cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vocal Hygiene in Collegiate Singers-Does Formal Training Relate to Practices?

Summary Background: Vocal hygiene is vitally important for protecting vocal quality and promoting vocal longevity. It includes adequate hydration, avoidance of environmental irritants, and refraining from phonotraumatic behaviors such as screaming, excessive talking, and throat clearing. Formal singing training in addition to enhancing singing techniques, is also assumed to promote good vocal hygiene. Consequently, we investigated whether collegiate singers with formal training are more likely to practice good vocal hygiene habits than untrained collegiate singers. Methods: We completed a prospective cohort study, where collegiate singers at Stanford University were voluntarily enrolled in an annual vocal health clinic. Full laryngeal exams were performed and demographic information, formal vocal training status, and information on vocal hygiene habits were obtained through questionnaires. The results were then analyzed by grouping singers as “untrained” if less than 1 year of formal training, and “trained” if greater than a year. Results: A total of 82 singers were included for analysis, with 49 (59.8%) having greater than one year of formal training. Trained singers were more likely to employ a primary musical singing style of classical or operatic singing compared to untrained singers who were more likely to utilize “R&B” (P
An integrated biophysical approach to discovering mechanisms of NDM-1 inhibition for several thiol-containing drugs

Due to the rapid proliferation of antibiotic-resistant pathogenic bacteria, known as carbapenem-resistant enterobacteriaceae, the efficacy of β-lactam antibiotics is threatened. β-lactam antibiotics constitute over 50% of the available antibiotic arsenal. Recent efforts have been focused on developing inhibitors to these enzymes. In an effort to understand the mechanism of inhibition(s) of four FDA-approved thiol-containing drugs that were previously reported to be inhibitors of New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM-1), various biochemical and spectroscopic techniques were used. Isothermal titration calorimetry demonstrated the binding affinity to NDM-1 corresponds to the reported IC50 values of the inhibitors. Equilibrium dialyses and metal analyses demonstrated that all of these inhibitors formed ternary complexes with ZnZn-NDM-1. Spectroscopic studies on CoCo-NDM-1 revealed two distinct binding modes for the thiol-containing compounds. These findings validate the need to further investigate the mechanism of inhibition of MBL inhibitors. Further research to identify inhibition capabilities beyond reported IC50 values is necessary for understanding the binding modes of these identified compounds and to provide the necessary foundation for developing clinically relevant MBL inhibitors.
Pacemakers, Defibrillators, and Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy

In this chapter, the internist will be provided with the fundamental knowledge necessary to manage patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) in the inpatient setting. We will review basic concepts in the function of pacemakers and defibrillators and common ECG manifestations of malfunction. Standard indications for CIED and conditions that warrant inpatient device interrogation will be discussed. MRI safety for CIED will also be discussed.
A cross-sectional analysis of 1347 complications for cervical disc replacements from medical device reports maintained by the United States Food and Drug Administration.

Abstract BACKGROUND CONTEXT context: Lumbar disc replacement (LDR) is a motion sparing procedure for degenerative disc disease. When compared to lumbar fusion, this procedure may reduce complications, reoperations, operative time, and length of stay. However, the extent of overall complications related to LDR has not been well defined in the literature. PURPOSE Demonstrate the complication profile of popular LDR implants reported to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). STUDY DESIGN Retrospective database review. PATIENT SAMPLE Nationwide database of reported complications related to LDR products from patients throughout the country. OUTCOME MEASURES Complications related to LDR. METHODS Data files from January 1, 2004 to April 1, 2021 were queried using the publicly accessible Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database and Alternative Summary Reporting program. Three LDR (“Charite,” “Prodisc-L,” and “Activ L”) products were analyzed for complications. Data collected included the date the reports were received by the FDA, the type of complication, complication event description, and the source of the report. The complication event description was utilized to determine the completion of the investigation. Entries with insufficient information were excluded. Complications were further divided into two categories, device and non-device related. RESULTS A total of 431 complication entries were found between January 1, 2004, and April 1, 2021. After screening for duplicates and events with insufficient information there were 284 total complications. The total complications were then further divided into implant and non-implant related. The five most common overall complications were lumbar pain (49 entries, 17.25%), migration of implant (42 entries, 14.78%), polyethylene dislodged (37 entries, 13.0%), insertion of device problem (37 entries, 13.0%), device handling problem (12 entries, 4.22%). The most common implant related complication, along with the number of MAUDE entries for each implant was migration of implant for Charite (n=6); Migration of implant for ActivL (n=24); Polyethylene dislodged for ProdiscL (n=32). Of the 284 total complications analyzed, 86 (30.28%) of the entries were deemed “investigation completed.” The majority of reports were submitted from the manufacturer and company representative (66.2%, 14.8 % respectively). There were no entries related to LDR within the Alternative Summary Reporting search. CONCLUSIONS This study outlined the complications of LDR implants from the MAUDE database which have not always been highlighted in previously published studies. The findings of this study provide insight into the potential targets for improvement in future LDR design and surgical techniques to reduce complications and ensure the safe utilization of these implants.
Systematic review of cost-effectiveness analysis of behavior change communication apps: Assessment of key methods:

ObjectiveEvidence backing the effectiveness of mobile health technology is growing, and behavior change communication applications (apps) are fast becoming a useful platform for behavioral health p...
Use of average volume-assured pressure support as a therapeutic option in patients with central sleep apnea syndrome.

Central sleep apnea (CSA) syndrome commonly occurs with other medical conditions such as congestive heart failure, opiate use, and brainstem disorders. Various treatment modalities have been used with varied effectiveness in an attempt to improve ventilation and reduce the apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) in patients with CSA. This study evaluated whether or not a bilevel positive airway pressure mode of noninvasive ventilation, average volume-assured pressure support (AVAPS) is effective in treating CSA. This was a retrospective review of patients with CSA who underwent AVAPS titration studies at our institution. We included patients with CSA with apnea–hypopnea index (events/hour) (AHI) ≥ 15, and examined the effectiveness of AVAPS in reducing AHI, improving oxygenation parameters, and improving sleep architecture. There were 12 patients, with mean age 62.8 ± 11.5 years, body mass index (BMI) 33.5 ± 4.7 kg/m2, 8 men, and Epworth Sleepiness Scale 9.3 ± 4.9. Five patients had CSA attributed to opiate use, 4 patients had CSA with Cheyne-Stokes respiration, and 3 patients had primary CSA. The only significant change from baseline PSG was AHI reduction with AVAPS: 63.3 ± 19.1 to 30.5 ± 30.3 (p < 0.003). In 5 patients (42%), AHI was reduced to < 15 with AVAPS use. Improvement in AHI was not related to gender, BMI, opiate use, or age. Defining response to therapy as AHI reduced to < 15, we found that lack of hypertension was the only significant predictor of response (p = 0.045). No significant changes in sleep architecture between the two studies were found. AVAPS is an effective mode of treating CSA in a significant proportion of patients. More studies are needed to confirm these findings and determine what factors are associated with response to therapy.
Teaching Robotics with Virtual Reality: Developing Curriculum for the 21st Century Workforce.

The nature of work is changing. The ongoing shift to automated manufacturing and fabrication in the 21st Century will require a workforce with a radically different set of skills focused less on manual dexterity for the performance of repetitive tasks and more on interaction with robotic systems. It is expected that both Industrial Manufacturing and the Architecture Engineering and Construction (AEC) sector will begin to adopt more automation technology for the production of manufactured goods as well as the design and construction of the built environment. Teaching the fundamental skills required for 21st century workers in the Industrial Manufacturing and AEC sectors may no longer be feasible or efficient using on the job training or apprenticeship as a primary educational modality. Virtual Reality (VR) environments offer a possible solution to train workers in an immersive, interactive, and safe environment where they are less likely to be injured, slow down production, or cause unintentional damage to products or projects in construction. Developing curriculum for these workers requires a modular approach to pedagogy that draws on skills and strategies of game design. Assessment tools for evaluating knowledge and skills acquisition can be structured using a reward system drawn from game design and game theory. Pedagogic sequence can thus be more self-directed as a learner explores their developing knowledge, skills, and mastery of specific tasks. The addition of biometric sensors integrated with the VR Headset promises to add a powerful tool for testing curriculum in real time and providing feedback that can influence the duration, sequence, and progression of a learner’s exploration of the learning environment. In this paper we will describe the development of our own AI-powered VR learning environment for teaching fundamentals of robotics, discuss the curriculum and assessment tools we have developed for in-person workshops and VR environment training, and present our aspirations for the further development of this educational tool.
Wrapping Defects and the Architecture of Soluble Proteins

Wrapping defects in soluble proteins represent local weaknesses of the native structures and have received little attention, especially by the drug design community. The protein structure may be inherently weak at sites where hydration of the backbone is locally hampered by formation of an intramolecular hydrogen bond which in turn is not stabilized through complete burial within a hydrophobic environment. This chapter explores the architectural implications stemming from the existence of these vulnerabilities. Thus, the unburied backbone hydrogen bonds or dehydrons are shown to be compensated by disulfide bridges that are needed to maintain the structural integrity in extracellular environments. Examination of all reported soluble structures reveals that the number of disulfide bonds correlates tightly with the number of dehydrons in a 1:5 ratio. The results have implications for biomolecular design as they introduce universal constraints in the architecture of water-soluble proteins.
A Review of “Mindfulness in Clinical Practice”

In the introduction of Mindfulness in Clinical Practice, the authors write that their book is “designed to give clinicians an overview of the many facets and applications of mindfulness, in a strai...
Luxation, Instabilität und Luxationsfrakturen des Ellenbogengelenks

Das Ellenbogengelenk ist das am zweithaufigsten luxierende Gelenk. Neben den ossaren Begleitverletzungen wird die Schadigung des Kapsel-Band-Apparats haufig unterschatzt. Fur ein gutes Ergebnis sind, nach der wichtigen fruhzeitigen Reposition, die Funktions- und Stabilitatsprufung des Ellenbogengelenks von groser Bedeutung, um Bandverletzungen zu erkennen und Spatkomplikationen zu verhindern. Um ein zufrieden stellendes Ergebnis zu erreichen, ist die Kenntnis des Verletzungsmusters fur die praoperative Planung von hochster Wichtigkeit. Im Weiteren wird auf die wesentlichen Verletzungsfolgen der Ellenbogenluxationen und Luxationsfrakturen und deren Behandlungsmoglichkeiten eingegangen, die Nachbehandlungen werden ebenfalls erlautert.
Counterexamples to Recovery and the Filtering Condition

David Makinson has argued that the compelling character of counterexamples to the Recovery Condition on contraction is due to an appeal to justificational structure. In “naked theories” where such structure is ignored or is not present, Recovery does apply. This note attempts to show that Makinson is mistaken on both counts. Recovery fails when no appeal is made to justificational structure.
Cardiac arrest during cesarean section

Abstract A case of cardiac arrest occurring during cesarean section under spinal anesthesia is reported. Arrest occurred prior to delivery of an apparently normal live infant but was followed by death of the mother on the third postpartum day.
Theoretical Studies of the Large-Scale Behavior of the Solar Wind

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses theoretical studies of the large-scale behavior of the solar wind. The transition between the sun and nearby interstellar matter is largely governed by the steady expansion of the hot tenuous outer atmosphere (corona) of the sun. This expansion starts low in the corona, slowly at first, and then accelerates outward. The flow passes continuously into a supersonic state and continues flowing outward as a supersonic “solar wind.” The solar wind persists far from the sun, certainly beyond the orbit of the earth, and must eventually make a transition to the local interstellar medium. This picture of the solar environment is very likely applicable to many other stars that are similar to the sun. In this chapter, critical comments on the basic assumptions of various solar wind models are presented. The chapter is a survey primarily of theoretical work aimed at understanding the large-scale dynamics of the solar wind. The emphasis is mainly on the acceleration, heating, angular momentum transfer, and termination of the wind. Topics such as the interplanetary magnetic field, fluctuations of the solar wind, and the origin of the solar wind are discussed only to an extent as they are related to the main topic of the chapter.
Embryological Development of Antigens

Publisher Summary This paper is primarily concerned with certain aspects of the work dealing with the maternal synthesis and transfer of antigens to the egg; the description, distribution, and time of appearance of specific antigens, with special attention given to the muscle protein, myosin, and to the lens proteins; immunological studies related to the embryonic processes of competence, induction, determination, differentiation and specific growth stimulation or inhibition; and the biological effects of specific antisera upon developing embryos. It also presents the results that afford insight into the mechanism of embryonic development, illustrates the recent increasing use of immunologic methods in other biological disciplines, and discusses maternal synthesis of proteins and their transfer to the egg, such as serological comparison, serum like antigens, maternal antigen transfer, and developmental significance of maternally synthesized, and description, distribution, and time of appearance of antigens in the embryo. It also discusses immunological investigation of tissue interactions in the embryo such as graft-versus-host reaction, organ-specific growth stimulation, organ-specific inhibition of differentiation growth, and embryonic induction. Perhaps the role that antigens play in normal embryonic development is best revealed by experiments in which developing embryos are exposed to specific antisera. In this way the response of the embryo reveals the role the antigens have in the various embryonic processes such as activation of the egg, cleavage, tissue and cell movements, cellular differentiation, cellular and tissue affinities, and growth.
An impurity control test facility (ICTF) for the study of fusion reactor/plasma edge materials

A test facility has been designed for investigating many of the impurity control issues associated with fusion reactors. The facility is a steady-state, rf-stabilized mirror with high field and high pumping capability and cells. Analysis indicates that the ICTF should readily produce a plasma with typical parameters of N/sub e/ = 3 x 10/sup 18/ m/sup -3/, T/sub e/ = 50 eV, and T/sub i/ = 100 eV at each end cell. A heat load of approx. 2 MW/m/sup 2/ over areas of approx. 1600 cm/sup 2/ could be produced at each end with 800 kW of ICRH power. These conditions would provide a unique capability for examining issues such as erosion/redeposition behavior, properties of redeposited materials, high recycling regimes, plasma edge operating limits for high-Z materials, and particle pumping efficiencies for limiter and divertor designs.
Issues in conformance testing: multiple semicontrollable interfaces

In a testing environment, where an IUT communicates with multiple entities, a tester may have differing degrees of controllability on the interactions between these entities and the IUT: directly controllable, semicontrollable, or uncontrollable. In this paper, a graph conversion algorithm is introduced that offers the testability of both the directly and semicontrollable inputs, while avoiding race conditions. Although, for the most general case, the graph conversion results in an exponentially large number of nodes, practical considerations make the converted graph size feasible. Currently, this methodology is being applied to generate tests for MIL-STD 188–220B, which increases the number of testable state transitions from approximately 200 to over 700.
Duration of psychological therapy: relation to recovery and improvement rates in UK routine practice

Background Previous studies have reported similar recovery and improvement rates regardless of treatment duration among patients receiving National Health Service (NHS) primary care mental health psychological therapy. Aims To investigate whether this pattern would replicate and extend to other service sectors, including secondary care, university counselling, voluntary sector and workplace counselling. Method We compared treatment duration with degree of improvement measured by the Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation – Outcome Measure (CORE-OM) for 26 430 adult patients who scored above the clinical cut-off point at the start of treatment, attended 40 or fewer sessions and had planned endings. Results Mean CORE-OM scores improved substantially (pre–post effect size 1.89); 60% of patients achieved reliable and clinically significant improvement (RCSI). Rates of RCSI and reliable improvement and mean pre- and post-treatment changes were similar at all tested treatment durations. Patients seen in different service sectors showed modest variations around this pattern. Conclusions Results were consistent with the responsive regulation model, which suggests that in routine care participants tend to end therapy when gains reach a good-enough level.
Crystal chemistry of the epitaxy of cristobalite (SiO2) on basal plane sapphire

Abstract Epitaxial thin films of α-cristobalite were synthesized on c-plane sapphire using the chemical solution deposition method. The films grow with (1 0 1) orientation at temperatures as low as 800 °C and crystallize only in the presence of Na, either by intentional doping or contamination. X-ray diffraction reveals an in-plane orientation of [ 1 ¯ 0 1 ] cris | | [ 1 0 1 ¯ 0 ] sapp , with three cristobalite in-plane variants which correspond to the three-fold symmetry of the sapphire. The use of crystal chemistry concepts enabled the accurate prediction of the in-plane orientation between the two structures prior to their experimental determination. To that end, we propose that the interface consists of silicon-centered tetrahedrons that properly coordinate all neighboring cations and provide charge balance between the two structures.
The history and threat of biological warfare and terrorism

The inevitable conclusion is that the availability of biological warfare agents and supporting technologic infrastructure, coupled with the fact that there are many people motivated to do harm to the United States, means that America must be prepared to defend her homeland against biological agents. Some have argued to the contrary, that the threat and risks from a biological weapon attack are not to be considered serious, because [39]: They've not been used yet on a large scale so they probably won't be in the near future. Their use is so morally repugnant that they probably won't be used at all. The technologic hurdles associated with isolating, growing, purifying, weaponizing, and disseminating adequate quantities of pathologic agents are so high that only the most advanced laboratories could attempt the process. Similar to a 'nuclear winter,' the aftermath of a biological attack is so unthinkable that none would attempt it. Unfortunately, the trends associated with biotechnology globalization, terrorist group dynamics, and global/regional politics render these beliefs untenable and inappropriate, as recent events have underscored. To that end, the United States has accelerated its program of defense against biological weapons, as it must. Biological weapons are such dreadful weapons of uniqueness and complexity that a specific defense strategy is paramount. Elements of this program include pharmaceutical stockpiles, heightened surveillance systems, energized vaccine development programs, and comprehensive training initiatives. Although the depth and breadth of these efforts are unprecedented, above all these efforts is the absolute necessity for medical and public health care professionals to be educated and actively involved. These professionals are the sine qua non of future defensive readiness. This is just the start; unfortunately, there is no end yet in sight.
The genesis of bifid T waves: experimental demonstration in isolated perfused rabbit hearts

In an attempt to elucidate the genesis of bifid T waves, we recorded transmembrane potentials of subepicardial ventricular muscle fibers simultaneously with a bipolar ventricular electrogram in isolated, perfused rabbit hearts, and the timing of the two apices of the T wave (aT1, aT2) was correlated with ventricular repolarization. The following results were obtained. (1) In seven of the nine hearts in which the repolarization process was mapped on the anterior and posterior surfaces of both ventricles, the 80% repolarization times of the left and the right ventricles were scattered around aT1 and aT2, respectively, and their average values closely corresponded to Q-aT1 and Q-aT2 intervals. This suggested that aT1 and aT2 depended on repolarization of the left and the right ventricles, respectively. (2) In one heart, aT1 appeared to reflect repolarization of the posterior ventricular wall, and aT2 that of the anterior wall. (3) In the remaining heart, aT2 coincided with repolarization of the anterobasal portion of the right ventricle, and aT1 that of the remaining portions of the ventricles. Even when ventricular repolarization was modified by low K+, low Ca2+ or procainamide perfusion, or by premature atrial stimulation, the close temporal correlation of the left and right ventricular repolarization with the two apices of the T wave was maintained. Selective cooling of the perfusate in either the left or the right coronary artery resulted in the production of bifid T waves in which aT2 coincided with the delayed repolarization of the cooled ventricle. We conclude that either physiologically or pathologically delayed repolarization in certain portions of the ventricles is most likely the cause of bifid T waves.
Influence of AT1 Receptor Activity on AT1 and AT2 Receptor Expression During Fetal Life. † 284

The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that an increase in AT1 receptor activity participates in the decline in AT2 mRNA expression associated with fetal maturation (Pediatr Res 38:896904, 1995). To test this hypothesis, we studied eleven pairs of chronically instrumented twin fetal sheep at 95d gestation and seven pairs at 110d gestation (term is 145d). One twin received intravenous infusion of losartan (L) (10mg/kg bolus followed by 20 μg/kg/min for 48 hr) while the other served as a salinetreated control (C). In the 95d animals, no change in heart rate, mean arterial blood pressure (MABP), plasma renin activity (PRA), or aldosterone levels were observed during L infusion. Furthermore, L did not alter AT1 and AT2 mRNA expression in 95d fetuses; AT1 and AT2 mRNA levels were consistent in C and L animals kidney cortex, kidney medulla, liver, and adrenal. In contrast, in 110d fetuses, L decreased MABP from 40.1±1mmHg to 33±1mmHg(p<0.001) while PRA increased from 4.8±1.5 to 9.8±3 ngAI/ml/hr (p<0.05). In addition, L decreased 110d kidney medulla AT1 by 32±12% (p<0.05) and reduced kidney medulla AT2 by 32±14%(p<0.05) mRNA expression. Likewise, adrenal AT2 fell by 14±11%. To determine if these changes in mRNA expression during L were secondary to changes in MABP, three additional sets of 110d twin fetuses were studied; one twin received L while the other twin received L plus phenylephrine to keep MABP from falling. When compared to L fetuses, keeping MABP normal prevented changes in AT1 and AT2 mRNA levels.
Cortical evoked potentials recorded from the guinea pig without averaging.

Potentials evoked by tonal pulses and recorded with a monopolar electrode on the pial surface over the auditory cortex of the guinea pig are presented. These potentials are compared with averaged potentials recorded in previous studies with an electrode on the dura. The potentials recorded by these two techniques have similar waveforms, peak latencies and thresholds. They appear to be generated within the same region of the cerebral cortex. As can be expected, the amplitude of the evoked potentials recorded from the pial surface is larger than that recorded from the dura. Consequently, averaging is not needed to extract the evoked potential once the dura is removed. The thresholds for the evoked cortical potential are similar to behavioral thresholds for the guinea pig at high frequencies; however, evoked potential thresholds are elevated over behavioral thresholds at low frequencies. The removal of the dura and the direct recording of the evoked potential appears most appropriate for acute experiments. T...
Marketing issues related to waste-grown aquatic foods

Are societal wastes all bad? Some of them, including heat from power plants and certain organic wastes, have been demonstrated to be potentially valuable for growing aquatic food organisms. The use of such wastes promises the double benefit of a cleaner environment and an increased food supply. Research and development effort can be expected to solve, for at least some production methods, the technical, economic, and public health problems that currently exist.
pBR322 contains glucocorticoid regulatory element DNA consensus sequences.

Summary A computer search of the pBR322 DNA sequence identified five sites matching reported glucocorticoid regulatory element (GRE) DNA consensus sequences and three related sites. A pBR322 DNA fragment containing one GRE site was shown to bind immobilized HeLa S 3 cell glucocorticoid receptor and to compete for receptor binding in a competitive binding assay. Conversely, a pBR322 DNA fragment devoid of GRE sites showed barely detectable interaction with glucocorticoid receptor in either of these assays. These results demonstrate the importance of GRE consensus sequences in glucocorticoid receptor interactions with DNA, and further identify a cause for high background binding observed when pBR322 DNA is used as a negative control in studies of glucocorticoid receptor-DNA interactions.
Characterization of diamond thin films: Diamond phase identification, surface morphology, and defect structures

Thin carbon films grown from a low pressure methane-hydrogen gas mixture by microwave plasma enhanced CVD have been examined by Auger electron spectroscopy, secondary ion mass spectrometry, electron and x-ray diffraction, electron energy loss spectroscopy, and electron microscopy. They were determined to be similar to natural diamond in terms of composition, structure, and bonding. The surface morphology of the diamond films was a function of position on the sample surface and the methane concentration in the feedgas. Well-faceted diamond crystals were observed near the center of the sample whereas a less faceted, cauliflower texture was observed near the edge of the sample, presumably due to variations in temperature across the surface of the sample. Regarding methane concentration effects, threefold {111} faceted diamond crystals were predominant on a film grown at 0.3% CH4 in H2 while fourfold {100} facets were observed on films grown in 1.0% and 2.0% CH4 in H2. Transmission electron microscopy of the diamond films has shown that the majority of diamond crystals have a very high defect density comprised of {111} twins, {111} stacking faults, and dislocations. In addition, cross-sectional TEM has revealed a 50 A epitaxial layer of β3–SiC at the diamond-silicon interface of a film grown with 0.3% CH4 in H2 while no such layer was observed on a diamond film grown in 2.0% CH4 in H2.
Categorical labeling of synthetic /I/ and /ε/ in adults and school-age children

Abstract The development of categorical labeling was examined using a continuum between two lax vowels (/ I -e/) for ten adults, ten 10-year-olds, and ten 5- to 6-year-olds. Each subject listened to 10 presentations of 14 tokens on the / I -e/ continuum, yielding a total of 140 test trials. Differences in boundaries were not significant among groups. However, differences in slopes at the boundaries were significant between 5- to 6-year-olds and adults. A general trend was noted: steepness of slopes increased as age advanced. This suggests that categorical labeling skills are evident in children and become more refined with advancing age. Additionally, there was a significant correlation between steepness of slope and performance on a phonological awareness task.
A formula related to irreducible diagram expansions

A formula is presented which can be regarded as the analytic basis for irreducible diagram expansions. It expresses the off-diagonal elements of the inverse of a matrix of operators by the off-diagonal elements and by diagonal elements of various inverses of the original operator. The formula can be obtained by purely analytic means without reference to statistical considerations. No infinite processes are involved if one deals with a finite matrix of operators.
The error operator and its eigenvectors in electron scattering

Abstract We make a formal analysis of the error in the nuclear charge density when determined from electron scattering. The error statement is made by introducing error functions describing asymptotic behaviour of the density and the form factor. It is possible to make a complete error statement using the above functions, so that there is no need to use a truncated basis. Consequently, our analysis is basis independent. Because we have introduced an error operator which has one part analogous to a potential (because it can be written simply in coordinate space) and another part which might be made analogous to the kinetic energy (because it is simply written in momentum space) we have made the analogy of the error operator to the Hamiltonian. We find that results of our previous paper remain valid and the conclusions are unaltered but the present procedure lends greater mathematical rigor.
The opening of the Woodlark Basin, subduction of the Woodlark spreading system, and the evolution of Northern Melanesia since mid-pliocene time

Abstract Magnetic anomaly and seismological data define segments of active seafloor spreading and associated magnetic lineations trending ENE in the Woodlark Basin. The total opening rate has been approximately 6 cm/yr for the last 1 m.y. Spreading rates diminish by over 10% from east to west along the Woodlark spreading system implying a pole of current opening 15°–20° to the west. Commencement of seafloor spreading in the basin has apparently been time-transgressive, beginning prior to 3.5 m.y. in the east, and at successively later times to the west. Earthquake focal mechanisms and geological evidence suggest that the land areas bounding the western end of the Woodlark Basin are undergoing tensional deformation. We believe that eventually the Woodlark Basin plate boundary will propagate westward through the d'Entrecasteaux Islands into the Papuan peninsula. Hitherto unreported shallow seismicity associated with the northern margin of the NE-trending section of the Woodlark Rise probably reflects partial decoupling of the Woodlark and Solomon basins, possibly due to mechanical difficulties in subducting the young Woodlark lithosphere. Analysis of the relative motions between the Solomon, Indo-Australian, and Pacific plates shows that the Woodlark spreading system has been subducted at high rates (> 10 cm/yr) beneath the Solomon Islands during the opening of the Woodlark Basin. Several tectonic and geological features limited to the region of interaction of the Woodlark Basin with the Solomon Trench and arc may be symptomatic of ridge subduction. These features include high heat flow in the Solomon Trench, which shoals to 4 km; low levels of seismicity and only shallow hypocenters; and voluminous eruptions of high K 2 O TiO 2 olivine basalts and basaltic andesites extremely close to the trench axis. This close association in space and time of an unusual volcanic suite with ridge subduction implies a strong dependence of the petrogenesis on the tectonic regime. A combination of this study of the Woodlark Basin and the previous study of the Bismarck Basin (Taylor, 1979) provides a reconstruction of the positions of the continents, ocean basins, and island chains in northern Melanesia for mid-Pliocene time. In accepting the existence of a Solomon plate, we can explain the trench-like structure off the Trobriand margin of New Guinea, the occurrence of Late Cenozoic calc-alkaline volcanism along the Papuan peninsula, and the presence of intermediate depth seismicity beneath the north Papuan peninsula. The rapid changes in relative motions along or across the New Ireland-Solomons chain over the past 3.5 m.y. may explain the spatial and temporal changes in igneous activity observed on these islands.
Relationship between passive tissue strain and collagen uncoiling during healing of infarcted myocardium

Objective: The structure of the collagen scar during healing of a myocardial infarction is a determinant of the function of the remodeled tissue. We hypothesize that the passive deformations of both scar and normal tissue are related to the underlying collagen uncoiling as the tissue stretches, and that the unloaded tortuosity of the collagen may be a determinant of tissue stiffness at low ventricular pressure. Hence collagen uncoiling and tissue strain were measured during passive loading in normal tissue, and in healing infarct tissue. Methods: Left ventricles of rats were infarcted by ligation of the left anterior descending artery for 2 weeks. Surface strains were measured during passive inflation in the scar region in one set of excised hearts, and other arrested hearts were fixed at different ventricular pressures, after which collagen tortuosity was measured in the infarcted and normal tissue. Results: Passive loading strains were smaller in the scar in both the fiber and cross-fiber directions. Tortuosity decreased with load in normal and infarcted tissue, with fibrils tending to straighten more in the scar tissue at higher pressures (1.056±0.009 vs. 1.024±0.009 at P =20 mmHg) with similar tortuosities at zero pressure (1.110±0.012 vs. 1.098±0.019). The decrease in tortuosity with strain was greater for the infarcted tissue. Conclusions: The greater stiffness of infarcted tissue at low pressure is not due to ‘straightened’ collagen fibers, and there may be a different three-dimensional structure of infarct vs. normal coiled collagen fibers which can affect the material properties of these tissues.
Relative importance of the enzymic hydrolysis of suxamethonium in plasma and tissues: studies in Rhesus monkeys

Abstract 1. Suxamethonium was given by intravenous infusion to anaesthetized Rhesus monkeys and the infusion rate required to produce after 10 min a 50% reduction in twitch tension of the indirectly stimulated gastrocnemius or tibialis anterior muscle (IR50) was calculated from results obtained with paired infusions of two concentrations, repeated at intervals. The IR50 values in three monkeys were (388, 958 and 1,010 nmol/kg)/minute. 2. In one experiment the cholinesterase activity in plasma was increased to 125 and then to 182% of the initial value by infusions of purified human cholinesterase (usual enzyme). This increased the IR50 by 34 and then by 60%, respectively. 3. Inhibition by iso-OMPA of cholinesterase activity in plasma and tissues (four monkeys) by more than 90% lowered the mean IR50 value to (69 ± 11 (S.E.M.) nmol/kg)/minute. Restoration of cholinesterase activity in the plasma of these animals by infusion of purified human cholinesterase raised the IR50's to values within the normal range. 4. It is concluded that in the Rhesus monkey most of the infused suxamethonium is hydrolyzed by the cholinesterase in plasma before reaching the motor endplates. This agrees with observations in man with usual cholinesterase and contrasts with experiments in the cat where the hydrolysis of suxamethonium by cholinesterase in tissues was found to be more important than the hydrolysis by cholinesterase in plasma.
Application of Micro-RAS to surface analysis of magnetic disks and heads

The Micro-RAS was applied to the in situ detection of microscopic and local contaminants on the magnetic disks and heads, which sometimes limited the progress of the new technology for the developing HDD. As a result, we succeeded in detecting and identifying the surface contaminants with the Micro-RAS, which had never been detected with the normal Micro-IR. The enhancement factor of the Micro-RAS to the Micro-IR was estimated to be about 20, especially for the detection of the adsorbed species whose vibrational mode was perpendicular to the surface.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The demise of the physical exam

Dr. Sandeep Jauhar asks, is the demise of physical diagnosis a crisis or a natural evolution? Is the physical exam just fool's gold, carrying the luster of something valuable but worthless at its core?
Patterns of cigarette and smokeless tobacco use before, during, and after pregnancy among Alaska native and white women in Alaska, 2000-2003

Objective To examine patterns of cigarette and smokeless tobacco use before, during, and after pregnancy among Alaska Native (AN) and white women living in Alaska. Methods We used data from the 2000–2003 population-based Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System to describe patterns of self-reported prenatal tobacco use among AN and white women. We used multiple variable logistic regression analysis to identify maternal factors associated with quitting and relapse. The final sample included 5,458 women. Results During 2000–2003, the prevalence of any tobacco use before pregnancy was twofold higher among AN women than among white women (60.0 vs. 27.5%), and the prevalence of any tobacco use during pregnancy and after pregnancy were each nearly threefold higher. Of the 25.8% (SE 0.9) of white women who smoked before pregnancy, 49.0% (SE 2.1) reported that they quit during pregnancy and of those, 41.1% (SE 2.9) relapsed postpartum. Of the 38.5% (SE 0.9) of AN women who smoked before pregnancy, 35.7% (SE 1.4) quit, and of those 57.0% (SE 2.4) relapsed. Of the 14.2% of AN women who chewed tobacco before pregnancy, 15.7% (SE 1.7) quit, and of those, 52.9% (SE 5.9) relapsed. Conclusion During 2000–2003, the prevalence of tobacco use was two to three times higher among AN women than among white women before, during, and after pregnancy. In addition, AN women had lower quit rates and higher relapse rates than white women. Comprehensive, culturally appropriate tobacco control approaches targeting AN women are needed to increase cessation during pregnancy and to decrease relapse.
Cellular mechanisms in immune tolerance and treatment of autoimmune disease: Studies using total lymphoid irradiation (TLI)

A major goal in organ transplantation and in autoimmune disease is to induce specific immune tolerance to alloantigens and self-antigens respectively. Total lymphoid irradiation (TLI) is a technique which has been used to induce specific immune unresponsiveness and treat autoimmune diseases in laboratory animals and humans. Following TLI, there is a marked depletion of mature T and B cells and their associated immune responses in the peripheral lymphoid tissues. In patients with cadaveric renal allografts, there is a gradual return of immune responses to third party alloantigens, but not to donor alloantigens. Similarly, in patients with severe lupus nephritis, there is a gradual return of immune responses to exogenous antigens and mitogens, but autoantibody formation and spontaneous immunoglobulin secretion remain markedly reduced.
Transverse vibrations of tapered beams

Abstract Transverse vibrations of linearly tapered beams, elastically restrained against rotation at either end, have been investigated. Results for the first three eigenfrequencies, with different values of stiffness ratios (ratio of spring stiffness and beam stiffness at either end) and taper ratio are presented. Cases of a tapered cantilever beam with a concentrated mass at the free end and spring hinged at the other end have also been presented.
Evaluation of different sulfur amino acid compounds in the diet of red drum, Sciaenops ocellatus, and sparing value of cystine for methionine

Abstract Relatively large substitution of plant protein feedstuffs for animal feedstuffs in the diet of red drum will likely require supplementation of methionine to meet this species' metabolic requirement. Therefore, two feeding trials were conducted to determine the value of different sulfur compounds in diets for red drum, and to re-evaluate the cystine replacement value for methionine. The basal diet in both trials was formulated to contain 35% crude protein from red drum muscle and crystalline amino acids. The feeding trials compared growth characteristics of red drum fed different sulfur amino acid (SAA) compounds including l -methionine (control), dl -methionine, crystalline methionine hydroxy analog (MHA), N -acetyl- dl -methionine, or Alimet™, a liquid MHA, supplemented to the basal diet on an equal-sulfur basis to meet the minimum SAA requirement of red drum. Various ratios of cystine to methionine (40/60, 45/55, and 50/50) also were added to the basal diet to re-evaluate the potential sparing effect of cystine for methionine. All diets were fed to triplicate groups of fingerling red drum in 110-l aquaria connected as a brackish (7‰) water recirculating system for 8 and 7 weeks in trials 1 and 2, respectively. Fish fed the basal diet had significantly ( P l -methionine and the other SAA compounds. Results from this study indicate red drum were able to use the various SAA compounds equally as effective as l -methionine to meet their SAA requirement. Cystine also was able to spare approximately 50% of the dietary methionine requirement of red drum.
Atypical Rheumatoid Nodules: A Possible Precursor to a Rheumatoid Variant in a Rheumatoid-Factor-Negative Patient. Case Report

Subcutaneous nodules occur in approximately 20–25% of rheumatoid factor (RF)-positive rheumatoid patients. In this paper, we present a unique case of a 47-year-old healthy RF-negative woman with a 3-year history of necrobiotic nodules over the dorsum of her hands, extensor forearms, and lower extremities. This may represent an atypical presentation or a new rheumatoid variant.
Katodinium dorsalisulcum, a New Species of Unarmored Dinophyceae*

SYNOPSIS. A new species of naked Dinophyceae is described and the culture medium for its continued growth denned. The species is distinctive in having a posteriorly placed girdle, characteristic of the genus Katodinium (Fott, 1957), and in possessing a counterclockwise loop of the sulcus about the apex.
Changing the Status of Drugs from Prescription to Over-the-Counter Availability

The availability of drugs on an over-the-counter basis, including those previously available only by prescription, provides patients with improved access to effective therapies. Removal of the requirement for prescriptions saves both the health care professional and the patient time. However, the overall effect on health care costs is complex. One such effect may be that costs shift from third-party payers to patients. In addition, short-term cost savings may be offset over the long term by problems due to inappropriate use or suboptimal therapy. Optimal therapy with an over-the-counter drug requires that the consumer diagnose the underlying condition correctly and use the drug in a manner that minimizes risk. Assessment of the ability of patients to use drugs in this manner is a critical component of the regulatory review of over-the-counter drugs. The available data arouse the concern that without the supervision of a health care professional, some patients may not be able to use over-the-counter drugs appropriately for certain diagnoses or chronic conditions or in high-risk situations. On the other hand, the widespread use of over-the-counter aspirin on a long-term basis for cardiovascular-risk reduction illustrates the potential value of increased drug availability for long-term therapy. Advances in technology may facilitate the growth of over-the-counter drug therapy. For example, the wide availability and acceptance of reliable methods for measuring serum cholesterol in nonmedical settings may eventually contribute to the safety and effectiveness of over-the-counter treatments for hyperlipidemia. Thus, the future promises increases in the number of drugs available over the counter and in the variety of indications for their use.
Changing Hands Together: A Secure Group Ownership Transfer Protocol for RFID Tags

In a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) enabled system, RFID tags often need to change hands from one owner to another during their lifetime. In this paper, we investigate the application in a group context, i.e., transferring the ownership of a group of tags in one session. This is different from any previous work which focuses on either individual tag ownership transfer or grouping-proofs for simultaneous presence of multiple tags. We are the first to integrate these two aspects and develop a secure and private protocol for tag group ownership transfer. Our protocol resolves the problem of dual ownership which appeared in some previous work, where two entities possess the authentication information of the same tag for a certain period during the ownership transfer process. We evaluate our protocol using theoretical proofs and technical analysis.