cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modeling transport of reactive solutes during leaching saline—Sodic soils rich in soluble carbonates

Abstract A multicompartment model to describe the transport of reactive solutes in soils under unsaturated flow conditions is presented. The movement of salts, precipitation of calcium, and replacement of sodium by calcium on the exchange complex in a relatively dry soil are considered jointly. The soil profile is divided into a number of segments and the soil solution is assumed to reach chemical equilibrium in each segment as it flows downward. Unlike in most previous descriptions of miscible displacement, the exchange in the model is assumed to be limited by the degree of saturation of the soil. It uses simple parameters which are often known or can be measured in situ. The applicability and predictive power of the model were tested with soil column experiments. In most cases, there was a fairly good quantitative agreement between calculated and experimental data. Thus, even with the simple assumptions underlying it, the model was found to be sufficiently good and safe for screening of treatments and general prediction purposes.
"They don't have to suffer for me": why dialysis patients refuse offers of living donor kidneys.

In the present climate of organ shortage, high demand for kidney transplants, and better clinical outcomes from living donors, health care professionals expect and encourage patients to accept offers of living related donor (LRD) kidneys. When patients decide not to adhere to this course of treatment, scholars and policy makers may question why, given that it delays their chances of receiving a transplant. This article reports on patients' decisions to refuse LRD kidney offers. An 18-month study was conducted of treatment decisions by hemodialysis patients (N = 79). Fewer than half of those offered an LRD kidney (N = 64) were willing to accept it, suggesting that sociocultural factors inform decisions. Patients expressed concerns about the potential donors' well-being over their own and about compromising their relationships with the donors. This article concludes that social relations, emotions, and ethnomedical beliefs play an important role in patients' treatment decisions and thus contributes to the anthropology of decision making.
Beyond win–win: rethinking China's international relationships in an era of economic uncertainty

China is the least disadvantaged major economy in the current era of global economic uncertainty. Thus it is becoming the focus of attention of its neighbours and is achieving a prominence in the world political economy unparalleled in its modern history. To a great extent, China's success is the result of ‘good neighbour diplomacy’ such as ‘win–win’ and the policies of reform and openness of the past thirty years. However, despite continuity in policy, China's ‘peaceful leap forward’ since 2008 has changed the context of its external relationships. The increasing asymmetries between China and its neighbours, as well as decreasing asymmetry with the United States, require an adjustment of win–win values beyond mutual benefit to credible reassurance. As China's neighbours become more dependent, they also become more anxious concerning their interests. Meanwhile, China's relative gain on the US requires a different kind of confidence-building diplomacy.
Challenges in Biomass–Thermoplastic Composites

Wood and other biomass resources have been blended with thermoplastic such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polylactic acid and polyvinyl chloride to form wood plastic composites (WPC). WPCs have seen a large growth in the United States in recent years mainly in the residential decking market with the removal of CCA treated wood decking from residential markets. While there are many successes to report in WPCs, there are still some issues that need to be addressed before this technology will reach its full potential. This technology involves two different types of materials; one hygroscopic (biomass) and one hydrophobic (plastic) so there are issues of phase separation and compatiblization. This technology also involves two very different industries; wood and/or agricultural industries and plastic industries. Processing the two phases presents issues centered on maximizing mixing while minimizing damage to the biomass furnish. Melt flow index, processing temperatures, static electricity and density are also issues for the plastic industry which is used to high flowing high temperature processing conditions necessary when they either extrude plastics neat or use inorganic fillers such as glass, calcium carbonate or talc. While the biomass in the composite swells and shrinks due to moisture, the plastic phase swells and shrinks due to temperature. Freezing and thawing cycles also cause problems as well as the effects of microorganism attack and ultraviolet radiation. Dyeing, refinishing, color stability and fasteners are also concerns. Solid extrusion, profile extrusion, co-extrusion, injection molding and thermal molding are all being used to make different WPC products in different parts of the world.
How does the social environment ‘get into the mind’? Epigenetics at the intersection of social and psychiatric epidemiology

The social environment plays a considerable role in determining major psychiatric disorders. Emerging evidence suggests that features of the social environment modify gene expression independently of the primary DNA sequence through epigenetic processes. Accordingly, dysfunction of epigenetic mechanisms offers a plausible mechanism by which an adverse social environment gets “into the mind” and results in poor mental health. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the studies suggesting that epigenetic changes introduced by the social environment then manifest as psychological consequences. Our goal is to build a platform to discuss the ways in which future epidemiologic studies may benefit from including epigenetic measures. We focus on schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, anorexia nervosa, and substance dependence as examples that highlight the ways in which social environmental exposures, mediated through epigenetic processes, affect mental health.
Regenerated optic fibers in goldfish reestablish a crude sectoral order in the visual pathway.

The goldfish optic pathway is regenerated after an optic nerve crush. We have examined the axonal topography of the regenerated pathway by labeling, with horseradish peroxidase (HRP), axons originating from retinal sectors or annuli. The positions of the labeled axons in the cross section of the pathway were compared to the normal and related to the factors that may influence axonal pathfinding. The positions of retinal axons in the cross section of the normal pathway are predictable from the retinal addresses of the ganglion cells described by the polar coordinates r (the distance from the optic disc) and θ (the sectoral or clockface position). The two coordinates map orthogonally onto the cross section of the pathway; r varies monotonically along one axis; θ varies along a perpendicular axis. The normal r-order, present in the nonregenerated stump of the experimental nerve, was severely degraded and perhaps lost entirely in the regenerated optic nerve, tract, and brachia. Sectoral order was also lost as the axons passed the crush site, but it was reestablished, albeit crudely, in the regenerated tract and brachia where axons tended to occupy positions appropriate to their dorsal, ventral, nasal, and temporal retinal origins. The exit sequence of the regenerated axons from the stratum opticum into the tectal neuropil was normal: temporal first, nasal last. These results suggest that the regenerating fibers followed some θ specific cue located in the nonaxonal environment. It seems likely that the original axons probably followed the same cue. In contrast, the absence of r-order suggests that there is no r-specific cue for the regenerates to follow. It seems likely that the original r-order was a consequence of nonspecific influences—the orderly spatiotemporal growth of the retina and the existence of a permissive region for axonal growth.
Molecular rotation and translation in crystals of compounds formed between highly branched hydrocarbons

Abstract Highly branched hydrocarbons rotate in the solid state and form solid solutions with compound formation. The compounds have a characteristic rotational transition replacing entirely the first order rotational transition of the components. The rotating crystalline solid solutions with the composition of the compound can be supercooled. The supercooled rotating solid behaves exactly like a glass. Certain deductions are made from these facts.
“Liberty Boy”: The Play of a Schizophrenic Child

Abstract This report describes a relationship between a schizophrenic boy and an adult who was both his therapist and teacher. The roles of the therapist and teacher are seen as complementary. Teaching as well as play therapy were used to further the child's ability for emotional and intellectual expression and his integration in his peer group.
A New Method for the Payment of Bills and the Transfer of Credit

The transfer of credit and the processing of receivables play important roles in most business systems. Present procedures require a dual handling of payments— they are processed both by the payee and again by the banks involved in the transfer of credit. The banks must necessarily process payments made by check; it is therefore reasonable to inquire whether the processing now required of the payee is not largely redundant, and whether it would not therefore be profitable to alter the present system.Three questions deserve examination: Can the present system be simplified?Will simplification lead to net savings?How should the savings be shared?
s-IgA and cytokine levels in whole saliva of Sjögren's syndrome patients before and after oral pilocarpine hydrochloride administration: a pilot study.

Previous investigations have found elevated levels of s-IgA in the parotid saliva and normal levels in submandibular saliva of patients with Sjogren's syndrome (SS). Fox et al. also found elevated levels of cytokines (i.e., IL-2 and IL-6) in serum, salivary epithelial cells and parotid saliva of patients with SS. The oral administration of pilocarpine hydrochloride stimulates whole and parotid salivary flow. The purpose of this study was to determine the levels of s-IgA and IL-2 and IL-6 in whole saliva before and after administration of pilocarpine hydrochloride in SS subjects. Ten definitively diagnosed SS subjects were enrolled in the study, as were ten controls (C). The mean age was 57.2 years and all subjects were female. Whole unstimulated saliva (WUS) was collected by standard techniques for 5 min, after which the volume and flow rate were determined (mean WUS: SS = 0.047 vs C = 0.480 ml/min). Samples were centrifuged and the immunoglobulin analysis performed on the supernatants by immunoreactivity in a double-sandwich technique as previously described by Rudney et al. Cytokine analysis was performed similarly utilizing commercially available kits from RD NS ). Whole salivary flow was significantly increased (328%) in the SS subject group 60 min after the administration of 5 mg pilocarpine hydrochloride (means±SEM: 0.0472±0.017 vs 0.1546±0.054 ml/min; P<0.01). There was no significant change in the concentration of s-IgA in the SS subject group following the pilocarpine dose (means±SEM: SS-IgA = 439.9±121.2 μl/ml; P = NS). There were elevated levels of IL-2 in the saliva of four out of the ten and IL-6 in two out of the ten SS patients, as compared to controls (means±SEM: SS-IL-2 = 127.8±11.4 vs C-IL-2 = 30.8±1.6 pg/ml and SS-IL-6 = 41.4±7.1 vs C-11.6 ± 2.8 pg/ml). There was also a significant decrease in the concentration of IL-2 in the same four out of ten SS subjects following the pilocarpine dose (means±SEM: SS-IL-2 = 32.4±10.3; P<0.01). These preliminary results indicate that s-IgA levels do not change with increased salivary flow following the administration of pilocarpine hydrochloride in patients with Sjogren's syndrome. While cytokines are elevated in the whole saliva of some SS patients, a decrease in IL-2 concentration may occur with increased salivary flow.
Comparative safety and efficacy of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty in men and in women

In early reports of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) in women, the complication rate was higher and the success rate lower than in men. From December, 1980, to December, 1986, 969 women aged 61 (32––84) years and 2,727 men aged 57 (27––84) years underwent PTCA, at our institution. At the time of PTCA 26% of the women had functional class IV angina pectoris compared to 16% of the men (P<0.005). Women more often had hypertension (56% vs 39%), left ventricular hypertrophy, diabetes mellitus (19% vs 11%; P<0.0005), and family history of coronary artery disease than men. Significantly more of the men (74%) smoked than did the women (53%). The success rate in women was 93% as compared to an angiographic success rate in 2,727 men of 93.5% (ns). The rate of emergency bypass surgery in women was 3.8% as compared to 3.2% in men (ns). The death rate was 0.3% in women as compared to 0.09% in men. Women underwent more PTCA of the left anterior descending coronary artery (52% vs 48% of lesions in men; P<0.05) and right coronary artery (32% vs 27% in men; P<0.0005). Fewer of the women (9%) had had previous bypass surgery than had the men (15% P<0.0005). Procedural details, including balloon diameter, vessel diameter, lesion response pressure, inflation number, and maximum inflation pressures used at PTCA, were not different between men and women. Women had significantly more ST segment shift of 1 mm of more at the time of balloon inflation than men (P<0.0005). Thirty-five percent of women demonstrated intimal tear at the site of PTCA as compared to 30% of men (P<0.0005). Men and women demonstrated similar angiographic change following successful PTCA, with reduction of stenosis from 79% ± 13% and reduction in gradient from 52 ± 19 mmHg to 11 ± mmHg. Women demonstrated more guiding catheter problems with PTCA (14% vs 11% in men; P<0.05) and more damping of the pressure with the guiding catheter (6% vs 3% in men; P<0.0005). One percent of women had a problem with vascular access compared to 0.3% of men (P<0.05). Of the first 300 women undergoing PTCA at our institution, 94% underwent single-vessel PTCA, whereas 86% of the last 300 women underwent single-vessel PTCA. The emergency bypass surgery rate declined from 5.7% to 3.7%. At follow-up of 20 ± 12 (1––69) months, chest discomfort was improved in 90% of women and in 89% of men; 2.9% of women had suffered a myocardial infarction as compared to 2% of men; 4.9% of women had undergone repeat PTCA as compared to 5.3% of men; and 7% of women underwent open heart surgery late after PTCA as compared to 6.8% of men. In summary, PTCA in women did not carry an increased rate of emergency bypass surgery or death as compared with that in men. The long-term efficacy is similar to that seen in men.
Pulmonary permeability assessed by fluorescent-labeled dextran instilled intranasally into mice with LPS-induced acute lung injury.

Background Several different methods have been used to assess pulmonary permeability in response to acute lung injury (ALI). However, these methods often involve complicated procedures and algorithms that are difficult to precisely control. The purpose of the current study is to establish a feasible method to evaluate alterations in lung permeability by instilling fluorescently labeled dextran (FITC-Dextran) intranasally. Methods/Principal Findings For the mouse model of direct ALI, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was administered intranasally. FITC-Dextran was instilled intranasally one hour before the mice were euthanized. Plasma fluorescence intensities from the LPS group were significantly higher than in the control group. To determine the reliability and reproducibility of the procedure, we also measured the lung wet-to-dry weight ratio, the protein concentration of the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, tight and adherens junction markers and pathological changes. Consistent results were observed when the LPS group was compared with the control group. Simultaneously, we found that the concentration of plasma FITC-Dextran was LPS dose-dependent. The concentration of plasma FITC-Dextran also increased with initial intranasal FITC-Dextran doses. Furthermore, increased fluorescence intensity of plasma FITC-Dextran was found in the intraperitoneally LPS-induced ALI model. Conclusion/Significance In conclusion, the measurement of FITC-Dextran in plasma after intranasal instillation is a simple, reliable, and reproducible method to evaluate lung permeability alterations in vivo. The concentration of FITC-Dextran in the plasma may be useful as a potential peripheral biomarker of ALI in experimental clinical studies.
Invasive keratoacanthoma of the eyelid and ocular adnexa.

Abstract Purpose: To report three patients with superficially invasive crateriform squamous proliferations of periocular tissue. Methods: The authors identified three patients with superficially invasive periocular tumors that had clinical features of keratoacanthoma. Clinical histories, radiographs, and surgical pathologic specimens were reviewed. Results: All three tumors arose over several weeks, had a crateriform configuration, and exhibited superficial invasion of underlying tissues, including perineural invasion and infiltration into skeletal muscle. All three tumors were classified as invasive keratoacanthoma. One tumor exhibited late perineural extension into the cavernous sinus and convincing histologic features consistent with squamous cell carcinoma. Conclusion: The clinical importance of recognizing invasive keratoacanthoma is that although the tumor has the potential for spontaneous involution, locally aggressive behavior with deep perineural invasion is possible. This tumor is considered to represent a variant of squamous cell carcinoma. The authors recommend complete surgical excision of crateriform squamous proliferations with frozen section control of margins of resection.
Melting Points and Viscosities of Fatty Acid Esters that are Potential Targets for Engineered Oilseed

Our previous isolation of branched-chain fatty acid (BCFA) methyl esters from lanolin was improved and scaled up. Also, oleate esters of isopropanol, oleyl alcohol and normal alcohols of 1–12 carbons chain lengths were prepared. Esters were made by interesterification with sodium alcoholates and by esterification with Candida antarctica lipase. It proved easier to obtain pure esters by the enzymatic synthesis. Melting points and viscosities over the range of 0–70 °C were determined in order to better identify potential lubricant targets that might be produced by genetically modified oilseed crops. Isopropyl and butyl oleate have melting points of −33 and −32 °C, respectively and viscosities that range from ~17 cp (0 °C) to ~2.5 cp (70 °C). They should have suitable stability for lubricants. BCFA esters had viscosities similar to their straight chain analogs. Viscosities increased with alcohol chain length and decreased with temperature. The dependence of viscosity on temperature was fit with an equation based on Erying’s rate equation. Some esters with branched acid or branched alcohol moieties, and some oleate esters might be utilized as biolubricants or biofuels on the basis of their melting points and viscosities.
An environment for research in microprogramming and emulation

The development of the research project in microprogramming and emulation at State University of New York at Buffalo consisted of three phases: the evaluation of various possible machines to support this research; the decision to purchase one such machine, which appears to be superior to the others considered; and the organization and definition of goals for each group in the project. Each of these phases is reported, with emphasis placed on the early results achieved in this research.
Affective processing bias in youth with primary bipolar disorder or primary attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

High rates of comorbidity and overlapping diagnostic criteria between pediatric bipolar disorder (BD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) contribute to diagnostic and treatment confusion. To advance what is known about both disorders, we compared effect of emotional stimuli on response control in children with primary BD, primary ADHD and typically developing controls (TDC). Participants included 7–17 year olds with either “narrow-phenotype” pediatric BD (n = 25), ADHD (n = 25) or TDC (n = 25). Groups were matched on participant age and FSIQ. The effect of emotional stimuli on response control was assessed using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery Affective Go/No-Go task (CANTAB AGN). We found a group by target valence interaction on commission errors [F(2,71) = 5.34, p < 0.01, ƞ p 2 = 0.13] whereby ADHD, but not TDC participants, made more errors on negative than positive words [t(24) = −2.58, p < 0.05, r = 0.47]. In contrast, there was a nonsignificant trend for BD participants to make fewer errors on negative versus positive words compared to ADHD and TDC participants. Between-subjects effects showed that ADHD participants made more errors than TDC, but not BD participants. Our main finding advances what is known about the effect of emotional stimuli on response control in children with ADHD. Our results suggesting a positive affective processing bias in children with ADHD compliment emerging literature show that difficulties with emotional processing and regulation may be core features of ADHD. Further, given the observed pattern of results in children with ADHD compared to BD children, our behavioral results suggest the importance of examining differences in the brain–behavior mechanisms involved in affective processing in children with ADHD compared to BD children.
Comparison of the Species Composition, Catch Rate, and Length Distribution of the Catch from Trap Nets with Three Different Mesh and Throat Size Combinations

Abstract Trap nets of varying design are commonly used to assess fish populations, but the effect of the design on gear selectivity is not well known. In particular, it may be advantageous to use multiple net designs with different mesh and throat sizes to maximize the catch of specific length-classes and to minimize the risk of predation on small fish by larger fish. We compared the species composition, catch rate, and length distribution of fishes caught by three trap net designs with dimensions differing only in mesh size and throat size (0.6-cm delta mesh and 3.8-cm × 3.8-cm square throats, 1.3-cm square mesh and 7.6-cm × 7.6-cm square throats, or 2.5-cm square mesh and 12.7-cm × 12.7-cm square throats). A total of 3,473 fish of 18 species were captured from Sandy Lake, Portage County, Ohio, during 24 sample dates from June to August 1999. The large net design had a significantly higher average number of species captured (mean = 11) than the medium or small net design (means = 9 and 8, respectively). ...
Delayed occurrence of unheralded phase iv complete heart block after ethanol septal ablation for symmetric hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy

Ethanol septal ablation has emerged as a less invasive alternative to surgical myomectomy for treatment of asymmetric hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (ASH). The procedure has very low mortality, but high-degree AV conduction block is a frequent complication. Prior studies have documented baseline left bundle branch block and high volume of ethanol injection (greater than 4 mL) as risk factors. Complete heart block is often preceded by postprocedure conduction abnormalities and generally develops within 48 hours after ethanol ablation. We present a unique case of a patient with symmetric hypertensive hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (SHOCM) who developed phase IV complete heart block >96 hours postprocedure without preceding conduction abnormalities or other classic risk factors. 3
Mercury penetration porosimetry in analysis of exhaust catalysts and catalyst supports

Abstract The application of mercury penetration porosimetry is reported, in which data of samples from several manufacturers are presented. The technique has been used to investigate the loss of catalyst activity by high-temperature aging as correlated with pore structure alterations. It has been possible to determine the difference between catalyst deterioration due to poisons deposited on the catalyst and deterioration due to loss of surface area resulting from extremely high temperatures. Some data are also presented which indicate that, by choosing the proper conditions in the honeycomb fabrication process, the porosity of the resulting product can be controlled.
Predictors of appendiceal perforation in an equal access system.

Abstract Background Discrepancies in socioeconomic factors have been associated with higher rates of perforated appendicitis. As an equal-access health care system theoretically removes these barriers, we aimed to determine if remaining differences in demographics, education, and pay result in disparate outcomes in the rate of perforated appendicitis. Materials and methods All patients undergoing appendectomy for acute appendicitis (November 2004–October 2009) at a tertiary care equal access institution were categorized by demographics and perioperative data. Rank of the sponsor was used as a surrogate for economic status. A multivariate logistic regression model was performed to determine patient and clinical characteristics associated with perforated appendicitis. Results A total of 680 patients (mean age 30 ± 16 y; 37% female) were included. The majority were Caucasian (56.4% [n = 384]; African Americans 5.6% [n = 38]; Asians 1.9% [n = 13]; and other 48.9% [n = 245]) and enlisted (87.2%). Overall, 6.4% presented with perforation, with rates of 6.6%, 5.8%, and 6.7% (P = 0.96) for officers, enlisted soldiers, and contractors, respectively. There was no difference in perforation when stratified by junior or senior status for either officers or enlisted (9.3% junior versus 4.40% senior officers, P = 0.273; 6.60% junior versus 5.50% senior enlisted, P = 0.369). On multivariate analysis, parameters such as leukocytosis and temperature, as well as race and rank were not associated with perforation (P = 0.7). Only age had a correlation, with individuals aged 66–75 y having higher perforation rates (odds ratio, 1.04; 95% confidence interval, 1.02–1.05; P Conclusions In an equal-access health care system, older age, not socioeconomic factors, correlated with increased appendiceal perforation rates.
Pharmacological actions of some methoxyindolealkylamines.

THE O-methylation of catecholamines has been shown to be an inactivation process1, but the recent characterization of melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine—a potent agent in lightening frog skin) as a methoxy indole2 indicates that this may not be true with hydroxyindolealkylamines. To investigate this possibility, we have compared the actions of a number of methoxyindolealkylamines with their corresponding analogues on smooth muscle, blood pressure and behavioural patterns.
An Evaluation of Nep Formation at the Cotton Gin

Experiments were conducted to determine the effects of moisture content, processing rate, and gin machinery type on nep formation. Using a seed cotton cleaning machinery sequence recommended by the...
Monitoring Wadi El Raiyan lakes of the egyptian desert for inorganic pollutants by ion-selective electrodes, ion chromatography, and inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy.

Wadi El Raiyan is a great depression located southwest of Cairo in the western desert of Egypt, one of the most arid regions of the world. In 1973, Wadi El Raiyan was connected with the agricultural wastewater drainage system of the El Faiyum province to provide a reservoir for the wastewater that exceeded the capacity of Lake Qarun north of the province. Pollutants from agricultural waste including pesticides and fertilizers as well as other effluents of industrial activities and runoffs certainly will pass into the biotic elements of the ecosystem. This report presents the status of inorganic pollutants including anions, cations, and trace metals in the two lakes and the surrounding springs of Wadi El Raiyan using ion chromatography, ion-selective electrodes, and inductively coupled plasma emission spectroscopy. The report also includes the levels of selected metals in the vegetation community of the area. The result of this investigation revealed a great improvement in water quality of the Wadi El Raiyan lakes compared to 1988 report by Saleh et al. Mercury was not detected in any of the samples and the level of lead was significantly reduced. Cadmium levels were much higher than those seen earlier. The higher level of cadmium might be used as an indicator to track the contamination of water by human waste. Concentrations of common anions were not significantly different from those reported earlier. However, an increase in the level of cyanide was observed. Levels of heavy metals in vegetation around the lakes were also found to be lower than previously reported.
The influence of anxiety on ocular motor control and gaze.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The influence of anxiety on ocular motor control and gaze has received less research attention than its effects on postural control and locomotion. This review summarizes research on trait anxiety, state anxiety, anxiety disorders, ocular motor reflexes, and gaze. It applies these findings to clinical problems of visually induced unsteadiness and dizziness (VUD, also known as visual vertigo), fear of falling (FoF), and chronic subjective dizziness (CSD). RECENT FINDINGS: Humans are inherently more sensitive to vertical heights than horizontal distances. Vertical height intolerance is reported by one-quarter to one-third of the general population. Humans also possess a gaze bias toward potentially threatening stimuli in the visual field, more prominent in individuals with higher versus lower trait anxiety and increased by state anxiety. This bias may drive hypervigilance-avoidance gaze patterns in patients with social anxiety disorder and specific phobias. Trait and state anxiety also appear to adversely affect gaze control, reducing gaze stability on visual targets. This may be one mechanism underlying persistent VUD and visual symptoms of CSD. Anxiety-related gaze diversion may increase gait instability in patients with FoF. SUMMARY: Anxiety affects ocular motor reflexes and gaze control in ways that may contribute to clinically significant visual and visual-vestibular syndromes. Language: en
Effect of acute pericardial tamponade on the relative contributions of systolic and diastolic pulmonary venous return: A transesophageal pulsed Doppler study

The effect of acute pericardial tamponade on pulmonary venous return was assessed by transesophageal pulsed Doppler echocardiography. In 14 open-chest anesthetized dogs peak pulmonary venous flow velocities in systole (VJ) and in diastole (VK) were measured during apnea and atrial pacing while acute tamponade was induced by intrapericardial instillation of 0.9% sodium chloride solution. Before intravascular volume expansion, induction of acute tamponade resulted in a significant decline in VK (43 +/- 17 to 19 +/- 8 cm/sec; p < 0.05) but no change in VJ or the ratio VJ/VK. After intravascular volume expansion, induction of acute tamponade resulted in significant reductions in VJ (43 +/- 9 to 29 +/- 10 cm/sec; p < 0.001) and VK (37 +/- 19 to 15 +/- 11 cm/sec; p < 0.001). The effect was disproportionately greater on VK, however, resulting in a significant increase in VJ/VK (1.51 +/- 0.84 to 2.58 +/- 1.41; p < 0.001). The disproportionate effect of acute tamponade on VK suggests that increased pericardial pressure directly constrains diastolic filling of the left atrium as a conduit to the left ventricle and that it does not decrease the systolic and diastolic phases of pulmonary venous return uniformly. Intravascular volume expansion increases cardiac output before acute tamponade, but during acute tamponade it amplifies the disproportionate impact of increased pericardial pressure on left ventricular diastolic filling as the left ventricle is constrained within the fluid-filled pericardial sac.
Predicting and assessing dominance from size and coloration in the polychromatic midas cichlid

Abstract To test whether gold morphs dominate normal ones, twelve groups were observed, each consisting of three golds and three normals paired by weight. Golds dominated comparable normals. Smaller golds also profited from sharing the colour of the dominant fish. Contest and approach declined across days, but attack and yield remained high. Standard deviation of rank was progressively greater with higher rank, but uncertainty of rank plotted as an inverted U. Behaviours important in dominance showed high dependence on type of fish but low dependence on day; these behaviours also had more variation attributable to the coloration factor. From a set of stated criteria, dominance is deemed best assessed here by an index: (attacks) ļo (yields + attacks); contesting (threat) is actually misleading.
The Ottoman Conquest of Egypt (1517) and the Beginning of the Sixteenth-Century World War

Throughout the fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries major changes in the relations between great states once again highlighted the importance of a land whose history marks all ages — Egypt. Students of Western naval explorations are familiar with the significant place of Egypt in the imperial plans of the Portuguese during their expansion into the Indian Ocean after 1488. But while the Portuguese attempt to control the Red Sea and Persian Gulf trading routes brought Egyptian history solidly within the periphery of European scholarly interest, the almost simultaneous conquest of the Mamluk empire by the Ottomans (1517) makes no such impact on the historiography of the Western world. Yet the seizure of Syria, Egypt, and Arabia not only catapulted the Ottomans into a position of leadership within the vast Muslim community, but it also gave the Istanbul regime resources sufficient to project its power north to the gates of Vienna and west to the Strait of Gibraltar. Could this ‘distant’ conquest have played a more active role in the history of Europe than hitherto imagined? Clearly the answer to this question involves a comparison between the imperial histories of Europe and the Middle East during the age of the Renaissance. Once the first steps are taken to break the artificial historical divisions preventing such a comparison, there is little doubt that Selim the Grim's victory over the Mamluk empire was a major event in both European and Middle Eastern history.
Mediators of acute and chronic periradicular lesions

Multiple mechanisms are involved in the pathologic changes associated with formation of acute and chronic periradicular lesions. Mechanical injury to the periradicular tissues can cause activation of several pathways of inflammation and release of nonspecific mediators. Continuous irritation of periradicular tissues can cause activation of several pathways of inflammation and release of nonspecific mediators. Continuous egress of antigens from a pathologically involved root canal can also result in one or a combination of the various types of immunologic reactions. A number of these reactions participate in the destruction of periradicular tissues. Because of complex interactions between the various components of these systems, the dominance of any one pathway or substance may be difficult to establish.
Expansion or crisis of capitalism

(1983). Expansion or crisis of capitalism? Third World Quarterly: Vol. 5, No. 2, pp. 361-385.
Forms of Civil War Violence and Their Consequences for Future Public Health

Previous research concerning the relationship between conflict and public health finds that countries emerging from war face greater challenges in ensuring the well-being of their populations in comparison with states that have enjoyed political stability. This study seeks to extend this insight by considering how different civil war conflict strategies influence post-conflict public health. Drawing a distinction between deaths attributable to battle and those fatalities resulting from genocide/politicide, we find that the magnitude of genocide/politicide proves the more effective and consistent predictor of future rates of disability and death in the aftermath of civil war. The implications of this research are twofold. First, it lends support to an emerging literature suggesting that important distinctions exist between the forms of violence occurring during civil war. Second, of particular interest to policymakers, it identifies post-civil war states that have experienced the highest rates of genocide/politicide as the countries most in need of assistance in the aftermath of conflict.
Outcomes with arteriovenous fistulas in a pediatric population.

Objective Kidney Disease Outcome Quality Initiative guidelines recommend permanent access in dialysis patients aged 0 to 19 years who weigh >20 kg and are unlikely to receive a transplant within 1 year. Unfortunately, >80% of these patients currently receive dialysis through a permanent catheter and are exposed to the associated risks and shortcomings. With a clear imperative to increase the incident use of permanent access in pediatric patients, our objective was to examine the long-term outcomes of pediatric arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs). Methods A retrospective review was performed of all AVFs created in a hemodialysis (HD) population aged 0 to 19 years at a single institution from 1999 to 2012. Data abstracted included age, weight, etiology of renal failure, time on dialysis, central venous catheter history, and transplantation history. Data were analyzed to determine the influence of these variables on primary and secondary patency. Results During the study period, 101 AVFs were performed in 93 patients, of whom 65 patients (70%) were male. Mean patient age was 14 years (range, 3-19 years), and mean weight was 51 kg (range, 12-131 kg). At the time of AVF creation, 66 patients (82%) were already receiving HD, with a mean length of HD dependence of 18 months. At the time of surgery, 78% of patients had a previous central venous catheter, and 24% had two or more catheters. Procedures performed included 43 radiocephalic fistulas, 29 brachiocephalic fistulas, 20 basilic vein transpositions, and 9 femoral vein transpositions. Mean follow-up was 2.5 years. The 2-year and 4-year primary and secondary patency rates were 83% and 92%, and 65% and 83%, respectively. Increasing age was correlated with improved primary patency ( P = .02) but had no effect on secondary patency. Weight, etiology, catheter location, and catheter history were not significantly associated with primary or secondary patency. During the postoperative period, 68 patients (75%) received a renal transplant, with a mean time to transplant of 556 days. Conclusions AVFs demonstrate excellent long-term patency with minimal complications in pediatric HD patients, regardless of weight. Concerted efforts should be made to improve the incident use of AVFs in all pediatric patients with end-stage renal disease.
Infection Probability Score shows 59.4% specificity and 74.3% sensitivity for predicting infection in haematology–oncology patients

Commentary on: E Apostolopolou, V Raftopoulos, K Terzis, et al.. Infection probability score, APACHE II and KARNOFSKY scoring systems as predictors of infection onset in haematology-oncology patients. J Clin Nurs2010;19:1560–8.
Osmium weighs in.

Gregory Girolami recounts how element 76 beat a close competitor to the title of densest known metal and went on to participate in Nobel Prize-winning reactions.
Mexican American Elderly: Self-Reported Anxiety and the Mediating Influence of Family Protective Factors

This article describes the results of research study that investigated the relationship between life satisfaction and three primary protective factors—la adaptabilidad, la sabiduria, and pariente—t...
Distillers Grains, Brewers Grains, and Urea as Protein Supplements for Dairy Rations

Summary Two lactation experiments were conducted with 20 Holstein cows each, fed concentrate mixtures containing corn distillers dried grains, brewers dried grains, and urea as crude protein (nitrogen) supplements to a low-protein concentrate mixture. The protein-deficient basal ration resulted in weight loss, lower milk yields, and lower fat percentages than the other mixtures, and these changes were observed as early as 2 wk. after the cows were changed to the low-protein feed. The feeds containing corn distillers dried grains and brewers dried grains were superior to the low-protein feed with respect to total milk as well as fat-corrected milk yields. Urea was useful as a nitrogen source, but as an average was not so effective as the two other feeds. Corn distillers dried grains appeared to be somewhat more valuable than brewers dried grains.
Dynamics of the fragmentation of D 2 by fast protons and slow highly charged Xe 2 6

Using recoil-ion momentum spectroscopy, combined with a multihit detector system, the full momentum vectors of both fragment ions produced by fragmentation of ${\mathrm{D}}_{2}$ by fast 50-kV protons and slow (9.56\char21{}0.191 keV/u) ${\mathrm{Xe}}^{26+}$ ions have been measured. The data are kinematically complete, and make it possible to separate the laboratory momentum of the center of mass of the molecule from the momentum of each fragment in the center-of-mass system of the molecule. Using this separation, we find that, for higher collision velocities, the overall reaction can be described as double-electron capture, followed in a second and separate step by a Coulomb explosion of the doubly charged ${\mathrm{D}}_{2}$ molecule. For the lowest collision velocities, however, the projectile remains in the vicinity of the molecule during the fragmentation, and this clean separation of steps is lost. The projectile is found to extract internal energy from the molecule, thus leading to less energetic fragments in the center-of-mass system of the molecule. This effect causes a distortion in the spherical momentum images, as shown by the two-dimensional momentum distributions in the collision plane. The experimental results are found to be in good agreement with five-body classical trajectory Monte Carlo calculations.
Digestion kinetics of fiber: influence of in vitro buffer pH varied within observed physiological range.

Abstract In vitro buffer pH reflective of the diurnal variation in ruminal pH was evaluated for its impact on digestion kinetics of NDF from three forage sources. Alfalfa hay, bromegrass hay, and corn silage were incubated in phosphate-bicarbonate buffer solution adjusted to pH 6.8, 6.5, 6.2, 6.0, 5.8, or 5.5 using 1 M citric acid. Ash-free NDF was measured after 0, 6, 12, 18, 24, 48, 72, and 96h of fermentation. The experiment was replicated three times; kinetic parameters of fiber digestion were estimated by logarithmic transformation and by linear and nonlinear regression procedures. Lag in NDP digestion increased as pH fell from 6.8 to 6.5 and again when pH decreased below 6.0. Decreasing buffer pH below 6.2 dramatically reduced NDF digestion rate for alfalfa hay and corn silage but had no significant effect on NDF digestion rate of bromegrass hay. Lag in NDF digestion increased below pH 6.0 for both alfalfa and corn silage but increased only when pH fell below 6.2 for bromegrass. Results suggest that lowered pH exerts its negative effect on NDF digestion between pH 6.2 and 5.8, as evidenced by increased lag and decreased rate, and that critical pH and specific, affected component of digestion varied among forages.
Xeroderma pigmentosum, Cockayne's syndrome, helicases, and DNA repair: what's the relationship?

The hereditary human disease xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) is characterized by defective nucieotide excision repair of DNA and by an extreme predisposition to skin cancer in sun-exposed areas (Cleaver and Kraemer, 1989). it has been known for many year8 that the disease is genetically complex. Eight complementation groups (designated A-G plus a variant [V] form) have been identified (Cleaver and Kraemer, 1989). in addition to this extensive locus heterogeneity, patients from some genetic compiementation groups, notably groups B, D, and G, can present with the clinical features of a second repair-defective hereditary disorder called Cockayne’s syndrome (CS) that is also genetically complex (Hoeijmakers and Bootsma, 1990). This syndrome is characterized by growth failure, typically leading to cachectic dwarfism (Nance and Berry, 1992). The association of CS with XP might represent aiieiic heterogeneity in XP. However, CS can also occur clinically and at the cellular level without associated XP (Hoeijmakers and Bootsma, 1990). The precise nature of the excision repair defect in CS is not established. There are indications that CS individuals who do not also suffer from XP are defective in the preferential repair of actively transcribed genes (Hoeijmakers and Bootsma, 1990). Curiously, however, in contrast to XP, these individuals are not abnormally prone to skin cancer. Both XP and CS patients frequently manifest a bewildering variety of neurological defects, including microcephaly, progressive mental retardation, ataxia, abnormal reflexes, and deafness (Cleaver and Kraemer, 1989; Hoeijmakers and Bootsma, 1990). As pointed out by Mounkes et al. (1992 [this issue of W/j), at first glance it is difficult to reconcile such diverse clinical phenotypes with a primary defect in nucieotide excision repair of DNA. in particular it is not clear why the central nervous system is apparently such a sensitive target for defective DNA repair. Recent studies have made considerable progress toward unraveling the genetic complexity of XP and CS and deciphering the normal functions of the many genes implicated in these diseases. in large measure this progress stems from the productive exploitation of the genetic and molecular versatility of the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe and the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, as well as the isolation and phenotypic characterization of iaboratory-derived mutant rodent ceil lines that are hypersensitive to DNA-damaging agents such as ultraviolet (UV) radiation. As is frequently the nature of scientific exploration, these studies have surfaced new and different conundrums, some of which are the topic of this review. M inireview
Assessment of the antibody response to the immunosuppressive/immunodominant region of HIV gp41 in a 5‐year longitudinal study

The antibody response of HIV-infected individuals to the 581-609 amino acid (aa) region of HIV-1 gp41 containing the putative immunosuppressive and immunodominant sequences was examined. Sera collected every 5 to 6 months over a period of 5 years from 50 HIV-1-infected homosexual and bisexual men, 25 of whom progressed to AIDS during the collection period, were monitored for changes in ELISA reactivity against synthetic peptides encompassing aa581-609 of gp41. The data obtained in this blinded, historical prospective study were analyzed with respect to changes in mean ELISA absorbance over time and differences in absorbance between patient groups (those who progressed to AIDS and those who did not). No correlation was found between time or disease state and the presence of antibodies to the aa581-597 immunosuppressive sequence. In contrast, ELISA absorbance against the aa598-609 immunodominant sequence continued to increase over time in both the AIDS and non-AIDS groups. The rate of increase in absorbance was similar for both groups; however, the AIDS group had a significantly higher mean absorbance level at the outset of the study and maintained this difference throughout the study. This region of gp41 has been proposed to play a role in complement-mediated antibody-dependent enhancement of infection.