cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SOFIA—Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy

Abstract We describe the capabilities and status of the SOFIA project, a 2.5-m airborne observatory for observations from visible to sub-millimeter wavelengths. Properties of likely instrumentation and the expected science results are also summarized along with a description of the expected operating plan for the observatory and status of technology drivers.
Hypothermic Perfadex solution reduces lung injury of the infant with TOF after cardiopulmonary bypass

Objective To study the protective effects of pulmonary artery perfusion with hypothermic Perfadex solution on the lung functions of infants with Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).Methods A prospective study of 24 children with TOF was carried out.They were randomly divided into perfusion group (n =12) and control group (n =12).Routine operative techniques were performed in all patients,and pulmonary artery infusion of Perfadex solution was performed additionally in the perfusion group patients after CPB.Plasma interleukin-6 (IL- 6),IL-8,IL-10,Malondialdehyde (MDA) and the oxygen index(OI) were measured.Lung static compliance (Cstat) was calculated at different time points (before surgery,at the end of CPB,and 0 h,6h,24h postoperatively).Results When compared with the baseline values,,the plasma levels of IL-6,IL-8,IL- 10,MDA increased postoperatively in both groups [perfusion group IL-6 (367.1 ± 32.6) pg/ml,IL-8 (376.6 ± 40.4) pg/ml,IL-10 (265.4 ± 42.1 ) pg/ml,control group IL-6 (392.7 ± 41.5 ) pg/ml,IL-8 (477.2±39.7) pg/ml,IL-10 (197.8±42.6 )pg/ml at the end of CPB] The peak levels were seen at the end of surgery [perfusion group IL-6 (369.6 ± 37.8) pg/rnl IL-8 (536.7 ± 31.7) pg/ml,IL-10(511.5 ± 44.0) pg/ml; control group IL-6 (480.3 ± 46.3) pg/ml,IL-8 (585.5 ± 47.8 ) pg/ml,IL- 10 (390.8 ± 34.3)pg/ml] and maintained at a high level upto 24 h postoperatively.Compared with the control group,the IL- 6,IL-8,MDA levels were significantly lower in the perfusion group [IL-6 (266.5± 31.1 )pg/ml,IL-8 (373 ± 32.4) pg/ml,MDA ( 12.2 ± 4.6 )nmol/ml; vs.control group IL-6 (311.8± 42.2) pg/ml,IL-8 (477.6 ± 47.7)pg/ml,MDA (19.2 ± 5.5) nmol/ml,6 h postoperatively,P＜0.01or P＜0.05] and the IL-10 was higher (P＜0.01 or P＜0.05) in the protective group.The OI and Cstat were also higher in the lung perfusion group than in the control group [perfusion group OI (359.1 ±39.8) mmHg,Cstat (3.11 ± 0.88) ml/cmH2 O; control group OI (289.5 ± 42.8) mmHg,Cstat (2.71 ± 0.56 ) ml/cmH2 O,6 h postoperatively,P＜0.05].Conclusions Perfusion with hypothermic Perfadex solution could protect lung function during cardiopulmonary bypass. Key words: Tetralogy of fallot; Infant; Extracorporeal circulation; Perfadex solution, Lung injury
Comparison of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle biopsy versus fine-needle aspiration for genomic profiling and DNA yield in pancreatic cancer: a randomized crossover trial

Background National guidelines recommend genomic profiling of tumor tissue to guide precision therapy. We compared the specimen adequacy for genomic profiling and yield of DNA between endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided fine-needle biopsy (FNB) and EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA). Methods In our tandem, randomized controlled trial, consecutive patients undergoing EUS for evaluation of pancreatic masses underwent both conventional EUS-FNA with a 25-gauge needle and paired EUS-FNB (19 or 22-gauge needle), with the order randomized (EUS-FNA first followed by EUS-FNB, or vice versa). A minimum of one pass with each needle was obtained for histology. Second and third passes were performed to collect DNA. Specimens were evaluated by a cytopathologist blinded to the needle type. Specimen adequacy for genomic profiling was calculated based on FoundationOne clinical diagnostic (CDx) adequacy requirements. We compared the adequacy for genomic profiling DNA (quantity) and histology yields with both needles. Results Analysis included 50 patients (25 men; mean age 68 [standard deviation (SD) 13] years), with a mean lesion size of 38 (SD 17) mm; 37 lesions (74 %) were pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The mean DNA concentrations in PDAC by FNB and FNA needles were 5.930 (SD 0.881) µg/mL vs. 3.365 (SD 0.788) µg/mL, respectively (P = 0.01). The median standardized histology score per pass with EUS-FNB was 5 (sufficient for histology) and for EUS-FNA was 2 (enough for cytology). Specimen adequacy for genomic profiling and yield of DNA was significantly higher with FNB than with FNA needles. Conclusions In this study, adequacy for genomic profiling, DNA, and histology yield were considerably superior using an EUS-FNB needle compared with an EUS-FNA needle.
Aesthetic Surgery Research Funding: Where Does It Come From and to Whom Does It Go?

BACKGROUND Recent data show that aesthetic surgery research is lagging compared with reconstructive surgery: research funding and institutional disparities within aesthetic surgery are potential factors in this trend. OBJECTIVES The authors sought to determine if disparities exist in aesthetic surgery research based on funding sources or practice settings. METHODS The authors reviewed Aesthetic Surgery Journal articles from 2009 to 2019. Chi-square, t test, bivariate, and multivariate regression analyses were employed to evaluate research trends. RESULTS A total of 2262 publications were identified, with 318 funded articles meeting inclusion criteria. The majority of studies (294, 92%) received external funding, with 281 (88%) being supported solely by external funds. Externally funded studies were financed by private industry (194, 66%), foundations/societies (53, 18%), government grants (23, 8%), or a combination of agencies (24, 8%). The majority of funded studies were at academic institutions (266, 84%), followed by private practice (46, 14%) and private industry (6, 2%). Analysis of annual publications revealed a rising percentage of academic-based research, which correlated with decreasing research from private practice (r = -0.95, r2 = 0.89, P < 0.001). Compared with academic institutions, private practice relied more heavily on industry funding (55% vs 87%, respectively, P = 0.001), exhibiting lower rates of foundational/societal (20% vs 2%), governmental (9% vs 0%), combined (8% vs 7%), and internal department funding (8% vs 4%). Article citations and level of evidence were unaffected by funding source, agency, or practice setting. CONCLUSIONS Lack of diversity in research funding among private practice surgeons may explain the reported discrepancies that currently exist between aesthetic and reconstructive surgery research.
Making seafood accessible to low-income and nutritionally vulnerable populations on the U.S. West Coast

Along the U.S. West Coast, sustainable manage­ment has rebuilt fish stocks, providing an oppor­tunity to supply nutrient-rich food to adjacent coastal communities where food insecurity and diet-based diseases are common. However, the market has not successfully supplied locally sourced seafood to nutritionally vulnerable people. Rather, a few organizations make this connection on a limited scale. We used a “positive deviant” approach to learn how these organizations’ efforts developed, how they overcame challenges, and what conditions enabled their interventions. We found that organizations in these positive deviant cases provided fish from a wide variety of species and sources, and distributed them through different channels to a diversity of end consumers. A key factor facilitating success was the ability to negotiate a price point that was both profitable and reasonable for organizations supplying nutritionally vulnerable or low-income consumers. Further­more, securing access to grants overcame initial costs of establishing new supply channels. All cases highlighted the importance of individual cham­pi­ons who encouraged development and cultural connections between the initiative and the nearby community. Organizations overcame key chal­lenges by establishing regulations governing these new channels and either using partnerships or vertically integrating to reduce costs associated with processing and transport. Oftentimes training and education were also critical to instruct workers on how to process unfamiliar fish and to increase consumer awareness of local fish and how to pre­pare them. These lessons illuminate pathways to improve the contribution of local seafood to the healthy food system.
Language learning as a function of infant directed speech (IDS) in Spanish: Testing neural commitment using the positive-MMR

Abstract Spanish-English bilingual families (N = 17) were recruited to assess the association between infant directed speech (IDS) in Spanish and their degree of neural commitment to the Spanish language. IDS was assessed by extracting the caregivers’ Vowel Space Area (VSA) from recordings of a storybook reading task done at home. Infants’ neural commitment was assessed by extracting the positive mismatch brain response (positive-MMR), an Event-Related Potential (ERP) thought to be indicative of higher attentional processes and early language commitment. A linear mixed model analysis demonstrated that caregivers’ VSA predicted the amplitude of the positive-MMR in response to a native speech contrast (Spanish), but not to a non-native speech contrast (Chinese), even after holding other predictors constant (i.e., socioeconomic status, infants’ age, and fundamental frequency). Our findings provide support to the view that quality of language exposure fosters language learning, and that this beneficial relationship expands to the bilingual population.
Radiation Exposure to the Thyroid After the Chernobyl Accident.

Introduction: The accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine on 26 April 1986 resulted in a considerable release of radioactivity to the atmosphere, particularly of Iodine-131 (131I), with the greatest contamination occurring in Belarus, Ukraine, and western part of Russia. Material and Methods: Increase in thyroid cancer and other thyroid diseases incidence in exposed population in these counties was the major health effect of Chernobyl accident. Therefore, a lot of attention was paid to the thyroid doses, mainly, the 131I intake during two months after the accident. This paper reviews thyroid doses, both the individual for the subjects of radiation epidemiological studies and population-average doses. Exposure to 131I intake and other exposure pathways to population of affected regions and the Chernobyl cleanup workers (liquidators) are considered. Results: Individual thyroid doses due to 131I intake varied up to 42 Gy and depended on the age of the person, the region where a person was exposed, and their cow’s milk consumption habits. Population-average thyroid doses among children of youngest age reached up to 0.75 Gy in the most contaminated area, the Gomel Oblast, in Belarus. Intake of 131I was the main pathway of exposure to the thyroid gland; its mean contribution to the thyroid dose in affected regions was more than 90%. The mean thyroid dose due to 131I inhalation by early Chernobyl cleanup workers was estimated to be 0.18 Gy. Individual thyroid doses due to different exposure pathways varied among cleanup workers included in the epidemiological studies up to 9 Gy. Uncertainties associated with dose estimates, in terms of mean geometric standard deviation of individual stochastic doses, varied in range from 1.6 for doses based on individual-radiation measurements to 2.6 for ‘modelled’ doses. Conclusion: From the radiological point of view, the 131I was the most important radionuclide that resulted in radiation exposure to the thyroid during the first few weeks after the Chernobyl accident and cause an increase in the of rate of thyroid cancer and other thyroid diseases in exposed population.
Blood Products, Crystalloids, and Rapid Infusion: An Experimental Study With Magnesium.

Objectives Calcium and magnesium are concentration-dependent pro- and anticoagulant cofactors, and magnesium behaves similarly to calcium in the presence of citrate. The authors hypothesized that magnesium can cause clot formation (primary objective) when mixed with coagulation factor-containing blood products diluted with different crystalloids in a rapid- infuser reservoir. A secondary objective was the observation of any infuser alarms and stops in the event of clotting. Design An experimental in vitro study with blood products, crystalloids, magnesium, and calcium in a rapid infuser with a reservoir using a closed-loop system. Setting Anesthesia research laboratory at an urban academic tertiary medical center Participants Not applicable. Interventions Exposure of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) and packed red blood cells alone (control) or in combination with either normal saline (NS), lactated Ringer's solution (LR), or Plasma-Lyte A (PL) to increasing concentrations of magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) up to 1 g. After each incremental MgSO4 change, the authors applied a specific pump-flow sequence in a closed-loop system with a rapid-infuser reservoir, and if no clot was observed, the authors incrementally added calcium chloride (CaCl2) up to 1 g. Measurements and Main Results Observation of macroscopic clot and time to event, as well as occurrence and type of any pump alarms or stops. LR experiments resulted in clot observation in the reservoir by a dedicated observer after MgSO4 275 ± 206 mg (95% confidence interval [CI], 9-541). Adding MgSO4 1 g in the NS, PL, or the control experiments did not result in clot observation. Only when CaCl2 166.7 ± 51.64 mg (95% CI, 112.0-22.01) was added to the combination of blood products alone or mixed with NS and PL, clotting occurred. The mean FFP volume was 281 ± 48.6 mL (range, 204-340 mL) and was not different between groups (p = 0.44). Pump alarms and stops were inconsistent. Conclusions The addition of magnesium to a combination of LR with coagulation factor- containing blood products consistently resulted in a visible blood clot in the rapid-infuser reservoir in the authors’ experimental setup. In addition to MgSO4 1 g in the control, NS, and PL experiments, CaCl2 is needed before a clot can be observed.
A 'COVID Compass' for navigating the pandemic.

INTRODUCTION The greatest challenge confronting political, public health, business, education and social welfare leaders in the COVID pandemic era is to restore the economy, businesses and schools without further risking public health. The 'COVID Compass' project aims to provide helpful information to guide local decisions by tracking state and local policies over time and their impact on a balanced set of outcomes-health metrics, economic trends and social hardship indicators. METHODS We selected a parsimonious set of 'local level' health, economic and hardship outcomes and linked them to 'local level' actions aimed to decrease COVID-19 health effects and to mitigate hardship for people, businesses and the economy. Data trends will be released frequently (e.g. weekly and monthly) to show changes in health economic and social hardship 'outcomes' (based on quantitative data), alongside policy, health care, public health and individual/social 'actions' (based on both qualitative and quantitative data). RESULTS Work on initial analytic and visualization prototypes of the COVID Compass is currently in progress at national, state and local levels. CONCLUSION Building a national, regional and local integrated database platform that captures upstream policies, actions and behaviors and links them to downstream health, economic and social hardship outcomes will offer a more comprehensive view of the data necessary for decision-makers and citizens to more effectively and intelligently monitor and mitigate harms caused by the pandemic.
Moving from lean manufacturing to lean construction: Toward a common sociotechnological framework: Research Articles

Since the early 1990s, the construction industry has taken some interest in the application of lean production to its own case. A new body of research led by the International Group for Lean Construction (IGLC) has been exploring new techniques for the industry. In this article the techniques developed for lean construction are compared with those of lean manufacturing. Differences between the manufacturing and the construction cases showed why lean production does not fully suit the construction industry. Although some elements are in an embryonic state, lean construction has built a set of techniques that are transferable to any constructor. Lean manufacturing and lean construction share many common elements despite their different techniques. The need for a joint combination of technical and human elements shows that both approaches conform to a common sociotechnological design. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Hum Factors Man 15: 233–245, 2005.
Chemical engineers in polymer science : the need for an interdisciplinary approach

Publisher Summary Today, the new polymers being introduced are generally small-volume specialty polymers, such as block copolymers and liquid crystalline polymers, produced by smaller-scale production techniques and novel fabrication methods. Often the outstanding problem with such materials is not how to produce huge volumes at commodity-polymer prices, but rather how to produce an article that will perform in a particularly demanding application. The motion of polymers in concentrated solution and bulk is of major theoretical and practical concern. This chapter discusses new material development, different analytical techniques, and application outlook about the need for an interdisciplinary approach. Liquid crystalline polymers, with their high modulus, good chemical resistance, and ability to be used at high service temperatures, have outstanding prospects for use as structural materials. The use of polymer in bulletproof vests and as the reinforcing fiber in high performance composites demonstrates the promise that liquid crystalline polymers have as structural materials. For chemical engineers to continue to play a major role in polymer science, increased interaction with personnel from other disciplines is necessary, and successful interaction demands that the two parties have enough common ground to communicate. Chemical engineers have made essential contributions to polymer science and will certainly continue to do so in the future. As polymer science broadens in scope and permeates other fields as well, chemical engineers must recognize its interdisciplinary nature and be prepared to participate in this important technology in ever-evolving ways.
Market as Mirage

George J. Stigler (1985)1 I find much to endorse in Professor Areeda's magisterial presentation: (1) his description of the dubious role of juries as antitrust policymakers; (2) his recognition of the importance of clearly defining those anticompetitive "improprieties" that spell monopolization; and (3) his acknowledgement of the need for doctrines that do not chill innovative incentives or competitive vigor among even the most powerful enterprises.2 I too join the growing consensus that regards reforms in private treble damage enforcement as timely, since such reforms would not only diminish the sway of juries, but would also avert other excesses that might otherwise warrant cutting substantive antitrust doctrines to the bone.
Looking up at the GUT/Planck World

The importance of the mass spectroscopy of the superparticles is emphasized. It will be shown that the gauge coupling constants give us information on the GUT-scale mass spectrum once the superparticle masses are known. The gaugino masses will provide us a model-independent test of the grand unification irrespective of the symmetry breaking pattern. The sfermion masses carry the information on the intermediate symmetries, if present. Combining the mass spectrum, we will be able to distinguish among the GUT models, and hopefully supergravity models also.
Plasmon coupled tip-enhanced near-field optical microscopy

Summary form only given. Scanning near-field optical microscopy aims at optically resolving subwavelength structures. The most common technique relies on the local excitation of the sample surface by the optical fields near a nano-aperture which is commonly produced at the end of a glass fiber tip. Alternatively, high resolution microscopy can also be achieved by using the local field enhancement produced at the end of a sharp metal tip when illuminated by a highly focused laser beam. By combining these techniques in the form of a sharp metal tip at the end of an overcoated fiber, we propose a new method that does not require the delicate technologies to produce nano-apertures, nor require the intense external focused beam responsible for the field enhancement.
Educating the Next Generation of Emergency Management and Homeland Security Professionals: Promoting Racial and Ethnic Understanding via Cultural Competence and Critical Race Theory

In this article, Critical Race Theory (CRT) is employed as a pedagogical tool to help students understand themselves as well as the standards and virtues used in American society to judge others. A solid understanding of race, culture, and ethnicity and how these factors intersect is critical in the fields of emergency management, security studies and homeland security. Such an understanding will afford educators, students, and practitioners the opportunity to view and value the multiple strengths culture and racial background bring to the continued development of communities. In this article, we discuss how an understanding of ethnicity, culture, and race in recognizing one's own raciality can enhance a practitioner's education and experiences in the field prior to graduation, in one's career after graduation as well as for life-long learning. Specifically, the use of CRT in academic, training, and community-based settings via broad curricular modules, along with a Social Justice Ally (SJA) framework for...
Bovine x mouse hybridomas that secrete bovine immunoglobulin G1

The interspecific fusion of normal bovine lymphocytes with a nonsecreting mouse hybridoma produced stable cell lines secreting bovine immunoglobulins. One of these lines has continued to secrete immunoglobulin G1 (5 to 10 micrograms per milliliter) for over 16 months. The bovine x mouse hybrid cells can be expected to provide bovine monoclonal immunoglobulins for sequencing studies and for use as serological standards as well as to provide messenger RNA for cloning bovine immunoglobulin genes.
On the Measurement of Discrimination against Women.

Socio-economic measurements implicity invite individuals and governments to base decisions on them. We attempt to show that estimates of discrimination represent poor guides to decision-making when discrimination is defined too broadly, when earnings differentials are not properly adjusted for changes in relative productivity, and when the present-value method used is not well-suited to the problem.
Prevention of PPROM: Current and future strategies

Our understanding of the pathophysiologic processes leading to preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) has grown tremendously in recent years. Evidence suggests that there may be a genetic s...
Mapping a Values Typology in Three Counties of the Interior Northwest, USA: Scale, Geographic Associations Among Values, and the Use of Intensity Weights

Spatial attribution mapping is one method of eliciting the relationship between people and place. I use a landscape values typology and environmental values theory to investigate how people attribute values to the landscape in three counties of Idaho and Oregon. Using geographically referenced values data collected in a mail survey (n = 767), I examine the use of intensity weights when implementing a mapping exercise and the spatial scale and geographic associations between values in the typology. The results demonstrate that places within a landscape can offer multiple values, and that when geographically operationalized the landscape values typology can be divided primarily into two categories: material (socioeconomic quality) and postmaterial (personal/environmental quality) values. The findings reflect the linkages between spatially operationalized values and established environmental values theory, and the need for land use planners, natural resource managers, and local decision makers to facilitate ...
Comprehensive Review of Patulin Control Methods in Foods

The mycotoxin, patulin (4-hydroxy-4H-furo [3, 2c] pyran-2[6H]-one), is produced by a number of fungi common to fruit- and vegetable-based products, most notably apples. Despite patulin's original discovery as an antibiotic, it has come under heavy scrutiny for its potential negative health effects. Studies investigating these health effects have proved inconclusive, but there is little doubt as to the potential danger inherent in the contamination of food products by patulin. The danger posed by patulin necessitates its control and removal from foods products, creating a demand for handling and processing techniques capable of doing so, preferably at low cost to industry. With this being the case, much research has been devoted to understanding the basic chemical and biological nature of patulin, as well as its interaction within foods and food production. While past resarch has elucidated a great deal, patulin contamination continues to be a challenge for athe food industry. Here, we review in depth the past research on patulin with an emphasis upon its influence within the food industry, including its regulation, health effects, biosynthesis, detection, quantification, distribution within foods, and control, during the various stages of apple juice production. Finally, key areas where future patulin research should focus to best control the patulin contamination problem within the food industry are addressed.
Longitudinal comparison of temporal-modulation perimetry with white-on-white and blue-on-yellow perimetry in ocular hypertension and early glaucoma.

We obtained data over 3 years on temporal-modulation perimetry (TMP), standard automated [white-on-white (W/W)] perimetry, and short-wavelength-sensitive [blue-on-yellow (B/Y)] perimetry in ocular hypertensive (OH) patients and patients with early glaucomatous visual-field loss (EG). Evidence of visual-field defects was obtained with the use of both B/Y perimetry and TMP in the majority of OH and EQ eyes that demonstrated progression on W/W perimetry as well as in all stable EG eyes. Using the nerve-fiber-bundle pattern to compare testing procedures, we determined that these defects were generally as extensive or more extensive than the concurrent W/W abnormalities. In terms of location over the 3 years of testing, TMP and B/Y defects were reasonably consistent in the EG eyes, somewhat less consistent in the OH eyes demonstrating progression, and both inconsistent and infrequent in the stable OH eyes. The greatest degree of overlap occurred between the location of defects obtained by use of the higher TMP frequencies (8 and 16 Hz) and that of defects obtained by use of B/Y perimetry. Since these two methods are thought to isolate different visual mechanisms subserved by different visual pathways, these results suggest that early glaucomatous visual-field damage as revealed by TMP and B/Y perimetry may not be specific to a single visual pathway.
The Dynamic Modeling of Flexible Spatial Machine Systems With Clearance Connections

Modele dynamique d'un systeme mecanique spatial flexible tenant compte du jeu dans les articulations
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF OBSTRUCTIVE AIRWAYS DISEASE

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a group of disorders that have in common abnormal airway structure that results in obstruction to airflow. In emphysema, obstruction is thought to be due to the loss of normal elastic tension in the lung parenchyma. Cigarette smoke is the most important cause of emphysema. Injurious agents, either in the gas or particulate phase, incite a proteolytic reaction in the lung. The type of emphysema and its topographic distribution in the lung stem from normal physiologic processes that concentrate the cigarette puff both within the lung and within the secondary pulmonary lobule.
How HIV-1 hijacks ALIX

Two new crystal structures shed light on how a component of the endosomal budding machinery is co-opted by human immunodeficiency virus-1 to facilitate virus budding from the cell surface.
Decorative bodies: The significance of convicts’ tattoos

(1997). Decorative bodies: The significance of convicts’ tattoos. Journal of Australian Studies: Vol. 21, Fatal shores, pp. 78-88.
Quantitative segmental evaluation of venous valvular reflux with duplex ultrasound scanning.

Abstract The duration of deep venous valvular reflux was studied in 192 venous segments of the legs of 32 patients in good health. Three methods were used to elicit reflux in the supine and upright positions—Valsalva's maneuver, proximal limb compression, and release of distal limb compression. Standardized compressions were achieved with pneumatic cuffs. When this approach was used to study valve function, the time to complete closure of the valve and cessation of retrograde flow was found to be shorter than that for conventional methods of closure. The distal cuff deflation method is the only one that permits a quantitative and reproducible method to measure duration of venous reflux at all levels of the lower limb. Normal values obtained with this test are presented for the common femoral, deep femoral, and superficial femoral veins and for the popliteal and posterior tibial veins midway between knee and ankle level and the posterior tibial vein at the ankle. In the popliteal vein, median duration of reflux is 0.19 second; 95% of the values in the popliteal vein are less than 0.66 second. In distal areas, duration of reflux is short and uniform. The advantage of the cuff deflation test over the Valsalva method is that the cuff method is not hindered by the presence of ileofemoral valves. A better understanding of the relative importance of deep valve dysfunction at different levels and the expected benefit of valve repair may be obtained with this test. (J Vasc Surg 1989;10:425–31.)
Taniaphos and Walphos ligands: Oxidative electrochemistry and complexation. Synthesis, characterization, oxidative electrochemistry and X-ray structures of [(Taniaphos/Walphos)MCl2] (M = Pd or Pt)

Abstract The oxidative electrochemistry of chiral, bidentate ferrocenylphosphines, five Taniaphos and seven Walphos ligands, was studied in methylene chloride. In general, two waves of varying reversibility were observed. Complexes of the general type [(phosphine)MCl2] (phosphine = Taniaphos or Walphos; M = Pd or Pt) were prepared and characterized by NMR. Upon coordination, the oxidative electrochemistry of the ligands was greatly simplified. The X-ray structures of a Taniaphos platinum complex as well as a palladium and a platinum complex with a Walphos ligand were determined.
The Construct Validity of a Career Interest Inventory Representing Eight Major Clusters of Professional Level Occupational Activities.

Within the conceptual framework provided by Roe's eight broad occupational classifications, an experimental form of a career interest inventory with items emphasizing job activities was constructed and administered to a sample of 654 students (268 males and 386 females) in a liberal arts college. From an initial pool of 336 items, 192 items were selected empirically to form 16 subscales (each of 12 items) corresponding to 16 hypothesized subclusters of job activities that had served to refine the presentation of the eight broad occupational categories. Within each of the subscales sets of three logically related items were chosen to permit the formation of 64 subtests, the intercorrelations of which were factor analyzed. Eight clearly defined orthogonally rotated factor dimensions were interpreted as describing quite accurately the eight postulated occupational classifications and as furnishing promising evidence for the construct validity of the inventory. Internal-consistency estimates of reliability ra...
Averaging effects of a strain gage

Choosing the right strain gage for a measurement application requires selecting gages with the right characteristics for the job. In general, the strain gage is to be used to measure the strain at the center of the gage, but it inherently underestimates the peak strain when it is mounted in high stress gradient areas. This paper concerns itself with the averaging effects of a strain gage along gage filaments. The approach is unconventional in dealing with the orientation and size of the gage. The results provide insight into the averaging effect and selecting gages for measuring strains in areas of steep strain gradients. Dimensionless curves which can be used to estimate errors as well as enhance hole-drilling method results are presented. Practical recommendations are made for selecting gages for high strain gradient measurements.
Disease severity in rheumatoid arthritis: relationships of plasma tumor necrosis factor-alpha, soluble interleukin 2-receptor, soluble CD4/CD8 ratio, neopterin, and fibrin D-dimer to traditional severity and functional measures.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a complex inflammatory disease of unknown cause. Although various laboratory and clinical measurements are useful in managing these patients, there is a need for better tests to quantitatively assess disease activity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of certain immune and inflammation (I-I) parameters with four traditional disease severity measures and a functional measure in rheumatoid arthritis patients. A single set of patient blood samples was analyzed, and four traditional disease severity measures and patient functional statuses were determined from 64 consecutive outpatients with rheumatoid arthritis. Plasma tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF), soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R), sCD4 and sCD8 (and the sCD4/sCD8 ratio), neopterin, and fibrin D-dimer were analyzed in relationship to Westergren erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), physician assessment of disease activity, joint pain count, grip strength, and Arthritis Impact Measurement Scale (AIMS) scores. Rheumatoid arthritis patients had higher mean levels of all I-I measures (except sCD4) compared to healthy subjects. Initial significant correlations between TNF, sIL-2R, and D-dimer and several disease severity and functional measures were detected. When we controlled for the covariates age, gender, race, and medications, regression analyses indicated that, as a group, the I-I measures were significantly related to grip strength, physician disease severity rating, ESR, and total joint pain. When the predictive values of the I-I measures were tested controlling for the covariates and ESR, D-dimer was independently and significantly associated with variability in grip strength, physician disease severity, and AIMS physical disability, while TNF was associated with a significant amount of variability in total joint pain. The results indicate that these immune and inflammation parameters may be significantly elevated in rheumatoid arthritis patients and that certain measures (e.g., plasma fibrin D-dimer) may be especially useful in objectively evaluating disease activity in RA patients.
The behavioral regulation of monogamy in gibbons (Hylobates muelleri)

Responses of mated individuals to playbacks of the songs of solitary females and males permit evaluating the behavioral mechanisms maintaining monogamy in gibbons. When female songs are played back from the centers of their ranges, mated female gibbons typically initiate duets and group approaches toward playback sites. Female songs played back from range boundary locations elicit duetting responses. Responses to solitary female songs do not differ from responses to song duets used by established mated pairs to mediate patterns of intergroup spacing. Mated males lead silent group approaches toward the sites of male song playbacks. These results suggest that range defense by female gibbons forces males into accepting monogamous mating relationships and that monogamy in gibbons is regulated by intersexually-supported, intrasexual aggression.
Obesity, Growth Hormone and Exercise

Growth hormone (GH) is regulated, suppressed and stimulated by numerous physiological stimuli. However, it is believed that obesity disrupts the physiological and pathological factors that regulate, suppress or stimulate GH release. Pulsatile GH has been potently stimulated in healthy subjects by both aerobic and resistance exercise of the right intensity and duration. GH modulates fuel metabolism, reduces total fat mass and abdominal fat mass, and could be a potent stimulus of lipolysis when administered to obese individuals exogenously. Only pulsatile GH has been shown to augment adipose tissue lipolysis and, therefore, increasing pulsatile GH response may be a therapeutic target. This review discusses the factors that cause secretion of GH, how obesity may alter GH secretion and how both aerobic and resistance exercise stimulates GH, as well as how exercise of a specific intensity may be used as a stimulus for GH release in individuals who are obese. Only five prior studies have investigated exercise as a stimulus of endogenous GH in individuals who are obese. Based on prior literature, resistance exercise may provide a therapeutic target for releasing endogenous GH in individuals who are obese if specific exercise programme variables are utilized. Biological activity of GH indicates that this may be an important precursor to beneficial changes in body fat and lean tissue mass in obese individuals. However, additional research is needed including what molecular GH variants are acutely released and involved at target tissues as a result of different exercise stimuli and what specific exercise programme variables may serve to stimulate GH in individuals who are obese.
Fiber sizes and capillary to fiber ratios in skeletal muscle of exercised rats.

Thirty male rats (Sprague-Dawley), 25 days of age, were placed in exercise cages for seven days. They were matched into trios on the basis of the last four days total exercise and randomly placed in three groups: sedentary, spontaneous exercise and forced exercise. For the next 35 days, the sedentary group was permitted no exercise other than that allowed by their small individual cages. The spontaneous group remained in activity cages while the forced group in addition to being in activity cages, swam one 30-minute period each day with weights equal to 20% of the body weight attached to their tails. At the end of the 35-day activity period, the animals were sacrificed. The hind limbs were injected with India ink, embedded in gelatin and cut on the freezing microtome. The cross-sectional area of red and white fibers from the gastrocnemius muscles were measured by using the polar planimeter. Ink-filled capillaries were counted, in conjuction with fiber measurements. With forced and voluntary exercise programs there was a greater increase in crosssectional area of the red than of the white fibers. Under the same conditions, the increase in the number of capillaries per fiber was greater for white than for red fibers.
Kiswahili riddles: Parallelism and social functions

Kiswahili riddles (vitendawili) are children's puzzles presented in the form of precedent statements, queries or propositions eliciting responses, solutions or sequent (Harries, 1971, 1976; Gowlett, 1979; Okpewho, 1992). This article examines the linguistic structure of precedents in Kiswahili riddles. It is noted that the precedents are characterised by parallelism at the phonological, morphological, clausal and semantic levels of language description. This is demonstrated through an analysis of the linguistic structure, including the study of the metaphorical structure using the cognitive approach. The use of metaphors and structural parallelism presents enormous cognitive challenges to children, but is also an invaluable tool to them in acquiring linguistic and cognitive skills. As Scheub (2002: 124) points out: ‘The riddle establishes a model for all oral art’. It is argued that riddles are similar to proverbs in the use of metaphors and in encoding ambiguity and relativity. It is an instructional med...
A New Evaluation Method of Scale Inhibitors for Controlling CaCO3 Scale in Reverse Osmosis System Based on pH Measurement

A new rapid evaluation method of reverse osmosis (RO) scale inhibitors based on pH measurement has been reported. Five scale inhibitors, Amino Trimethylene Phosphonic Acid (ATMP), Hydrolyzed Polymaleic Anhydride (HPMA), GE-Argo, PTP-0100 and TPTO-150, each at the dose of 1 ppm was added for evaluating the performance of CaCO3 scale controlling. Brine pH was the only measured parameter at periodic time intervals. The criterion was that the pH drops, the precipitate occurs. We can compare the efficacy against CaCO3 by calculating the supersaturation value of CaCO3. The test results show that Argo is the best effective inhibitor and HPMA is the worst of all. This method with high sensitivity and accuracy is fit for screening out scale inhibitors before RO dynamic test.
A computational study of the electron affinity of silene

Abstract The electron affinity (EA) of silene, CH 2 SiH 2 , is investigated using density functional theory and molecular orbital calculations. EA values of 6.6, 4.1, and 9.0 kcal/mol are calculated at the B3LYP, BLYP, and BP86 levels of theory, respectively, suggesting that the ion is bound with respect to electron detachment in the gas phase. Calculations of the electron binding energy of the triplet state and the singlet–triplet splitting in silene are used to establish a lower limit to the EA of 0.1–0.7 kcal/mol, consistent with the results obtained by direct calculation.
Unimodality of the distribution of record statistics

Abstract Let X1,X2,…, be a sequence of independent and identically distributed random variables with absolutely continuous distribution function F. For n⩾1, we denote the order statistics of X1,X2,…,Xn by X1,n⩽X2,n⩽⋯⩽Xn,n. Define L(1)=1, L(n+1)= min {j : j>L(n), X j >X j−1,j−1 }, and X(n)=X L(n),L(n) , n⩾1. The sequence {X(n)} ({L(n)}) is called upper record statistics (times). In this article, we deal with unimodality of record statistics. We also deal with the strong unimodality of record statistics.
Performance of the M11 and M11-L density functionals for calculations of electronic excitation energies by adiabatic time-dependent density functional theory.

Adiabatic time-dependent density functional theory is a powerful method for calculating electronic excitation energies of complex systems, but the quality of the results depends on the choice of approximate density functional. In this article we test two promising new density functionals, M11 and M11-L, against databases of 214 diverse electronic excitation energies, and we compare the results to those for 16 other density functionals of various kinds and to time-dependent Hartree–Fock. Charge transfer excitations are well known to be the hardest challenge for TDDFT. M11 is a long-range-corrected hybrid meta-GGA, and it shows better performance for charge transfer excitations than any of the other functionals except M06-HF, which is a specialized functional that does not do well for valence excitations. Several other long-range-corrected hybrid functionals also do well, and we especially recommend M11, ωB97X, and M06-2X for general spectroscopic applications because they do exceptionally well on ground-state properties as well as excitation energies. Local functionals are preferred for many applications to extended systems because of their significant cost advantage for large systems. M11-L is a dual-range local functional and—unlike all previous local functionals—it has good performance for Rydberg states as well as for valence states. Thus it is highly recommended for excitation energy calculations on extended systems.
Modifying urban transportation systems to improve the urban environment

Abstract The extensive use of automobiles for transporting people in cities has contributed to a wide variety of urban environmental and economic problems, including poor air quality, excessive energy consumption, traffic congestion, traffic accidents, and disruption of cities as a result of highway construction. These problems can be mitigated through the implementation of measures to discourage the use of low occupancy automobiles and encourage the use of transit and carpools. The most frequently considered measures involve improvements in transit service, carpool locator and incentive programs, and disincentives to low-occupancy automobile use. The latter class of measures includes various approaches to restricting the supply of parking or roadway facilities and increasing the cost of automobile use. Programs that combine all three classes of measures could reduce automobile use in cities by as much as 35% and, thereby, substantially reduce automobile-related urban problems. There is evidence suggesting that reductions in automobile traffic in cities need not disrupt employment and retail activity. However, it will not be possible to reach firm conclusions concerning the effects of traffic reductions on economic activity until there has been more operational experience with traffic reduction programs.
The relation of protoplasmic gelation to oxidative processes.

Abstract 1. 1. In this paper an attempt has been made to show the relation between colloidal changes in the protoplasm and oxidative changes. 2. 2. Potassium cyanide, at a concentration of 10 −2 molar, prevents the mitotic gelation in Chaetopterus eggs, and reversibly inhibits the cleavage of these eggs. 3. 3. In concentrations of 10 −4 molar, potassium cyanide prevents the mitotic gelation in eggs of the clam Spisula , and reversibly inhibits cleavage. 4. 4. Arbacia eggs are more sensitive to cyanide than are the eggs of Chaetopterus or Spisula . A concentration of 10 −5 molar is sufficient to inhibit the cleavage of these eggs reversibly. However, the cyanide, although at first it keeps the protoplasm fluid, later enhances the mitotic gelation and prevents the normal reversal of this gelation. 5. 5. The different effects of cyanide on the protoplasmic colloid of Chaetopterus and Spisula eggs on the one hand, and Arbacia eggs on the other, are interpreted on the basis of the fact that some proteolytic (and clotting) enzymes are inhibited by cyanide and others are accelerated by cyanide. 6. 6. On Chaetopterus eggs, sodium azide acts in much the same fashion as potassium cyanide does, and at the same concentration. Thus a 10 −2 molar solution prevents the mitotic gelation. 7. 7. Also on Arbacia eggs, sodium azide acts in the same way that cyanide does, but only at concentrations about a hundred times as high. 8. 8. The mitotic gelation is known to involve an oxidative change in which SH groups are oxidized to SS groups. If this oxidation is prevented by p -chloromercuribenzoic acid, the mitotic gelation does not occur and the eggs do not cleave.
Student counseling groups in senior high school settings: An evaluation of outcome

Abstract This paper reviewed the studies which evaluated counseling groups in senior high school settings. A methodological evaluation was conducted within four areas: subjects, counselors, treatment, and outcome criteria. The studies were reviewed according to the type of outcome measure: achievement, attitude and personality, behavioral, and vocational. Three levels of voluntariness (voluntary, semivoluntary, and nonvoluntary) were examined in relation to outcome. Subjects who were free to volunteer for the group experience achieved greater gains than subjects who were coerced into participation. Overall, behavioral and directive groups achieved greater success than nondirective or client-centered groups. The time spent on topics relating to treatment goals appeared to be an important factor for success. Future researchers should assess the effects of treatment on each participant instead of relying upon group mean changes.
The Conceptualization of Violence-Prone School Subcontexts: Is the Sum of the Parts Greater Than the Whole?

This article raises concerns about how context is conceptualized and researched in many current school violence inquiries. For example, research has shown that specific school subcontexts (e.g., ha...