cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Securing the right to safe and legal abortion: perspectives from the Guttmacher-Lancet Commission

In March 2018, the Democratic Republic of Congo moved to enact the Maputo Protocol, under which signatory states agree to authorise legal access to abortion in a range of circumstances. Two months ...
The NifZ accessory protein has an equivalent function in maturation of both nitrogenase MoFe protein P-clusters.

The Mo-dependent nitrogenase comprises two interacting components called the Fe protein and the MoFe protein. The MoFe protein is an α2β2 heterotetramer that harbors two types of complex metalloclusters, both of which are necessary for N2 reduction. One type is a 7Fe-9S-Mo-C-homocitrate species designated FeMo-cofactor, which provides the N2-binding catalytic site, and the other is an 8Fe-7S species designated the P-cluster, involved in mediating intercomponent electron transfer to FeMo-cofactor. The MoFe protein's catalytic partner, Fe protein, is also required for both FeMo-cofactor formation and the conversion of an immature form of P-clusters to the mature species. This latter process involves several assembly factors, NafH, NifW, and NifZ, and precedes FeMo-cofactor insertion. Here, using various protein affinity–based purification methods as well as in vivo, EPR spectroscopy, and MALDI measurements, we show that several MoFe protein species accumulate in a NifZ-deficient background of the nitrogen-fixing microbe Azotobacter vinelandii. These included fully active MoFe protein replete with FeMo-cofactor and mature P-cluster, inactive MoFe protein having no FeMo-cofactor and only immature P-cluster, and partially active MoFe protein having one αβ-unit with a FeMo-cofactor and mature P-cluster and the other αβ-unit with no FeMo-cofactor and immature P-cluster. Also, NifW could associate with MoFe protein having immature P-clusters and became dissociated upon P-cluster maturation. Furthermore, both P-clusters could mature in vitro without NifZ. These findings indicate that NifZ has an equivalent, although not essential, function in the maturation of both P-clusters contained within the MoFe protein.
The Design and Development of a Tabletop Kibble Balance at NIST

On November 16, 2018, the 26th General Conference on Weights and Measures voted unanimously to revise the International System of Units from a system built on seven base units to one built on seven defining constants and will officially become effective on May 20, 2019, or World Metrology Day. More specifically, the unit of mass, the kilogram, will be realized via a fixed value of the Planck constant $h$ and a Kibble balance (KB) serves as one method of achieving this. Over the past few decades, national metrology institutes around the world have developed KBs, the majority aimed at realizing the unit of mass at the 1-kg level with uncertainties on the order of a few parts in $10^{8}$ . However, upon fixing the Planck constant, mass can be directly realized at any level, deeming the kilogram only a historically unique benchmark. At the National Institute of Standards and Technology, a tabletop-sized Kibble balance (KIBB-g1) designed to operate at the gram-level range with uncertainties on the order of a few parts in $10^{6}$ is currently under development.
Effect of the heavy metals cobalt and cadmium on LINE1 endonuclease activity

Long interspersed element -1 (LINE-1) is a mobile element, or jumping gene, which employs a “copy and paste” method called retrotransposition to insert itself into the human genome. This retrotrans...
Molecular resiliency and chemical bond richness of interfacial epoxy-polyurea matrix linked to characteristics of glass transition temperature

Abstract A unique chemically hybridized interfacial epoxy-polyurea matrix (IEPM) has been identified through non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) and characteristics of the glass transition temperature (Tg) controlled by epoxy curing time (tc), epoxy-resin viscosity (ν), and polyurea type (PU). IEPM, if annexed to brittle carbon-fiber reinforced epoxy via curing epoxy, forming a new C-IEPM system, is shown to substantially enhance loss modulus property. IEPM is produced as a chemical reaction between a thermoset epoxy-based structure, with ongoing crosslinking morphology, and isocyanate and amine moieties of a lightly-crosslinked polyurea structure. A cogent link is found to exist between “richness” of chemically bonded structures in well-designed IEPM and tc. Furthermore, thermomechanical analysis (TMA) of six IEPM samples educed unique Tg characteristics as a function of tc, ν, and PU after applying pre-polymerized polyurea (reactive isocyanate and amine groups) to uncured epoxy. The results reveal that by maintaining relatively small ΔTg,IEPM – PU (difference between Tg,IEPM and Tg,polyurea) and small Tg,polyurea (via lower ν and aliphatic polyurea) along with smaller tc (effectuating a sharp reduction in slope of the TMA curve), IEPM can catalyze quickly and evoke IEPM re-generativity, or ‘molecular resiliency,’ that may maximize loss modulus. The results are confirmed using dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA).
Individual Variation in Brain Network Topology is Linked to Schizophrenia Symptomatology

Background: Resting state fMRI (rsfMRI) has demonstrated that the brain is organized into distributed brain networks and numerous studies have examined links between psychiatric symptomatology and network functional connectivity. Traditional rsfMRI analyses assume that the spatial organization of these networks are invariant between individuals. This dogma has recently been overturned by observing that the spatial organization of these brain networks shows significant variation between individuals. We sought to determine if previously observed relationships between schizophrenia "negative" symptom severity and network connectivity are actually due to individual differences in brain network spatial organization. Methods: 44 participants diagnosed with schizophrenia underwent rsfMRI scans and clinical assessments. A multivariate pattern analysis was used to examine how each participants whole brain functional connectivity correlates with "negative" symptom severity at the individual voxel level. Results: Brain connectivity to a bilateral region of dorso-lateral pre-frontal cortex (DLPFC) correlates with "negative" symptom severity. This is result is explained by individual differences in the topographic distribution of two brain networks: the default mode network (DMN) and the task positive network (TPN). Both networks demonstrate strong (r~0.49) and significant (p
Analytical discrepancies and their potential impact on biomarkers and precision medicine initiative

Abstract While reports praised the significant improvement in clinical lab analyses due to automation and implementation of internal and external quality tools, lack of traceability and the concept of gold standard is making clinical lab quality as a moving object with no hope to get better but, instead, worsen by time. Revealing real-life data, this chapter shows unbelievable discrepancies in biomarker results with its imminent disastrous impact on patients and drug discovery. Results from a single sample can be different by as much as more than 100-fold if analyzed by different labs or even by a single lab using different instruments. Just changing a lot of reagents can cause difference in results from a single sample that conceals a medical decision cutoff. These issues are not just in novel high complex molecular diagnostics but in grandfather, believed standardized, short list of assays such as lactate dehydrogenase, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and international normalized ratio.
Examining the Role of Retrobulbar Hyaluronidase in Reversing Filler-Induced Blindness: A Systematic Review.

Purpose To provide a systematic review of the literature concerning retrobulbar hyaluronidase injections as a treatment for hyaluronic acid gel filler-induced blindness and evaluate the level of evidence for this proposed therapy. Methods The authors performed a search of English language articles published on the use of retrobulbar hyaluronidase to reverse vision loss precipitated by hyaluronic acid gel fillers. Articles reviewed included case reports/series, experimental investigations, expert opinion commentaries, and major reviews. To date, there have been no case-control, cohort, or randomized control studies to evaluate this treatment. Five anecdotal descriptions of hyaluronic acid gel filler blindness treated specifically with retrobulbar hyaluronidase were identified, for a total of 9 patients. One hundred twelve articles in total on this treatment and related topics, including filler-induced blindness and alternative treatments, were identified and reviewed. Results Of the 9 documented cases of patients treated with retrobulbar hyaluronidase for hyaluronic acid-induced blindness, visual improvement was demonstrated in 2 cases. The successes, however, are undermined by inconsistent pretreatment ophthalmic assessment and documentation. Animal studies demonstrate mixed results. Laboratory studies document the inability of hyaluronidase to cross the optic nerve sheath. Conclusions There is not currently enough evidence to support retrobulbar hyaluronidase as a treatment for filler-induced blindness. Additional studies are needed to further evaluate its efficacy and explore alternative treatments.
Alcohol Policies in U.S. States, 1999-2018.

Objective:U.S. policymakers and public health practitioners lack composite indicators (indices) to assess and compare the restrictiveness of state-level alcohol policy environments, conceptualized ...
Understanding the Influence of Teacher-Directed Scientific Inquiry on Students' Primal Inquiries in Two American Science Classrooms.

Scientific inquiry is an often misunderstood concept in many elementary classrooms. On the inquiry spectrum, teacher-directed (TD) scientific inquiry is prevalent in schools. From a critical and so...
Radiometric assessment of four pan-sharpening algorithms as applied to hyperspectral imagery

Pan-sharpening - fusing the spatial and spectral information between panchromatic (PAN) and multispectral (MSI) or hyperspectral (HSI) imagery of a common scene is a hot topic in remote sensing due to a wide range of applications such as target detection, vegetation monitoring, and subsurface detection (e.g. landmines), among others. However, the focus of panchromatic sharpening is generally placed on visual quality of the resulting image and image-wide summary spectral accuracy metrics. Here we are interested in radiometrically accurate panchromatic sharpening of hyperspectral imagery with particular emphasis on spectral algorithm performance. Four pansharpening algorithms are applied to hyperspectral imagery and evaluated for spectral/radiometric fidelity. Two datasets from SHARE2012 were used: one which features rural scene elements and one which features an urban scene. Target detection was also performed to evaluate algorithm sharpening performance. We find that although visually the performance of the four algorithms were roughly similar, they differ in spectral/radiometric fidelity as well as performance in ACE target detection.
ACC-AHA Diagnostic Criteria for Hypertension in Pregnancy Identifies Patients at Intermediate Risk of Adverse Outcomes

Objective The aim of the study is to compare maternal and neonatal outcomes among patients who are normotensive, hypertensive by Stage I American College of Cardiology-American Heart Association (ACC-AHA) criteria, and hypertensive by American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) criteria. Study Design Secondary analysis of a prospective first trimester cohort study between 2007 and 2010 at three institutions in Baltimore, MD, was conducted. Blood pressure at 11 to 14 weeks' gestation was classified as (1) normotensive (systolic blood pressure [SBP] Results Among 3,422 women enrolled, 2,976 with delivery data from singleton pregnancies of nonanomalous fetuses were included. In total, 20.2% met hypertension criteria (Stage I ACC-AHA n = 254, 8.5%; ACOG n = 347, 11.7%). The Stage I ACC-AHA group's risk for developing preeclampsia was threefold higher than the normotensive group (adjusted relative risk [aRR] 3.70, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.40–5.70). The Stage I ACC-AHA group had lower preeclampsia risk than the ACOG group but the difference was not significant (aRR 0.87, 95% CI 0.55–1.37). The Stage I ACC-AHA group was more likely than the normotensive group to deliver preterm (aRR 1.44, 95% CI 1.02–2.01) and deliver an SGA neonate (aRR 1.51, 95% CI 1.07–2.12). The Stage I ACC-AHA group was less likely to deliver preterm compared with the ACOG group (aRR 0.65, 95% CI 0.45–0.93), but differences in SGA were not significant (aRR 1.31, 95% CI 0.84–2.03). Conclusion Pregnant patients with Stage I ACC-AHA hypertension in the first trimester had higher rates of preeclampsia, preterm birth, and SGA neonates compared with normotensive women. Adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes were numerically lower in the Stage I ACC-AHA group compared with the ACOG group, but these comparisons only reached statistical significance for preterm birth. Optimal pregnancy management for first trimester Stage I ACC-AHA hypertension requires active study. Key Points
MagHacker: eavesdropping on stylus pen writing via magnetic sensing from commodity mobile devices

Stylus pens have been widely used with today's mobile devices to provide a convenient handwriting input method, but also bring a unique security vulnerability that may unveil the user's handwriting contents to a nearby eavesdropper. In this paper, we present MagHacker, a new sensing system that realizes such eavesdropping attack over commodity mobile devices, which monitor and analyze the magnetic field being produced by the stylus pen's internal magnet. MagHacker divides the continuous magnetometer readings into small segments that represent individual letters, and then translates these readings into writing trajectories for letter recognition. Experiment results over realistic handwritings from multiple human beings demonstrate that MagHacker can accurately eavesdrop more than 80% of handwriting with stylus pens, from a distance of 10cm. Only slight degradation in such accuracy is produced when the eavesdropping distance or the handwriting speed increases. MagHacker is highly energy efficient, and can well adapt to different stylus pen models and environmental contexts.
Should We Consider Preparing Patients for Future Face Transplant when Managing Complex Facial Trauma

With advancements in microsurgical technique and experience, face transplantation is becoming a clinical reality and acceptable procedure. Preparation of the maxillofacial skeleton and initial soft-tissue coverage for face transplant candidates is essential for optimizing the ultimate outcome by providing immediate coverage of vital structures, functionality, and a stable skeletal framework. We present our experience of preparing such a patient who underwent a successful face transplant, with an excellent outcome. A 24-year-old man sustained a self-inflicted ballistic injury to his face. Composite tissue deficits included significant soft-tissue loss in the central lower and midface, comminuted fractures of midface, and large bone gaps of the maxilla and mandible. He underwent open reduction internal fixation of bilateral LeFort III, zygomaticomaxillary complex, and complex maxillary and mandibular fractures with titanium plates and a free anterolateral thigh perforator flap to the midface with concomitant pedicled left supraclavicular artery fasciocutaneous flap to the lower face. He subsequently underwent a second free anterolateral thigh perforator for the exposed mandibular hardware due to partial necrosis of the supraclavicular artery fasciocutaneous flap. The patient achieved stable bone reconstruction and soft-tissue coverage and was discharged home. He was placed on the waiting list for a face transplant by another center in the country and eventually underwent a successful face transplant. We believe that the preparation of the patient with complex craniomaxillofacial trauma for face transplant should be considered when the extent of injury exceeds conventional reconstructive limits. Our approach provides the best opportunity for an optimal face transplant outcome while minimizing flap donor site morbidity.
12 Months later: Motivational interviewing plus nutrition psychoeducation for weight loss in primary care.

Motivational interviewing (MI) weight-loss interventions have garnered much attention, particularly in primary care. Few studies, however, have examined long-term outcomes of MI for weight loss in primary care. This study sought to examine the longer-term outcomes of a combination approach comprising MI and nutrition psychoeducation (MINP) with a publically available web-support component (i.e., livestrong.com). Thirty-one adults with overweight/obesity were enrolled in a 3-month MINP treatment delivered in primary care by medical assistants. Weight, blood pressure, and depression (beck depression inventory) were assessed at baseline and 1-year following treatment cessation (i.e., 15 months total). Participants’ average BMI was significantly lower 12-months following treatment. Approximately one-third of participants (34.8%) maintained 5% or more weight loss. Participants also experienced significant decreases in diastolic blood pressure, resting heart rate, and depression symptoms, but not systolic blood pressure or waist circumference. The scalable (2.5 h total) MINP intervention delivered in primary care by medical assistants resulted in significant weight (medium effect size) and psychological improvements 12 months later. These findings complement previous RCT findings that MI or nutrition psychoeducation interventions, delivered separately, resulted in small weight loss effects after 12 months, with 5% and 17% of participants, respectively, maintaining 5% weight loss. It remains unclear, however, if implementing MI in primary care for weight loss is cost effective beyond providing nutrition psychoeducation alone. The clinical trial registration number is NCT02578199. IV, uncontrolled trial.
Metal-free, Mild, and Selective Synthesis of Bis(pyrazolyl)alkanes by Nucleophile-Catalyzed Condensation.

Bis(pyrazolyl)alkanes are a prolific class of ligands for catalysis, accessible by the condensation between bis(pyrazolyl)methanones and carbonyls. In this report, we describe a nucleophile-catalyz...
Predictors of varicocele-associated pain and its impact on semen parameters following microsurgical repair.

Our study aimed to assess for predictors of varicocele-associated pain and whether it predicts semen parameters after microsurgical varicocelectomy. We assessed all men diagnosed with a varicocele by two surgeons from 2017 to 2020, excluding those who did not undergo surgical treatment. Patients were stratified based on the presence of pain at clinical assessment, and these groups were compared. Logistic regression models were utilised to assess for predictors of pain. A total of 313 men were included, with relatively similar proportions completed by both surgeons (48.2% and 51.8%). A total of 98 (31.3%) had typical varicocele-associated pain at the time of assessment. The pain group was younger than the no pain group (30.5 versus. 35.0, respectively, p < .01), and those with pain had greater varicocele grades (p = .008). Although not statistically different, there was a greater portion of left-sided only varicoceles in the pain group (p = .09). No significant differences were demonstrated between sperm concentration, motility, volume or morphology pre-operatively, or post-operatively between groups. Younger age and varicocele grade were predictive of varicocele-associated pain. In conclusion, almost 1/3 of men presented with varicocele-associated pain. Pain does not predict response to varicocelectomy, but these men tend to be younger, and have higher grade varicoceles.
The epidermal growth factor ortholog of ectromelia virus activates EGFR/ErbB1 and demonstrates mitogenic function in vitro.

Abstract Many poxviruses produce proteins that are related to epidermal growth factor (EGF). Prior genome sequencing of ectromelia virus revealed a gene predicted to produce a protein with homology to EGF, which we refer to as ectromelia growth factor (ECGF). ECGF is truncated relative to vaccinia growth factor (VGF) because the former lacks a transmembrane domain. We show these proteins can experience differential N-linked glycosylation. Despite these differences, both proteins maintain the six conserved cysteine residues important for the function of EGF. Since ECGF has not been characterized, our objective was to determine if it can act as a growth factor. We added ECGF to cultured cells and found that the EGF receptor becomes activated, S-phase was induced, doubling time decreased, and in vitro wound healing occurred faster compared to untreated cells. In summary, we demonstrate that ECGF can act as a mitogen in a similar manner as VGF.
Surgical Techniques for Removal and Replacement of Chronically Implanted TAVR Prosthesis: Step by Step

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement has substantially grown in volume over the years, and increasingly is being used in patients with longer life expectancy, including younger patients. With increasing implantation of transcatheter heart valves (THV) the need for explantation of these devices with replacement of the aortic valve will also go up. Bioprosthetic valve endocarditis, along with paravalvular leaks and structural valve degeneration will be the leading causes requiring THV explantation and redo-aortic valve replacement (AVR). Given the cascade of trials in different populations and the rapid development cycle for THV, the patients, design and composition of the bioprostheses being explanted will vary considerably. However, many of the preoperative considerations, imaging and technical considerations in patients with a failed THV will be the same. Here, we highlight the technical steps to achieve a safe THV explantation and redo-AVR.
Nitrate Assimilation in Eukaryotic Cells

Publisher Summary This chapter presents an overview of nitrate assimilation in eukaryotic cells. Nitrate is the predominant form of combined nitrogen available within oxidative environment. Its assimilation is achieved through its biological reduction to ammonium. The subsequent utilization of ammonium to form amino and amido-N compounds provides the link among the plethora of pathways of organic nitrogen metabolism and the pathways of inorganic nitrogen assimilation. The capability to assimilate nitrate is possessed by certain bacteria, some fungi, and virtually all algae and higher plants. It is absent from the animal kingdom. Nitrate assimilation represents substantial energy expenditure by the cell when compared with ammonium utilization because eight reducing equivalents are consumed in the reduction of nitrate to ammonium. Consequently, cells that assimilate nitrate, regulate this pathway to avoid wasteful use of reducing power when the product, ammonium, is available. The form of regulation adopted varies in accordance with the metabolic pattern and status of the cell type but the fundamental purpose of the regulation is the same: to affect an economy of existence. The chapter also explains genetic regulation of nitrate assimilation in fungi.
Treatment for alcohol-related problems: special populations: research opportunities.

For the subgroups indicated, a few questions/issues are relevant to all three (women, elderly, minorities): 1. Heterogeneity of the special populations, for example, Hispanic-Americans are from different countries with different cultures. Women and the elderly vary by age, education, income, social class, health status, etc., to say nothing of ethnicity/color/religion. 2. Of therapy modalities, professional and indigenous, which are more efficacious? 3. Are group-specific therapies needed, or will sensitivity to a particular group work as well?
In Reply: Complication of Intranasal Midazolum

We appreciate the remarks by Lugo et al. When designing the study, we used information from previous studies and our own practice of using intranasal midazolam for reducing anxiety in children undergoing surgery and anesthesia. The age group of the children selected for the use of midazolam was less than 5 years of age in both situations. Taking the oldest boy in our study who is just under 5 years and assuming an average weight (50th percentile for boys) of 19 kg, the dose of intranasal midazolam would be 7.6 mg, the volume of which is 1.52 mL. The oldest boy of the patients of Lugos et al is just under 12 years of age. With the 50th percentile weight being 40 kg, this patient would receive 3.2 mL of midazolam intranasally.
Integrating complementary/contradictory information into fuzzy-based VoI determinations

In today's military environment vast amounts of disparate information are available. To aid situational awareness it is vital to have some way to judge information importance. Recent research has developed a fuzzy-based system to assign a Value of Information (VoI) determination for individual pieces of information. This paper presents an investigation of the effect of integrating subsequent complementary and/or contradictory information into the VoI process. Specifically, the idea of using complementary and/or contradictory new information to impact the previously used fuzzy membership values for the information content characteristic applied in the VoI calculations is shown to be a particularly suitable approach.
Competing Risks: Theory †

“Competing risks” refers to the study of mortality patterns in a population of individuals, all subject to the same k ≥ 2 causes of death. The object is to isolate the effects of a given risk or subset of risks. Certain quantities, such as the “crude probability” of dying of a particular disease in the presence of the other competing risks, and cause-specific hazard rates, and functions of them, are estimable from observable data without unverifiable assumptions. Other quantities, such as the “net probability” of dying of a disease in the absence of other causes of death cannot be estimated without unverifiable assumptions on the joint distribution of times to death from the various causes of death. Bounds on the net probability are available, however. We review these concepts and related methods of estimation and inference. Keywords: competing risks; crude probability; absolute risk; net probability; partial net probability; cause-specific subdistribution function; cause-specific hazard rate; Peterson bounds
Disproportionate Incarceration of African Americans: What History and the First Decade of Twenty-First Century Have Brought

The incarceration of African Americans is not a phenomenon that occurred post civil rights era but has been a practical fact of criminal justice administration since data on incarceration have been kept. Before crack cocaine and three strikes; before the rise of the federal sentencing guidelines and get tough on crime movement; before the 100:1 crack to powder cocaine ratio in federal sentencing; before the war on drugs; before the war on poverty and the welfare state; before the increase in African American children born out of wedlock and the rise of single female head of households; before the world wars; and even before the revolutionary war -- African Americans have been disproportionately incarcerated in the United States. The achievement of an African American President and an African American Chairman of the National Republican Party does not overshadow the fact that before and after these two historical events African Americans have been and still are disproportionally represented in America’s prisons. This paper will review the intransigent fact of the disproportionate incarceration of African Americans in prisons, the historical nature of the disproportionate incarceration, and will provide a summary of research/policy solutions to the problem.
Evaluating the effectiveness of state specific lead-based paint hazard risk reduction laws in preventing recurring incidences of lead poisoning in children.

Background Despite significant progress made in recent decades in preventing childhood lead poisoning in the United States through the control or elimination of lead sources in the environment, it continues to be an issue in many communities, primarily in low-income communities with a large percentage of deteriorating housing built before the elimination of lead in residential paint. The purpose of this study is to determine whether state laws aimed at preventing childhood lead poisoning are also effective in preventing recurring lead poisoning among children previously poisoned.
Psychological Aspects of Oncology

I. Historical Overview.- Psychosocial Issues in Oncology: A Historical Perspective.- II. Patient Care Issues.- Crisis and Coping: Learning to Live with Cancer.- Patient information and Participation.- Patient Information: Practical Guidelines.- Diagnosis and Management of Symptoms from a Psychological Perspective.- Employing Specialist Workers to Detect Psychological and Social Morbidity.- Psychological and Psychiatric Interventions.- III. Psychosocial and Behavioural Factors in Cancer Risk and Survival.- Psychosocial Risk Factors in Cancer.- Behavioural Factors in Cancer Risk and Survival.- IV. Methods of Assessment in Clinical Practice and Research.- Screening for the Need of Psychosocial Intervention.- Quality of Life Assessment in Cancer Clinical Trials.- V. Future Directions for Training and Research.- Informed Consent and Cancer Clinical Research.- Suicide and Euthanasia.- Unorthodox Cancer Treatments.- Psychoneuroimmunological Studies.- Psychological Sequelae in Cancer Survivors.- Screening for Breast Cancer.- Training in Psychosocial Oncology.
Geological setting of the Milejowice-Janowice diabase intrusion: insights into post-Caledonian magmatism in the Holy Cross Mts., Poland

Near Milejowice and Janowice in the eastern part of the Łysogory Unit of the Holy Cross Mts., Poland, a SW-NE trending diabase has been identified intruding Lower Palaeozoic strata. This intrusion causes a magnetic anomaly, with DT values of 48-112 g. It is orientated perpendicular to the regional strike. Boreholes encountered one to three component dykes 2.0 to more than 10.0 m thick inclined at 75-90°, generally towards the east. They are hydrothermally altered and affected by surface weathering. The intrusion is located along two independent transverse faults, "skipping" from one to another irrespective of their strike. The intrusive zone is strongly tectonically disturbed, S-curved and disrupted by faults into segments and sub-segments. Most of the diabases are slicken-sided, and locally cataclased and mylonitized. The Milejowice-Janowice diabases probably formed in the Early Devonian, i.e. late Lochkovian-early Pragian, as post-tectonic igneous rocks belonging to within-plate, continental basalts according to Krzeminski (2004). Their origin may be referred to magmatism triggered by the extension of the Baltica passive margin during the final Late Silurian-Early Devonian phase of its collision with eastern Avalonia. A complex and at least two-phase development of magmatism in the Holy Cross Mts. is envisaged.
Stratospheric aerosol and gas experiment III: aerosol and trace gas measurements for the Earth Observing System

The SAGE III instrument, the latest in a series of satellite-based instruments employing the self-calibrating solar occultation technique to monitor aerosols and trace gases in the atmosphere, and potential contributions to monitoring global change and other EOS objectives are described. Uses of these data are illustrated with SAGE I and II long-term ozone, aerosol, and water vapor data. The SAGE III instrument will improve the SAM II and SAGE data products with greater overall accuracy, and will provide the ability to extend these measurements over a greater height range. SAGE III will provide long-term self-calibrating global data sets from the midtroposphere to mesosphere, which will contribute greatly to the quantification and understanding of global change.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
New Findings in Low-Temperature Oxidation of Crude Oil

Clay and sand fines reduced the permeability of sand packs in combustion tube experiments and also provided a large reaction surface area. Consequently, residual oil saturation and hence fuel concentration increased, resulting in high-temperature oxidation (HTO). In contrast, low-temperature oxidation (LTO) resulted from low fuel concentration. A combustion front temperature of 500°C (932°F) was obtained for HTO runs, compared to only 350°C (662°F) for the LTO run. During HTO, practically all injected oxygen was consumed, whereas during LTO, oxygen moved through the combustion front resulting in the formation of an oxygenated hydrocarbon fuel (atomic oxygen-carbon ratio of 0.3 was measured). As a result of distillation, the viscosity and specific gravity of the produced oil in HTO runs were reduced significantly. In contrast, LTO resulted in an increase in viscosity and specific gravity of the produced oil. A new method was developed to estimate the heat of reaction of oxygenated hydrocarbon fuels. Kinetic tube experiments showed oxidation of crude oil to consist of two stages : low-temperature oxidation followed by high-temperature oxidation, with reaction peaks at about 250°C (482°F) and 400°C (725°F) respectively. Kinetic and combustion tube experimental results indicated that an oxygenated hydrocarbon fuel was formed during low-temperature oxidation. A new oxidation model for kinetic tube experiments was developed. Oxygen consumption based on the new model agreed well with experimental data. Before implementing an in-situ combustion project, it is critical to carry out combustion tube experiments using actual crude oil, oil saturation and matrix found in the field to ascertain the type of oxidation reaction. Further, standard kinetic tube experiments may not yield the correct kinetic parameters, since fuel oxygenation is unavoidable in kinetic tube experiments. An alternative approach needs to be found to estimate the heat generated at the combustion front.
Self-regulation training enhances dietary self-efficacy and dietary fiber consumption

Abstract Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of incorporating two self-regulation strategies (goal setting and self-monitoring) into a nutrition education class to enhance dietary fiber self-efficacy and foster a positive change in dietary fiber consumption. Design College students in an introductory nutrition class (n = 113) were randomly assigned to one of four treatment conditions: goal setting, self-monitoring, goal setting and self-monitoring, and no goal setting and no self-monitoring. Twenty-six college students from an introductory health class served as the control group. Statistical analyses The main and interaction effects of goal setting and self-monitoring on postintervention variables were analyzed using analysis of covariance with baseline intake levels as the covariate. Analysis of variance was used to examine differences in the mean changes between the groups. Path analysis was conducted to analyze the causal linkage among the pretest and intervening variables to predict postintervention knowledge, self-efficacy, and fiber consumption. Results Goal setting had a significant main effect on dietary fiber self-efficacy and on dietary fiber consumption. Subjects who set goals scored 15% higher on the dietary fiber self-efficacy scale and consumed 91% more fiber than subjects who did not set goals. Self-monitoring had no significant main effect on either dietary fiber self-efficacy or dietary fiber consumption. There was no significant interaction between goal setting and self-monitoring. Changes in dietary fiber scores differed between the groups. Increases in dietary fiber for the goal setting and self-monitoring group were significantly higher than the goal-setting, self-monitoring, no goal setting and no self-monitoring, and control groups. In addition, the goal setting only group had significantly greater increases in fiber intake than the self-monitoring, no goal setting and no self-monitoring, and control groups. Changes in self-efficacy scores were significantly different between the groups. The goal setting and goal setting and self-monitoring groups had significantly higher self-efficacy scores than the control group. Path analysis revealed that both goal setting and self-monitoring affected dietary fiber consumption through knowledge and dietary fiber self-efficacy, goal setting had a strong direct effect on fiber consumption, and postintervention knowledge affected fiber consumption only through self-efficacy. Applications/conclusions Our findings suggest that dietary change requires active self-regulation of food intake. Combining goal setting and self-monitoring significantly enhances dietary behavior change. This strategy can easily be incorporated into nutrition education or counseling programs to enhance dietary behavior change. J Am Diet Assoc. 2001;101:1006-1011.
Use of ultrasound pulses combined with Definity® for targeted blood-brain barrier disruption: a feasibility study

We have developed a method to use low-intensity focused ultrasound pulses combined with an ultrasound contrast agent to produce temporary blood-brain barrier disruption (BBBD). This method could provide a means for the targeted delivery of drugs or imaging agents into the brain. In all our previous work, we used Optison as the ultrasound contrast agent. The purpose of this study was to test the feasibility of using the contrast agent Definity for BBBD. A total of 36 non-overlapping locations were sonicated through a craniotomy in experiments in the brains of nine rabbits (four locations per rabbit; ultrasound [US] frequency: 0.69 MHz; burst: 10 ms; pulse repetition frequency (PRF): 1 Hz; duration: 20 s). The peak negative pressure amplitude ranged from 0.2 to 1.5 MPa. An additional 11 locations were sonicated using Optison at pressure amplitude of 0.5 MPa. Definity and Optison dosages were the same as those used clinically for ultrasound imaging: 10 and 50 microl/kg, respectively. The probability for BBBD (determined using MRI contrast agent enhancement) as a function of pressure amplitude was similar to that found earlier with Optison. For both agents, the probability was estimated to be 50% at 0.4 MPa using probit regression. Histologic examination revealed small, isolated areas of extravasated erythrocytes in some locations. At 0.8 MPa and higher, these areas were sometimes accompanied by tiny (dimensions of 100 microm or less) regions of damaged brain parenchyma. The magnitude of the BBBD was larger with Optison than with Definity at 0.5 MPa (signal enhancement: 13.3% +/- 4.4% vs. 8.4% +/- 4.9%; p = 0.04). In addition, more areas with extravasated erythrocytes were observed with Optison (5.0 +/- 3.5 vs. 1.4 +/- 1.9 areas with extravasation in histology section with largest effect; p = 0.03). We concluded that BBBD is possible using Definity at the dosage of contrast agent and the acoustic parameters tested in this study. The probability for BBBD as a function of pressure amplitude and the type of acute tissue effects were similar to what has been observed using Optison. However, under the experimental conditions used in this study, Optison produced a larger effect for the same acoustic pressure amplitude.
The use of prior information in normalized lattice algorithms

Normalized lattice algorithms for least-squares system identification usually assume zero initial conditions. This is in contrast to standard recursive least-squares techniques which can be initialized to any desired values of the identified parameters. The note proposes a modification of lattice algorithms by using prior information about the identified system as an initial condition. The method applies to all-pole as well as to pole-zero models.
Correlation of the RENAL nephrometry score with warm ischemia time after robotic partial nephrectomy.

The RENAL nephrometry score (RNS) was developed to quantify complexity of renal tumors in a reproducible manner. We aim to determine whether individual categories of the RNS have different impact on the warm ischemia time (WIT) for patients undergoing robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN). In a retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database, we identified 251 consecutive patients who underwent RPN between January 2007 and June 2010. RNS was determined in 187 with available imaging. Univariable analysis and multivariable linear regression analysis were performed to identify which factors were more significantly associated with WIT. Overall RNS was of low (4–6), moderate (7–9), and high complexity (10–12) in 84 (45 %), 80 (43 %), and 23 (12 %) patients, respectively. There was no association between gender (p = 0.6), BMI (p = 0.3), or anterior/posterior location (A) (p = 0.8), and WIT. On univariable analysis, longer WIT was associated with size (R) >4 cm (p < 0.0001), entirely endophytic properties (E) (p = 0.005), tumor <4 mm from the collecting system/sinus (N) (p < 0.0001), and location between the polar lines (L) (p = 0.004). Total RNS and WIT were highly correlated (Spearman correlation coefficient = 0.54, p < 0.0001). There was a significant trend of higher WIT with increased tumor complexity (p for trend <0.0001). After multivariable analysis, only R (p = 0.0003), E (p = 0.003), and N (p = 0.00002) components of the RNS were significantly associated with WIT. The A and L subcategories of the RNS have no significant impact on the WIT of patients undergoing RPN. WIT is significantly dependent upon the other subcategories, as well as the overall RNS. These findings can be used to preoperatively predict which tumor characteristics will likely affect WIT and may be useful in preoperative counseling as well as planning of approach.
Finding quantitative trait loci genes with collaborative targeted maximum likelihood learning

Quantitative trait loci mapping is focused on identifying the positions and effect of genes underlying an observed trait. We present a collaborative targeted maximum likelihood estimator in a semi-parametric model using a newly proposed 2-part super learning algorithm to find quantitative trait loci genes in listeria data. Results are compared to the parametric composite interval mapping approach.
Nanosecond optical transmission studies of laser annealing in ion-implanted silicon-on-sapphire

Abstract Time-resolved optical transmission has been studied using 633 and 514 nm CW probes on ion-implantation-amorphized silicon-on-sapphire during annealing by a 10 nsec, ⊥ J/cm2 pulse at either 532 nm or 485 nm. As recrystallization sets in the transmitted signal at 514 nm rises by ⊥ 103 in ⊥ 60 nsec and provides a measure of regrowth velocity. Beyond 200 nsec the much slower transmission rise is used to provide an estimate of the Si cooling rate. The difference in transmission observed between initially crystalline and initially amorphous Si provide an estimate of the latent heat of recrystallization of the amorphous phase.
N-type calcium channel antibody-mediated paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis: A diagnostic challenge

Abstract Background The etiology of encephalitis presents a diagnostic challenge and often remains a mystery. However, current technological advances using antibodies can enable a definitive diagnosis in cases that would previously have been suspected to be idiopathic or viral encephalitis. Our objective is to show that tonsil neuroendocrine carcinoma can present initially as limbic encephalitis mediated by N-type calcium channel antibodies and to highlight the diagnostic confusion before cancer detection. Methods We report a rare case of neuroendocrine cancer presenting as limbic encephalopathy, Lambert–Eaton myasthenic syndrome and neuropathy. The patient was diagnosed and treated at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in November 2011. Results Paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis was diagnosed based on clinical presentation of seizures, short-term memory loss, retrograde amnesia, disorientation, distractibility, and abulia; on the exclusion of brain metastases, CNS infection, stroke, metabolic or nutritional deficits, or medication-related events; and on CSF results with inflammatory findings and an abnormal electroencephalography study that showed seizure activity in the left temporal lobe. Serum paraneoplastic panel was positive for P/Q-type calcium channel antibody and N-type calcium channel antibody. Magnetic resonance imaging of brain was unremarkable. Conclusion This case highlights limbic encephalitis as an atypical presentation of neuroendocrine cancer. It also illustrates how treatment of the underlying cancer can reverse limbic encephalitis and Lambert–Eaton myasthenic syndrome in a neuroendocrine carcinoma patient even before the paraneoplastic panel becomes negative.
Species-specific DNA probes for Campylobacter species isolated from pigs with proliferative enteritis.

Abstract Cloned, chromosomal DNA probes from porcine isolates of Campylobacter hyointestinalis and C. mucosalis were developed for the detection and identification of these putative swine enteric pathogens. High molecular weight chromosomal DNA from each species was used to construct genomic libraries in plasmids. Recombinants were selcted which hybridized strongly to the homologous organism, but not to any other species of Campylobacter. Species-specific recombinants were labeled with phosphorus-32 and tested for sensitivity by dot blot hybridization to various dilutions of DNA and bacteria from each swine species, including C. hyointestinalis, C. mucosalis, C. coli and C. jejuni. Specificity was tested by hybridizing these probes against various strains of C. hyointestinalis or C. mucosalis, and against reference strains of all other described Campylobacter species. A C. hyointestinalis-specific probe and a C. mucosalis-specific probe were identified which were capable of detecting 1 ng of DNA or 104 cfu by bacterial spot blotting on nylon membranes. These probes hybridized to intestinal mucosal scrapings containing C. hyointestinalis and C. mucosalis obtained from pigs with proliferative enteritis, but not to material from normal pigs. Thus, cloned, chromosomal DNA probes may be useful in the detection and identification of bacteria involved in swine proliferative enteritis.
Radiocarbon, 13C and 15N Analysis of Fossil Bone: Removal of Humates With XAD-2 Resin

Abstract Humic acids are the predominant source of error in the 14 C and stable isotope analysis of fossil bone organic matter. XAD-2 resin will quantitatively remove humates and give the highest yields of protein from bones with variable types of preservation. Decalcified bone, gelatin and base-leached residues can vary up to 5%. for δ 13 C and by 1%. on δ 15 N relative to XAD-treated fractions. Simultaneous analysis of 14 C age, δ 13 C and δ 15 N is recommended because each isotope value can be independently affected by the bone's diagenetic history. Radiocarbon analysis is the most sensitive and δ 15 N is least sensitive for detecting exogenous organic matter. The uncertainty of analyses on the best pretreated protein is ±0.5%. for both δ 13 C and δ 15 N and is larger than previous estimates. The accuracy for all isotope analyses will be better assessed by using individual amino acids instead of total collagenous residues. Inaccurate 14 C dates on severely degraded bone are an indication that this class of fossils may be unsuitable for any isotopic analysis.
Involvement in War and Suicide Rates in Great Britain, 1901–1965

In Great Britain from 1901 to 1965, suicide rates were lower during times of war, but the effect did not reach statistical significance in a regression analysis.