cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transactivism and Postmodernity: An Agonistic Analysis of Transliterature

Historically marginalized people must find alternative forms of remonstration to liberate themselves within repressive societies. In using an agonistic analysis of transliterature and following examples of social protest by an earlier generation of feminists, Black Power activists, Native American demonstrators, and participants in the Stonewall Rebellion, this study argues that contemporary transgender liberation movement activists incorporate a postmodern approach accommodating their specific needs within the larger culture. Specifically, transactivists incorporate polysemy, polyvocality, and community building through individual identity construction not witnessed in previous social movement rhetoric research.
Progress in Congenital Cardiac Care for Newborns and Infants: The Emerging Role of "Off-label" Medications

Congenital heart disease accounts for a major percentage of clinically significant birth defects and is the leading cause for infant deaths that are due to a congenital anomaly. Extraordinary advancements during the last three decades in noninvasive diagnosis, surgical repairs, cardiac catheterization interventions, and perioperative pediatric intensive care management have dramatically improved survival for children born with congenital heart disease. Advances in care have included management with Food and Drug Administration–approved medications, as well as many “off-label” medications. An off-label drug has been defined as a drug used for a patient “younger than the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)–approved age range for any indication of that drug” (Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2007; 161: 282-290). This article will review selected off-label medications currently used in the pediatric congenital heart management for treatment of perioperative low cardiac output, congestive heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, sedation, anticoagulation, and pain.
1,3,6,9,12,14,17,20-octaethynyltetrabenz[a,b,f,j,k,o]-4,5,10,11,15,16,21,22- octadehydro[18]annulene: a carbon-rich hydrocarbon.

Dodecaynes 1a−d have been prepared via a convergent strategy that employs Sonogashira couplings as the carbon−carbon bond-forming tool. Due to the steric bulk of the DMTS groups, 1c adopts a nonplanar conformation, the dynamics of which have been probed by VT-NMR. The cobalt-catalyzed isomerization of 1a,b produced the new conjugated phenylenes 2a,b and 3a,b, respectively.
Myocardial Performance Index Combining Systolic and Diastolic Myocardial Performance in Doxorubicin-Treated Patients and Its Correlation to Conventional Echo/Doppler Indices

This study was designed to evaluate the utility of myocardial performance index (MPI) in anthracycline cardiotoxicity. The MPI measures the ratio of total time spent in isovolumic activity (isovolumetric contraction time and isovolumetric relaxation time) to the ejection time, thus giving a global index combining systolic and diastolic myocardial performance. In this study, MPI was measured in 35 doxorubicin-treated children (aged 108.5 ± 55.31 months, 23 males and 12 females) in sinus rhythm and 32 age-matched controls, and it was compared with conventional Doppler echocardiographic parameters. The isovolumetric contraction time was prolonged (38.37 ± 24.43 vs 26.37 ± 15.53, p 0.05). MPI was significantly increased in doxorubicin-treated patients compared with that in control groups (0.42 ± 0.07 vs 0.34 ± 0.06, p 0.05) and diastolic Doppler parameters in doxorubicin-treated patients. We think that MPI may be a useful parameter in monitoring left ventricular dysfunction in anthracyline-treated patients.
DISTURBANCES IN CALCIUM METABOLISM AND CARDIOMYOCYTE NECROSIS: THE ROLE OF CALCITROPIC HORMONES

A synchronized dyshomeostasis of extra- and intracellular Ca(2+), expressed as plasma ionized hypocalcemia and excessive intracellular Ca(2+) accumulation, respectively, represents a common pathophysiologic scenario that accompanies several diverse disorders. These include low-renin and salt-sensitive hypertension, primary aldosteronism and hyperparathyroidism, congestive heart failure, acute and chronic hyperadrenergic stressor states, high dietary Na(+), and low dietary Ca(2+) with hypovitaminosis D. Homeostatic responses are invoked to restore normal extracellular [Ca(2+)](o), including increased plasma levels of parathyroid hormone and 1,25(OH)(2)D(3). However, in cardiomyocytes these calcitropic hormones concurrently promote cytosolic free [Ca(2+)](i) and mitochondrial [Ca(2+)](m) overloading. The latter sets into motion organellar-based oxidative stress, in which the rate of reactive oxygen species generation overwhelms their detoxification by endogenous antioxidant defenses, including those related to intrinsically coupled increments in intracellular Zn(2+). In turn, the opening potential of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore increases, allowing for osmotic swelling and ensuing organellar degeneration. Collectively, these pathophysiologic events represent the major components to a mitochondriocentric signal-transducer-effector pathway to cardiomyocyte necrosis. From necrotic cells, there follows a spillage of intracellular contents, including troponins, and a subsequent wound healing response with reparative fibrosis or scarring. Taken together, the loss of terminally differentiated cardiomyocytes from this postmitotic organ and the ensuing replacement fibrosis each contribute to the adverse structural remodeling of myocardium and progressive nature of heart failure. In conclusion, hormone-induced ionized hypocalcemia and intracellular Ca(2+) overloading comprise a pathophysiologic cascade common to diverse disorders and that initiates a mitochondriocentric pathway to nonischemic cardiomyocyte necrosis.
An infinite class of fibres in CURDs with block sizes two and three

Class-uniformly resolvable designs (CURDs) are introduced by Lamken et al. Discrete Math 92 (1991) 197–209. In Wevrick and Vanstone, J Combin Designs 4 (1996) 177–202, a classification scheme is developed based on the ratio a:b of pairs to triples. Asymptotic existence results are obtained when (a,b) = (1,2n), n ≥ 1 and when (a,b) = (9,2). The authors also obtain partial results on the existence of CURDs when (a,b) = (1,2n), 1 ≤ n ≤ 5, (a,b) = (3, 6u − 2), u ≥ 1 and when (a,b) ∈ {(1,1), (3,1), (7,2), (3,4), (9,2)}. In Danziger and Stevens, J Combin Designs 9 (2001), 79–99, the necessary and sufficient conditions for CURDs when (a,b) = (3,1) are completely settled. In this article, we obtain a necessary and sufficient condition when (a,b) = (3m, 1) for all m > 1. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cellulose-based fibers from liquid crystalline solutions. IV: Effects of lithium chloride on acetate/butyrate esters

Cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB) fibers were prepared by spinning from liquid crystalline (LC) solutions containing lithium chloride (LiCl). Ionic interactions were observed between carbonyl oxygen and lithium cation by 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Isotropization of the anisotropic phase by LiCl was found to cause a dramatic rise in the viscosity of LC solutions. The mechanosorptive creep behavior described earlier decreased in the presence of residual LiCl salt, possibly due to the formation of electrostatic interactions between Li+ and CAB backbone. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Transmetallation of a binuclear complex of nickel(O): Synthesis and molecular structure of [NiPt(μ-CNMe)(CNMe)(Ph2PCH2PPh2)2Cl][Cl]

The transmetallation of the dinickel complex Ni 2 (CNMe) 3 (dppm) 2 (1) with Pt(dppm)Cl 2 (dppm=PPh 2 CH 2 PPhi2) yields the heterobimetallic complex [NiPt(CNMe) 2 (dppm) 2 Cl][Cl] (2). The structure of 2 was determined by X-ray crystallography. The Ni-Pt bond distance of 2.5892(9) A indicates a strongly interacting mixed-metal core.
Mitotic evolution of Plasmodium falciparum shows a stable core genome but recombination in antigen families.

Malaria parasites elude eradication attempts both within the human host and across nations. At the individual level, parasites evade the host immune responses through antigenic variation. At the global level, parasites escape drug pressure through single nucleotide variants and gene copy amplification events conferring drug resistance. Despite their importance to global health, the rates at which these genomic alterations emerge have not been determined. We studied the complete genomes of different Plasmodium falciparum clones that had been propagated asexually over one year in the presence and absence of drug pressure. A combination of whole-genome microarray analysis and next-generation deep resequencing (totaling 14 terabases) revealed a stable core genome with only 38 novel single nucleotide variants appearing in seventeen evolved clones (avg. 5.4 per clone). In clones exposed to atovaquone, we found cytochrome b mutations as well as an amplification event encompassing the P. falciparum multidrug resistance associated protein (mrp1) on chromosome 1. We observed 18 large-scale (>1 kb on average) deletions of telomere-proximal regions encoding multigene families, involved in immune evasion (9.5×10−6 structural variants per base pair per generation). Six of these deletions were associated with chromosomal crossovers generated during mitosis. We found only minor differences in rates between genetically distinct strains and between parasites cultured in the presence or absence of drug. Using these derived mutation rates for P. falciparum (1.0–9.7×10−9 mutations per base pair per generation), we can now model the frequency at which drug or immune resistance alleles will emerge under a well-defined set of assumptions. Further, the detection of mitotic recombination events in var gene families illustrates how multigene families can arise and change over time in P. falciparum. These results will help improve our understanding of how P. falciparum evolves to evade control efforts within both the individual hosts and large populations.
On Taking Emotions Seriously: a Critique of B. F. Skinner*

Discussion de la proposition de B.F. Skinner selon laquelle les sentiments, les attitudes, les appreciations qui fondent le sens de la dignite n'ont que peu d'importance dans l'explication du comportement.
The Embryonic mir-35 Family of microRNAs Promotes Multiple Aspects of Fecundity in Caenorhabditis elegans

MicroRNAs guide many aspects of development in all metazoan species. Frequently, microRNAs are expressed during a specific developmental stage to perform a temporally defined function. The C. elegans mir-35-42 microRNAs are expressed abundantly in oocytes and early embryos and are essential for embryonic development. Here, we show that these embryonic microRNAs surprisingly also function to control the number of progeny produced by adult hermaphrodites. Using a temperature-sensitive mir-35-42 family mutant (a deletion of the mir-35-41 cluster), we demonstrate three distinct defects in hermaphrodite fecundity. At permissive temperatures, a mild sperm defect partially reduces hermaphrodite fecundity. At restrictive temperatures, somatic gonad dysfunction combined with a severe sperm defect sharply reduces fecundity. Multiple lines of evidence, including a late embryonic temperature-sensitive period, support a role for mir-35-41 early during development to promote subsequent sperm production in later larval stages. We further show that the predicted mir-35 family target sup-26 (suppressor-26) acts downstream of mir-35-41 in this process, suggesting that sup-26 de-repression in mir-35-41 deletion mutants may contribute to temperature-sensitive loss of fecundity. In addition, these microRNAs play a role in male fertility, promoting proper morphogenesis of male-specific mating structures. Overall, our results demonstrate that robust activity of the mir-35-42 family microRNAs not only is essential for embryonic development across a range of temperatures but also enables the worm to subsequently develop full reproductive capacity.
An analysis of inaccuracy in pipeline construction cost estimation

The aim of this paper is to investigate cost overrun of pipeline projects. A total of 412 pipeline projects between 1992 and 2008 have been collected, including material cost, labour cost, miscellaneous cost, right of way (ROW) cost, total cost, pipeline diameter, pipeline length, pipeline’s location, and year of completion. Statistical methods are used to identify the distribution of the cost overrun and the causes for overruns. The overall average cost overrun rates of pipeline material, labour, miscellaneous, ROW and total costs are 4.9%, 22.4%, –0.9%, 9.1% and 6.5% respectively. The cost estimation of pipeline cost components are biased except for total cost. In addition, the cost error of underestimated pipeline construction components is generally larger than that of overestimated pipeline construction components except total cost. Results of analysis show that pipeline size, capacity, diameter, length, location, and year of completion have different impacts on cost overrun of construction cost components.
Performance of weighted estimating equations for longitudinal binary data with drop-outs missing at random

The generalized estimating equations (GEE) approach is commonly used to model incomplete longitudinal binary data. When drop-outs are missing at random through dependence on observed responses (MAR), GEE may give biased parameter estimates in the model for the marginal means. A weighted estimating equations approach gives consistent estimation under MAR when the drop-out mechanism is correctly specified. In this approach, observations or person-visits are weighted inversely proportional to their probability of being observed. Using a simulation study, we compare the performance of unweighted and weighted GEE in models for time-specific means of a repeated binary response with MAR drop-outs. Weighted GEE resulted in smaller finite sample bias than GEE. However, when the drop-out model was misspecified, weighted GEE sometimes performed worse than GEE. Weighted GEE with observation-level weights gave more efficient estimates than a weighted GEE procedure with cluster-level weights.
The inside-out electrocardiographic stress test: a view from the left ventricular cavity.

A new method is described for measuring the unipolar left ventricular cavitary electrogram by means of a standard pigtail ventriculography catheter. Experiences with this technique in 30 patients are described with particular reference to changes in the S-T segment of the cavitary elec trogram during cardiac stress by atrial pacing. This method allows conve nient recording of His bundle potentials from the left ventricular outflow tract in most patients.
Isolation of 2-Amino-3-methyl-imidazo- [4,5-f]quinoline as Mutagen from the Heated Product of a Mixture of Creatine and Proline

(1984). Isolation of 2-Amino-3-methyl-imidazo- [4,5-f]quinoline as Mutagen from the Heated Product of a Mixture of Creatine and Proline. Agricultural and Biological Chemistry: Vol. 48, No. 1, pp. 241-243.
Finding an approximate median with high probability in constant parallel time

Abstract Given n elements from a totally ordered set we outline a method for choosing an element whose rank is γn for some 0 0.
Leveraging machine-learned detectors of systematic inquiry behavior to estimate and predict transfer of inquiry skill

We present work toward automatically assessing and estimating science inquiry skills as middle school students engage in inquiry within a physical science microworld. Towards accomplishing this goal, we generated machine-learned models that can detect when students test their articulated hypotheses, design controlled experiments, and engage in planning behaviors using two inquiry support tools. Models were trained using labels generated through a new method of manually hand-coding log files, "text replay tagging". This approach led to detectors that can automatically and accurately identify these inquiry skills under student-level cross-validation. The resulting detectors can be applied at run-time to drive scaffolding intervention. They can also be leveraged to automatically score all practice attempts, rather than hand-classifying them, and build models of latent skill proficiency. As part of this work, we also compared two approaches for doing so, Bayesian Knowledge-Tracing and an averaging approach that assumes static inquiry skill level. These approaches were compared on their efficacy at predicting skill before a student engages in an inquiry activity, predicting performance on a paper-style multiple choice test of inquiry, and predicting performance on a transfer task requiring data collection skills. Overall, we found that both approaches were effective at estimating student skills within the environment. Additionally, the models' skill estimates were significant predictors of the two types of inquiry transfer tests.
SIMULTANEOUS ESTIMATION OF EIGENVALUES

The problem of simultaneous estimation of eigenvalues of covariance matrix is considered for one and two sample problems under a sum of squared error loss. New classes of estimators are obtained which dominate the best multiple of the sample eigenvalues in terms of risk. These estimators shrink or expand the sample eigenvalues towards their geometric mean. Similar results are obtained for the estimation of eigenvalues of the precision matrix and the residual matrix when the original covariance matrix is partitioned into two groups. As a consequence, a new estimator of trace of the covariance matrix is obtained.
MULTINATIONAL ENTERPRISE AND STRIKES: THEORY AND EVIDENCE

This paper considers the relationship between multinational enterprise and strike behavior. Bargaining between unions and multinational firms is modeled as a repeated game with asymmetric information about the latter. The analysis leads to the testable prediction that multinational enterprises will be more strike prone than firms that are not diversified across national boundaries. New evidence is presented that supports the theory. Copyright 1992 by Scottish Economic Society.
Suitability of exotic and native lady beetle eggs (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) for development of lady beetle larvae

Abstract Predation upon lady beetle (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) eggs in the field is most often instances of egg cannibalism by larvae or adults while the majority of the remaining predation events upon coccinellid eggs is done by other species of Coccinellidae. Thus the recent introduction and establishment of Harmonia axyridis in the US could negatively affect native species of Coccinellidae via egg predation. However, little is known regarding the suitability of interspecific coccinellid eggs as a food source for larval development. In this study, it was found that native first or third instar Coleomegilla maculata and Olla v-nigrum larvae were incapable of surviving to the adult stage when provided solely exotic H. axyridis eggs. In stark contrast, H. axyridis larvae survived equally well when cannibalizing eggs or eating eggs of either native species. When C. maculata and O. v-nigrum were grouped as ‘native’ and compared with the exotic H. axyridis, more native eggs were attacked than exotic eggs and a higher percentage of eggs was attacked by H. axyridis larvae. Native and exotic larvae attacked a similar percentage of native eggs but native larvae attacked significantly fewer exotic eggs than did exotic larvae. These data suggest that H. axyridis may prey upon the eggs of these native species, when encountered in the field, compared with the likelihood of the native species preying upon H. axyridis eggs. Therefore, eggs of the native species C. maculata and O. v-nigrum will continue to be subjected to cannibalism and also to possible predation by other native species and the exotic H. axyridis.
Long-Term Performance of Endocardial Pacing Leads

To assess the performance of endocardial pacemaker leads and to identify factors associated with structural lead failure, medical records of 2,611 endocardial pacing leads (in 1, 5W patients) implanted between 1980 and 1991, having at least 1 month of follow-up, were reviewed. Leads without structural failure had normal function at the last follow-up date, or were discontinued for reasons other than structural failure (patient death, infection, dislodgment, lead-pacemaker incompatibility, operative complication, or abandonment by telemetry not related to failure). Leads with suspected structural failures were invasively or noninvasively disconnected because of clinical malfunction (loss of capture or sensing, oversensing, elevated thresholds, or skeletal muscular stimulation). Leads with verified structural failures met the criteria for suspected lead failure and also had a visible defect seen in the operating room or on chest roentgenograms, a change in the impedance interpreted by the physician as lead disruption, or a manufacturer's return product report that confirmed structural failure. Variables analyzed included patients’ age and gender, paced chamber, venous access, insulation materials, fixation mechanism, coaxial design, polarity, and different lead models. The cumulative lead survival at 5 and 10 years were 97.4% and 92.9%, respectively, for suspected failures; and 98.7% and 97.3%, respectively, for verified failures. Leads in older patients (≥ 65 years old), and leads in atrial position had fewer verified failures (P = 0.014 and P = 0.007, respectively). Unipolar leads also tended to perform better according to the verified definition (P = 0.07). The lead Medtronic 4012 had more suspected (P 65 years old) seems to have better long-term survival. Some lead models (Medtronic 4012 and CPI 4010) had poor survival rates, that could not be explained by the analyzed variables. The expected performance of endocardial pacing leads varies according to how failure is defined.
A Preliminary Report on Outcomes of the American Institute for Stuttering Intensive Therapy Program

In this study, we documented the effects of a 3-week, intensive stuttering treatment program on overt and covert symptoms of stuttering and participants’ levels of social anxiety. This study was a ...
1141681087 An animal model for maternal and fetal infection with Porphyromonas gingivalis

In recent years, a growing body of epidemiological evidence strongly suggests that Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) a causative agent of periodontitis, may have an important role in prematurity and low birth weight. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of intravenous inoculation of Pg on intrauterine infection in rats. Pregnant SD rats were intravenously inoculated with sterile PBS or 105, 106, or 109 CFU of Pg strains ATCC33277, W83 or A7436 at gestation day (GD) 14. Animals were sacrificed at GD 18, and dam uterus, vagina and fetal-placental units (placenta, amniotic fluid, and fetus) were cultured for Pg. Placental sections were also evaluated by histopathology. Of the three strains, Pg A7436 produced the highest rates of infection in the maternal genital tract as well as in fetal tissues (P < 0.0001). For all three strains, 109 CFU produced the highest degree of placental and fetal infection (Pg A7436 at 90%, ATCC33277 at 30%, and W83 at 8.3%). Endometritis with extensive infiltration of degenerated polymorphonuclear cells with vasculitis and hyaline degeneration of maternal vessel were observed in uteroplacental tissues from dams infected with Pg A7436. The inflammatory infiltrate and cellular necrosis was also present at the placental edge, and hemorrhage and necrosis extended into the labyrinth layer. An unexpected finding was the epithelial hyperplasia, cellular necrosis and inflammatory infiltrate present in the chorioallantois. Based on our studies intravenously administered Pg could induce intrauterine infection, chorioamnionitis, and fetal infection in SD rats. Taken together, this data supports the use of the SD rat as an animal model to elucidate the mechanisms by which Pg can induce adverse pregnancy outcome.
The Differences between Retained and Promoted Children in Educational Services Received.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether students retained in first grade, relative to similarly low-achieving students who were promoted, differed in the number of remedial educational services received by students in the pre-retention year and in the repeat year. Study participants were 769 relatively low-achieving first-grade students, of whom 165 were retained in first grade and 604 were promoted. Controlling for students' conditional probability of being retained, based on propensity scores calculated prior to retention, retained students received the same number of services as did promoted students during the pre-retention year. The following year, when retained students were in first grade and promoted students were in second grade, retained students received fewer services than promoted students. Furthermore, retained children had a larger decrease in services from Year 1 to Year 2. These data support the notion that grade retention is being used as the primary intervention instead of a component of a more comprehensive remediation plan. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pancreatic fistula complicating pancreatectomy for malignant disease

The incidence of pancreatic fistula in a series of 178 pancreatic resections was 25 per cent and was influenced by the type of pancreatectomy, the management of the remaining pancreas and the size of the pancreatic duct. Thus, fistulas appeared in 52 per cent of patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy as compared to only 7 per cent of those undergoing distal pancreatectomy (P less than 0.001). Ligation of the pancreatic, duct in pancreatoduodenectomy led to a 70 per cent incidence; the incidence was 33 per cent if the pancreas was anastomosed to the jejunum instead (P less than 0.001). Fistulas were rare in patients who had dilated pancreatic ducts. Fistulas, once they were established, were rarely influenced by treatment. One out of 5 patients developing pancreatic fistula died, while fistulas were responsible for half of the operative deaths. The study indicated that pancreatojejunostomy is safe in the presence of ductal dilatation; it does not, however, protect from fistula if the pancreatic duct is normal. It also indicated that radiation of the pancreatic remnant in selected patients with persistent fistulas might be a useful therapeutic alternative.
Evidence for laryngeal paralysis in cricoarytenoid joint arthritis.

Objective/hypothesis To demonstrate denervation atrophy of laryngeal muscles in a case of gout involving the cricoarytenoid joint. Methods The posterior cricoarytenoid (PCA) and arytenoideus (A) muscles from a 72-year-old man with extensive gout were compared with those from a normal adult larynx (age and sex unknown) using stereologic techniques for changes in muscle composition and fiber diameter. Results The PCA and A muscles in the gout specimen contained changes Indicative of muscle degeneration. In the PCA the volume fraction (VF) of intact muscle was 0.30, of degenerating muscle 0.13, and of fat 0.16. A normal PCA had a VF for intact muscle of 0.64 and 0 for degenerating muscle and fat. Similar changes were seen in the gout A muscle but were not measured. Muscle fiber diameters in the gout PCA (1,024 fibers) showed a significantly higher atrophy and hypertrophy factor than the normal PCA (1,255 fibers). The variability coefficient in the gout PCA (487) was almost double that in the normal PCA (290). Although muscle fiber diameters were not measured in the A muscle in gout, variability in fiber size was seen. Conclusions The pattern and magnitude of muscle fiber degeneration in the PCA and A muscles from a larynx with gout fixation of the cricoarytenoid joint indicate neural degeneration. Since similar changes were not found in the thyroarytenoid (TA) and lateral cricoarytenoid (LCA), the neuropathy is selective for the posterior branch of the recurrent laryngeal nerve. This neuropathy is likely responsible for vocal cord adduction (stridor) and incomplete closure of the posterior commissure (aspiration) associated with acute cricoarytenoid arthritis. In chronic cricoarytenoid joint arthritis, ankylosis of the joint space maintains the adducted cord position.
Gall insect-host plant relationships—An ecological perspective

Compared to other phytophagous insects, the gall insects are specialised in view of their imperative demand for a particular type of food in terms of a specific host; this is further supported by their specialised trends in establishing a coordinated, functionally efficient system involving (i) the biogenesis of the host plant organ, and (ii) the life-cycle of the gall-maker. The ’inherent potential’ (genetic-?) of the gall-insect to establish an independent, yet a discrete habitat, modifying the host plant tissue to enjoy a self-contained nutritional guild, facilitated by the host selection patterns, appears especially different from the other non-cecidogenous phytophages. Besides the autecological factors such as the changing climate, chemical and physical changes in the host tissue, and patchyness of food plant resources, which are of great importance to the cecidogens, of particular significance are the community interactions within gall systems involving many arthropod participants like inquilines, parasites, predators, and other casual visitors. As specialised organisms and with limited population size per unit area, the gall insects seem to run the risk of random extinction, although their efficient development of strategies to survive appears significant.
An Extremely Active Solid Acid Catalyst, Nafion Resin/Silica Composite, for the Friedel−Crafts Benzylation of Benzene and p-Xylene with Benzyl Alcohol

Nafion resin, a recently developed Nafion resin/silica composite, and triflic acid are very effective catalysts for the Friedel−Crafts benzylation of benzene (at 80 °C) and p-xylene (at 100 °C) with p-methylbenzyl alcohol under ambient pressure. The composite is nearly 2 orders of magnitude more active than plain Nafion resin beads and even more active than the strong triflic acid based on the same amount of acid groups in the catalysts. The commercial Amberlyst-15 resin catalyst and p-toluenesulfonic acid (p-TSA) are inactive catalysts. Flowing nitrogen through the reactor to carry out the byproduct water was found to be very beneficial for driving the benzylation reaction to completion.
The use of respiratory stimulants in organophosphates' intoxication.

Abstract 1. 1. Depression of the respiratory center causing acute respiratory insufficiency is the main cause of death in acute poisoning with organophosphates (OP). 2. 2. Various authors recommend the use of respiratory stimulants as an adjuvant to the usual therapeutic arsenal. 3. 3. This survey of the literature was undertaken in order to explore the theoretical basis for this therapeutic attitude and to critically assess its usefulness. 4. 4. The conclusion of this review is that respiratory stimulants should not be used in the treatment of acute organophosphates' intoxication in human beings.
Part I: Preparing First-Year Radiology Residents and Assessing their Readiness for On-Call Responsibilities

Rationale and Objectives The aim of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of an Emergency Radiology (ER) Core Curriculum training module and a Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM)-based interactive examination system to prepare first-year (postgraduate year 2 [PGY-2]) radiology residents and assess their readiness for taking overnight radiology call. Materials and Methods Institutional review board approval was obtained, and the study was compliant with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations. A dedicated month-long ER curriculum was designed to prepare new radiology residents for overnight radiology call that includes interpretation of off-hour urgent and emergent studies without immediate direct attending supervision. Lectures of the curriculum, provided by department staff, were based on the American Society of Emergency Radiology core curriculum. The lecture series was implemented after PGY-2 residents had completed formal introductory resident rotations during their first 6 months of training. A DICOM-based interactive computer-based testing module was developed and administered at the end of the lecture series. The module consisted of 19 actual emergency department cases with entire series of images, simulating an on-call setting. Tests were scored by two staff members blinded to resident identifying information. Upper-level residents also were tested, and comparison was made between first-year and upper-level resident test scores to determine the effectiveness of the test in determining first-year resident preparedness for call. Statistical analysis of results was performed by using t -test ( P Results All residents in the residency program present during the month (nine PGY-2, six PGY-3, seven PGY-4, seven PGY-5 residents) attended the lecture series and finished the testing module at the end of the lecture series. Of 19 actual emergency cases on the testing module, five cases were neuroradiology, three cases were thoracic imaging, eight cases were body imaging, and three cases were musculoskeletal. PGY-2 residents scored an average of 73.0% (range, 63.2%–81.6%) of total points possible. PGY-3 residents scored an average of 76.8% (range, 68.4%–86.8%); PGY-4 residents scored an average of 77.4% (range, 65.8%–100%), and PGY-5 residents scored an average of 81.2% (range, 68.4%–94.7%). There was no statistically significant difference in scores according to level of training. Conclusion First-year radiology residents who underwent 6 months of formal radiology training followed by an intensive ER lecture series before taking overnight call had scores similar to upper-level colleagues on an interactive computer-based ER simulation module.
THE DISPOSSESSION OF THE PAWNEE

ABSTRACT The Pawnee evolved an adapted system of occupance in the central Great Plains based on horticulture and the exploitation of the bison herds. From the 1830s on, great pressure was exerted on the Pawnee to change their way of life in accordance with Euro-American concepts of civilization. This involved the attempt to change the Pawnee into yeoman farmers, complete with a work ethic and a sense of private property. The Pawnee resisted, convinced of the validity of their own norms. After 1854, however, when the settlement frontier pushed into Nebraska, the Pawnee were confined to a small reservation and subjected to enforced acculturation, encroachment by settlers, and persistent Dacotah raids. Their decision to leave Nebraska in 1873–74 was a last, desperate effort to preserve a way of life.
Experimental and theoretical investigation of annealing effects on hetero-junction a-Si/c-Si solar cells

Hetero-junction with intrinsic amorphous thin-film (HIT) solar cells has been confirmed to achieve 23% by Sanyo Electric. In literatures, many efforts have been made in the past few years to improve the interface quality with additional annealing steps, and corresponding annealing mechanism of stretched-exponential-like relaxation behaviors at interface have been fully investigated. Although the know-how and researches of a-Si/c-Si interfaces have been greatly improved, however, there are few studies about annealing effect on HIT solar cell devices. In fabricating HIT solar cells and panels, silver paste metallization and module EVA lamination were implemented above 150°. The annealing effects on the fabricated devices are necessary and they include more phenomena such as interfaces between (n-)p-a-Si/i-a-Si or (n-) p-a-Si/ITO and thin films themselves. Therefore, it's quite interesting and important to systematically investigate on the annealing of HIT solar cells. In this study, we have demonstrated several annealing conditions and summarized records of the I-V results at various annealing time. Abnormal phenomena in Voc, Jsc, and F.F. after annealing at 200 °C were observed. We found the F.F. increase sharply at the initial annealing time and then declined after that. On the other hand, Voc increase sharply from 632 mV to 647mV and then kept stead state. The Jsc showed an increase at initial 5 minutes and then a reduction after that. The reasons for the increase of Voc and reduction of F.F. after thermal annealing are primarily attributed to hydrogen desorption within p-a-Si layer. From the dark conductivities measurement results of p-a-Si, they reveal sharply conductance rise after thermal annealing. The conductivities of amorphous silicon depend on defect density within thin film. Similar experiments were implemented at annealing condition of 250 °C. Higher temperature annealing, 250 °C, also showed the deteriorated trend with annealing time. Therefore, we used the software tool to simulate the experimental results with defect density increase with annealing time. We get the consistent trend between theoretical simulation and experimental results under annealing conditions.
Stabilization of polypropylene against γ-initiated oxidation: Stabilizer attack during radiolysis☆

Abstract The destruction of additives in γ-irradiated polypropylene films has been measured by infrared and electron spin resonance spectroscopy immediately after irradiation. Hindered amine or hindered phenol additives containing the ester group [>CHOC(O)CH 2 ∼] were found to undergo ester destruction. Hindered amines containing the >CH∼OC(O)C group were not attacked. Phenols showed extensive loss of the phenolic OH group, presumably by peroxyl radical attack. Irradiation under conditions where peroxyl radicals were not formed or were scavenged competitively by the presence of a phenol prevented or reduced attack on the reactive ester linkage in hindered amines. It is possible that peroxyl radical attack is occurring at the CH 2  group α to the carbonyl, which is known to be activated towards oxidation.
Selective nerve root blocks for low back pain and radiculopathy

In the management of patients with low back pain and radiculopathy, selective nerve root blocks (SNRBs) are now a common procedure for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. This article reviews the available studies as well as the relevant anatomy, pathology, technical considerations, and complications.
Significant precision improvement for temperature mapping.

MR temperature measurements are important for applications such as the evaluation of thermal therapies and radiofrequency (RF) coil heating effects. In this work the spherical mean value (SMV) method has been applied to significantly improve the precision of MR temperature mapping in a homogeneous gel phantom. Temperature-increase maps of the phantom were obtained with three-dimensional (3D) MR phase difference mapping after heating with the RF coil. The temperature-increase distribution in most regions in the phantom is a harmonic function with the mean value property. Based on this property, the precision of temperature-increase maps was improved up to sixfold with the SMV method. Comparison of this method with conventional smoothing, further precision improvement, and the in vivo application of the SMV method are discussed.
Boric Acid as an Additive for Core-Drilling of Alumina

Interactions between chemical compounds added to cutting fluids and the workpiece surface in the cutting zone can have pronounced effects on the material removal process during abrasive machining. These interactions can influence the coefficient of friction, the wear of the abrasive grit, and the mechanical properties of the workpiece, thus affecting the machining rate. Experiments were conducted on sapphire and a high-purity polycrystalline alumina to evaluate the chemomechanical effects of boric acid mixed with distilled water. The machining tests were performed on a precision drill with metal-bonded diamond core-drills. Following the experiments, the drilled surfaces and the debris were examined by scanning electron microscopy to elucidate the material removal process. The results indicated that addition of boric acid to distilled water increases the rate of drilling of polycrystalline alumina by a factor of two. But, boric acid was found to be ineffective in improving the drilling rate of single crystal alumina, i.e., sapphire. Based on the results it is postulated that boric acid interacts with the amorphous oxide grain boundary phase in the polycrystalline alumina promoting intergranular fracture; thereby, increasing the drilling rate
Scaling of fractal flow

Abstract For fractal, two-phase flow, we show that the standard Darcy's law treatment is incorrect. We present a scaling theory for the saturation of injected fluid and for its current, commonly called fractional flow. These scaling predictions are verified using a standard model of two-phase flow in two dimensions with a viscosity ratio large enough such that the flow is fractal for the size of the systems considered. Our scaling theory follows closely the critical point scaling approach pioneered by Michael Fisher and others.
Use of antifoams in drug metabolism studies in vitro.

Abstract The addition of very small amounts of antifoam or antifoam emulsions to rat hepatic microsomal suspensions was found to produce a type I substrate binding spectrum, and to increase the rate of NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reduction. The results also show that emulsifiers can themselves produce a type I substrate binding spectrum and can also alter the interaction of antifoam with microsomes.
Scattering from narrow grooves and slits

Analytical expressions are derived for the equivalent magnetic current distributions over the apertures of filled grooves and slits in a thick ground plane. These are obtained via a low frequency solution of the exact integral equations and exhibit the expected edge behavior at the groove or slit terminations. They are used to derive closed-form expressions for the associated characteristic parameters such as aperture potentials, aperture admittances, transfer admittances, radar echo widths, and transmitted powers. Both principal polarizations are treated and the results are potentially useful in constructing suitable models for long and narrow three-dimensional structures.
Chiral symmetry restoration in baryon rich environments

Abstract Chiral symmetry restoration in an environment rich in baryons is studied by computer simulation methods in SU(2) and SU(3) gauge theories in the quenched approximation. The basic theory of symmetry restoration as a function of chemical potential is illusstrated and the implementation of the ideas on a lattice is made explicit. A simple mean field model is presented to guide one's expectations. The second order conjugate-gradient iterative method and the pseudo-fermion Monte Carlo procedure are convergent methods of calculating the fermion propagator in an environment rich in baryons. Computer simulations of SU(3) gauge theory show an abrupt chiral symmetry restoring transition and the critical chemical potential and induced baryon density are estimated crudely. A smoother transition is observed for the color group SU(2).
Synaptophysin has a selective distribution in early endosomes of PC12 cells.

We have studied the endocytic pathway in PC12 cells and localized Synaptophysin to a subpopulation of early endosomes. Endocytosis was examined by electron microscopy using horseradish peroxidase as an endocytic tracer. Immediately following brief incubations with horseradish peroxidase, label was seen in small vesicles and tubules which appeared to be part of the tubular early endosomal network. A large vacuolar structure, containing a rim of horseradish peroxidase reaction product and an electron-lucent central region, was also labelled at the earliest time point examined. Within 5 min after the horseradish peroxidase pulse, reaction product was seen in multivesicular bodies. After prolonged chase periods, horseradish peroxidase label was lost from the early endosomal structures and accumulated in large dense vesicles containing lamellar stacks of membranes. The observed pattern of horseradish peroxidase distribution is consistent with delivery of the tracer into tubular and vacuolar early endosomes with subsequent movement of horseradish peroxidase out of these compartments and into lysosomes. Examination of Synaptophysin distribution by EM immunocytochemistry following incubations with horseradish peroxidase revealed selective immunogold labelling of early endosomal structures. Notably, small vesicular and tubular profiles were frequently double-labelled while vacuolar early endosomes were only rarely labelled for Synaptophysin. Immunocytochemical labelling was not observed in multivesicular bodies or large dense vesicles with lamellar stacks. Results of experiments in which endosomal structures were immunoprecipitated with antibody to Synaptophysin were consistent with the immunocytochemical findings. Maximal recovery of endocytosed horseradish peroxidase activity was seen immediately following the horseradish peroxidase pulse, and a significant decrease was seen after brief chase periods. These results indicate the presence of Synaptophysin in vesicles and tubules of the early endosomal compartment.
Dietary monotony and food cravings in young and elderly adults

Many hypothesized mechanisms for food cravings focus on nutritional deprivation. However, outside of the laboratory, nutritional inadequacy is often confounded with dietary monotony. Therefore, one aim was to examine the effects of a nutritionally adequate, liquid, sweet, monotonous diet on food cravings in young and elderly adults. In addition, previous retrospective questionnaire work has indicated that elderly individuals report fewer food cravings than do young adults. Because there are possible age differences in cognitive capacity, another goal of this work was to develop a prospective method (i.e.. a method that depends less on memory) of studying cravings that permits comparison of adults of different ages. Young adults reported significantly more cravings per day during the monotony manipulation than during the baseline period. Therefore, nutritional deprivation is not a necessary condition for food cravings. There were no gender differences. The increase was due primarily to a greater number of cravings for entrees (i.e., foods that differed in sensory quality from the monotonous diet). Cravings for sweets did not change. In contrast to predictions that liking for the monotonous diet would decline as a result of "repetition revulsion," there was no significant change in liking for the diet over the study period. In contrast to the young adults, elderly subjects were not responsive to the monotony manipulation. Elderly men reported almost no cravings at any time during the study. Elderly women reported as many cravings as did young adults during the baseline period, but did not show an increase in cravings during the monotony period. This lack of response to dietary monotony by the elderly could result in nutritionally inadequate diets.
Menstrual symptoms: A social cognition analysis

Research on menstrual-related cyclicity often reflects assumptions concerning the generality, severity, and physiological basis of symptoms associated with the menstrual cycle. According to arguments presented in recent articles, these assumptions are not fully justified by the empirical data. In addition, there is evidence that symptom associations may be viewed as reflecting, in part, a set of beliefs. In the present article evidence is reviewed which suggests that symptom associations may originate and be maintained by means of biases in the processing of information about cyclicity. Specifically, the origins of biased beliefs may arise from the connotative meaning of, the salience of, and selectivity in processing the information forming the association. In addition, mechanisms which contribute to the maintenance of biased perceptions, once associations have been formed, include distortion, autonomy, and category accessibility of the evidence.