cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Leadership and Free-Riding: Decomposing and Explaining the Paradox of Cooperation in International Environmental Agreements

This paper decomposes the canonical model of International Environmental Agreements (Barrett in Oxf Econ Pap 46:878–894, 1994) into three effects: externality, cost-effectiveness and timing. The externality and timing effects are countervailing forces on abatement levels of greenhouse gases. The Paradox of Cooperation in the three-stage Stackelberg game is explained by showing that when the gains to cooperation are small the timing effect dominates the externality effect and large coalitions are stable. The timing effect has the greatest impact when the high benefit nations have low abatement cost. The cost-effectiveness effect arises from asymmetry and generates the need for an agreement with transfers. The cost-effectiveness effect is largest when the high benefit nations are high cost. This creates a larger difference in the marginal abatement cost of the last unit of abatement in the absence of an agreement. Numerical examples illustrate how the parameters and effects interact to result in outcomes ranging from no to full participation.
Open Fetal Surgical Outcomes for Myelomeningocele Closure Stratified by Maternal Body Mass Index in a Large Single-Center Cohort.

BACKGROUND Open maternal-fetal surgery for in utero closure of myelomeningocele (MMC) has become an accepted treatment option for prenatally diagnosed open neural tube defects. Historically, this option has been limited to women with BMI < 35 due to concern for increasing complications in patients with obesity. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate maternal, obstetric, and fetal/neonatal outcomes stratified by maternal BMI classification in women who undergo open maternal-fetal surgery for fetal myelomeningocele (fMMC) closure. METHODS A single-center fMMC closure registry was queried for maternal demographics, preoperative factors, fetal surgery outcomes, delivery outcomes, and neonatal outcomes. Data were stratified based on maternal BMI: <30, 30-34.99, and ≥35-40, corresponding to normal weight/overweight, obesity class I, and obesity class II. Statistical analysis was performed using statistical software SAS v.9.4 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA). RESULTS A total of 264 patients were analyzed, including 196 (74.2%) with BMI <30, 54 (20.5%) with BMI 30-34.99, and 14 (5.3%) with BMI ≥ 35-40. Maternal demographics and preoperative characteristics were similar among the groups. Operative time increased with increasing BMI; otherwise, perioperative outcomes were similar among the groups. Obstetric and neonatal outcomes were similar among the groups. CONCLUSION Increasing maternal BMI did not result in a negative impact on maternal, obstetric, and fetal/neonatal outcomes in a large cohort of patients undergoing open maternal-fetal surgery for fMMC closure. Further study is warranted to determine the generalizability of these results.
Alimentos, el estado y la economía mundial

The growing lilerature on the "internationalization" of agricultural and food systems has paid too little attention to the way in which the state itself not only sponsors this process, but is changed by it. ln most accounts of internationalization, the state (and state system) is taken as a given. This paper attempts to remedy this by offering a sketch of the world historical character of state-economy relations, across different periods of world capitalism. The goal is to stress that currently the transnationalization of the state is a key to the internationalization of agro-industrial food systems. ? Alimentos, el estado y la economia mundial Resumen ?La creciente literatura sobre la "internacionalizacion" de los sistemas agricola y alimentario ha prestado poca atencion a la manera como el Estado, no solo ha sido responsable de dicho proceso, sino que al mismo tiempo, tambien es cambiado por e. En la mayoria de las consideraciones sobre la internacionalizacion, el Estado (y el sistema estatal) se asume tal como este se presenta. Este trabajo analiza el caracter historico mundial de las relaciones Economia-Estado a traves de diferentes periodos del desarrollo capitalista. Su objetivo es resaltar que la actual transnacionalizacion del Estado es una clave de la internacionalizacion de los sistemas alimentarios agroindustriales.
ON THE ORIGIN OF THE MASS-METALLICITY RELATION FOR GAMMA-RAY BURST HOST GALAXIES

We investigate the nature of the mass-metallicity (M-Z) relation for long gamma-ray burst (LGRB) host galaxies. Recent studies suggest that the M-Z relation for local LGRB host galaxies may be systematically offset toward lower metallicities relative to the M-Z relation defined by the general star-forming galaxy (Sloan Digital Sky Survey, SDSS) population. The nature of this offset is consistent with suggestions that low-metallicity environments may be required to produce high-mass progenitors, although the detection of several GRBs in high-mass, high-metallicity galaxies challenges the notion of a strict metallicity cutoff for host galaxies that are capable of producing GRBs. We show that the nature of this reported offset may be explained by a recently proposed anticorrelation between the star formation rate (SFR) and the metallicity of star-forming galaxies. If low-metallicity galaxies produce more stars than their equally massive, high-metallicity counterparts, then transient events that closely trace the SFR in a galaxy would be more likely to be found in these low-metallicity, low-mass galaxies. Therefore, the offset between the GRB and SDSS defined M-Z relations may be the result of the different methods used to select their respective galaxy populations, with GRBs being biased toward low-metallicity, high-SFR, galaxies. We predict that such an offset should not be expected of transient events that do not follow as closely the star formation history of their host galaxies, such as short duration GRBs and Type Ia supernova, but should be evident in core-collapse supernovae found through upcoming untargeted surveys.
Do restaurant managers, consumers, and inspectors have the same understanding of restaurant inspections?

This study compared three groups (consumers, restaurant managers, and inspectors) in their understanding of restaurant inspection violations under different inspection formats. Addition of a coding...
Experience with cultured thymus tissue in 105 children

Background Currently, there are no approved therapies to treat congenital athymia, a condition of immune deficiency resulting in high early mortality due to infection and immune dysregulation. Multiple syndromic conditions, such as complete DiGeorge syndrome, 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, CHARGE (coloboma, heart defects, choanal atresia, growth or mental retardation, genital hypoplasia, and ear anomalies and/or deafness) syndrome, diabetic embryopathy, other genetic variants, and FOXN1 deficiency, are associated with congenital athymia. Objective Our aims were to study 105 patients treated with cultured thymus tissue (CTT), and in this report, to focus on the outcomes of 95 patients with treatment-naive congenital athymia. Methods A total of 10 prospective, single-arm open-label studies with patient enrollment from 1993 to 2020 form the basis of this data set. Patients were tested after administration of CTT for T-cell development; all adverse events and infections were recorded. Results A total of 105 patients were enrolled and received CTT (the full analysis set). Of those patients, 10 had diagnoses other than congenital athymia and/or received prior treatments. Of those 105 patients, 95 patients with treatment-naive congenital athymia were included in the efficacy analysis set (EAS). The Kaplan-Meier estimated survival rates at year 1 and year 2 after administration of CTT in the EAS were 77% (95% CI = 0.670-0.844) and 76% (95% CI = 0.657-0.834), respectively. In all, 21 patients died in the first year before developing naive T cells and 1 died in the second year after receipt of CTT; 3 subsequent deaths were not related to immunodeficiency. A few patients developed alopecia, autoimmune hepatitis, psoriasis, and psoriatic arthritis after year 1. The rates of infections, autologous graft-versus-host-disease manifestations, and autoimmune cytopenias all decreased approximately 1 year after administration of CTT. Conclusion Treatment with CTT led to development of naive T cells with a 1-year survival rate of 77% and a median follow-up time of 7.6 years. Immune reconstitution sufficient to prevent infections and support survival typically develops 6 to12 months after administration of CTT.
Recent Studies on Plant Mitochondria

Publisher Summary One of the major recent advances in cellular architectonics, the spatial and structural organization of reactions and processes, is the elucidation of the role of mitochondria in cell metabolism. Plant cell is not simply a bag of haphazardly arranged enzymes. The cell particulates possess a high degree of structural and functional organization, which is, under certain conditions, very labile. The fundamental processes carried out by the mitochondria appear to be the terminal transfer of electrons, the coupling of energy-trapping mechanisms (phosphorylations) to oxidations, and the Krebs cycle reactions and the numerous ancillary processes that eventually funnel through the cycle. In spite of the remarkable autonomy of the mitochondria, the overall activities of the cell are the result of intimate interactions among the various cellular components. Glycolysis involves the plastids, the soluble fraction, and possibly the nucleus as well as the mitochondria1 enzymes. Certain enzymes involved in the Krebs cycle (e.g., malic dehydrogenase) and in hydrogen transfer (e.g., cytochrome reductase) are not confined entirely to the mitochondria. The mitochondria interact with the nucleus in phosphorylation, with the chloroplasts in photosynthesis, and with the microsomes in protein synthesis. In close relation to the outer cell boundary, the mitochondria may participate actively in the movement of substances into the cell or in the growth of the cell wall.
Review: Kligman, Mark. Maqam and Liturgy: Ritual, Music, and Aesthetics of Syrian Jews in Brooklyn

Reviews Kligman, Mark. 2009. Maqam and Liturgy: Ritual, Music, and Aesthetics of Syrian Jews in Brooklyn. Detroit, MI: Wayne State University Press.
School-based asthma management program in inner-city New Orleans: Outcomes

Abstract Rationale To decrease morbidity among inner-city schoolchildren who have persistent asthma. Methods One hundred six mild to moderate-persistent inner-city asthmatic schoolchildren received asthma education and nurse-case management November 2001-February 2002. Base-line assessment included demographic information, health history, quality-of-life, and asthma knowledge. ER visits, hospitalizations, school absences and parental work absences, unscheduled office visits, and nights awakened due to asthma symptoms were tracked monthly for 5 months. Data analysis performed using SAS compared follow-up outcomes to base-line data. Chi square for categorical data and t-tests for continuous data were performed. Results The mean age in this group was 10 years; 42.4% female, 48.5% male; 30% of mothers had some college education; and 58% of the sample size had insurance. The ratio of steroid to short acting beta agonist improved from 1:4 to 1:2 (50% steroid use, p Conclusions A School-Based Asthma Management Program that utilizes asthma education and nurse case management significantly reduces asthma morbidity in inner-city minority schoolchildren. School environments provide an appropriate setting for evidence-based medical interventions for chronic pediatric disorders.
The Proterozoic Ancestry of the Colorado Mineral Belt: 1.4 Ga Shear Zone System in Central Colorado

A northeast-striking system of subvertical mylonites and ultramylonites, which formed in the Mesoproterozoic, provided a zone of weakness and conduit for the Pale-ocene to Oligocene magmatism and mineralization that are the Phanerozoic expressions of the Colorado Mineral Belt. The mylonites overprinted higher temperature Paleoproterozoic high-strain domains of similar orientation. Here, we distinguish the Phanerozoic Colorado Mineral Belt from a Proterozoic 'Colorado Mineral Belt shear zone system.' In each segment of the shear zone system, Mesoproterozoic mylonite strands, which are meters to tens of meters wide, overprint higher-temperature Paleoproterozoic high-strain domains, which are several kilometers wide. In situ electron microprobe monazite dating of the mylonites and higher temperature high-strain domains, and field studies of relative timing of shearing and pluton emplacement, show two main periods of shearing that each involve ∼100 Ma of deformation. Higher temperature high-strain domains record pulses of deformation that occurred at 1.71-1.69 Ga, 1.67 Ga, 1.65 Ga, and 1.62 Ga. Mylonites record movement at 1.45 Ga synchronous with emplacement of the Mt. Evans pluton, at 1.42 Ga synchronous with emplacement of the Silver Plume pluton, and at 1.38 Ga synchronous with emplacement of the St. Kevin pluton. Post-1.38 Ga movements created ultramylonites. This shear zone system may be analogous to modern-day intracontinental zones of weakness like the Tien Shan of central Asia, which record both original assembly of tectonic blocks and recurrent reactivation during later plate convergence at a distant margin.
The Validity of Self-reported Recent Smoking in Head and Neck Cancer Surgical Patients.

ObjectiveIn cancer patients, cigarette smoking causes poorer response to treatment, treatment toxicity, increased risk of recurrence, higher surgical complication rates, and poorer overall survival. As such a significant determinant of patient prognosis, accurate classification of current smoking status is important. Self-reported smoking status may lead to misclassification if patients conceal their true status. The purpose of this study was to assess the validity of self-reported tobacco use during the previous 48 hours in head and neck cancer patients on the day of surgery.Study DesignCross-sectional.SettingTwo academic medical centers in the southeastern United States.Subjects and MethodsOn the day of surgery, 108 head and neck cancer patients completed a survey asking about tobacco use during the past 48 hours and had semi-quantitative levels of urinary cotinine measured to biochemically validate self-reported recent smoking.ResultsSelf-reported smoking yielded a sensitivity of 60.9% (95% CI, 45.4%-7...
Text editing task difficulty and user access of online and printed information

The authors conducted an experiment to see when computer users are willing to consult online and printed information. The results were not encouraging about users reading either printed or online information: almost without exception, they preferred to solve problems with trial and error. One unexpected result was that more experienced users tended not to refer to the manuals, even in the most difficult of tasks. Thus, one might conjecture that these users may be internally guided learners. Or, perhaps through previous experience, they found more success in experimentation than in referring to manuals. >
Settings and Stray Paths: Writings on Landscapes and Gardens

Introduction 1. Reduction, Elaboration and Yugen: The Garden of Saiho-ji (1989) 2. Traces Upon the Land: The Formalistic Landscape (1979) 3. Inflected Landscapes (1984) 4. The Presence of Absence: Places by Extraction (1987) 5. Formal Problems (1998) 6. Must Landscapes Mean? Approaches to Significance in Recent Landscape Architecture (1995) 7. The Content of Landscape Form [The Limits of Formalism] (2001) 8. Evocative Parallels: Japan and Postwar American Landscape Design (2002) 9. The Measure of Wisdom: John Brinckerhoff Jackson (1996) 10. Looking Forward to Nature: Garretty Eckbo, an Appreciation (2000) 11. Postulating a Post-Modern Landscape (1985) 12. Settings and Stray Paths (1998) Afterword
Elucidating low-frequency vibrational dynamics in calcite and water with time-resolved third-harmonic generation spectroscopy

Low-frequency vibrations are foundational for material properties including thermal conductivity and chemical reactivity. To resolve the intrinsic molecular conformational dynamics in condensed phase, we implement time-resolved third-harmonic generation (TRTHG) spectroscopy to unravel collective skeletal motions in calcite, water, and aqueous salt solution in situ. The lifetime of three Raman-active modes in polycrystalline calcite at 155, 282 and 703 cm−1 is found to be ca. 1.6 ps, 1.3 ps and 250 fs, respectively. The lifetime difference is due to crystallographic defects and anharmonic effects. By incorporating a home-built wire-guided liquid jet, we apply TRTHG to investigate pure water and ZnCl2 aqueous solution, revealing ultrafast dynamics of water intermolecular stretching and librational bands below 500 cm−1 and a characteristic 280 cm−1 vibrational mode in the ZnCl4(H2O)22− complex. TRTHG proves to be a compact and versatile technique that directly uses the 800 nm fundamental laser pulse output to capture ultrafast low-frequency vibrational motion snapshots in condensed-phase materials including the omnipresent water, which provides the important time dimension to spectral characterization of molecular structure–function relationships.
Atlas of Surgical Exposures of the Upper and Lower Extremities.

Raoul Tubiana, Alain C. Masquelet, and Christopher J. McCullough, editors. With illustrations by Leon Dorn. London: Martin Dunitz; 2000. 388 pages. $199.95. Although portions of this book were originally published in 1990 as An Atlas of Surgical Exposures of the Upper Extremity and in 1993 as An Atlas of Surgical Exposures of the Lower Extremity, the current volume combines …
Revision of Proteriades Subgenus Acrosmia Michener (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae)

The five known species of Proteriades (Acrosmia) are discussed, distributional ranges are corrected with new records listed, and a key to the included species is provided. Three new species are described: P. paiute, P. orthognathus, and P. emarginatus, P. rufinus (Michener) is removed from Acrosmia and placed in synonymy with P. (Hoplitina) linsdalei Michener.
Myelin basic protein serum factor (MBP-SF) in adult lewis rats: A method for detection and evidence that MBP-SF influences the appearance of antibody to MBP in animals developing experimental allergic encephalomyelitis

Abstract MBP-SF, a prominent serum factor in suckling Lewis rats, that additively inhibits the binding of125I-labeled and unlabeled MBP to syngeneic Lewis rat anti-MBP, has now been found in low but significant amounts in adult Lewis rats using a new and more sensitive radioimmunoassay procedure. The serum factor appears to delay the time of appearance of free circulating anti-MBP antibody in immunized rats by at least a day, but the disappearance curve of MBP-SF is immediately joined by the antibody time-response curve, both elements appearing to be mutually antagonistic. The generation of significant amounts of anti-MBP antibody appears to begin on the 8th day after immunization even though free antibody does not become measurable until the 9th day. From the nature of the timing of events leading to EAE, in which the 9th day is also critical, it is therefore conceivable that MBP-SF may function as the proposed endogenous autoneurotolerogen of Orgad and Cohen and that its efficient removal by anti-MBPat least a day before anti-MBP actually becomes detectable sets the stage for the subsequent cellular immune reactions that signal EAE.
Types of bleeding seen during the first 30 months of life in children with severe haemophilia A and B.

In view of excellent preservation of joint structure and function in Swedish patients started on primary prophylaxis at 1-2 years of age, it has recently been recommended that primary prophylaxis be considered optimal management for U.S. children with severe haemophilia (< 1% FVIII or FIX). In order to determine the age at which joint bleeding began, we reviewed (49) patients with severe haemophilia who were seen at our haemophilia centre for all bleeding episodes from birth on. Eight of the 49 children were first treated during the first few days of life for bleeding related to circumcision (6), spontaneous splenic rupture (1) or soft tissue haematoma (1). None had intracranial haemorrhage (ICH) in the immediate neonatal period. Other bleeding episodes for which children were treated during the first 30 months of life included soft tissue haematoma (42 episodes), tongue and mouth bleeding (37 episodes), ICH (four children) or for surgery (five children). Joint bleeding occurred in 16/49 children with severe haemophilia. Four of the 16 had haemophilia B, while 13 had haemophilia A. A single episode of severe joint bleeding occurred in each of the five patients before 12 months of age. Eight patients had 12 episodes of joint bleeding between 12 and 18 months of age and three patients accounted for 15 episodes between 18 and 24 months of age. Three children had a total of four joint haemorrhages between 25 and 30 months, and 33/49 children did not have any joint bleeding before 30 months of age. It is noteworthy that two children had recurrent bleeding into the same joint. One with haemophilia A had recurrent bleeding into the knees (at 14, 18, 20, 21 months), while one with haemophilia B had recurrent bleeding into one ankle starting at age 16 months. It would thus seem appropriate to begin primary prophylaxis in children with severe haemophilia once joint bleeding has begun (one or two episodes), rather than at a standard age.
Southern Cool Carbon Stars Found on Near‐Infrared Objective Prism Plates

A large set of deep, near‐IR, objective‐prism plates taken along the southern Galactic plane was searched for cool supergiants and carbon stars. Accurate coordinates and charts for 759 carbon stars in two Galactic longitude sectors within 75 of the plane, 248°<l<288° and 320°<l<341°, are given, including 289 stars not previously published. Many of the new and known stars are found in the IRAS, DENIS, and 2MASS point‐source catalogs. The 2MASS colors and the longitude distribution of cool carbon stars are discussed briefly.
Recent Improvements in Beam Diagnostic Instrumentation

In high-current machines, such as LAMPF and the envisioned Hanford Engineering Development Laboratory (HEDL) Fusion Materials Irradiation Test (FMIT) Facility linac, hands-on maintenance is desired. Beam spill must be kept extremely low; therefore, attention must be given to beam fringes (tails). Beam matching to the structure becomes increasingly important. We describe equipment capable of accurately measuring transverse beam profiles over a range spanning more than four orders of magnitude and longitudinal phase profiles over ranges spanning more than three orders of magnitude. Errors in 100-MeV transverse emittance measurements are explored and experimental emittance measurements made with three different methods are compared. Advantages of one nondestructive method are developed.
A study of protein profiles in two strains of HeLa cells including membrane preparations. Lack of prednisolone effects.

Steroid-mediated induction of alkaline phosphatase in HeLa cells could not be ascribed to detectable qualitative or quantitative changes in cell proteins separable by disc gel electrophoresis. Similarly, neither qualitative nor quantitative differences in membrane proteins were observed after HeLa cell strains with either inducible or suppressible alkaline phosphatases were exposed to prednisolone. However, differences in protein profiles of the two cell strains were present.
Interference control, working memory capacity, and cognitive abilities: A latent variable analysis

Abstract The present study examined whether various indices of interference control were related to one another and to other cognitive abilities. It was found that the interference control measures were weakly correlated and could form a single factor that was related to overall memory performance on the tasks as well as to measures of working memory capacity and fluid and crystallized intelligence. Furthermore, it was found that both working memory capacity and memory performance mediated the relation between interference control and intelligence and both accounted for variance in intelligence over and above that accounted for by interference control. These results suggest that interference control is an important cognitive construct that is related to other cognitive abilities. These results have implications for a number of areas that rely on the notion of interference control as an explanatory construct.
Theoretical D0 for NH(X 3Σ

Abstract A value of 3.37 ± 0.03 eV is recommended for the D 0 of the X 3 Σ − state of NH. The value of 3.34 eV computed directly from CAS SCF/MRSD CI calculations in a [5s4p3d2flg/4s3p2d] contracted Gaussian basis has been corrected for basis set incompleteness based on analogous calculations on CH and OH where D 0 is accurately known. Equivalent full CI calculations on the ground states of CH, NH and OH in a [4s3p2d/2slp] basis provide strong support for the 0.03 eV extrapolation of the D 0 for NH.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HBA1C AND CORONARY FLOW RESERVE IN PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS: A REAL-TIME MYOCARDIAL CONTRAST ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY STUDY

We examined the relationship between glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and coronary flow reserve (CFR) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) pts using real-time myocardial contrast echocardiography (RTMCE). We prospectively enrolled 24 pts (16 male; 66±12 yrs, DM duration 8±6 yrs, 42% smokers, 83% HTN,
Effects of Freeze‐Thaw Abuse on the Viscosity and Gel‐Forming Properties of Surimi from Two Species

The effects of cyclic freezing and thawing upon the quality of frozen surimi of two species were studied with respect to sol viscosity, sol rigidity changes during thermal processing and structural failure properties of the cooked gel. A torsion test, used to determine the strength of gels subjected to different thermal histories, revealed that increasing the number of freeze-thaw cycles reduced the strength and deformability of both sand trout and Alaska pollack surimis. Continuous monitoring of sol rigidity during thermal processing showed little changes in thermal transition temperatures caused by freeze-thaw abuse for either surimi but shifts occurred in overall rigidity levels. Particularly dramatic changes were induced in the Alaska pollack rigidity thermogram. The rigidity thermograms of sand trout and Alaska pollack were significantly different, as were their responses to freeze-thaw abuse and low temperature (4°C and 40°C) pretreatments.
Solid acid characteristics and isobutane/butene alkylation

Abstract Catalytic behavior during gas-phase, batch alkylation experiments employing isobutane and 1-butene at 80 °C was studied for Beta zeolites with SiO 2 /Al 2 O 3 (SAR) ratios of 25 (25BEA) and 75 (75BEA), ZSM-5 and sulfated zirconia (SZ). The observed alkylation performance was compared to the low-temperature hydride transfer (HT) activity of the studied catalysts and with their acidity, adsorption capacity and surface area measurements. For all materials studied, a correlation was observed between the measured HT activity and the amount of trimethylpentane (TMP) produced per acid site. The 25BEA catalyst produced the highest amount of trimethylpentane (TMP) and also had the most elevated HT activity. ZSM-5 was found to be inactive for both HT and alkylation, and although SZ had moderate alkylation activity, it also had a higher cracking activity than other materials. Modification by water vapor exposure of 25BEA and SZ did not create any noticeable change in Bronsted acidity, but a dramatic decrease in TMP production was detected on the modified catalysts and explained by competitive adsorption between water and isobutane. The apparent butene conversion correlated well with the total catalyst surface area rather than with the total amount of acid sites. In all the catalysts studied a much stronger interaction with butene than with isobutane was observed, suggesting that competitive adsorption between the two reactants limits isobutane access to the active sites, resulting in limited hydride transfer.
Age-related structural and metabolic changes in the pelvic reproductive end organs.

In this work, we provide preliminary data and a review of the literature regarding normal structural and functional changes that occur in the aging uterus, ovary, testicle, and prostate gland. It is expected that such knowledge will help physicians to distinguish physiologic changes from pathologic changes at an early stage. We retrospectively reviewed pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of 131 female and 79 male subjects ages 13 to 86 years to determine changes in volume of the uterus, ovary, and prostate gland with age. Scrotal ultrasound examinations of 150 male subjects ages 0 to 96 years also were analyzed retrospectively to determine changes in testicular volume with age. In addition, 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography ( 18 F-FDG-PET) scans of 145 male subjects ages 11 to 90 years were analyzed retrospectively to assess for changes in maximum standardized uptake value (SUV max ) of the testicles with age. The uterus had a mean volume of 38.55 ± 3.68 cm 3 at 17 to 19 years of age, increased to a peak volume of 71.76 ± 19.81 cm 3 between 35 to 40 years, and then declined to 24.02 ± 8.11 cm 3 by the eighth decade of life. The maximal ovarian volume per subject maintained a relatively stable size in early life, measuring 9.46 ± 3.25 cm 3 during the second decade of life, 8.46 ± 3.32 cm 3 in the mid-fourth decade of life, and 7.46 ± 3.33 cm 3 at 45 years of age, after which it declined to 4.44 ± 2.02 cm 3 by the late fifth decade of life. The ovaries were not identifiable on MRI in subjects beyond the sixth decade of life. The volume of the prostate increased from 23.45 ± 6.20 cm 3 during the second decade of life to 47.5 ± 41.59 cm 3 by the late eighth decade of life; the central gland of the prostate increased from 9.96 ± 3.99 cm 3 to 29.49 ± 28.88 cm 3 during the same age range. Mean testicular volume was 11.2 ± 5.9 cm 3 . Testicular volume increased with age from birth to 25 years. After age 25, there was a significant decline in the testicular volume. The mean SUV max for the testicles was 1.9 ± 0.5. Testicular metabolic activity demonstrated an increasing trend until the age of 35 years. A plateau in SUV max was observed after the age of 35 years until the age of 65 years. A slight decrease in SUV max was observed after the age of 65 years. The pelvic structures of men and women change both structurally and functionally over the lifespan, and such changes can be quantified using ultrasound, MRI, and 18 F-FDG-PET.
Cerebrospinal fluid cyanide after nitroprusside infusion in man

Sodium nitroprusside (SNP) is frequently used as an hypotensive agent for clipping of intracranial aneurysms, repair of arteriovenous malformations and resection of vascular tumours. Cyanide (CN), which is its main metabolic product, has been recovered from the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of the rat after intravenous administration of CN, but recovery of CN from CSF after SNP has not been reported in man. Seven consenting adults were studied. Adequate premedication was provided with pentobarbitone 2 mg x kg-1 and atropine 0.4 mg one hour before operation. Anaesthesia was induced with thiopentone 8 mg x kg-1 and maintained with nitrous oxide 60 per cent with oxygen and supplemental fentanyl 0.05 mg and pancuronium 0.5-1 mg as needed. Lumbar subarachnoid, radial artery, central venous, and Foley urinary catheters were inserted. Arterial carbon dioxide tension (PaCO2) was maintained between 4.6-5.32 kPa (35-40 torr) with an Air Shields ventilator. Red cell, plasma and CSF cyanide were measured using a digital ionanalyzer before and at 30 minutes interval after infusing SNP at a rate sufficient to maintain the blood pressure at two thirds of the pre-operative level. Average total dose of SNP was 0.51 mg x kg-1. CN concentration in the red blood cells increased from 9.5 +/- 2.05 to 75.12 +/- 17.12. Plasma CN increased from 0.54 +/- 0.05 to 1.09 +/- 0.14 micrograms per cent. CSF CN increased from 0.11 +/- 0.04 to 0.72 +/- 0.07 micrograms per cent. Significant increase in red cell, plasma and CSF CN occurred five minutes after the start of SNP and returned to the preoperative level 19 hours later. Conclusion CN crosses the blood-brain barrier. Large doses of SNP in patients with neurovascular brain disorders warrants caution because cytotoxic cerebral oedema and CN encephalopathy have been described in rats after intravenous injection of sodium cyanide or exposure to hydrogen cyanide.
Swimming performance of the gadoid fish Antimora rostrata at 2400 meters

Abstract A 27-cm Antimora rostrata photographed from a submersible at 2400 m swam at a speed of 39.2cms−1. Swimming power was calculated as 3.6×105 ergs−1, nearly the same as that of a rainbow trout of similar size.
Desert riparian areas: Landscape perceptions and attitudes

The perceptions and attitudes of residents and special interest groups along the Upper Gila River in the vicinity of the town of Safford, Arizona, USA, were studied with a primary focus on descriptions of the riparian landscape and attitudes towards planning and management in and around the riparian area. Special interest groups included farmers, resource managers, realtors, and local decision makers. Attention was directed to differences between resource managers and other groups. Findings from this study are compared with those from a previous study along the Upper San Pedro River. Notable differences between the two areas included perceptions of appropriate land uses, with a greater emphasis on agriculture and related activities in the Upper Gila River area and on wildlife and natural area preservation in the Upper San Pedro area. Relationships of perceptions and attitudes with the socioeconomic contexts of the two study areas are explored.
Microprocessor-based near real-time bedside blood chemistry monitor.

A microprocessor-based instrument which integrates the function of a volumetric infusion pump with a blood chemistry analyzer has been developed. Presently, the instrument is capable of measuring Na+, K+, Ca++ and pH within approximately 40 sec at a frequency of up to every 2 min. The system is set up as an intravenous (IV) infusion pump with the addition of an array of disposable sensors placed at the distal end of the IV set. An isotonic IV solution is used to keep the site patent while also serving as a calibrant for the sensors. The instrument first calibrates the sesors, then withdraws approximately 0.6ml of blood to come in contact with the sensors. Within approximately 15 sec, it displays the results, flushes the blood back into the patient and resumes normal infusion. There is no blood loss to the patient and no need to handle blood. The system was first validated with known aqueous controls and then used on-line in a variety of animal studies where dynamic fluctuation of electrolytes and pH occurred. Excellent correlation was found with off-line samples tested on conventional STAT analyzers. Some preliminary patient data is also presented.
Design of the helix-turn-helix motif : nonlocal effects of quaternary structure in DNA recognition investigated by laser Raman spectroscopy

The operator-binding domain of phage lambda repressor provides a model for DNA recognition by the helix-turn-helix (HTH) motif. In the wild-type protein, dimerization is mediated by hydrophobic packing (of the dyad-related helix 5), which serves as an indirect determinant of operator affinity. The mutant repressor, Tyr88----Cys, forms an intersubunit disulfide linkage and exhibits enhancement of both structural stability and operator affinity. Yet the dimer-specific operator affinity of the mutant is 10-fold weaker than that of the wild-type (noncovalent) dimer, suggesting nonlocal effects of the intersubunit disulfide bond on HTH recognition (Sauer et al., 1986). To explore such nonlocal effects, we describe laser Raman studies of the Cys88 mutant repressor and its interaction with operator sites OL1 and OR3. The following results have been obtained: (i) Wild-type and mutant dimers exhibit similar secondary structures, indicated by quantitative comparison of Raman amide I and amide III bands. (ii) The engineered disulfide of the mutant lacks rigorous symmetry; we observe mainly the gauche/gauche/trans CC-S-S-CC rotamer. (iii) Remarkably, distinctive local and nonlocal differences are observed in the mechanisms of DNA recognition by wild-type and mutant repressors. These differences involve specific hydrogen-bonding interactions between the protein and DNA, including guanine N7 sites in the major groove of DNA, and alterations in DNA phosphodiester conformation induced by protein binding. We analyze these differences in relation to crystal structures of the wild-type dimer with and without bound DNA.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
On Centered and Weakly Centered Operators

Abstract We show that if C is a contraction of spectral radius 1 then T is polynomially bounded if and only if the same is true of T ⊗ C . As a corollary, we obtain that every invertible, centered, polynomially bounded operator is similar to a contraction. We also prove a structure theorem for weakly centered operators that satisfy a hypothesis of a technical nature.
A note on complex oscillation theory

For a broad class of equations of the form, w + A(z)w = 0, where A(z) is an entire function, we obtain precise estimates on the frequency of zeros of the solutions. The class treated contains many equations where A(z) is periodic, and, in particular, we obtain information on the frequency of zeros of solutions of various forms of Hill's equation.
Water vacuum suction curettage (WVSC) for late first trimester abortions.

Abstract Water vacuum suction curettage (WVSC) has been shown to be an effective method for elective abortions to 10 weeks' gestation. Application of this modality of suction for late first trimester gestations (10 to 12 weeks), however, remains conjectural, thus providing the basis for the present study. Sixty patients from 10 to 12 weeks' gestation underwent WVSC following cervical dilatation and the use of standard uterine catheters. The results confirm the extended use of this method of suction curettage for late first trimester abortions, thereby giving an extra dimension of safety to its use.
Numerical study of forced convection near a surface covered with hair

Abstract This article reports the results of a numerical study of heat transfer to the air permeating through hair strands covering a flat surface. First, the surface is modeled as isothermal, and second the surface is assumed covered with uniform heat flux. For both models, the nivestigation develops dimensionless charts for calculating the overall heat transfer rate through a flat surface of finite size. The heat transfer rate is the sum of the direct heat transfer from the surface to air flow and the heat conducted away by the hair strands. In each model, the overall Nusselt number emerges as a function of four dimensionless groups. When the surface is sufficiently long, the constant flux-surface Nusselt number is up to 20% greater than the Nusselt number of the corresponding isothermal surface.
Olfactory and Thermal Influences on Ultrasonic Vocalization During Development in Rodents

Ultrasounds are emitted by developing rodents, and changes with age in several parameters of vocalization have been reported for numerous myomorphs. In this paper I integrate with ultrasonic vocalization several behaviors which change during development. Included are studies controlling stimulation by olfactory, thermal, and tactile cues as well as detailed studies of specific responses such as movement, suckling, grooming, and huddling. Development is analyzed in well-known species, such as the rat ( Rattus norvegicus ), and in less familiar species, especially the pine vole ( Microtus pinetorum ). Lacking the capacity for physiological thermoregulation, altricial rodent pups with their mother use several behavioral strategies which facilitate thermoregulation. Inside the nest, pups adjust the temperature by changing their huddling. The mother regulates the length of suckling bouts according to her body temperature. When a pup is removed from the warm nest, vocalizations of the pup can increase the likelihood of retrieval by the mother and thereby indirectly facilitate thermoregulation. In several species which have been studied, vocalization rates are highest when pups begin to move into and out of nests and exhibit olfactory-directed movement. As olfactory preferences become established and movement is coordinated, a decline in vocalization appears in rat, mouse, hamster, spiny mouse, and pine vole. In the gerbil, however, the decline precedes competence in olfactory-directed movement. In the presence of home shavings, young rats emit low rates of vocalization, while pine vole young emit calls at a high rate. This contrast may relate to the intensive attachment of young pine voles to the mother in early life.
Withholding and withdrawing dialysis: The role of physician specialty and education and patient functional status

c Withholding and withdrawing dialysis are subjects of major concern to nephrologists, because both result in a significant number of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patient deaths. The medical literature on withholding dialysis is extremely limited, and that on withdrawing dialysis consists mainly of retrospective studies from the 1980s. The present study was conducted to identify ways to improve dialysis decision making by providing a current understanding of how decisions to withhold or withdraw dialysis are being made and by examining whether some patients who might benefit from dialysis are not being referred. In 1995, 22 of 27 (82%) nephrologists practicing in West Virginia agreed to participate in a year-long prospective study in which they completed forms on each patient from whom they withheld or withdrew dialysis. Seventy-six of a random sample of 214 (36%) primary care physicians returned questionnaires describing their practice experience in 1995 with patients with advanced chronic renal failure. The nephrologists withdrew dialysis from 60 of 822 (7%) patients. Academic nephrologists who had received education in the ethics and law of stopping dialysis withdrew it from a greater percentage of patients than those in private practice (12% v 6%; P 5 0.009). Patients who were withdrawn more often resided in nursing homes (37% v 2%; P F 0.0001). Twenty-one patients (37%) lacked decision-making capacity at the time the decision was made to withdraw dialysis. Advance directives were available for 13 of the 21 (62%) patients: eight of the 10 treated by academic nephrologists and five of the 11 treated by private practice nephrologists. Academic nephrologists found advance directives to be helpful in decision making to withdraw dialysis of incapacitated patients more often than nephrologists in private practice (70% v 9%; P 5 0.004). Nephrologists withheld dialysis from 25 of 357 (7%) ESRD patients compared with 42 of 193 (22%) withheld by primary care physicians (P F 0.001). In deciding not to refer a patient for a dialysis evaluation, 25% of primary care physicians did not consult a nephrologist; 60% cited age as a reason not to refer. These findings suggest that dialysis decision making might be improved by educating nephrologists about the ethics and law of withdrawing dialysis and about how to implement successfully advance care planning so that advance directives will be present and helpful when decisions need to be made for incapacitated dialysis patients. Education of primary care physicians about when to refer patients with chronic renal failure for a dialysis evaluation might also result in more referrals for patients who will benefit from dialysis. r 1998 by the National Kidney Foundation, Inc.
Can somatosensory evoked potentials predict outcome from coma

Long-term somatosensory evoked potential (SEP) recordings for a period of 2 1/2 years are reported for a patient rendered comatose from hypoxic encephalopathy. Findings are compared with previously published reports on poor outcome associated with bilaterally absent cortical responses. In the present case, the patient was admitted with poor neurological status but has preserved cortical responses bilaterally throughout his course until his final recovery and return to previous employment. Somatosensory cortical responses when bilaterally absent are universally associated with poor outcome; however, when persistently present they can indicate hope of recovery despite poor clinical status on admission.
Investigation of Chemical Modification of Peptide Amine Groups for Compatibility with Fluorescent Labeling and Capillary Electrophoresis

Abstract Two means for chemical modification of amine groups are investigated as to their compatibility with capillary electrophoresis (CE) and fluorescent derivatization of polypeptides. The chemical modification reagents, which are currently under examination for protein modification and subsequent peptide mapping, are selected such that there is minimal impact (permanent modification of amine groups with little or no effect on pKa, relative size, solubility, etc.) or no impact (clean removal of the reagent after fluorescent derivatization) on the subsequent electrophoretic behavior of the fluorescently labeled peptide. Capillary electrophoresis conditions that permit the separation of the three possible amine modification products of the model peptide studied, performic acid oxidized insulin B-chain (two primary amine groups), are demonstrated. The distribution of formed products can thus be probed by CE. To assess the characteristics of the modification strategies the conjugation reaction between fluo...
Impairment of hepatic microsomal drug metabolism in the rat during daily disulfiram administration

Abstract Male rats were given 0.1 or 0.4 g/kg of disulfiram (DS) daily by gavage for up to 12 days, in order to study the effects of chronic DS administration on hepatic microsoma] drug metabolism. Administration of 0.4 g/kg of DS resulted in significant impairment of aniline (ANL) hydroxylase after 1 day. but 2 days of DS treatment were required for significant inhibition of ethylmorphine (EtM) metabolism and depression of cytochrome P-450 levels. At this time, maximum impairment of ANL and EtM metabolism and maximum reduction of cytochrome P-450 levels were seen. Continued administration of DS for 10 additional days produced no further change in these parameters. ANL hydroxylase was also significantly reduced in treated animals throughout a 12-day period during which 0.1 g/kg of DS was given. EtM N-demethylase activity and cytochrome P-450 levels were also reduced in animals so treated, but not until DS had been given for at least 5 days. However, by the end of the 12-day experimental period. EtM metabolism and cytochrome P-450 levels had returned almost to control levels and only ANL hydroxylase was significantly different from control activity. Daily DS administration (0.4 g/kg produced small but significant increases in microsomal cytochrome b5 levels and in NADPH-cytochrome c reductase activity, whereas NADPH oxidase and NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase activities were significantly lower in treated rats. In addition to these effects in vivo, DS competitively inhibited EtM N-demethylase in vitro and bound to cytochrome P-450, producing a type I difference spectrum, thus providing additional mechanisms to account for impairment in vivo of drug metabolism by DS.
Stochastic Dynamics of Thin Liquid Films

It has been suggested that stochastic thermal fluctuations directly affect the dynamics and stability of thin liquid films. We investigate this by comparing atomistic simulations of spreading drops with predictions from stochastically forced lubrication equations. Initially the drops spread according to Tanner’s law, l ∼ t1/7 , but then accelerate as predicted for cases where fluctuating thermal stresses govern the process.Copyright © 2007 by ASME