cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ambient air pollution and risk of respiratory infection among adults: evidence from the multiethnic study of atherosclerosis (MESA).

Background Air pollution may affect the risk of respiratory infection, though research has focused on uncommon infections or infections in children. Whether ambient air pollutants increase the risk of common acute respiratory infections among adults is uncertain, yet this may help understand whether pollutants influence spread of pandemic respiratory infections like COVID-19. Objective To estimate the association between ambient air pollutant exposures and respiratory infections in adults. Methods During five study examinations over 12 years, 6536 participants in the multiethnic study of atherosclerosis (MESA) reported upper respiratory tract infections, bronchitis, pneumonia or febrile illness in the preceding 2 weeks. Using a validated spatiotemporal model, we estimated residential concentrations of ambient PM2.5, NOx and NO2 for the 2–6 weeks (short-term) and year (long-term) prior to each examination. Results In this population aged 44–84 years at baseline, 10%–32% of participants reported a recent respiratory infection, depending on month of examination and study region. PM2.5, NOx and NO2 concentrations over the prior 2–6 weeks were associated with increased reporting of recent respiratory infection, with risk ratios (95% CIs) of 1.04 (1.00 to 1.09), 1.15 (1.10 to 1.20) and 1.21 (1.10 to 1.33), respectively, per increase from 25th to 75th percentile in residential pollutant concentration. Conclusion Higher short-term exposure to PM2.5 and traffic-related pollutants are associated with increased risk of symptomatic acute respiratory infections among adults. These findings may provide an insight into the epidemiology of COVID-19.
Puerto Ricans and Mexican immigrants differ in their psychological responses to patterns of lifetime adversity.

Background Puerto Ricans and Mexican immigrants are often exposed to multiple types of adversity across their lifetime (e.g., maltreatment, household dysfunction, discrimination) and this exposure can increase the risk for adult mental health problems. Purpose The objective of this study was to (a) identify subgroups of individuals exposed to unique combinations of childhood adversity and lifetime discrimination among Puerto Ricans and Mexican immigrants, and (b) compare the prevalence of mental health problems across different risk profiles. Method We used existing data from the HCHS/SOL Sociocultural Ancillary Study. Participants included Puerto Rican (N = 402) and Mexican adults (N = 1351) born outside but living in the continental U.S. Findings Through latent profile analysis, we selected a three-profile solution for Puerto Ricans: (a) Low Exposure (low on all adversity items; 58% of sample), (b) Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Only (high on ACEs items, average or lower than average on discrimination items; 32%), and (c) Dual Exposure (high on all adversity items; 10%). For Mexicans, we selected a four-profile solution: (a) Low Exposure (52%), (b) ACEs Only (24%), (c) Maltreatment and Discrimination (15%), and (d) Dual Exposure (9%). For Mexicans, we found that the Dual Exposure and the Maltreatment and Discrimination profiles had the highest levels of mental health problems. For Puerto Ricans, the Dual Exposure and ACEs Only profiles had the highest levels of mental health problems, suggesting that Puerto Ricans may be more vulnerable to the effects of childhood adversities as compared to Mexican immigrants. Results from our study indicate that different patterns of adversity exposure are linked to different levels of mental health outcomes, and therefore, may require different intervention dosage. Understanding which groups of individuals are at highest and lowest risk for mental health problems is critical for developing effective, tailored interventions to prevent the negative effects of childhood adversity and discrimination for Latinxs.
Non-contact Characterization of Antenna Parameters in mmW and THz Bands

We present a novel, non-contact measurement technique for the characterization of conventional antenna parameters, including port reflection coefficient, gain and radiation pattern over a desired frequency range. Our method eliminates the need for an active measurement port connection to the antenna under test. Instead, the antenna parameters are indirectly determined by treating the test antenna input port and the port of the measurement device as a 2-port open-air fixture. The unknowns in the network representation of the open-air fixture model can be uniquely determined through a 1-port calibration process and each branch in the signal flow graph can be related to the usual antenna parameters such as input reflection coefficient, gain and radiation pattern. This approach is particularly attractive for characterizing antenna parameters when a direct connection to the antenna is either prohibitive, difficult, undesirable or expensive. On-chip antennas for mmW and THz applications, platform-integrated antennas, and body-implanted antennas are examples of the potential utility of the non-contact antenna characterization method presented here. To demonstrate the validity, scalability and overall efficacy of the proposed approach, we present the non-contact measurement of port reflection coefficient, gain and radiation pattern for various antennas of different types, with operation frequencies ranging from 60 GHz to 750 GHz.
THE ROLE OF PROSTAGLANDINS IN OVIPOSITION

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the role of prostaglandins (PG) in oviposition (OP). OP is under the control of several factors including neural and endocrine ones. It is found that although the initiating events of OP are far from being elucidated, the final stages of the process resulting in the expulsion of the egg from the shell gland involve relaxation of the vagina and contraction of the smooth muscle surrounding the shell gland. There is increasing evidence that prostaglandins affect one or more of these events. To test whether PG surges are evident in the plasma at the time of predicted OP but in the absence of an egg in the shell gland, premature expulsion of the egg with AVT within 5 min was induced when the hormone was administered 2–5 hours before expected OP. In each case, there is an increase in the plasma PGFM concentration at expected OP which returns to basal levels within 1 hour. Therefore, it appears that the prostaglandins are released at the time of OP or expected OP, regardless of the presence of an egg in the shell gland, suggesting that PGs participate in the initiation of OP rather than being released only in response to increased muscular activity.
Disseminated blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm.

![Figure][1] A 63-year-old man presented with cutaneous nodules. Workup revealed anemia, thrombocytopenia, monocytosis, and 5% circulating “blasts.” Bone marrow sampling showed 33% immature-appearing cells (panel A), with occasional “tadpole” appearance (panel A, lower inset) and an
A Comparison of Automatic Nap-of-the-earth Guidance Strategies for Helicopters

This paper describes updated results from a partnership between the Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation and the Georgia Institute of Technology to develop, improve, and flight-test a sensor, guidance, navigation, control, and real-time flight path optimization system to support high-performance nap-of-the-earth helicopter flight. Multiple obstacle avoidance methods are evaluated, including 1 a simple processing of each laser scan; 2 a motion primitive optimization method, and 3 a potential-field-based method. Simulation and flight test results have been obtained utilizing an onboard laser scanner to detect terrain and obstacles while flying at low altitude, and they have successfully demonstrated obstacle avoidance in a realistic semiurban environment at speeds up to 12i¾?m/s while maintaining a specified vertical and horizontal miss distance. Additionally, the performance of the selected LIDAR model in multiple degraded environments was observed. The performances of the three guidance methods are directly compared, using a published benchmark performance for reference. These results validate the above approaches and pave the way for extensions to this work, including investigation of additional motion primitives and the relationship between sensor range and aircraft performance requirements.
Federal Question Jurisdiction and the Federal Arbitration Act

The Federal Arbitration Act gives signatories to an arbitration agreement the right to have that agreement specifically enforced. The FAA does not, however, confer federal subject matter jurisdiction. Absent federal jurisdiction, a party seeking enforcement under the FAA must sue in state court. State courts, however, are far more likely than federal courts to use state contract law doctrines to avoid enforcing arbitration agreements. This has led parties seeking enforcement to look for other ways into federal court. Some federal courts have found jurisdiction over enforcement actions when the underlying dispute involves a federal question, such as when an employer is seeking to enforce an arbitration agreement against an employee who has sued for employment discrimination under Title VII. These courts reason that the text and history of the FAA require courts to "look through" the dispute about enforceability to the underlying dispute. Other courts, however, have concluded that such a "look through" is inconsistent with the text and history of the FAA and with the well-pleaded complaint rule. Our article explains that the difficulty of choosing one approach over the other is exacerbated because the same interpretive tools can be marshaled in favor of each approach, and because the arguments made using each interpretive tool are not mutually exclusive. Our article argues that courts should adopt the "look through" approach.
The Acquisition of Skills Over the Life-Cycle

The cyclical behavior of the acquisition of skills over the life-cycle is investigated. The OLG model employed includes the human capital production sector of Heckman (1976) that has two possible responses in skill acquisition to a productivity shock: a substitution and an income effect. The calibrated model predicts, for all age groups, that the substitution effect dominates the wealth effect; schooling is countercyclical. However, this prediction is at odds with the data, where schooling by the young is procyclical. By making human capital acquisition shocks positively correlated with the TFP shock we replicate the procyclicality of schooling for the young and countercyclicality of schooling for the old. JEL classification: J24, J31, E24
ASC-H in Pap test- definitive categorization of cytomorphological spectrum

Objective: The American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology (ASCCP) guidelines for management of ASC-H is colposcopic examination followed by biopsy. HPV testing (HPVT) is recommended after a negative biopsy result. More definitive interpretation of ASC-H could prevent discomfort and minimize the cost. The purpose of this study was to evaluate association of various cytomorphological patterns of ASC-H with various clinical scenarios. Methods: We reviewed SurePath™ (TriPath Imaging, Inc. Burlington, NC, USA) cervical smears interpreted as ASC-H in 161 women (mean age, 37 {15 to 78} years), over 24 months (2002 to 2003). HPVT (Digene, Hybrid Capture® II HPV test, Digene Corporation, Gaithersburg, MD, USA) was performed in 20% of cases (33/161) and biopsy results were available in 54 cases (19 with and 35 without HPVT). Results: HPVT was positive in 64% (21/33) cases, and negative in 36% (12/33) cases. In the follow-up biopsies of 71% (15/21) of cases with positive HPVT, 27% showed HPV changes or CIN1, 27% showed CIN2-3, and 46% were negative for epithelial abnormality. Follow-up biopsies from cases with negative HPVT (33%, 4/12 cases), 8% showed CIN1 and 25% were negative for any epithelial abnormality. Six cytomorphological patterns of ASC-H correlated with different clinical categories in relation to HPVT and biopsy results. 35% (19 out of 54 ASC-H cases in which biopsy results were available) could be interpreted definitively as HSIL by cytopathology, 11% (6/54) cases as LSIL with cyanophilic atypical parakeratotic pattern, and 31% (17/54) cases as reactive, with HPV status. The interpretation had to be continued as ASC-H in 22% (12/54) cases. Conclusion: ASC-H demonstrated a spectrum of cytomorphological patterns. Some of these patterns in liquid-based cervical smears may be more specifically interpreted as LSIL, HSIL, or benign if HPV status is known.
Screening for gestational diabetes mellitus: comparison of a glucose polymer and a glucose monomer test beverage.

Background: The current test for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) uses a glucose monomer test beverage, which frequently causes gastrointestinal symptoms, and venipuncture. We investigated a simplified test using a beverage of glucose polymer and a capillary whole blood glucose measurement. Methods: In a randomized, double-blind clinical trial, women at 24 to 28 weeks’ gestation received a 50-g glucose monomer (n = 41) or glucose polymer (n = 35) beverage. Venous and capillary blood samples were obtained 1 hour later. The women then completed standardized questionnaires about their symptoms. Results: The glucose polymer beverage was associated with significantly fewer symptoms than was the glucose monomer drink: the mean was 1.1 symptoms per test with the glucose monomer drink and 0.4 symptoms per test with the glucose polymer drink (P Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that a glucose polymer beverage is better tolerated than a glucose monomer beverage during GDM screening, but capillary glucose measurement might be of limited use in clinics where many personnel perform the capillary blood glucose testing.
Heterogeneous preferences and collective action

In recent years, scholarshave turned to alternative representationsof utility to capture motivationalheterogeneity across individuals. In theresearch reported here, we examine twomodels of heterogeneous utility –linear-altruism and inequity-aversion – inthe context of two-person, social dilemmagames. Empirical tests are conducteddrawing on data from experiments andsurveys. We find that the model ofinequity-aversion accounts for asubstantial proportion of the preferencetypes and behavior that are not explainedby the standard model of self-interestedpreferences. In contrast, the altruismmodel does not provide a significantincrease in explanatory power over theinequity-aversion model.
Charge transfer properties of mnos structures as influenced by processing parameters

The charge transfer and retention characteristics of MNOS structures have been studied as a function of specified processing parameters utilized when fabricating the tunneling silicon oxide and charge storage silicon nitride layers. A grid array of n+ junctions fabricated on 2 ohm-cm “p” type silicon substrates allowed simulation of the transient characteristics of FET’s. Electrical measurements included switching speed, static and dynamic charge storage windows, and stored charge retention with time. The switching speed and window width were influenced by some processing parameters. Some shortcomings with recent discharge models are noted, based upon the data obtained. Limited (multiple cycling) “fatigue” studies have indicated improved window behavior with increased write-erase voltages, and pulse widths below one microsecond, for MNOS structures with the tunneling oxide prepared within an NO plus H2 ambient.
Low pulse-energy micromachining in bulk glass with a short-cavity femtosecond oscillator

We report the first experiments showing structural changes in borosilicate glass using just a short-cavity Ti:sapphire oscillator at 800 nm and 90 MHz. Micromachining is achieved with infrared femtosecond pulses having record-low energies. We show 3-D patterning capability, including waveguides and 3-D gratings embedded in the volume of a glass slab.
The degenerative effect on rabbit implantation sites by indomethacin. I. Timing of indomethacin action, possible effect on uterine proteins and the effect of replacement doses of PGF2α

To determine the effective time of indomethacin (Id) action in disrupting early pregnancy, groups of rabbits were treated at various stages after mating with Id and/or replacement doses of PGF2 alpha. Effect of Id on the secretion of uterine proteins was also investigated. The highest rate of embryonic death occurred when Id was injected twice daily during days 5-7 of pregnancy, and days 5-6 appear to be the most critical. Persisting levels of Id during this critical stage is required to induce the antifertility effect. The results also indicate that the adverse effect of Id is not mediated through an effect on uterine proteins, and is mainly due to the inhibition of PG's synthesis. PG's are apparently required for normal implantation and early development.
International factor movements, commodity trade and commercial policy in a specific factor model

Two events in the decade of the 1970s had a major impact on world trade and factor movements: the collapse of the Bretton-Woods fixed-exchange rate system and OPEC’s success in raising petroleum prices. The enormous current account surplus accruing to some of the OPEC members was successfully recycled by the international capital markets to, among others, the oil-importing developing countries. In addition, the vastly increased tempo of investment in the capital-rich labour-poor OPEC members in West Asia attracted migration of labour (skilled as well as unskilled) to these countries from some of the oil-importing developing countries. The remittances from these workers in turn eased the problem of the labourexporting countries in adjusting to the increased cost of oil imports. Thus, both borrowing from private capital markets and export of labour became very important elements in cushioning the oil shock for a number of countries. The post-OPEC movements of labour and financial capital, while dramatic, are only the more recent instances of a phenomenon of much greater antiquity. The seventeenth and eighteenth centuries saw vast migration of people out of Europe, though these movements were the result of conquests and colonization rather than movements from one sovereign state into another. But the nineteenth century, particularly the latter half, saw migration of the latter kind from Europe to countries of North and South America, as well as capital investment by residents of Europe in these
Intermediate mass fragments from the reactions 486, 550, 640, and 730 MeV 86Kr+63Cu.

Intermediate mass fragments have been studied from the reaction {sup 86}Kr+{sup 63}Cu for {sup 86}Kr beam energies of 486, 550, 640, and 730 MeV. Average center-of-mass (c.m.) energies are nearly constant with the c.m. angle and vary little with incident energy. Furthermore, the angular distributions are well approximated by 1/sin{theta}{sub c.m.}. From this and other evidence we conclude that equilibration has occurred prior to fissionlike asymmetric binary breakup of the composite nucleus in the predominant mechanism for IMF production.
Minireview - Autoimmune Responses to Myelin Proteolipid Protein

The authors present a brief historical sketch of the development of our understanding of immune responses to myelin proteolipid protein (PLP) and the acceptance of PLP as a potent antigen in the induction of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE). The distinct characteristics of the PLP molecule that may contribute to complex immune responses to this protein are reviewed and these responses are compared with those to MBP, both in the pathology of EAE and at the level of the T cell. Recent evidence demonstrating differences between T cell responses to PLP and MBP is reviewed. Finally, the potential contribution of immune responses to PLP in human diseases, particularly mutiple sclerosis (MS), that have been identified to date are then summarized. For the authors to write a review on PLP and its role in EAE without Marjorie is like their sailing a ship without a captain, compass or rudder. This review is largely based on work and ideas generated in Marjorie's laboratory, but it was prepared without her input. Consequently, it lacks her meticulous reflection on the structure of each of its sentences and on the use of each word. Papers written with Marjorie are usually honed to near perfection late into the evening at her kitchen table in Newton, where food, ideas, and warmth abound, and where her very patient and accommodating husband Sidney and a demanding but lovable canine are close at hand. Writing this essay gave the authors a chance to recognize our scientific forebears, to consider where we are at this point and to contemplate our future directions in studying immune responses to PLP. We are, indeed, very grateful and indebted to Marjorie for her generous personal and scientific support, wise guidance, inspiration, strength, energy and, most importantly, friendship. Marjorie, we thank you, you are our role model, and we affectionately anticipate many more years of continued collaboration with you.
The role of the neutrophil and free radicals in ischemic myocardial injury.

The association of coronary artery thrombosis with the onset of acute myocardial infarction has provided the rationale for the development of pharmacologic and/or physical methods for the restoration of coronary artery blood flow. The institution of pharmacologic methods for myocardial reperfusion has resulted in a reduction in mortality leading to acceptance of thrombolytic therapy as the standard approach to the management of patients with an evolving acute myocardial infarction [I]. It is a well established fact that prolonged myocardial ischemia leads to a time-dependent loss in the viability of myocardial cells in the jeopardized region of the heart and that the restoration of coronary artery blood flow is fundamental in order to arrest the progression of cell death and for the restoration of myocardial function. The restoration of blood flow is essential for repair of the reversible changes induced by ischemia and for the continued survival of the myocardial cells at risk of permanent damage. The reintroduction of oxygen at the time of reperfusion, however, may be detrimental to the reoxygenated myocyte as well as being beneficial. A number of recent reviews have been devoted to an examination of the question of whether reactive species of oxygen or oxygen radicals can contribute to the development of irreversible myocardial cell injury during the period of reperfusion [2, 3, 4, 51. The purpose of this editorial is to focus attention on the potential role of the polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) as a determinant of the ultimate extent of irreversible myocardial injury after ischemia and reperfusion, and to call attention to those factors which modulate the inflammatory response to myocardial cell injury.
President Versus Congress: The Struggle for Public Attention

Power relationships between the executive and legislative branches in the United States are affected by the nature and shape of public opinion. Both branches actively seek the stamp of popular approval but the President has advantages in the struggle for public attention that are vital in the exercise of his powers. Television, in the coverage it gives to presidential activities and pseudo-activities, provides the President with an opportunity to move and lead the nation. Although we are a nation of shared powers, television projects the message that we are a presidential nation and that message is affecting both popular perceptions and power relationships on the national level.
Glycosylation and NH2-terminal domain mutants of the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1).

Abstract Mutants in the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) protein have been created by site-directed mutagenesis and expressed in HeLa cells, using a recombinant vaccinia virus system. Removal of either or both glycosylation sites yielded proteins which retained wild-type inhibitory activity against both human fibroblast-type collagenase (FIB-CL) and M r 72 000 gelatinase (GL). However, the double glycosylation mutant protein was expressed at a level that was 2–4-fold lower than that of the wild-type or the single site glycosylation mutants. The ‘tiny-TIMP’ COOH-terminal deletion mutant that lacks the last 57 residues was also inhibitory, but the dose–response curve suggested that the interaction with the M r 72 000 gelatinase had been altered. A number of replacement mutants in the highly conserved NH 2 -terminal domain, including replacement of P5A and P8A or a double mutation in the VIRAK sequence which is absolutely conserved in all TIMPs in all species (VIRAK to VIAAA), also yielded functional proteins capable of inhibiting FIB-CL and M r 72 000 GL and of forming SDS-resistant complexes with FIB-CL. None of the above manipulations abolished inhibitory function suggesting that binding of the inhibitor by the enzyme involves multiple interactions.
An application of the Hadamard product to air pollution

By extending the use of the Hadamard product, it can be applied to solving a partial differential equation coming from an air pollution problem.
Importance of evaluation of adhesives for all environmental conditions and permanence studies

Although considerable research has been conducted to establish the performance of various adhesives under different conditions of service, much remains to be done. Of great importance are basic studies of the mechanisms of deterioration of adhesives in joints under known conditions so that reliable short-term performance tests may be devised to determine the expected performance of adhesives under various service conditions. Such research needs will undoubtedly be increased in importance by the continued introduction of new adhesives of different chemical types. In all probability, the nature of the adherend influences not only initial adhesion but also subsequent joint performance. Most experience reported here on permanence of joints has been gained with wood, but research on metal adhesives is also reviewed.
Fluorescence in situ hybridization for detecting TP16MTS1/CDK41 gene deletions in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

Abstract We have previously shown TP16 MTS1/CDK41 gene deletion in more than 50% of a cohort of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) patients using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). We have performed fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) on paraffin-embedded SCCHN specimens from the same cohort to identify the deletion of TP16 MTS1/CDK41CDK41 gene. Twenty normal and 19 SCCHN specimens were studied. An α-satellite DNA probe specific for chromosome 9 and a cosmid probe for the TP16 MTS1/CDK41CDK41 gene were used. Of the 19 tumors examined by FISH, 6 had homozygous deletions, 7 were hemizygously deleted, and the remaining 6 showed no evidence of deletion of the TP16 MTS1/CDK41 gene. None of the normal specimens showed TP16 gene deletion. Data obtained from FISH highly correlated with the PCR results for the identification of TP16 MTS1/CDK41 gene deletions. Patients with deletion of the TP16 MTS1/CDK41 gene show a greater tendency toward the development of recurrence and metastasis.
Mitigating Performance Degradation of High-Capacity Lithium-Ion Cells with Boronate-Based Electrolyte Additives

Boronate-based electrolyte additives are tested in high-capacity lithium-ion cells containing graphite-based negative and Li1.2Ni0.15Mn0.55Co0.1O2-based positive electrodes. Cells containing small amounts (0.25 wt%) of phenyl boronic acid ethylene glycol ester (PBE) in an EC:EMC (3:7 by wt) + 1.2M LiPF6 (Gen2) electrolyte show improved capacity retention and reduced impedance rise compared to cells without the additive. Adding a perfluorooctyl chain to PBE creates the phenyl boronic acid perfluorooctyl ethylene glycol ester (PFO-PBE) compound. Cells with 0.25 wt% PFO-PBE additive display the lowest capacity fade (21%) compared to the PBE (34%) and Gen2 (65%) cells after more than 200, 2.2–4.6 V cycles, at 30◦C. These data validate our modular-electrolyte additive concept (PBE head and perfluoroalkyl tail) for high-capacity lithium-ion cells. Impedance rise is reduced further by addition of 2 wt% LiDFOB (LiF2BC2O4) to cells with 0.25 wt% PFO-PBE, thus demonstrating that additive combinations can enhance performance during extended cycling. © 2014 The Electrochemical Society. [DOI: 10.1149/2.0081410jes] All rights reserved.
A Patient Image-based Technique to Assess the Image Quality of Clinical Chest Radiographs

Current clinical image quality assessment techniques mainly analyze image quality for the imaging system in terms of factors such as the capture system DQE and MTF, the exposure technique, and the particular image processing method and processing parameters. However, when assessing a clinical image, radiologists seldom refer to these factors, but rather examine several specific regions of the image to see whether the image is suitable for diagnosis. In this work, we developed a new strategy to learn and simulate radiologists' evaluation process on actual clinical chest images. Based on this strategy, a preliminary study was conducted on 254 digital chest radiographs (38 AP without grids, 35 AP with 6:1 ratio grids and 151 PA with 10:1 ratio grids). First, ten regional based perceptual qualities were summarized through an observer study. Each quality was characterized in terms of a physical quantity measured from the image, and as a first step, the three physical quantities in lung region were then implemented algorithmically. A pilot observer study was performed to verify the correlation between image perceptual qualities and physical quantitative qualities. The results demonstrated that our regional based metrics have promising performance for grading perceptual properties of chest radiographs.
Head trauma: hearing loss and dizziness.

Objective Because the physicians who care for patients with head trauma may be family practitioners or internists, this article provides these physicians some knowledge of the causes and patho-physiology of such trauma with respect to neurotologic sequelae to aid in their decisions to seek consultat
Effect of modest caloric restriction on oxidative stress in women, a randomized trial.

Objectives It is not established to what extent caloric intake must be reduced to lower oxidative stress in humans. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of short-term, moderate caloric restriction on markers of oxidative stress and inflammation in overweight and obese premenopausal women. Materials/Methods Randomized trial comparison of 25% caloric restriction (CR) or control diet in 40 overweight or obese women (body mass index 32±5.8 kg/m2) observed for 28 days and followed for the next 90 days. Weight, anthropometry, validated markers of oxidative stress (F2-isoprostane) and inflammation (C-reactive protein), adipokines, hormones, lipids, interleukins, and blood pressure were assessed at baseline, during the intervention, and at follow-up. Results Baseline median F2-isoprostane concentration (57.0, IQR = 40.5–79.5) in the CR group was 1.75-fold above average range for normal weight women (32.5 pg/ml). After starting of the caloric restriction diet, F2-isoprostane levels fell rapidly in the CR group, reaching statistical difference from the control group by day 5 (median 33.5, IQR = 26.0–48.0, P<0.001) and remained suppressed while continuing on the caloric restriction diet. Three months after resuming a habitual diet, concentrations of F2-isoprostane returned to baseline elevated levels in ∼80% of the women. Conclusions Oxidative stress can be rapidly reduced and sustained through a modest reduction in caloric intake suggesting potential health benefits in overweight and obese women. Trial Registration Clinicaltrials.gov NCT00808275
Operator stable laws: Series representations and domains of normal attraction

LetX,X 1,X 2,... be i.i.d. random vectors in ℝd. The limit laws μ that can arise by suitable affine normalizations of the partial sums,S n=X 1+...+X n, are calledoperator-stable laws. These laws are a natural extension to ℝ d of the stable laws onℝ. Thegeneralized domain of attraction of μ[GDOA(μ)] is comprised of all random vectorsX whose partial sums can be affinely normalized to converge to μ. If the linear part of the affine transformation is restricted to take the formn −B for some exponent operatorB naturally associated to μ thenX is in thegeneralized domain of normal attraction of μ [GDONA(μ)]. This paper extends the theory of operator-stable laws μ and their domains of attraction and normal attraction.
12 INCREASED CYTOCHROME P-450 (P450j) LEVELS IN LYMPHOCYTES OF CHILDREN WITH POORLY CONTROLLED INSULIN DEPENDENT DIABETES MELLITUS (IDDM)

We have previously shown that P450 dependent hepatic metabolism is increased in poorly controlled insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) affecting all three isozymes involved in antipyrine metabolism (Ped. Res. 21:346A, 1987). We now describe elevated P50j in lymphocytes of poorly controlled IDDM patients. P450j plays a major role in the metabolism of nitrosamine, a carcinogen, and in metabolic conversion of acetoacetate and acetone to acetol. Levels of P450j are increased in diabetic animals by specific mRNA stablization (Molec. Endocr. 1:542, 1987). In this study, P450j was measured in peripheral lymphocytes (5ml of blood), of 8 patients with IDDM (age 6-14, mean 10.2 yr) in poor control. Their Hgb A1 was 13.2±2.1% (nl<7.8%). P450 was measured using a polyclonal antibody (AB) against P450j. Lymphocytes were obtained from nl volunteers and IDDM patients, grown in tissue culture at 37°C for 4 days, in the presence of mitogen. Lymphocytes were homogenized and analyzed by SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis followed by Western blot analysis using polyclonal AB's against P450j. Levels of P450j in IDDM patients were 3-6 times higher than those of nl controls. The highest P450j levels (5 and 6 fold increases) were seen in the 2 patients with the highest Hgb A1 levels (12, 14.3%). This is the first direct demonstration of a potentially reversible elevation of a member of the cytochrome P450 gene family in IDDM using a readily available tissue source.
Partial Chemical Characterization of Corn Root Cell Walls

The present study reports on chemical changes which occur in the cell wall of Zea mays during early phases of growth. Roots of seedling corn plants were divided into a meristematic zone, the zone of elongation, and the maturation zone, and the cell wall isolated from each of these zones. The wall preparations were then extracted sequentially to obtain pectin, hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin fractions. Each of these, except for the lignin fraction, was hydrolyzed and the resultant sugars isolated, identified, and estimated quantitatively. Quantitative analysis of the products of hydrolysis of these fractions demonstrated that the classical scheme of fractionation is a valuable indicator of the changes in solubility properties which the various polysaccharide components for the wall undergo. It does not however yield definite chemical entities. For example, the “pectin” fraction contains only about 3% galacturonic acid; the bulk of it being composed of glucose, xylose, and galactose. By summation of analysis of these various fractions, it was found that substances yielding glucose and xylose upon hydrolysis increase with advancing age of the tissue. Galactose- and arabinose-yielding compounds decrease and mannose appears during maturation. Anhydrouronic acids first decrease, then increase. Most interestingly, of the total dry weight of the cell wall, only 24, 45, and 50% of the meristematic, elongation, and maturation zones respectively are accounted for as simple sugars in the acid hydrolysates. Oligosaccharides were not encountered in large amounts so that the 50 to 75% of the wall weight unaccounted for would consist of polysaccharides or oligosaccharides not precipitated by ethanol from the extracting solutions employed and by polysaccharides in the hemicellulose fraction which are resistant to acid hydrolysis.
Negative-ion CIMS: analysis of volatile leaf wound compounds including HCN

Abstract Chemical-ionization mass spectrometry (CIMS) using flow-reactor mass spectrometers has flourished as a sensitive, on-line method of analyzing trace volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in air. In this work, the OH − anion is explored as the ionizing reagent in a flowing-afterglow selected ion flow tube (FA-SIFT) instrument for its utility in detecting VOCs and HCN released by cut and wounded plant material. Reaction rate coefficients and products for reactions between OH − anion and 17 plant VOCs and some structural isomers are reported. These results are also compared to reactions between H 3 O + and these same VOCs. Fragmentation products from collision-induced dissociation (CID) of the [ M −1] − anion of each species are also given to aid in ion identification. H/D exchange was successfully used to distinguish ionized aldehyde/ketone products that are structural isomers for two different isomeric aldehyde/ketone pairs. Simultaneous emissions of acetone, butanone, and HCN were observed from several plants and the emissions of acetone and butanone were confirmed from one plant using H/D exchange. The utility of this technique as a screening tool for cyanogenesis in plants is discussed.
Diagnosis of Gastrinoma: Much Ado about Nothing?

Excerpt Few disorders have attracted as much clinical interest as duodenal ulcer disease, particularly regarding pathogenesis and treatment. Many gaps remain in our understanding of the pathophysio...
Fetal thoracentesis with unsuccessful outcome.

We report a case of isolated fetal hydrothorax, treated with serial thoracenteses, in which the fetus developed signs of hydrops, had evidence of severe hypoproteinemia at birth, and expired on the fifth day of life
Properties of subcritical water as an eluent for reversed-phase liquid chromatography--disruption of the hydrogen-bond network at elevated temperature and its consequences.

Abstract The use of subcritical water as an eluent for reversed-phase liquid chromatography is further explored. Shape selectivity as well as thermodynamic values for solute transfer were measured and compared to those seen with traditional ambient methanol/water and acetonitrile/water mobile phases. Linear solvation energy analysis was also used to analyze extrapolated values of the retention factor in pure water at ambient temperatures ( k ′ w ) for subcritical water and ambient hydroorganic mobile phases. Results indicate that it is likely that a large disruption in the hydrogen-bonding network of water at high temperatures causes unique chromatographic selectivity, as well as prohibits accurate extrapolation from high temperature to ambient conditions using pure water. Additionally, subcritical water was not found to be a suitable mobile phase for determining k ′ w for use in estimating octanol/water partition coefficients.
Effects of Disability Labels on Teachers' Perceptions of Students' Self-Determination:

Teachers' perceptions of their students' self-determination were significantly lower for students with disabilities (n = 48) than for students without disabilities (n = 47), even though there was little difference in observed behaviors of these students.
Effect of plasticizer on dynamic site heterogeneity in cold-cast gelatin films

Abstract We have used phosphorescence from the triplet probe erythrosin-5-isothiocyanate covalently linked to lysine residues in gelatin to monitor the molecular mobility in cold-cast gelatin films plasticized by water and glycerol. The phosphorescence intensity decay was well modeled by a stretched exponential in which the lifetime τ and the stretching factor β (which reflects heterogeneity) were the adjustable parameters. Both τ and β varied with emission wavelength in dry gelatin, with longer lifetime and broader distribution (smaller β ) at short wavelength (650 nm) and shorter lifetime and narrower distribution (larger β ) at long wavelength (730 nm). Such behavior indicates that erythrosin probes are distributed among dynamically distinct sites within the gelatin matrix that differ in their intrinsic molecular mobility. Analysis of the variation of lifetimes with temperature indicates that the less mobile, blue-emitting sites have also higher activation energy for collisional quenching of the triplet state than the more mobile, red-emitting sites. The presence of water (hydration against 75% RH) reduced, while glycerol (at 50 wt%) virtually eliminated the spectral heterogeneity, perhaps reflecting an increase in the rate of matrix relaxation around the triplet state. Each plasticizer also decreased the apparent activation energy for collisional quenching to undetectably low levels, suggesting further that the plasticizers decrease the size of the cooperative units whose motions led to collisional quenching. These data provide novel insight into the local structure and dynamics of the amorphous gelatin matrix and the molecular mechanism(s) underlying the effects of plasticizers.
Pressure support improves efficiency of spontaneous breathing during inhalation anesthesia.

Abstract Study Objective: To determine if reducing respiratory muscle load or increasing tidal volume (V T ) with pressure support (PS) would improve ventilatory efficiency by reducing respiratory rate (RR) and resting PaCO 2 . Design: Prospective, and patient-controlled, with randomized treatment crossover. Setting: University cancer center and research institute. Patients: ASA status I and II patients scheduled to undergo inhalation anesthesia for operations in which neuromuscular relaxation is undesirable. Interventions: Propofol and succinylcholine were used to induce anesthesia and facilitate tracheal intubation. General anesthesia was maintained with desflurane, nitrous oxide, and oxygen. Patients breathed spontaneously at atmospheric pressure for 15 minutes and then randomly received alternate 15-minute trials of PS adjusted to provide either 5 cmH 2 O or a level titrated to produce V T of 8 ml/kg body weight. Then patients breathed spontaneously at atmospheric pressure for 15 minutes. Measurements and Main Results: In 20 patients aged 52 ± 11 years and weighing 72 ± 18kg, airway gas flow and pressure, esophageal pressure, arterial blood gas tensions and pH, and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were measured. Heart rate (HR), V T , RR, minute ventilation (V E ), carbon dioxide production (VCO 2 ), ratio of dead space to (V T ) (VD(VT), and inspiratory work of breathing (W I ) were calculated. End-tidal desflurane (6.7 ±0.4 %), VCO 2 (142 ± 39 ml/min), HR, and MAP were unchanged throughout the study. W I , RR, V E , VD(VT, and PaCO 2 were reduced significantly when PS was titrated to produce a (V T ) of 8 ml/kg and spontaneous breathing before and after PS trials ( p Conclusions: PS titrated to produce a near normal V T improves the efficiency of spontaneous breathing by lowering RR and PaCO 2 while preserving hemodynamic homeostasis in patients undergoing inhalation anesthesia. Lesser PS levels will unload the respiratory muscles, but have no effect on RR or PaCO 2 .
Predicting Bank Failures: The Role of Structure in Affecting

The acceleration in the number of US bank failures during recent years provides valuable data for developing bank failure prediction models. A probit models which incorporates various bank structure variables as well as traditional financial ratios is used to explain bank failures during the 1982—3 period. The empirical findings suggest that important information regarding a bank's likelihood of failure is contained in its balance sheet and income accounting data. It is also found that banks which affiliate with holding companies or are larger in size have a significantly lower probability of failure. This suggests that states which impose unit-banking rules or block holding company formation may be adding to failure risks.
A modality-specific somatosensory area within the insula of the rhesus monkey

Response properties of neurons in the monkey's granular insula (Ig) were examined with somatic, auditory, visual, and gustatory stimuli. Results indicate that a major portion of Ig is a somatic processing area exclusively, with units that have large and often bilateral receptive fields, consistent with the view that this area serves as a higher-order, modality-specific link in the somatosensory-limbic pathway.
Review of SPSS/PC + statistical package

SummarySPSS/PC + is a high-quality integrated statistical analysis tool operating onIBM PC and compatible microcomputer systems. It provides sophisticated statis-tical and analytical procedures comparable to mainframe and minicomputersystems. The program is most notable for the high level of control over theanalysis process with many available options. The systems appears particularlysuited for professional researchers and analysts working with modestly sized datasets and where the variables under investigation are less than the 200 maximum.The system operates best when installed on an AT type microcomputer with afloating-point coprocessor installed and 20 megabytes or more of hard diskstorage. As outlined above, there are limitations to the system that include `userunfriendliness' and variable limits. The program appears to be accurate based onthe benchmark tests presented above. Overall, SPSS/PC + provides a powerfuland complete package for numerical analysis on microcomputer systems .References
Effects of seasonal changes in the ionospheric conductances on magnetospheric field-aligned currents

[1] Through the seasons of the year, the ionospheric potential doesn't change significantly, while the solar driven conductance changes dramatically. This means that the magnetospherically driven field-aligned currents must be significantly reduced in the winter hemisphere and enhanced in the summer hemisphere. It is shown that, if this simplistic view of the conductance is used, the ratio between the maximum winter FAC and maximum summer hemisphere FAC is on the order of a factor of four. FAC data shows that the true factor is closer to two. When a seasonally dependent auroral precipitation is used to increase the auroral conductance in the winter hemisphere, the ratio between the maximum FAC in the summer and winter is reduced to 1.6. It is shown that the measured hemispheric power does indeed show a seasonal difference, with the winter hemisphere receiving more power by approximately 3.8 GW (about 20%).