cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Birth weight, puberty, and systolic blood pressure in children and adolescents: a longitudinal analysis.

We examined the association between birth weight and systolic blood pressure (SBP) from pre-puberty to late puberty in a cohort of American children. Ninety-eight children aged 4–12 years at baseline were followed annually for 2–6 years with at least two Tanner stages. Annual measures included SBP, age, gender, race, birth weight, Tanner stage, and body composition using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and computed tomography. Birth weight was inversely correlated with SBP in pre-pubertal children (r=−0.23, P<0.05), especially in white children. SBP persisted at a higher level from pre-puberty through late puberty among children with low birth weight (<2500?g). However, SBP significantly increased from pre-puberty to early or late puberty among children with high birth weight (⩾4000?g). After adjusting for visceral fat, one unit change of birth weight category was associated with a 2.6?mm Hg reduction in SBP (P<0.05), but this association was attenuated as puberty progressed. The changes in SBP across puberty followed different trajectories in children with low vs high birth weight. Attenuation in the association between birth weight and SBP from pre-puberty to late puberty may be influenced by sexual maturation.
Science at the Breakfast Table

The physicist Maria Goeppert Mayer and the chemist Joseph E. Mayer, during some forty years of marriage, exchanged scientific ideas continuously. We can see results of this exchange in the paths their individual intellectual careers took: Maria’s from formal, mathematical atomic physics to nuclear physics informed by the phenomenological insights of a chemist, and Joe’s from experimental chemistry to highly mathematical statistical mechanics. This is the kind of intellectual interaction that often goes on between scientific colleagues during the course of informal interactions, but which is rarely acknowledged since the results are often subtle shifts in scientific perspective.
The genus anemia (Schizaeaceae) in Mexico

The fern genusAnemia is represented in Mexico by 21 species and hybrids, of which five are here described as new:A. familiaris, A. multiplex. A. ×paraphyllitidis. A.×recondita andA. semihirsuta. Hybridization is frequent, resulting in both sterile and fertile hybrids, and has probably led to much recent speciation in the genus, including presumably sexual polyploids up to possibly the tetrakaidecaploid level.
Lack of Correlation between Mycoplasma Induced IFN-γ Production in vitro and Natural Killer Cell Activity against FLD-3 Cells

The role of interferon (IFN) in the normal-killer-cell (NK) mediated lysis of tumor cells in vitro is investigated experimentally. Normal mouse spleen cells and spleen cells treated with anti-Thy-1.2 serum are cultured for 24 h with Friend erythroleukemia (FLD-3) cells in RPMI 1640 medium; supernatant fluid from cultures with FLD-3 lysis are assayed for IFN-gamma, and it is found that pretreatment with anti-Thy-1.2 suppresses IFN-gamma generation without affecting the ability of NK to mediate the lysis of FLD-3. Further tests indicate that the generation of IFN-gamma is stimulated by the presence of Mycoplasma arginini in the FLD-3 cells.
Enhanced electronic conductivity in Si-substituted calcium aluminate

Improved conductivity has been achieved by controllable substitution of an ultraviolet electronic conductor. The transparent conducting oxide system, H-doped Ca12Al(14−x)SixO(33+x/2) with x=0−4, exhibits a conductivity strongly dependent on the substitution level. Four-point direct current conductivity increases with x from 0.15 to 0.61 S/cm at room temperature. The observed conductivity behavior is consistent with the predictions of our first principles density functional calculations for the Si-substituted system with x=0, 2, and 4. Furthermore, the Seebeck coefficient is composition dependent suggesting the existence of an activated mobility associated with small polaron conduction.
Estrogen receptor β - Getting in on the action?

Recent findings in mice hint that ERβ and not ERα may mediate some of the cardiovascular benefits of estrogen (pages 545–548).
Training-stage related neuronal plasticity in limbic thalamus and cingulate cortex during learning: a possible key to mnemonic retrieval.

This study is part of an ongoing project concerned with the analysis of the neural substrates of discriminative avoidance learning in rabbits. Multi-unit activity was recorded in 5 anterior and lateral thalamic nuclei and in 4 layers of 2 posterior cingulate cortical areas (29c/d and 29b) during learning. The rabbits learned to step in response to a warning tone to avoid a foot-shock, and to ignore a different tone not followed by shock. Excitatory training-induced unit activity (TIA, increased tone-elicited activity during training relative to a pretraining session with unpaired tone-shock presentations) and/or discriminative TIA (greater discharges to the warning than to the safe tone) developed during training in 11 of the 13 areas. Discriminative TIA in the thalamic nuclei increased monotonically as learning occurred. Anterodorsal (AD) thalamic excitatory TIA peaked in an early stage (the first session of training), laterodorsal thalamic and parvocellular anteroventral (AVp) excitatory TIA peaked in an intermediate stage (the session of the first behavioral discrimination), and magnocellular anteroventral (AVm) and anteromedial (AM) thalamic excitatory TIA peaked in a late stage (the session in which asymptotic behavioral discrimination first occurred). The excitatory TIA in these nuclei declined as training continued beyond the stage in which the peak occurred. Peaks of excitatory TIA developed in area 29c/d of posterior cingulate cortex in the early (layer IV), intermediate (layers I-III and V) and late (layer IV) training stages, as just defined. Only layer IV in area 29b of posterior cingulate cortex exhibited a peak of excitatory TIA, which occurred in the early and intermediate training stages. As in limbic thalamus, discriminative TIA increased monotonically over training stages in layers V and VI of areas 29c/d and in layer VI of area 29b. However, layers I-III and IV in area 29c exhibited peak discriminative TIA in the intermediate and late training stages, respectively. Lesion studies indicate that limbic thalamus and cingulate cortex are essential for learning. The peaks represent a unique topographic pattern of thalamic and cortical excitation elicited by the CS+. It is proposed that the peaks constitute a retrieval pattern, i.e. a unique topographic array of excitation. This pattern encodes the spatio-temporal context which defines the learning situation and is necessary for recall and output of the learned response.
Clinical Use of the Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins in CancerPatients: Focus on the Improved Patient Outcomes

Patients with malignant neoplastic diseases represent a high-risk population relative to thromboembolic disease. With the advent of improved and accessible diagnostic technology, for example, ultrasound and/or spiral CT scans, timely diagnosis of venous thromboembolic events (VTE) is readily accomplished. The introduction of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) approximately two decades ago (in contrast to unfractionated heparin and vitamin K antagonists) has provided a class of agents with a favorable therapeutic index. In the review to follow, the literature regarding the use of LMWH in oncologic patient populations is summarized. Topics addressed include prophylaxis, and treatment as well as consideration of the potential anti-neoplastic properties of this class of drugs.
Pancreatic islet cell carcinoma presenting with concurrent Cushing's and Zollinger–Ellison syndromes: case series and literature review

Cushing's syndrome and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome occur occasionally as a result of neuroendocrine cancers. The concurrence of the two syndromes has been considered to confer a poor clinical and therapeutic outcome. In this study, we are reviewing two patients with pancreatic islet cell carcinomas and with both Zollinger-Ellison and Cushing's syndromes, one followed up for more than 5 years, and the other still receiving therapy, 5 years since diagnosis. A literature review showed that surgery has limited utility as the majority of these patients had metastases at the time of diagnosis. Proton-pump inhibitors, ketoconazole, and somatostatin antagonists have a major role in controlling symptoms. Interferon and systemic chemotherapeutic agents play a role in the management of metastatic and fast-growing cases. Chemoembolization and bland embolization show encouraging results in controlling liver metastases. The latter was used effectively and more than once in the two patients presented herein. On the basis of recent molecular genetics studies, target therapy may be helpful, however, ongoing trials will define it's utility. As the data confers a worse prognosis versus other pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, the relatively favorable outcome of the two patients reported herein may reflect the impact of multiple therapeutic modalities.
Producing reducible 3-manifolds by surgery on a knot

IT HAS long been conjectured that surgery on a knot in S3 yields a reducible 3-manifold if and only if the knot is cabled, with the cabling annulus part of the reducing sphere (cf. [7.8, 9, 10, 111). One may regard the Poenaru conjecture (solved in [S]) as a special case of the above. More generally, one can ask when surgery on a knot in an arbitary 3-manifold A4 produces a reducible 3-manifold M’. But this problem is too complex, since, dually, it asks which knots in which manifolds arise from surgery on reducible 3-manifolds. In this paper we are able to show, approximately, that if M itself either contains a summand not a rational homology sphere or is a-reducible, and M’ is reducible, then k must have been cabled and the surgery is via the slope of the cabling annulus. Thus the result stops short of proving the conjecture for M = S3, but (see below) does suffice to prove the conjecture for satellite knots. The results here are broader than this; for a context recall the main result of [3]: GABAI’S THEOREM. Let k be a knot in M = D2 x S’ with nonzero wrapping number. If_ci’ is a manifold obtained by non-trivial surgery on k then one of the following must hold: (1) M = D2 x S’ = M’ and both k and k’ are 0 or l-bridge braids. (2) M’ = WI # W,, where W2 is a closed 3-manifold and H, ( W,) isjnite and non-tritial. (3) M’ is irreducible and aM ‘ is incompressible. It is this theorem we generalize to many other manifolds M. We also examine case (2) and show that it only arises (i.e. M’ is only reducible) if k is cabled with cabling annulus having the slope of the surgery. (For a detailed look at case (I), see [6] or Cl].) Specifically we have:
Continuous cell propagation using low-charge microcarriers

Microcarrier cell culture technology has been extended by the finding that two mammalian epithelial cell lines can be continuously subcultured by simple bead-to-bead transfer in normal medium in which calcium concentrations have been reduced. Data are reported which show that the hamster ovary line CHO-Kl and the monkey kidney line LLC-MK2 can be subcultured simply by adding fresh microcarriers to the stirred suspension culture. Thirteen generations of continuous exponential growth are demonstrated with two such subcultures for the CHO-Kl cells and with four such subcultures for the LLC-MK2 cells. Cell generation times were unchanged by this subculturing approach compared to standard subculturing procedure using trypsin to remove cells from surfaces. We have applied this technique to the production of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) from CHO-Kl cells. Viral yields were comparable (less than twofold difference) in microcarrier cultures which were subcultured via bead-to-bead transfer or by the standard means of removing cells from microcarriers with trypsin.
Radiative lifetime of triplet excitation recombinations mediated by spin–photon interaction in semiconductors

The radiative recombination of triplet exciton, is studied here theoretically in inorganic amorphous and organic crystalline semiconductors. A new time-dependent exciton–spin–orbit–photon interaction operator derived recently is used to calculate rates of radiative recombination of triplet excitons and the corresponding radiative lifetimes. It is illustrated that the new operator gives rise to a first order non-zero term responsible for the triplet photoluminescence. Results agree quite well with the known experimental results.
Early effects of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) on rat thymocytes in vitro

Abstract TCDD is known to induce thymic atrophy in several mammalian species through activation of programmed cell death, or apoptosis. To investigate the time course of events which precede TCDD-induced thymic apoptosis in vitro, experiments were performed with thymocyte isolated from immature rats. Peak accumulation of both total and specifically bound [3H]TCDD was observed at 60 min post incubation. Incubation of cells with 10 nM TCDD resulted in significant increases in RNA polymerase activity and incorporation of [3H]uridine at 30 min, indicating increased RNA synthesis in response to TCDD. TCDD-induced stimulation of [3H]uridine incorporation was not significantly altered in the presence of cycloheximide, while this effect was abrogated in the presence of actinomycin D. Incubation of thymocytes with 10 nM TCDD also stimulated the activity of poly(A)polymerase, the enzyme catalyzing mRNA polyadenylation, at time points beyond 30 min. No significant increases in [35S] incorporation were observed in cells treated with 10 nM TCDD, although analysis of detergent and high salt extracted nuclear proteins by SDS-PAGE and coomassie blue staining revealed the increased abundance of at least two proteins with molecular masses of 52 000 and 42 000 Da, respectively. These studies reveal that thymocyte nuclei rapidly accumulated TCDD in vitro, leading to increased RNA synthesis, poly(A)polymerase activity and protein synthesis. These events correlate closely with the process of programmed cell death.
Self-assembled optoplasmonic molecules for enhanced light focusing and manipulation on nanometer length scales

Hybrid clusters comprising TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) supported by discrete clusters of Au NP were fabricated through a template guided self-assembly strategy, and the electromagnetic interactions between the building blocks were investigated using experimental and theoretical tools. The performed studies reveal that electromagnetic interactions between the building blocks result in an enhancement of both electric and magnetic field components. A redistribution of the optical energy in the cluster increases the E-field intensity not only in hot-spots within the cluster but also in the adjacent ambient environment where it is easily accessible.
Mental health services use: Baltimore epidemiologic catchment area follow-up.

Objective: To examine the patterns of previous and current mental health services use among older adults in the Baltimore Epidemiologic Catchment Area Follow-up. Examination of a recent cohort of older adults is important because patterns of utilization may have changed due to treatment advances, changes in mental healthcare services, and greater mental health awareness. Design: A population-based longitudinal survey. Setting: Continuing participants in a study of community-dwelling adults who were living in East Baltimore in 1981. Participants: In all, 1,067 adults for whom complete data were available. Measurements: Separately, and before the mental health assessments were made, participants were asked about use of health services. Cognitive status and physical health were assessed using standardized instruments. Mental disorders were assessed using the Diagnostic Interview Schedule. Results: Compared with adults aged 40–59 years in 2004, adults aged 60 years and older were less likely to report specialty mental health services versus general medical care without a mental health component (adjusted odds ratio=0.28, 95% confidence interval [0.14–0.56]). Multivariate models controlled for potentially influential characteristics including major depression or depression associated with recent bereavement, anxiety disorders, and past use of mental health services. Conclusion: Adults aged 60 years and older are approximately one third as likely to consult a specialist in mental health compared with adults aged 40–59 years even accounting for other factors associated with differential use of services. Our study strengthens evidence that the primary care remains important for the treatment of psychiatric disorders in the elderly.
Stability of a continuous-medium reactor

ABS>Sufficient conditions for the stability of a continuousmedium reactor are given under the assumptions that there is no mechanical vibration coupled with the oscillation of reactor power; that delayed-neutron effects may be neglected; and that hydrodynamic flow does not affect dynamic stability. The conditions given involve only known reactor parameters, and numeric al examples are considered to complement the theory. (auth)
Ceftolozane/tazobactam for the treatment of complicated urinary tract and intra-abdominal infections.

ABSTRACT High rates of morbidity and mortality have been linked to the emergence of antimicrobial-resistant Gram-negative pathogens, especially in the hospital setting. Infections due to extended-spectrum-β-lactamase producing Enterobacteriaceae (e.g., Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae) and multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa pose a major health threat and dramatically reduce the therapeutic options to achieve an appropriate treatment. There is a need for novel antimicrobials that could provide clinical efficacy toward multidrug-resistant Gram-negative pathogens, including extended-spectrum-β-lactamase and carbapenemase producers. Ceftolozane/tazobactam is a novel antipseudomonal cephalosporin associated with a well-established β-lactamase inhibitor currently in clinical development for the treatment of complicated intra-abdominal infections, complicated urinary tract infections and nosocomial pneumonia. Phase II and III trials have shown high efficacy and good tolerability in complicated ur...
Modification of rabbit head holder to increase speed and accuracy of stereotaxic surgery

Abstract Modification of a rabbit Stereotaxic head holder is described. The changes are designed to reduce the amount of time required to establish the horizontal zero plane and to increase the accuracy of Stereotaxic surgery by providing greater instrument stability.
Endometrial carcinoma in Turner's syndrome.

Abstract A case of endometrial carcinoma in a patient with Turner's syndrome is presented and the literature is reviewed. Ten similar cases were already published and the clinical and laboratory findings in all 11 cases are tabulated and analyzed. One or more of three possible etiological factors contributing to the development of this very unusual situation are discussed :(i) the prolonged unopposed use of estrogen, (ii) the use of the contraceptive pill (particularly the sequential type), and (iii) a genetic predisposition to cancer in patients with Turner's syndrome.
A simple technique for obtaining voiding urethrograms in children.

A useful technique is described to obtain a film for visualizing the urethra following excretory urography in infants; blowing air on wet genitalia will usually stimulate voiding.
Suggestion of an Organometallic Intermediate in an Intramolecular Dechlorination Reaction Involving Copper(I) and a ArCH2Cl Moiety

A copper(I)-mediated reductive dechlorination reaction involving an “internal” chloromethylene substrate at the pyridyl 6-position of one TMPA arm (TMPA ≡ TPA ≡ tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine) leads to a 1:1 ratio of the starting ligand 6ClCH2−TMPA and a new methyl−TMPA product, 6CH2H−TMPA. On the basis of observed product distributions and a kinetic study, a reaction mechanism involving intramolecular oxidative insertion of Cu(I) to the C−Cl substrate is suggested. The resulting organometallic intermediate is then protonated, leading to the observed products.
Compatibility of approximate solution of linear equations with given error bounds for coefficients and right-hand sides

In the spirit ofWilkinson's [1, 2] backward error analysis, conditions are established under which a given approximate solution of a system ofn linear equations withn unknowns is the exact solution of a modified system whose coefficients and right-hand sides are within a given neighborhood of those of the original system.
Groundwater transport of radium-226 and uranium from port granby waste management site to Lake Ontario

Abstract A finite element model is developed for delineating radioactive contaminant plumes via groundwater. The model is then used to predict the migration of 226 Ra and U from the near-shore Port Granby waste management site to Lake Ontario. The model runs are made simulating either one or two stratigraphic layers and simulating varying degrees of anisotropy in each layer. The model-predicted 226 Ra and U concentrations are found to be in good agreement with those actually observed. Recovery phase analysis predicts that the continuous migration, via groundwater, of both contaminants toward Lake Ontario is likely to persist even after the waste is removed from the site.
Measuring Stressful Thinking Styles: An Analysis of the Stress Processing Report--Form II.

The Stress Processing Report is a self-administered instrument designed to measure thinking styles that are causally related to psychological and physiological symptoms of strain. The instrument is intended to measure 19 thinking styles relevant to self-image and to the way in which individuals think about their relations with others and their work activities. In the present paper, data provided by approximately 600 respondents are analyzed to assess the reliability and validity of the second version (Form II) of this instrument. The results provide support for its internal-consistency reliability and convergent/discriminant validity. Additionally, a factor analysis showed that the thinking styles measured by the instrument are associated with five distinct domains rather than with a single global dimension such as self-esteem. These domains were found to be significantly related to the number of stress effects (psychological and physiological symptoms) reported by respondents.
Whole body leucine, phenylalanine, and tyrosine kinetics in end-stage liver disease before and after hepatic transplantation

The kinetics of leucine, phenylalanine, and tryosine metabolism following orthotopic human liver transplantation in end-stage liver disease in hospitalized patients were evaluated and compared to controls. The investigation was carried out by protein turnover studies using 13C leucine, D5-phenylalanine, and [U-14C] tyrosine by continuous infusion and employing a stochastic model in 32 patients with end-stage liver disease, 17 of whom went on to receive an hepatic allograft, and 7 controls without significant liver disease who underwent elective abdominal surgery. Mean tyrosine flux in the liver disease group was 3,242 ± 811 (n = 32) v 2,899 ± 688 μmol/h in controls (n = 7) (P < .001), while the tyrosine oxidation was 328 ± 179 v 422 ± 185 μmol/h(P < .001). Tyrosine clearance in pretransplant pateints was 719 ± 345 (n = 17) v 1,193 ± 568 mL/min(P < .005) in posttransplant patients (n = 17) with virtually no overlap. There was a significant correlation between serum albumin levels and the tyrosine clearance (r = .60, P < .05), but correlations with other conventional liver function tests were of a low order. Leucine and phenylalanine kinetics in liver disease patients did not show any significant differences from controls. Leucine and tyrosine fluxes in controls did exhibit a significant correlation (r = .70, P < .05), but no correlation was observed in patients with liver disease. These findings indicate that the kinetics of the amino acid tyrosine are substantially altered by end-stage liver disease, with the most profound effect on tyrosine clearance. Tyrosine kinetics reflect amino acid but not whole-body protein metabolism in severe liver disease. Tyrosine clearance rates may serve as a sensitive indicator of hepatic functional reserve and, thus, reflect severity of liver impairment.
Echocardiographic Recognition of Iatrogenic Aortic Valve Leaflet Perforation

Abstract Background . There is a paucity of literature regarding iatrogenic aortic valve perforation after cardiac operations performed in the vicinity of the aortic valve. This report describes the echocardiographic recognition of iatrogenic aortic valve perforation. Methods . Among 6 patients who had previously undergone non–aortic valve cardiac operations, a diagnosis of iatrogenic aortic regurgitation was made by transthoracic two-dimensional echocardiography and Doppler color flow imaging. Results . The location of the aortic valve leaflet perforation varied and depended on the site of the previous intracardiac lesion repair. Repeat operations in 5 patients confirmed the echocardiographic findings. Aortic valve repair was confirmed in 2 patients by transesophageal echocardiography, whereas aortic valve replacement became necessary in 2 other patients. A fifth patient with acquired cardiomyopathy underwent orthotopic heart transplantation. Conclusions . A detailed two-dimensional echocardiographic examination, along with color flow imaging, should be done to evaluate iatrogenic aortic valve perforation in patients with a new murmur of aortic regurgitation after cardiac operations in proximity to the aortic valve. Precise preoperative diagnosis of this lesion allows optimal surgical planning and treatment.
Amine spectrochemical properties in tris(aminocarboxylate) complexes of chromium(III)

Abstract A series of CrN 3 O 3 complexes with aminocarboxylate ligands was examined, and the nitrogen-containing groups could be arranged in a spectrochemical sequence in the order.
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) of the abdominal organs: Imaging features

The liver, spleen, biliary tract, pancreas, and kidneys are commonly affected by opportunistic infection, malignancy, and inflammatory disorders during the course of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Clinical manifestations of solid abdominal visceral involvement are protean and usually nonspecific, but it is important to establish a specific diagnosis promptly in these often critically ill patients. This presentation reviews the cross-sectional imaging spectrum of HIV-associated lesions of these organs.
Optimal solution of a training problem in speech recognition

We take the view that the payoff correpsonding to different ways of training a speech recognizer is the probability that the recognizer will correctly recognize a randomly chosen word. In "A Decision Theoretic Formulation of a Training Problem in Speech Recognition" we posed the problem of choosing a speech recognizer as an optimization problem with the expected value of the above payoff as the objective function. This correspondence presents the optimal Bayes solution to this optimization problem by maximizing the expected payoff: conditionally on given training data decode the acoustic signal for a word as any word which maximizes the a posteriori expected joint probability of the word and the acoustic signal. Thus the probability estimator which is optimal for mean-squared error produces a decoder which happens to be optimal for recognition rate as well.
Quantitative angiographic comparison of the immediate success of coronary angioplasty, coronary atherectomy and endoluminal stenting

Abstract Coronary atherectomy and coronary stenting effectively reduce the severity of coronary artery stenoses, but direct comparisons of these interventions with conventional balloon angioplasty have not been performed. To compare the immediate efficacy of these 3 interventions, the angiographic morphology and the severity of the residual coronary stenosis were quantitatively evaluated in 18 patients undergoing coronary atherectomy and in 21 patients treated by endoluminal coronary stenting. Each of these groups of patients was compared with a matched group of coronary angioplasty patients selected from a large, computerized database. The variables matched included patient age and sex, lesions site and severity, and lesion complexity. Both coronary atherectomy and coronary stenting more effectively reduced the severity of the coronary stenosis when compared with balloon angioplasty. The luminal diameter stenosis was reduced from 69 ± 10 to 22 ± 20% in the atherectomy group compared with a reduction from 74 ± 11 to 44 ± 14% in the matched coronary angioplasty population (p = 0.008). Similarly, the luminal diameter stenosis was reduced from 77 ± 11 to 26 ± 12% in the stented group compared with a reduction from 81 ± 10 to 42 ± 14% in the matched coronary angioplasty group (p = 0.014). In addition, moderate or severe coronary dissections were noted more frequently in the coronary angioplasty groups than in their respective atherectomy and stent groups (0 vs 33%, p = 0.008, and 5 vs 19%, p = 0.15, respectively). These data suggest that, in selected patients, both coronary atherectomy and coronary stenting more effectively reduce the severity of coronary stenoses when compared with conventional balloon angioplasty and that this may be achieved with a lower risk of medial dissection.
An Evaluation of the USDA Preshipment Clearance Program for Propagative Material1)

One of the programs utilized by PPQ-APHIS-USDA2) to prevent the introduction of hazardous pests and pathogens is known as preclearance. Preclearance relies more on inspection at origin than it does on inspection upon arrival or entry into the United States. Two such programs have been developed by PPQ for plant materials. One, established in 1951, is for bulbs, while the other, established in 1975, is for a few ornamental crops. The USDA, in co-operation with the Plant Protection Services of the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Italy, Fed. Rep. of Germany, Israel and South Africa, has been performing preclearance for bulbous plant propagative materials. Flower bulbs are being precleared in all of the above countries at the request of the exporter's groups of the respective countries. The objective of this clearance is to facilitate the entry of this material, reduce the chances of introducing plant pests and diseases into the United States, and save APHIS manpower at US ports of entry. This is achieved by having USDA personnel working cooperatively with foreign plant protection services in the inspection of material in the field and packing houses in the country of origin. Detection and elimination of plant pests and diseases is a co-operative effort for mutual benefit of both parties.
The relationship of wolf recovery to habitat conservation and biodiversity in the northwestern United States

Abstract Gray wolves were systematically and fervently eliminated from the northwestern United States between the mid-1800s and early 1900s. Wolves disappeared from lower elevations first and generally persisted longer in more remote, mountainous areas. Preservation of large tracts of public land, primarily for commodity use, at the turn of the century, had the unforeseen effect of allowing conditions for wolf recovery to occur later. Improving attitudes toward the species and the recovery of ungulate prey populations from their turn of the century lows are the proximate factors making wolf recovery possible in areas with vast public lands. Planners for wolf recovery in the Northern Rockies identified three areas for wolf recovery, northwestern Montana, central Idaho, and the Greater Yellowstone area, because they consisted primarily of national parks, designated wilderness, and national forests. Those areas had previously been designated as public lands largely because they were too unproductive for agriculture; they consist in part of high elevation habitat that supports relatively few prey for wolves in winter. So far, recolonizing wolves have settled in lower elevation habitats where deer and elk are most abundant. Since private lands are most often in these lower elevations, they may be more important to the recovery and maintenance of viable wolf populations than was earlier envisioned. The negative symbolic nature of the wolf was a major factor in its eradication and continues to be a major factor in considerations of reintroduction and natural recolonization; the newer positive symbolic nature of the animal will ultimately facilitate its return and contribute indirectly toward long-term conservation of wild spaces and biodiversity in North America.
Modeling collective choice: Decision-making on complex intellective tasks

Three studies examined group problem-solving on complex intellective tasks. In Study 1, a decision model proposed by Laughlin and Hollingshead (1995) provided the best fit to actual group choices. This study also compared three-person group versus individual performance with time constrained and number of problems unconstrained, with individuals solving non-significantly more problems and groups obtaining significantly superior trials-to-solution scores. In Study 2, one member of each group was given additional information on how to perform the task and member extroversion was measured. Neither factor significantly impacted the decision-making process. In Study 3, task expertise was assessed prior to the group interaction. Results indicate that group members were twice as likely to adopt an option proposed by an expert compared to other group members. Together these studies demonstrate that group problem solving is governed jointly by qualities of the task and qualities of the group members. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
State-dependent columnar organization of dorsal hippocampal activity in the freely-behaving cat

We examined reflected light images from the dorsal hippocampus in freely-behaving cats to assess the topographical organization of neural activity expressed during sleep-waking states. Reflectance patterns, organized as columns along the CA3-CA1 axis which appeared during rapid eye movement sleep (REM) and waking states, were compared to baseline periods collected during quiet sleep (QS). The columns were not static across states or behaviors within a state, but showed inversion in activation/inactivation patterns, and narrowed or widened over time. A correlation between state-dependence and reflectance patterns emerged, with transitions to active waking and REM most likely exhibiting enhanced columnar patterning, relative to QS. No columnar patterns appeared in overlying neocortical areas or in control media. The columnar patterns suggest a highly structured functional state-dependent organization in the dorsal hippocampus, as has been previously predicted by anatomical studies.
FRET Efficiency Distributions of Multistate Single Molecules

A simple analytic theory is developed to describe FRET efficiency histograms constructed from a photon trajectory generated by a molecule with multiple conformational states. The histograms are approximated by a sum of Gaussians with the parameters explicitly determined by the FRET efficiencies of the states and the rates of the transitions between the states. The theory, which has been tested against exact histograms for two conformational states and simulated data for three and four conformational states, accurately describes how the peaks in the histograms collapse as the bin time or the transition rates increase.
Predictors of out-of-pocket medical expenditures in low-income households

From a sample of low-income households, out-of-pocket medical expenses are found to average about $25 per month. For each household, these expenses vary with annual income, type of insurance for medical care, priority of medical expenses, ethnicity, and number of ill family members. Expenses are reported for households with different socioeconomic characteristics and composition. Multiparticipation in insurance programs is shown. Fourteen percent of the survey participants say they have no insurance, public or private. Thirty-three percent participate in Medicaid.
(Un)Doing Hegemony in Education: Disrupting School-to-Prison Pipelines for Black Males

The school-to-prison pipeline refers to the disturbing national trend in which children are funneled out of public schools and into juvenile and criminal justice systems. The purpose of this article is to theorize how this pipeline fulfills societal commitments to black male over-incarceration. First, the author reviews the troublesome perceptions of black boys and men in educational settings throughout the educational pipeline. Next, the ways in which black American boys are scripted out of childhood humanity are discussed, drawing upon tenets of discipline and punishment theory. Second, drawing from additional theories of power, the article re-interprets school discipline and achievement data in the educational pipeline as tools of containment that support school-to-prison pipelines for black males. The third section synthesizes the literature on black male behavioral responses in disempowering educational settings. The article closes with discussion and implications for schools and society.
A calculus of unnecessary echoes: application of management principles to health care.

We studied the clinical utility of echocardiography in children and applied principles of business management to draw conclusions that are applicable to health care in general. A significant number (13% in this series) of expensive medical diagnostic tests could be avoided without harm to patients. Cost reduction in medicine is possible in many situations without compromising quality of care. Care pathways (i.e., practice guidelines or clinical algorithms) provide one useful modality. However, for the safety of patients, all cost reduction methods must start with practicing physicians (or involve them at conceptualization) and an escape clause must be available to the treating physician for the atypical patient. The analytic approach used-concurrent assessment of percentage cost, charge, and payor-is applicable to all components of the health care value chain. The use of "percentage of charges" as an indicator of collection effectiveness is unrealistic and should be changed to "percentage potential reimbursement" because health care is effectively a fixed-reimbursement industry rather than a system subject to standard microeconomic (supply and demand) forces. The current reimbursement structure provides conflicting incentives both to health care institutions and to providers, creating an insurmountable barrier to any effective incentive system. Colloquy between practicing physicians and experts in operations management will stimulate cost reduction and can optimize the delivery of health care.
Pine genome size diversity and water relations

Important functions of water relations are considered to be related to genome size diversity in gymnosperms. We investigated relationships among genome size, dimensional characteristics of conductive cells, and water relations parameters by using young seedlings of six Pinus species. Xylem hydraulic conductivity was not correlated with genome size and dimensional characteristics of conductive cells, but the water potential at the turgor loss point was. Pinus species with large genome sizes had thick cell walls and small ratios of lumen radii to cell wall thickness in their conductive cells, and those species lost their turgor to tissue dehydration al low water potentials. The characteristics observed in the present study may contribute to pine drought tolerance.
An in vivo comparison of the Root ZX II, the Apex NRG XFR, and Mini Apex Locator by using rotary nickel-titanium files.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy of working length (WL) measurements by using the Root ZX II, Apex NRG XFR, and Mini Apex Locator with rotary nickel-titanium (NiTi) instruments. Methods: Twenty-eight teeth had their WLs determined with each electronic apex locator (EAL) by using 0.04 taper ProFiles sizes 40–20 in a crown-down technique until WL was reached. Four control teeth had their WL determined by using stainless steel hand files. The files were cemented at WL, and the teeth were extracted. The apical 4 mm of each root was shaved to the apical constriction, exposing the file. Photographs were taken under 15 and 30 magnification and projected at 360 and 720 for evaluation. Results: The accuracy of the Root ZX II, Apex NRG XFR, and Mini Apex Locator in locating the minor diameter within 0.5 mm was 50%, 46.43%, and 39.29%, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the EALs in locating the minor diameter. The determination of WL by using hand files in the control teeth was more accurate. Conclusions: The Root ZX II, Apex NRG XFR, and Mini Apex Locator used with rotary NiTi files were able to locate the apical constriction within 0.5 mm only 50% or less of the time. (J Endod 2009;35:962–965)
Low-power maximum power point tracker with digital control for thermophotovoltaic generators

This paper describes the design, optimization, and evaluation of the power electronics circuitry for a low-power portable thermophotovotaic (TPV) generator system. TPV system is based on a silicon micro-reactor design and low-bandgap photovoltaic (PV) diodes. We outline critical system-level challenges associated with TPV power generation, and propose a power electronics architecture that addresses these challenges. We present experimental data from a compact, highly efficient peak power tracker and show how the proposed architecture enables increased energy extraction compared to conventional methods. The operation of the power tracker is verified with low-bandgap PV cells illuminated by a quartz halogen lamp producing a PV diode output power of 0.5 W, and above 99% tracking efficiency is demonstrated. Additionally, the complete system operation is verified with the power tracker connected to GaInAsSb PV diodes and a silicon micro-reactor, producing 150 mW of electrical power.
The role of echocardiography and computed tomography in the evaluation of constrictive pericarditis

Constrictive pericarditis offers a spectrum of presentations. In many cases, characteristic abnormalities of physical examination and chest radiography are present. In subtle cases, even hemodynamic data from cardiac catheterization may be insufficient in providing a diagnosis and thoracotomy with open inspection of the pericardium is required for confirmation of constrictive pericarditis. Two noninvasive techniques, echocardiography and computed tomography, are now available with the potential of providing anatomic information to complement hemodynamic data derived from catheterization. Echocardiography is of proven value in identifying pericardial effusions, and its role in constrictive pericarditis has broadened with descriptions of pericardial thickening’,’ and abnormalities that reflect the altered hemodynamics of this disorder. The latter include flat diastolic left ventricular wall motion,3, I abnormalities of septal motion,s-8 rapid E-F slope,” and early pulmonic valve opening.g The value of two-dimensional echocardiography”’ has also been described. The limitations of these echocardiographic abnormalities are not well defined. Recently, the introduction of computed tomography has allowed visualization of the normal and abnormal pericardium”, ” and provided ancillary information which complements the hemodynamic abnormalities, e.g., vena caval dilatation and alteration of the axis of the interventricular septum.‘” In this paper we describe our experience with both echocardiography and computed tomography in patients with suspected constrictive pericarditis. The relative merits of the two techniques are described.
Damping Properties of Shape Memory Alloys for Seismic Applications

Shape memory alloys (SMAs) in martensitic form and austenitic form are studied to evaluate their damping potential for applicat ions in earthquake engineering. Shape memory alloy wires and bars are subjected to cyclical loading s similar to that expected during a seismic event. The damping properties of the shape memory alloy s in both the martensitic form and austenitic form are c ompared with respect to bar size, loading rate, and maximum strain cycle. The results show that in the superelastic form, the damping properties of shape memory alloys are generally low, ranging from 2%-7% equivalent viscous damping. The damping properties generally peak at 4%5% strain and begin to degrade at larger strains . In the martensitic form, shape memory alloys have significant energy dissipation with equivalent viscous damping ratios ranging from 15%-25%. Strain rate effects are evaluated by loading the bars at rates up to 2Hz (maximum strain rate of 7.90% per second). The results show that increased strain rates lead to a red uction in the energy dissipation capabilities of shape memory alloys in both forms. The effectiveness of using shape memory alloys for damping applications is evaluated through a comparison with current passive energy dissipation technology in the field of earthquake engineering showing the viability of using shape memory alloys for passive damping applications.
Exploring the Role of Self-Esteem and Parenting Patterns on Alcohol Use and Abuse Among Adolescents.

The type of parental child-rearing practices used by parents and guardians substantially influence children’s self-esteem and consequently their decision to engage in alcohol use, its abuse. The aim of this study was to explore the role of self-esteem and parenting patterns on alcohol use and abuse among adolescents. Three hundred and sixteen boys and girls in Senior High Schools completed self-report questionnaires assessing self-esteem, parenting patterns and alcohol use and abuse. The results showed that while girls reported lesser self-esteem than boys, boys reported higher levels of alcohol use and abuse than girls. Also, authoritative parenting pattern had a positive effect on self-esteem and a negative effect on alcohol use. On the other hand, authoritarian and permissive parenting patterns had negative effects on self-esteem and positive effects on alcohol use, with slight variations. These results provide valuable information regarding strategies aimed at fostering parent-child relationship and rapport with the ultimate aim of bolstering the self-esteem of adolescents to subsequently eschew insalubrious behaviour, particularly alcohol use and abuse.
Control of Exotic Annual Grasses to Restore Native Forbs in Abandoned Agricultural Land

Exotic annual grasses are a major challenge to successful restoration in temperate and Mediterranean climates. Experiments to restore abandoned agricultural fields from exotic grassland to coastal sage scrub habitat were conducted over two years in southern California, U.S.A. Grass control methods were tested in 5 m2 plots using soil and vegetation treatments seeded with a mix of natives. The treatments compared grass-specific herbicide, mowing, and black plastic winter solarization with disking and a control. In year two, herbicide and mowing treatments were repeated on the first-year plots, plus new control and solarization plots were added. Treatments were evaluated using percent cover, richness and biomass of native and exotic plants. Disking alone reduced exotic grasses, but solarization was the most effective control in both years even without soil sterilization, and produced the highest cover of natives. Native richness was greatest in solarization and herbicide plots. Herbicide application reduced exotics and increased natives more than disking or mowing, but produced higher exotic forb biomass than solarization in the second year. Mowing reduced grass biomass and cover in both years, but did not improve native establishment more than disking. Solarization was the most effective restoration method, but grass-specific herbicide may be a valuable addition or alternative. Solarization using black plastic could improve restoration in regions with cool, wet summers or winter growing seasons by managing exotic seedbanks prior to seeding. While solarization may be impractical at very large scales, it will be useful for rapid establishment of annual assemblages on small scales.