cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reporting of child abuse: influence of characteristics of physician, practice, and community.

This survey of 120 Alabama pediatricians, family physicians, and general practitioners investigated the relationship between physician, practice, and community characteristics and the factors that impede reporting of detected child abuse. Solo practitioners and rural physicians were most concerned about the effect of reporting on their relationship with their patients. Small town physicians, recent medical school graduates, and physicians who had attended child abuse workshops were most likely, and urban physicians least likely, to endorse an ethical or legal responsibility to report. Attendees of workshops were more confident in their ability to recognize abuse and less likely to think they could best handle the case themselves. Male physicians were reluctant to report because of the likelihood of having to appear in court. All physicians were reluctant to report cases about which they were uncertain and were concerned about the lack of prompt action after their reports; general practitioners expressed reluctance to report due to a wide variety of factors. Language: en
Treatment of Chronic Achilles Tendon Ruptures With Large Defects

Background. When Achilles tendon ruptures become chronic, a defect often forms at the rupture site. There is scant literature regarding the treatment of chronic Achilles ruptures with defects of 6 cm or larger. We examined outcomes from combining a turndown of the proximal, central Achilles with a flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon transfer to treat this condition. Materials. Between September 2002 and December 2013, 32 patients presented with a chronic Achilles rupture and a defect of 6 cm or more. Twenty patients were male and 12 were female. Patient age was between 20 and 74 years, with a mean of 53.3 years. Eighteen and 14 patients had their right and left Achilles tendon affected, respectively. The number of days between injury and surgery ranged from 30 to 315 days, with a mean of 102 days. Reconstruction of the Achilles involved a turndown of the proximal, central tendon and FHL augmentation. Final patient follow-up ranged from 18 to 150 months, with a mean of 62.3 months. Results: At surgery, the...
Evaluation of suture techniques for mitral valve replacement

Although periprosthetic leak is presently uncommon after mitral valve replacement, suture line disruption still occurs and may be significant in some patients. Suture technique is obviously an important factor in preventing disruption, but few authors have examined this variable. The purpose of this study was to determine which of four suture methods for mitral valve replacement maximized prosthetic stability in the mitral anulus. Horizontal mattress sutures with subannular pledgets, horizontal mattress sutures with supra-annular pledgets, figure-of-eight sutures, and interrupted simple sutures were compared. A Carpentier-Edwards sewing ring was sutured to the mitral anulus of intact canine left ventricles, each technique randomly assigned to eight hearts. Suture size, number of bites, and annular depth were maintained constant in all groups. Progressively increasing force was applied across the suture line until disruption occurred. The yield force at initial suture disruption was measured by a semiconductor strain-gauge transducer and defined the experimental end point. Subannular pledget-supported sutures required the greatest force (38.4 ± 0.8 N) to produce prosthetic dehiscence and were significantly more secure than supra-annular pledgets (32.7 ± 0.5 N). The two suture techniques in which pledgets were used were better than the nonsupported sutures, the mean yield force averaging 28.3 ± 0.3 N for figure-of-eight and 21.3 ± 0.7 N for interrupted simple sutures. Although clinical techniques may vary with prosthetic valve design, surgical preference, or pathological anatomy, this study suggests that horizontal mattress sutures with subannular pledgets provide the best prosthetic valve stability during mitral valve replacement
Understanding political development through an intersectionality framework: Life stories of disability activists

This article explores how those who do not share their marginalized identities with their surrounding people (e.g., family members) and thus community resources relating to these identities, initiate and experience political development. The concept of intersectionality is used as an analytical tool to examine how one's political development is mediated via one's intersecting identities, communities, and experience of social in/justices. Life story interviews were conducted with disabled activists to explore this question. The stories reveal how these activists, who had initially resisted identifying as disabled for various reasons, eventually used the politicizing experiences from nondisability identities and communities to reframe and reclaim their disability status. By tracing the political developments of disabled people, this article places importance on understanding the process in a holistic way and on developing activist communities and movements that acknowledge intersecting identities and in/justices.
Michael Faraday's concept of ultimate reality and meaning

L'A. s'attache a la presentation du celebre scientifique britannique Faraday en esperant y apporter une lumiere nouvelle. Apres avoir repris sa biographie et ses principales decouvertes, l'A. envisage de comprendre la pertinence de sa distinction entre realite et signification du monde «immediate» ou «ultime»
Public Participation for 21st Century Democracy

Tina Nabatchi and Matt Leighninger have provided a variety of audiences with a very attractive book, skillfully combining a normative message with a conceptual framework as well as an extensive pra...
Heating Patterns of Products in Crockery Cookers.

Heating characteristics at various positions inside two crockery cookers were determined when cookers contained starch gel, beef stew, baked beans (normal amount and overload), or meat loaf (normal amount and overload). Data on heating patterns were compared to growth limits for Clostridium perfringens and Staphylococcus aureus . Temperatures in the warmest areas of cookers were in the range for growth of S. aureus for about 0.4 h and in coolest area for about 3.9 h. The average time products were in the range for growth of C. perfringens and S. aureus was 1.75 and 1.5 h, respectively. All products, except when cookers were overloaded, were in the range for growth of indicated bacteria for less than or about 2 h. The time difference between when warmest and coolest areas reached 50 C in cooker I ranged from 0.5 to 2.6 h and in cooker II from 0.5 to 3.4 h. Results suggest that growth of the two organisms may occur in certain areas within these cookers if they are overloaded but not when the devices are used according to the manufacturer's directions.
Growth of viscoelastic wings and the reduction of particle mobility in a viscoelastic shear flow

The sedimentation of a rigid, spherical particle in a cross sheared elastic fluid is studied. By increasing the shear rate (shear Weissenberg number, Wi), the growth of viscoelastic wake structures, resembling wings, is observed, which are linked to a dramatic decrease in the particle mobility.
App Review: Trello

The futurist Alvin Toffler popularized the term information overload to describe the concept of the increasing difficulty in managing the sheer amount of data and information inputs and sources enc...
Velocity Dependence of the Stopping Power of Channeled Iodine Ions

Recent measurements of some uranium ion stopping powers, in the energy range 30–90 MeV [1], in polycrystalline targets, together with earlier data for Br ions and I ions have shown that, in the energy region where the theories of Lindhard, Scharff and Shiott [2] and Firsov [3] predict that electronic stopping should obey the relation Se = k1/2, the data show that Se = a + bE1/2. Fig. 1 is illustrative of the fact that heavier ions show a larger value of a than that for light ions. Presumably this effect would be unimportant for ions as light as oxygen. In particular, stopping power data for uranium ions has been compared with the theoretical predictions of the theories of Lindhard and Firsov for carbon, nickel and gold respectively, as shown in Figs. 2–4. The important point is that the data cannot be reconciled with theory by a simple change of slope.
The “Systemic Effect” of Elevated Tissue and Serum Relaxation Times for Water in Animals and Humans with Cancers

In this decade, following the Damadian discovery (Science 1971) that the nuclear resonance signal would non-invasively detect disease, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy has shown potential as a tool in medical diagnosis. One area in which NMR has been utilized successfully is in the exploration of the physical properties of water in disease states, especially cancer. This chapter is specificially aimed at one phenomenon called the “systemic effect”, whereby the physical properties of water and the concentration of water are changed in distant organs and sera of animals bearing tumors. An understanding of this phenomenon and our knowledge of it can be approached from a historical perspective coupled with a presentation of the latest experimental data in this field.
Somaclonal Variation in Peach

For several thousand years, conventional breeding techniques have been used to genetically improve peaches. Now we have tissue culture and genetic engineering technologies at our disposal that will enable us not only to work at the whole plant level, but also at the organ, tissue, cell, protoplast, organelle, chromosome, and gene levels in our efforts to improve this species. In the future, the specific approach chosen will depend on the problem to be solved and the amount of groundwork laid as far as the basic biology and the specific technology is concerned. Peach breeders should welcome these new technologies as a means of providing much needed variability, for the germplasm base is quite narrow for most commercial cultivars in the United States (Okie et al. 1985; Scorza et al. 1985; Arulsekar et al. 1986). In addition, many cultivars of North American origin are being used in intensive breeding efforts in many countries (Hesse 1979). A number ofreports have surfaced, indicating a scarcity of peach germplasm with resistance to Botryosphaeria dothidea (Okie and Reilly 1983), Cytospora leucostoma (Scorza and Pusey 1984), Pseudomonas syringae (Petersen 1975), and the stem pitting virus (Cochran 1975), all important pathogens of peach. A recent report by Werner et al. (1986) indicated that several commercial cultivars previously rated highly resistant to bacterial leaf spot (Fogle et al. 1974) were only moderately resistant. This report was corroborated by in vitro screening (Hammerschlag 1988a).
The Austerity Debate

The austerity debate has been raging since 2010, when most advanced economies initiated a process of fiscal adjustment following the surge in fiscal deficits in 2008–2009. It is a complex, confused and ideological debate and this paper aims at bringing some clarity regarding the position taken by various commentators. It reviews the “fiscal hawk view”, which favors an aggressive/frontloaded reduction in the deficit; the “fiscal dove view”, which favors a postponement of the adjustment or even a fiscal expansion, at least in some countries; and the intermediate position of those who argue that some adjustment is needed, but at a steady even pace, without frontloading, except in countries facing pressures from markets (and even in this case, there would be a speed limit to fiscal adjustment). This intermediate position is the one that is deemed most appropriate in the current circumstances.
Integration of Genomic Data with NMR Analysis Enables Assignment of the Full Stereostructure of Neaumycin B, a Potent Inhibitor of Glioblastoma from a Marine-Derived Micromonospora.

The microbial metabolites known as the macrolides are some of the most successful natural products used to treat infectious and immune diseases. Describing the structures of these complex metabolites, however, is often extremely difficult due to the presence of multiple stereogenic centers inherent in this class of polyketide-derived metabolites. With the availability of genome sequence data and a better understanding of the molecular genetics of natural product biosynthesis, it is now possible to use bioinformatic approaches in tandem with spectroscopic tools to assign the full stereostructures of these complex metabolites. In our quest to discover and develop new agents for the treatment of cancer, we observed the production of a highly cytotoxic macrolide, neaumycin B, by a marine-derived actinomycete bacterium of the genus Micromonospora. Neaumycin B is a complex polycyclic macrolide possessing 19 asymmetric centers, usually requiring selective degradation, crystallization, derivatization, X-ray diffr...
Optical Coherence Tomography Normative Peripapillary Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer and Macular Data in Children 0–5 Years of Age

Purpose To determine reference values for the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) and macula in children 0–5 years of age. Design Prospective cross-sectional study. Methods This study was set in a single large academic pediatric ophthalmology practice. Healthy, full-term children 0 to Results Data were obtained from normal eyes of 57 participants (mean age 2.28 ± 1.50 years). Mean global pRNFL thickness was 107.6 ± 10.3 μm. Mean global pRNFL thickness was not dependent on age but showed a negative relationship with axial length (P = .01). The mean total macular volume was 8.56 ± 0.259 mm3 (n = 38). No relationship was found between total macular volume and age. Ganglion cell layer, ganglion cell complex, and inner nuclear layer volumes showed an inverse relationship with age while the photoreceptor layers showed a logarithmic increase with age. Conclusions Global pRNFL thickness measurements remain stable over time. Macular volume and thickness values of segmented retinal layers reflect the development of the macula with age.
Inner-City Children Living with an HIV-Seropositive Mother: Parent–Child Relationships, Perception of Social Support, and Psychological Disturbance

Despite ongoing concern about the well-being of HIV-seronegative children living in urban poverty with a seropositive mother, very little is known about this expanding population of children. In this cross-sectional study, the psychosocial adjustment of 60 ethnic minority children 11 to 16 years of age who were living with an HIV-seropositive mother was compared with that of 108 children attending public school in the same community. Results of three multivariate analyses of covariance indicated that, after allowance for differences associated with age, gender, ethnicity, and family structure, the HIV-affected group confirmed (a) greater disturbance in the parent–child relationship, (b) less social support, and (c) greater disturbance in psychological functioning. Secondary analysis of the multivariate findings indicated that the differences were characterized primarily by (a) perception of more indifference and hostility in the mother–child relationship, (b) perception of less social support available from parents, friends, and teachers, and (c) less self-esteem. The findings suggest that HIV infection and concurrent problems may compromise parent–child relationships and perception of social support in ways that leave older, seronegative children living with an infected mother at risk for psychological disturbance.
Chapter 9 – Boron

Found nature in the mineral borax, a commodity widely used in laundry products, boron exists as B12 that has an icosahedral structure. Boron halides, BX3, have planar structures and because they are electron deficient compounds they behave as Lewis acids. There is an extensive chemistry of boron hydrides with the simplest being B2H6 in which two hydrogen atoms in bridging positions are participants in three-center bonds. Numerous other boron hydrides exhibit a variety of polyhedral structures. Because BN is isoelectronic with C2, many compounds are known in which a BN unit replaces two carbon atoms. These include BN itself that has a graphite-type structure, and B3N3H6 that has a structure similar to that of benzene. Carboranes result when one or more carbon atoms replace B-H units in the B12H12 molecule, and they form complexes with metals.
Evaluation and Management of Symptomatic Vasospasm following Endoscopic Endonasal Resection of Pediatric Adamantinomatous Craniopharyngioma.

Background Cerebral vasospasm is a well-described pathology following subarachnoid hemorrhage and trauma in children; however, very few cases have been published following craniopharyngioma resection in children. Those that were published were associated with significant morbidity or mortality at hospital discharge. Case Summary. Here, we report the challenging clinical course of a pediatric patient who developed delayed cerebral vasospasm following craniopharyngioma resection. It was first noted on postoperative day 13. The patient was managed with induced hypertension, hypervolemia, and intra-arterial vasodilator therapy (nicardipine). This patient made a full recovery without new focal deficits at hospital discharge. Conclusion In contrast to previously reported similar pediatric cases, this patient with cerebral vasospasm after craniopharyngioma resection made a full recovery without new focal neurologic deficits. To our knowledge, this is the first occurrence of a patient with this clinical course.
Non-Magnetic Non-Reciprocal Microwave Components — State of the Art and Future Directions

Non-reciprocal components such as circulators, isolators and gyrators find utility in numerous microwave wireless applications, including high-power transmitters, simultaneous transmit-and-receive communication and radar systems, and emerging cryogenic quantum computing implementations. Today, such components are implemented using ferrite materials, which lose their reciprocity under the application of an external magnetic field. However, ferrite materials are incompatible with semiconductor integrated-circuit fabrication processes, and therefore ferrite non-reciprocal components are difficult to miniaturize to chip scales, rendering them bulky and expensive. This has motivated significant research into non-magnetic non-reciprocal components over the past 50 years. In recent years, this research has been invigorated by breakthroughs in time-modulated non-reciprocal components, and their integration into silicon integrated circuits. This paper reviews the history of non-reciprocal electronics, surveys recent research results in the area, and describes outstanding directions for future research.
New geochemical tools for investigating resource and energy functions at deep-sea cold seeps using amino acid δ15N in chemosymbiotic mussels (Bathymodiolus childressi)

In order to reconstruct the ecosystem structure of chemosynthetic environments in the fossil record, geochemical proxies must be developed. Here, we present a suite of novel compound-specific isotope parameters for tracing chemosynthetic production with a focus on understanding nitrogen dynamics in deep-sea cold seep environments. We examined the chemosymbiotic bivalve Bathymodiolus childressi from three geographically distinct seep sites on the NE Atlantic Margin and compared isotope data to non-chemosynthetic littoral mussels to test whether water depth, seep activity, and/or mussel bed size are linked to differences in chemosynthetic production. The bulk isotope analysis of carbon (δ13 C) and nitrogen (δ15 N), and δ15 N values of individual amino acids (δ15 NAA ) in both gill and muscle tissues, as well as δ15 NAA- derived parameters including trophic level (TL), baseline δ15 N value (δ15 NPhe ), and a microbial resynthesis index (ΣV), were used to investigate specific geochemical signatures of chemosynthesis. Our results show that δ15 NAA values provide a number of new proxies for relative reliance on chemosynthesis, including TL, ∑V, and both δ15 N values and molar percentages (Gly/Glu mol% index) of specific AA. Together, these parameters suggested that relative chemoautotrophy is linked to both degree of venting from seeps and mussel bed size. Finally, we tested a Bayesian mixing model using diagnostic AA δ15 N values, showing that percent contribution of chemoautotrophic versus heterotrophic production to seep mussel nutrition can be directly estimated from δ15 NAA values. Our results demonstrate that δ15 NAA analysis can provide a new set of geochemical tools to better understand mixotrophic ecosystem function and energetics, and suggest extension to the study of ancient chemosynthetic environments in the fossil record.
Effects of vessel wall mechanics on non-invasive evaluation of cardiovascular intrinsic frequencies.

Abstract Intrinsic Frequency (IF) is a systems-based approach that provides valuable information for hemodynamic monitoring of the left ventricle (LV), the arterial system, and their coupling. Recent clinical studies have demonstrated the clinical significance of this method for prognosis and diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases. In IF analysis, two dominant instantaneous frequencies ( ω 1 and ω 2 ) are extracted from arterial pressure waveforms. The value of ω 1 is related to the dynamics of the LV and the value of ω 2 is related to the dynamics of vascular function. This work investigates the effects of vessel wall mechanics on the accuracy and applicability of IFs extracted from vessel wall displacement waveforms compared to IFs extracted from pressure waveforms. In this study, we used a computational approach employing a fluid–structure interaction finite element method for various wall mechanics governed by linearly elastic, hyperelastic, and viscoelastic models. Results show that for vessels with elastic wall behavior, the error between displacement-based and pressure-based IFs is negligible. In the presence of stenosis or aneurysm in elastic arteries, the maximum errors associated with displacement-based IFs is less than 2%. For non-linear elastic and viscoelastic arteries, errors are more pronounced (where the former reaches up to 11% and the latter up to 27%). Our results ultimately suggest that displacement-based computations of ω 1 and ω 2 are accurate in vessels that exhibit elastic behavior (such as carotid arteries) and are suitable surrogates for pressure-based IFs. This is clinically significant because displacement-based IFs can be measured non-invasively.
The radiologist's role in the multidisciplinary team for patients with colon cancer peritoneal metastases.

Abstract Background Prevention and treatment of peritoneal metastases from colon cancer is currently under a critical reevaluation. An expanded role of the radiologist in imaging the peritoneum and extrahepatic structures is crucial to progress in this endeavor. Methods The critical role of radiology in the evaluation of a primary colon cancer and in diagnosis and assessment of recurrent colon cancer is evaluated. Results For primary colon cancer the radiologist should forewarn the multidisciplinary team of patients whose malignancy is at high risk for peritoneal metastases and for local recurrence. In recurrent colon cancer a quantitative assessment of the concerning radiologic features are of help to select patients for reoperation. Conclusion An improved primary surgical treatment strategy and more knowledgeable patient selection for reoperation can result from this information.
Septal Involvement in Patients With Post-Infarction Ventricular Tachycardia: Implications for Mapping and Radiofrequency Ablation

Objectives The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of the re-entry circuit within the interventricular septum in post-infarction patients referred for ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation. Background Post-infarction ventricular tachycardia can involve the endocardial myocardium, the intramural myocardium, the epicardium, or the His Purkinje system. Methods Among 74 consecutive patients with recurrent post-infarction VT, 33 patients (45%) were identified in whom the critical part of the VT involved the interventricular septum. A total of 206 VTs were induced in these 33 patients. In 46 of the 206 VTs, a critical component was identified in the interventricular septum. The critical isthmus of the re-entry circuit was identified by entrainment mapping, activation mapping, or pace-mapping. Results In 32 of 46 VTs (70%), the critical component of the re-entry circuit was confined to the endocardium. In 9 of 46 VTs (20%), the critical component involved the Purkinje system, and in 5 of 46 VTs (11%), an intramural area was critical. Entrainment and/or pace-mapping helped to identify critical areas of endocardial VTs as well as VTs involving the Purkinje fibers, but neither of these mapping techniques localized intramural VTs. Electrocardiographic characteristics were specific for each of the septal locations. All VTs mapped to the interventricular septum were acutely successfully ablated. VTs recurred in 9 of 33 patients with septal VTs during a mean follow-up period of 40 ± 20 months. Conclusions Post-infarction VT involving the interventricular septum can involve the endocardial muscle, Purkinje fibers, or intramural muscle fibers. Electrocardiographic characteristics differ depending on the type of tissue involved.
Buoyancy-generated variable-density turbulence

Because of the importance of turbulence mixing in many applications, a number of turbulence mixing models have been proposed for variable-density flows. These engineering models (one-point statistical models) typically include the transport of the turbulent kinetic energy and the turbulent energy dissipation rate (i.e., k — ∈ models). The model presented by Besnard, Harlow, Rauenzahn and Zemach (1992) (herein referred to as BHRZ) is a one-point model intended to describe variable-density turbulent flows. Transport equations for the Reynolds stress tensor, R ij , and the turbulent energy dissipation rate, the density-velocity correlation, a i , and the density-specific volume correlation, b are derived. This model employs techniques and concepts from incompressible, constant-density turbulence modeling and incorporates ideas from two-phase flow models.
Diaspora and Heritage: a perennial source of conflict

This article explores the interactions between populations and their diaspora, as sources and amplifiers of problems and conflicts. Whether in terms of their tangible or intangible properties, popu...
A NOTE ON CORRECTION OF STRONG-MOTION ACCELEROGRAMS FOR INSTRUMENT RESPONSE

Two methods for accelerometer instrument correction are described: (1) a direct numerical differentiation of recorded accelerograms from which high-frequency digitization errors have been filtered out and (2) an ideal "mathematical accelerometer" with a natural frequency significantly higher than the natural frequency of the recording instrument. Although both methods give good results, the first one is recommended for standard use. of critical. The recorded relative instrument response approximates accurately the ground acceleration in the frequency range from 0 cps to about ½ to ¼ of the natural frequency of the transducer. Thus, the direct instrument output can be used to represent ground acceleration up to about 5 to 15 cps. If information on higher frequencies is required, instrument correction of the recorded accelerogram must be performed. Modern computational methods in the dynamics of structures now require the accurate high-frequency part of the accelerogram, in order to determine the response of the higher modes of vibration. Detailed studies of earthquake source parameters and especially the studies aimed at the determination of the size of the earthquake dislocation surface and the effective stress call for the maximum possible accuracy in the high-frequency end of the Fourier amplitude spectrum of ground acceleration. Unlike the baseline correction of accelerograms (Trifunac 1970) considered by many investigators, the instrument correction problem was studied by only a few. Jenschke and Penzien (1964) proposed an approximate method for the accelerograph instrument cor- rection in response-spectrum calculations. Their method was based on a numerical approximation of the first derivative of an accelerograph transducer's recorded relative response, whereas McLennan (1969) derived an exact method to correct for accelero- meter error in the dynamic response calculations. The disadvantage in both of these methods was that they were designed to correct the response spectra and not the recorded accelerogram that serves as the basic input for all computations. In this paper, we present two different types of accelerometer instrument corrections. The first method, based on our previous work (Trifunac and Hudson 1970), uses direct numerical differentiation of an instrument response. This differentiation is performed after high-frequency digitization errors are filtered out from digitized data. The second method is the extension of McLennan's (1969) approach. It consists of computing the response of a high-frequency oscillator that has a natural frequency significantly higher than the accelerometer frequency.
Consecutive cyclic exotropia after surgery for adult-onset cyclic esotropia

Cyclic esotropia--periods of esotropia alternating with periods of orthotropia, most commonly on a 48-hour cycle--is a rare condition seen mostly in children. Surgical correction of the maximum deviation generally corrects the esotropia without resulting in alternating periods of exotropia, as might be expected if the periodicity continued postoperatively. Unlike cyclic esotropia in children, the few reported adult cases have often been associated with severe acquired monocular visual impairment; however, the response to surgical treatment is reported to be the same as that in children. We report here an exception, in which an adult patient developed cyclic exotropia after surgical correction of her acquired cyclic esotropia.
Two-blastocyst transfer has similar pregnancy rates and a decreased multiple gestation rate compared with three-blastocyst transfer

Abstract Objective: To examine the effect of the number of blastocysts transferred on pregnancy and multiple gestation rates. Design: Retrospective study. Setting: Academic infertility center. Patient(s): Patients Intervention(s): Embryos were cultured in P1 until day 3 and then transferred to blastocyst medium. A maximum of three blastocysts were transferred. Main Outcome Measure(s): Pregnancy, multiple gestation, and implantation rates. Result(s): All 55 patients developed blastocysts and underwent ET. Twenty-four patients had three embryos transferred and 29 patients had two embryos transferred. Two patients had only one embryo each for transfer. There was no difference in the viable pregnancy rate between the two-blastocyst transfer and three-blastocyst transfer groups (62% vs. 58%). In the two-blastocyst transfer group, 39% of pregnancies were multiple gestations (all twin gestations), compared with 79% of pregnancies in the three-blastocyst transfer group (50% twin gestations, 29% triplet gestations). The implantation rate was 47% in both groups. Conclusion(s): A commercially available, sequential culture system is highly effective for producing viable blastocysts. Two-blastocyst transfer eliminated the risk of triplets while maintaining the same high success rates seen with three-blastocyst ET.
Elemental abundances in chondrules from unequilibrated chondrites: Evidence for chondrule origin by melting of pre-existing materials

Bulk abundances of Na, Mg, Al, Ca, Sc, V, Cr, Ir, and Au were analyzed by neutron activation of chondrules separated from unequilibrated H, L, and LL chondrites and correlated with petrographic properties. The geometric mean composition of the whole-rock chondrule suites are almost indistinguishable from each other for many elements; chondrules are enriched in lithophile and depleted in siderophile elements in a pattern consistent with chondrule formation by melting of preexistent materials. The porphyritic chondrules are more enriched in refractory and siderophile elements as compared with the nonporphyrytic chondrules, indicating that these two chondrule groups may have formed from different precursors.
Comparison of the surgical outcomes of punch incision and elliptical excision in treating epidermal inclusion cysts: a prospective, randomized study.

BACKGROUND Punch incision has been introduced as an alternative method to surgical excision for troublesome epidermal inclusion cysts. To date, there is no randomized study directly comparing the long-term results of these two methods. OBJECTIVE To compare the surgical outcomes of these two procedures and to identify the characteristics of a lesion most suitable for the punch incision technique. METHODS In a 16-month period, 60 patients with noninfected epidermal inclusion cysts were randomly treated with either punch incision or elliptical excision. Demographic data, size, and location of lesion, length of wound, operative time, complications, recurrence, and patient satisfaction were compared statistically. RESULTS The mean lengths of the wounds in the punch incision and elliptical excision groups were 0.73 and 2.34 cm, respectively (p<.001). Mean operative time was significantly shorter in the punch group (12.7 minutes) as compared with the surgical group (21.6 minutes) (p<.001). No complication occurred in the punch incision group. There was no significant difference in the recurrence rate. CONCLUSION Punch incision produces a superior cosmetic result while keeping a low recurrence rate of cysts. Epidermal inclusion cysts measuring 1 to 2 cm that are located on the face or in an area of cosmetic concern are best treated with punch incision.
Postmortem diffusion of alcohol through the gastric wall

Es wird uber eine Untersuchungsreihe berichtet, bei der in 12 Fallen 15%iger Athylalkohol in den alkoholfreien Leichenmagen infundiert und festgestellt wurde: 1. das der Alkohol nach dem Tode durch die Magenwand diffundiert und in die benachbarten Hohlsysteme (Thorax, Perikard, Herzkammer) gelangt; 2. innerhalb der ersten 3 Std nur eine deutliche Zunahme des Alkoholgehaltes in der Perikard- oder Pleuraflussigkeit eintritt und nur unter Ausnahmebedingungen eine Erhohung des Alkoholgehaltes im Kammerblut rechts festzustellen ist; 3. das die Alkoholkonzentration im Herzbeutel um so hoher ist, je weniger Flussigkeit in ihr ist; 4. das eine gewisse Abhangigkeit zwischen der Hohe des gefundenen Wertes und Verweildauer des Alkohols besteht; 5. das eine Steigerung bis 1,0‰ im Herzbeutelinhalt keine Erhohung des intrakardialen Blutes zur Folge haben mus und das keine Abhangigkeit zwischen der Hohe des Perikardinhaltes und Kammerinhaltes besteht; 6. das das periphere Blut und der Liquor und Urin keine Beeinflussung durch den postmortal diffundierten Alkohol aus dem Magen erfahren.
Job Stress Among Hispanic Professionals

This study explores job stress among a random sample of 219 Hispanic professionals. Participants complete the Job Stress Survey by Spielberger and Vagg and a demographic questionnaire. Responses are analyzedusing descriptive statistics, a factorial analysis of variance, and coefficients of determination. Results indicate that Hispanic professionals participating in this study experience higher levels of job stress than do individuals in a normative group. Furthermore, female participants report significantly higher levels of job stress than male participants do. Lack of organizational support contributes more to the variability of job stress among participants than job pressure does. Results from this study add to the body of knowledge on job stress and to the body of knowledge on work-related outcomes for Hispanic employees.
Mild cognitive impairment: International perspectives

Mild Cognitive Impairment: International Perspectives. Holly A. Tuokko & David F. Hultsch (Eds.). 2006. New York: Psychology Press. Price: $99.00. Pp. 319. ISBN 13: 978-1-84169-466-5 (hbk). Mild co...
Identification of ninhydrin-positive caprolactam metabolites in the rat.

Abstract Caprolactam (2-oxohexamethylenimine) is metabolized in the rat partly to 4-hydroxycaprolactam or the corresponding free acid. The 4-hydroxy metabolite rearranges spontaneously in acidic aqueous medium to an equilibrium mixture of which 6-amino-γ-caprolactone is the major component and 6-amino-4-hydroxyhexanoic acid is a minor component. Approximately 16% of the caprolactam ingested daily by rats fed a diet containing 3% caprolactam was excreted as the 4-hydroxy metabolite and a small amount was excreted as the non-hydroxylated acid, 6-aminohexanoic acid. The metabolites were isolated by ion-exchange chromatography and identified by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy and infra-red and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.
Improving the transition from basic efficacy research to effectiveness studies: Methodological issues and procedures.

This article proposes methodological strategies that, if used in treatment outcome research, may help in the transition of efficacy research findings into effectiveness trials in clinical and service delivery settings. Alternative methodologies are proposed to examine how treatment effectiveness may vary as a function of degree of treatment structure, treatment protocol compliance, psychotherapy integration into an overall treatment regimen, participant selection and composition, and variations in treatment parameters. The discussion focuses on encouraging the retention of experimental control while stretching psychotherapy outcome research designs to encompass effectiveness issues.
Isotope fractionation in two-step photoionization of Li2

Abstract A cw argon-ion laser beam intersects a thermal-energy lithium-beam. Sequential two-photon ionization of Li 2 is observed. Li + 2 ions are formed by most of the available laser lines. Large isotope fractionations result from this process.
Genomic architecture of pharmacological efficacy and adverse events

The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic disciplines address pharmacological traits, including efficacy and adverse events. Pharmacogenomics studies have identified pervasive genetic effects on treatment outcomes, resulting in the development of genetic biomarkers for optimization of drug therapy. Pharmacogenomics-based tests are already being applied in clinical decision making. However, despite substantial progress in identifying the genetic etiology of pharmacological response, current biomarker panels still largely rely on single gene tests with a large portion of the genetic effects remaining to be discovered. Future research must account for the combined effects of multiple genetic variants, incorporate pathway-based approaches, explore gene-gene interactions and nonprotein coding functional genetic variants, extend studies across ancestral populations, and prioritize laboratory characterization of molecular mechanisms. Because genetic factors can play a key role in drug response, accurate biomarker tests capturing the main genetic factors determining treatment outcomes have substantial potential for improving individual clinical care.
Increased prevalence of breast cancer among patients with thyroid and parathyroid disease.

Background A breast cancer (BC) history was elicited more frequently than expected among thyroid operation patients, which prompted an investigation of risks for concurrent or subsequent nonendocrine malignancies. Methods Of 94,939 patients at a tertiary referral center with breast, thyroid, or parathyroid disease from 2000 to 2006, those patients with more than one tumor type were identified. Rates of BC, thyroid cancer (TC), hyperparathyroidism (HPT), and multiple diagnoses were compared with matched populations using Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) data. Results Of those patients identified, 1604 patients had TC, 12,440 patients had BC, and 1352 patients had HPT. Sixty patients with TC (3.7%) and 70 patients with HPT (5.2%) also had BC. Of 820 consecutive thyroidectomy patients, 23 patients (2.8%) had TC and BC, compared with 1.6% expected from a Monte Carlo distribution using SEER data (P = .001). BC and TC occurred within 5 years in 90% of patients, who tended to be older than those with a single cancer. HPT affected 0.6% of patients with BC, 6% of patients with TC, and 7% of patients with both malignancies. Conclusion Patients found initially to have TC or BC may be predisposed to develop the other malignancy within a short timeframe. HPT is also more prevalent among these patients. Vigilant screening for associated disorders should accompany initial diagnosis of either cancer.
A model for microcrack initiation and propagation beneath hertzian contacts in polycrystalline ceramics

Abstract A fracture mechanics model of damage evolution within Hertzian stress fields in heterogeneous brittle ceramics is developed. Discrete microcracks generate from shear faults associated with the heterogeneous ceramic microstructure; e.g. in polycrystalline alumina, they initiate at the ends of intragrain twin lamellae and extend along intergrain boundaries. Unlike the well-defined classical cone fracture that occurs in the weakly tensile region outside the surface contact in homogeneous brittle solids, the fault-microcrack damage in polycrystalline ceramics is distributed within a subsurface shear-compression zone below the contact. The shear faults are modelled as sliding interfaces with friction, in the manner of established rock mechanics descriptions but with provision for critical nucleation and matrix restraining stresses. This allows for constrained microcrack pop-in during the loading half-cycle. Ensuing stable microcrack extension is then analyzed in terms of a K-dfield formulation. For simplicity, only mode I extensions is considered specifically here, although provision exists for including mode II. The compressive stresses in the subsurface field constrain microcrack growth during the loading half-cycle, such that enhanced extension occurs during unloading. Data from damage observations in alumina ceramics are used to illustrate the theoretical predictions. Microstructural scaling is a vital element in the microcrack description: initition is unstable only above a critical grain size, and extension increases as the grain size increases. Internal residual stresses also play an important role in determining the extent of microcrack damage. Implications of the results in the practical context of wear and fatigue properties are discussed.
APPLIED HISTORICAL ECOLOGY: USING THE PAST TO MANAGE FOR THE FUTURE

Applied historical ecology is the use of historical knowledge in the man- agement of ecosystems. Historical perspectives increase our understanding of the dynamic nature of landscapes and provide a frame of reference for assessing modern patterns and processes. Historical records, however, are often too brief or fragmentary to be useful, or they are not obtainable for the process or structure of interest. Even where long historical time series can be assembled, selection of appropriate reference conditions may be com- plicated by the past influence of humans and the many potential reference conditions encompassed by nonequilibrium dynamics. These complications, however, do not lessen the value of history; rather they underscore the need for multiple, comparative histories from many locations for evaluating both cultural and natural causes of variability, as well as for characterizing the overall dynamical properties of ecosystems. Historical knowledge may not simplify the task of setting management goals and making decisions, but 20th century trends, such as increasingly severe wildfires, suggest that disregarding history can be perilous. We describe examples from our research in the southwestern United States to illustrate some of the values and limitations of applied historical ecology. Paleoecological data from packrat middens and other natural archives have been useful for defining baseline conditions of vegetation communities, determining histories and rates of species range expansions and contractions, and discriminating between natural and cultural causes of environmental change. We describe a montane grassland restoration project in northern New Mexico that was justified and guided by an historical sequence of aerial photographs showing progressive tree invasion during the 20th century. Likewise, fire scar chronologies have been widely used to justify and guide fuel reduction and natural fire reintroduction in forests. A south- western network of fire histories illustrates the power of aggregating historical time series across spatial scales. Regional fire patterns evident in these aggregations point to the key role of interannual lags in responses of fuels and fire regimes to the El Nino-Southern Oscillation (wet/dry cycles), with important implications for long-range fire hazard fore- casting. These examples of applied historical ecology emphasize that detection and expla- nation of historical trends and variability are essential to informed management.
The relationship between perceived discrimination and Generalized Anxiety Disorder among African Americans, Afro Caribbeans, and non-Hispanic Whites

The present study examined the relationship between frequency of race based and non-race based discrimination experiences and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) in a sample of 3570 African Americans, 1438 Afro Caribbeans, and 891 non-Hispanic Whites from the National Survey of American Life (NSAL). Because GAD and the experience of racial discrimination are both associated with symptoms of worry and tension, we expected race based discrimination to predict GAD prevalence for African Americans, but not other groups. We did not expect non-race based discrimination to predict GAD. Results showed that while more frequent experiences of non-race based discrimination predicted GAD for all groups, experiencing race based discrimination was associated with significantly higher odds of endorsing lifetime GAD for African Americans only. Results are interpreted in light of the different contexts that these three ethnic groups represent relative to their history within the United States as well as their present day circumstances.
Female orgasm via penile stimulation: A criterion of adequate sexual functioning?

Abstract This study assessed the extent to which a woman's ability to orgasm in coital situations with and without penile stimulation affects perceptions of sexual/pychological functioning. Subjects were asked to mah diagnostic judgments about women described in written scenarios depicting hdmosexual coital activity. Subject responses to all dependent measures reflected more positive/less pathological assessments for those situations in which the female in the scenario was described as being orgasmic via penile as well as manual stimulation, as opposed to those in which the female was described as being coitally orgasmic only with direct manual stimulation.
Thiosulfonium ions. Methylthiolation of 3-methylthio-1-butene and cis- and trans-1-methylthio-2-butene

Abstract Whereas sulfenyl reagents commonly add to carbon double bonds, addition to sulfur of 3-methylthio-1-butene precedes attack at carbon to give allylic thiosulfonium ions that form reversibly and which rearrange rapidly to trans -2-butenyl analogs. Likewise, rearrangement of cis - to trans -1-methylthio-2-butene occurs by way of thiosulfonium ions.