cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Patients' fear of contracting the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome from physicians.

• This study investigates patients' concern about the human immunodeficiency virus transmission from their physician during the course of routine medical care. We examined patients' fear of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), knowledge of human immunodeficiency virus transmission, level of comfort with medical procedures performed by a physician suspected of having AIDS, perceived risk of AIDS transmission in physicianpatient interactions, and the desire to be informed of the human immunodeficiency virus status of physicians. Three hundred fifty patients attending a university-based outpatient center in a large midwestern city were surveyed. Findings show that, as fear of AIDS increases, so does reported level of discomfort with procedures conducted by a physician suspected of having AIDS. Fear of AIDS was inversely correlated with knowledge. Patient concerns regarding susceptibility to the human immunodeficiency virus infection in routine care call attention to the need for education about transmission of AIDS in the health care context. ( Arch Intern Med . 1990;150:1501-1506)
Discharge properties of neurons of the median raphe nucleus during hippocampal theta rhythm in the rat

The serotonin (5-HT)-containing median raphe nucleus has been shown to be critically involved in the control of desynchronized (non theta) states of the hippocampal electroencephalogram (EEG). We examined the activity of 181 cells of the median raphe nucleus in the urethane-anesthetized rat and found that approximately 80% (145/181) of them showed changes in activity associated with changes in the hippocampal EEG. These cells were subdivided into theta-on (68%) and theta-off (32%) based on increased or decreased rates of activity with theta, respectively. They were further classified as slow-firing (~1 Hz), moderate-firing (5-11 Hz), or fast-firing (>12 Hz) theta-on or theta-off cells. The slow-firing cells as well as a subset of moderate-firing theta-off cells displayed characteristics of "classic" serotonin-containing raphe neurons. All fast-firing neurons were theta-on cells and showed either tonic or phasic (rhythmical) increases in activity with theta. We propose that: (1) the slow-firing cells (on and off) as well as a subset of moderate-firing theta-off cells are serotonergic neurons; (2) the phasic and tonic fast-firing theta-on cells are GABAergic cells; and (3) these populations of cells mutually interact in the modulation of the hippocampal EEG. An activation of local serotonergic and GABAergic theta-on cells would inhibit 5-HT slow- or moderate-firing theta-off projection cells to release or generate theta, whereas the suppression of serotonergic- or GABAergic theta-on cells would disinhibit 5-HT theta-off cells, resulting in a blockade of theta or a desynchronization of the hippocampal EEG. A role for the median raphe nucleus in memory-associated functions of the hippocampus is discussed.
Effects of irradiation of feed ingredients added to meal or pelleted diets on growth performance of weanling pigs.

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of irradiated ingredients in meal and pelleted diets on nursery pig performance. In Exp. 1, a total of 192 pigs (initial BW, 6.0 kg) were used in a 25-d experiment. Pigs were blocked by BW and randomly allotted in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments with main effects of diet form (meal or pellet) and either irradiated (11.92 kGy) or nonirradiated spray-dried animal plasma (SDAP). Irradiated SDAP had less total bacterial amounts than nonirradiated SDAP, and pelleted diets also had less bacterial amounts than diets in meal form. However, the complete diets with and without irradiated SDAP had similar bacterial concentrations. There was a diet form x SDAP irradiation interaction (P 0.16) were observed. From d 0 to 11, pigs fed diets containing irradiated protein sources had greater (P < 0.03) G:F compared with pigs fed the control diets, with no difference in ADG or ADFI. From d 0 to 11, and overall (d 0 to 22), pigs fed pellet diets had greater G:F (P < 0.01) compared with pigs fed meal diets, with no difference in ADG and ADFI. These studies indicate that both irradiation and pelleting are manufacturing processes that can reduce bacteria concentrations in feed ingredients and diets. Irradiated SDAP, soybean meal, and fish meal improved G:F compared with control diets containing nonirradiated ingredients. Furthermore, pigs fed pelleted diets had increased G:F compared with pigs fed meal diets.
Thermal conductivity of binary mixtures of carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and ethane at high pressures: Comparison with correlation and theory

A secondary thermal conductivity cell of the horizontal, concentric cylinder type was developed. The thermal conductivity of the pure gases nitrogen and ethane and approximately 20, 40, 60, and 80% binary mixtures of carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and ethane were determined at 75°C. to 3,000 atm. Several predictive techniques were investigated and recommendations are made.
NF-kappaB mediates mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway-dependent iNOS expression in human melanoma.

Tumor expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) predicts poor outcomes for melanoma patients. We have reported the regulation of melanoma iNOS by the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. In this study, we test the hypothesis that NF-κB mediates this regulation. Western blotting of melanoma cell lysates confirmed the constitutive expression of iNOS. Western blot detected baseline levels of activated nuclear extracellular signal-regulated kinase and NF-κB. Indirect immunofluorescence confirmed the presence of NF-κB p50 and p65 in melanoma cell nuclei, with p50 being more prevalent. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay demonstrated baseline NF-κB activity, the findings confirmed by supershift analysis. Treatment of melanoma cells with the MEK inhibitor U0126 decreased NF-κB binding to its DNA recognition sequence, implicating the MAPK pathway in NF-κB activation. Two specific NF-κB inhibitors suppressed iNOS expression, demonstrating regulation of iNOS by NF-κB. Several experiments indicated the presence of p50 homodimers, which lack a transactivation domain and rely on the transcriptional coactivator Bcl-3 to carry out this function. Bcl-3 was detected in melanoma cells and co-immunoprecipitated with p50. These data suggest that the constitutively activated melanoma MAPK pathway stimulates activation of NF-κB hetero- and homodimers, which, in turn, drive iNOS expression and support melanoma tumorigenesis.
Recent advances in relativistic nonlinear optics

Discussed are nonlinear relativistic optical interactions, occurring when laser light fields are intense enough to accelerate electrons to relativistic velocities. By using overlapping laser pulses, energetic charged particles can either be trapped or accelerated in a controlled manner. Also generated are keV-energy x-ray beams, which have ultrashort (femtosecond) pulse durations.
Sexual behavior and reproduction ofCercocebus albigena johnstonii in Kibale forest, Western Uganda

Gray-cheeked mangabeys live in multimale social groups. Two groups of these monkeys were studied extensively over a period of 22 months, and a further eight groups were observed opportunistically. Data on the occurrence of sexual swelling infernales were collected and the different phases of swelling and deflation are described in detail together with data on their duration. The data were found to agree broadly with those presented by other workers on captive animals. Pre and postpartum swellings are described. The majority of copulations was observed to occur at peak swelling and a specific gesture, the head flag, was noted as a solicitation. The data on initiation of copulations show that the males initiated more copulations than the females. However, female-initiated copulations ended in ejaculation more often than male-initiated copulations. The behaviors of the mangabeys during precopulation and copulation were found to be broadly similar to those of the macaque. Copulations were observed most often on the day of peak swelling;however, adult males were the only animals to copulate prior to peak swelling. Subadult male copulations were most often after peak swelling. Masturbation was observed to ejaculation on two occasions. The data show gestation periods of between 184 and 189 days. A mean interbirth interval was calculated to be 33.33 ± 15.87 months.
Chronic airway obstruction and bronchiectasis in the rat after intratracheal bleomycin.

Intratracheal instillation of bleomycin (BLM) has been used to generate rodent models of interstitial pulmonary fibrosis. In rats, we show that intratracheally instilled BLM evokes acute bronchopneumonia which persists and evolves into bronchiectasis associated with marked airflow dysfunction. Male F-344 rats, 11 weeks old, were treated once with BLM (4 or 5 units/kg body weight) and sacrificed at 2, 7, 14, 28, 56, and 154 d later for morphologic assessment. Static and dynamic pulmonary function tests were performed on the surviving rats 14 months and 2 years after treatment. The lungs from these rats were divided for histological and biochemical (elastin, hydroxyproline, DNA, protein) analyses. At both 14 months and 2 years, significantly depressed flow-volume curves and paradoxical increases in inflation pressure and residual volume were the predominant dysfunctions. Elastin and hydroxyproline levels, markedly elevated at 14 months, correlated with airflow dysfunction rather than loss of compliance. Light microscopy confirmed the presence of airway damage which comprised focal bronchiectasis and confluent peribronchial fibrosis.
Injuries resulting from motorized personal watercraft

To determine if there is a widespread problem with personal watercraft (jet ski) injuries throughout the United States, we reviewed the hospital records of patients who were treated at this institution for injuries incurred while they were operating a motorized personal watercraft or jet ski. All of the patients were under the age of 19 and suffered severe fractures or lacerations. To assess the extent of the problem with these injuries regionally, we collected data from 8 midwestern states for 1989. Sixty-four personal watercraft accidents involving 90 victims were reported in the survey. Fifty-three of 90 patients sustained fractures, lacerations, or head injuries. Seventy-nine of 90 were under age 25, and 24 patients were under 16 years of age. The need for supervision and the potential for serious injury while operating personal watercraft is supported by these findings.
Photoinduced Shape Evolution: From Triangular to Hexagonal Silver Nanoplates

Successfully using the solution phase, we have prepared, in large quantities, uniform hexagonal silver nanoplates developed from silver triangular nanoprims by employing a photoinduced technique. The growth process was characterized by ultraviolet−visible (UV−vis) spectroscopy, transmission electron microscope (TEM), and high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM). The UV−vis spectra showed that three bands of hexagonal silver nanoplates appear at 341 (weak), 368 (medium), and 498 (strong) nm. TEM images showed that hexagonal silver nanoplates had an average edge size of 25.9 nm and thickness of 15.7 ± 1.0 nm. The mechanism of the conversion from triangular to hexagonal nanoplates has also been studied. Triangular silver nanoplates were at first fabricated through seed-mediated growth of silver particles in the presence of trisodium citrate. Subsequently, the truncation of triangular nanoplates led to the formation of hexagonal nanoplates.
Biopsychosocial Assessment for Chronic Opioid Use

Abstract Chronic daily pain continues to affect a significant portion of the American population, contributing to physical impairment, disability, and loss of function. An understanding of the multidimensional experience of pain will better prepare clinicians to more effectively assess and treat pain conditions, and to design individualized pain management therapies specific for a patient’s needs. Furthermore, appropriate assessment and treatment rely on a basic understanding of changes seen across the central nervous system, as well as psychosocial changes related to pain and suffering. A biopsychosocial approach to assessment and treatment addresses all aspects of pain and suffering and may be more easily implemented by understanding associated learned behaviors. In addition, adequate screening and ongoing monitoring based on individual characteristics are an important part of patient management. Validated assessment tools, such as the Screener and Opioid Assessment for Patients in Pain and the Opioid Risk Tool, may help screen patients being considered for long-term opioid therapy who may be at risk for engaging in aberrant behaviors. General concepts related to pain management, including theoretic models that incorporate a comprehensive view of peripheral and central nervous system changes related to chronic pain, how psychologic factors may impact pain perception and loss of function, definitions important in the clinical use of opioids, and assessment tools that may be useful in screening patients for long-term opioid management, are considered.
Multiwindow scatter correction techniques in single-photon imaging.

We studied the performance of linear scatter correction methods for single‐photon imaging with Tc‐99m and Tl‐201, using a numerical model of the Rollo phantom and measurements with a gamma camera modified to record position and energy information in list mode form. We compared the performance of these methods to per‐image optimized linear methods and to locally adaptive linear methods, and developed estimates of the limits on accuracy of scatter correction imposed by the presence of Poisson noise. For both Tc‐99m and Tl‐201 imaging at a fixed depth, particularly at low count rates, the performance of dual‐window methods, or of adaptive methods, is near the best possible for linear methods. Smoothing of the scatter estimate results in minor improvement for Tl‐201. Substantial gaps between the performance of any of these linear methods and the limits imposed by Poisson noise remain and are due primarily to bias, with the gap for Tl‐201 being larger than that for Tc‐99m.
Reply [to “Comment on ‘New findings about auroras confirm importance of ionosphere in space weather’”]

I thank Hargreaves for raising several interesting points. First, the comment states that instead of writing that riometer absorption events are more frequent in winter than summer, I should have written that they are more intense in winter than summer. Hargreaves is correct. In fact the same might be true of intense electron acceleration events seen in particle data (that is, the data show that there are more intense events in winter, but do not necessarily imply that events selected at a low threshold are not symmetric). Since it is agreed that absorption events are pronouncedly more intense in winter, inescapably a threshold selecting the most intense events would produce a seasonal asymmetry in frequency of occurrence of intense events, with more such in winter.
The Diagnosis of Diverticulitis in Outpatients: On What Evidence?

Purpose Diverticular disease is common in the outpatient setting; yet, rigorous study of diagnosis and management strategies is currently limited to hospitalized patients. Here, we characterize the clinical assessment generating the diagnostic label of diverticulitis in outpatients.
First demonstration of recombination between the gene for Norrie disease and probe L1.28

Norrie disease is an X-linked trait thought to be tightly linked to the anonymous probe L1.28. Here we report the first recombinational event among 24 informative meioses. This indicates there is a 4% (95% C.L. 0.1%-21%) error rate introduced by meiotic crossovers in carrier or prenatal diagnosis based on linkage between Norrie disease and L1.28.
Ensemble re-forecasting methods for enhanced power load prediction

Abstract Electric load forecasting is a key element for management and operation of the electric grid. In this study we introduce ensemble re-forecast methods that take an initial forecast and produce a better prediction by extracting information from the structured errors. The models in the ensemble rely upon the real-time information obtained from load measurements and estimates over a state-wide domain. The weights in the ensemble are optimized in three different ways based on global, hourly, and weekly performance of the models. The proposed methodology is applied to predict hour-ahead market (HAM) and day-ahead market (DAM) load for California Independent System Operator (CAISO) and Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) respectively. Proposed models showed consistent performance enhancements for all the cases. HAM predictions show an improvement of 47% and 36% in terms of Mean Absolute Percentage Error over the forecasts provided by CAISO and ERCOT. For DAM, the improvements are 34% for CAISO and 47% for ERCOT. Temporal analysis comparing the internal forecast produced by the ISOs and re-forecasts shows significant improvement during off-peak hours and small improvement for on-peak hours. Results validate the potential of the proposed methodology to enhance the forecast accuracy, independent of load profile or forecast horizon.
CD4+ and CD8+ T‐ lymphocytopenia in a filly with Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia

Decreased proportion of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes in peripheral blood likely contributed to susceptibility to Pneumocystis carinii in a foal. Cytological evaluation of bronchoalveolar lavage was required for identification of the pathogen and serial flow-cytometric analysis of peripheral blood lymphocytes documented transient low expression of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes. Although immunodeficiency is uncommon, it must be included in the differential diagnosis for patients suffering from chronic or opportunistic infections and may provide an indication for immunostimulant therapy.
Fibronectin Fragments Promote Human Retinal Endothelial Cell Adhesion and Proliferation and ERK Activation through α5β1 Integrin and PI 3-Kinase

Purpose Extracellular matrix degradation is associated with neovascularization in diabetic retinas. Fibronectin fragments (Fn-fs) are generated during vascular remodeling. The effects of cellular fibronectin (Fn) and selected Fn-fs on adhesion, proliferation, and signal transduction in human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs) were characterized. Methods Relative quantitative RT-PCR, flow cytometry, and immunocytochemistry determined integrin expression on HRECs. Adhesion was evaluated by coating plastic with Fn or Fn-fs of 45, 70, 110, or 120 kDa, and MTT conversion was used to measure proliferation and survival. Peptide inhibitors and blocking antibodies determined adhesive sites and integrins used for adhesion. Pharmacologic inhibitors and Western analyses were used to evaluate intracellular signaling. Results HRECs produced significant levels of alpha(2), alpha(3), alpha(5), alpha(v), beta(1), beta(3), and beta(5) integrin subunit mRNA. Flow cytometry of surface integrin expression revealed high levels of alpha(3), alpha(5), and beta(1) and lower levels of alpha(1), alpha(v), beta(3), and beta(5). These results were confirmed by immunocytochemistry. For adhesion to Fn and Fn-fs. the alpha(5)beta(1) integrin was essential. Pharmacologic inhibitors of PI 3-kinase blocked adhesion to Fn and Fn-fs, whereas the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase kinase (MEK) inhibitor PD98059 blocked phosphorylation. The 110- and 120-kDa Fn-fs showed a concentration-dependent increase in proliferation, whereas 500 ng of the 70 kDa Fn-f-induced proliferation. Addition of III1-C, a matrix assembly domain, increased the proliferative effect of these Fn-fs. Conclusions Fn and its Fn-fs modulate HREC adhesion and proliferation through signal-transduction pathways involving coupling of the alpha(5)beta(1) integrin through PI 3-kinase. Mitogenic signals for endothelial cells from degraded extracellular matrix may contribute to the development of diabetic retinopathy.
Total Organic Carbon Disappearance Kinetics for the Supercritical Water Oxidation of Monosubstituted Phenols

Supercritical water oxidation (SCWO) is a process technology for destroying organic compounds present in aqueous waste streams. The authors oxidized phenols bearing single -CH{sub 3}, -C{sub 2}H{sub 5}, -COCH{sub 3}, -CHO, -OH, -OCH{sub 3}, and -NO{sub 2} substituents in supercritical water at 460 C and 25.3 MPa. The observed effects of the concentrations of total organic carbon (TOC) and oxygen on the global disappearance rates for TOC were correlated by using power-law rate expressions. This kinetics study revealed that the rate of TOC disappearance is more sensitive to the oxygen concentration than is the rate of reactant disappearance. Additionally, the rate of TOC disappearance is always slower than the rate of reactant disappearance, with the ratio of these rates ranging from 0.10 to 0.65 for the different phenols at the conditions studied. The rates of TOC disappearance during SCWO of these substituted phenols varied by nearly 2 orders of magnitude, showing significant effects from both the identity and location of the substituent. These substituent effects are greater for TOC disappearance kinetics than for reactant disappearance kinetics. Additionally, all of the substituted phenols exhibit faster TOC disappearance rates than does phenol. Accordingly, phenol is a good worst case model compound formore » SCWO studies. The pronounced substituent effects for TOC disappearance rates indicate that the oxidation of a common refractory intermediate is not an important feature of the SCWO networks for these phenols at the conditions studied.« less
A Continuum Approach to Microscopic Surface Tension for the n-Alkanes

Microscopic surface tensions of cavities in liquids or of droplets with radii down to about 0.5 nm have been predicted. Surface energies of small clusters are calculated from the unretarded dispersion forces at a spherical interface. The resulting expression for surface tension is a function of basic intermolecular properties and cluster size, with predictions for macroscopic surface tensions being in good agreement with experimental data (flat surface). The surface tension is found to decrease with decreasing radius, and for n-alkanes, such size effects occur below 2 nm; above this size, the predicted results closely approximate the planar values.
Picosecond transient absorption study of photodissociated carboxy hemoglobin and myoglobin

The optical transient absorption spectra at 30 ps and 6.5 ns after photolysis are compared for both carboxy hemoglobin (HbCO) and carboxy myoglobin (MbCO). Both 355- and 532-nm excitation pulses were used. In all cases the shapes of the optical difference spectra thus generated are stationary over the complete time-scale studied. The photolysis spectra for MbCO are not significantly different from the equilibrium difference spectra generated on the same picosecond spectrometer when measured to an accuracy of +/- 0.5 nm. In addition, spectral parameters for delegated HbCO generated on the same spectrometer but detected by two different techniques, either by a Vidicon detector or point by point with photomultiplier tubes, are reported; the results are different from some of the previously reported picosecond experiments.
Surface Contaminants Inhibit Osseointegration in a Novel Murine Model

Surface contaminants, such as bacterial debris and manufacturing residues, may remain on orthopedic implants after sterilization procedures and affect osseointegration. The goals of this study were to develop a murine model of osseointegration in order to determine whether removing surface contaminants enhances osseointegration. To develop the murine model, titanium alloy implants were implanted into a unicortical pilot hole in the mid-diaphysis of the femur and osseointegration was measured over a five week time course. Histology, backscatter scanning electron microscopy and X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy showed areas of bone in intimate physical contact with the implant, confirming osseointegration. Histomorphometric quantification of bone-to-implant contact and peri-implant bone and biomechanical pullout quantification of ultimate force, stiffness and work to failure increased significantly over time, also demonstrating successful osseointegration. We also found that a rigorous cleaning procedure significantly enhances bone-to-implant contact and biomechanical pullout measures by two-fold compared with implants that were autoclaved, as recommended by the manufacturer. The most likely interpretation of these results is that surface contaminants inhibit osseointegration. The results of this study justify the need for the development of better detection and removal techniques for contaminants on orthopedic implants and other medical devices.
Research at the bedside: it makes a difference.

Research at the bedside makes a difference for our patients, and also for our nurses. However, it is now time to broaden our focus from research on interventions or events at a narrow point in time to research that addresses care across the continuum. This continuum may start at the point of injury, such as the battlefield through en route care delivered during the 8000-mile journey home for our wounded warriors, or for critically ill patients as they move between the emergency department, operating room, and intensive care unit. This focus also requires researchers to consider "care within context," that is, research- and evidence-based practice tailored to the unique conditions of the care environment. Beyond conducting research and developing new knowledge is the challenge of translating evidence into practice. A culture of inquiry is a critical element in the successful translation of evidence into practice. In a culture of inquiry, nurses are encouraged to question and evaluate their practice, provide evidence-based care, and actively participate in and lead clinical inquiry. This article draws from a program of applied clinical research reflecting care across the continuum within both military and civilian health care settings and discusses how the application of these research findings and the advancement of a culture of inquiry make a difference for both patients and nurses.
Electronic Structure and Evolution of a Terminal Butadienylphosphinidene Complex

The DFT study of the 1-butadienylphosphinidene complex [CH2CHCHCHP−Cr(CO)5] shows a delocalized structure with a short P−C bond at 1.789 A and a long CαCβ double bond at 1.367 A. The W(CO)5 complex...
Crossing-over between land cover and land use: Exploring spatially varying relationships in two large US metropolitan areas

Abstract Difficulties in identifying actual uses of land space from remote sensing-based land cover products often result in lost opportunities to enhance the capacity of applied research on human settlements. In an attempt to address these difficulties, this study investigates how land cover and land use are interrelated with each other and what determines the relationship patterns by analyzing detailed land use and land cover data for two large US metropolitan areas – the five-county Los Angeles and six-county Chicago regions – where a broad spectrum of human settlements, ranging from urban cores to less-urbanized edges, coexist. The analysis shows that the land cover-land use relationship substantially varies not only across regions but across neighborhoods within each region. Through multivariate regression, it is also found that the intraregional variation is highly associated with the neighborhood's stage of urbanization, median housing age, and other development characteristics, suggesting that the relationship pattern can largely be shaped by the history and evolution of urban design/development.
Picosecond transient grating measurement of orientational effects in semiconductors

Abstract We use picosecond transient grating techniques to separate and identify the contributions of both orientational and concentration gratings produced in germanium by the direct absorption of nearly monochromatic polarized radiation. Comparison of the grating lifetimes for the two grating sources confirms that we have for the first time directly observed an anisotropic (in momentum or k -space) filling of the optically-coupled states in a semiconductor.
Simple estimation of clinically relevant lesion volumes using spectral domain-optical coherence tomography in neovascular age-related macular degeneration.

Imaging data have been an integral part of both ophthalmic clinical practice and clinical trials for decades. Despite the enthusiastic adoption of optical coherence tomography (OCT) into clinical practices over the last decade, the use of OCT in clinical trials has generally lagged behind its clinical use. For example, time domain OCT took years to become commonplace in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (NVAMD) clinical trials, in part because of inconsistencies in measurements due to software segmentation and registration irregularities in this disease.1–3 In the recent era of spectral domain OCT (SD-OCT), large data sets, a multitude of device manufacturers, and segmentation errors may again have hampered rapid integration of SD-OCT data into multicenter studies. Given the widespread adoption of SD-OCT into practices, continued failure to use this same technology in clinical trials maintains a disconnect between trials and practice that may interfere with the evidence-based management and therapy that often constitute the goal of these trials. Instead, it seems that a desirable goal for clinical trials should be to use and study techniques that can be readily adapted to clinical practice to guide patient management based on the conclusions from those trials. One OCT-based measure that has been used in both clinical trials and clinical practices is the automated report produced by each commercial OCT instrument.4–7 Despite the differences in measurements made by different machines, these data, such as macular volume and Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study grid retinal thickness measurements, have been useful in clinical trials because they provide a simple, objective, numerical distillation of the imaging data contained in the SD-OCT data set. However, these measurements are still prone to segmentation errors and fail to extract much of the rich data concerning specific lesions that are contained in OCT images.8–10 One common tool that is used in clinical trials but not in clinical practice is a reading center assessment. These evaluations extract data, such as the presence of cystoid macular edema (CME), subretinal fluid (SRF), or pigment epithelial detachments (PEDs), that may be overlooked by automated measurements. Based on the expertise of human graders, reading center assessments can detect and sometimes correct segmentation errors. However, the standardized training, protocols, and time involved in these assessments make them impractical for most clinicians. The goal of this study was to investigate simplified, quantitative methodologies that approach the accuracy of a detailed, time-consuming reading center assessment but can be completed in a short enough time to make it practical for most clinicians.
Control of human placental blood flow

Abstract An overall scheme is proposed for the control of blood flows in both fetal and maternal circulations of the human placenta. The first part of the hypothesis is that fetoplacental vascular resistance is controlled locally by a reversible hypoxic fetoplacental vasoconstriction (HFPV) in response to reduced local maternoplacental oxygen delivery. Also suggested is humoral limitation of the extent of HFPV by substances circulating in hypoxic fetal blood. Secondly, it is hypothesized that maternoplacental vascular resistance is controlled humorally by release of hormones into maternal blood from the fetoplacental unit. Finally, it is proposed that chronic local maternoplacental ischemia associated with placental “aging” can induce an irreversible fetoplacental vasoconstriction by a mechanism different from HFPV in order to permanently shut down fetal blood flow to the area(s) affected.
Statistical Model for Electron-Positron Annihilation into Hadrons

A statistical model for the production of multibody hadronic states by ${e}^{+}{e}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ annihilation is discussed. We associate the secondary hadron momentum distributions for colliding-beam processes with the exponentially failling transverse-momentum distributions in hadron-hadron collisions. The consequence of this picture is that at high energies hadron multiplicity rises linearly with c.m. energy, unlike the $\mathrm{ln}s$ behavior for the multiplicity of secondaries in hadron-hadron collisions. If the total annihilation cross section is assumed to have a power falloff $\ensuremath{\sim}{s}^{\ensuremath{-}m}$, the $n$-pion cross sections follow a Poisson distribution with the most probable multiplicity ${n}_{\ensuremath{\pi}}=\frac{{s}^{\frac{1}{2}}}{〈{E}_{\ensuremath{\pi}}〉}+3\ensuremath{-}m$ and $〈{E}_{\ensuremath{\pi}}〉\ensuremath{\sim}375$ MeV. An alternative statistical model based on jets is also briefly discussed. The storage rings now being constructed or envisaged should easily distinguish between the various possibilities.
Interactive selection of optimal fenestration materials for schematic architectural daylighting design

Complex fenestration systems, such as prismatic and laser cut panels, are emerging as attractive options in architectural design thanks to their high potential to assist in energy and comfort issues. These systems can be used to redirect intense illumination from the sun but have complex transmissive properties that in turn depend on continuously changing illumination conditions due to the dynamic nature of natural light. The resulting non-intuitive interactions with the built environment make it necessary to develop tools that adequately represent these systems' behavior to the architect. The method presented in this paper enables simulation of the direct and indirect illumination from the sun and sky throughout each day for different months Preprint submitted to Automation in Construction 17 December 2007 of the year. The user can interactively explore the high-dimensional configuration space to select optimal materials early in the design process, using both qualitative and quantitative design criteria to make adjustments.
The Balance Point: The Dog Ate My Issue and Other Reasons for Gaps in the Periodical Volume

The reasons libraries do not receive printed journal issues for active subscriptions range from typical claiming problems to unexpected world events. The author relays observations about serials check-in from her experiences and from others who have done periodicals check-in.
Financial repression and real output: Macroeconometric evidence from Yugoslavia

Abstract This paper examines the effects of financial repression on macroeconomic performance in Yugoslavia. Financial disintermediation is examined in detail. A vector autoregression analysis of monthly macroeconomic data for 1978–1986, a period of fairly steady policies, is estimated. In a robust result, the degree of central bank selective rediscounting of credit is shown to influence output negatively, which may be interpreted as indicating that interventions in financial markets are serving to “back losers” and impose other costs on the Yugoslav economy. The economy is Also found to be highly inelastic in output and employment. The findings lend insights into the causes and effects of the recent surge in inflation.
ON BOUNDARY CONDITIONS IN THE FINITE VOLUME LATTICE BOLTZMANN METHOD ON UNSTRUCTURED MESHES

Boundary conditions in a recently-proposed finite volume lattice Boltzmann method are discussed. Numerical simulations for simple shear flow indicate that the extrapolation and the half-covolume techniques for the boundary conditions are workable in conjunction with the finite volume lattice Boltzmann method for arbitrary meshes.
Spectroscopic and Kinetic Study of the Cl−S(CH3)2 Adduct

Time-resolved ultraviolet−visible absorption spectroscopy has been coupled with 248 nm laser flash photolysis of Cl2CO in the presence of DMS (CH3SCH3) (and in some cases O2, NO, or NO2) to generate the Cl−S(CH3)2 radical adduct in the gas phase and study the spectroscopy and kinetics of this species. The Cl−S(CH3)2 adduct was found to possess a strong, broad, unstructured absorption spectrum, extending from ca. 450 nm to below 280 nm with σmax = (3.48 ± 1.04) × 10-17 cm2 molec-1 at λmax ≈ 340 nm. Reaction of the adduct with O2 was not observed, and our data suggest that the rate coefficient for this reaction at 298 K is less than 4 × 10-18 cm3 molec-1 s-1. Rate coefficients for Cl−S(CH3)2 reactions with NO (kNO) and NO2 (kNO2) were measured at 155 Torr total pressure and room temperature, and were found to be kNO = (1.19 ± 0.18) × 10-11 cm3 molec-1 s-1 and kNO2 = (2.70 ± 0.41) × 10-11 cm3 molec-1 s-1, where the uncertainties are estimates of accuracy at the 95% confidence level. The spectroscopic and kin...
Slow shocks around the Sun

It is inferred from this study that magnetohydrodynamic slow shocks can exist in the vicinity of the sun. The study uses a two-hole corona model, the sub-Alfvenic streams originating from the edge of the polar open-field regions are forced to turn towards equator in coronal space following the curved boundary of the closed field region. When the streamlines from the opposite poles merge at a neutral point, their directions become parallel to the neutral sheet. An oblique slow shock can develop near or at the neutral point, the shock extends polewards to form a surface of discontinuity around the sun.
Development of Nomarski microscopy for quantitative determination of surface topography

The use of Nomarski differential interference contrast (DIC) microscopy has been extended to provide nondestructive, quantitative analysis of a sample's surface topography. Theoretical modeling has determined the dependence of the image intensity on the microscope's optical components, the sample's optical properties, and the sample's surface orientation relative to the microscope. Results include expressions to allow the inversion of image intensity data to determine sample surface slopes. A commercial Nomarski system has been modified and characterized to allow the evaluation of the optical model. Data have been recorded with smooth, planar samples that verify the theoretical predictions.
Common Reversal Mechanisms and Correlation Between Transient Domain States and Field Sweep Rate in Patterned Permalloy Structures

Complicated domain configurations generated during the magnetization reversal of Permalloy elements patterned in various shapes are the results of a surprisingly few switching mechanisms. By comparing the results from micromagnetic simulations with the experimentally observed switching events imaged by Lorentz microscopy, we found that nucleation and annihilation of vortices and vortex/antivortex pairs, and the propagation of Neel and cross-tie walls are common mechanisms for magnetization reversal in Permalloy elements with dimensions favorable to domain formation. In addition, for a given element, different mechanism combination(s) may transpire, depending on the sweep rate in the externally applied field. This is because energy maxima and minima are generally field dependent and that different field sweep rate alters the time allotted for thermally assisted transition between states.
Microdeletions of 3q29 Confer High Risk for Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia (SZ) is a severe psychiatric illness that affects ∼1% of the population and has a strong genetic underpinning. Recently, genome-wide analysis of copy-number variation (CNV) has implicated rare and de novo events as important in SZ. Here, we report a genome-wide analysis of 245 SZ cases and 490 controls, all of Ashkenazi Jewish descent. Because many studies have found an excess burden of large, rare deletions in cases, we limited our analysis to deletions over 500 kb in size. We observed seven large, rare deletions in cases, with 57% of these being de novo. We focused on one 836 kb de novo deletion at chromosome 3q29 that falls within a 1.3–1.6 Mb deletion previously identified in children with intellectual disability (ID) and autism, because increasing evidence suggests an overlap of specific rare copy-number variants (CNVs) between autism and SZ. By combining our data with prior CNV studies of SZ and analysis of the data of the Genetic Association Information Network (GAIN), we identified six 3q29 deletions among 7545 schizophrenic subjects and one among 39,748 controls, resulting in a statistically significant association with SZ (p = 0.02) and an odds ratio estimate of 17 (95% confidence interval: 1.36–1198.4). Moreover, this 3q29 deletion region contains two linkage peaks from prior SZ family studies, and the minimal deletion interval implicates 20 annotated genes, including PAK2 and DLG1, both paralogous to X-linked ID genes and now strong candidates for SZ susceptibility.
Zero-voltage-switching PWM inverter for high-frequency DC-AC power conversion

A zero-voltage-switching (ZVS) three-phase pulse width modulated (PWM) inverter which uses a parallel-resonant DC-link (PRDCL) circuit proposed by J. He and N. Mohan (1989) is examined. The PRDCL circuit is aimed at both providing zero-DC link voltage periods for PWM inverter switchings and imposing minimum DC bus voltage stress to PWM inverters. A simple circuit control scheme and the design formulas are offered. To confirm the circuit theoretical analyses and results, a 50 W ZVS single-phase PWM inverter experimental prototype using the proposed PRDCL circuit was fabricated and tested. The test results have proved the proposed circuit and concept. Power device selections and device stress evaluations are described. A detailed comparison of the proposed PRDCL ZVS inverter system with conventional voltage source PWM inverters is discussed. >
The opportunity costs of screening children for asthma.

The current health reform debate has laid bare the challenge with determining appropriate care in an environment of uncertain medical effectiveness and rising health care costs. Comparative and cost-effectiveness studies are policy tools that permit decision-makers, theoretically, to allocate limited resources toward the greatest health benefit. Without these tools, opportunity to improve health may be missed. For example, would investing in early childhood screening miss an opportunity for greater health benefits from an investment in improving adherence to treatments for asthma? The article in this issue by Gerald et al fills an import information gap and highlights much of the controversy that exists in recommendations for screening and cost-effectiveness analysis. The article finds that a school-based screening program in a highrisk population is highly unlikely to be cost-effective. In particular, they find the most cost-effective intervention would cost $151,000 per quality-adjusted life-year versus the alternative of no screening. These results are driven by 4 main inputs: how much having uncontrolled asthma reduces a person’s quality of life, how likely a parent is to follow up with a physician after receiving a positive screening result, the adequacy of asthma control in patients, and the treatment effects on symptoms. We suspect the results represent a lower bound estimate because benefits are more diffuse in lower-risk populations, and therefore the cost per quality-adjusted life-year would likely be higher in a population-based screening program. The main limitation of their study, as acknowledged by the authors, is a reliance on secondary data. Future research should consider conducting economic evaluation alongside an ongoing randomized clinical trial evaluating the effectiveness of asthma screening. Beyond the obvious result that childhood asthma screening is highly unlikely to be cost-effective, the investigation by Gerard et al provides a number of useful insights. Ideally, increased childhood screening would lead to better health outcomes because positive screening results would lead to confirmation of the initial diagnosis, access and receipt of early and appropriate treatment, adherence to treatment, and ultimately better health outcomes. However, for asthma screening, this is not the case because the follow-up to positive screening results, access to appropriate treatment, and
Progress in Radiotherapy for Pediatric Sarcomas

Pediatric sarcoma includes a diverse group of pathologies classified, based on the cell of origin, as primary bone or soft tissue sarcomas. Radiotherapy plays an integral role in the multidisciplinary approach required for optimal therapy in these patients. The particular challenges faced by the radiation oncologist while treating these patients include the age of the patient and the location of these tumors, as they are very often adjacent to critical or growing organs. Technical advances in radiation oncology, including highly conformal planning and improved tumor delineation, may allow a reduction in radiation related toxicities with excellent tumor control. In this chapter, the role of radiotherapy will be reviewed as well as modern technologies that are currently available and under development, with an emphasis on the application of these strategies in the pediatric and young adult population.
Justice and Identity: Changing Perspectives on What Is Fair:

Most research on justice has aimed to describe abstract, depersonalized models that could apply to anyone. However, much of this research has involved identity, if only implicitly. We argue that justice needs to be contextualized to take into account the powerful effects of identity in determining when justice matters. The complexity and fluidity of identity need to be considered to understand when, why, and how strongly people care about justice, and how people choose among competing models of justice. We review existing research on distributive, procedural, and inclusionary justice and describe their connection to identity. We illustrate the intersection of justice and identity in environmental issues, a context in which these constructs have significant implications for individual, community, and planetary well-being. We conclude with 4 points to stimulate further research on the intersections of identity and justice.
Cigarette Smoking Is Pro-oxidant in Pregnant Women Regardless of Antioxidant Nutrient Intake

Oxygen radical injury may be a common pathogenetic mechanism in several diseases of newborn infants; the objective of our study was to investigate nutritional and environmental factors which contribute to oxidative stress during pregnancy. Ethane, a volatile alkane produced during peroxidation of omega-3 fatty acids, was used as a non-invasive indicator of oxidative stress. Forty-four inner-city pregnant women were studied to investigate relationships between breath ethane, antioxidant nutritional status and the use of drugs, alcohol and/or tobacco. The mean age of the women was 24 ± 1 years; they were studied at 28 weeks of gestation. Nineteen of the 44 women (43%) smoked, five (11%) had positive urine drug screens and three (7%) consumed alcoholic beverages. No relationship was shown between the breath ethane of the whole group and intake of total calories, fat, protein or vitamins A, C, E, carotene or iron. Similarly, there were no correlations between breath ethane and serum vitamins A, E, E/total lip...