cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Obstruction of the Small Intestine Due to Retractile Mesenteritis

Summary A case of retractile mesenteritis in an 8-year-old girl is reported. This disease is characterized by recurrent attacks of abdominal pain and a palpable abdominal mass. Radiological examination is distinctive with changes in the appearance of the small bowel secondary to retraction of diseased mesentery. Retractile mesenteritis should be borne in mind as an unusual cause of intestinal obstruction which can occur at any age.
Mineral dust aerosol size distribution change during atmospheric transport

[1] Airborne mineral dust can impact visibility, climate, biogeochemical processes, and possibly human health. The magnitude of the impact of dust depends on particle size. We measured the size distributions of airborne mineral dust over the Canary Islands during July 1995 and Puerto Rico during July 2000. Dust size distributions do not appear lognormal. Stokes gravitational settling overestimates losses of large dust particles during atmospheric transport from North Africa over the tropical North Atlantic and Caribbean. Normalized mineral dust size distributions of particles smaller than 7.3 μm over the Canary Islands and Puerto Rico were indistinguishable, indicating these particles were not preferentially removed during atmospheric transport. However, mineral dust aerosols larger than 7.3 μm were preferentially removed during atmospheric transport. Larger particles were more efficiently removed. A simple empirical model setting the vertical velocity of dust particles equal to the Stokes gravitational settling velocity minus an upward velocity of ∼0.33 cm s−1 accurately predicts changes in dust size distribution during atmospheric transport. Thus it appears some atmospheric process(es) partially counteracts gravitational settling.
Intuitive identification of infant vocal sounds by parents

Parents are remarkably accurate observers of their infants’‘canonical babbling’, the production of well-formed syllables. With very little training, many parents across a wide range of socioeconomic status make flawless judgments of canonical stage onset. The results of concordance studies between parental and trained-observer judgments support the idea that recognition of canonical babbling may be intuitive. Without instruction, parents identify the onset of canonical babbling when it occurs, and thereafter they begin to interpret sounds produced by children in ways that may encourage word learning. The fact that parents can provide accurate information about stage of vocal development, along with the fact that late onset of canonical babbling has been shown to be an extremely important indicator of risk for hearing loss and language-related disabilities, suggests the possibility of using a brief interview to identify infants at risk.
Possible Modification To Existing Spectral Photoelastic Techniques

The technique for photoelastic stress measurement described by Redner et al. has proven to be a viable alternative to traditional techniques. The modification discussed here can be implemented with little additional cost or effort and provides much more detailed information about the spectrum of the transmitted light than is available at present.
Oscillatory behaviors and hierarchical assembly of contractile structures in intercalating cells

Fluctuations in the size of the apical cell surface have been associated with apical constriction and tissue invagination. However, it is currently not known if apical oscillatory behaviors are a unique property of constricting cells or if they constitute a universal feature of the force balance between cells in multicellular tissues. Here, we set out to determine whether oscillatory cell behaviors occur in parallel with cell intercalation during the morphogenetic process of axis elongation in the Drosophila embryo. We applied multi-color, time-lapse imaging of living embryos and SIESTA, an integrated tool for automated and semi-automated cell segmentation, tracking, and analysis of image sequences. Using SIESTA, we identified cycles of contraction and expansion of the apical surface in intercalating cells and characterized them at the molecular, cellular, and tissue scales. We demonstrate that apical oscillations are anisotropic, and this anisotropy depends on the presence of intact cell–cell junctions and spatial cues provided by the anterior–posterior patterning system. Oscillatory cell behaviors during axis elongation are associated with the hierarchical assembly and disassembly of contractile actomyosin structures at the medial cortex of the cell, with actin localization preceding myosin II and with the localization of both proteins preceding changes in cell shape. We discuss models to explain how the architecture of cytoskeletal networks regulates their contractile behavior and the mechanisms that give rise to oscillatory cell behaviors in intercalating cells.
Gait characteristics in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Sixteen control subjects and 15 subjects with type 2 diabetes were examined to compare gait characteristics during walking in a linear path and in turns of 0.33 and 0.66 m diameter. Subjects were excluded if there was diminished sensation in the feet or impairment of strength in the legs. This was done to isolate the effect of diabetes gait independent of loss of sensation. Gait was assessed through contact sensors on the foot, video, and two axis accelerometers mounted bilaterally on the head, shoulders, hips, knees and ankles. The results of these experiments showed that subjects with diabetes walked significantly slower (P<0.05) than control subjects and with a wider stance (P<0.01), both for walking in a linear path (velocity of subjects with diabetes was 62.2% that of controls and stance was 134.9% wider than controls) and when making turns (velocity 50.6% of controls and stance 120.1% wider than that of controls). Accelerometry showed increased flexion/extension and lateral movement of the major joints in subjects with diabetes during both walking in a linear path and turns compared to control subjects. Part of the increased movement at the joints in the subjects with diabetes was due to tremor in both the 8 Hz and 16 Hz bands. These findings suggest that at least some of the increased joint movement during walking in people with diabetes is likely neurological in origin and not related to muscle weakness or loss of sensation in the feet.
Fragmentation of Singly, Doubly, and Triply Charged Hydrogen Deficient Peptide Radical Cations in Infrared Multiphoton Dissociation and Electron Induced Dissociation

Gas phase fragmentation of hydrogen deficient peptide radical cations continues to be an active area of research. While collision induced dissociation (CID) of singly charged species is widely examined, dissociation channels of singly and multiply charged radical cations in infrared multiphoton dissociation (IRMPD) and electron induced dissociation (EID) have not been, so far, investigated. Here, we report on the gas phase dissociation of singly, doubly and triply charged hydrogen deficient peptide radicals, [M + nH](n+1)+· (n = 0, 1, 2), in MS3 IRMPD and EID and compare the observed fragmentation pathways to those obtained in MS3 CID. Backbone fragmentation in MS3 IRMPD and EID was highly dependent on the charge state of the radical precursor ions, whereas amino acid side chain cleavages were largely independent of the charge state selected for fragmentation. Cleavages at aromatic amino acids, either through side chain loss or backbone fragmentation, were significantly enhanced over other dissociation channels. For singly charged species, the MS3 IRMPD and EID spectra were mainly governed by radical-driven dissociation. Fragmentation of doubly and triply charged radical cations proceeded through both radical- and charge-driven processes, resulting in the formation of a wide range of backbone product ions including, a-, b-, c-, y-, x-, and z-type. While similarities existed between MS3 CID, IRMPD, and EID of the same species, several backbone product ions and side chain losses were unique for each activation method. Furthermore, dominant dissociation pathways in each spectrum were dependent on ion activation method, amino acid composition, and charge state selected for fragmentation.
Does senescence give rise to disease

The distinctions between senescence and disease are blurred in the literature of evolutionary biology, biodemography, biogerontology and medicine. Theories of senescence that have emerged over the past several decades are based on the concepts that organisms are a byproduct of imperfect structural designs built with imperfect materials and maintained by imperfect processes. Senescence is a complex mixture of processes rather than a monolithic process. Senescence and disease have overlapping biological consequences. Senescence gives rise to disease, but disease does not give rise to senescence. Current data indicate that treatment of disease can delay the age of death but there are no convincing data that these interventions alter senescence. An understanding of these basic tenets suggests that there are biological limits to duration of life and the life expectancy of populations and reveal biological domains where the development of interventions and/or treatments may modulate senescence.
A comparative study of the effect of carnosine on myofibrillar-ATPase activity of vertebrate and invertebrate muscle

Abstract 1. 1. Carnosine and anserine activate rabbit skeletal muscle myofibrillar-ATPase activity. 2. 2. The total carnosine plus anserine found varies from species to species but is of the order of 20 μmoles per gram of tissue or greater. 3. 3. Invertebrate muscle, however, contains little or no carnosine or anserine. 4. 4. The effects of carnosine on the ATPase activity of myofibrils from rabbit and chicken skeletal muscle and from the muscle of eartworm, lobster and clam were compared. 5. 5. Carnosine had no activiating effect on the ATPase activity of the invertebrate systems in contrast to a two-fold activation of rabbit and chicken skeletal muscle myofibrillar-ATPase activity. 6. 6. The results indicate that carnosine activiation of myofibrillar-ATPase activity may be limited to myorfibrils from muscles that normally contain carnosine and/or anserine as major constituents.
Conversion of alcohol to ethyl esters of fatty acids by the lactating goat.

FRESHLY secreted milk contains a lipogenic principle that will incorporate fatty acids into the ester lipids of the milk1. While investigating this principle with the aid of palmitic-l-14C acid and thin-layer chromatographic analysis of the resulting labelled lipids, we noted a prominent spot on autoradiograms between the solvent front and the position of the triglycerides (Fig. 1). The position of this unknown substance was very close (following) to that of the cholesterol esters. It occurred to us that this spot might result from ethyl palmitate-l-14C, since the labelled compound was dissolved in ethanol (usually 250 µl.) to facilitate dispersion in the milk. Further investigation confirmed this contention. The radioactive unknown substance exhibited RF values similar to authentic ethyl palmitate with three different thin-layer chromatographic solvent systems. When the area of a plate containing the unknown was extracted and this extract injected on to an appropriate gas chromatographic column, 45 per cent of the activity measured in the unknown spot was trapped during the time ethyl palmitate would have emerged from the column. Since this recovery value results, in part, from losses in the syringe, in the column, by detector leaks, etc., the major activity is concluded to have moved in correspondence with ethyl palmitate.
Diet influences mate choice selectivity in adult female wolf spiders

Most studies of female choice have assumed that mating preferences are shared within a population or species. However, variation both within and among females exists in natural populations, and foraging history is among the many ways in which females may vary. Here, we used diet manipulations in an effort to understand how foraging history influences female mate choice. Immature Schizocosa wolf spiders collected from a mixed population of brush-legged and non-ornamented males were reared in the laboratory on two diets that varied in both quality and quantity (low/high diet). For low- and high-diet individuals, we recorded data on rates of development, adult size and adult mate choice. Consistent with previous work, we found that high-diet spiders matured more quickly and were significantly larger as adults than low-diet spiders. Males also matured earlier than females. Body condition varied with diet treatment and sex. High-diet individuals and females were both characterized by better body condition indexes. In addition, high-diet brush-legged males had larger brushes than low-diet brush-legged males. Upon maturation, females were paired simultaneously with a low- and a high-diet male of the same form (brush-legged or non-ornamented) in a mate choice trial. While no obvious differences were observed in courtship and/or mating effort between males, female mate choice varied with the female's diet treatment. High-diet females mated more frequently with high-diet males than with low-diet males, whereas low-diet females showed no selectivity.
Reconfigurable orbital-angular-momentum-based switching among multiple 100-Gbit/s data channels

We demonstrate OAM-based reconfigurable optical switching functions among multiple OAM modes. Three-pair OAM modes exchange shows 3.6-dB conversion efficiency and selective data exchange among three 100-Gb/s QPSK OAM channels has a 2.1-dB OSNR penalty.
Hip Hop Syllabus: AME/MUS 303 Hip Hop: Art, Culture, and Politics

This syllabus represents a course taught online through the University of Maine at Augusta in the fall of 2011 (and every otheryear thereafter). Critical pedagogy can be a challenge in any classroom, and the challenges in an online classroom are compounded. However, the subject matter and approach of Hip Hop can be a powerful tool in teaching students critical thinking skills as well in laying a foundation for interdisciplinary and intersectional theory; here these elements are represented through curriculum—the themes, texts, contexts,approaches, structure, and assignments.
Atypical presentation of dissection of the ascending aorta in young men with cystic medial necrosis: MR findings

Dissection of the ascending aorta is usually associated with severe chest and/or back pain. We describe three young men, with pathologically proven cystic medial necrosis, who presented with atypical clinical symptoms and ascending aortic dissection diagnosed by MR imaging and surgery. Patients with cystic medial necrosis and aortic dissection may not present with a classic acute chest pain syndrome.
Introduction to the special issue—zoogeomorphology and ecosystem engineering

Abstract The 42nd Annual Binghamton Geomorphology Symposium convened on October 21–23, 2011, in Mobile, Alabama, USA. The topic of the meeting was zoogeomorphology and ecosystem engineering. Speakers represented a variety of perspectives from the disciplines of geomorphology and ecology, and 21 posters were also presented covering a wide range of topics in biogeomorphology. This special issue presents the 15 invited papers presented at the symposium.
Field Work as Art and Science

Through essays that incorporate examples from their own notebooks, the contributors describe their experiences in and methods for recording field observations.
Infant Feeding in Mali, West Africa: Variations in Belief and Practice

Abstract Research conducted in Mali during 1982 and 1983 reveals a wide range of variation in both the growth and development of infants and infant feeding practices. Overall, growth patterns of the Malian children (N = 136) are similar to those reported for children in other West African urban or rural poor populations. However, the use of the averages of growth measures disguises the fact that some children are severely malnourished, while others are growing at or above the 50th percentile of NCHS standards. Socio-economic status, as an indicator of the family's financial ability to provide food and medical care, does not account for the variation in nutritional status. From a series of open-ended interviews with mothers, fathers and other relatives of children in the study, as well as observation of mealtimes, several fundamental beliefs regarding infant feeding can be identified: (1) a child does not need to eat solid food before approx. 8 months; (2) if a child is hungry, he will eat, if he does not want to eat he should not be forced to eat; and (3) only the child himself knows when he is hungry and when he is full. These beliefs are expressed in the community in a variety of specific practices and behaviors. Additionally, mothers differ with respect to the importance they attach to medical care for sick children. These various beliefs and practices concerning infant feeding and, tangentially, medical care, tend to form divergent clusters, which allows the ranking of women on a three level scale of ‘maternal attitude.’ In the sample, growth performance, as indicated by membership in ‘low weight’ or ‘high weight’ groups, is positively correlated with maternal attitude (Chi2 = 13.85, P = 0.001). It is clear that in Mali, the cultural belief system regarding infant feeding and the variations in implementation of this system reflected in maternal attitudes, play an important role in determining the nutritional status and growth patterns of children, primarily through their effect on diet, and secondarily through their effect on medical care. The data show that within the same general cultural framework, and in the face of abject poverty, subtle differences in maternal attitudes result in some children who thrive, while others suffer varying degrees of malnutrition.
A phytochrome regulated pea transcript encodes ferredoxin I.

We have sequenced the pea (cv. Alaska) cDNA clone pEA46 (16) and shown that it codes for ferredoxin I. This clone has previously been shown to correspond to a transcript whose levels are controlled by phytochrome (Kaufman et al. (1985) Plant Physiol. 78: 388–393; Thompson et al. (1983) Planta 158: 487–500). The deduced amino acid sequence includes part of an hydrophobic transit sequence that shows only very limited homology to that of Silene pratensis ferredoxin. Genomic blotting analysis indicates that ferredoxin I is encoded by one or two genes. A genomic clone (4601) has been isolated that contains the ferredoxin gene and at least 14 kb of flanking sequences.
Enchanted Exchanges: Evidence from Media Coverage of the Maker Movement

Recent research in organizational theory has revealed that, at their birth, new markets and organizational forms often resemble social movements. The inherent risk and high probability of failure associated with new and unrecognizable ventures deters actors with solely economic and instrumental motivations, leaving pioneers with value-rational social and political, as well as economic, goals to mobilize support for new sectors, products and organizational forms. As new ventures within a field become more legitimate and profitable, the field undergoes a process of rationalization and disenchantment: politically- and socially-motivated pioneers are displaced by profit-seeking market actors. In this study we use the case of the Maker Movement, an education and technology-focused movement that has given birth to a market, to challenge and append theories of movements and markets and construct and test a theory of “enchanted exchange.” We propose that not all industries and organizations undergo this process o...
Emulsion polymerization of styrene using reaction calorimeter. II. Importance of maximum in rate of polymerization

The importance of the maximum in the heat of reaction or rate of polymerization curve (Rpmax) is defined by describing the main processes that occur around this maximum. The relevance of knowing when it occurs is illustrated by experiments performed in an automated reaction calorimeter. The effect of adding additional emulsifier or monomer after Rpmax on the evolution of the number of particles and heat of reaction was studied. No new particles were formed once the maximum in the rate of polymerization was reached, whether either monomer or emulsifier was added after this maximum. Therefore, by knowing the conversion or time when the maximum in the rate or polymerization appears, it was possible to either improve the particle stability or increase the particle size and latex solids content, without increasing the final number of particles and without significantly affecting the reaction kinetics. This can be an important application of calorimetry. The results showed that Rpmax defines several important factors in the emulsion polymerization process: the end of nucleation and the disappearance monomer droplets. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 37: 4066–4072, 1999
Hyperkalemia, cardiac conduction, and the electrocardiogram: A review

Abstract Increased plasma potassium may occur spontaneously or iatrogenically. At modest hyperkalemia (K + ∼5 to 7 mEq. per liter) a transient and minor acceleration of cardiac conduction can be demonstrated, but profound and rapid depression of conduction occurs progressively at K > 8 to 9 mEq. per liter. Examination of the peripheral ECG reveals inconstant "peaking" of T waves during modest elevation. As K + rises, however, PR prolongs and P ultimately disappears; QRS widens and R-R intervals become irregular. "Sinoventricular" conduction may be observed at this stage. Later sequential changes include atrioventricular junctional delay, followed by acceleration of junctional pacemakers, conduction delays in the His-Purkinje system, and delays in ventricular muscle. As K + rises in animals, asystole is the predominant mechanism of cardiac arrest. His bundle and bundle branch recordings indicate that asystole typically arises from block within the distal conducting system. The resultant peripheral ECG shows regular or irregular rhythm with widened QRS; although the morphology of the QRS may suggest that the arrhythmias are of ventricular origin, animal experiments almost invariably identify the rhythms as junctional or sinus. In man, the effects of K + upon the ECG are greatly modified by other electrolyte disturbances, especially hyponatremia and hypocalcemia. A-V block is not often observed (? recognized) in man. Ventricular pacing threshold may initially decrease (increased excitability) but profound subsequent increases occur as K + rises further. In the experimental animal, potassium and sodium ion concentrations increase uniformly across the myocardial wall. Ventricular pressure and dpdt max tend to fall only after marked QRS prolongation causes the ventricle to contract asynchronously. While K + has been administered as an antiarrhythmic agent, its use involves potential hazards, especially during the simultaneous use of digitalis. It should probably not be used for this purpose except, perhaps, in digitalis-induced paroxysmal atrial tachycardia with block. Although slow systemic increase of K + induces asystole in animals, administration to a region of myocardium produces ventricular ectopic beats and fibrillation. The latter effect may be due to re-entry and may be mechanistically similar to the arrhythmias of early ischemia.
Vascular Network Formation in Expanding versus Static Tissues Embryos and Tumors

In this perspectives article, we review scientific literature regarding de novo formation of vascular networks within tissues undergoing a significant degree of motion. Next, we contrast dynamic pattern formation in embryos to the vascularization of relatively static tissues, such as the retina. We argue that formation of primary polygonal vascular networks is an emergent process, which is regulated by biophysical mechanisms. Dynamic empirical data, derived from quail embryos, show that vascular beds readily form within a moving extracellular matrix (ECM) microenvironment—which we analogize to the de novo vascularization of small rapidly growing tumors. Our perspective is that the biophysical rules, which govern cell motion during vasculogenesis, may hold important clues to understanding how the first vessels form in certain malignancies.
Reactive stroma in prostate cancer progression.

Purpose: The development of an altered stromal microenvironment in response to carcinoma is a common feature of many tumors. We reviewed the literature describing characteristics of reactive stroma, how reactive stroma affects cancer progression and how carcinoma regulates reactive stroma. Moreover, we present a hypothesis of reactive stroma in prostate cancer and discuss how the biology of reactive stroma may be used in novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.Materials and Methods: An extensive literature search was performed to review reports of the general features of wound repair stroma, general stromal responses to carcinoma, and stromal biology of normal and prostate cancer tissues. These studies were analyzed and a reactive stroma hypothesis in prostate cancer was developed.Results: Modifications to the stroma of breast, colon and prostate tumors parallel the generation of granulation tissue in wound repair. These changes include stromal cell phenotypic switching, extracellular matrix remodelin...
Natural frequencies of laminated composite plates using third order shear deformation theory

In this paper, natural frequencies of square laminated composite plates for different supports at edges are presented. Using a third order shear deformation theory of plates (TSDT), which is categorized in equivalent single layer theories (ESL), a new set of linear equations of motion for square multi-layered composite plates has been derived. Laminated plates are supposed to be either angle-ply or cross-ply. Moreover, FEM is used to solve the equations and find the fundamental natural frequencies. Finally some results for plates with different combination of layers and supports are reported. The results are compared to the results of other ESL.
Aberrant atrioventricular conduction in a patient with paroxysmal tachycardia, a short P-R interval and a normal QRS complex.

Abstract A case of anomalous atrioventricular conduction is described which does not conform to the usual criteria. A mechanism is suggested to explain the observed phenomena.
Formation of metal/GaAs(110) interfaces studied by scanning tunneling microscopy

Abstract Spectroscopic measurements with the scanning tunneling microscope (STM) for metal overlayers on the GaAs(110) surface are reviewed, including results for submonolayer Sb, Au, and Fe adsorbate systems. It is found that a characteristic spectrum of band gap states is present in each of these systems, induced by certain disorder-related structures on the surface. The observation of these gap states provides a phenomenological description of Fermi-level pinning on this surface. An extensive discussion is presented on the physical origin of the spectrum of gap states. The character of the states is considered, including possible contributions from evanescent (complex wavevector) semiconductor states, metal/semiconductor bonds, and surface Ga dangling bonds. The connection between the experimental observations and recent theoretical works is also discussed.
Posttherapy suppression of genital herpes simplex virus (HSV) recurrences and enhancement of HSV-specific T-cell memory by imiquimod in guinea pigs.

Abstract Imiquimod, an immunomodulator with no direct in vitro antiviral activity, has in vivo anti-herpesvirus activity by inducing interferon and enhancing other only partially defined immune responses. Imiquimod treatment of primary genital herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection in guinea pigs reduces the level of genital disease by 90%. We further investigated its utility as suppressive therapy of recurrent disease in animals that had recently recovered from primary genital HSV-2 disease. Imiquimod administered intravaginally once per day for 5 days reduced the number of recurrences only during treatment, while a 21-day regimen reduced the number of recurrences for 8 weeks. For the entire 10 weeks of observation, overall numbers of recurrences were reduced 67% by the 21-day imiquimod treatment (P < 0.0001). Latent HSV in ganglia was not affected by either regimen. Increased circulating alpha interferon activity was observed during therapy with both regimens. Interferon levels rapidly returned to baseline with cessation of treatment. Posttreatment, 5-day imiquimod treatment did not provide clinical benefit or enhancement of cell-mediated or cytokine responses. Twenty-one-day imiquimod treatment reduced both the number of clinical recurrences and levels of HSV antibody for 5 to 6 weeks posttreatment compared with the placebo. Additionally, 21-day imiquimod treatment enhanced HSV antigen-specific interleukin 2 production and proliferative responses by mononuclear cells (P < 0.001) for 4 weeks after treatment. Twenty-one-day imiquimod therapy suppressed recurrent HSV genital disease during and for weeks after therapy, enhanced memory-dependent cytokine and T-cell responses, and reduced the level of antibody responses.
In vitro prediction of phosphorus availability in feed ingredients for swine

The percentage of phosphorus (P) dialyzability was determined in 10 plant-origin and 4 animal-origin feed ingredients using an in vitro procedure that simulates the digestive system of growing swine. The test feed ingredients included alfalfa meal, barley, canola meal, corn, grain sorghum, oats, rice bran, soybean meal, wheat, wheat bran, menhaden fish meal, meat and bone meal, spray-dried blood meal, and dry whey. Repeatability of the in vitro procedure was tested for each ingredient using quadruplicate samples. The in vitro P dialyzability percentages were correlated with published in vivo P availability values for swine. Results showed that P dialyzability with the in vitro procedure was highly repeatable (>96%). For the 10 plant-origin feed ingredients, significant correlations (r = 0.72−0.88) were found among the in vitro P dialyzability percentages and the published in vivo P availability values. For the four animal feed ingredients, however, the in vitro dialyzability percentages obtained were poor...
Sustainability of Biojet Fuels: A Multiactor Life Cycle Assessment Approach

The article presents an approach to holistically account for the considerations of multiple actors (i.e., decision makers and stakeholders) in the development of biojet fuels. The approach is based on a system perspective couched within a life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology. The integrated approach is called a multiactor life cycle assessment (MA LCA).The article starts with a discussion about the issue of sustainability in the aviation sector, followed by the description of several technical aspects and challenges of producing biojet fuels. The MA-LCA is then described in detailusing a four step approach that includes conceptual model and decision flow chart development. It concludes with a discussion on broader implications of the approach.
Services utilization before and after the prospective payment system by patients with somatization disorder.

This study analyzed services utilization before and after the implementation of Medicare's Prospective Payment System (PPS) in psychiatric patients with somatization disorder in two samples: one recruited before the PPS and the other after the PPS. Individuals with this psychiatric disorder present with multiple unexplained medical complaints and consume a great number of health resources. The results from this study indicated that Medicare PPS was associated with fewer hospital admissions and fewer hospital days, with a greater number of physician visits (for Medicare patients) and emergency room visits (for non-Medicare patients) and with lower overall health expenditures. However, there were no significant changes in the average length of stay after PPS. In contrast to previous studies, Medicare PPS was significantly associated with changes in service utilization by non-Medicare patients as well, a possible “spillover effect.” This study confirms the results from other research indicating that higher levels of efficiency may be achieved for certain psychiatric disorders through prospective payment mechanisms.
General purpose solid state camera for SERTS

The Laboratory for Astronomy and Solar Physics at Goddard Space Flight Center uses a variety of CCD's and other solid state imaging sensors for its instrumentation programs. Traditionally, custom camera systems are built around the imaging device to optimize the circuitry for the particular sensor. This usually produces a camera that is small, uses little power and is elegant. Although these are desirable characteristics, this approach is also expensive and time consuming. An alternative approach is to design a `universal' camera that is easily customized to meet specific mission requirements. This is the approach our team used for SERTS. The camera design used to support the SERTS mission is a general purpose camera design that is derived from an existing camera on the SOHO spacecraft. This camera is designed to be rugged, modest in power requirements and flexible. The base design of the camera supports quadrant CCD devices with up to 4 phases. Imaging devices with simpler architectures are in general supportable. The basic camera is comprised of a main electronics box which performs all timing generation, voltage level control, data processing and compression. A second unit, placed close to the detector head, is responsible for driving the image device control electrodes and amplifying the multichannel detector video. Programmable high voltage units are used for the single stage MCP type intensifier. The detector head is customized for each sensor type supported. Auxiliary equipment includes a frame buffer that works either as a multi-frame storage unit or as a photon counting accumulation unit. This unit also performs interface buffering so that the camera may appear as a piece of GPIB instrumentation.
Immunofluorescent staining of kinetochores in micronucleus for detection of aneuploidy inducing agents

Immunofluorescent staining of kinetochores in the micronucleus was used for distinguishing between clastogenic and aneuploidogenic effects of various chemicals. The technique consists of culturing cells on glass slides, chemical treatment, fixing cells in situ, and fluorescent staining. Anti-kinetochore antibody was used as a primary antibody with fluoresceinated goat anti-human IgG as a secondary antibody to locate kinetochores, and 4,6-diamidino-2-phenyl-indole (DAPI) or propidium iodide was used for identifying the nucleus, micronucleus, and cytoplasm. Kinetochores appear yellow/green against the orange/red nuclear material and the cytoplasm appears faint green in slides counterstained with propidium iodide. In DAPI counterstained slides, kinetochores appear apple green and the nucleus and micronucleus appear light blue. Thus, location of kinetochores and nuclear material within the cell boundary can be achieved. The presence/absence of kinetochore(s) in a micronucleus is used as an indicator to determine the origin of the micronucleus. The proportion of kinetochore-positive and kinetochore-negative micronuclei is used in the determination of the clastogenic and aneuploidogenic properties of different genotoxic agents. This method is simple and applicable to a variety of cells.
A paleohydrologic model for early Proterozoic dolomitization and silicification

Abstract Primary depositional features observed in the intertidal and supratidal facies of the 2.25 Ga Malmani Dolomite (including tepees and finely laminated domal stromatolites) have equivalents in Holocene salinas on the southern coast of Australia. The hydrological regime, so important in the formation of these recent primary features, is still active and so it has been possible to interpret the palaeohydrological significance of analogous features in the Malmani Dolomite. The palaeoclimate of the Malmani Dolomite shoreline was probably humid to semi-arid and the supratidal zone is interpreted as a zone of groundwater resurgence. Tepees, indurated fenestral limestone sheets, algal mats, small domal stromatolites and intraclast breccias were forming on the supratidal flats in areas of periodically outcropping groundwaters. In the shallow subsurface, the mixing zone between these resurging continental groundwaters and the marine-derived phreatic waters was probably a zone of secondary coarse-grained dolomite precipitation and/or chert nodule formation. This groundwater-controlled mixing zone model explains why such fabrics are restricted to porous and immediately adjacent units which, at the time of diagenesis, were below the regional water table. In the upper supratidal zones, above the regional water table, no secondary dolomites or chert nodules could form, nor could diagenetic fabrics form in the subtidal zone for there the stromatolitic mounds contained no palaeoaquifer.
Oil pollution in the Cromarty Firth

Abstract Cromarty Firth on the north-east coast of Scotland is an area of international importance to wildfowl, and the whole area has been designated a ‘Site of Special Scientific Importance’ by the Nature Conservancy Council. There are proposals to establish National Nature Reserves in two bays in the Firth. The area has also become a centre of activity for the oil industry exploiting the North Sea oilfield. Repeated oil spillages are threatening the conservation value of the area and unless strong measures are taken to reduce and treat oil pollution from all sources, there could be enormous damage to wildlife.
Joined edges in MoS2: metallic and half-metallic wires

We present the results of first-principles electronic structure investigations, using spin-polarized density-functional-theory, of the electronic and geometric structures of the joined edges formed between two domains of single-layer MoS2. We find joined-edge defects to be metallic or half-metallic wires in the considered models. More interestingly, we find the signature of magnetism in the joined-edge defect formed between two Mo-terminated (1010) edges. Analysis of the geometric structure leads us to the conclusion that certain joined-edge defects undergo (2 × 1) reconstruction.
Generating projective plane polyhedral maps

Abstract We find a set of seven complexes such that the projective plane polyhedral maps can be generated from the members of that set by repeated application of face and vertex splittings.
Structure and function of the hemocyanin from a semi-terrestrial crab,Ocypode quadrata

Structural and functional studies of the hemocyanin of the semi-terrestrial ghost crab,Ocypode quadrata, demonstrate a variety of differences in comparison to the hemocyanin of aquatic crabs. These differences may be related to the terrestrial habit of this crab. Unlike aquatic crabs, the major (56%) blood component is the hexamer; the remaining 44% is dodecamer. The hexamers and dodecamers are not in rapid equilibrium. Electrophoretic analysis of the subunit composition indicates three major components referred to as 1, 3, and 4, and one minor component referred to as component 2. These components, although electrophoretically distinct, are alike immunologically. Components 1 and 2 are essentially absent from purified hexamers, whereas they compose 1/3 of the subunits in dodecamers. These results suggest that they are involved in linking hexamers to form dodecamers, and that two, rather than one, subunits are involved in the bridge. Oxygen-binding measurements show a higher degree of cooperativity, and a much reduced allosteric effect ofl-lactate on the dialyzed hemocyanin as compared to the hemocyanin of aquatic crabs. Exercise rapidly, induces a large drop in hemolymph pH (0.5 units) and a corresponding increase in lactate concentrations (to 10 mM).
An exploratory study of state-trait anxiety as a function of automated relaxation training, desired changes and drinking behavior.

Fifty-two VA domiciliary residents were given four sessions of tape-recorded relaxation training in small groups. The State-Trait Anxiety Scale was administered before the first and last training sessions. The experimental group's mean state anxiety decreased from Test I to Test II, but a control group's mean increased (p less than .025). Both groups decreased in trait anxiety over time (p less than .001). A significant effect within the experimental group was that 9 residents with disciplinary problems due to intoxication during the training period increased in mean state anxiety, while the remainder of the group decreased. Experimental Ss who initially desired many trait changes decreased mean trait anxiety more from Test I to Test II than did the rest of the experimental group (p less than .025). Language: en
A proposed laboratory experiment to measure Ġ/G

An experiment is proposed in which the length of a laser cavity depends on the force of gravity. A change in the gravitational constant will cause a change in the frequency of the laser, which may be measured relative to a reference laser. If an iodine stabilized He-Ne laser is used as the referenceG/G can be measured to an accuracy of 4×10−12 yr−1.
Melanoma update: advances in diagnostic technique.

Technetium-Labeled Monoclonal Antibodies for Imaging Metastatic Melanoma: Results of a Multicenter Clinical Study. D Salk and the Multicenter Study Group. Semin Oncol 15:608–616, 1988.
Electron-cadmium ionization for energies near overlapping autoionizing resonances

The effect of autoionizing resonances on ionization has been studied since the historic work of Fano. In the autoionization problem, it is not possible to distinguish electrons, that have been directly ejected from the atom, from those that were first excited to an autoionizing resonance level because of the extremely short lifetime. As a result, these two processes will interfere. Furthermore if the energy difference between the resonances is not larger than the width of the resonances, the resonances will also interfere with each other. In this paper, we examine electron-impact ionization $(e,2e)$ for cadmium in the energy range where the autoionizing resonances overlap and interfere. First-order distorted-wave results will be compared with recent measurements and previous calculations.
Specificity may be overrated in cancer immunotherapy: Getting to know the nonspecific side of memory T Cells.

For a long time, cancer immunotherapy has focused on the induction of tumor-specific T cell-mediated immune responses. Now, a mounting body of evidence indicates that efficient anticancer immune responses also rely on innate immunity. Tietze et al. have recently elucidated an antigen-nonspecific role for memory CD8+ T cells in cytokine-based cancer immunotherapy.
Inherent Contradictions in the Ego Ideal

The author puts forth a concept of the ego ideal as the fantasied self that the child believes will bring it gratification and happiness. He then shows how the ego ideal's content evolves through the various stages of psychosexual development in accordance with its mission. A picture emerges of an ego ideal in inherent conflict because it is shaped by contradictory wishes, as well as contradictory fantasies of how to make those wishes come true. A section on romantic love points to a second contradiction within the ego ideal, beyond its contradictory content: a contradiction of aim.
Mitral Valve Repair in Asymptomatic Patients With Severe Mitral Regurgitation: Pushing Past the Tipping Point

Degenerative mitral valve regurgitation (MR) is the one of the most frequent valvular heart conditions in the Western world and is increasingly recognized as an important preventable cause of chronic heart failure. This condition also represents the most common indication for mitral surgery and is of particular interest because the mitral valve can be repaired in most patients with very low surgical risk. Historical single-center studies have supported the performance of "early mitral valve repair" in asymptomatic patients with severe degenerative MR to normalize survival and improve late outcomes. Emerging recent evidence further indicates for the first time that the prompt surgical correction of severe MR due to flail mitral leaflets within 3 months following diagnosis in asymptomatic patients without classical Class I indications (symptoms or left ventricular dysfunction) conveys a 40% decrease in the risk of late death and a 60% diminution in heart failure incidence. A 10-point rationale based on the weight of rapidly accumulating clinical data, supports the performance of early mitral valve repair even in the absence of symptoms, left ventricular dysfunction, or guideline-based triggers; when effective operations can be provided using conventional or minimally invasive techniques at very low surgical risk.
An optimized index of human cardiovascular adaptation to simulated weightlessness

Prolonged exposure to weightlessness is known to produce a variety of cardiovascular changes, some of which may influence the astronaut's performance during a mission. In order to find a reliable indicator of cardiovascular adaptation to weightlessness, we analyzed data from nine male subjects after a 24-hour period of normal activity and after a period of simulated weightlessness produced by two hours in a launch position followed by 20 hours of 6/spl deg/ head-down tilt plus pharmacologically induced diuresis (furosemide). Heart rate, arterial pressure, thoracic fluid index, and radial flow were analyzed. Autoregressive spectral estimation and decomposition were used to obtain the spectral components of each variable from the subjects in the supine position during pre- and post-simulated weightlessness. We found a significant decrease in heart rate power and an increase in thoracic fluid index power in the high frequency region (0.2-0.45 Hz) and significant increases in radial flow and arterial pressure powers in the low frequency region (<0.2 Hz) in response to simulated weightlessness. However, due to the variability among subjects, any single variable appeared limited as a dependable index of cardiovascular adaptation to weightlessness. The backward elimination algorithm was then used to select the best discriminatory features from these spectral components. Fisher's linear discriminant and Bayes' quadratic discriminant were used to combine the selected features to obtain an optimal index of adaptation to simulated weightlessness. Results showed that both techniques provided improved discriminant performance over any single variable and thus have the potential for use as an index to track adaptation and prescribe countermeasures to the effects of weightlessness.
Malicious WiFi networks: A first look

WiFi networks have become ubiquitously deployed. Anecdotal evidence suggests that wireless networks are less secure than wired networks. However, very little quantitative data exists to characterize the insecurity levels of WiFi networks. In this paper, we take a first look at city-level WiFi security statistics for eighteen cities within the United States. For the purposes of this study, we define unsecure WiFi networks as those that do not use WEP, WPA2 or any WiFi security standard. We found that on average, 45 percent of WiFis studied were insecure, with Miami, FL having 81 percent of WiFi networks unsecure. We also found that Texas had several cities with a high number of blacklisted IP addresses. In the end, we found no strong correlation between WiFi insecurity rates and blacklisting rates, which we attribute to inadequate education of the inhabitants of cities on how to report malicious activity so that perpetuators can be blacklisted. Finally, we found that the percentage of secure WiFi networks in cities with municipal WiFi networks was comparable to that of cities without municipal WiFi networks.