cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization of the volatile odor profile from larval masses in a field decomposition setting

Abstract By studying insect populations and subsequent larval stages, forensic examiners can use entomology as a tool to estimate time of death, evaluate trauma present in body, and even determine if the corpse was moved based on the types of insects found. Due to the close contact between insect and decomposition source, this study aimed to investigate whether a larval mass sample could yield an odor profile distinctive of the various stages of decomposition using pig cadavers as models. Instrumental evaluation utilized Solid Phase-Microextraction (SPME) coupled with Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) for the identification of extracted volatile odor profiles of maggots. There were 107 compounds detected in larvae samples. Of these, a total of 10 compounds were selected as frequently occurring in the larvae matrix. Sulfurs and ketones were observed in the early stages of decomposition, followed by alcohols such as phenol and indole in later stages. Based on the analysis of released volatile organic compounds, it is feasible to use a larval odor sample to detect previously reported decomposition odor volatiles and through continuous sampling, the odor profile changes as a function of decomposition. Principal component analysis depicted a preliminary decomposition stage clustering of larvae odor profiles using only the selected volatile array pattern. More research is therefore needed to confirm this trend over longer longitudinal and temperature perspectives. This study, however, provides an initial foundation as to how these larval mass odor profiles could provide a preliminary path for a new tool in PMI determination.
Higher Order Statistics from the EDSGC Survey I: Counts in Cells

Counts in cells are used to analyse the higher order properties of the statistics of the EDSGC survey. The probability distribution is obtained from an equal area projection source catalog with infinite oversampling over the range $0.015^\circ-2^\circ$. The factorial moments of the resulting distribution and the $s_N$'s characterizing the non-Gaussian nature of the distribution are extracted. These results are compared to previous results from the APM survey, and to theoretical results from perturbation theory. The deprojected 3D values corresponding to the $s_N$'s are also determined. We find that the 3D values match the scaling relation for strongly nonlinear clustering found in N-body simulations remarkably well, suggesting that the galaxies are reliable tracers of the underlying mass distribution.
The Reports of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania

This article reviews the history of court reporting for the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania from the early nominative reports down to the present. A bibliography is appended.
Mechanism and Kinetics of Methane Oxidation to Methanol Catalyzed by AuPd Nanocatalysts at Low Temperature

The selective oxidation of methane to methanol at ambient conditions has the potential to enable the use of natural gas obtained in remote areas. We performed multivariate statistical analysis of 1...
Hispanic Ethnic Density May Be Protective for Older Black/African American and Non-Hispanic White Populations for Some Health Conditions: An Exploration of Support and Neighborhood Mechanisms.

Background and purpose Hispanic ethnic density (HED) is associated with salubrious health outcomes for Hispanics, yet recent research suggests it may also be protective for other groups. The purpose of this study was to test whether HED was protective for other racial-ethnic groups. We tested whether social support or neighborhood social integration mediated the association between high HED and depressive symptoms (CES-D) and physical morbidity 5 years later. Lastly, we tested whether race-ethnicity moderated both main and indirect effects. Methods We used Waves 1 (2005-2006), and 2 (2010-2011) from The National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project, a national study of older U.S. adults. Our sample was restricted to Wave 1 adults who returned at Wave 2, did not move from their residence between waves, and self-identified as Hispanic, non-Hispanic White (NHW), or non-Hispanic Black (NHB; n = 1,635). We geo-coded respondents' addresses to a census-tract and overlaid racial-ethnic population data. Moderated-mediation models using multiple imputation (to handle missingness) and bootstrapping were used to estimate indirect effects for all racial-ethnic categories. Results Depressive symptoms were lower amongst racial-ethnic minorities in ethnically (Hispanic) dense neighborhoods; this effect was not stronger in Hispanics. HED was not associated with physical morbidity. Sensitivity analyses revealed that HED was protective for cardiovascular events in all racial-ethnic groups, but not arthritis, or respiratory disease. Social support and neighborhood social integration were not mediators for the association between HED and outcomes, nor were indirect effects moderated by race-ethnicity. Conclusions This study offers some evidence that HED may be protective for some conditions in older adults; however, the phenomena underlying these effects remains a question for future work.
Innate Immune Recognition of Hepatitis C Virus

Infection by HCV elicits a relative strong innate immune response in the liver that is characterized by induction of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) and inflammatory cytokines. Mysteriously, this intrinsic host defense response is not followed by effective HCV-specific T cell responses in a majority of infected individuals, which progress to persistent infection. Innate immune recognition of HCV is initiated by hepatocytes and other parenchymal and non-parenchymal liver cells as well as specific immune cell subsets infiltrating the liver, signaling through various intracellular pathways that culminate in induction of interferons, ISGs and cytokines. These provide the first line of defense against HCV and also orchestrate the development of subsequent adaptive immunity to the virus. Data suggest that host genetic polymorphisms and immune evasion by HCV alter the status and magnitude of intrahepatic innate immune responses, and in so doing impact the infection outcome. This chapter summarizes recent advances in innate immune responses to HCV, focusing on the mechanisms by which the host detects HCV infection and initiates antiviral and inflammatory responses and by which HCV circumvents and sometimes exploits aspects of these intrinsic immune responses for maximal survival. Also reviewed are host innate immune factors that regulate spontaneous HCV clearance and response to the interferon-based therapy.
Alterations in Gray Matter Volume and GABA in Veterans Treated with Percutaneous Electric Neural Field Stimulation (PENFS)

Previous studies have demonstrated that fibromyalgia results in gray matter alterations as well as changes in GABA concentrations in various cortical regions when compared to healthy controls [1,2,3]. In veterans with fibromyalgia, we investigate the effect of PENFS on gray matter alterations and GABA concentrations and correlate them with clinical outcomes such as pain scores and function. PENFS applied to the ear stimulates auricular branches of cranial nerves including the vagus. Subjects: 21 veterans aged 20-60 years old with fibromyalgia were randomized to standard therapy control (ST) or standard therapy with auricular PENFS (ST+PENFS). (ST+PENFS: n = 12; ST: n = 9) Total n = 21. Intervention: ST involved standard therapy. ST+PENFS group included ST+PENFS weekly (5 days on) for 4 weeks. Imaging: Neuroimaging data was collected within 2 weeks of initiating treatment and 2 weeks following the final treatment. Self-reported pain and function were assessed and correlated to MRI timepoints. Analysis was performed of GABA concentrations using a right posterior insula voxel placement. Volumetric assessments were performed of the structural MRI data. Clinical assessments were also conducted. Findings: auricular PENFS results in novel changes observed as neural plasticity on fMRI. This study provides valuable insight on the role of potential biomarkers such as GABA and further investigates cortical gray matter alterations and its association with pain. This research was supported in part by Career Development Awards 1IK1RX002113-01A2, 1IK2RX003227-01 (Anna Woodbury), and 1IK2RX002934 (Venkatagiri Krishnamurthy); by Senior Research Career Scientist Award Grant B6364L (Bruce Crosson) and Center Grant 5I50RX002358 from the US Department of Veterans Affairs Rehabilitation Research and Development Service; and by the National Institute of Mental Health of the National Institutes of Health under Award No. R01MH105561 and R01MH118771 (Ying Guo).
Update to post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection: Caring for the 'long-haulers'

An estimated 10% of COVID-19 survivors continue to experience symptoms several weeks to months after the appearance of initial symptoms, a condition termed post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC). These patients, also called "long-haulers," most commonly report protracted symptoms of fatigue, cough, dyspnea, chest tightness, difficulty concentrating, arthralgia, olfactory dysfunction, and headache. While age, comorbid medical conditions, and COVID-19 severity are suspected risk factors for PASC, young and previously healthy individuals with mild COVID-19 are also at risk. Recognition of symptoms, evaluation, supportive treatment, and attention to medical comorbidities are the cornerstones of medical management.
Pharmacokinetics of Orally Administered Prednisolone in Alpacas

This study aimed to determine the pharmacokinetics of prednisolone following intravenous and oral administration in healthy adult alpacas. Healthy adult alpacas were given prednisolone (IV, n = 4), as well as orally (PO, n = 6). Prednisolone was administered IV once (1 mg/kg). Oral administration was once daily for 5 days (2 mg/kg). Each treatment was separated by a minimum 4 month washout period. Samples were collected at 0 (pre-administration), 0.083, 0.167, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 h after IV administration, and at 0 (pre-administration), 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24 after the first and 5th PO administration. Samples were also taken for serial complete blood count and biochemistry analysis. Prednisolone concentration was determined by high pressure liquid chromatography. Non-compartmental pharmacokinetic parameters were then determined. After IV administration clearance was 347 mL/kg/hr, elimination half-life was 2.98 h, and area under the curve was 2,940 h*ng/mL. After initial and fifth oral administration elimination half-life was 5.27 and 5.39 h; maximum concentration was 74 and 68 ng/mL; time to maximum concentration was 2.67 and 2.33 h; and area under the curve was 713 and 660 hr*ng/mL. Oral bioavailability was determined to be 13.7%. Packed cell volume, hemoglobin, and red blood cell counts were significantly decreased 5 days after the first PO administration, and serum glucose was significantly elevated 5 days after the first PO administration. In conclusion, serum concentrations of prednisolone after IV and PO administration appear to be similar to other veterinary species. Future research will be needed to determine the pharmacodynamics of prednisolone in alpacas.
Pathways between objective and perceived neighborhood factors among Black breast cancer survivors.

Background Mounting evidence supports associations between objective neighborhood disorder, perceived neighborhood disorder, and health, yet alternative explanations involving socioeconomic and neighborhood social cohesion have been understudied. We tested pathways between objective and perceived neighborhood disorder, perceived neighborhood social cohesion, and socioeconomic factors within a longitudinal cohort. Methods Demographic and socioeconomic information before diagnosis was obtained at interviews conducted approximately 10 months post-diagnosis from participants in the Women's Circle of Health Follow-up Study - a cohort of breast cancer survivors self-identifying as African American or Black women (n = 310). Neighborhood perceptions were obtained during follow-up interviews conducted approximately 24 months after diagnosis. Objective neighborhood disorder was from 9 items audited across 23,276 locations using Google Street View and scored to estimate disorder values at each participant's residential address at diagnosis. Census tract socioeconomic and demographic composition covariates were from the 2010 U.S. Census and American Community Survey. Pathways to perceived neighborhood disorder were built using structural equation modelling. Model fit was assessed from the comparative fit index and root mean square error approximation and associations were reported as standardized coefficients and 95% confidence intervals. Results Higher perceived neighborhood disorder was associated with higher objective neighborhood disorder (β = 0.20, 95% CI: 0.06, 0.33), lower neighborhood social cohesion, and lower individual-level socioeconomic factors (final model root mean square error approximation 0.043 (90% CI: 0.013, 0.068)). Perceived neighborhood social cohesion was associated with individual-level socioeconomic factors and objective neighborhood disorder (β = - 0.11, 95% CI: - 0.24, 0.02). Conclusion Objective neighborhood disorder might be related to perceived disorder directly and indirectly through perceptions of neighborhood social cohesion.
Physical Mapping of Rhodobacter capsulatus: Cosmid Encyclopedia and High Resolution Genetic Map

A combination of cosmid genome walking and pulse field gel electrophoresis was used to construct a high resolution physical and genetic map of the 3.8 Mb genome of Rhodobacter capsulatus SB1003. The mapping was done by grouping and further mapping of cosmids and bacteriophages from genomic libraries using PFGE-generated DNA fragments and SP6 and T7 specific transcripts corresponding to the ends of the cosmid inserts. Cosmid and phage clones formed two uninterrupted and ordered groups, one corresponding to the chromosome of Rb. capsulatus, the other to its 134 kb plasmid. Cos site end-labeling and partial EcoRV digestion of cosmids were used to construct a high resolution restriction map of the genome. Overlapping of the cosmids was confirmed by the resemblance of the cosmid restriction maps and by direct end-to-end hybridization. 34 genes or gene clusters were located in the ordered gene library and mapped with an accuracy of 1–10 kb. Three Rb. capsulatus strains; KB-1, St. Louis and 2.3.1., were chosen out of 14 others for a detailed comparison of their physical maps, which were partially constructed using the minimal cosmid set of Rb. capsulatus SB1003 as a source of ordering probes. Blots of the minimal set of 192 cosmids, covering the chromosome and the plasmid, with known map position of each cosmid, gives to Rb. capsulatus the same advantages that the Kohara phage panel gives to E. coli. Blots of this minimal cosmid set digested with EcoRV represent the entire genome split into gene-size pieces, and provide an opportunity for direct high resolution mapping of genes and transcripts.
The Effects of Direct Questions on Preschool Children’s Responses to Indirect Requests

Indirect instructional approaches, such as responsive interaction, are common in inclusive early childhood settings. Unfortunately, young children with disabilities do not always have the skills to take advantage of these learning opportunities. Teaching children with disabilities to be more responsive to developmentally appropriate indirect instructional strategies may help them take advantage of and benefit from available learning opportunities in inclusive settings. The purpose of this research was to examine the extent to which presenting a series of direct questions increased children's attempts to respond and correct responses to indirect requests. Increased attempts to respond and correct responses to indirect requests were evident for all participants with whom the intervention was implemented. Three of the participants continued to attempt to respond and responded correctly to indirect requests when intervention procedures were removed. The contributions of these findings to literature on language instruction with young children, implications of the findings for practitioners, methodological limitations, and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Critique of Critique: On Suspending Judgment and Making Judgment

That there are various meanings of “critique” employed in educational research has been an important insight. The terms “critical” and “critique” commonly appear in educational discourse as if their meanings were monolithic and transparent. Attempts to categorize these meanings have led to valuable analyses of their convergence and divergence. This essay begins by noting two attempts to group different meanings of critique in order to more explicitly draw out and address a type of critique that is often characterized as “postmodern” or “poststructural.” This type of critique is frequently accused of being pessimistic, relativistic, and destructive because it encourages an incredulity toward metanarratives and throws into radical doubt Enlightenment beliefs such as the belief that language is transparent and that reason can provide an objective foundation for knowledge. Moreover, because such criticality invites us to deconstruct the self as stable and coherent, it is often charged with jeopardizing the possibility of responsibility and politics.
Assessment and treatment of selective mutism: Recommendations and a case study

Abstract We present the results of a stimulus fading procedure used to treat a six-year-old girl who met DSM-DJ-R criteria for elective mutism (now Selective Mutism in DSM-IV). An assessment protocol is presented that features procedures that can be used to render a diagnosis and assist in treatment planning. A treatment program was implemented through a consultation process that required close monitoring and revision over several months. Results of the case study suggested that the stimulus fading of new persons into the school setting was effective in producing speech. Future re-search directions in assessment and treatment of selective mutism are discussed.
Thermal Width of the Υ at Large 't Hooft Coupling

We use the anti-de Sitter/conformal field theory correspondence to show that the heavy quark (static) potential in a strongly coupled plasma develops an imaginary part at finite temperature. Thus, deeply bound heavy quarkonia states acquire a small nonzero thermal width when the 't Hooft coupling lambda=g{sup 2}N{sub c}>>1 and the number of colors N{sub c}->infinity. In the dual gravity description, this imaginary contribution comes from thermal fluctuations around the bottom of the classical sagging string in the bulk that connects the heavy quarks located at the boundary. We predict a strong suppression of UPSILON's in heavy-ion collisions and discuss how this may be used to estimate the initial temperature.
Porosity and Its Measurement

Numerous approaches have been applied for measuring the porosity of materials. The most common techniques are based on gas sorption, liquid intrusion, microscopy, and x-ray and neutron scattering. Each technique provides a characteristic value of porosity, which depends on the measuring principle and nature of the probe. This article describes different porosity measurement methods, which can be selected according to the expected pore-size range, sample preparation requirements, sample geometry, material properties, and final application. Keywords: porosity; porous solids; pore size; porosity measurements
Nonautonomy in differentiation of pattern-determining genes in Drosophila: II. Transplantation of eyeless-dominant leg disks☆

Abstract Mosaics consisting of tissue of normal genotype in the sex comb region of otherwise ey D males had shown nonautonomy of sex comb differentiation, i.e., production of multiple combs by not- ey D cells. In work reported in this paper, it was investigated whether the nonautonomy depends on local action of ey D in the first-leg imaginal disk or on an ey D substance produced elsewhere in the larval body. Disks of male first legs of y larvae 70 hours old were transplanted into ey D larvae of the same age. As controls, transplants were produced in the combination y to y , and ey D to y . Regardless of variability in the manifestation of the developmental capacity of transplants, the data obtained show clear-cut autonomy in differentiation of sex comb patterns of not- ey D tissue in ey D host and of ey D tissue in not- ey D host.
The Effect Of Corporate Ethical Values On Accountants’ Perceptions Of Social Responsibility

Significant research has concluded that corporations have a social responsibility to stakeholders beyond maximizing shareholders’ wealth. The current study examines the relationship between corporate ethical values and the perception of the importance of corporate social responsibility. A total of 583 CPAs in public accounting, industry and academia completed a survey designed to measure the importance of corporate social responsibility on profitability, long-term success and short-term success before Enron and Worldcom declared bankruptcy. The results indicated that CPAs employed in organizations with high (low) ethical values perceived corporate social responsibility to be more (less) important in profitability and long-term success and less (more) important in short-term success of the firm.
Use of an animal model for the study of the role of human immunodeficiency virus 1 in the human intestine.

Abstract The gastrointestinal manifestations of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 disease have centered on identifiable causes of intestinal dysfunction such as parasitic and bacterial pathogens. The lamina propria of the intestine contains cells that harbor HIV-1, but the significance of this observation remains unknown. Because limited animal models are available to evaluate the gastrointestinal effects of this infection, a system that uses human fetal intestine transplanted subcutaneously onto the back of an immunodeficient mouse was developed. After 8 weeks, fetal tissues mature into an adult-appearing tissue with a lumen. Cell-free HIV-1 was inoculated into the expiants, and evidence for infection was evaluated by histological evaluation, in situ hybridization, and polymerase chain reaction. No evidence for HIV-1 incorporation into epithelial cells could be found. It was concluded that this model provides a system in which intestinal HIV-1 interaction can be evaluated. In this model, cell-free HIV-1 does not appear to infect the epithelial cell.
Fabrication of low-Z X-ray mirrors by ion beam assisted deposition

Abstract X-ray mirrors consisting of Si/Si 3 N 4 layer pairs were deposited using ion beam assisted deposition. The Si was deposited by e-beam evaporation, and Si or Si 3 N 4 were produced by closing or opening, respectively, a computer-controlled shutter over a Kaufman nitrogen ion source while Si evaporation proceeded. Mirrors were produced with 2 d spacings between 50 and 100 A. Excellent diffraction intensities, linewidth and peak reflectivities were obtained, demonstrating that ion beam assisted deposition is a highly reliable and straightforward technique for reproducible X-ray mirror production.
Challenging behaviors should not be considered depressive equivalents in individuals with intellectual disabilities. II. A replication study

Previous research has proposed behavioral equivalents for depression, but evidence for behavioral equivalents has been contradictory. The relationship between a measure of depression and several proposed behavioral equivalents of depression was assessed in 693 adults living in a large residential setting. Most were adults with severe or profound intellectual disability. The frequency of language-based measures of depression was very low. A scale to assess depression was constructed based on an item analysis of a larger pool of items. Both item and factor analysis and correlations between scores on the depression scale and individual maladaptive behavior items showed little or no relationship between proposed behavioral equivalents and depression. No support was found for behavioral equivalents of depression. This replicated the findings of Tsiouris, Mann, Patti, and Sturmey (2003). Practitioners are cautioned against using maladaptive behaviors as evidence of depression in people with severe or profound intellectual disabilities.
Comparison of the Diurnal Precipitation Cycle in Convection-Resolving and Non-Convection-Resolving Mesoscale Models

Abstract The diurnal cycles of rainfall in 5-km grid-spacing convection-resolving and 22-km grid-spacing non-convection-resolving configurations of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model are compared to see if significant improvements can be obtained by using fine enough grid spacing to explicitly resolve convection. Diurnally averaged Hovmoller diagrams, spatial correlation coefficients computed in Hovmoller space, equitable threat scores (ETSs), and biases for forecasts conducted from 1 April to 25 July 2005 over a large portion of the central United States are used for the comparisons. A subjective comparison using Hovmoller diagrams of diurnally averaged rainfall show that the diurnal cycle representation in the 5-km configuration is clearly superior to that in the 22-km configuration during forecast hours 24–48. The superiority of the 5-km configuration is validated by much higher spatial correlation coefficients than in the 22-km configuration. During the first 24 forecast hours the 5-km m...
The role of nerve growth factor in the ramification of sympathetic nerve fibres into the rat iris in organ culture.

Small amounts of nerve growth factor (NGF) were present in the superior cervical ganglion and the iris of the rat. The observations that NGF content in each of the tissues was depleted during organ culture and that more NGF appeared in the media than was originally present in the tissues indicated that synthesis or activation of NGF had occurred in organ culture. Antibody to NGF or the depletion of endogenous NGF retarded growth of new sympathetic axons into irides in organ culture. Exogenously added NGF appeared to enhance the initiation of axonal sprouting and the rate of the ramification of nerve fibres.
Clinically important differences in health status for patients with heart disease: An expert consensus panel report

Abstract Background The purpose of the study was to develop clinically important difference (CID) standards for patients with coronary artery disease and congestive heart failure that identify small, moderate, and large intraindividual changes with time in a modified version of the Chronic Heart Failure Questionnaire (CHQ) and the Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form 36-Item Health Survey (SF-36, version 2). Prior work in ascertaining important difference standards for the CHQ have centered on patient-perceived changes. No important difference standards for the SF-36 have been published for patients with heart disease. This development of CIDs would facilitate the use of health status measures in daily clinical decision-making. Methods We used a modification of the RAND Appropriateness Method to assemble and guide a 9-member consensus panel of physicians with substantial experience in using the CHQ or the SF-36 among patients with heart disease. Results On the basis of their own experience using these measures and an extensive review of articles describing the development and use of these instruments, the expert panel achieved consensus on small, medium, and large clinically relevant changes in scores for the CHQ and SF-36. The CID standards established by this panel were slightly higher than the minimal important difference standards previously established for the CHQ using patient-perceived changes. Conclusions The CID standards established by this expert panel provide an important and useful tool for determining whether routine clinical health status assessments will benefit patients and enhance physicians' decision-making capacity in clinical settings.
Anthocyanins in the Lowbush Blueberry, Vaccinium angustifolium

SUMMARY Fifteen anthocyanin pigments were isolated from the lowbush blueberry, Vaccinium angustifolium Ait., and identified by chromatographic, spectral, and chemical properties. The 3-monoglucosides and 3-monogalactosides of delphinidin, malvidin, petunidin, peonidin, and cyanidin were isolated; also present in small quantities were the 3-monoarabinosides of the same five anthocyanidins. The glucosides were present in much greater quantity than the galactosides or the arabinosides. Several diglycosides were also present, but in quantities too low for identification.
Scaling law for conduction in partially connected systems

Abstract The electrical transport properties of systems of conducting particles embedded in an insulator are considered. For low volume fractions of the particles, the conducting matrix may only be “partially” connected, as particles may only touch at corners or edges. As a model where these connectedness questions can be precisely formulated, we consider a random checkerboard in dimensions d = 2 and 3, where the squares in d = 2 or cubes in d = 3 are randomly assigned the conductivities 1 with probability p or 0 p . To analyze connectedness, we introduce a new parameter, d m , called the minimal dimension, which measures connectedness of the conducting matrix via the dimension of the dominant contacts between particles. Based on analysis of the checkerboards, we propose a general scaling law for the effective conductivity σ ∗ as δ → 0, namely σ ∗ ∼δ q , where q = 1 2 (d − d m for 0 ⩽ d − d m ⩽ 2 and q =1 for d − d m ⩾ 2. The applicability of this law to situations where d m is non-integral, such as the checkerboards at criticality, is discussed in detail.
Symptoms of Adverse Health Effects Among Residents from Communities Surrounding Chemical-Industrial Complexes in Southeast Texas

Beaumont and Port Arthur are cities in southeast Texas with major chemical-industrial complexes. Using a menu-driven computer program and trained interviewers, the authors compared self-reported symptoms of adverse health effects in individuals from these two communities with the reference community of Galveston, Texas. There were no statistical differences between the Beaumont and Port Arthur communities. However, the authors found all categories of self-reported health effects were elevated, with an odds ratio > 3.0, when they compared the combined responses of these two communities with the reference community. Although a survey of self-reported symptoms has limitations, the results of this study show a marked difference in all evaluated categories between the two communities near major chemical-industrial complexes and the reference community. Further studies are warranted to determine possible genetic effects, including a higher risk of cancer in these communities.
Is the Regression Equation Adequate?-A Reply

Suich and Derringer's reply (1980) to Hill, Judge and Fomby (1978) is examined and their decision rule characterized.
Effects of respirator dead space, inspiratory resistance, and expiratory resistance ventilatory loads

The effects of respiratorlike inspiratory resistance (IR), expiratory resistance (ER), and dead space (DS) were assessed in a group of 11 normal volunteers during moderate steady-state (SS) and rapidly incremented (RI) exercise. The physiologic effects of IR were predominant, increasing inspiratory time, duty cycle, and several measures of ventilatory work. Effects of DS appear related to increased minute ventilation and include increasing flow rates and duty cycle and requiring greater ventilatory work; during RI exercise, the DS effect became relatively smaller at higher exercise levels. ER compressed expiratory time. These results characterize the response to IR, ER, and DS loads and suggest that DS may be relatively less physiologically significant than IR.
Stability and Change in Individual Temperament Diagnoses from Infancy to Early Childhood

Abstract This study compares the individual temperament cluster diagnoses of 187 children in infancy (4 to 8 months) with similar ratings in early childhood (3 to 7 years). Stability is demonstrated in the tendency of the more difficult children to remain more difficult, but change is evident in the tendency of individuals at the extremes of difficulty and easiness to become less difficult and easy. The characteristics of activity, mood, and approach in the infant profiles predicted which individuals were likely to change. Implications for management of difficult temperament and its confusion with “minimal brain dysfunction” are discussed.
Case report of a coronary anomaly: crossing obtuse marginal arteries

We present a coronary anomaly of crossing obtuse marginal branches of the left circumflex coronary artery which has not been seen in our laboratory or previously reported. Recognition of anomalous intramyocardial branches of the circumflex artery was important to avoid confusion with branches of the left anterior descending artery in conventional angiographic views and was clinically important as well. Intramyocardial vessels may not be easily bypassed surgically, and therefore angioplasty may be a better therapeutic option.
ACMG Standards and Guidelines for fragile X testing: a revision to the disease-specific supplements to the Standards and Guidelines for Clinical Genetics Laboratories of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics.

Molecular genetic testing of the FMR1 gene is commonly performed in clinical laboratories. Mutations in the FMR1 gene are associated with fragile X syndrome, fragile X tremor ataxia syndrome, and premature ovarian insufficiency. This document provides updated information regarding FMR1 gene mutations, including prevalence, genotype–phenotype correlation, and mutation nomenclature. Methodological considerations are provided for Southern blot analysis and polymerase chain reaction amplification of the FMR1 gene, including triplet repeat–primed and methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction. In addition to report elements, examples of laboratory reports for various genotypes are also included. Genet Med 2013:15(7):575–586
Do Management Strategies for Coronary Artery Disease Influence 6-Year Cognitive Outcomes?

Background Previous uncontrolled studies have suggested that there is late cognitive decline after coronary artery bypass grafting that may be attributable to use of the cardiopulmonary bypass pump. Methods In this prospective, nonrandomized, longitudinal study, we compared cognitive outcomes after on-pump coronary artery bypass surgery (n = 152) with off-pump bypass surgery patients (n = 75); nonsurgical cardiac comparison subjects (n = 99); and 69 heart-healthy comparison (HHC) subjects. The primary outcome measure was change from baseline to 72 months in the following cognitive domains: verbal memory, visual memory, visuoconstruction, language, motor speed, psychomotor speed, attention, executive function, and a composite global score. Results There were no consistent differences in 72-month cognitive outcomes among the three groups with coronary artery disease (CAD). The CAD groups had lower baseline performance, and a greater degree of decline compared with HHC. The degree of change was small, with none of the groups having more than 0.5 SD decline. None of the groups was substantially worse at 72 months compared with baseline. Conclusions Compared with subjects with no vascular disease risk factors, the CAD patients had lower baseline cognitive performance and greater degrees of decline over 72 months, suggesting that in these patients, vascular disease may have an impact on cognitive performance. We found no significant differences in the long-term cognitive outcomes among patients with various CAD therapies, indicating that management strategy for CAD is not an important determinant of long-term cognitive outcomes.
Redetermination of the Quantum Yield of Photoisomerization and Energy Content in the K-Intermediate of Bacteriorhodopsin Photocycle and Its Mutants by the Photoacoustic Technique

Data obtained previously in our lab for the quantum yield retinal photoisomerization and the energy content of the K-intermediate formed in the bacteriorhodopsin and its mutants (bR) photocycle are reexamined using time-resolved transient spectroscopy and laser-induced photoacoustic spectroscopy. In the present experiment both nanosecond and subpicosecond laser pulses are used for excitation, with different reference compounds. From these new results it can be concluded that using CoCl2 as a reference compound in the photoacoustic experiment with subpicosecond laser pulses gives a large amount of prompt heat release resulting from multiphoton absorption processes. This results in an overestimated energy content of the K-intermediate of bR and its mutants. Using different reference compounds, the corrected values are 40 ± 10 kJ/mol, which is in agreement with previously reported values. The apparent quantum yield and energy content values (for each of the isomeric compositions) of the mutants D212N, D85N, ...
Profile measurements of particle dry deposition velocity at an air-land interface

Profile measurements of aerosol particles were made in conjunction with meteorological profiles at the Boulder Atmospheric Observatory tower. Particle concentrations for diameter D from 0.15 to 0.30 μm were monitored by a Knollenberg probe at several heights within the surface layer of constant flux. (Over 90% of the 0.15 < D < 0.30 μm particles at the tower were shown to contain sulfate). One-minute counts were always more than 20,000 so that a statistically significant profile could be obtained by sampling at 4.5,9, 18 and 36 m heights. Three such profile sequences were obtained within a 20-min period, then averaged and used to calculate a particle deposition velocity vd in conjunction with 20-min averaged meteorological data. During thermally unstable conditions in September and October 1979 and over mature 1m height rye and wheat stands equivalent to roughness lengths z0of 1–20cm, downflux profile calculations, using the assumption that particle eddy diffusivity is equal to the diffusivity of heat, resulted in vd = 0.5 ± 0.3 cms−1 with extreme values of 0.1 and 1.2cm s−1. A number of profiles were statistically significant in the concentration difference only between the 4.5 and 18 m heights. When these cases are included vd = 0.7 ± 0.5 cms−1 with extreme values of 0.1 and 1.9cm s−1. All particle profiles were obtained when the friction velocity was less than 30 cms−1 in order to avoid any significant soil-derived upflux. Yet, 20 cases were observed having no statistically significant profile. When aggregated with the downflux cases, the heat analogy inferred average vd = 0.38 ± 0.29 cm s−1 for light and moderate wind speeds over a rough surface and under thermally unstable conditions. Contradictory results for the surface resistance to particle deposition must, however, be resolved before this inferred average should be used to specify small particle or sulfate vd at sites other than the Boulder Atmospheric Observatory.
Power transformation toward a linear regression quantile

In this article we consider the linear quantile regression model with a power transformation on the dependent variable. Like the classical Box–Cox transformation approach, it extends the applicability of linear models without resorting to nonparametric smoothing, but transformations on the quantile models are more natural due to the equivariance property of the quantiles under monotone transformations. We propose an estimation procedure and establish its consistency and asymptotic normality under some regularity conditions. The objective function employed in the estimation can also be used to check inadequacy of a power-transformed linear quantile regression model and to obtain inference on the transformation parameter. The proposed approach is shown to be valuable through illustrative examples.
Bacterial adhesion to surfactant-modified silicone surfaces.

OBJECTIVE: Ventricular shunt infections are a major contributor to morbidity in patients being treated for hydrocephalus. The majority of these infections are from Staphylococcus epidermidis. Prevention of bacterial adhesion to the silicone surface of a ventricular catheter could decrease shunt infections. We studied the effectiveness of a surfactant and/or 2% odine prewash on preventing bacterial adhesion to Silastic catheter material. METHODS: in a laboratory setting, various concentrations of a surfactant, Poloxamer-188 (P188), and a bactericidal agent, iodine, were compared against a control solution in their ability to prevent bacterial adhesion of 5, epidermidis to a silicone surface, Silicone wafers were soaked for 1 hour in the test solution, then inoculated and incubated with S. epidermidis for 24 hours. Bacterial counts were then obtained and compared. RESULTS: The most effective method tested in this study was 20% P188, which allowed only 3.02% bacterial adhesion compared with 22.2% bacterial adhesion in the control (P < 0.0001). P188 at a 10% concentration or 20% mixed with iodine had the next most effective inhibition. Of the germicidal solutions, a 5-ppm solution of iodine was the most effective. The most ineffective method tested was 2 ppm iodine. which allowed 13.2% bacterial adhesion CONCLUSION: Use of a surfactant and/or a germicidal will provide some protection against bacteria attaching to silicone surfaces before they are surgically implanted. The use of a surfactant soak of 20% P188 or iodine at a concentration of 5 ppm before inoculation with S. epidermidis significantly decreased the bacterial adhesion to silicone wafers. This finding has relevance to clinical practice because it highlights a simple step undertaken before implanting a ventricular catheter that could reduce the adhesion rate of the most common contaminant of these catheters. This step may become an important factor in decreasing infection rates in shunt-dependent patients.
Can we talk? on the elusiveness of dialogue

Abstract In this article, I write about dialogue on ethical issues in the flied of death and dying. I leave it to others to address the specific ethical issues. My focus is applied ethics in general and especially our manners of speaking about ethical issues. I first consulter an appropriate approach to applied ethics that places great emphasis on narrative and dialogue. I then treat the theme of dialogue itself. The title “Can We Talk?” defines the shape of my treatment of that them. As talk, dialogue has distinctive contour and value. To engage in dialogue, persons must conceive of themselves and behave as a distinctive type of we, and through dialogue they aim to define the kind of we they wish to be. Persons can engage in dialogue only if they avoid personal and social, factors that tend to inhibit or undermine it. The near unavoidability of these inhibitors makes necessary dialogue about ethical issues elusive.
Mechanisms of Proton Conduction and Gating in Influenza M2 Proton Channels from Solid-State NMR

The M2 protein of influenza viruses forms an acid-activated tetrameric proton channel. We used solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to determine the structure and functional dynamics of the pH-sensing and proton-selective histidine-37 in M2 bound to a cholesterol-containing virus-envelope-mimetic membrane so as to better understand the proton conduction mechanism. In the high-pH closed state, the four histidines form an edge-face π-stacked structure, preventing the formation of a hydrogen-bonded water chain to conduct protons. In the low-pH conducting state, the imidazoliums hydrogen-bond extensively with water and undergo microsecond ring reorientations with an energy barrier greater than 59 kilojoules per mole. This barrier is consistent with the temperature dependence of proton conductivity, suggesting that histidine-37 dynamically shuttles protons into the virion. We propose a proton conduction mechanism in which ring-flip-assisted imidazole deprotonation is the rate-limiting step.
The molecular structure of gaseous 1,4-dioxane: An electron-diffraction reinvestigation aided by theoretical calculations

Abstract The structure of the molecule 1,4-dioxane (DIOX) has some features in common with other ring systems previously studied in this laboratory. In contrast to 1,4-cyclohexanedione, however, which consists both of a twisted boat form of D 2 symmetry and a chair form of C 2h symmetry, DIOX was reported, in two much earlier studies, to exist only as the chair form. The results of our work are in agreement with the earlier conclusions that gaseous DIOX exists either entirely, or essentially entirely (less than a few percent) in the chair form. Our work is much more extensive than the previous studies, and, aided by high-level theoretical molecular orbital- and normal-coordinate calculations, yielded the following bond distances ( r g /A) and bond angles (∠ α /deg). 〈C–H〉 = 1.104 (4), C–O = 1.420 (2), C–C = 1.514 (4), 〈C–C–H〉 = 105.4 (55), H–C–H = 108.0 (26), C–C–O = 111.1 (3), C–O–C = 110.9 (10). The “flap” angle — the angle by which the COC plane is tilted up from the plane of the four carbon atoms — is equal to 50.6 (7)°. The structure is discussed and compared with the previous work and with predictions from theory.
Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor and Ultraviolet B Transform Melanocytes in Human Skin

Ultraviolet (UV) light is an epidemiological risk factor for melanoma, but its specific contribution to melanoma induction is not known. The first critical step of melanoma development, ie, the uncontrolled proliferation of melanocytes, may be induced by a combination of UV damage and an imbalance of growth factor production by cells in the immediate area of the melanocyte. Among several candidates, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is the major autocrine growth factor in melanoma and associated with tumor progression. Overexpression of bFGF via adenoviral gene transfer in human skin xenografted to severe combined immunodeficiency mice led to black-pigmented macules within 3 weeks of treatment. Immunofluorescence analysis demonstrated pathological hyperpigmentation, proliferation and hyperplasia of activated melanocytes, but no malignant transformation. Similar changes were observed in skin reconstructs. When bFGF was combined with UVB, pigmented lesions with hyperplastic melanocytic cells were detected, including a lesion with high-grade atypia resembling lentiginous forms of malignant melanoma. Donor-matched control grafts revealed no melanocytic changes. bFGF was overexpressed in dermal fibroblasts demonstrating the co-carcinogenic influence of paracrine-acting growth factors by cells of the microenvironment. This is the first report suggesting that an imbalance of physiological growth factor production in the skin may cause melanoma in combination with UVB.