cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
α1-Antitrypsin (PI) Subtyping

α 1 AT is the major regulator of protease activity in humans. Genetic heterogeneity is determined at the PI locus with at least 32 codominant alleles. Many variants are associated with reduced α 1 AT serum levels and most arc-infrequent, although PI*S, PI*Z, PI*F and PI*I are relatively common. The distribution of PI M subtypes from Adelaide blood donors was determined by a high resolution isoelectric focusing technique. Allele frequencies were: PI*M1 = 0.65, PI*M2 = 0.14, PI*M3 = 0.13, PI*S = 0.061, PI*Z . = 0.016 and PI* I = 0.002. Agreement with Hardy-Weinberg expectations was close and the distribution of variants among 32 families was consistent with Mendelian inheritance. The proportion of heterozygotes was 53% which more than trebles the heterozygosity without subtyping and is comparable with a recent estimate from U.S. whites. PI now represents a valuable genetic marker for research in human population genetics and gene mapping, as well as routine paternity and zygosity testing. The clinical importance of α 1 AT relates primarily to severe deficiency associated with the PLZ phenotype. α 1 AT deficiency predisposes to adult emphysema, childhood cirrhosis and biliary atresia while some investigations implicate mildly deficient phenotypes in the aetiology of chromosomal non-disjunction. Abnormalities including mosaicism, trisomy 21, 45,X, 47,XXX, 47,XXY, 47,XYY and 48,XXXY were investigated without any evidence in support of the proposed association.
Mild Head Injury and Stroke

Five children, ages 1 to 6 years (4 female, 1 male), who suffered acute hemiparesis due to ischemic stroke and striatocapsular infarction within a few minutes to 6 hours following a mild head injury are reported from the Institute of Child Health and Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK.
Experimental characterization of tip leakage flow trajectories in a multistage compressor

Fast-response pressure measurements collected in a three-stage axial compressor highlight the development of the rotor tip leakage flow. Data collected from an array of high-frequency-response pressure transducers measure time-resolved static pressure over the rotors at several loading conditions for three tip clearance heights. The influence of surrounding vane rows on the rotor tip leakage flow is investigated by adjusting the position of the vanes with respect to fixed sensor positions. One key result is that the wake from the upstream vane creates a modulation of the leakage flow. However, the upstream propagating potential field from the downstream vane row has no measureable impact on the leakage flow trajectory. In some cases, variations of the leakage flow trajectory angle due to these blade row interactions are greater than the differences due to a doubling of the rotor tip clearance height, an important finding not previously reported in the literature. Differences of the leakage flow trajectory...
Fragrance material review on linalyl acetate.

A toxicologic and dermatologic review of linalyl acetate when used as a fragrance ingredient is presented.
Landmarks and landmines in the early history of radiopharmaceuticals

This is the second article in a six-part series on new radiopharmaceuticals. Upon completion of this article, the nuclear medicine technologist will be able to identify many of the radiopharmaceuticals that were useful for imaging between 1960 and 1980 and discuss some of the highlights and disappointments that occurred in the field of radiopharmaceutical chemistry during this period.
Behavior of Listeria monocytogenes in the Presence of Streptococcus lactis in a Medium with Internal pH Control.

Growth of Listeria monocytogenes strains V7, Scott A, and California (initial inoculum 103/ml) at 21 or 30°C in the presence of Streptococcus Iactis (initial inoculum 0.25 or 1.0%) was determined using a medium with internal pH control (IPCM-1). The pH of the uninoculated medium (control) was 7.0 before and after incubation. Populations of L. monocytogenes in IPCM-1 without S. lactis after 30 h at 21°C were ca. 107/ml for strains V7 and Scott A and ca. 106/ml for strain California, and at 30°C they were ca. 108/ml for all three strains. When data were plotted, areas of graphs between curves representing controls and treatments were calculated to quantitate the extent of inhibition of L. monocytogenes caused by S. lactis . Each such area is called the "area of inhibition" (AI). Growth of the pathogen was inhibited by S. lactis ; the degree was dependent on temperature and concentration of lactic culture and, in some instances, strain of Listeria . Greatest inhibition of each strain occurred with the largest inoculum of S. lactis and at the highest temperature. No significant difference (p>0.05) in AI or pH among the three strains was observed at 21°C. At 30°C, strain California was inhibited significantly more (p 0.05) in pH was found at this temperature regardless of concentration of S. lactis or strain of Listeria . IPCM-1 inoculated with a lactic starter culture is ready for use at pH 5.5 after 15-18 h of incubation. Inhibition of Listeria was not complete at this pH under any of the experimental conditions. Substantial numbers of L. monocytogenes (103-105 CFU/ml) were present when this medium was ready for use to produce cultured dairy foods.
Quantitative and regiocontrolled cross-photocycloaddition of the anticancer drug 5-fluorouracil achieved in a cocrystal

We describe a [2+2] cross-photocycloaddition of the anticancer drug 5-fluorouracil in the solid state that proceeds regioselectively and in quantitative yield. The photocycloaddition occurs in a cocrystal with trans-2,2′-bis(pyridyl)ethylene.
Dynamics of Proton Transfer to Internal Water during the Photosynthetic Oxygen-Evolving Cycle

In photosynthesis, the light-driven oxidation of water is a sustainable process, which converts solar to chemical energy and produces protons and oxygen. To enable biomimetic strategies, the mechanism of photosynthetic oxygen evolution must be elucidated. Here, we provide information concerning a critical step in the oxygen-evolving, or S-state, cycle. During this S3-to-S0 transition, oxygen is produced, and substrate water binds to the manganese–calcium catalytic site. Our spectroscopic and H218O labeling experiments show that this S3-to-S0 step is associated with the protonation of an internal water cluster in a hydrogen-bonding network, which contains calcium. When compared to the protonated water cluster, formed during a preceding step, the S1-to-S2 transition, the S3-to-S0 hydronium ion is likely to be coordinated by additional water molecules. This evidence shows that internal water and the hydrogen bonding network act as a transient proton acceptor at multiple points in the oxygen-evolving cycle.
Quantifying solvation energies at solid/liquid interfaces using continuum solvation methods

To investigate the degree that efficient computational methods can be used for modelling adsorbates at solid/liquid interfaces, we have benchmarked gas phase and solvated energetics for H, O and OH...
Effects of handling intensity and live weight on blood acid-base status in finishing pigs

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of live weight on the plasma acid-base response of pigs subjected to various handling intensities. Eighty pigs (equal numbers of barrows and gilts) were used in a completely randomized block design with a 2 x 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of the following treatments: 1) live weight (light [104 kg] vs. heavy [128 kg]), 2) handling intensity (low vs. high), and 3) gender (barrows vs. gilts). Before the handling test, pigs were weighed, venous blood samples were taken to establish baseline levels, and rectal temperature was measured. Pigs were allowed to rest for 2 h before being subjected to the handling treatments, which consisted of moving the pigs through a course (12.2 m long x 0.91 m wide), for a total of eight laps. Animals on the high-intensity treatment were moved rapidly through the course and subjected to a total of 16 single shocks (two shocks per lap) with an electric livestock goad, whereas pigs on the low-intensity treatment were moved at their own pace using a moving panel and a paddle. Rectal temperature and a venous blood sample were taken immediately after handling and at 2 h after handling. Blood plasma was assayed for pH, partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2), partial pressure of oxygen (PO2), saturated oxygen (SO2), total carbon dioxide (TCO2), bicarbonate (HCO3), base excess, and lactate. Live weight had no effect on the baseline measurements. After handling, light pigs had higher (P < 0.05) blood SO2 (65.6 vs. 57.2+/-2.80%) and showed a greater (P < 0.05) increase in PO2 from baseline to post-handling than heavy pigs (15.6 vs. 8.3+/-2.63 mmHg). Post-handling, pigs on the high- compared with the low-intensity handling treatment had greater (P < 0.001) lactate (19.1 vs. 4.9+/-0.56 mmol/L) and PO2 (51.6 vs. 36.5+/-2.44 mmHg) with lower (P < 0.001) TCO2 (18.6 vs. 34.7+/-0.64 mmol/L), pH (7.02 vs. 7.36+/-0.015), HCO3 (16.7 vs. 33.0+/-0.62 mmol/L), and base excess (-14.2 vs. 7.5+/-0.75) values. There were no effects of gender on blood measurements or rectal temperatures. Results from this study highlight a major effect of pig handling intensity, a limited effect of live weight, and no effect of gender on blood acid-base responses to handling.
Dynamics of Fractal Cluster Gels with Embedded Active Colloids.

We find that embedded active colloids increase the ensemble-averaged mean squared displacement of particles in otherwise passively fluctuating fractal cluster gels. The enhancement in dynamics occurs by a mechanism in which the active colloids contribute to the average dynamics both directly through their own active motion and indirectly through their excitation of neighboring passive colloids in the fractal network. Fractal cluster gels are synthesized by addition of magnesium chloride to an initially stable suspension of $1.0\text{ }\text{ }\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{m}$ polystyrene colloids in which a dilute concentration of platinum coated Janus colloids has been dispersed. The Janus colloids are thereby incorporated into the fractal network. We measure the ensemble-averaged mean squared displacement of all colloids in the gel before and after the addition of hydrogen peroxide, a fuel that drives diffusiophoretic motion of the Janus particles. The gel mean squared displacement increases by up to a factor of 3 for an active to passive particle ratio of $1\ensuremath{\mathbin:}20$ and inputted active energy---defined based on the hydrogen peroxide's effect on colloid swim speed and run length---that is up to 9.5 times thermal energy, on a per particle basis. We model the enhancement in gel particle dynamics as the sum of a direct contribution from the displacement of the Janus particles themselves and an indirect contribution from the strain field that the active colloids induce in the surrounding passive particles.
Homotopy Theory of DGAs

The chapter begins by introducing the notion of a homotopy of DGA maps. Then, an obstruction theory lifting maps and homotopies over a Hirsch extension is established. This obstruction theory is used to show that homotopy is an equivalence relation on maps from a given minimal DGA to another given DGA. From this, one establishes that any two minimal models for a given DGA are isomorphic by an isomorphism making the relevant diagram commute up to homotopy. Also, one shows that a map between minimal DGAs inducing an isomorphism on cohomology is an isomorphism.
Renal NUT carcinoma: A case report

Nuclear protein in testis (NUT)-midline carcinomas were first described more than two decades ago with characteristic reciprocal translocations involving BRD4 on chromosomes 15 and NUTM1 on chromosome 19 (1). Over the years, these tumors have been reported in non-midline locations as well as outside of the upper aerodigestive tract and mediastinum. We recently encountered a renal NUT carcinoma (NC) diagnosed next generation sequencing (NGS) that is reported here. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Parametric estimation of dispersive viscoelastic layered media with application to structural health monitoring

We present a sequential Bayesian estimation method to estimate the material parameters that govern the one-dimensional propagation of shear waves through continuous, layered, viscoelastic solids. While the proposed estimation method is generic, namely, can be applied to waveform inversion problems that satisfy the above conditions, we here employ it for system identification of building structures. We approximate the linear-elastic response of building structures subjected to low-amplitude earthquake base excitations by a multilayer dispersive shear beam model with Kelvin-Voigt material subjected to vertically propagating shear waves. Utilizing the proposed sequential Bayesian estimation method, we sequentially update the probability distribution function of the unknown parameters to reduce the discrepancies between the estimated and measured frequency response functions. We next verify and validate the performance of the proposed estimation method and investigate the limitations of the presented structural system identification approach using two case studies. In the first case study, we use the simulated structural response of a three-dimensional 52-story building model subjected to bi-directional low-amplitude ground shakings. We estimate the frequency-dependent phase velocity and damping ratio, as well as the mass distribution along the building height. Then, we verify the structural damage detection and localization capabilities of the presented system identification approach by comparing the wave model parameters estimated from simulated response of undamaged and damaged structural models. In the second case study, we use data measured from a shake table experiment on a full-scale five-story reinforced concrete building specimen, where the estimated wave model parameters capture the progressive structural damage in the test specimen. The validation studies suggest that the sequential Bayesian estimation method based on viscoelastic dispersive wave propagation can be used for system and damage identification of building structures.
Prevalence of Hyperintense White Matter Lesions in Very-Low-Pressure Hypobaric Physiology Technicians (P06.203)

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate increased prevalence of subcortical hyperintense white matter (HWM) lesions in hypobaric physiology technicians. BACKGROUND: Repetitive exposure to very high altitudes leads to persistent HWM signal change on Fluid Attenuated Inversion Recovery (FLAIR) MRI and impacts cognition in U-2 pilots. Hypobaric physiology technicians are also routinely exposed to very-low-pressure conditions, and we postulated that they would demonstrate similar MRI abnormalities. DESIGN/METHODS: We compared 36 physiology technicians with at least 50 exposures to altitudes above 20,000ft to 67 age-matched, healthy, active duty Air Force officers without history of neurologic disease. 3D FLAIR MRI high-resolution (isotropic 800μm) data acquired on a 3T Siemens scanner was analyzed for HWM lesions. Quantitative measurement of HWM lesions was performed as previously described. Data was analyzed using the non-parametric Mann-Whitney test. We considered a p≤0.05 significant and 0.10≥p>0.05 as suggesting a trend towards significance. RESULTS: All participants underwent MRI. Data compared between hypobaric physiology technicians and Air Force officers, respectively: HWM subcortical volume (0.179cc±0.576; 0.040cc±0.044; p=0.073); HWM subcortical count (8.19±14.31; 3.30±4.28; p=0.045), total FLAIR volume (0.377cc±0.592; 0.592cc±0.142; p=0.378), and total ependymal volume (0.199cc±0.089; 0.215cc±0.111; p=0.614). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate a trend towards increased volume and number of subcortical HWM lesions in physiology technicians occupationally exposed to extremely high altitudes, similar to that observed in U-2 pilots. Based on lesion distribution, we postulate an underlying inflammatory vs. enhanced thrombotic process, possibly secondary to venous nitrogen bubble formation, rather than direct gas bubble occlusion of an arterial vessel. Further investigation of mechanism of injury and extent of cognitive effects of such lesions is warranted. Future directions of this project include analysis of overlying cortical thickness, fractional anisotropy of white matter tracts, spectroscopy analysis, and serological biomarker assay. Supported by: Grants from the National Institutes of Health and the United States Air Force. Disclosure: Dr. Ford has nothing to disclose. Dr. Sladky has nothing to disclose. Dr. Sherman has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kochunov has nothing to disclose. Dr. McGuire has nothing to disclose.
Using spatial games to model dynamic evolutionary systems

Modelling the dynamics of evolutionary competing species on a physical grid is a challenging modelling problem. This paper presents a novel modelling approach for synthesizing evolutionary dynamics...
The Immunopharmacology of Immunotherapy: an Update*

The successes and failures of immunotherapy have made desirable and necessary the development of an immunopharmacology – a science of therapeutic immunoregulation. As a contribution to its development, it is essential through in vitro studies to define cellular targets of drug action, to analyze dose-response characteristics as they relate to specific immune functions, and to probe mechanisms of actions. The actions of biologicals such as the thymic hormones, interferons, and lymphokines, and of pharmacologic agents such as levamisole, isoprinosine, NPT 15392, azimexone, and muramyl dipeptide on cellular functions such as differentiation, proliferation, secretion, activation, and motility, are discussed. Aspects of their mechanisms of action as they relate to cyclic nucleotide messenger systems are briefly reviewed. The principles of their application in vivo as they relate to the type of agent, host characteristics, immune response variables, and the nature of the challenge in a particular disease are developed in an interactive equation. The ultimate predictive capactiy of such a science, once developed, is stressed.
Katrina and the Waves: Congress’ Role in the Failure to Prevent the Flooding of New Orleans

Congress’ role in the failure to prevent the flooding of New Orleans is addressed through the framework of reelection-driven incumbents developed by Mayhew (1974). The unique relationship between Congress and the Army Corps of Engineers is a primary focus. Destruction and protection of Louisiana wetlands are extensively addressed, as is the slow progress of the Lake Pontchartrain and Vicinity Hurricane Protection Project and other flood protection efforts from 1965 to 2005. The author concludes that there is strong evidence that Congress did play a significant role in the failure to prevent the flooding of New Orleans, and that it is plausible to attribute much of this failure to the Congressional desire for re-election and the behavior this desire promotes.
Prescription by Any Other Name: Legislative Prescription and Contractual Limitations, Is There Really a Difference?

Prescription in Louisiana has always been a difficult subject to tackle. Louisiana statutes that regulate prescription are necessary to assist in the running of an efficient judicial system. However, when a person contracts to a different prescription limitation than what is set by law, the courts are confused as to whether Louisiana liberative prescription law applies to those contracted limitations. Taranto v. Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance settles the conflicting decisions of the Louisiana appellate courts and holds that contractual limitations and liberative prescription are one and the same, and thus are subject to suspension and interruption. This note focuses on the primary issue of whether contractual limitations and legislative prescription are one and the same. The author compares and contrasts legislative prescription and contractual limitations, while analyzing prior Louisiana court of appeal decisions on these issues. Furthermore, this note will also highlight the policy reasons why contractual limitations were not, at one point, subject to the rules of liberative prescription.
Naive Bayes and Decision Trees for Function Tagging.

This paper describes the use of two machine learning techniques, naive Bayes and decision trees, to address the task of assigning function tags to nodes in a syntactic parse tree. Function tags are extra functional information, such as logical subject or predicate, that can be added to certain nodes in syntactic parse trees. We model the function tags assignment problem as a classification problem. Each function tag is regarded as a class and the task is to find what class/tag a given node in a parse tree belongs to from a set of predefined classes/tags. The paper offers the first systematic comparison of the two techniques, naive Bayes and decision trees, for the task of function tags assignment. The comparison is based on a standardized data set.
Torsion Classes of Lattice-Ordered Groups with Invariant Radicals

In this paper, the natural valuation of an l-group is used to construct all torsion classes with invariant radicals. This method also produces all quasitorsion classes with invariant radicals.
Ecology and mining industry development in high-mountain areas (the Inner Tien Shan)

The genesis and transformation in time of risks in the areas of high altitude tailings storage facilities with respect to changing climate are considered. Based on the example of the Kumtor mine in the center of the Tien Shan at a height of 3600-4300 m, three groups of risk factors were allocated concerning a large, ecologically hazardous facility - the tailings dam containing cyanide waste. For one of the factors, calculations of an accidental dam burst were made using the Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) method. It was concluded that the construction of large-scaled and geoenvironmentally hazardous facilities in less researched high-mountain areas has to be be drawn upon detailed and permanent monitoring of the facility itself and its environment. It is crucial to be prepared for operational adjustment of projects and an immediate rehabilitation of constructed facilities.
Use of nalbuphine as a substitute for butorphanol in combination with dexmedetomidine and tiletamine/zolazepam: a randomized non-inferiority trial.

ObjectivesThe goal of this study was to determine whether a drug combination using nalbuphine with dexmedetomidine and tiletamine/zolazepam is non-inferior to one that uses butorphanol.MethodsAll h...
Effect of branched-Chain Amino Acid Supplementation on Muscle Soreness following Exercise: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract. Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is a symptom of exercise-induced muscle damage that occurs following exercise. Previous research has indicated that branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) s...
Convergent Validity of the Self-Determination Inventory: Student Report

This study examined the convergent validity of scores on the Self-Determination Inventory: Student Report, a newly developed assessment of self-determination aligned with Causal Agency Theory with related assessments associated with hope theory (Children’s Hope Scale; CHS), self-determination theory (Perceived Choice and Awareness of Self Scale; PCASS, formerly the Self-Determination Scale), and action-control theory (Control and Means-End Interview; CAMI) in adolescents with and without disabilities of varying race/ethnicities. Measurement invariance was established across the groups, but differences in the patterns of correlations across disability and racial/ethnic groups were found. Generally, as hypothesized, the relationships between the assessments were moderate to high, except for the perceived choice subscale of the PCASS. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.
Biochemical characterization of RNA-guided ribonuclease activities for CRISPR-Cas9 systems

Abstract The majority of bacteria and archaea rely on CRISPR-Cas systems for RNA-guided, adaptive immunity against mobile genetic elements. The Cas9 family of type II CRISPR-associated DNA endonucleases generates programmable double strand breaks in the CRISPR-complementary DNA targets flanked by the PAM motif. Nowadays, CRISPR-Cas9 provides a set of powerful tools for precise genome manipulation in eukaryotes and prokaryotes. Recently, a few Cas9 orthologs have been reported to possess intrinsic CRISPR-guided, sequence-specific ribonuclease activities. These discoveries fundamentally expanded the targeting capability of CRISPR-Cas9 systems, and promise to provide new CRISPR tools to manipulate specific cellular RNA transcripts. Here we present a detailed method for the biochemical characterization of Cas9′s RNA-targeting potential.
Correlates of current caregiving among siblings of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Background As individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) grow older, siblings are likely to become caregivers for their brothers and sisters with IDD. Thus, it is important to identify the correlates of sibling caregiving to facilitate transitions to caregiving roles. Method This study involved the secondary analysis of a national data set of 429 adult siblings of individuals with IDD. Results Current sibling caregiving was positively correlated with sibling relationship quality, sibling advocacy and future planning, maladaptive behaviours of individuals with IDD, and family size. Current sibling caregiving was negatively correlated with parent caregiving abilities and functional abilities of individuals with IDD. Further, among siblings who provided care, the level and nature of sibling caregiving were negatively correlated with parent caregiving abilities. Conclusions The results identify the correlates of current caregiving among siblings of individuals with IDD. More research is needed to understand current sibling caregiving.
Three things every CS educator should know about their students' future careers in software development

Computer science education is fundamentally about transitioning students from novices to experts. As students learn new hard and soft skills, and master them, they grow more confident in their abilities and interactions with others. We are pleased to see them become big fish in a small pond. But, when college graduates enter the software engineering workforce, just how well do they fare? In this talk, I'll show you three surprising challenges that we saw newly graduated Computer Science students overcome as they began careers in software development at Microsoft. With the adoption of some innovative pedagogical approaches in Computer Science education already being taught in universities around the world, I think we can ease the transition and better prepare students for positions in the software industry.
Divergent effects of Western and Mediterranean diets on behavior and monocyte polarization.

Monocytes and macrophages, important mediators of innate immunity, health, and disease, are sensitive to diet and stress. Western diets promote inflammation and disease, while Mediterranean diets reduce inflammation and promote health, although the mechanisms through which diet alters immune function are unknown. Here, we conducted the first randomized, long-term diet trial in which macaques were fed either a Western- or Mediterranean-like diet to determine how diet and behavior interact to influence monocyte polarization, a precursor to subsequent health outcomes. Monocyte gene expression profiles differed markedly between the two diets, with over 40% of expressed genes being differentially expressed (FDR
Cultivar effects on CA/MA requirements of fruits and vegetables

Abstract The optimum CA and MA storage regimes, which result in maximum storage periods for most fruits and vegetables are well established, but comparison of genotype (cultivar) effects on these regimes is largely unknown for most products. Typically, commercial conditions are established with atmospheres that encompass wide “safety” limits for O2 and CO2 that maximize benefits without incurring risk of anaerobic conditions. The product has to fit the technology, rather than the other way around, and cultivars of any product that do not perform are not stored under CA/MA conditions. The important exception to this rule are apples, and to a lesser extent pears, because the number of cultivars is so large and the need to maximize storage periods over many months to market the fruit is so critical. The application of new technologies such as DCA, which push the boundaries of lower O2 limits, is ongoing. While most information about the underlying physiological and biochemical principles underlying the responses of cultivars to CA/MA storage conditions is focused on apple, extension of such investigations across a broader range of products is needed. Also, greater emphasis by plant breeder to select cultivars with desirable responses to CA/MA earlier in the selection process is needed.
Positive Airway Pressure for the Treatment of OSA in Infants.

Background Positive airway pressure (PAP) is a standard therapy for the treatment of OSA in children, but objective data on the effectiveness of PAP in infants are sparse. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of PAP in infants younger than 6 months of age with that in school-aged children. Research Question Compared with PAP in school-aged children, can PAP be titrated as successfully in infants, and is adherence to PAP similar in both age groups? Study Design and Methods Single-center retrospective study. For consecutive infants younger than 6 months of age and school-aged children 5 to 10 years of age with OSA treated with PAP, baseline and titration polysomnography data, PAP adherence data, and parent-reported barriers to adherence were compared between groups. Results Forty-one infants and 109 school-aged children were included. Median obstructive apnea hypopnea index (OAHI) in infants was 25.7/h (interquartile range [IQR], 17.8-35.9/h) and was greater than that in school-aged children (12.1/hr; IQR, 7.6-21.5/h; P Interpretation Objective data demonstrate that PAP is both highly effective at treating OSA and well-tolerated in infants. Like older patients, PAP should be considered along with other therapies for the treatment of OSA in even the youngest children.
Evolution of primordial Kuiper belt binaries through a giant planet instability

The non-resonant Kuiper belt objects (KBOs) between the 3:2 and 2:1 Neptunian mean motion resonances can be largely divided between a cold classical belt (CCB) and a hot classical belt (HCB). A notable difference between these two subpopulations is the prevalence of widely spaced, equal-mass binaries in the CCB and a much smaller but non-zero number in the HCB. The primary reason for this difference in binary rate remains unclear. Here using N-body simulations we examine whether close encounters with the giant planets during an early outer solar system instability may have disrupted primordial Kuiper Belt binaries that existed within the primordial Kuiper belt before they attained HCB orbits. We find that such encounters are very effective at disrupting binaries down to separations of ~1% of their Hill radius (as measured in the modern Kuiper belt), potentially explaining the paucity of widely spaced, equal mass binaries in the modern HCB. Moreover, we find that the widest binaries observed in the modern HCB are quite unlikely to survive planetary encounters, but these same planetary encounters can widen a small subset of tighter binaries to give rise to the small population of very wide binaries seen in today's HCB.
Direct Injection Systems for Spark-Ignition and Compression-Ignition Engines

The topics covered in this book include direct ignition systems for spark ignition engines (direct injection as an element of the mixture formation concept, the physical possibilities of direct injection methods, the Mitsubishi method, the Common Rail method, the ZWICKAU Pressure Pulse system, the IFP method and the Orbital method) and direct injection systems for compression ignition engines (injection rate modulation, injection systems with speed dependent injection rate, injection systems with accumulated fuel high-pressure (Common Rail), injection systems with speed dependent pressure wave and variable flow passage, injection systems with speed dependent modulation of the pressure wave - the diesel pressure pulse system, and injection systems for alternative fuels (liquid gases)).
Computer education in developing countries: the Sudan case

In Africa the heady optimism of the independence years has given way to mounting international concern as the development process has faltered. In the education sector, despite the impressive achievements that have been made in educational systems in some African countries, the present situation provides little grounds for complacency. Symptoms of decline are evident throughout the continent. In many ways Sudan exemplifies the problems facing the continent. In recent years this nation has suffered from environmental disasters such as drought and desertification leading to famine in some parts of the country, political instability and its ramifications, and a civil war that has been going on for more than a decade. We address the impact of information technology, in particular computers, on the educational system in the Sudan. An attempt is made to analyze the situation and critical issues are discussed. We feel that these issues are common to a majority of the African countries.
NephroTalk: Communication Tools to Enhance Patient-Centered Care

Nephrologists frequently must discuss serious news with patients, especially those with advanced comorbidities. These discussions include giving bad news, addressing prognosis, and assisting with treatment decision making. Few data exist about how nephrologists approach these difficult conversations. This article presents a framework for engaging in these discussions using a case example, and provides tools for assisting with treatment decision making for initiating or forgoing dialysis. Communication skills presented include Ask-Tell-Ask for discussing serious news, the N-U-R-S-E acronym for recognizing and responding to emotion; tools for naming uncertainty when addressing prognosis; and using big picture questions to elicit patient care preferences for treatment decision making. This article provides nephrologists with the framework and skills to better engage in patient-centered decision making.
Modification of the Transfer Function of Proline Transfer Ribonucleic Acid Synthetase by Temperature

Abstract Although denaturation by heat is known to affect various catalytic activities of enzymes differentially, among the few known examples of cold inactivation of enzymes the loss in activity has apparently concerned a gross change in each case. We describe in this paper an inactivation of the proline transfer RNA synthetase of Escherichia coli that occurs only after purification and involves only the transfer of amino acid to tRNA; the ability of the enzyme to catalyze the exchange of pyrophosphate with ATP and the pyrophosphorolysis of prolyl adenylate is not impaired by storage of the enzyme in the cold.
Integrating path computation and precomputation for quality-of-service provisioning

QoS provisioning involves reserving resources along a suitable path through the network for the entire lifetime of a connection. To assess the suitability of the possible paths, their QoS metrics which indicate the available resources, should be computed. The QoS metrics can be computed on-demand after the arrival of a QoS connection request or precomputed. On-demand path computation is superior to path precomputation in that suitable paths may be determined using most up to date network state. However, the delay incurred in determining a suitable path on demand may be unacceptable. Path precomputation overcomes the drawback of long delay of on-demand path computation. In addition, path precomputation may be preferred over on-demand path computation for scalability issues, when the number of expected QoS connection requests is very large. Typically, path precomputation needs to be performed frequently, for different routing problems, and from each source node to every possible destination node, which causes excessive consumption of resources. The overheads associated with typical on-demand and path precomputation techniques become unacceptable when routing inter-domain connections, and hence these techniques have been used almost exclusively in the context of intra-domain connections. The present paper describes an effective QoS provisioning technique which integrates path computation and precomputation intelligently in order to exploit the advantages offered by both these approaches. A novel reverse path precomputation technique which reduces the overheads associated with the precomputation process is also described. The presented QoS provisioning technique is suitable for provisioning both intra-domain and inter-domain connections.
Savages and Beasts: The Birth of the Modern Zoo Nigel Rothfels

(2003). Savages and Beasts: The Birth of the Modern Zoo Nigel Rothfels. Anthrozoos: Vol. 16, No. 3, pp. 290-294.
Performance of multitone and multicarrier DS-SS in the presence of imperfect phase synchronization

It is well known that accurate synchronization is more critical in multicarrier systems than in single carrier systems (Molisch (2001)). If all local receiver (and/or transmitter) subcarrier frequencies are generated from a common source, as is desirable in implementations, any frequency/phase inaccuracies can affect both individual subcarrier performance, and more seriously, introduce inter-subcarrier interference. Hence, study of non-ideal synchronization effects is well motivated We provide new analytical and computer simulation results for the performance of multitone (MT) and multicarrier (MC) direct-sequence spread spectrum (DS-SS) signaling in the presence of imperfect synchronization, manifested as phase noise. We investigate performance in phase noise as the number of subcarriers and the per-subcarrier processing gain vary, for a fixed data rate and fixed bandwidth. Long spreading codes are used, and we assume coherent detection with MPSK modulation. Comparisons between simulations and analysis show excellent agreement (Matolak (2001)). We provide comparative results for the three systems-conventional single-carrier DS-SS, and the MC and MT systems-in order to establish a relative ranking of these approaches in the presence of imperfect synchronization, and show that the SC and MC systems are the most robust to this impairment.
Evaluation of Ozone Control Strategies in the Northeastern Region of the United States

Abstract The transport of ozone and precursor pollutants over hundreds of kilometers has an important impact on air quality in the Northeastern U. S. Of particular concern is the relatively close proximity of several major urban areas, joined with the influence of large rural fuel combustion sources. This paper reviews initial applications of a regional scale model to assess the effect of selected control strategies for reducing ozone concentrations in the Northeast region, and especially in the urban corridor. Generally it is found that reducing emissions of volatile organic compounds is an effective control measure. The need for further joint controls of volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides is addressed.
Reaction of hydroquinone with hematite; II. Calculated electron-transfer rates and comparison to the reductive dissolution rate.

Abstract The rate of reaction of hematite with quinones and the quinone moieties of larger molecules may be an important factor in limiting the rate of reductive dissolution of hematite, especially by iron-reducing bacteria. It is possible that the rate of reductive dissolution of hematite in the presence of excess hydroquinone at pH 2.5 may be limited by the electron-transfer rate. Here, a reductive dissolution rate was measured and compared to electron-transfer rates calculated using Marcus theory. An experimental rate constant was measured at 9.5×10−6 s−1 and the reaction order with respect to the hematite concentration was found to be 1.1. Both the dissolution rate and the reaction order of hematite concentration compare well with previous measurements. Of the Marcus theory calculations, the inner-sphere part of the reorganization energy and the electronic coupling matrix element for hydroquinone self-exchange electron transfer are calculated using ab initio methods. The second order self-exchange rate constant was calculated to be 1.3×107 M−1 s−1, which compares well with experimental measurements. Using previously published data calculated for hexaquairon(III)/(II), the calculated electron-transfer rate for the cross reaction with hydroquinone also compares well to experimental measurements. A hypothetical reductive dissolution rate is calculated using the first-order electron-transfer rate constant and the concentration of total adsorbed quinone. Three different models of the hematite surface are used as well as multiple estimates for the reduction potential, the surface charge, and the adsorption density of hydroquinone. No calculated dissolution rate is less than five orders of magnitude faster than the experimentally measured one.
An openness theorem for harmonic $2$-forms on $4$-manifolds

Let $M$ be a closed, oriented $4$-manifold with $b^{\pm}_{2} \gt 0$. In this paper we show that the space of transverse intrinsically harmonic $2$-forms in a fixed cohomology class is open in the space of closed $2$-forms, subject to a condition which arises from cohomological considerations of a singular differential ideal.
A Suitcase Full of Vaseline, or Travels in the 1970s Gay World

A p h o t o o f A s o f t s i d e d s u i t c A s e , unzipped to reveal that it has been packed with nothing but small tubes of Vaseline, illustrated a summer 1969 feature article on travel tips for gay men in a new lifestyle magazine (fig. 1). The image appeared without a caption, suggesting the self-evidence of the visual joke that sex rather than sightseeing would be the activity on holiday. The writer advised: “It’s a wise gay guy who takes a supply of antibiotics along for sudden viruses and other ‘diseases of the throat.’” Also on the list of things to pack: “douche, needle and thread, scissors, Vaseline, K-Y, Vaseline, K-Y, Vaseline, etc.” Written prior to but published contemporaneously with the pivotal Stonewall riots, this article suggests a gay male readership hip to the innuendo of the image and the implications of the repetition on the packing checklist. but as an advice feature, it also suggested that there was still much for readers to learn about the gay lifestyle and about navigating the world of same-sex action. This travel article appeared in Queen’s Quarterly (soon to be renamed QQ), a glossy gay men’s magazine that debuted in the spring of 1969 and continued publication for a decade. QQ explored the concept of a gay lifestyle, scripting a way of life for gay men that might be seen as both homogenizing and reflecting the range of interests and issues that such a lifestyle might entail. With the cover slogan, “For Gay Guys Who Have No Hangups,” the magazine’s articles spanned sex advice, health, hygiene and grooming, food, fashion, travel, and fiction. What was largely missing from its coverage were explicit claims toward political activism or news in
Survival of "pre-viable" infants in the United States.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated temporal trend in survival of pre-viable (200–499 g) fetuses over the previous decade, and estimated future survival rates based on previous and current survival thresholds. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: This was a retrospective cohort study on live-born pre-viable fetuses (200–499 g) in the United States comparing two period cohorts; 1985–1988 versus 1995–1999. We computed survival of pre-viable babies (who were still alive at 24 hours) during the two periods, and based on these results, we estimated future survival rates for the coming decades. MAIN OUTCOMES: Survival beyond the neonatal period. RESULTS: About 35 million live births were analyzed for the two periods. In the first period (1985–1988), 927 live births among pre-viable fetuses were recorded, while in the second period (1995–1999) 2585 were counted, equivalent to a birth rate of 60.6 and 131.9 per million live births respectively. This corresponds to an increase of more than 100% across the decade (p for trend, <0.0001). Survival improved by about 50% across the period, from 12.0% to 17.4% (p < 0.0001). Based on these results, the survival rate among pre-viable fetuses will be expected to rise to about 24.0% within the next 6 years (2010). CONCLUSIONS: Survival among pre-viable fetuses is increasing in the United States. This raises ethical, legal and medical issues concerning the defined viability status of these babies, which is currently described as “non-viable”.
How Much Basic Science Should Be Taught? The Discussion Continues

Dear Dr. Alvares: I read with horror Dr. Zoller’s Perspectives article, “Deconstruction of the Curriculum: A Modest Proposal,” in the December 2005 issue (J Dent Educ 2005;69[12]:1305-6). What this kind of curriculum cutback in the basic sciences will produce is a “dentist” who will not
Self-stabilization by local checking and correction

The first self-stabilizing end-to-end communication protocol and the most efficient known self-stabilizing network reset protocol are introduced. A simple method of local checking and correction, by which distributed protocols can be made self-stabilizing without the use of unbounded counters, is used. The self-stabilization model distinguishes between catastrophic faults that abstract arbitrary corruption of global state, and other restricted kinds of anticipated faults. It is assumed that after the execution starts there are no further catastrophic faults, but the anticipated faults may continue to occur. >
Radiation induced conductivity in liquefied rare gases

Abstract Theory of electron thermalization, at various levels of sophistication, has been applied to calculate thermalization time and width of thermalization distance distribution with special reference to LAr. The different approaches give the thermalization time ∼ 1 ns. However the thermalization distance parameter (b-value), using cross-sections according to the Cohen-Lekner theory, calculates in the range 845–1142 nm which is a factor ∼ 3.6 – 4.8 larger than that inferred from free-ion yield measurements. The difference can be attributed to the effect of the coulombic field of the geminate (+ve) ion. The implication is that the mean free path for both momentum and energy transfer in the presence of the Coulombic field is the same and that it lies in the range 4 – 6 A.
The benzodiazepine controversy: therapeutic effects versus dependence, withdrawal, and toxicity.

Benzodiazepines have been used in the United States for more than three decades as treatment for anxiety, panic, and disturbed sleep. l e 2 Nonpsychiatric physicians commonly prescribe them for brief periods as part of acute medical treatments; psychiatrists administer them more often on a prolonged or even chronic basis. Although benzodiazepines are members of the sedativehypnotic class of psychotropic drugs, they are among the safest medications known; they have virtually no lethal potential when taken alone, and few meaningful interactions when taken together with other drugs. Compared with previously available sedativehypnotic agents, they represent a major pharmacological advance in the treatment of anxiety.3 As with the barbiturates and with meprobamate before them, controversy has swirled around the use of benzodiazepines since their introduction, and it shows no sign of abating.'g The controversy is focused on three concerns: the potential for abuse, especially as a consequence of therapeutic use; the advisability of long-term use, in light of dependence and withdrapal symptoms; and side effects, particularly cognitive impairment. Conflicting opinions regarding these concerns (summarized in Table 1) leave patients and clinicians bewildered when they must decide whether a benzodiazepine is appropriate for therapeutic purposes.