cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bedrock weathering contributes to subsurface reactive nitrogen and nitrous oxide emissions

Atmospheric nitrous oxide contributes directly to global warming, yet models of the nitrogen cycle do not account for bedrock, the largest pool of terrestrial nitrogen, as a source of nitrous oxide. Although it is known that release rates of nitrogen from bedrock are large, there is an incomplete understanding of the connection between bedrock-hosted nitrogen and atmospheric nitrous oxide. Here, we quantify nitrogen fluxes and mass balances at a hillslope underlain by marine shale. We found that, at this site, bedrock weathering contributes 78% of the subsurface reactive nitrogen, while atmospheric sources (commonly regarded as the sole sources of reactive nitrogen in pristine environments) account for only the remaining 22%. About 56% of the total subsurface reactive nitrogen denitrifies, including 14% emitted as nitrous oxide. The remaining reactive nitrogen discharges in porewaters to a floodplain where additional denitrification probably occurs. We also found that the release of bedrock nitrogen occurs primarily within the zone of the seasonally fluctuating water table and suggest that the accumulation of nitrate in the vadose zone, often attributed to fertilization and soil leaching, may also include contributions from weathered nitrogen-rich bedrock. Our hillslope study suggests that, under oxygenated and moisture-rich conditions, weathering of deep, nitrogen-rich bedrock makes an important contribution to the nitrogen cycle. Weathering of deep bedrock releases reactive nitrogen into the subsurface, which contributes to the flux of nitrous oxide to the atmosphere, according to a field study that combines soil, rock and groundwater data within a river catchment.
Denoising physiological data collected during multi-band, multi-echo EPI sequences

Abstract Collecting physiological data during fMRI experiments can improve fMRI data cleaning and contribute to our understanding of psychophysiological processes; however, these recordings are frequently fraught with artifacts from the MRI pulse sequence. Here, we look at manufacturer recommendations for filtering such artifacts from physiological data collected during single-band, single-echo fMRI sequences and extend these recommendations to address artifacts associated with multiband, multi-echo fMRI sequences. While the magnitude and frequencies of artifacts differ with these aspects of pulse sequences, their effects can be mitigated via application of digital filters focused on the slice collection and repetition time.
High-risk motor vehicle drivers engage in more risk behaviors than motorcyclists.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to characterize and compare risk behaviors between motorcyclists and motor vehicle drivers who were involved in accidents and required hospitalization. The study focused on patients who were recently involved in motorcycle collisions (MCCs) and motor vehicle collisions (MVCs). Methods: We identified 63 patients involved in MCCs and 39 patients involved in MVCs who were admitted to our level-1 trauma center from April 2014 to September 2015. These 102 patients completed a questionnaire designed to evaluate risky driving behaviors. Pearson’s chi-squared tests and unpaired two-tailed t -tests were used to evaluate categorical and normally distributed continuous variables, respectively. Multivariable linear regression was used to analyze predictors of risk behavior. Significance was set at p When compared to patients involved in an MCC, patients involved in MVCs were more likely to be female (p = 0.007), drive more frequently (p = 0.036). MVC patients were more likely to have admitted to substance use on the day of the accident (p = 0.030), historically drive under the influence of drugs (p = 0.031), drive while tired (p = 0.011). Overall, MVC patients engaged in more risk behaviors (3.3 ± 1.3 vs. 2.0 ± 1.5; p = 0.045). Conclusions: Within our cohort of trauma patients at our institution, motor vehicle drivers were more likely than motorcyclists to engage in any one risk behavior and engage in a higher number of risk behaviors. In addition, motor vehicle drivers perceived their risk of a potential accident as lower than riding a motorcycle. Education initiatives should focus on motor vehicle driver safety interventions that reduce risk behaviors.
Clinical Covid-19 Lung Imaging

Lung ultrasound has proven a useful imaging tool during the COVID-19 pandemic. It correlates with CT in its ability to demonstrate lung findings throughout the disease time-course. It is used for infection diagnosis, risk stratification, patient long-term monitoring and triage, with potential to guide respiratory management decisions. Ultrasound has been key to hospital-wide infection control measures. Studies to date have examined small numbers of patients, and further large-scale research should be performed to assess the impact of ultrasound in the patient care of COVID-19 patients. However, lung ultrasound has been established as a much-needed imaging modality for future outbreaks of COVID-19, as well as future respiratory pandemics.
Abiotic effects of dissolved oxyanions on iron plaque quantity and mineral composition in a simulated rhizosphere

Solution-culture experiments that test the response of As on Fe plaque quantity report an increase of Fe plaque with increasing As in solution due the plant’s response to incipient As toxicity, i.e., a defense mechanism. The present study tests whether the differences in Fe plaque quantity can arise abiotically as a result of experimental design. An O2-delivery system simulating root-aerenchymal O2 diffusion was used to investigate the abiotic effect of arsenite as well as silicate and phosphate on Fe plaque quantity and mineral composition in solution-culture experiments using deionized water or rice field water. Several approaches (DCB extractions, XRD, SEM, and EXAFS) were used to characterize the plaque. In the absence of ligands, a thin layer of plaque comprised of goethite/ferrihydrite formed, whereas plaque thickness and quantity increased 3-fold with solution As and was comprised of lepidocrocite/ferrihydrite. Plaque quantity also increased with Si or P but less so than As, and had different mineral composition. With rice field water, ferrihydrite formed and no difference in Fe plaque quantity was found with As. Solution composition greatly impacts the quantity and mineral composition of Fe plaque in solution-culture experiments, and should be considered in the design of future Fe plaque induction experiments.
AI science vs. applications: accomplishments, failures and long-term goals

The author expresses the belief that the central problems in advancing artificial intelligence (AI) systems continue to be problems of representing knowledge, especially world and common-sense knowledge, extracting knowledge from sensory data, problems of knowledge acquisition and learning, understanding plausible reasoning, such as approximate deduction, induction and analogy, and related problems. The author suggests that AI is a very successful discipline despite the failure some not-carefully-expressed predictions. It needs steady, long-term-oriented support, although perhaps not necessarily at a very high level. The expectations need to be toned down, and intensive and imaginative research should continue unabated. Potential benefits to society are very high. >
Teaching and hospital costs: The case of radiology

Investigates production and cost effects of teaching in radiology departments. If students are substitutes for physicians, production costs may be less in teaching than in non-teaching hospitals for a given level of output. Empirical results for Veterans Administration hospitals suggest that teaching reduces costs for most radiology procedures. If teaching can reduce costs of primary products, teaching hospitals may be able to provide a given program of patient care at lower costs than non-teaching hospitals. However, costs might still be higher at teaching hospitals than non-teaching hospitals because of differences in case mix, medical techniques, or quality of care.
Well-Aligned Carbon Nanotubes for Device and Assembly Applications

The remarkable properties of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with ballistic electrical transport and ultra high thermal conductivity have made them very attractive for microelectronic interconnects, thermal management and nanoscale device applications. This seminar will discuss our recently developed CVD growth of well-aligned CNT films/arrays, their characterizations and applications related to microelectronics packaging. However, the high CNT growth temperature (00 °) and poor substrate adhesion impede the CNT implementation in microelectronics. To circumvent these obstacles for a successful CNT application, we propose using a CNT transfer technology process. The process is featured with a separation of the CNT growth and CNT to device assembly, which is enabled by an in-situ formed open-ended CNT structures that we have recently developed. This technique is similar to a flip-chip process and is compatible with current microelectronic device fabrication sequences and surface mount component assembly technology. Field emission testing of the as-assembled CNT devices indicates good field emission characteristics, with a field enhancement factor of 4540. In addition, we will also demonstrate the creation of hierarchic structures (micro and nano-scaled) by controlled growth of CNTs for Lotus Effect (superhydrophobic) surfaces coatings and its geometric design and optimization will be discussed. Aligned CNT prototypes for thermal management and electrical interconnect will also be illustrated.
Layered irredundant covering

Abduction is generally defined as inference to the best explanation. Many approaches to abductive problem solving involve covering or accounting for what needs to be explained using a parsimonious set of explanation elements. Various criteria of parsimony, including irredundancy have been studied in diagnostic problem solving. We studied irredundancy further, in the context of other abductive problems such as natural language processing and Boolean function minimization, where the nature of the underlying knowledge is somewhat different. Despite differences, all the task domains involve layers of covering, e.g., to capture causal chaining in diagnosis, various subcubes in Boolean minimization, or to parse layer by layer in language processing. In all these three domains, irredundant covering has been noted to be transitive in a certain sense, making it possible to focus on a pair of consecutive layers at any time. These observations raise the question as to whether this kind of transitivity is inherent to irredundancy. We examine this question and some associated computational problems. >
An efficient algorithm for implementing the relative entropy method

The authors present an iterative algorithm for implementing the relative entropy method for PMF (probability mass function) estimation. Numerical examples are included using synthetic PMF's and actual speech data. Benchmark measurements of the algorithm are compared to results for the maximum-entropy method. >
On the Role of Analogy in Resolving Cognitive Dissonance in Collaborative Interdisciplinary Design

Analogies play multiple roles in cognition. In this paper, we explore the roles of analogy in collaborative interdisciplinary design. We describe two analyses of a case study of a design team engaged in biologically inspired design. In the first analysis, we sought to understand the multiple roles of analogy in interdisciplinary design. The goal of the second analysis was to understand the relationship between analogy and collaboration. During this latter analysis, we discovered another, unexpected, role for analogy: resolving cognitive dissonance. Cognitive dissonance typically refers to the mental discomfort a person experiences when simultaneously holding two conflicting goals, values, beliefs, thoughts or feelings. We observed that interdisciplinary design teams too have cognitive dissonance. We also observed that analogies play an important role in helping induce shifts in the perspectives of teammates, align their mental models, and thereby resolve the cognitive dissonance in interdisciplinary design teams. We discuss some implications of our observations for developing case-based systems for collaborative interdisciplinary design.
Attenuation of corticomuscular coherence with additional motor or non-motor task.

Abstract Objective The study aimed to compare beta (15–30 Hz) band corticomuscular coherence between a unilateral hand motor task and concurrent motor or non-motor tasks. Additionally, we examined the potential associations between corticomuscular coherence and fine motor performance. Methods Ten healthy young right-handed adults performed unilateral, bilateral, concurrent motor–cognitive, and cognitive tasks. Electroencephalogram and electromyogram were recorded from the primary motor cortex and the first dorsal interosseous muscle, respectively, during steady contractions. Results Corticomuscular beta band coherence decreased (P Conclusions Beta band coherence decreased during concurrent tasks irrespective of the additional task, most likely due to divided attention. There was no association between beta band coherence and fine motor performance during steady contractions. Significance This study supports that attention divided by an additional motor or non-motor task influences beta band corticomuscular coherence that was not associated with fine motor performance. The results suggest clinical relevance to identify what might occur in clinical distracter tasks.
EPR of a one-dimensional system: calcium copper acetate hexahydrate

Abstract An X-band single crystal epr study revealed a lineshape at all angles which is characteristic of one-dimensional diffusive spin dynamics. The one-dimensional model provides a consistent explanation for both epr and magnetic susceptibility results.
Fault analysis and a unified design of PLAs for easy testability

Abstract This paper analyzes the effect of faults in noncurrent PLAs designed for Concurrent Error Detection (CED) and testing. The analysis includes all single-mode multiple stuck-at, bridging, and crosspoint faults in both the AND and OR planes of a PLA implemented in NOR-NOR logic. The effect of these faults on the bit, product, and output lines of the PLA is investigated, and most of the faults are observed to cause unidirectional errors. Concurrent detection of unidirectional errors is achieved by employing error detection codes and self-checking checkers. The faults covered by the checkers on the bit, product and output lines are determined and tabulated, thus providing comprehensive data showing the trade-off between additional hardware in terms of the checkers required and the total faults covered during concurrent testing of PLAs. A unified approach to designing PLAs with CED and off-line testing capabilities is proposed. This scheme is efficient in terms of the required chip real estate and fault coverage. It offers better fault coverage for both CED and off-line testing and is suitable for providing built-in testing capabilities in the PLA. The scheme results in a considerable reduction in the hardware required for testing of PLAs. A test procedure for off-line testing of PLAs using the proposed design is also presented.
NH2-terminal analysis of Wolfgram and Folch-Lees proteolipid proteins.

— The NH2-terminal amino acids of Wolfgram and Folch-Lees proteolipids of bovine and human CNS myelin were determined using the cyanate method (Starke & Smyth, 1963) followed by direct amino acid analysis of the products. Glycine predominated in every case and was recovered in amounts similar to the results described by Whikehart & Lees (1973), who used a dansylation technique followed by thin layer chromatography of the DNS-amino acids. In the present study substantial amounts of glutamic acid, serine, alanine and aspartic acid were also recovered, plus traces of other amino acids. Few differences were observed between Wolfgram and Folch-Lees proteolipids. The end group products of purified W1 proteolipid of bovine Wolfgram fraction, of diazometholysed Folch-Lees proteolipid, and of a sample of phosphatidyl serine had essentially the same composition. The similarity of these results, especially for both fractionated and unfractionated Wolfgram proteolipid, may be evidence that the observed products are derived from phosphoglycerides present in proteolipid rather than from the actual NH2-terminals of the protein.
Things come together: symbolic violence and guerrilla mobilisation

Abstract Nascent insurgencies often face an opening mobilisation dilemma that can cripple their ability to grow into a mature threat to the state. The source of this dilemma lies in the fact that the great majority of people who are prepared to support an insurgency in principle are only willing to do so conditionally, depending not only on the costs and benefits of their alternatives but the probabilities they assign to each side's success. At the outset of such conflicts, when the emerging group is very small, the probability that the insurgency will be successful is low and the probability that it will fail is high. The expected costs of participation are correspondingly high, and the expected benefits of supporting the opposition are low. Why would anyone join such an undertaking? We examine how armed opposition groups resolve this dilemma through the use of symbolic violence and the manipulation of violent images. If successful, they transform their generated images into facts to achieve a self-susta...
Potentiometric and spectroscopic investigations of the aqueous phase acid–base chemistry of urazoles and substituted urazoles

Aqueous-phase equilibrium acidity constants have been determined for urazole (1,2,4-triazolidine-3,5-dione), several substituted urazoles and other selected imides. Aqueous phase pKa values for urazole (5.8), 1-methylurazole (5.3), 4-methylurazole (5.7) and 1,4-dimethylurazole (5.3) indicate that (in water) the methyl group acidifies the urazole moiety when bonded to N-1 but has little effect on acidity when bonded to N-4. Aqueous phase pKa values for hydantoin (9.0) and 1-methylhydantoin (9.1) suggest that a 1-methyl substituent has little effect on the acidity of the imide proton present in hydantoin. These data, combined with aqueous phase pKa values for 1,2-dimethylurazole (7.5), a substituted urazole lacking amide protons, indicate that an amide proton in urazole (i.e. the proton bound to either N-1 or N-2 in urazole) is ca 1.5 pKa units more acidic than the imide proton (i.e. the proton bound to N-4). Changes in 13C NMR chemical shifts for the carbonyl carbon atoms present in variously substituted D2O phase urazoles, hydantoins, succinimide and their conjugate bases also confirm that amide NH bonds found in urazole and 1-methylurazole are weaker, in a heterolytic acid—base sense, than imide NH bonds.
MPDATA: A Finite-Difference Solver for Geophysical Flows

This article is a review of MPDATA, a class of methods for the numerical simulation of fluid flows based on the sign-preserving properties of upstream differencing. MPDATA was designed originally as an inexpensive alternative to flux-limited schemes for evaluating the advection of nonnegative thermodynamic variables (such as liquid water or water vapour) in atmospheric models. During the last decade, MPDATA has evolved from a simple advection scheme to a general approach for integrating the conservation laws of geophysical fluids on micro-to-planetary scales. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the basic concepts leading to a family of MPDATA schemes, to review existing MPDATA options, and to demonstrate the use of MPDATA to effectively construct two distinct types of models (elastic and anelastic) for complex geophysical flows. c ∞ 1998 Academic Press
Organization and expression of the 16S, 23S and 5S ribosomal RNA genes from the archaebacterium Thermoplasma acidophilum

To elucidate the organization of the transcription units encoding the 16S, 23S and 5S rRNAs in the archaebacterium Thermoplasma acidophilum, the nucleotide sequences flanking the three rRNA genes were determined, and the 5' and 3' termini of the rRNA transcripts were mapped by primer extension and nuclease S1 protection. The results show that each of the rRNAs is transcribed separately, consistent with the lack of physical proximity among them in the T. acidophilum genome. The transcription initiation sites are preceded at an interval of approximately 25 base pairs by conserved A + T-rich sequences of the form CTTATATA, which strongly resemble the archaebacterial promoter consensus, TTTAT/AATA. In all three cases, transcription termination occurs within T-rich tracts just downstream from inverted repeats which can be folded into relatively stable stem-loop structures. While no partially processed intermediates of the 16S or 5S rRNA transcripts were detected, the 23S rRNA transcript appears to be processed by a RNase III-like activity prior to final maturation. This is the only organism known in the prokaryotic world in which the 16S, 23S and 5S rRNAs are all expressed from separate transcription units.
Aversive properties of the negative stimulus during learning with and without errors

Abstract In a successive discrimination four groups of pigeons were trained to discriminate between red and green. The groups differed with respect to the procedure used to introduce S−: Early-Progressive, Early-Constant, Late-Progressive, and Late-Constant. The aversive properties of S− were measured by an escape response in which a single peck at a second key terminated S− for 10 sec and darkened the chamber. The correlation between the aversive and error-producing properties of extinction was zero. More errors occurred when S− was introduced abruptly at a constant intensity while more timeouts from S− occurred when S− was introduced late. The procedure for introducing S− rather than the number of responses to S− appears crucial in determining how aversive S− becomes.
Use of oxygen cannulas in extremely low birthweight infants is associated with mucosal trauma and bleeding, and possibly with coagulase-negative staphylococcal sepsis.

OBJECTIVE: We studied the association between the use of oxygen cannulas (OCs) and (1) nasal bleeding and (2) coagulase-negative staphylococcal sepsis (CNSS). STUDY DESIGN: Review of care sheets, with χ2 or sign-test group comparisons. RESULTS: Infants treated with OCs were suctioned more frequently (2.6 vs 1.3 times per day, p<0.001), and had more bloody nasal secretions (34.6% vs 4.6%, p<0.05) that increased with increasing OC days. By 10 days, 90% of infants had experienced bloody secretions. CNSS occurred less often in infants treated with oxyhoods than those on OC or CPAP (1 of 13, 8%, vs 10 of 44, 23%), but the difference was not significant. Eight of the 10 CNSS episodes clustered within 3 and 7 days of starting CPAP or cannula treatments. CONCLUSION: OC use in extremely low birthweight infants is associated with nasal mucosal injury and bleeding. Studies are needed to see if use of OCs is a risk factor for CNSS.
Medullary relay neurons in the carotid-body chemoreceptor pathway of cats.

Central terminations of the carotid body chemoreceptor afferents were localized by recording field potentials and unit activity evoked by electrical stimulation of the carotid sinus nerve, and unit activity during chemical stimulation of the chemoreceptors. Areas where evoked responses with short latency could be recorded and which contained neurons that responded to carotid body excitation were located in two regions of the medulla, about the level of the obex: a dorsal region which included the nucleus tractus solitarius and the reticular formation just below this nucleus: and a ventrolateral region which included the nucleus ambiguus and the ventrolateral reticular formation around that nucleus. The evoked field responses in the two regions were similar. In these two regions, the only neurons which increased their firing both to NaCN and a decreased P1O2 had a respiratory, bursting activity which was phase locked with phrenic nerve firing. The authors' findings suggest that there is a direct synaptic input from carotid body chemoreceptor afferents onto medullary respiratory neurons.
Structural Determinants of TRPV Channel Activation and Modulation

My lab is broadly interested in the mechanisms of signaling and transport across cellular membranes. Much of our research centers on TRP channels and their role in sensory perception. We focus on temperature-sensitive ion channels, particularly TRPV1, TRPV4 and TRPA1. TRP channels are challenging structural biology targets because they are large multidomain eukaryotic membrane proteins and are not naturally abundant. We take complementary approaches to obtain structural and functional information on TRP channels, including crystallography, biochemistry and cell-based functional assays. The combined results advance our understanding of TRP channel function. TRPV channels play key roles in pain, thermo- and mechanosensation, and calcium homeostasis, and mutations in the TRPV4 channel have been implicated in both neuronal degeneration diseases and skeletal dysplasias. The N-terminus of TRPV channels contains six ankyrin repeats, short sequence motifs often involved in protein-ligand interactions. The isolated ARDs do not oligomerize, suggesting that they interact with regulatory factors instead. Our accumulated data provide information about how regulatory ligands interact with the ARD and other N- and C-terminal intracellular regions and alter the sensitivity of these TRPV channels.
Time-evolution problem in regge calculus

The simplectic approximation to Einstein's equations ("Regge calculus") is derived by considering the net to be actually a (singular) Riemannian manifold. Specific nets for open and closed spaces are introduced in terms of which one can formulate the general time-evolution problem, which thereby reduces to the repeated solution of finite sets of coupled nonlinear (algebraic) equations. The initial-value problem is also formulated in simplectic terms.
Adsorption of Bacillus subtilis on single-walled carbon nanotube aggregates, activated carbon and NanoCeram™

Adsorption equilibrium and kinetics of Bacillus subtilis spores on single-walled carbon nanotube aggregates were investigated to explore the possibility of using single-walled carbon nanotubes for concentration, detection and removal of pathogens from contaminated water sources. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted to determine adsorption kinetics and adsorption equilibrium of B. subtilis spores on single-walled carbon nanotube aggregates, activated carbon and NanoCeram™. The adsorption kinetics data were analyzed with both the Lagergren pseudo first order and a pseudo second order models. The adsorption equilibrium data on three porous media were quantified by the Henry's law constant. It was observed that both the Lagergren first order rate model and the pseudo second order model correlate the adsorption kinetic data well although the calculated adsorption rate constants vary with adsorbate concentrations. The Henry's law adsorption equilibrium constant of B. subtilis spores on single-walled carbon nanotube aggregates is about 27–37 times higher than those on activated carbon and NanoCeram™. The high adsorption affinity of carbon nanotubes towards the B. subtilis spores is due to the mesoporous structure and unique surface properties of carbon nanotubes. These results suggest that single-walled carbon nanotube aggregates are good candidates as biosensors and adsorbent media for concentrating, detecting and removal of pathogens from contaminated water resources.
NF-κB dysregulation in microRNA-146a–deficient mice drives the development of myeloid malignancies

MicroRNA miR-146a has been implicated as a negative feedback regulator of NF-κB activation. Knockout of the miR-146a gene in C57BL/6 mice leads to histologically and immunophenotypically defined myeloid sarcomas and some lymphomas. The sarcomas are transplantable to immunologically compromised hosts, showing that they are true malignancies. The animals also exhibit chronic myeloproliferation in their bone marrow. Spleen and marrow cells show increased transcription of NF-κB–regulated genes and tumors have higher nuclear p65. Genetic ablation of NF-κB p50 suppresses the myeloproliferation, showing that dysregulation of NF-κB is responsible for the myeloproliferative disease.
Nanostructured microfluidic digestion system for rapid high-performance proteolysis

A novel microfluidic protein digestion system with a nanostructured and bioactive inner surface was constructed by an easy biomimetic self-assembly strategy for rapid and effective proteolysis in 2 minutes, which is faster than the conventional overnight digestion methods. It is expected that this work would contribute to rapid online digestion in future high-throughput proteomics.
Cumulative beam breakup of the ground-based free electron laser

Strategies employed by the Ground-Based Free Electron Laser system to maintain beam stability in its rf linac against cumulative beam breakup will be described. These strategies include a proper choice of cavity shape and the use of staggered tuning. Simulations show that the growths of effective transverse emittance due to cumulative beam breakup can be limited to 10%. 4 refs., 5 figs., 1 tab.
Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication without division of short gastric vessels in children

Abstract Purpose It has been suggested that routine division of short gastric vessels (SGVs) results in a more “floppy” Nissen fundoplication leading to improved outcomes, that is, less dysphagia and lower incidences of recurrent gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The aim of this retrospective study was to assess whether laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication without division of SGVs (Rossetti modification) (laparoscopic Nissen-Rossetti fundoplication [LNRF]) is associated with acceptable clinical outcome in children. Method The charts of 368 children who underwent LNRF between January 1996 and September 2004 by 1 primary surgeon were retrospectively reviewed. Children were divided into 2 groups: LNRF + gastrostomy (A) and LNRF alone (B). Mean follow-up period of all groups was 4.2 years. Results Laparoscopic Nissen-Rossetti fundoplication was completed in 99% (365/368). Mean operating time for group A was 74 minutes and 61 minutes for group B. None in group A required postoperative esophageal dilatation, and 9 in group B (22.5%) required 12 dilatations; 3.6% developed recurrent GERD, 3.7% in group A and 2.5% in group B. Conclusion Laparoscopic Nissen-Rossetti fundoplication can be performed with acceptable long-term outcome in children, especially in the majority also requiring chronic gastrostomy access. Short-term, reversible dysphagia may be seen in a small percentage of children having fundoplication alone.
Geochemical characteristics of Koolau Volcano: Implications of intershield geochemical differences among Hawaiian volcanoes

The voluminous shields of Hawaiian volcanoes are dominantly composed of tholeiitic basalts, but there are important intershield geochemical differences. The subaerial lavas forming the ~2–3 Ma Koolau shield have several extreme characteristics: relatively high abundances of SiO2, low abundances of total iron and CaO, and high ratios of LaNb and SrNb. In addition, they range to near bulk-earth strontium, neodymium, and lead isotopic ratios. Although postmagmatic alteration has significantly affected the compositions of some Koolau lavas (decreases in SiO2, K2O, and rubidium contents, increases in total iron and in unusual cases, increases in yttrium and REE abundances), the geochemical charac teristics of unaltered Koolau lavas reflect a distinctive primary magma composition. Within a stratigraphic sequence of lavas, Koolau lavas vary significantly in incompatible element abundance and isotopic ratios, but these variations are not systematic with eruption age, and they are smaller than the differences between Hawaiian shields. Intershield differences in some incompatible element abundance ratios, LaNb and SrNb, are correlated with intershield differences in isotopic ratios, thereby indicating that each shield formed from a compositionally distinct source. However, other intershield compositional differences are not correlated with differences in radiogenic isotope ratios. Some of these compositional differences probably reflect variations in the melting process; e.g., inverse correlations between SiO2 and total iron contents may reflect differences in the pressure of melt segregation, differences in abundances of incompatible elements may reflect variations in mean degree of melting, and variations in ratios like SmNd may reflect the presence of residual garnet. Each shield appears to reflect a unique combination of source components and variables, such as extent of melting and pressure of melt segregation. Consequently, the intershield geochemical differences have important implications for plume structure. Either a relatively large plume has a spatially systematic distribution of geochemical heterogeneities which are sampled by the overlying shields, or each shield is derived from a small radius (<20 km) conduit composed of geochemically distinct diapirs or solitary waves.
Block copolymer lamellar thickness; An exactly solvable model

An exactly solvable model for the strongly segregated diblock copolymer melt is proposed, which gives an analytic expression for the concentration profile. The lamellar thickness L for the ordered phase as a function of the molecular weight M is analytically demonstrated to be L approximately M23/.
Chromatin-remodeling complex specificity and embryonic vascular development

Vascular development is a dynamic process that relies on the coordinated expression of numerous genes, but the factors that regulate gene expression during blood vessel development are not well defined. ATP-dependent chromatin-remodeling complexes are gaining attention for their specific temporal and spatial effects on gene expression during vascular development. Genetic mutations in chromatin-remodeling complex subunits are revealing roles for the complexes in vascular signaling pathways at discrete developmental time points. Phenotypic analysis of these models at various stages of vascular development will continue to expand our understanding of how chromatin remodeling impacts new blood vessel growth. Such research could also provide novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of vascular pathologies.
γ-Aminobutyric acid enhancement of halothane binding in rat cerebellum

Abstract Quantitative autoradiography of 14C-halothane direct photolabeled rat cerebellum sections was performed in the presence of increasing concentrations of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) or glutamate to test the hypothesis that a coupled binding equilibrium between the anesthetic and neurotransmitter exists. The results show that halothane binding was enhanced in the presence of GABA by ∼50% in the molecular layer and to a lesser extent in the granular layer, with no change in the myelin layer. Glutamate, however, did not enhance halothane binding in any layer. These data confirm the presence of coupling, and thus suggest a direct interaction of halothane with a GABA binding protein.
Identification of the hemisphere activated by hemifield visual stimulation using a single equivalent dipole model

Abstract Topographic amplitude distribution of the hemifield pattern visual evoked potential (PVEP) shows substantial intersubject variability. Many subjects have larger P100 amplitudes paradoxically over the hemisphere ipsilateral to the stimulated field, whereas others show larger responses over the stimulated hemisphere. The present study was designed to determine whether a single equivalent dipole model could correctly identify the field of stimulation, and therefore the hemisphere activated, under conditions in which the surface distribution is variable. Under conditions used in the present study, visual examination of the surface amplitude distribution of the P100 peak could not be reliably used to identify the hemifield that was stimulated. Of 28 hemifield PVEPs, obtained from 14 normal subjects, only 13 showed higher amplitude ipsilateral to the field of stimulation. Thus, neither examination of EP wave forms nor topographic maps provided an accurate means for determination of which hemifield was stimulated or which hemisphere was activated. The single equivalent dipole model correctly identified the stimulated hemisphere for 25 28 hemifield PVEPs. Orientation of the equivalent dipole accounted for much of the variability in surface amplitude distribution, with tangential orientations obtained in subjects with ipsilaterally predominant P100 surface topography. Although the dipole model improved identification of the stimulated hemisphere, dipoles were located anterior or inferior to the occipital lobe in some subjects. Results suggest that dipole modeling can provide useful information regarding the source of surface recorded potentials.
Effect of prostaglandins on elicitation of anti-viral cytolytic activity

We have studied the modulating effect of prostaglandins (PG) on the elicitation of secondary anti-vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTL) with viral antigens. The results indicate that PGE1 and PGE2 both inhibit the induction of anti-VSV CTLs by ultraviolet-inactivated VSV. Consistent with the result was the augmentation of anti-VSV CTL activity when VSV-primed spleen cells were cultured in the presence of indomethacin. These results suggest that PGs may modulate anti-viral CTL responses.
PPARα Ligands as Antitumorigenic and Antiangiogenic Agents

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) belong to the nuclear receptor family of ligand-activated transcription factors. This subfamily is composed of three members—PPAR, PPAR, and PPAR—that differ in their cell and tissue distribution as well as in their target genes. PPAR is abundantly expressed in liver, brown adipose tissue, kidney, intestine, heart, and skeletal muscle; and its ligands have been used to treat diseases such as obesity and diabetes. The recent finding that members of the PPAR family, including the PPAR, are expressed by tumor and endothelial cells together with the observation that PPAR ligands regulate cell growth, survival, migration, and invasion, suggested that PPARs also play a role in cancer. In this review, we focus on the contribution of PPAR to tumor and endothelial cell functions and provide compelling evidence that PPAR can be viewed as a new class of ligand activated tumor “suppressor” gene with antiangiogenic and antitumorigenic activities. Given that PPAR ligands are currently used in medicine as hypolipidemic drugs with excellent tolerance and limited toxicity, PPAR activation might offer a novel and potentially low-toxic approach for the treatment of tumor-associated angiogenesis and cancer.
Mean square error efficient estimation of an exponential mean under an exchangeable single outlier model

This paper is concerned with estimating θ, the mean of an exponential distribution under a single outlier exchangeable model. It is a.ssumed that the single outlying observation is also exponential with mean θ/α, where 0 < α < 1. The estirnators proposed are weighted averages of the order statistics. The formulas for the weights minimizing the mean square error are presented. These weights are calculated for certain combinations of the sample size n and of α. It is found that the optimal weights very nearly have a certain form. The mean square errors of a simplified estitnator are compared lo those of Joshi (1972, 1988) and of Clhikkagoudar and Kunchur (1980). A nlodification of Joshi's iterative procedure is suggested.
Brines and Interstitial Brackish Water in Drill Cores from the Deep Gulf of Mexico

Marked increases in interstitial salinity occur in two drill holes located in the Gulf of Mexico at a water depth of more than 3500 meters. The increases probably arose through diffusion of salt from buried evaporites. In one hole, however, brackish water was encountered on penetrating the oil-permeated cap rock of a salt dome. The phenomenon is attributed to production of fresh water during oxidation of petroleum hydrocarbons and decomposition of gypsum to form native sulfur.
Comment on relation of two-dimensional to asymptotic four-dimensional solitons

A class of nonlinear Dirac equations is solved asymptotically in three space and one time dimensions, and it is shown that recent soliton solutions of the corresponding two-dimensional problem are special cases of these old solutions. The relation to the classical mass-eigenvalue problem is discussed.
Expressing, Responding, Protecting, and Inspiring through Art

Margy Hunter, MS, MA, LLP, OTR/L, created the cover of the Spring 2013 issue of The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy. She created this untitled work as a personal reflection on the impact of war on individuals and society, as well as on the history of the profession of occupational therapy (OT), which began in response to military service members’ needs. Also embedded in the creation of this piece are the restorative benefits of participation in creative arts for OT practitioners who deliver services to patients experiencing profound life changes. Additionally, this article explores the artists’ use of art in OT practice to create occupational environments in her community, and as a tool to support her own occupational functioning.
The role of interfaces on an apparent grain size effect on the dielectric properties for ferroelectric barium titanate ceramics

Abstract We report the effect of interfaces (and thus internal surface area effects) on the value of dielectric constant (K′) calculated from capacitance and geometry data for sub-micron barium titanate (BaTiO3) ceramics prepared with decreasing grain size (and grain volumes). A series model is proposed to explain the decreasing values of apparent K′ obtained for grain sizes below 0.5 μm. A distinction is made between the true dielectric constant (K′) and the apparent dielectric constant (K′) calculated from experimental data. The progressive suppression in K′ is explained in terms of ferroelectric grains of constant dielectric constant (K′1) separated by a lower-K 2 boundary region (i.e., grain boundary) of constant thickness (d 2). The problem is one of an increasing interfacial surface area to grain volume ratio in fine-grain dielectrics. We begin by reporting original dielectric data for high pressure-densified ultrafine-grain BaTiO3 ceramics. Chemically prepared BaTiO3 powder was consolidated at high...
Long-term follow-up of bronchopulmonary dysplasia

We observed 10 children with bronchopulmonary dysplasia, evaluated initially by cardiac catheterization (mean age 18 months), for an average of 4.4 years. Age at last evaluation averaged 5.8 years; subjects reside in and around Albuquerque, N.M. (altitude 5000 ft). At initial cardiac catheterization, mean pulmonary artery pressure was 40 mm Hg, pulmonary vascular resistance index 8.9 units, and intrapulmonary shunt fraction was high; pulmonary wedge angiograms were normal. Over the period of follow-up the group has done poorly. Four of the 10 continue to receive home oxygen therapy, but none requires inotropic or diuretic therapy; four children have marked developmenttal or motor delays. Nine of 10 patients have abnormalities of respiratory function on spirometric testing. Four patients underwent recatheterization because of clinical indications; two had large atrial level left-to-right shunts not found on initial study. Reductions in pulmonary artery pressure (55 to 37 mm Hg) and pulmonary vascular resistance (11.9 to 7.8 units) occurred between the two studies in these four patients (average study interval 4.0 years); the still elevated levels of pressure and resistance fell further in response to 40% O 2 administration. Pulmonary wedge angiograms were abnormal in each restudied patient. Although not uniformly bleak, the long-term outlook for children with severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia is diverse and guarded.
Species concept in North American stegosaurs

The plated thyreophoran or stegosaurian dinosaur Stegosaurusarmatus was named in 1877 by Marsh for fragmentary remains from the Morrison Formation (Upper Jurassic) of Colorado, USA. Subsequent discoveries from the same formation in Wyoming and Colorado (USA) have been assigned to separate stegosaurian genera and species, but most of these are no longer considered valid. More recently, a partial stegosaurian skeleton from Wyoming was named Hesperosaurusmjosi. However, the validity of this genus has been questioned recently, raising the question: how much osteological difference among stegosaur taxa is needed to separate genera from species? The question is examined vis-a-vis species and genus recognition in other dinosaurs, including iguanodonts, lambeosaurine iguanodontids, chasmosaurine ceratopsians, tyrannosaurid theropods, and diplodocid sauropods. The basis for taxonomic distinction is largely philosophical: if the species are morphologically distinct enough, they should be treated as separate genera. Based on these criteria, Hesperosaurus mjosi is a distinct taxon.
Multiphasic Anaphylaxis: An Uncommon Event in the Emergency Department

Objective: To determine the rate of clinically significant recurrence of symptoms in patients treated for anaphylaxis in the ED. Methods: Retrospective chart review of out-of-hospital, ED, and hospital records over a 4.5-year period (July 1991 to December 1995) at a university hospital ED with an annual patient volume of 60,000. Subjects were ED anaphylaxis patients with ≥2 of the following 3 organ systems involved: cutaneous, respiratory, and cardiovascular. The major outcome criterion was recurrence of symptoms after ED release. Recurrences were sought at the primary treatment hospital and at surrounding hospitals (radius of 75 miles from the primary institution) within a 7-day period from the initial visit. Review of the state death registry also was made to verify the absence of out-of-hospital deaths. Results: The medical records of 1,261 allergic reaction patients were reviewed, with 67 (5.3%) cases of anaphylaxis identified. Symptoms and signs in patients during the ED phase included: dyspnea, 42 (63%); pruritus, 38 (57%); emesis, 27 (41%); throat/chest tightness, 25 (37%); orthostatic complaints, 12 (18%); urticaria, 47 (70%); circulatory shock, 32 (48%); upper airway angioedema, 7 (33%); stridor, 11 (16%); and bronchospasm, 20 (30%). Of the 67 patients, 93% had immediate resolution and remained asymptomatic for a mean time of 4.2 hours in the ED. Protracted reaction occurred in 5 cases (3 using β-adrenergic blocking agents). For 19 (28%) patients admitted to hospital, the mean hospital length of stay was 63 hours. Only 2 (3%) recurrent cases were identified, both manifested solely by urticaria. Conclusion: Recurrent anaphylactic reactions were rare, occurring in 3% of cases and without life threat in this patient population. Selective outpatient management of patients with severe anaphylactic reactions that promptly respond to therapy with complete, rapid resolution may be reasonable. Further study of this medical emergency is required to develop criteria to guide the choice of an outpatient disposition.
Large-scale, nonsubtractive patterning of transparent conducting oxides by ion bombardment

While significant progress has been achieved in the fabrication and performance of transparent electronic devices, substantially less research effort has been devoted to transparent interconnects, despite their critical importance for transparent integrated circuitry. Here, we exploit the crystal disorder induced by Ar+ ion bombardment to achieve efficient fabrication of electrically conductive patterns on indium oxide surfaces. The resulting ion-induced patterns are characterized by conductive atomic force microscopy, secondary ion mass spectrometry, and four-point charge transport measurements. Massively parallel patterning is demonstrated over square centimeter areas with a patterned electrical conductivity of ∼104 S cm−1.