inflammation, metabolic acidosis, and hormonal derangements. In patients where preventive measures and oral dietary intake from regular meals cannot maintain adequate nutritional status, nutritional supplementation, administered orally, enterally, or parenterally, is shown to be effective in replenishing protein and energy stores. The advantages of oral nutritional supplements include proven efficacy, safety, and compliance. Anabolic steroids and exercise, in combination with nutritional supplementation or alone, have been shown to improve protein stores and represent potential additional approaches for the treatment of PEW. Appetite stimulants, anti-inflammatory interventions, and newer anabolic agents can be used as adjunctive therapies where indicated.
Infraclavicular fossa as an alternate site for placement of intrathecal infusion pumps: technical note.

Objective Intrathecal infusion using an implantable pump is a common method of delivering medication for spasticity or chronic pain. The classic site for placement of the pump is in the abdominal wall. In some patients, there are confounding factors that make placement of an abdominal pump impractical. The purpose of this study was to report the implantation of Synchromed II pumps (Medtronic, Inc, Minneapolis, Minnesota) in the infraclavicular fossa. Methods Four patients, aged 13 to 33 years, underwent infraclavicular placement of a Synchromed II infusion pump. In one patient, severe scoliosis and hip joint contractures precluded placement of the pump in the traditional position. Another patient had several ostomies on the abdominal wall, leaving no place for the pump. In a third, a combination of scoliosis and ostomy rendered the abdomen inappropriate for pump placement. Results In 3 patients, a 20-mL pump was placed in the infraclavicular fossa. In the fourth, a 40-mL pump was placed in the left infraclavicular fossa. All patients tolerated the operation well. There were no postoperative reports of local pain or discomfort. One patient died from unrelated respiratory compromise several months after pump placement. At last follow-up (average of 11 months), the pumps were functioning well, and there were no wound-related complications. Selected pre- and postoperative photographs are presented. Conclusion The infraclavicular fossa is a viable alternative to the abdomen as the site for placement of a drug infusion pump.
An Analysis of the Formation of Ciliary Primordia in the Hypotrich Ciliate Urostyla weissei

SYNOPSIS. The protargol technic was used in a study of the development of oral, cirral, and dorsal primordia of Urostyla weissei fixed during division, reorganization, and regeneration following transection at different levels. While the course of development is similar in all situations, differences were observed in the way in which some primordia are initiaily formed. The primordium of the new AZM always appears posterior to the old AZM. It develops into an entire new membranellar band in dividing cells and in opimers (posterior fragments from equatorial transections), while it eventually joins with a portion of the old AZM in reorganizers, promers (anterior fragments from equatorial transections) and “large opimers” (cells whose anterior tip has been cut off). The UM-primordium of proters is derived from disaggregation of the kinetosomes of the 2 old UM's, that of opisthes and opimers is formed “de novo” to the right of the AZM-primordium, while the UM-primordium of reorganizers, promers, and “large opimers” is of composite origin, partly “de novo” and partly from the old UM's. The UM primordium differentiates into the new UM's and the 1st frontal cirrus. The primordia of the remaining frontal, ventral, transversal (F-V-T) and marginal cirri originate as “streaks” of cilia, most of which are derived from re-alignment of the constituent cilia of certain pre-existing cirri. New cirri differendiate from the streaks, and replace the remaining old cirri. The streaks are formed similarly in all developmental situations, except for the 1st 3 F-V-T streaks. In proters, reorganizers, and promers, these originate from the posterior 3 frontal cirri, while in opisthes and opimers they are formed “de novo” to the right of the UM-primordium. In the “large opimers” these streaks are formed “de novo” behind the 1st 3 frontal cirri, in spite of the continued presence of these cirri at the anterior tip of the fragments. The site of formation of these streaks thus appears to be determined by an anteriorposterior gradient, rather than by any preformed cortical structure. The new dorsal bristle rows I to III develop from the proliferation of portions of the old rows, while rows IV and V originate from short kineties formed “de novo” on the right margin. New caudal cirri differentiate at the posterior ends of the new rows I to III. The numbers of ventral cirral rows and transversal cirri are variable; these variations are correlated, and related to variations in numbers of developing streaks. A survey of hypotrich developmental patterns revealed extensive parallels, especially in the sites of appearance of primordia. The primordium site appears to be a more constant feature of cortical development than is the “source” of ciliary units. It is concluded that sites of primordia are determined by cellular gradients, with competent preformed structures being utilized if they are appropriately positioned within these gradients.
Examining the relationship between quality of life amenities and economic development in the southeast USA.

This paper contributes to the ongoing discussion about amenity-driven rural development strategies by examining the relationship between quality of life amenities and rural economic development in the Southeast USA. The premise is that what is true at a national level may provide a partial or misleading picture when we look at particular areas. Additionally, data available at the county level can often provide richer and more precise information than what is found at the national level. The paper estimates spatial regression models using county-level data. For the most part, the results suggest that the differences in quality of life and amenities factors can explain a large portion of the trend in per capita income, employment and population change across counties in the Southeast USA.
Electoral College Winner's Advantage

Compared to the popular vote, the Electoral College magnifies the perception of the winner's margin of victory. In this analysis, a method of quantifying the magnitude of the advantage given to the winner due to the Electoral College's two electoral vote add-on and winner-take-all methodologies is presented. Using the electoral vote distribution that was present in the 2000 U.S. presidential election, we analyzed one million random two-candidate simulated elections. The results show that the net effect of the Electoral College is to give the winning candidate an average 29.45 electoral vote advantage per election due to the winner-take-all methodology. This winner's advantage includes an average 0.42 electoral vote advantage given to the winner per election due to the two electoral vote add-on.
Texaphyrin sensitized near-IR-to-visible photon upconversion

Near-IR (NIR) absorption from a Cd(II) texaphyrin (TXP) has been successfully coupled with rubrene triplet acceptors/annihilators in vacuum degassed dichloromethane to upconvert NIR (670–800 nm) incident photons into yellow fluorescence through sensitized triplet–triplet annihilation. Stern–Volmer analysis of dynamic energy transfer quenching of TXP by rubrene using transient absorption spectroscopy revealed Stern–Volmer and bimolecular quenching constants of 21 000 M−1 and 5.7 × 108 M−1 s−1 respectively, for the triplet–triplet energy transfer process. The upconverted emission intensity with respect to the incident excitation power density at 750 nm was shown to vary between quadratic and linear, illustrating the expected kinetic limits for the light producing photochemistry under continuous wave illumination. Furthermore, with increasing TXP sensitizer concentration, the characteristic quadratic-to-linear crossover point shifted to lower incident photon power density. This is consistent with the notion that stronger photon capture in the sensitizer leads to experimental conditions promoting upconversion under milder excitation conditions. The maximum quantum yield of the TXP-sensitized rubrene upconverted fluorescence was 1.54 ± 0.04% under dilute conditions determined relative to [Os(phen)3](PF6)2 under continuous wave excitation conditions. This saturating quantum efficiency was realized when the incident light power dependence reached the quadratic-to-linear crossover point and was constant over the region where the composition displayed linear response to incident light power density. In pulsed laser experiments at higher sensitizer concentrations, the triplet–triplet annihilation quantum yield was determined to saturate at approximately 13%, corresponding to an upconversion yield of ∼10%, suggesting that the dichloromethane solvent either lowers the T2 state of the rubrene acceptor or is somehow attenuating the annihilation reaction between excited rubrene triplets.
Studies on chicken peripheral blood monocytes

Freshly isolated chicken peripheral blood monocytes were used. They were found to be heterogeneous in morphology, but have chemotactic and phagocytic activities, and are capable of respiratory burst. These cells posses a genetic sequecee that can be amplified by a pair of MIP 1-beta primers, indicating that they contain MIP 1-beta chemokine. The RNA from monocytes infected with Newcastle disease virus (NDV) were reverse transcribed, and the transcribed cDNA contains a sequence which can be amplified by a pair of NDV primers, indicating that these cells can support the growth of NDV. NDV infection of monocytes does not alter the existence of MIP-1beta. This finding raises the possibility that monocytes can serve as reservoirs for NDV infection.
Examining Chicana/o history through a relational lens

This article argues that we should examine Chicana/os in relation to other racialized groups in order to develop a fuller understanding of how racial categories form and operate. The article highlights different models of relational work by examining key works in Chicana/o history that have employed such a relational methodology. In addition, the article demonstrates how we can use organizing principles besides race to find links between racialized groups. Lastly, the author revisits key events in Chicana/o history, examining them through a relational lens, to demonstrate what may be gained through this methodology.
Modulation of Ionotropic Glutamate Receptors and Acid-Sensing Ion Channels by Nitric Oxide

Ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluR) are ligand-gated ion channels and are densely expressed in broad areas of mammalian brains. Like iGluRs, acid-sensing ion channels (ASIC) are ligand (H+)-gated channels and are enriched in brain cells and peripheral sensory neurons. Both ion channels are enriched at excitatory synaptic sites, functionally coupled to each other, and subject to the modulation by a variety of signaling molecules. Central among them is a gasotransmitter, nitric oxide (NO). Available data show that NO activity-dependently modulates iGluRs and ASICs via either a direct or an indirect pathway. The former involves a NO-based and cGMP-independent posttranslational modification (S-nitrosylation) of extracellular cysteine residues in channel subunits or channel-interacting proteins. The latter is achieved by NO activation of soluble guanylyl cyclase, which in turn triggers an intracellular cGMP-sensitive cascade to indirectly modulate iGluRs and ASICs. The NO modification is usually dynamic and reversible. Modified channels undergo significant, interrelated changes in biochemistry and electrophysiology. Since NO synthesis is enhanced in various neurological disorders, the NO modulation of iGluRs and ASICs is believed to be directly linked to the pathogenesis of these disorders. This review summarizes the direct and indirect modifications of iGluRs and ASICs by NO and analyzes the role of the NO-iGluR and NO-ASIC coupling in cell signaling and in the pathogenesis of certain related neurological diseases.
MATHEMATICAL PROGRAMMING IN SEWER NETWORK DESIGN

This paper addresses itself to the question of obtaining the minimum cost design for a wastewater collection network. It first presents an empirical cost function for a single sewer line. The concept of optimization is then explored with respect lo sewer networks. The design problems of selecting an optimal mix of pipe diameters and slopes, given a set of economic and technological inputs as well as a network layout is then presented in three alternative mathematical programming formulations: separable convex, dynamic and geometric programming. These formulations guarantee the generation of global optimal solutions. Numerical solutions can be obtained using presently available computer capabilities. The paper concludes with an evaluation of the proposed formulations and their implications for both design practice and overall cost reduction in the area of wastewater collection.
Determining population based mortality risk in the Department of Veterans Affairs

We develop a patient level hierarchical regression model using administrative claims data to assess mortality outcomes for a national VA population. This model, which complements more traditional process driven performance measures, includes demographic variables and disease specific measures of risk classified by Diagnostic Cost Groups (DCGs). Results indicate some ability to discriminate survivors and non-survivors with an area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (C-statistic) of .86. Observed to expected mortality ranges from .86 to 1.12 across predicted mortality deciles while Risk Standardized Mortality Rates (RSMRs) range from .76 to 1.29 across 145 VA hospitals. Further research is necessary to understand mortality variation which persists even after adjusting for case mix differences. Future work is also necessary to examine the role of personal behaviors on patient outcomes and the potential impact on population survival rates from changes in treatment policy and infrastructure investment.
Dynamic DNA contacts observed in the NMR structure of winged helix protein-DNA complex.

Genesis is an HNF-3/fkh homologous protein. By using multi-dimensional NMR techniques, we have obtained the solution structure and backbone dynamics of Genesis complexed with a 17 base-pair DNA. Our results indicate that both the local folding and dynamic properties of Genesis are perturbed when it binds to the DNA site. Our data show that a conserved flexible amino acid sequence (wing 1) makes dynamic contacts to DNA in the complex and a short helix is induced by GenesisDNA interactions. Our data indicate that, unlike the HNF-3g/DNA complex, a magnesium ion is not required in forming the stable GenesisDNA complex. # 1999 Academic Press
Adriamycin and Methyl-CCNU Combination Therapy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Clinical and Pharmacokinetic Aspects

Twenty-one patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (hepatoma) were treated with Adriamycin (15-45 mg/m2 q 21 D) and methyl-CCNU (75-150 mg/m2 q 63 D) with dosage adjusted for hepatic dysfunction. Objective response frequency was 14% with all responses occurring in patients with normal pretreatment bilirubin levels. Median survival of all patients was 87 days. Initial bilirubin levels greater than 2 mgldl predicted for decreased survival (median 30 days vs. 115 days, P < 0.05). Only moderate hematologic toxicity was observed. Plasma profiles of Adriamycin and adriamycinol were determined during 11 courses of Adriamycin administration in seven of these patients. Despite moderately elevated transaminase levels (all cases) and bilirubin levels (three cases), plasma Adriamycin profiles in hepatoma patients were not elevated (terminal half-life of 30 hours) and were indistinguishable from that of non-hepatoma patients with normal liver functions. However, delayed appearance of peak levels and prolongation of terminal half-lives were routinely observed for adriamycinol, a major metabolite of Adriamycin. This resulted in a significant increase in the CXT (concentration X time) ratio of adriamycinol/Adriamycin in hepatoma patients compared with nonhepatoma patients (2.36 2 2.12 vs 0.76 ? 0.31, P < 0.05). We conclude that the combination of relatively mild toxicity and normal Adriamycin disposition indicates unusual tolerance to Adriamycin therapy for patients with hepatoma and cirrhosis. As a result, severe dosage adjustments of Adriamycin may not be indicated for all such patients having only moderate hepatic dysfunction. Cancer 4831088-1095, 1981. HE DIAGNOSIS of unresectable hepatocellular carT cinoma carries a dismal prognosis with median survival of approximately three months without effective Results with chemotherapy were disappointing until Adriamycin at a dose of 75 mg/m2 was reported as having significant activity in this di~ease.~ Subsequently, the activity of Adriamycin in hepatocellular carcinoma has been ~onfirmed,~~ but follow-up studies have not reported the high response frequency of the original African series. Experience with 5-fluo
Ophiolites, seismic velocities and oceanic crustal structure

Abstract Seismic velocities have been measured to pressures of 10 kbars for 96 cores of 36 rocks collected from ophiolite complexes. Average densities ( ρ ), compressional wave velocities (V p ), shear wave velocities (V s ) and Poisson's ratios (σ) at 1 kbar for major rock types are as follows: A A 1 . Rock ρ V p V s σ (g/cm 3 ) (km/sec) (km/sec) Serpentinite 2.53 5.05 2.45 0.35 Trondhjemite 2.69 6.33 3.67 0.25 Spilite 2.72 5.80 3.18 0.28 Metagabbro (greenschist facies) 2.81 6.52 3.62 0.28 Metagabbro (amphibolite facies) 2.99 6.95 3.73 0.29 Gabbro 3.00 7.20 3.80 0.31 Pyroxenite 3.24 7.82 4.25 0.29 Velocities in metagabbro and gabbro, the probable constituents of the lower oceanic crust, are highly dependent on mineralogy and mineral orientation. Both can be significantly anisotropic, the anisotropies originating from preferred hornblende orientation in metagabbro and olivine orientation in cumulate gabbro. Velocities in serpentinites depend upon amounts of relic olivine and pyroxene and serpentine mineralogy. Of significance, antigorite is faster than lizardite and chrysotile. Due primarily to a high quartz content, trondhjemite has a low Poisson's ratio. Velocity profiles constructed from reported petrology for the Vourinos, Troodos, Semail, Papua and Bay of Islands Massifs have much in common with seismic profiles of the oceanic crust. Major seismic discontinuities result from (1) increasing metamorphic grade with depth (the layer 2–3 boundary) and (2) a transition from gabbro, anorthosite and troctolite to dunite and peridotite (the Mohorovicic discontinuity).
Zero-lapse loci in asymptotically flat maximally foliated spacetime manifolds

We settle the question of the occurrence of zero-lapse loci for maximal foliations {Sλ},Sλ ≅ R3, in an asymptotically flat spacetime.
Mission Change in a Federal Agency and its Link to Employee Transfer Preferences

Little research has been done on employee desire to transfer jobs within public sector organizations. This article explores the factors that explain this behavior for a large sample (N = 1248) of employees in the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). These factors include, for example, mission change, employee burnout, and staffing levels. The findings indicate that radical mission change, among other variables, significantly influences the desire of employees to transfer jobs within the agency.
Alcoholic liver disease. Absence of alpha-fetoprotein elevations in the recovery phase.

Serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) may be detected in patients with nonneoplastic liver diseases such as massive hepatic necrosis, viral hepatitis, and experimental liver injury. AFP levels have not been serially assessed in patients with alcoholic liver disease, with or without cirrhosis, during the period following cessation of alcohol. Thirty-two such patients sere studied with weekly AFP determinations, an average of five such measurements being obtained per patient. The severity of alcoholic liver disease in this group varied from mild alcoholic hepatitits to advanced cirrhosis, and overall mortality was 31%. Thirty-one of the 32 patients had consistently negative AFP determinations. One patient with persistently elevated AFP levels proved to have hepatoma at autopsy. This study failed to detect AFP elevations in a group of patients with alcoholic liver disease and suggests that positive AFP determinations in such patients should raise the question of underlying hepatocellular carcinoma.
The impact of distribution system characteristics on computational tractability

Mathematical programming models that seek optimal design and operational plans for distribution systems can be computationally intractable. This paper examines the extent to which distribution configuration and demand characteristics affect the ease of obtaining an optimal solution. Problem characteristics, which are reflected in a model by the parameter values, can render the model for one distribution scenario to be computationally intractable and that for another to yield an optimal solution easily. We introduce echelon-flow-based valid inequalities and use them to explicate the extent to which problem characteristics impact computational tractability.
“Let’s (Not) Talk About That”: Bridging the Past Sexual Experiences Taboo to Build Healthy Romantic Relationships

Research has shown that individuals in romantic relationships often avoid discussing past sexual experiences. To ascertain whether past relationships and past sexual experiences were considered to be "taboo," 102 individuals involved in romantic relationships were asked to list the topics that they were reluctant to discuss with their partners. As past relationships and past sexual experiences were reported as topics often avoided, responses to an open-ended questionnaire were coded to determine: (a) the reasons individuals give for avoiding talk about past sexual experiences and (b) whether there are sex differences in how often those reasons appeared in responses. In descending order of prevalence, respondents reported that they tend to avoid discussing past sexual experiences due to four main concerns: (a) belief that the past should be kept in the past, (b) identity issues, (c) perceived threats to their relationships, and (d) emotionally upsetting feelings. Men and women displayed extreme similarity in the frequency with which they indicated particular reasons for avoidance. Data-inspired suggestions for individuals hoping to elicit discussion of past sexual experiences with partners are offered.
A same-sex stepparent shortens a prebreeder's duration on the natal territory: tests of two hypotheses in Florida scrub-jays

Prebreeders of the Florida scrub-jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens) are less likely to be found on their natal territories with a same-sex stepparent than with parents or an opposite-sex stepparent. We tested two models that had been proposed to account for this sexual asymmetry. The dominance hypothesis states that stepparents perceive same-sex prebreeders as competitors, primarily for a mate, so behave aggressively toward them. The pair-formation hypothesis states that prebreeders remain home to pair eventually with the opposite-sex stepparent. Predictions from these two models were tested by analyses from a quarter-century of records on a study population at Archbold Biological Station and by new behavioral field observations at the Station. Results clearly rejected the latter and strongly supported the former hypothesis. No prediction from the pair-formation hypothesis was confirmed: no pairing by a prebreeder of either sex has ever occurred with a stepparent; remaining home was equally frequent in age-one males with stepmothers and genetic mothers, and in females with stepfathers and genetic fathers; and the same results were found in age-two prebreeders. By contrast, the data strongly supported the dominance hypothesis. Field data showed higher aggression rates by stepfathers to male prebreeders and stepmothers to female prebreeders than by parents to their same-sex genetic offspring. Fewer age-one males remained home with a stepfather than with the genetic father, and the same was found for age-one females with a stepmother and genetic mother; at age two, the effect occurred only in female prebreeders. The two hypotheses make different predictions about prebreeders with two stepparents versus with both parents, thus providing a critical test. The dominance hypothesis correctly predicted decreased duration at home by age-one males and females; data for age-two females were in the direction of predicted difference but not significant; and, as in other tests, no effect was found for age-two males. We propose that age-two male prebreeders remain home despite elevated aggression from stepfathers because these prebreeders retain the possibility of budding from or inheriting the natal territory.
Comparison of flow differences among venous cannulas.

1. Double caval cannulas with snares provide maximum venous decompression, especially of the superior vena cava. Decompression of the right side of the heart is passive and in the heart being perfused requires venting of the right atrium by release of tapes or atrial suction. 2. Double caval cannulas without snares provide good and consistent venous and atrial decompression. The ventricle is decompressed well except when the perfused heart is in the circumflex position. 3. A large single cannula (e.g., USCI 40F) can decompress both the venous system and right side of the heart, although venous and atrial drainage are much less efficient when the heart is in the circumflex position. 4. The Sarns 51F cavoatrial cannula decompressed the venous system as efficiently as the double caval cannulas. In fact, decompression of the atrium and ventricle were consistently much better with the cavoatrial cannula than with any of the other methods. 5. Efficient venous and myocardial decompression using the 51F cavoatrial cannula requires the atrial drainage ports to be positioned in the upper middle section of the atrium. Clinically, the cannula position is correct when both the single and double marking bands on the cannula are outside the atrium.
A Reliable Split-Step Fourier Method for the Propagation Equation of Ultra-Fast Pulses in Single-Mode Optical Fibers

The extension to the split-step Fourier method (SSFM) for Schrodinger-type pulse propagation equations that we propose in this article is designed with the accurate simulation of pulses in the femtosecond regime in single-mode communication fibers in mind. We show that via an appropriate operator splitting scheme, Kerr nonlinearity and the self-steepening and stimulated Raman scattering terms can be combined into a single sub-step consisting of an inhomogeneous quasilinear first-order hyperbolic system for the real-valued quantities intensity and phase. First- and second-order accurate shock-capturing upwind schemes have been developed specifically for this nonlinear sub-step, which enables the accurate and oscillation-free simulation of signals under the influence of Raman scattering and extreme self-steepening with the SSFM. Benchmark computations of ultra-fast Gaussian pulses in fibers with strong nonlinearity demonstrate the superior approximation properties of the proposed approach.
Oral History, Hermeneutics, and Embodiment

Oral history can be framed by hermeneutics in order to better understand the field’s theories, methods, and practices within that context. In particular, this essay focuses on two main topics withi...
On the separability of electronic wave functions

The idea that an electronic wave function might be adequately approximated by an antisymmetrized product of a core with a valence wave function is discussed as a special case of the separability hypothesis. A natural function analysis of localized wave functions is proposed as a criterion for separability. A generalization of Brillouin'stheorem is shown to be a consequence of the effective core and valence Hamiltonians which are proposed.
Backward steps in rigid body simulation

Physically based simulation of rigid body dynamics is commonly done by time-stepping systems forward in time. In this paper, we propose methods to allow time-stepping rigid body systems back-ward in time. Unfortunately, reverse-time integration of rigid bodies involving frictional contact is mathematically ill-posed, and can lack unique solutions. We instead propose time-reversed rigid body integrators that can sample possible solutions when unique ones do not exist. We also discuss challenges related to dissipation-related energy gain, sensitivity to initial conditions, stacking, constraints and articulation, rolling, sliding, skidding, bouncing, high angular velocities, rapid velocity growth from micro-collisions, and other problems encountered when going against the usual flow of time.
Quenching of DNA Phosphorescence

Paramagnetic cations quench the phosphorescence of DNA at concentrations well below one ion per DNA phosphate. The order of quenching efficiency is copper, nickel, cobalt, and manganese.
100 HEARING IMPAIRMENT IN LOW BIRTH WEIGHT (LBW) CHIL DREN

Audiometric tests (tympanogram, acoustic reflex, and pure tone) were performed at 3-5 years of age on 41 LBW ( 0.21 ≥20 days and low risk (Group II, n=18) with FiO2 >0.21 ≤6 days. Group I had a more severe neonatal course with more asphyxia (Apgar ≤4 at 1 min.) (p<.02), acidosis (p<.01), BPD (p<.01), sepsis (p<.01) and days of hospitalization (M±SD) 92±28 vs. 62±15 (p<.01). The groups had a similar socioeconomic scale rating. Audiometric testing revealed 16/23 (62%) of Group I had conductive hearing loss compared to 7/18 (38%) of Group II (p<.01). The children with conductive hearing loss had a greater incidence of respiratory morbidity (pneumonia, otitis media or chronic wheezing) between 4 months and 3 years (p<.01). Sensorineural loss was identified in 2 children in Group I and 1 child in Group II. Moderate to severe hearing loss (conductive or sensorineural) (≥40 dB) was greater in Group I (9 of 23) than Group II (1 of 18) (p<.02). Bayley MDI scores and Stanford Binet tests of the hearing loss children vs. normal hearing children revealed no significant differences between 9 months and 3-4 years. We conclude that LBW survivors with a more severe neonatal course are at significant risk of developing conductive hearing loss although the latter, per se, did not adversely affect the developmental test scores of the LBW survivors.
Leiomyosarcoma of the esophagus: Results of surgical treatment

Abstract Background . This study examined the results of surgical treatment of leiomyosarcoma of the esophagus. Methods . Between January 1920 and December 1996, 17 patients (9 men and 8 women) with leiomyosarcoma of the esophagus were treated surgically at the Mayo Clinic. Median age was 58 years and ranged from 26 to 76 years. Symptoms included dysphagia in 11 patients (64.7%) and odynophagia in 6 (35.3%). The tumor was located in the middle third of the esophagus in 10 patients (58.8%) and in the cervical esophagus in 7 (41.2%). Procedures performed included esophagogastrectomy in 9 patients (Ivor Lewis in 5, left thoracoabdominal in 3, and transhiatal in 1), enucleation in 3, transgastric excision in 1, and exploration without resection in 4. Results . The procedure was considered curative in 11 patients (64.7%). There was one operative death (mortality, 5.9%). Complications occurred in 3 patients (17.6%) and included anastomotic leak in 2 and bleeding requiring reoperation in 1. Growth pattern was infiltrating in 7, polypoid in 5, and intramural in 5. Histologically, the tumor was grade 1 in 6 patients, grade 2 in 2, grade 3 in 7, and grade 4 in 2. The tumor was postsurgically classified as stage I in 2 patients, stage IIA in 7, stage IIB in 1, stage IIIA in 5, stage IV in 1, and unknown in 1. Six patients (35.3%) received adjuvant treatment. Follow-up was complete in 16 patients (94.1%) and ranged from 1 to 182 months (median, 48 months). Five- and 10-year actuarial survivals were 47.0% and 31.0%, respectively. Seven patients (41.2%) are currently alive (median survival, 72 months); all underwent curative resection. Factors affecting survival included completeness of resection, growth pattern, postsurgical stage, tumor grade, and tumor location ( p Conclusions . We conclude that leiomyosarcoma of the esophagus is rare. Complete resection provides long-term survival.
Temperature dependence of the evaporation lengthscale for water confined between two hydrophobic plates.

Abstract Liquid water in a hydrophobic confinement is the object of high interest in physicochemical sciences. Confined between two macroscopic hydrophobic surfaces, liquid water transforms into vapor if the distance between surfaces is smaller than a critical separation, referred to as the evaporation lengthscale. To investigate the temperature dependence of the evaporation lengthscale of water confined between two hydrophobic parallel plates, we use the combination of the density functional theory (DFT) with the probabilistic hydrogen bond (PHB) model for water–water hydrogen bonding. The PHB model provides an analytic expression for the average number of hydrogen bonds per water molecule as a function of its distance to a hydrophobic surface and its curvature. Knowing this expression, one can implement the effect of hydrogen bonding between water molecules on their interaction with the hydrophobe into DFT, which is then employed to determine the distribution of water molecules between two macroscopic hydrophobic plates at various interplate distances and various temperatures. For water confined between hydrophobic plates, our results suggest the evaporation lengthscale to be of the order of several nanometers and a linearly increasing function of temperature from T = 293 K to T = 333 K, qualitatively consistent with previous results.
Variations in the Earth's gravity field caused by torsional oscillations in the core

SUMMARY We investigate whether a component of the flow in the Earth's fluid core, namely torsional oscillations, could be detected in gravity field data at the surface and whether it could explain some of the observed time variations in the elliptical part of the gravity field (J2). Torsional oscillations are azimuthal oscillations of rigid coaxial cylindrical surfaces and have typical periods of decades. This type of fluid motion supports geostrophic pressure gradients, which produce deformations of the core–mantle boundary. Because of the density discontinuity between the core and the mantle, such deformations produce changes in the gravity field that, because of the flow geometry, are both axisymmetric and symmetric about the equator. Torsional oscillations are thus expected to produce time variations in the zonal harmonics of even degree in the gravity field. Similarly, the changes in the rotation rates of the mantle and inner core that occur to balance the change in angular momentum carried by the torsional oscillations also produce zonal variations in gravity. We have built a model to calculate the changes in the gravity field and in the rotation rates of the mantle and inner core produced by torsional oscillations. We show that the changes in the rotation rate of the inner core produce changes in J2 that are a few orders of magnitude too small to be observed. The amplitudes of the changes in J2 from torsional oscillations are 10 times smaller than the temporal changes that are observed to occur about a linear secular trend. However, provided the mechanism responsible for these changes in J2 is identified and that this contribution is removed from the data, it may be possible in the future to detect the lowest harmonic degrees of the torsional oscillations in the gravity field data. We also show that torsional oscillations have contributed to the linear secular change in J2 by about −0.75 × 10−12 per year in the last 20 years. Finally, the associated change in the vertical ground motion at the surface of the Earth that is predicted by our mechanism is of the order of 0.2 mm, which is too small to be detected with the current precision in measurements.
Using Cognition of Programming Literature in a Design of a Tool for Learning a Second Programming Language

This paper reports on the design rationale and early evaluation of an intelligent tool to aid student programmers, who already have knowledge of one programming language, in acquiring a working knowledge of key parts of the Ada language. Research on transfer between programming languages has shown that previous programming experience helps students learn subsequent languages, but is also a source of negative transfer. Our tool ADAPT addresses the pedagogical problem of transfer between programming languages, emphasizing the problem of developing programming plans which are appropriate to the Ada language. ADAPT was designed based on the findings of research in the cognition of programming, and one of our goals was to evaluate how much guidance the literature gives to design. The results of empirical studies provided appropriate general guidance but tended to be underspecified for use in design.
Seeing Is Believing

The lava lamp on my son's bureau gives him a vantage point to ponder the colorful blobs rising and falling as their temperature and density change. Geologists are not so privileged. Some of Earth's most impressive geologic features, such as the massive granitic plutons of California's Sierra Nevada mountains, are direct consequences of magma transport but we cannot directly observe these transport processes. On page 250 of this issue, Fialko and Pearse ( 1 ) use satellite data and computational modeling to infer the transport process in one location. They conclude that a magmatic diapir—a roughly spheroidal mass of partially molten material—is rising beneath a portion of the Altiplano Plateau in the central Andes.
Does heparin cofactor II modulate atherosclerosis and restenosis

Heparin cofactor II (HCII) is a plasma protein in search of a physiological function.1 HCII inactivates thrombin by formation of a stable, bimolecular complex. Detection of these complexes in human plasma suggests that HCII inhibits thrombin in vivo.2 Sulfated polysaccharides such as heparin and dermatan sulfate interact with HCII and increase the rate of thrombin inhibition more than 1000-fold. HCII is homologous to antithrombin, which inhibits not only thrombin but also factors Xa and IXa when bound to heparan sulfate synthesized by endothelial cells; by this mechanism, antithrombin may prevent thrombosis of intact blood vessels. Mutations in the antithrombin gene that decrease its expression by half are associated with an increased risk of venous thromboembolism.1 Despite much effort on the part of many investigators, a convincing association between HCII deficiency and venous or arterial thrombosis has not been established.3 In animal studies, mice that completely lack HCII develop clots more rapidly in their carotid arteries after oxidative damage to the endothelium than do wild-type mice.4 This work provides direct evidence that HCII can have antithrombotic activity in vivo and draws attention to the arterial system as a potential target of action of HCII. Two clinical studies5,6 reported in Circulation suggest that HCII may help to protect people from in-stent restenosis or carotid artery atherosclerosis. See p 2761 In the first study,5 134 consecutive patients with symptomatic coronary artery disease were treated with placement of conventional non-coated stents, followed by aspirin and ticlopidine for 1 month. Angiograms obtained during the procedure and 6 months later were evaluated in a blinded fashion to determine the degree of in-stent restenosis. Plasma HCII and antithrombin activities were measured at the 6-month follow-up visit. The HCII levels in this patient population varied over a somewhat wider range (37% …
Standard molar enthalpy of formation of LaB6 by high-temperature calorimetry

Abstract The standard molar enthalpy of formation of LaB 6 has been determined calorimetrically for the first time by a new method based on reaction of the compound with solid platinum to form a liquid (platinum + lanthanum + boron) alloy. We found Δ f H m o (298.15 K) = −(400.4 ± 11.9) kJ mol −1 . The enthalpies of mixing Δ mix H m s-s of {(1 − x )Pt + x B}(1) alloys from Pt(cr) and B(cr) at compositions between x = 0.25 and x = 0.40 have been measured calorimetrically at (1377 ± 2) K. The most negative value of Δ mix H m s-s is about −4 kJ mol −1 found near x = 0.33.
The Energy Requirements of Dairy Cows: II. Is Net Energy or Metabolizable Energy the More Useful Index for Practical Purposes?

Summary The net energy or starch value of a food is that fraction of its metabolizable energy which an animal can use for maintenance or fattening. But the value of this fraction in any particular instance depends on the heat output of the animal in question, and this again depends on the degree of muscular activity, and on the external temperature. Net energy and starch values will not, therefore, be constant for any given food unless they are determined under fixed conditions. As the fixed conditions for their experiments, Armsby and Fries have chosen an external temperature of about 17°C. and the least possible stimulation to muscular activity. A careful study of their results shows that even under the most uniform conditions which they were able to obtain, the muscular activity of their animals was unevenly influenced by uncontrollable accidental causes, so that the results of individual experiments on the same food were highly variable. It is questionable whether their experiments were sufficiently extended to establish reliable approximate averages even for the conditions above described. That values obtained under these conditions would not be applicable under all practical conditions is obvious. In Armsby's system energy converted into fat is regarded as net, and energy transformed into muscular activity is counted as waste; for draft animals the reverse is the case. It is probable that net energy values obtained under the conditions of Armsby's experiments would be more or less inapplicable under almost all practical conditions. In order to suppose that they would be applicable, one must make a number of questionable assumptions, among which the most important are that the relative tendencies of different foods to stimulate useless muscular activity and other useless forms of heat output would remain constant, whether these foods were fed by themselves or along with others, and to whatever conditions of rest and activity or of external temperature the animals concerned were subjected. Experiments carried out on dairy cows indicate that the existing figures for the total digestible nutrients of dairy feeds furnish a very good measure of the relative values of these feeds as sources of nutritive energy under practical conditions. As the figures for total digestible nutrients are the nearest existing approach to the measure of the metabolizable energy contained in feeds, it may be supposed that figures for metabolizable energy would also furnish a good system for measuring feeds as sources of nutritive energy under practical conditions.
Counting neutrinos with monojets

Abstract In proton-antiproton collisions, the Z to W cross-section ratio at large pT is appreciably different from the total Z to W ratio. We drive the relation ( d σ/ d p T )(W ± ) · BR ( W →ev) ≅ ( d σ/ d p T )(Z) · BR ( Z →v v ) for sufficiently large pT, which is valid for three generations. As excess of “monojet” events would signal additional light neutrinos. This method is more sensitive to the variation of nv than the Z total width measurement or the method of total Z → e + e - / W → ev ratio.
The expulsion of Echinostoma trivolvis and retention of Echinostoma caproni in the ICR mouse: pathological effects.

Abstract The infectivity and distribution of Echinostoma trivolvis were studied in female ICR mice each infected with 25 metacercarial cysts. At 7 and 10 days post-exposure worm recoveries were 58.8 and 58.4%, respectively. Worm recovery declined to 38.2% by day 14, to 6.4% by day 21, and 0% by day 28. The distribution of the parasites demonstrated an anteriad shift over time. Comparative histopathological studies were carried out on E. trivolvis and Echinostoma caproni in the mouse. Compared to control and E. trivolvis -infected intestine, mouse intestine infected with E. caproni showed marked dilation and villous atrophy. E. trivolvis -infected intestine showed a nearly two-fold increase in goblet cells compared to control intestine, whereas the intestine of E. caproni -infected mice showed almost complete goblet cell loss. Additionally, there was a marked increase in collagen in the intestinal musculature of the mice infected with E. trivolvis compared to control and E. caproni -infected mice.
Experimental and numerical characterization of the structural dynamics of flapping beams

Abstract The nonlinear structural dynamics of a slender beam in flapping motion is examined both experimentally and computationally. In the experiments the periodic flapping motion is imposed on the clamped edge of the cantilever beam using a 4-bar crank-and-rocker mechanism. Aluminum beams with nominal dimensions of 150 mm×25 mm×0.4 mm are tested in air over a range of flapping frequencies up to 1.3 times the linear first modal frequency at two different flapping amplitudes, 15° and 30°. The response of the beam is characterized experimentally through bending strain and tip displacement data obtained from foil strain gage and high-speed camera, respectively. It was determined that for the particular combination of beam specimen (dimensions, material properties) and forcing parameters investigated, all experimental responses were periodic. The frequency response curves based upon the experimental bending strain data reveal a secondary superharmonic peak in addition to the primary resonance peak. As the flapping frequency is increased, the response of the beam is observed to change from symmetric (with respect to equilibrium position) periodic vibrations with a period equal to the flapping period to asymmetric periodic vibrations with higher harmonic content featuring local oscillations in the time histories. Experimental tip displacement results show that the beam spends more time during stroke reversals when the flapping frequency is near primary and secondary resonance regions. In addition to experiment, numerical simulations are performed using two-node, isoparametric degenerate-continuum based geometrically nonlinear beam elements. The HHT-α version of the Newmark finite difference scheme is used to discretize the problem in time and a linear viscous damping model is assumed. Overall the numerical simulations agree well with the experiments and capture most of the nonlinear dynamical features of the beam response. It is, however, found that in resonance regions the simulation overpredicts response magnitudes, possibly due to the use of the linear damping model and linear elastic constitutive model. Additional numerical simulations of the beam tip response reveal dynamics which include periodic, asymmetric periodic, quasi-periodic and aperiodic motions.