cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pharyngeal gonorrhea screening in adolescents: is it necessary?

A prospective study was performed to examine the prevalence of pharyngeal gonorrhea in two urban female adolescent populations and to compare pharyngeal infection with a history of orogenital activity and concurrent genital gonorrhea. Group I was drawn from a children9s hospital adolescent clinic and group II was drawn from a public health clinic for sexually transmitted diseases. None of the 240 adolescents in group I had a pharyngeal culture positive for Neisseria gonorrhoeae compared with 3.4% in group II. Only 2.5% of group I had genital gonorrhea, but 33% of group II had positive genital cultures. In only two of the 20 patients with pharyngeal gonococcal infection was the pharynx the only infected site. The addition of routine pharyngeal culturing for gonorrhea yielded only 1% additional gonorrhea cases. There was a significant relationship between concurrent genital and pharyngeal gonorrhea. These findings indicate that routine screening for pharyngeal gonorrhea is not productive in some adolescent populations. A more economic approach would be to use gonorrhea treatment that is effective against both genital and pharyngeal gonorrhea or to obtain pharyngeal cultures in those adolescents returning for test-of-cure cultures after antibiotic treatment for genital gonorrhea.
Unit Hydrograph Theory

The fundamental premise of unit hydrograph theory is that the hydrologic system is linear and time invariant. Although the assumptions implied or made in the theory are, strictly speaking, seldom true, the theory, nevertheless, does yield reasonable results in practice. The theory is applicable to a wide range of problems in hydrology and water resources. The unit hydrograph is based on these postulates: (1) For a given drainage basin, the duration of surface runoff is constant for all uniform-intensity storms of the same duration, regardless of differences in the total volume of surface runoff. (2) For a given drainage basin, if two uniform-intensity storms of the same length produce different total volumes of surface runoff, then the rates of surface runoff at corresponding times, after the beginning of the two storms, are in the same proportion to each other as their total volumes of surface runoff. (3) The time distribution of surface runoff from a given storm period is independent of concurrent runoff from antecedent storm periods. Keywords: channel flow routing; direct runoff hydrograph; effective rainfall; groundwater flow; instantaneous sediment graph; instantaneous unit hydrograph; rainfall–runoff models; unit graph; unit hydrograph; unit sediment graph
TH-E-304-01: Overview of Primary Standards for Reference Dosimetry

It is fair to say that the clinical determination of absorbed dose in a high-energy photon beam is the only situation where there is currently a direct chain of traceability from the standards laboratory to the end-user and the protocol requires only ‘simple’ conversion/ correction factors. For all other modalities the primary standard is in a different quantity (e.g., air kerma) or in the right quantity but a different radiation beam (e.g., for proton dosimetry) from what is required for the clinical dose delivery. Complex conversion factors are often then required in applying protocols to give the desired final quantity. Such conversion factors can be from kerma to dose (in the case of kilovoltage x-rays or brachytherapy) or from one type of radiation beam to another (in the case of electron or proton beams). Even non-standard MV photon beams (e.g. non-standard geometry, presence of a magnetic field) can have a significant impact on the procedure that must be followed compared to what is found in TG-51. While national and international bodies, such as the AAPM and the IAEA, primarily address the end-user’s needs with protocols and guidelines, calibration laboratories are developing new measurement standards and approaches that should simplify the calibration chain and therefore lead to simpler, more robust procedures to yield absorbed dose in the beam of interest in the radiation therapy clinic. This session will provide a broad overview of the worldwide developments currently in progress, and also planned for the near future, of absorbed dose standards for a range of beam modalities including: Proton beams HDR and LDR brachytherapy Non-standard photon fields (small fields, impact of magnetic fields, etc) Learning Objectives: 1. Understand the present traceability chain for all beam modalities in regular use in the radiation therapy clinic. 2. Understand the current and planned development of absorbed dose standards for modalities other than linac photon beams. 3. Understand the physical basis of these standards and the potential impact on end-user dosimetry. 4. Understand the likely impact of these standards developments on dosimetry protocols in the coming 5–10 years.
Mechatronics at Rensselaer: a two-course senior-elective sequence in mechanical engineering

Mechatronics is the synergistic combination of mechanical engineering, electronics, control systems and computers. The key element in mechatronics is the integration of these areas through the design process. The essential characteristic of a mechatronics engineer and the key to success in mechatronics is a balance between two sets of skills: modeling/analysis skills and experimentation/hardware implementation skills. Synergism and integration in design set a mechatronic system apart from a traditional, multidisciplinary system. Mechanical engineers are expected to design with synergy and integration and professors must now teach design accordingly. The paper describes the undergraduate program in mechatronics at Rensselaer, i.e., two senior-elective courses, mechatronics (fall semester) and mechatronic system design (spring semester), and in particular, the integration of the theory covered in lectures with the laboratory exercises. The hardware systems and projects used in both courses are described.
Evaluation of sustained release aqueous suspensions containing microencapsulated drug-resin complexes

AbstractCellulose Acetate Butyrate coated resinates released chlorpheniramine faster if the microcapsules were hydrated by suspension prior to release studies when compared to dry, unsuspended microcapsules. Contrasting a sulfonic acid resinate with a carboxylic acid resinate showed a reduced rate of release for chlorpheniramine from both coated and uncoated sulfonic acid resinates. Microcapsules of smaller diameter released chlorpheniramine faster than larger coated resinates of a similar batch. Microcapsules prepared under identical conditions released pseudoephedrine, diphenhydramine, and chlorpheniramine at different rates, with pseudoephedrine being released the fastest and chlorpheniramine the slowest. Aging of aqueous suspensions containing the coated resinates at room and elevated temperatures resulted in drug release profiles which were within experimental error.
The Immunoproteasome as a Target in Hematologic Malignancies

Suppression of proteasome function with the first-in-class small molecule inhibitor bortezomib is a rational therapeutic strategy against several hematologic malignancies, including multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma. Second-generation inhibitors such as carfilzomib, ixazomib, and marizomib that, like bortezomib, target both the constitutive proteasome and the immunoproteasome, are also in clinical trials and showing encouraging activity. While the efficacy of these agents is well documented, toxicities associated with their use, such as peripheral neuropathy and gastrointestinal effects, can necessitate dose reductions or even discontinuations, possibly hampering their anti-neoplastic effects. These findings suggested that it could be possible to improve the therapeutic index of this class of drugs by specifically targeting only the immunoproteasome. Since the immunoproteasome is a unique target found in lymphoid-derived cells, immunoproteasome-specific inhibitors (IPSIs) could preserve efficacy while reducing treatment-emergent toxicities since they would spare other tissues with little to no immunoproteasome expression. This review discusses the current state of development of IPSIs, and the potential of using such agents for the treatment of hematologic malignancies.
Neocuproine ablates melanocytes in adult zebrafish.

Abstract The simplest regeneration experiments involve the ablation of a single cell type. While methods exist to ablate the melanocytes of the larval zebrafish,1,2 no convenient method exists to ablate melanocytes in adult zebrafish. Here, we show that the copper chelator neocuproine (NCP) causes fragmentation and disappearance of melanin in adult zebrafish melanocytes. Adult melanocytes expressing eGFP under the control of a melanocyte-specific promoter also lose eGFP fluorescence in the presence of NCP. We conclude that NCP causes melanocyte death. This death is independent of p53 and melanin, but can be suppressed by the addition of exogenous copper. NCP is ineffective at ablating larval melanocytes. This now provides a tool for addressing questions about stem cells and the maintenance of the adult pigment pattern in zebrafish.
Resource Storage and Competition with Spatial and Temporal Variation in Resource Availability

AbstractThis study addresses interspecific competition for a nutrient resource that is stored within individuals in habitats with both temporal and spatial variation. In such environments, population structure is induced by the mixture at any location of individuals with different amounts of stored nutrient, acquired elsewhere in the habitat. Focusing on phytoplankton competing for phosphorus in a partially mixed water column, an individual-based Lagrangian model is used to represent this population structure, and partial differential equations that approximate competitive dynamics are constructed by averaging over this population structure. Although the approximation model overestimates the benefit of resource storage to competitive fitness, both approaches predict that species with high storage capacity are favored by periodic resource pulses that are short lived but large in magnitude. Such storage specialists can competitively exclude or coexist with species that have advantages in maximal nutrient up...
The Influence of a Brief Mindfulness Exercise on Encoding of Novel Words in Female College Students

Based on research associating mindfulness with improvements in well-being, attention, and memory processes, brief mindfulness exercises may be helpful in enhancing the encoding of novel semantic information. We used a Swahili-English word pair association task to examine whether engaging in a brief mindfulness exercise enhanced the encoding of Swahili-English word pairs, thus improving long-term recall. Female undergraduate students at a midwestern university (N = 136) were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: engaging in a 20-min body scan meditation, a 45-min body scan meditation, or a no-treatment control group prior to learning Swahili-English word pairs. Analyses of variance showed significantly more words recalled by members of the 20-and 45-min groups compared to members of the control group. A separate analysis of variance showed no difference in the level of state mindfulness across groups. However, a follow-up analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) controlling for symptoms of depression and anxiety, attention problems, and trait mindfulness showed that compared to the control group, self-reported mean levels of state mindfulness were significantly higher after the meditation exercise for the 20-min group, with no difference between the control and 45-min group. No group differences were found across the three groups on changes in self-report ratings of state anxiety.
Long-term psychological outcomes in older adults after disaster: relationships to religiosity and social support

Objectives: Natural disasters are associated with catastrophic losses. Disaster survivors return to devastated communities and rebuild homes or relocate permanently, although the long-term psychological consequences are not well understood. The authors examined predictors of psychological outcomes in 219 residents of disaster-affected communities in south Louisiana.Method: Current coastal residents with severe property damage from the 2005 Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and exposure to the 2010 British Petroleum Deepwater Horizon oil spill were compared and contrasted with former coastal residents and an indirectly affected control group. Participants completed measures of storm exposure and stressors, religiosity, perceived social support, and mental health.Results: Non-organizational religiosity was a significant predictor of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions. Follow-up analyses revealed that more frequent participation in non-organizational religious...
Diagnostic Performance of Two‐Dimensional Versus Three‐Dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiography Images of Selected Pathologies Evaluated by Receiver Operating Characteristic Analysis

UNLABELLED The sensitivity and specificity of 2-D and 3-D echocardiographic images for the detection of selected morphological abnormalities were compared using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Five experienced clinical echocardiographers blinded to the patients' diagnoses evaluated the 20 original static 2-D image sets and 20 corresponding 3-D reconstructions using a five point categorical scale that ranged from definitely abnormal to definitely normal. The ROC curve for the 3-D images was significantly (P < 0.05) closer to the ideal discrimination function than was the ROC curve for the 2-D transesophageal images (i.e., the sensitivity of the 3-D images was higher than that of the 2-D sequential images at the same specificity). IN CONCLUSION 3-D transesophageal images provided better visual clues for the identification of morphological abnormalities than did serial 2-D echocardiographic images despite the same input information in both image formats. The use of ROC analysis assisted in the comparison of these two imaging techniques.
Mutations in the Cytoplasmic Domain of a Paramyxovirus Fusion Glycoprotein Rescue Syncytium Formation and Eliminate the Hemagglutinin-Neuraminidase Protein Requirement for Membrane Fusion

SER virus is closely related to the paramyxovirus simian virus 5 (SV5) but is defective in syncytium formation. The SER virus F protein has a long cytoplasmic tail (CT) domain that has been shown to inhibit membrane fusion, and this inhibitory effect could be eliminated by truncation of the C-terminal sequence (S. Tong, M. Li, A. Vincent, R. W. Compans, E. Fritsch, R. Beier, C. Klenk, M. Ohuchi, and H.-D. Klenk, Virology 301:322-333, 2002). To study the sequence requirements for regulation of fusion, codons for SER virus F protein residues spanning amino acids 535 to 542 and 548 were mutated singly to alanines, and the two leucine residues at positions 539 and 548 were mutated doubly to alanines. We found that leu-539 and leu-548 in the CT domain played a critical role in the inhibition of fusion, as mutation of the two leucines singly to alanines partially rescued fusion, and the double mutation L539, 548A completely rescued syncytium formation. Mutation of charged residues to alanines had little effect on the suppression of fusion activity, whereas the mutation of serine residues to alanines enhanced fusion activity significantly. The L539, 548A mutant also showed extensive syncytium formation when expressed without the SER virus HN protein. By constructing a chimeric SV5-SER virus F CT protein, we also found that the inhibitory effect of the long CT of the SER virus F protein could be partially transferred to the SV5 F protein. These results demonstrate that an elongated CT of a paramyxovirus F protein interferes with membrane fusion in a sequence-dependent manner.
Paying for What Government Should Do.

This opinion piece discusses the proposed expansion of government under U.S. President Barack Obama. The author uses examples produced by the field of public economics to explain why an increased investment in publicly valuable goods such as energy infrastructure, health care, and education can improve the overall economic status of the U.S. The fact that taxes will need to increase so as to finance such growth is also considered.
Structural consequences of cutting a binding loop: two circularly permuted variants of streptavidin.

Circular permutation of streptavidin was carried out in order to investigate the role of a main-chain amide in stabilizing the high-affinity complex of the protein and biotin. Mutant proteins CP49/48 and CP50/49 were constructed to place new N-termini at residues 49 and 50 in a flexible loop involved in stabilizing the biotin complex. Crystal structures of the two mutants show that half of each loop closes over the binding site, as observed in wild-type streptavidin, while the other half adopts the open conformation found in the unliganded state. The structures are consistent with kinetic and thermodynamic data and indicate that the loop plays a role in enthalpic stabilization of the bound state via the Asn49 amide–biotin hydrogen bond. In wild-type streptavidin, the entropic penalties of immobilizing a flexible portion of the protein to enhance binding are kept to a manageable level by using a contiguous loop of medium length (six residues) which is already constrained by its anchorage to strands of the β-barrel protein. A molecular-dynamics simulation for CP50/49 shows that cleavage of the binding loop results in increased structural fluctuations for Ser45 and that these fluctuations destabilize the streptavidin–biotin complex.
Evaluation of paper permanence

The thermal stability of papermaking pulps under conditions of accelerated aging and at pyrolytic temperatures was examined. Degradation was found to be extremely complex and influenced by both the technical processes of papermaking and by the experimental methods used. At moderate temperatures, as used for accelerated aging, the folding endurance test was found to be a sensitive measure of degradation. Methods of reducing the variability of the test were considered, and a new technique capable of handling widely different results was developed and evaluated.
Urinalysis vs urine protein-creatinine ratio to predict significant proteinuria in pregnancy.

Objective: To compare the urine protein–creatinine ratio with urinalysis to predict significant proteinuria (⩾300 mg per day). Study Design: A total of 116 paired spot urine samples and 24-h urine collections were obtained prospectively from women at risk for preeclampsia. Urine protein–creatinine ratio and urinalysis were compared to the 24-h urine collection. Result: The urine protein–creatinine ratio had better discriminatory power than urinalysis: the receiver operating characteristic curve had a greater area under the curve, 0.89 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.83 to 0.95) vs 0.71 (95% CI 0.64 to 0.77, P<0.001). When matched for clinically relevant specificity, urine protein–creatinine ratio (cutoff ⩾0.28) is more sensitive than urinalysis (cutoff ⩾1+): 66 vs 41%, P=0.001 (with 95 and 100% specificity, respectively). Furthermore, the urine protein–creatinine ratio predicted the absence or presence of proteinuria in 64% of patients; urinalysis predicted this in only 19%. Conclusion: The urine protein–creatinine ratio is a better screening test. It provides early information for more patients.
Diagnostic yield and renal complications after computed tomography pulmonary angiograms performed in a community-based academic hospital

Background: Venous thromboembolism and pulmonary embolism (VTE/PE) remain a diagnostic challenge. The computed tomography pulmonary angiogram (CTPA) has emerged as a popular diagnostic test for PE. However, there is limited data on diagnostic yield and complications in actual clinical settings. Our goal was to determine the diagnostic yield for PE and rate of renal complications following CTPA in a large community hospital setting. Methods: A retrospective chart review of 1,514 patients who underwent CTPA in the emergency department or during the initial 24 hours of admission to a community-based academic hospital. Results: Of 1,514 CTPAs, 125 were positive for VTE/PE yielding a positive diagnosis in 8.2%. Dyspnea was the most common symptom in patients and a normal physical exam was the most common finding. Among the 925 patients with adequate data to calculate the rate of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN), 25.8% had an increase of at least 25% in serum creatinine following the CTPA. Pre-existing diabetes and age were the most important predictors of CIN. Conclusions: CTPA has a low diagnostic yield for PE in a community setting, and in some patient populations, the rate of contrast-induced nephropathy may be higher than previously reported in the literature. Due to the retrospective nature of this study we were limited in using pre-test scoring systems and in measuring the impact of alternative CT diagnoses on patient management. Keywords: venous thromboembolism; pulmonary embolism; computed tomography pulmonary angiogram; contrast induced nephropathy (Published: 16 July 2012) Citation: Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives 2012, 2 : 17722 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/jchimp.v2i2.17722
Brain areas associated with bulbocapnine catalepsy

Abstract Intracerebral micro-injections of bulbocapnine were made to locate the brain sites of action for the production of catelepsy in rats. The catalepsy was induced after bilateral injection of bulbocapnine into striatal areas. The thalamus and the areas in mesencephalon are less sensitive to bulbocapnine for the production of catalepsy. The results support the suggestion that the bulbocapnine-induced catalepsy arose from the blockade of dopaminergic receptors in corpus striatum.
Results of global atmospheric circulation experiments on an Earth with a meridional pole-to- pole continent

Four general circulation models, forced by mean annual insolation and having an energy balance ocean, have been run for pole-to-pole continents: (1) low relief, 750 m average elevation; (2) high plateau, 1500 m average elevation; (3) mostly low, 750 m, but with 3 km mountains on the west, and (4) mostly low, 750 m, but with 3 km mountains on the east. The high plateau continent emphasizes the contrast between high and low pressure systems. Marginal mountains on either coast enhance moisture transport from the west to the continental interior, but mountains on the east eliminate the tropical wet belt and produce the most arid scenario. In none of the experiments do zonal climate boundaries trend steeply equatorward from east to west. All of the models produce more arid continental conditions than exist today.
The Next Generation of Ice Cloud Bulk Scattering/Absorption Models at Visible through Infrared Wavelengths

Recent improvements are detailed regarding the development of ice cloud bulk scattering models based on a comprehensive set of microphysical in situ measurements and a set of modeled ice particles used for light scattering calculations.
The glial glutamate transporter in hyperammonemia and hepatic encephalopathy : Relation to energy metabolism and glutamatergic neurotransmission

Abnormalities in glutamate metabolism and glutamatergic neurotransmission appear to play a major role in the pathogenesis of hyperammonemia and hepatic encephalopathy. Astrocytes may be involved in these derangements as ammonia has been shown to impair the ability of these cells to take up glutamate. This study presents a northern blot analysis of the GLT-1 glutamate transporter in hyperammonemic rats, and in rats with thioacetamide-induced acute liver failure. Our findings demonstrate a downregulation of GLT-1 mRNA in both conditions. This article examines the potential impact of deficits in glutamate uptake on energy metabolism and glutamatergic neurotransmission in the context of abnormalities in glial-neuronal interactions. We propose that an ammonia-induced abnormality in astroglial glutamate uptake constitutes a critical aspect in the pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy and other hyperammonemic conditions.
Nuclear structure of the even-even argon isotopes with a focus on magnetic moments

We study the role of configuration mixing in the heavier even-even isotopes of argon. We begin by limiting the configurations of the even-even Ar isotopes to $({d}_{3/2}^{2}){}_{\ensuremath{\pi}} ({f}_{7/2}^{n}){}_{\ensuremath{\nu}}$. There, due to the particular location in this shell-model space of $^{40}\mathrm{Ar}$ and $^{44}\mathrm{Ar}$, we find that the spectra, $B(E2)$'s, and magnetic moments of these two nuclei are identical. Any deviation from this equality is direct evidence of configuration mixing. In a larger shell-model space there are significant differences between these two nuclei, with $^{44}\mathrm{Ar}$ being more collective. We also consider other even-even isotopes of argon and study how their nuclear structure effects evolve with N. We compare in the full $0\ensuremath{\hbar} \ensuremath{\omega}$ space $(\mathit{sd}){}_{\ensuremath{\pi}} (\mathit{fp}){}_{\ensuremath{\nu}}$ the results of calculations with the WBT interaction and with the newer SDPF, denoted SDPF-U, interaction.
The undecidability of the unrestricted modified edit distance

We define the unrestricted modified edit distance based on the modified edit distance defined by Galil and Giancarlo (1989) where the cost of substring deletions and insertions are contextsensitive and the cost of character substitutions are context-free. The modified edit distance is the minimum cost of converting a string X to a string Y where the sequence of edit operations has the property that all substring deletions precede all character substitutions and all character substitutions precede all substring insertions. Note that the modified edit distance does not satisfy the triangle inequality. We show that the problem of finding the unrestricted modified edit distance which is the minimum cost over all edit sequences (without these constraints) of converting X to Y is undecidable.
Preliminary studies on the use of magnetic resonance imaging with Gd-DTPA to monitor ovarian function in subhuman primates.

These studies were initiated to explore the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to investigate follicular growth in subhuman primates. Four adult cynomolgus monkeys received an i.v. injection of a magnetic resonance (MR) contrast agent, gadolinium diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (Gd-DTPA), and ovaries were removed 1-20 min later. Gd-DTPA is an extracellular fluid marker that is readily detectable in MRI. Individual ovaries were imaged using a 3-in (7.62 cm) radiofrequency surface coil and a 1.5 Tesla magnet. MR images of these ovaries provided a high resolution visualization of follicles with diameters of 1 mm and greater. Results obtained with MRI were similar to hematoxylin/eosin-stained sections of the same ovaries photographed at low magnification. These results demonstrate that MRI provides excellent resolution of ovarian follicles in macaques and thus may be suitable to monitor follicular growth and atresia in this species.
Modeling of a piezoelectric beam on a semi-infinite elastic strip

We have developed a detailed model for a piezoelectric patch bonded perfectly to a semi-infinite substrate. There are well-established techniques for representing the effects of piezoelectric actuation on a flexible substrate by equivalent moments, but the accuracy of moments rely on classical beam behavior in both the actuation and substrate layers. The goal of the work presented here is to present a model capable of predicting both the actuation and sensing ability of a smart material on a general substrate. The piezoelectric layer is modeled by classical beam theory, but no kinematic assumptions other than plane strain are imposed on the substrate. Equilibrium is enforced between the piezoelectric patch and the surface tractions over the interface region, and standard Euler-Bernoulli beam theory is then used to form integral equations in terms of the displacement gradients at the interface with the substrate. Green's functions are then derived for a semi-infinite substrate using techniques from contact mechanics. There is no loss of generality in choosing a semi-infinite substrate since the effects of actuation by a patch disappear quickly outside the contact region. Preliminary results that both validate the current model and support the equivalent-moment action models for certain substrates are presented.
combinFormation: Mixed-initiative composition of image and text surrogates promotes information discovery

combinFormation is a mixed-initiative creativity support tool for searching, browsing, organizing, and integrating information. Images and text are connected to represent surrogates (enhanced bookmarks), optimizing the use of human cognitive facilities. Composition, an alternative to lists and spatial hypertext, is used to represent a collection of surrogates as a connected whole, using principles from art and design. This facilitates the creative process of information discovery, in which humans develop new ideas while finding and collecting information. To provoke the user to think about the large space of potentially relevant information resources, a generative agent proactively engages in collecting information resources, forming image and text surrogates, and composing them visually. The agent develops the collection and its visual representation over time, enabling the user to see ideas and relationships. To keep the human in control, we develop interactive mechanisms for authoring the composition and directing the agent. In a field study in an interdisciplinary course on The Design Process, over a hundred students alternated using combinFormation and Google+Word to collect prior work on information discovery invention assignments. The students that used combinFormation's mixed-initiative composition of image and text surrogates performed better.
Requirements for fetal surgery: the diaphragmatic hernia model

Fetal surgery for congenital diaphragmatic hernia and other fetal conditions can only be considered if (1) the morbidity of antenatal intervention is acceptable, (2) the diagnosis of the condition can be made accurately, (3) the condition can be differentiated from other, non-surgical anomalies. In addition, (4) the natural evolution of the disease, if left untreated, should be predictable, and the condition should be lethal or severely debilitating, (5) there should not exist adequate postnatal treatment, and (6) the proposed in utero operation should be technically feasible. Open fetal surgery has proven too invasive to be justified for the treatment of diaphragmatic hernia, and progress in postnatal therapy (including ECMO) has dramatically improved the neonatal outcome in all but a severe subgroup of patients. Recently, advances in endoscopic fetal surgery (which appears to be less stressful for the fetus and the gravid uterus) and a new approach to accelerate fetal lung growth and maturation have renewed the feasibility of in utero intervention for diaphragmatic hernia.
Ground and Range Operations for a Heavy-Lift Vehicle: Preliminary Thoughts

This paper discusses the ground and range operations for a Shuttle derived Heavy-Lift Vehicle being launched from the Kennedy Space Center on the Eastern range. Comparisons will be made between the Shuttle and a heavy lift configuration (SLS-ETF MPCV April 2011) by contrasting their subsystems. The analysis will also describe a simulation configuration with the potential to be utilized for heavy lift vehicle processing/range simulation modeling and the development of decision-making systems utilized by the range. In addition, a simple simulation model is used to provide the required critical thinking foundations for this preliminary analysis.
Excited charmed baryon decays and their implications for fragmentation parameters.

The production of the excited charmed baryon doublet Λc* via fragmentation is studied. An analysis of the subsequent hadronic decays of the doublet within the framework of heavy hadron chiral perturbation theory produces expressions for both the angular distribution of the decay products and the polarization of the final state heavy baryon in terms of various nonperturbative fragmentation parameters. Future experimental investigation of this system will determine these parameters. In addition, recent experimental results are shown to fix one of the parameters in the heavy hadron chiral Lagrangian.
On the mechanism of action of GABA in pelvic vesical ganglia: Biphasic responses evoked by two opposing actions on membrane conductance

Intracellular recording techniques were used to study the response of cat vesical pelvic ganglion neurones loaded with permeable anions to the application of GABA in vitro. In 106/127 neurones GABA evoked a biphasic response, the initial phase of which was depolarizing and associated with a conductance increase; the latter phase was hyperpolarizing and associated with a conductance decrease. The GABA evoked hyperpolarization and conductance decrease were related and behaved as though generated by closure of ion channels open in the resting membrane. The hyperpolarization had a strong inhibitory action on both spontaneous activity, and excitation evoked by depolarizing current injection and pre-synaptic nerve stimulation. Ion substitution experiments suggest that the conductance decrease is primarily to chloride ions, although other ionic species may contribute. Short iontophoretic applications of GABA-evoked monophasic depolarizing excitatory responses, even during the hyperpolarizing response evoked by perfusion of GABA, suggesting no cross-desensitization between the mechanisms generating the initial and late phases of the biphasic response.
Mentoring Policy Research Organizations: Project Evaluation Results

The international community has identified a positive link between good governance and economic development. There is an increasing appreciation of the effective role that local policy research organizations (PROs) in transition and developing countries can play in providing evidence-based policy recommendations as the basis for sound legislation and in assessing the efficacy of existing programs. Capacity building programs for PROs are seen as a key component of growth strategies. The donor community has responded with support for such efforts, which take many forms. On the other hand, the evaluation of the effectiveness of these capacity building and mentoring programs has been inadequate. This article presents the evaluation of one program, focusing on two important capacity building program outcomes: improved research capacity and greater effectiveness in the policy arena. A reflexive design is used. The results suggest the program’s approach is promising.
Engineering Propionibacterium freudenreichii subsp. shermanii for enhanced propionic acid fermentation: effects of overexpressing propionyl-CoA:Succinate CoA transferase.

Propionibacterium freudenreichii subsp. shermanii naturally forms propionic acid as the main fermentation product with acetate and succinate as two major by-products. In this study, overexpressing the native propionyl-CoA:succinate CoA transferase (CoAT) in P. shermanii was investigated to evaluate its effects on propionic acid fermentation with glucose, glycerol, and their mixtures as carbon source. In general, the mutant produced more propionic acid, with up to 10% increase in yield (0.62 vs. 0.56 g/g) and 46% increase in productivity (0.41 vs. 0.28 g/L h), depending on the fermentation conditions. The mutant also produced less acetate and succinate, with the ratios of propionate to acetate (P/A) and succinate (P/S) in the final product increased 50% and 23%, respectively, in the co-fermentation of glucose/glycerol. Metabolic flux analysis elucidated that CoAT overexpression diverted more carbon fluxes toward propionic acid, resulting in higher propionic acid purity and a preference for glycerol over glucose as carbon source.
Some characteristic properties of normal distribution

Abstract Suppose X 1 , X 2 are two independently distributed random variables with L 1 = a 1 X 1 + a 2 X 2 and W = ( L 1 − E ( L 1 )) 2 /Var( L 1 ) X 's are normally distributed then L 1 and W are distributed respectively as normal and chi-squared with one degree of freedom. However, if W is distributed as chi-squared with one degree of freedom then L 1 need not be normally distributed. In this paper some characterizations of the normal distribution are given when W is distributed as chi-squared with one degree of freedom. AMS 1970 Subject Classification: Primary 62 E 10 Secondary 60 E 05.
AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF THE RELATION BETWEEN METHOD AND OUTCOMES IN SPANISH INSTRUCTION

Author's Summary.— A controlled experiment shows that certain methods of teaching will achieve predictable results. This emphasizes the importance of determining our objectives.)
Immunological analysis of chemoattractive proteins from earthworm to garter snakes

1. 1. Two sets of polyclonal antibodies to two highly purified prey-derived snake-attractive proteins, a low molecular weight (3000) protein and a 20,000 mol. wt protein, were generated in rabbits. 2. 2. They are immunospecific for their respective purified immunogens and do not cross-react with each other. 3. 3. Eight prey-derived proteins that elicit attack by garter snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis) from earthworms (Lumbricus terrestris) were analyzed with these antibodies, and can be assigned to three distinct groups on the basis of their antigenic properties. 4. 4. Unfolding or denaturation of the low molecular weight protein did not alter its antigenic activity to its polyclonal antibodies, suggesting the antigenic epitopes contain contiguous amino acid sequences. 5. 5. In contrast, unfolding of the 20,000 mol. wt protein resulted in a loss of its binding with antibodies, suggesting that the epitope of this protein contains noncontiguous amino acid sequences. 6. 6. The snake-attractivity of the 20,000 mol. wt protein could not be neutralized by reacting it with its antiserum, suggesting that the antigenic determinant (the epitope) of the antigen is not an integral part of the attractive domain of the ES20 protein. 7. 7. In contrast, the attractivity of the purified low molecular weight protein could be neutralized by the polyclonal antibodies.
Hematoporphyrin Photoradiation Therapy for Iris Neovascularization: A Preliminary Report

• Photoradiation therapy is a new technique currently under clinical investigation for the treatment of a variety of solid malignant tumors. The technique involves intravenous (IV) administration of hematoporphyrin derivative, a photosensitizing compound that is preferentially retained by malignant cells, and photoactivation of a neoplasm with red light (630 nm) to obtain selective destruction of cancer cells. A modification of this technique was used to treat iris neovascularization produced in a primate model of retinal vein occlusion. Following IV injection of hematoporphyrin derivative, the anterior surface of the iris was exposed to red light for 30 to 45 minutes. In the four eyes treated, there was a marked reduction of fluorescein leakage from the neovascular tissue within 24 hours following treatment. Histologic examination of two eyes demonstrated a selective response of the iris neovascularization to this therapy, with apparent preservation of surrounding tissue.
CAFFEINE AND OTHER XANTHINES AS CYTOCHEMICAL BLOCKERS AND REMOVERS OF HETEROCYCLIC DNA INTERCALATORS FROM CHROMATIN

Abstract Caffeine (CAF) and other xanthines non-covalently bind with the cationic fluorescent dye acridine orange (AO) and with other heterocyclic mutagens and carcinogens that are known to intercalate into double-stranded DNA (dsDNA). Fluorescence microscopy and spectrofluorometry studies were employed to test the ability of caffeine and certain other methyl substituted xanthines, with different binding affinities for AO, to inhibit and to reverse the intercalation of AO and other heterocyclic agents from intercalation with the DNA of nuclear chromatin of air-dried cells. Results indicated that xanthines with binding affinity for AO greater than 150 m −1 block the AO molecule in a concentration dependent manner and comply with mass action kinetics. Thus CAF and other xanthines can be used to either inhibit intercalation of AO into nuclear DNA or to remove AO once intercalated into nuclear DNA. The interactions between other planar heterocyclics, xanthines, and nuclear chromatin dsDNA were also found to be non-covalent. Studies are needed to determine the ability of CAF and other xanthines to block and/or remove polyaromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) intercalators from the DNA of living cells.
Thematic instrument for measuring death anxiety in children (TIMDAC)

Few instruments measure death anxiety in children, especially, children of color. This article describes the development and psychometric properties of the projective instrument, the Thematic Instrument for Measuring Death Anxiety in Children (TIMDAC), a culturally sensitive tool that was developed to compare levels of death anxiety in children diagnosed with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and healthy peers. Many of the children with AIDS are African Americans and Latinos.
Static and Dynamic Behavior of Autocatalytic Replicators in Reactor Networks

The static and dynamic behavior of the autocatalytic reaction R + 2P → 3P with decay P → D is studied in networks of coupled continuous stirred tank reactors (CSTRs). Numerical bifurcation studies of the system are performed, resulting in rich steady-state bifurcation structures with multiple steady states and isolas. The heterogeneity of the networks is influenced by the number of reactors as well as the network topology. It is shown that the number of steady states of the network increases with heterogeneity, thereby allowing those autocatalytic species to exist in the network that would normally not exist in the homogeneous environment of a single CSTR. Spatial patterns of stable steady states are evident in reactor networks. Dynamic simulation studies are performed to illustrate the transition from one stable state configuration to another or from stable steady states to periodic regimes.
PHASECALC: A code for the calculation of pseudobinary phase diagrams using no adjustable parameters

Abstract Pseudobinary phase diagrams are often used in the analysis of ternary semiconductor compounds of the form B 1− x A x C where A, B and C are the pure elements and 0⩽ x ⩽1. The code PHASECALC is used for the calculation of pseudobinary phase diagrams. The code utilizes the Stringfellow method, and a modification of this method, to perform this calculation using no adjustable parameters. PHASECALC computes the temperature dependent solidus and liquidus lines as a function of mole fraction x . PHASECALC requires the following input data: enthalpy of fusion, melting temperature, and lattice constant for the pure binary compounds (AB and BC), electronegativity, molecular weight, density and energy of vaporization for the pure elements A and B.
Selection criteria for suites of landscape species as a basis for site-based conservation

Focal-species approaches provide tractable frameworks for structuring site-based conservation, but explanations of how and why focal species are chosen are often lacking. This paper outlines the rationale and selection criteria for one such strategy: the ‘‘Landscape Species Approach.’’ We define five criteria for selecting landscape species (area requirements, heterogeneity, ecological function, vulnerability, and socioeconomic significance) and illustrate the process using data from two landscapes, the northwestern Bolivian Andes and northern Congo. Candidate species from each site were scored and suites of complementary landscape species were assembled. Like all focal-species approaches (and indeed all conservation planning), this approach is not without biases. However, by making our assumptions explicit and allowing evaluation of the inherent biases, we attempt to provide a transparent, replicable method for identifying species around which to structure site-based conservation (landscape species). The process is also useful for identifying data gaps, ranking threats, and setting research priorities. Clear justification and selection criteria should accompany any focal species strategy to allow methods to be replicated, tested, and refined. # 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Esthesioneuroblastoma: endoscopic nasal and anterior craniotomy resection.

Objectives/Hypothesis: The objective was to illustrate the use of endoscopic techniques as an evolving surgical modality in excision of esthesioneuroblastoma. The authors advocate this method with excision with anterior craniotomy for removal of cribriform plate or anterior cranial fossa tumor extension. Study Design: A retrospective chart review of patients with esthesioneuroblastoma treated surgically at a tertiary care institution from 1991 to 2002 using this surgical paradigm. Methods: Patients were excluded for nonsurgical treatment or nasal and sinus tumor excision by nonendoscopic techniques. Patient demographics, tumor histological findings, presenting signs and symptoms, staging (Kadish and Dulguerov), postoperative complications, adjunct therapy, and recurrence were examined. Results: Seven of 13 patients with esthesioneuroblastoma met all inclusion criteria. The average patient age was 47 years, with a male-to-female distribution of 4 to 3. Patients were grouped by tumor stage using Kadish (stages A, B, and C included three, one, and three patients, respectively) and Dulguerov (stages T1, T2, and T4 included three, two, and two patients, respectively) methods. Average follow-up was 62.3 months. All patients had an endoscopic excision of the nasal and sinus component with anterior craniotomy. The most common postoperative complication was temporary mental status change, which was seen in two patients. There were no postoperative deaths. All patients received radiation therapy, and one also received chemotherapy. Two of the seven patients had recurrences. At last follow-up, six patients had no evidence of disease and one was alive with disease. Conclusion: Endoscopic excision of the nasal and sinus component with anterior craniotomy for cribriform or anterior cranial fossa extension is an effective treatment of esthesioneuroblastoma.
An analytical investigation of natural frequency for a symmetric composite box-beam with thermal effects

The main purpose of this paper is to develop an analytical method for predicting the critical buckling temperature and the natural frequency of a symmetric composite box-beam subjected to temperature gradient. A set of coupled partial differential equations of motion is obtained by means of the small defection theory and the D’Alembert’s method. Linear governing equations of motion have been obtained by developing the constitutive equations [3]. The resulting governing equations of motion are solved to obtain the natural frequencies of the box-beam in flap and lag directions using Galerkin’s method. The thermal stress generated in the box-beam due to the thermal gradient can lower the natural frequency of the box-beam up to 6% in the flap direction.