cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chemistry of Tar Formation and Maturation in the Thermochemical Conversion of Biomass

An understanding of the molecular details of tar formation and maturation in thermochemical processes is fundamental to the development of gasification and gas cleaning systems for high efficiency applications, such as in internal combustion engines or in gas turbines. Tars are functionally defined as the condensible organic fraction from gasifier effluents, and hence, are generally considered to be aromatic in nature. This definition does not allow a distinction between classes of compounds which originate under different reaction regimes, such as the primary pyrolysis products, which may be in the gasifier effluent because of low temperature operation or due to process upsets, and high molecular weight polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, which are produced under higher reaction severity and are the precursors of particulate matter formation. This paper describes the effect of time, temperature, and oxygen on product composition and the maturation of tars through distinct classes of products. The effect of oxygen at temperatures of 600 °C to 700° C is shown to accelerate the destruction of primary pyrolysis products but has no significant effect on benzene.
PA 09-3-0747 The burden of non-fatal unintentional drownings in the united states, 2010–2014

Background Drowning is a well-known leading cause of injury death among young people. Less information about U.S. drowning morbidity has been reported because, compared to fatal data, non-fatal data are less accessible. The purpose of this study was to describe non-fatal drowning in the United States. Methods We analyzed two databases from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project: the Nationwide Emergency Department Sample (NEDS) and the National Inpatient Sample (NIS). These databases yield national estimates for emergency department visits and hospital inpatient stays. We identified non-fatal unintentional drowning cases from 2010–2014 using ICD-9-CM diagnosis and external cause codes (994.1, E830, E832, or E910). Patients who died were excluded. We performed descriptive analyses to estimate case counts and incidence rates per 1 00 000 population by age, sex, and region of the country. Results Over our study period, we found an average number of 9039 non-fatal drowning emergency departments visits (rate=2.9 per 1 00 000 population) and another 2720 hospitalizations (0.9). Overall numbers and rates did not change substantially over time. Incidence rates for males (NEDS: 3.6; NIS: 1.2) were greater than females (NEDS: 2.2; NIS: 0.6), and rates among those 0–4 years of age (NEDS: 14.0; NIS: 4.4) were over three times greater than all other age groups. Incidence rates were higher in the South (NEDS: 3.0; NIS: 1.1) and West (NEDS: 3.6; NIS: 1.1) compared with other regions of the country. The average length of stay for hospitalized patients was 4.7 days. Conclusions We found previously unreported outpatient and inpatient burden for non-fatal unintentional drowning in the United States. Understanding the drowning issue requires looking at both mortality and morbidity, and targeting prevention strategies should be based on all available burden data. Our findings underscore the need to tailor interventions by sex, age, and region.
Recurrent Shoulder Instability: Do Morbidity and Treatment Differ Based on Insurance?:

Background:Patients with public insurance often face barriers to obtaining prompt orthopaedic care. For patients with recurrent traumatic anterior shoulder instability, delayed care may be associat...
Stress Management Intervention to Prevent Post–Intensive Care Syndrome–Family in Patients’ Spouses

Background Post-intensive care syndrome-family (PICS-F) refers to acute and chronic psychological effects of critical care on family members of patients in intensive care units (ICUs). Evidence suggests that increased distress during the ICU stay increases risk of PICS-F. Sensation Awareness Focused Training (SĀF-T) is a new, promising stress management intervention, but the feasibility of such training during the ICU stay for family caregivers who are acting as the surrogate decision-maker for patients who are undergoing mechanical ventilation is unknown. Objectives To assess feasibility and acceptability of SĀF-T to inform a future larger randomized controlled trial. Methods This randomized controlled trial of SĀF-T (n = 5) versus a control (n = 5) group was conducted at a level 1 trauma center. Participants assigned to SĀF-T completed 1 session daily for 3 days. Measures included enrollment rate, data completion rate, acceptability of SĀF-T, and symptoms of PICS-F. Scales used included Perceived Stress, Hospital Anxiety and Depression, Impact of Event, and National Institutes of Health Toolbox Emotion Battery. Results Mean age was 58 (SD, 12) years; 70% of participants were female. Predetermined feasibility criteria were met in enrollment rate (67%), outcome measures completion rate (> 90%), and SĀF-T acceptability (100% of doses completed during the ICU stay) without adverse events. Stress scores after SĀF-T were significantly lower than scores before SĀF-T (z = -3.5, P = .01). Conclusions SĀF-T intervention during the ICU stay is feasible, acceptable, and may improve family caregivers' post-ICU outcomes. Larger clinical trial to assess the effectiveness of SĀF-T in preventing PICS-F seem warranted.
An analysis of the Brazilian disk fracture test using the Weibull probabilistic treatment of brittle strength

It is pointed out that the Weibull multiaxial treatment of brittle strength contains limitations which are not present in the more familiar uniaxial formulation. Provided these limitations are satisfied, it is possible to use tension or bending data to predict multiaxial behavior when at least one principal stress is tensile. This is illustrated for the Brazilian disk test (diametral compression of a disk). Predictions based on bending tests agree well with observed strength values in disk tests on two types of rocks.
Self-supervised visual feature learning with curriculum

Self-supervised learning techniques have shown their abilities to learn meaningful feature representation. This is made possible by training a model on pretext tasks that only requires to find correlations between inputs or parts of inputs. However, such pretext tasks need to be carefully hand selected to avoid low level signals that could make those pretext tasks trivial. Moreover, removing those shortcuts often leads to the loss of some semantically valuable information. We show that it directly impacts the speed of learning of the downstream task. In this paper we took inspiration from curriculum learning to progressively remove low level signals and show that it significantly increase the speed of convergence of the downstream task.
Learning-Based Defense of False Data Injection Attacks in Power System State Estimation

The electric power grid has evolved immensely with time and the modern power grid is dependent on communication networks for efficient transmission and distribution. Since communication networks are vulnerable to various kinds of cyber attacks it is important to detect them and prevent an important machinery like the power grid to get affected from cyber attacks. False data injection attacks (FDIA) are one of the most common attack strategies where an attacker tries to trick the underlying control system of the grid, by injecting false data in sensor measurements to cause disruptions. Our work has focused towards Least Effort attacks of two types i.e., Random and Target Attacks. Further, we propose a data augmented deep learning based solution to detect such attacks in real time. We aim at generating realistic attack simulations on standard IEEE 14 architectures and train neural networks to detect such attacks.
Shortening and derotation osteotomy for congenital radioulnar synostosis in children

Objective To describe a new procedure of shortening and derotation osteotomy for congenital proximal radioulnar synostosis and its clinical efficacy in children. Methods Six cases (8 joints) with congenital proximal radioulnar synostosis in children were undertaken shortening and derotation osteotomy at the radioulnar synostosis. The hones were placed in a functional position and fixed by two Kirschner wires to maintain skeletal stability. The elbow joints were immobilized in cast for 6～8 weeks after the operation. After 6～8 weeks,the cast and the wires were removed. Results Five cases (7 joints) were followed up for 18～60 months (average 28 months). Except 1 patient got ischemic contracture, the others had satisfactory limb functions. All of the shortening and derotation osteotomies at the radioulnar synostosis healed uneventfully. Conclusions Compared with the derotional osteotomy of proximal radioulnar synostosis or other derotional ostotomy, the shortening and derotation osteotomy might perform easily with fewer complications. This procedure is suitable for treatment of congenital proximal radioulnar synostosis. Key words: Joints,abnormalities; Osteotomy
Analytic gradients for state-averaged multiconfiguration pair-density functional theory

Analytic gradients are important for efficient calculations of stationary points on potential energy surfaces, for interpreting spectroscopic observations, and for efficient direct dynamics simulations. For excited electronic states, as are involved in UV-Vis spectroscopy and photochemistry, analytic gradients are readily available and often affordable for calculations using a state-averaged complete active space self-consistent-field (SA-CASSCF) wave function. However, in most cases, a post-SA-CASSCF step is necessary for quantitative accuracy, and such calculations are often too expensive if carried out by perturbation theory or configuration interaction. In this work, we present the analytic gradients for multiconfiguration pair-density functional theory based on SA-CASSCF wave functions, which is a more affordable alternative. A test set of molecules has been studied with this method, and the stationary geometries and energetics are compared to values in the literature as obtained by other methods. Excited-state geometries computed with state-averaged pair-density functional theory have similar accuracy to those from complete active space perturbation theory at the second-order.
Editorial for the Special Issue on Printable and Flexible Electronics for Sensors

Printable and flexible electronic materials have gained a tremendous amount of interest both in academia and in industry, due to their potential impact in many areas, including advanced manufacturing, healthcare, diagnostics, wearables, renewable energy, and defense, to name a few [...]
60. CRACKING THE NUT ON SCHOLARLY ACTIVITY SATISFACTION: THE ROUND ROBIN RESEARCH FAIR

Background The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education requires trainees to participate in scholarship. House staff face many barriers to participation in scholarly work, including: time, inexperience, lack of knowledge of on-going projects, insufficient awareness of available support. Identification of a research mentor has been linked with increased likelihood of success in scholarly work. Objective Our primary objective was to encourage resident participation in research by removing barriers to initiation of scholarly work and enhance creation of research partnerships through convening an annual Round Robin Research Fair. Methods The Round Robin Research Fair occurred in the fall of each academic year beginning in AY 2017-2018. All faculty members and residents were invited. Each participating research mentor displayed ideas for new projects at a designated booth. Sign-up sheets were placed at each station to encourage residents to commit to a project and/or mentor on the spot. Representatives from the medical library, Institutional Review Board, statisticians, and project managers were invited to create opportunities for on-the-spot project discussion. The event began 1 hour prior to the night shift and continued 1 hour after evening turnover to maximize participation. All residents were given a “passport card” that was stamped at each station to encourage residents to investigate all opportunities. Completed cards were turned in for a door prize. Results The ACGME metric for “satisfied with opportunities for scholarly activity” steadily increased from 63% at baseline to 88% [chi square p=0.03]. Additionally, resident presentations at local and national meetings increased from 32% to 54% over the course of this intervention. Conclusions By removing barriers to resident participation in research and encouraging scholarly pairings, we were able to improve both perceptions of research availability as well as actual participation in research. While there may have been other factors influencing the changes described, this was the only programmatic change put in place during this time period.
Failing: Nursing Student Perceptions and Insights for Success.

ABSTRACT Nursing student success is important to students, faculty, higher education, and health care as the nursing shortage continues. However, baccalaureate nursing graduation rates average 80 to 84 (National League for Nursing, n.d.; Texas Center for Nursing Workforce Studies, 2017). Research exploring increased student success is attributed to competitive admission of students highly successful in prerequisite coursework. There is a gap in the literature regarding students' experiences of failure in didactic nursing courses. This article explores why previously successful students experience didactic failure in BSN course.
A Convex Approach to Data-driven Optimal Control via Perron-Frobenius and Koopman Operators.

The paper is about the data-driven computation of optimal control for a class of control affine deterministic nonlinear system. We assume that the control dynamical system model is not available, and the only information about the system dynamics is available in the form of time-series data. We provide a convex formulation for the optimal control problem of the nonlinear system. The convex formulation relies on the duality result in the stability theory of a dynamical system involving density function and Perron-Frobenius operator. The optimal control problem is formulated as an infinite-dimensional convex optimization program. The finite-dimensional approximation of the optimization problem relies on the recent advances made in the data-driven computation of the Koopman operator, which is dual to the Perron-Frobenius operator. Simulation results are presented to demonstrate the application of the developed framework.
Leader-Follower Formation Feedback Control Composed of Turning Rate and Velocity Controllers

We study the leader-follower feedback formation control, including the feature that the follower can reach and maintain the formation starting from any initial relative position with respect to the leader. The follower uses only observable information, i.e., the distance and bearing angle towards the leader. The formation control is based on a turning rate controller for the follower to track the leader and a velocity controller which uses the bearing angle. The conditions for the tracking performance of the controller are provided and the formation keeping controller is illustrated by numerical simulations.
Nucleon Spin-Polarisabilities from Polarisation Observables in Low-Energy Deuteron Compton Scattering

We investigate the dependence of polarisation observables in elastic deuteron Compton scattering below the pion production threshold on the spin-independent and spin-dependent iso-scalar dipole polarisabilities of the nucleon. The calculation uses Chiral Effective Field Theory with dynamical Delta(1232) degrees of freedom in the Small Scale Expansion at next-to-leading order. Resummation of the NN intermediate rescattering states and including the Delta induces sizeable effects. The analysis considers cross-sections and the analysing power of linearly polarised photons on an unpolarised target, and cross-section differences and asymmetries of linearly and circularly polarised beams on a vector-polarised deuteron. An intuitive argument helps one to identify kinematics in which one or several polarisabilities do not contribute. Some double-polarised observables are only sensitive to linear combinations of two of the spin-polarisabilities, simplifying a multipole-analysis of the data. Spin-polarisabilities can be extracted at photon energies \gtrsim 100 MeV, after measurements at lower energies of \lesssim 70 MeV provide high-accuracy determinations of the spin-independent ones. An interactive Mathematica 7.0 notebook of our findings is available from hgrie@gwu.edu.
Mars Cube One

The limited mass and volume available in a CubeSat present a tremendous design challenge. This challenge needed to be solved even before thinking of sending any CubeSat to Deep Space and to enable the first interplanetary CubeSat mission: Mars Cube One (MarCO). This chapter provides detailed information on the antenna development at X‐band and UHF that made this mission possible. In order to fill the needs of deep‐space communications and navigation for CubeSats and small satellites, the Iris V1 Deep‐Space Transponder was developed at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory starting with the interplanetary nanospacecraft pathfinder in relevant environment “first CubeSat to deep space” mission. MarCO essentially communicates at X‐band with the DSN stations and all antennas are optimized across the deep‐space frequency bands. Before presenting the original deployable UHF antenna, a brief state‐of‐the‐art is presented showing all antenna concepts available in the literature at the time MarCO development started.
Fast and powerful statistical method for context-specific QTL mapping in multi-context genomic studies

Abstract Recent studies suggest that context-specific eQTLs underlie genetic risk factors for complex diseases. However, methods for identifying them are still nascent, limiting their comprehensive characterization and downstream interpretation of disease-associated variants. Here, we introduce FastGxC, a method to efficiently and powerfully map context-specific eQTLs by leveraging the correlation structure of multi-context studies. We first show via simulations that FastGxC is orders of magnitude more powerful and computationally efficient than previous approaches, making previously year-long computations possible in minutes. We next apply FastGxC to bulk multi-tissue and single-cell RNA-seq data sets to produce the most comprehensive tissue- and cell-type-specific eQTL maps to date. We then validate these maps by establishing that context-specific eQTLs are enriched in corresponding functional genomic annotations. Finally, we examine the relationship between context-specific eQTLs and human disease and show that FastGxC context-specific eQTLs provide a three-fold increase in precision to identify relevant tissues and cell types for GWAS variants than standard eQTLs. In summary, FastGxC enables the construction of context-specific eQTL maps that can be used to understand the context-specific gene regulatory mechanisms underlying complex human diseases.
Insights into auto-S-fatty acylation: targets, druggability, and inhibitors

Posttranslational S-fatty acylation (or S-palmitoylation) modulates protein localization and functions, and has been implicated in neurological, metabolic, and infectious diseases, and cancers. Auto-S-fatty acylation involves reactive cysteine residues in the proteins which directly react with fatty acyl-CoA through thioester transfer reactions, and is the first step in some palmitoyl acyltransferase (PAT)-mediated catalysis reactions. In addition, many structural proteins, transcription factors and adaptor proteins might possess such “enzyme-like” activities and undergo auto-S-fatty acylation upon fatty acyl-CoA binding. Auto-S-fatty acylated proteins represent a new class of potential drug targets, which often harbor lipid-binding hydrophobic pockets and reactive cysteine residues, providing potential binding sites for covalent and non-covalent modulators. Therefore, targeting auto-S-fatty acylation could be a promising avenue to pharmacologically intervene in important cellular signaling pathways. Here, we summarize the recent progress in understanding the regulation and functions of auto-S-fatty acylation in cell signaling and diseases. We highlight the druggability of auto-S-fatty acylated proteins, including PATs and other proteins, with potential in silico and rationalized drug design approaches. We also highlight structural analysis and examples of currently known small molecules targeting auto-S-fatty acylation, to gain insights into targeting this class of proteins, and to expand the “druggable” proteome.
Ba/Ca in benthic foraminifera: Thermocline and middepth circulation in the North Atlantic during the last glaciation

[1] This geochemical investigation utilizes Ba/Ca in the benthic foraminifer Cibicides wuellerstorfi from cores taken from the Bahama Banks and the Caribbean Sea to reconstruct changes in basal thermocline ventilation (800–1000 m) and middepth thermohaline circulation (1000–2000 m) in the western North Atlantic during the last glacial period, focusing on the deglacial transition. Previous studies show that an increase in ventilation of the North Atlantic subtropical gyre during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) caused a 30–60% decrease in labile nutrients within the thermocline layer. Using foraminiferal Ba/Ca as a proxy of refractory nutrients, increased ventilation during the LGM produced a depletion of less than 20% compared to Holocene values. Following glaciation, the production of Glacial North Atlantic Intermediate Water (GNAIW) shut down owing to the presence of meltwater in the surface ocean, which resulted in a decrease in ventilation, as seen by an enrichment of barium in the basal thermocline. GNAIW was subsequently replaced by barium-rich southern component water in the middepth western North Atlantic. Foraminiferal Ba/Ca data suggest a 38% contribution from southern component water to a depth as shallow as 1475 m and a 14% contribution at 1123 m during deglaciation.
Neuroanatomy Through Clinical Cases.

The latest edition of Neuroanatomy Through Clinical Cases is a comprehensive introductory textbook. It is specifically aimed at medical students learning neuroanatomy, but residents in the neurosciences also have been known to find it a helpful reference. The book has two separate but integrated parts. The first few chapters and the first pages of later chapters are standard didactic text, which is well-written and concise. The second sections of most chapters include clinical case presentations intended to illustrate the key features of the neurological system being discussed. One of the earlier chapters is dedicated to the neurological exam. The maneuvers are described in detail, with many accompanying pictures. The companion Web site has videos demonstrating and describing correct techniques as well. The procedures are not taught for purely rote memorization; basic science rationales are provided. Explanations of both normal and abnormal results are included in a comprehensive and clear manner. Another notable early chapter provides a solid introduction to neuroimaging. The physics behind the subject are briefly explained, and the mechanisms for key modalities are reviewed. A plethora of images are used to identify key structures. The level of detail is definitely enough for a clinical medical student, and residents could find it useful as a refresher. The clinical cases presented in the text include relevant physical and laboratory findings and often imaging. The tables included are great references, some ready to be copied and carried in a white coat. Occasionally, principles of treatment are included. The improvements from the first edition include a more readable color scheme and page layout. There are some new cases, and the basic science content has been revised and updated. The companion Web site will be fully released in Fall 2010. The new edition is more completely integrated with the Web site, allowing for a more seamless use of resources. Overall, this book is a great introduction to clinical neuroanatomy. It is a readable and clean-looking text, and the price is reasonable. The content is relevant to both pre-clinical and clinical students and can serve as a basic reference during residency.
Simulation Studies in Manipulator Impedance Control

This paper describes an adaptive scheme for controlling the end-effector impedance of robot manipulators. The proposed control system consists of three subsystems: a simple "filter" which characterizes the desired dynamic relationship between the end-effector position error and the end-effector/environment contact force, an adaptive controller which produces the Cartesian-space control input required to provide this desired dynamic relationship, and an algorithm for mapping the Cartesian-space control input to a physically realizable joint-space control torque. The controller does not require knowledge of either the structure or the parameter values of the robot dynamics, and is implemented without calculation of the robot inverse kinematic transformation. As a result, the scheme represents a very general and computationally efficient approach to controlling the impedance of both nonredundant and redundant manipulators. Computer simulation results are given for a planar four degree-of-freedom redundant robot under adaptive impedance control. These results demonstrate that accurate end-effector impedance control and effective redundancy utilization can be achieved simultaneously by using the proposed controller.
Exercise-induced building vibrations: a modern-day happening

Rhythmic exercises in a small gymnasium on the top storey of a recently constructed office tower in downtown Ottawa were considered responsible for producing annoying vibrations in the upper floors of the 26-storey concrete building. The gymnasium was built and operated by a tenant which leased the top half of the office tower. The exercises, jumping, jumping jacks, side-to-side stepping, etc., were part of a corporate aerobics class which began each day at noon. The 1-hour class was generally well attended containing upwards of 50 participants. However, as in most office buildings, not all employees broke for lunch at the same time. Those who worked while the aerobics class was in progress found the induced floor vibrations in the upper storeys of the building highly annoying. For operational reasons, management wanted the aerobics classes to continue but not at the expense of staff productivity. They, therefore, sought schemes to reduce the dynamic response of the floors to the rhythmic activities taking place in the gymnasium. This paper briefly describes the investigation that was undertaken (i) to identify the structural elements within the building undergoing resonant or near-resonant behaviour during the classes and (ii) to recommend appropriate remedial measures (tuned mass dampers, stiffening of floor elements) to rectify the situation
The Structure of Water Substance

In the previous chapter we described the observed variety of shapes, sizes, and concentrations of the solid and liquid particles which comprise clouds and precipitation. The remaining chapters will be devoted to exploring how such particles come into being and how they grow. Understanding these processes depends, to a large extent, on knowledge of the physical properties of water vapor, water, ice, and, ultimately, on the physical characteristics of the water molecule itself. Therefore, as a prelude to what will follow, this chapter will describe briefly some of the relevant structural features of individual water molecules and their various combinations in water vapor, bulk water, and ice.
The Enzymatic Carboxylation of Phosphoenolpyruvate II. PURIFICATION AND PROPERTIES OF LIVER MITOCHONDRIAL PHOSPHOENOLPYRUVATE CARBOXYKINASE

Abstract Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase has been isolated from pig liver mitochondria and purified 208-fold from the initial mitochondrial acetone powder extract in good yield (48%). The enzyme appears homogeneous in sedimentation velocity experiments and has a sedimentation coefficient (s20,w) of 5.21 S. Its molecular weight, determined by sedimentation equilibrium, is 73,300. The ultraviolet and visible absorption spectra of the enzyme revealed no characteristic chromophores. The amino acid composition of the enzyme is reported. At 30° mitochondrial P-enolpyruvate carboxykinase catalyzes the inosine diphosphate- and Mn++-dependent carboxylation of 664 moles of phosphoenolpyruvate per min per mole of enzyme at pH 7.0 and the ITP- and Mn++-dependent decarboxylation of 4650 moles of oxalacetate per min per mole of enzyme at pH 7.5. The enzyme exhibits a relatively high degree of specificity for inosine and guanosine nucleotides in the carboxylation, decarboxylation, and oxalacetate-H14CO3- exchange reactions. IMP, GMP, and purified ITP exhibit absolutely no activity in the carboxylation reaction; IMP and ADP are completely inactive in the decarboxylation and oxalacetate-H14CO3- exchange reactions. While purified IDP cannot replace ITP in the oxalacetate-H14CO3- exchange reaction; IDP can replace ITP in the decarboxylation reaction. In contrast to ITP-supported decarboxylation, IDP-supported decarboxylation leads to pyruvate rather than P-enolpyruvate formation. The enzyme is inhibited by low concentrations (10-6 m) of p-chloromercuribenzoate which can be reversed by high concentrations of glutathione.
Abstract 106: Association between Insurance Status and Presentation Delay in Young Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction: Insights from the VIRGO Study

Background: Lacking health insurance and having financial concerns are known barriers to emergency care access in patients with AMI. However we do not know whether being uninsured or underinsured is associated with increased prehospital delay among young adults specifically, and whether this relationship varies by gender. Methods: We used data from the VIRGO study, a multicenter prospective study of women and men aged 18-55y with AMI (3,572). We excluded non-US patients (587) and those with unknown prehospital delay time (32) or insurance status (2). Participants were divided into 3 groups by health insurance status: 1. uninsured; 2. underinsured (insured but avoided care or medications due to cost concerns); 3. adequately insured (insured and without the above concerns). Prehospital delay was defined as the time interval between symptom onset and hospital presentation. The association between insurance groups and prehospital delay of >12 hours was examined using chi-square test. A hierarchical logistic model was used to evaluate the independent effect of insurance groups on prehospital delay of >12 hours adjusting for site clustering, demographics, medical history and clinical characteristics. Results: Of the 2951 young individuals with AMI in our study, 1987 were women (67.3%); the median age was 48 (IQR= 44, 52); 38% were underinsured; and 23%, uninsured. While women were less likely than men to be uninsured (21.8 vs 25.4%, P=0.03), they were more likely to be underinsured (60.5 vs 53.6%, P12 hours of prehospital delay: 38% of women and 29% of men (P=0.0001; figure). Insurance status was not associated with delays of >12 hrs in women (P=0.10) or men (P=0.57). After adjustments, the underinsured (OR 0.99; 95%CI 0.81, 1.19) and uninsured (OR 1.11; 95% CI 0.88, 1.39) did not have higher odds of having >12 hrs of prehospital delay compared to the adequately insured. Conclusion: More than 1 in 3 young individuals with AMI presented to hospitals beyond 12 hours after onset of symptoms. Insurance status was not associated with prehospital delays in this population. Although women are more likely to have >12 hours of prehospital delay, this difference is not attributable to differences in insurance status. Factors beyond the provision of insurance will need to be addressed to reduce delays. ![][1] [1]: /embed/graphic-1.gif
Reliability of WISC-III Subtest Composites:

The reliability of subtest composites corresponding to the 46 abilities and influences presented by Kaufman (1979) was examined for the WISC-III using standardization sample data at ages 6, 11, and 16. Recategorized subtests demonstrated consistently high reliability. Increasing composite reliability was associated with the number of member subtests and the inclusion of Verbal Scale subtests in a composite. Some age fluctuations in composite reliability were noted. A table containing composite reliability for the entire standardization sample and at three age levels is provided for the clinician's reference. Partial psychometric support for use of these composites in WISC-III profile analysis was demonstrated.
Data fusion for location integrity in vehicle ad hoc networks

Location is important information in Vehicular Adhoc Network because most, if not all, applications will depend on accurate location information. In reality, the dynamics of vehicles makes the location information consistently changing. The existence of malicious attackers even makes the task of estimating accurate location more difficult. In this paper, we describe an efficient statistic method for estimating accurate location of vehicles in a noisy environment including malicious attackers and measurement errors. Given such noisy input, the algorithm estimates the high resolution location of a vehicle by filtering the malicious location input and by refining low resolution location input. We show results of simulations and evaluate the quality of location estimation as well.
TU-C-T-617-08: Peripheral Doses in CyberKnife Radiosurgery

Purpose: To measure doses delivered outside of the irradiated volume for typical CyberKnife treatments and to compare the results to peripheral doses arising from similar Gamma Knife (GK) and IMRTtreatments.Method and Materials: CyberKnife treatment plans were developed for two hypothetical lesions in an anthropomorphic phantom, one in the thorax and another in the brain. In both cases, 500 cGy was prescribed to the 70% isodose line. Li‐F TLD‐100 capsules were placed within the phantom at various depths and distances from the irradiated volume. For the brain lesion, GK and 6‐MV IMRTtreatment plans were also developed, and peripheral doses were measured. Results: Peripheral doses for the CyberKnife thorax treatment ranged from 3.3±0.13% to 1.2±0.06% of the prescribed dose (Dp) at distances between 15 and 43 cm from the edge of the target. For the target in the brain, CyberKnife peripheral doses ranged from 1.2±0.02% to 0.32±0.02% of Dp at distances between 18 and 71 cm from the target edge. In comparison, the GK peripheral dose ranged from 0.63±0.03% to 0.053±0.002% of Dp, and the IMRT plan resulted in doses between 0.19±0.004% and 0.043±0.002% of Dp over the same range of distances. Conclusion: Doses outside the irradiated volume for Cyberknife treatments are significantly higher than those encountered in standard radiation therapy. Peripheral doses given in AAPM Task Group Report No. 36 (Stovall, et al. Med. Phys. 22:63–82, 1995) for a 6‐MV beam are between 0.2% and 0.02% of the dose at dmax at a distances ranging from 20 to 70 cm from the edge of a 5×5cm2 field. Furthermore, for the same target in the brain, CyberKnife peripheral doses were a factor of 2 to 6 times larger than those for GK, and a at least a factor of 6 times larger than those for IMRT.
Stimulus selection as a function of letter color

A PA list comprised of nonoverlapping consonant-trigram stimuli with numerals as responses was presented to three groups of Ss. For a given group, the letters in either the initial, medial, or final position of the trigrams were red, while the letters in the other two positions were black. When this list had been learned to criterion, the individual letters were presented and the Ss were required to respond with the appropriate number. The groups showed nonsignificant differences in the rate of learning the PA list. In the transfer test, Ss responded correctly more often to the letters which had been red in the PA list. The results were interpreted as indicating that Ss will tend to utilize a single distinctive element of a multiple-element nominal stimulus as the functional stimulus.
Effect of whole-body hyperthermia on lonidamine and doxorubicin pharmacokinetics and toxicity in dogs.

Six cycles of the maximum tolerable intravenous doses of lonidamine (400 mg/m2) and doxorubicin (30 mg/m2) were administered to three normothermic dogs and three dogs undergoing whole-body hyperthermia (WBH) (42°C × 90 min), at 3-week intervals. Lonidamine pharmacokinetics was unaltered by WBH. WBH increased doxorubicin clearance 1·6-fold, however this trend was not statistically significant. WBH resulted in a 2·4-fold increase in the volume of distribution (Vdss) of doxorubicin relative to dogs treated under euthermic conditions (p < 0·001). This finding suggests tissue extraction of doxorubicin was increased by WBH. The specific tissues in which this occurred is unknown, but myelosuppression and cardiotoxicity were only minimally increased. Therefore, doxorubicin uptake in critical normal tissues was probably unaffected. The biochemical and haematologic toxicities observed 6 h and 1 week after each treatment did not appear to differ in character or severity from that reported in dogs receiving lonidamin...
New strategies for resolving oligosaccharide isomers by exploiting mechanistic and thermochemical aspects of fragment ion formation

Three complementary experimental approaches for elucidating human milk oligosaccharide (HMOs) isomers by Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR) are described: tandem-MS disruption by double resonance to distinguish different fragmentation pathways, examination of fragment intensity ratios arising from differential alkali metal ion affinities and monitoring competitive fragmentation rates. The interpretation of the fragmentation pattern from a mechanistic and thermochemical point of view permits the assignment of not only pure isomers but, in some cases, mixtures of them. Methodologically the procedures are simple, reliable and rapid making unnecessary both the use of previous separation techniques and tedious chemical modifications of the HMOs. In principle, the rationale can be expanded to resolve other isomeric mixtures of biological nature.
Hepatic oxidant and antioxidant systems in portacaval-shunted rats.

Abstract The purpose of the present study was to determine the effects of chronic portal diversion on antioxidant levels in the rat liver. Male Sprague-Dawley rats ( n = 32) were used for these studies. An end-to-side portacaval anastomosis was constructed in 17 of the rats. Sham-operated rats ( n = 15) served as controls. Two weeks later, hepatic blood flow was measured by the radioactive microsphere technique and the liver was harvested for biochemical measurement of catalase, manganese superoxide dismutase, copper-zinc supercxide dismutase, selenium glutathione peroxidase, xanthine oxidase, xanthine dehydrogenase and reduced glutathione (acid soluble sulfhydryls). Total hepatic blood flow was approx. 40% lower in portacaval-shunted rats when compared to sham-operated control rats. Total Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and xanthine dehydrogenase (XD) levels were significantly reduced in the liver of shunted rats when compared to controls. Xanthine oxidase activity was unaltered. The decreased Superoxide dismutase levels were exclusively due to reductions in the cytosolic CaZn SOD; Mn SOD levels were unaltered. These data are consistent with oxidant stress and suggest that the liver of subjects with conditions characterized by decreased portal blood flow may be more susceptible to oxidant-induced liver injury.
Famous Last Words

One of my very favorite patients died last night. I know doctors are not supposed to have favorites, but everyone does. It's not all that dissimilar from being a parent. “I love you both equally, b...
Skipped Generation Families: Sources of Psychological Distress Among Grandmothers of Grandchildren Who Live in Homes Where Neither Parent Is Present

Abstract Today, more than at any period in U.S. history, more grandparents are raising their grandchildren. In many instances, the biological parents are absent from these grandparent-headed households for a variety of reasons. Although grandfathers and grandmothers both serve in the role of surrogate parents, grandparent caregiving can be seen as a “women's issue” when examined from the broader sociological context of gender. Using data from the National Survey of America's Families, this study examined factors associated with the frequency of feelings of psychosocial distress among grandmother caregivers of grandchildren in skipped generation families. Multivariate regression models indicate that for these grandmothers, being Black and living in the Midwest, having a family income below the poverty level, having Medicaid or SCHIP coverage, not receiving Welfare payments for childcare, and having a usual place for health care were all associated with more frequent feelings of psychosocial distress. On th...
Effects of age and diet on the heavy particle-induced disruption of operant responding produced by a ground-based model for exposure to cosmic rays

On missions to other planets, astronauts will be exposed to galactic cosmic rays which are composed of heavy particles (such as 56Fe) and protons. Exposure to these particles can affect the ability of rats to perform a variety of tasks, indicating that there is the possibility that the performance capabilities of astronauts may be affected. Previous research has shown that diets containing blueberry or strawberry extract can ameliorate the deficits produced by irradiation using a ground-based analog for exposure to cosmic rays. Rats were placed on diets containing 2% blueberry or strawberry extract for 2 months prior to exposure to 1.5 Gy of 1 GeV/n 56Fe particles. There were no effects on performance of any group of animals when tested on an ascending fixed-ratio operant task 6 months following exposure. When tested 12 months after exposure, the performance of the radiated animals given blueberry extract did not differ from the radiated animals fed the control diet. Both groups performed significantly poorer than the non-irradiated controls. There were no differences between the non-irradiated animals fed control diet and the radiated animals fed the strawberry diet and their performance was significantly better than of the radiated rats fed the blueberry or control diets. The results indicate that diets containing strawberry extract may provide a significant level of radiation protection on exploratory class missions.
IL-4 induces IL-6 and signs of allergic-type inflammation in the nasal airways of nonallergic individuals

In addition to its more widely recognized role in promoting IgE synthesis, we speculate that interleukin-4 (IL-4) may modulate both allergic- and nonallergic-type inflammatory processes in the airway mucosa. We examined in vivo the effect of IL-4 on granulocyte and cytokine homeostasis in the nasal airways of nonallergic volunteers. Ten (N = 10) healthy subjects received nasal IL-4 (10 μg) or saline (0.9%) challenges on separate occasions. Nasal lavage was obtained before and 24 h after nasal challenges. We report that IL-4 induced a significant increase in IL-6 and produced elevated levels of eosinophils and neutrophils compared to saline. These data demonstrate that IL-4 can modulate both allergic- and nonallergic-type inflammatory responses in the nasal airways of nonallergic individuals.
On the tryptophan residue in porcine LH and FSH-releasing hormone.

Abstract The effect of 2-hydroxy-5-nitrobenzyl bromide on the biological activity of a preparation of pure porcine LH and FSH-releasing hormone (LH-RH/FSH-RH) was reinvestigated. Since this treatment as well as performic acid and incubation with anhydrous trifluoroacetic acid, caused a complete inactivation of LH-RH/FSH-RH, tryptophan residue is thought to be essential for the biological activity of this polypeptide.
Decision Specific Experience in Foreign Ownership and Establishment Strategies: Evidence from Japanese Firms

In this paper, we examine the importance of decision specific experience for a multinational firm's foreign ownership structure and establishment mode decisions. A unique procedure to measure the decision specific experience construct is developed. Based on data for the period 1969–1991, we find strong empirical evidence from experiences of Japanese firms to support the hypotheses that firms tend to select ownership structures and establishment modes based on their experiences with similar ownership structures and establishment modes in the past.
Effects of imprinting and isolation on aggressive responses in chicks

The importance of isolation and imprinting as separate factors influencing early aggressive responses in chicks (Gallus gallus) was studied in two separate experiments. In addition the effect of the presence or absence of the imprinting stimulus in the test situation was examined in Experiment 1. Neither imprinting per se, nor the presence of the imprinting stimulus significantly affected aggressiveness. Rearing conditions (isolation vs social rearing) did, however, influence aggressive responses. Isolated chicks were significantly more aggressive than socially reared buds. The adaptedness of selective aggression in socially (naturally) reared chicks, as well as the indiscriminant aggressiveness caused by social deprivation is discussed.
Purification, characterization, and bioassay of prolactin and growth hormone from temperate basses, genus Morone.

Prolactin (PRL) and two variants of growth hormone (GH), purified from pituitaries of striped bass (Morone saxatilis) and its hybrid with white bass (M. saxatilis x M. chrysops) by gel filtration chromatography under alkaline conditions followed by reversed-phase high pressure liquid chromatography, appear similar between species. Both the minor (GH I) and the major (GH II) forms of purified GH appeared as single bands (M(r) approximately 23,000) after sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, as did the purified PRL (M(r) approximately 24,000). The molecular weights of GH II and PRL determined by MALDI TOF mass spectroscopy were 21.2 and 21.3 kDa, respectively. In Western blotting experiments, an antiserum against tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) 24K PRL specifically recognized Morone PRL, while an antiserum against tilapia GH specifically recognized Morone GH I and II. Chemical identities of the putative PRL and GH I were further confirmed by N-terminal peptide sequencing, while internal sequence analysis was performed on GH II because it was blocked at its N-terminus. Over a stretch of 29 amino acids, Morone PRL was found to be 76% identical to tilapia 24K PRL, 72% identical to tilapia 20K PRL, 72% identical to chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) PRL I, and 69% identical to eel (Anguilla japonica) PRL I. Alignment of the hybrid striped bass GH sequences with those of several other advanced marine teleosts indicated 75-85% sequence identity for GH I (40 amino acids) and 95-98% identity for GH II (45 amino acids). Biological activity of striped bass GH II was confirmed using a heterologous in vitro assay of insulin-like growth factor I mRNA production by coho salmon (On. kisutch) hepatocytes. An in vivo bioassay, involving hypophysectomy of hybrid striped bass and treatment of the fish maintained in fresh water with homologous PRL, confirmed that the purified striped bass PRL was also bioactive.