cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effects of preconception desires and intentions on pregnancy wantedness

Do preconception intentions to conceive add to the prediction of pregnancy wantedness beyond the effect of preconception desires? This paper addresses that question, using data regarding the most recent pregnancy of 2,299 women respondents to the 2002 U.S. National Survey of Family Growth. We test a structural equation model predicting a woman’s pregnancy wantedness with her preconception desires, her perception of her partner’s preconception desires, and her preconception intentions. In this multivariate setting, preconception intentions do not predict pregnancy wantedness in the overall sample. However, they do predict wantedness in certain demographic contexts. We identify three patterns of change in our model that occur in selected contexts. We then use these patterns to hypothesize three psychosocial mechanisms by which preconception intentions may increase the wantedness of a pregnancy beyond that resulting from the woman’s preconception desires to get pregnant and her perception of her partner’s preconception desires.
USE of SPIRAL PLATER and LASER COLONY SCANNER FOR ENUMERATION of MICROORGANISMS IN MEAT1

Microbial analyses of pork loin surfaces and minced beef samples were done using aerobic plate count (APC) and spiral plate (Spiral) methods and manual counting (MC) and laser counting (LC) procedures. Connecting APC and Spiral techniques together was convenient, when analyzing pork surface swab samples. If APC plates were “too numerous to count,” Spiral plates could be used to get an estimation of the microbial numbers/cm2. Conversely when microbial numbers were too low for the Spiral technique, APC plates were easy to count. Good correlation was found among Spiral and APC plates counted manually and with the laser for both sample materials. For minced beef samples, Spiral-MC and Spiral-LC methods gave higher numbers than APC-MC (63% of samples) and APC-LC (49% of samples) (not significant at 0.05 level). When APC and Spiral results for minced beef samples were analyzed, LC gave higher microbial numbers compared to MC: 65% of the APC-LC results were higher than APC-MC results (statistically significant at 0.05 level), and 56% of Spiral-LC results were higher than Spiral-MC results (not significant at 0.05 level). Most minced beef results by all combinations of methods (APC-MC / APC-LC / Spiral-MC / Spiral-LC) were within a ± 0.5 logarithmic range, and all were within a ± 1.0 range.
Adaptive Point Location with almost No Preprocessing in Delaunay Triangulations

This paper studies adaptive point location in Delaunaytriangulations with $o(n^{1/3})$ (and practically $O(1)$) preprocessing and storage. Given $n$ pseudo-random points in a compact convex set $C$ with unit area in two dimensions (2D) and the corresponding Delaunay triangulation, assume that we know the query points are clustered into $k$ compact convex sets $C_i\subset C$, each with diameter$D(C_i)$, then we show that an adaptive version of the Jump\a Walk method(which requires $o(n^{1/3})$ preprocessing) achieves average query bound$O(n^{\frac{1-4\delta}{3}})$ when in the preprocessing$\Theta(n^{\frac{1-4\delta}{3}})$ sample points are chosen within each $C_i$, where $D(C_i)=\Theta(\frac{1}{n^\delta})$ and $0\leq\delta\leq 1/4$.Similar result holds in three dimensions (3D). Empirical results in 2Dshow that this procedure is 23\%-350\% more efficient than its predecessors under various clustered cases.
Aerosol Deposition on Electroformed Wire Screens

Insect screens, which are usually an integral component of an air sampling inlet, can cause inadvertent deposition of larger aerosol particles. Numerical and experimental studies were performed to characterize aerosol deposition on commercially available electroformed wire screens for aerodynamic particle diameters between 3 and 20 μ m, Stokes numbers between 0.49 and 20, wire widths between 35 and 160 μ m, and screen open area fractions of 0.56 to 0.90. With increasing values of Stokes numbers, the actual collection efficiency increases gradually to a maximum value that is asymptotic to the fraction of open area. Deposition is characterized in terms of a standardized screen efficiency, which is the actual efficiency divided by the areal solidarity (1–fraction of open area). A correlation equation has been developed for the electroformed mesh screens, which relates the standardized efficiency to the fraction of open area, the Stokes number, the interception parameter, and the Reynolds number based on wire...
Isotopes: Their Number and Classification

ONE of the most remarkable characteristics of atoms is their predilection for the number 2 or for even numbers. The nuclei of atoms are now considered to be built up from hydrogen nuclei, which may be called positive electrons or protons. Suppose these to be P in number. Combined with these are N negative electrons. Since these N negative electrons may for most purposes be considered to neutralise the charge of N protons, the net positive charge on the nucleus is equal to P–N or M, the Moseley or atomic number. Now it is most remarkable that in about 97–98 per cent, of all atoms N is even; in 90–95 per cent. P is even; and M or P–N is also even in 89 per cent, of the atoms in the surface of the earth and in 98 per cent, of the atoms in thie meteorities.
MRL and SuperFine+MRL: new supertree methods

Supertree methods combine trees on subsets of the full taxon set together to produce a tree on the entire set of taxa. Of the many supertree methods, the most popular is MRP (Matrix Representation with Parsimony), a method that operates by first encoding the input set of source trees by a large matrix (the "MRP matrix") over {0,1, ?}, and then running maximum parsimony heuristics on the MRP matrix. Experimental studies evaluating MRP in comparison to other supertree methods have established that for large datasets, MRP generally produces trees of equal or greater accuracy than other methods, and can run on larger datasets. A recent development in supertree methods is SuperFine+MRP, a method that combines MRP with a divide-and-conquer approach, and produces more accurate trees in less time than MRP. In this paper we consider a new approach for supertree estimation, called MRL (Matrix Representation with Likelihood). MRL begins with the same MRP matrix, but then analyzes the MRP matrix using heuristics (such as RAxML) for 2-state Maximum Likelihood. We compared MRP and SuperFine+MRP with MRL and SuperFine+MRL on simulated and biological datasets. We examined the MRP and MRL scores of each method on a wide range of datasets, as well as the resulting topological accuracy of the trees. Our experimental results show that MRL, coupled with a very good ML heuristic such as RAxML, produced more accurate trees than MRP, and MRL scores were more strongly correlated with topological accuracy than MRP scores. SuperFine+MRP, when based upon a good MP heuristic, such as TNT, produces among the best scores for both MRP and MRL, and is generally faster and more topologically accurate than other supertree methods we tested.
The structures of exocyst subunit Exo70p and the Exo84p C-terminal domains reveal a common motif

The exocyst is a large complex that is required for tethering vesicles at the final stages of the exocytic pathway in all eukaryotes. Here we present the structures of the Exo70p subunit of this complex and of the C-terminal domains of Exo84p, at 2.0-A and 2.85-A resolution, respectively. Exo70p forms a 160-A-long rod with a novel fold composed of contiguous α-helical bundles. The Exo84p C terminus also forms a long rod (80 A), which unexpectedly has the same fold as the Exo70p N terminus. Our structural results and our experimental observations concerning the interaction between Exo70p and other exocyst subunits or Rho3p GTPase are consistent with an architecture wherein exocyst subunits are composed of mostly helical modules strung together into long rods.
Exploring the Positive and Negative Consequences of NF-κB Inhibition for the Treatment of Human Disease

The NF-kappaB (NF-kappaB) transcription factor-signaling pathway has become a major focus for research aimed at understanding its role in development, maintenance and progression of disease. A large body of recent research suggests inhibition of NF-kappaB blocks inflammation, cancer development and progression, diabetes, stroke, muscle wasting, and other diseases. The enormous potential for the treatment of disease by inhibiting NF-kappaB lead to the development of inhibitory drugs that specifically target this pathway. At the same time offering great clinical potential, inhibition of NF-kappaB in vivo can be detrimental. NF-kappaB controls multiple functions in homeostasis including a functional immune response, cell cycle, and cell death. Genetic studies in mice and analysis of naturally occurring mutations in humans point to specific developmental and immune consequences due to altering NF-kappaB activity. The balance between therapeutic benefit and potential changes in normal cellular function and response during drug induced NF-kappaB inhibition will be one of the challenges in future clinical studies.
Prediction of vapor-liquid equilibria of binary-solvent electrolytes

Abstract An iterative method is presented that is used to predict vapor-liquid equilibria (VLE) of single-salt multisolvent electrolytes of the form solvent-cosolvent-salt. A local composition model (LCM) and an electrolyte model based on the exponential modification of the Mean Spherical Approximation (EXP-MSA) are combined with traditional phase equilibria relations to estimate the pressures and compositions of a vapor phase in equilibrium with a binary-solvent electrolyte. In addition, a pseudo-solvent model is used to obtain a variety of averaged liquid phase electrolyte properties. For our initial model system, methanol-water-LiCl, the above method accurately predicts the salt effects upon vapor composition for dilute to moderate salt concentrations up to 20 mol% LiCl, and yields good approximations of vapor pressure depression for LiCl up to 14 mol%. Three electrolyte systems are investigated: water-ethylene glycol-LiBr, ammonia-water-LiBr, and methanol-water-LiCl.
Normative-affective factors: Toward a new decision-making model

Intellectual circles in Europe were preoccupied for more than a century shadow boxing with the ghost of Karl Marx, trying again and again to show that history is not dominated by economic or materialistic factors, that ideas matter. Similarly, social scientists and attending intellectuals, on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean, have been preoccupied — and still are — with extolling, questioning, and attempting to shore up the notion of Rational Man (or homo-economicus.) Indeed, even those who challenge this notion, often define their position in terms of various deviations from the rational model. This is evident in the frequent reference to their concepts as dealing with a residue realm, the “non-rational”, rather than some category that may itself be positively defined. Moreover, non-rationality is often confused with irrationality and tends to carry a negative connotation. “The trouble is that once one starts to talk about rationality, it preempts the way we organize our views of human thought and behavior. We tend to think always in terms of default from a standard...” (Abelson 1976, p. 61).
Studies on monensin toxicity in goats.

Summary This study was carried out to examine the effect of orally administered monensin on the liver of goats. Goats given monensin at the rate of 55 mg/kg of feed (55 ppm) for three weeks showed clinical signs of anorexia and diarrhea, along with increased pentobarbital sleeping time and serum SDH level indicating the possible presence of hepatotoxicity. On the other hand, animals fed monensin at 11 ppm for three weeks or 8 mg/kg of body weight/day for five days showed no signs of hepatotoxicity.
Stand structure and development after gypsy moth defoliation in the Appalachian Plateau

Abstract The vegetation structures of Appalachian hardwood stands in southwestern Pennsylvania were examined before, and 4 years after, defoliation by the gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar L.) on a range of site aspects. Gypsy moth-induced mortality of oaks (Quercus spp.) was associated with growth increases in subcanopy species such as Acer spp., regardless of aspect. Density of non-oak tree seedlings and other woody vegetation 1 m in height showed declines that were correlated with increases in basal area of overstory trees, most notably Acer spp. Results suggest that the gypsy moth-related, disturbance in this region has altered the species composition and initiated a new cohort in these previously oak-dominated, single cohort stands.
Characterization of organic thin films using transmission electron microscopy and Fourier Transform Infra Red spectroscopy

Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLEDs) have received much attention for use in display and solid-state lighting applications. Consequently, evaluating materials analyses techniques to better understand potential issues between the different films constituting the OLED device structure becomes important. In particular, film thickness monitoring and control is essential for reproducible and reliable OLED performance. Typically, Quartz Crystal Microbalances (QCMs) are used to monitor the thicknesses in-situ. While QCMs can provide thickness information, they do not provide information about the composition or quality of the deposited films. To overcome these issues, in this paper, we have used Fourier Transform InfraRed Spectroscopy (FT-IR) to measure film thicknesses and compositions in individual as well as stacked organic layers relevant to OLED structures and used cross-sectional Transmission Electron Microscopy imaging to correlate the physical thickness of the organic films to their IR (infrared) absorption peak intensities from FT-IR. We demonstrate that this technique can be used to precisely measure film thicknesses within 5% of the nominal thickness and provide information about film composition.
Some comments on turbulence

A few remarks are made about the average dissipation of energy in unsteady turbulent flows, and the way in which it is modeled. Some suggestions are made that place the customary models on a more rational basis, and which lead to an improved model. Sample calculations with the improved model are presented. From time to time, philosophical comments are made about turbulence as a field, theoreticians, and other subjects.
Psychosocial and behavioral characteristics in chronic headache patients : support for a continuum and dual-diagnostic approach

The present study attempted to identify psychological differences among different headache diagnoses defined by IHS criteria as well as psychological differences by headache intensity and frequency. Differences between diagnostic categories reflected characteristics used to assign diagnoses, namely the constancy of pain and distracting behaviors of significant others due to isolating behavior from photophobia and phonophobia. A rating of headache intensity and frequency was a more powerful predictor of psychological ratings than diagnosis. Diagnosis was related to headache frequency but not intensity. The results suggest that a continuum diagnosis based on severity can be useful in conceptualizing headaches, and a dual-diagnostic system integrating headache characteristics with perceptions and coping ability would be helpful in determining treatment options.
Young caregivers of mothers with HIV: Need for supports

Abstract Data from a qualitative longitudinal study of 55 women living with HIV in one Midwestern state reveal that the young children of such women provide vital caregiving for them. The 43 mothers (of the 55 women) in the parent study have 133 living children among them, of whom nearly all were minors when their mothers were first diagnosed with HIV. At data collection, 59 of these children were still aged 18 or under. This qualitative study examines the children of seven of these women by exploring the interview narratives in which they describe caregiving tasks performed by their children. Utilizing research literature from a variety of perspectives on children and caregiving, we examine the different developmental stages of the caregiving children and the impacts of these largely invisible responsibilities on their lives. Finding a dearth of supportive resources available to the children, we speculate about interventions that could appropriately assist them emotionally, developmentally and physically. Legitimation of young caregivers' needs will require wider recognition of caregiving and its social consequences, recognition of the sparse institutional supports that currently assist these children, and creativity in mobilizing stronger informal support systems for individual children and whole families affected by HIV/AIDS.
The in vivoeffect of some peroxides upon the mouse ascites carcinoma of Ehrlich.

Die Lebensdauer von mit Ehrlich-Ascites-Karzinom injizierten Mausen wird durch Wasserstoffsuperoxyd und Harnstoffperoxyd auffallend verlangert. Der Tumor wird dabei von der Ascites- in die solide Form umgewandelt.
The effects of pharmacologically induced hypogonadism on mood in healthy men.

Background The effects of declining androgen secretion on mood regulation and the potential psychotropic efficacy of androgen replacement in men are largely undetermined. Objective To examine the effects on mood of the acute suppression of testosterone secretion. Design A double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover (self-as-own-control) study. Setting An ambulatory care clinic in a research hospital. Participants Thirty-one healthy adult men with no history of psychiatric illness or substance or anabolic steroid abuse. Interventions Men received depot leuprolide acetate (Lupron, 7.5 mg intramuscularly) every 4 weeks for 3 months. After the first month of Lupron alone, all men received (in addition to Lupron) testosterone enanthate (200 mg intramuscular) or placebo (sesame oil as color-matched vehicle) every 2 weeks for 1 month each in a crossover design. The order of administration of testosterone and placebo was randomly assigned and counterbalanced. Main Outcome Measures Mood and behavior rating scores (self-report and rater administered). Results With the exceptions of hot flushes, libido, and the feeling of being emotionally charged, none of the symptoms measured showed a significant difference across eugonadal, Lupron plus placebo, and Lupron plus testosterone conditions. Despite the absence of a uniform effect of Lupron plus placebo on mood, 3 men experienced clinically relevant mood symptoms during this induced hypogonadal condition. High baseline levels of sexual functioning predicted the greatest decline in sexual function during Lupron plus placebo. Conclusions These data, the first to describe the effects on mood of induced hypogonadism in healthy young men, suggest that short-term hypogonadism is sufficient to precipitate depressive symptoms in only a small minority of younger men. The predictors of this susceptibility remain to be determined.
Complications of AlphaCor keratoprosthesis: A clinicopathologic report

PURPOSE To describe the clinical and histopathologic features of intractable secondary glaucoma induced by AlphaCor keratoprosthesis. METHODS An elderly woman with pseudoexfoliation glaucoma and pseudophakic bullous keratopathy in the right eye had graft failures after penetrating keratoplasty. Her best-corrected visual acuity at presentation was counting fingers in the right eye and 20/30 in the left eye. Examination showed severe corneal neovascularization. Chirila keratoprosthesis type II was implanted in 2 stages. Ten months later, the patient developed dense retrocorneal membrane, 360 degrees occlusion of angles, intractable glaucoma, no light perception, and nasal stromal melting associated with partial extrusion of the keratoprosthesis. RESULTS Histopathology revealed invasion of the porous material of the keratoprosthesis by reactive fibroblasts and multinucleated foreign-body giant cells. In the area of dehiscence, we noted thinning and lysis of the collagen fibers, infiltration of lymphocytes, and plasma cells with a sheet of fibroinflammatory tissue extending into the anterior chamber. CONCLUSIONS Corneal stromal melting and retrocorneal prosthetic membrane formation after AlphaCor keratoprosthesis implantation led to intractable glaucoma and extrusion of the implant.
When "Speech Islands" aren't islands: parallel independent development, drift, and minimal levels of contact for diffusion

This study explores the related concepts of parallel independent development and drift, highlighting in particular the challenge of quantifying isolation. I analyze the precisely synchronized spread of a sound change, the monophthongization of /aɪ/, across Pennsylvania German ‘speech islands’ in the American Midwest. A key finding is that the intensity and duration of interspeaker contact required to catalyze apparent parallel developments may have lower than expected thresholds. The significance of extensive yet low-intensity cross-migration patterns across these communities at particular points in their histories ultimately leads to an exploration of the minimal level of contact required for diffusion of a change and feeds into recent discussion on the social contexts for transmission and diffusion (e.g., Labov 2007).
Visualization of the hinge flow in a 5:1 scaled model of the medtronic parallel bileaflet heart valve prosthesis

In this work, a flow visualization experiment was performed to elucidate features of the retrograde hinge flow through a 5 : 1 scaled model of the Medtronic Parallel bileaflet heart valve. It was hypothesized that this model would provide detailed flow information facilitating identification of flow structures associated with thrombus formation in this valve. The experimental protocol was designed to ensure fluid dynamic similarity between the model and prototype heart valves. Flow was visualized using dye injection. The detailed flow structures observed showed the hinge’s inflow channel was the most suspect region for thrombus formation. Here a complex helical structure was observed.
PROBABILITY METHODS FOR DETECTING RANDOMNESS IN SMALL SAMPLE SPATIAL DISTRIBUTIONS

Several probability and statistical methods are discussed for detecting spatial randomness in two dimensions. One method is derived and proposed for its ease of application. Monte Carlo simulation ...
Review of G. L. Badam, ‘Pleistocene Fauna of India, with Special Reference to the Siwaliks’

(1983). Review of G. L. Badam, ‘Pleistocene Fauna of India, with Special Reference to the Siwaliks’. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology: Vol. 3, No. 2, pp. 136-136.
Augmentation of the inotropic response to insulin in diabetic rat hearts.

Abstract Insulin participates in the modulation of myocardial function, but its inotropic action in diabetes mellitus is not fully clear. In the present study, we examined contractile responses to insulin in left-ventricular papillary muscles and ventricular myocytes isolated from hearts of normal or short-term (5–7 days) streptozotocin-induced (65 mg kg ) diabetic rats. Mechanical properties of papillary muscles and ventricular myocytes were evaluated using a force transducer and an edge-detector, respectively. Contractile properties of papillary muscles or cardiac myocytes, electrically stimulated at 0.5 Hz, were analyzed in terms of peak tension development (PTD) or peak twitch amplitude (PTA), time-to-peak contraction (TPT) and time-to-90% relaxation (RT90). Intracellular Ca2+ transients were measured as fura-2 fluorescence intensity change (ΔFFI). Insulin (1–500 nM) had no effect on PTD in normal myocardium, whereas it produced a positive inotropic response in preparations from diabetic animals, with a maximal increase of 11%. Insulin did not modify TPT or RT90 in either group. Further studies revealed that insulin enhanced cell shortening in diabetic but not normal myocytes, with a maximal increase of 21%. Consistent with its action on the mechanical properties of papillary muscles and cardiac myocytes, insulin also induced a dose-dependent increase in the intracellular Ca2+ transient in diabetic but not normal myocytes. Collectively, these data suggest that the myocardial contractile response to insulin may be altered in diabetes.
A study of mechanical shear bands in liquids at high pressure

Abstract Shear localization has been observed in liquid lubricants flowing at high pressure. Two kinds have been identified: for stress-controlled plane Couette shear at high values of Nahme No., thermal runaway can result in the appearance of a band at mid-plane where the temperature and shear rate become localized. Alternatively, at high pressure and high shear stress, intermittent slip can be visualized along inclined bands for both planar Couette shear and squeeze film flows. These mechanical shear bands are responsible for the rate independent behavior that characterizes the traction transferred across the lubricant film in concentrated contact. We consider three models for shear band formation: Mohr–Coulomb slip, loss of ellipticity of Navier–Stokes equations, and non-monotonic stress–strain rate response. The observations that slip occurs for a ratio of shear to normal stress of about 0.1 and that bands form in two characteristic directions support both the Mohr–Coulomb failure criterion description and a change of character of the governing differential equations. Some evidence of constitutive instability is also presented; however, band orientation does not support this model.
Induced activation of the Toxoplasma gondii nucleoside triphosphate hydrolase leads to depletion of host cell ATP levels and rapid exit of intracellular parasites from infected cells

The nucleoside triphosphate hydrolase of Toxoplasma gondii is a potent apyrase. The protein is synthesized in large amounts and transported through the secretory pathway of the parasite and into the vacuolar space in an oxidized and thereby enzymatically inactive form. Complete activation of the purified enzyme is known to require dithiols (e.g. DTT); subcellular fractionation demonstrates that little if any (<5%) of the enzyme in the vacuolar space is active in the absence of DTT. Both native and epitope-tagged nucleoside triphosphate hydrolase (NTPase) were partially activated during immunoprecipitation, precluding precise assessment of enzyme activity in the vacuolar space but suggesting that protein-protein interactions may trigger activation. When infected cells were treated with DTT, the NTPase was activated in a dose-response fashion, as assessed by migration on SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and by an increase in enzymatic activity. After activation, enzyme activity decreased with time in the presence of DTT; this inactivation was slowed by the presence of excess ATP. A rapid fall in host cell ATP was accompanied by an abrupt exit of parasites from cells. These results demonstrate that the oxidation/reduction status of the NTPase, the only parasite dense granule protein that contains disulfide bonds, is tightly controlled within the vacuolar space and may influence parasite exit from cells.
Split tolerance to the MHC class I molecule H-2Dd in animals transgenic for its soluble analog

Abstract To determine whether the function of MHC molecules in tolerance and education is related to cell surface expression, we have produced two strains of transgenic mice in the C57B1/6 background that express soluble analogs of the H-2D d class I protein. The transgenes were stably integrated and genetically transmitted in a Mendelian fashion. Messenger RNA for the hybrid genes was detected in all tissues analyzed in a class I-like pattern of expression, with the highest levels in lymphoid tissues. All mice bearing the transgenes expressed relatively high levels (0.1 mg/ml) of the encoded protein in their serum as assessed by Western blotting and enzymelinked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Gel filtration chromatography showed that the soluble H-2D d protein exists as a heterodimer with β2-microglobulin and as higher order multimers in serum. Lymphoid cells from the transgenic mice showed no cell surface expression of the soluble class I protein in indirect immunofluorescence assays. Splenocytes from two independently derived transgenic lines generated primary cytotoxic and proliferative responses directed against membrane H-2D d antigens. Mice of both strains rejected tail skin from donors that differed from the B6 background at the H-2D d locus only, but with delayed kinetics compared to nontransgenic littermate controls. Mice expressing the transgenic protein on immunization did not produce antibodies that recognized soluble H-2D in ELISA, whereas B6 mice generated strong antibody responses to challenge with splenocytes bearing cell surface H-2D d . Thus, transgenic mice expressing soluble H-2D were partially tolerant to stimulation by membrane-bound H-2D . As with the activation of T-cells, the induction and maintenance of immunologie tolerance apparently displayed different requirements depending upon the T-cell subpopulation involved.
Sudden infant death syndrome, child maltreatment, oral rehydration therapy, infectious diseases, and vaccinations.

Abstract With this section, I review five areas of concern to the pediatrician in the office setting: sudden infant death syndrome, child maltreatment, oral rehydration therapy, infectious diseases, and vaccinations. In keeping with the structure of Current Opinion in Pediatrics, I focus on these topics through the vantage point of this past year's literature. I would be amiss, however, if my commentary neglected to integrate the impact of major factors, often regulatory, on pediatric practice and to acknowledge the precarious nature and thus the renewed challenge of children's health in the United States today.
Index of biventricular interdependence calculated using cardiac MRI: a proof of concept study in patients with and without constrictive pericarditis

We sought to propose a magnetic resonance (MR) imaging-derived index of biventricular interdependence as a diagnostic parameter to distinguish patients with surgically-confirmed pericardial constriction from those without. Free-breathing real time MR pulse sequences of seventeen subjects with surgically proven constrictive pericarditis and thirty-five patients referred for clinically-indicated cardiac MR examinations but without documented constriction were analyzed using a novel index of biventricular interdependence. Cross-sectional biventricular areas at end diastole using the epicardial surface were traced at the mid left ventricular level at end-inspiration and end-expiration and an index of biventricular interdependence, defined as the ratio of (biventricular end-diastolic area at end-inspiration)/(biventricular end-diastolic area at end-expiration) was calculated for each subject. The mean index for both groups was calculated and results were statistically compared. The index of biventricular interdependence approximated unity (mean index 1.03 ± 0.03 SD) in patients with surgically confirmed pericardial constriction, indicating similar biventricular area at end-inspiration and end-expiration, and was significantly lower than in individuals without constrictive pericarditis (mean index 1.28 ± 0.10 SD; p < 0.0001). The MR-derived index of biventricular interdependence was significantly different between subjects with surgically-confirmed pericardial constriction and subjects where pericardial constraint was not suspected and may serve as a useful metric in the hemodynamic assessment of patients with a potential diagnosis of constrictive pericarditis.
Responsiveness of Human Infant Cerebral Arteries to Sympathetic Nerve Stimulation and Vasoactive Agents

Responses of segments of basilar and middle cerebral arteries of eight human infants to activation of perivascular nerves and to vasoactive drugs were studied using a resistance artery myograph. The infants ages ranged from 23 wk of gestation to 34 postnatal days. Neurogenic vasoconstriction occurred in all segments and at 8 Hz was 12.7 +/- 3.5% (11%) of tissue maximum and was blocked by phentolamine (10(-6) M). There was no evidence of a neurogenic dilator response. Catecholamine histofluorescence was seen in nerves in the adventitia at all ages studied. Norepinephrine ED50 was 7.6 +/- 1.8 x 10(-7) M, and its maximum effect was 43.1 +/- 5.7% of tissue maximum. Both neural and norepinephrine responses were greater than those of the proximal parts of adult human middle cerebral arteries obtained postmortem and surgically removed adult human pial arteries. Electron microscopy demonstrated that neural density at the adventitiomedial junction in the infant vessels was greater than in the pial arteries. Constrictor responses to serotonin and prostaglandin F2 alpha were minimal in the two infants of 23 and 24 wk of gestation but were clearly present in the older infants. Histamine and acetylcholine were potent vasodilators. Indomethacin potentiated agonist-induced contraction. In a limited number of trials angiotensin II, neuropeptide Y, caused contraction and bradykinin, relaxation. It is concluded that there is a quantitative similarity between the studied responses of infant cerebral artery segments and human pial arteries of similar diameter. However, sympathetic nerves may potentially play a more important role in the regulation of cerebrovascular tone in the infant compared with the adult, and during the gestational period examined these vessels possess an indomethacin-sensitive system that buffers agonist tone.
Who Needs Multicultural Education? White Students, U.S. History, and the Construction of a Usable Past

This article evaluates the efforts of three teachers at a predominantly white middle school to create a multicultural U.S. history curriculum by focusing on the experiences of enslaved African Americans during the Civil War. I argue that this focus unintentionally undermines students' ability to use history as a resource for thinking about contemporary race relations. I conclude with some suggestions for creating a multicultural history curriculum that will benefit both white students and students of color.
Cervicogenic Headache: A Review of Diagnostic and Treatment Strategies

Cervicogenic headache is a syndrome characterized by chronic hemicranial pain that is referred to the head from either bony structures or soft tissues of the neck. The trigeminocervical nucleus is a region of the upper cervical spinal cord where sensory nerve fibers in the descending tract of the trigeminal nerve (trigeminal nucleus caudalis) are believed to interact with sensory fibers from the upper cervical roots. This functional convergence of upper cervical and trigeminal sensory pathways allows the bidirectional referral of painful sensations between the neck and trigeminal sensory receptive fields of the face and head. A functional convergence of sensorimotor fibers in the spinal accessory nerve (CN XI) and upper cervical nerve roots ultimately converge with the descending tract of the trigeminal nerve and might also be responsible for the referral of cervical pain to the head. Diagnostic criteria have been established for cervicogenic headache, but its presenting characteristics occasionally may be difficult to distinguish from primary headache disorders such as migraine, tension-type headache, or hemicrania continua. This article reviews the clinical presentation of cervicogenic headache, proposed diagnostic criteria, pathophysiologic mechanisms, and methods of diagnostic evaluation. Guidelines for developing a successful multidisciplinary pain management program using medication, physical therapy, osteopathic manipulative treatment, other nonpharmacologic modes of treatment, and anesthetic interventions are presented.
Twenty‐one new theoretically based cubic equations of state for athermal hard‐sphere chain pure fluids and mixtures

Eight new hard-sphere equations of state (EOS's) were obtained from molecular simulation data for the pair correlation function gHS(σ) vs. packing fraction η and combined with three theoretical schemes to obtain 21 new cubic EOS's for athermal hard-sphere chains (AHSC's). The eight new hard-sphere EOS models successfully reproduced isotropic fluid compressibility factor ZHS and gHS(σ) vs. η simulation data and predicted metastable liquid ZHS vs. η and virial coefficients up through B10. Moreover, calculated Z vs. η and reduced second-virial coefficient vs. chain length m were compared with molecular simulation data for chains up to m = 201 for a set of representative (eight of twenty-one) chain equations. Z vs. η for three AHSC binary mixtures was also successfully predicted. The results indicate that the new cubic EOS's give a satisfactory representation of simulation data for chain fluids and can be used to develop theoretically based cubic EOS's for “real” fluids including attractive effects. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 61: 1677–1690, 2015
Second-level integrated pest management in commercial apple orchards

As historical background helpful to understanding current concepts and practices of apple pest management, we review the origin and rise of key pests of apple in North America and the evolution of approaches to their management, culminating with the concept of integrated pest management (IPM). We propose four levels of integration of orchard pest management practices. First-level IPM integrates chemically based and biologically based management tactics for a single class of pests, such as arthropods, diseases, weeds or vertebrates. Second-level IPM, the focus of our effort here, integrates multiple management tactics across all classes of pests. We describe components of second-level IPM for Massachusetts apple orchards, which are threatened each year by an exceptionally broad range of injurious pests. We illustrate the tentative advantages and shortcomings of second-level IPM using 1993 data from six commercial orchard test blocks. Our predominant approach was to use chemically based tactics for controlling arthropods, diseases and weeds early in the growing season, and afterwards to rely exclusively (for insects) or largely (for other pests) on biologically based tactics, such as cultural, behavioral, and biological controls. Compared with nearby first-level IPM blocks, insecticide use in 1993 was reduced substantially (about 30%), with only slightly more insect injury to fruit and little difference in populations of foliar insect pests. The results for mite pests and diseases were less encouraging although summer pruning significantly reduced disease injury caused by flyspeck. We discuss how second-level IPM poses special biological or operational challenges to apple pest management practitioners. The concept has merit, but refinements are necessary before it can be recommended broadly to commercial apple growers in Massachusetts as an economical and reliable alternative to first-level IPM.
Predictive parameters for microsurgical reconstruction

Microsurgical techniques have made vasectomy reversal a realistic option for the restoration of fertility in a man who has previously undergone vasectomy. Factors that can affect the success of these procedures may become known preoperatively and intraoperatively; this article reviews each of those factors.
Dietary and Monensin Effects on Activity of Hepatic Microsomal Mixed Function Oxidase System in Chickens

Four experiments were conducted to investigate if the degree of activation of the microsomal mixed-function oxidase (MFO) system was related to the degree of growth depression associated with the addition of monensin to the diet. The experiments were conducted with broiler chicks in battery brooders in which the chicks were fed diets of various composition and containing monensin at 0 to 160 ppm. In all experiments, the activity of the MFO system was estimated by the change in the content of cytochrome P-450 in the hepatic microsomes. Activities of some microsomal enzymes were also measured in some of the experiments. Feeding a diet with 24% protein containing fish meal, alfalfa meal, and torula yeast significantly increased the activity of the MFO system in comparison with feeding an isonitrogenous and isoenergetic corn and soybean diet, but there was no difference between the diets in the toxicity of monensin as measured by growth rate. Supplementing a 16% protein but not a 24% protein diet with monensin significantly reduced growth rate. In none of the four experiments was there a statistically significant change in the hepatic content of cytochrome P-450 as a result of feeding monensin. Thus, variation in the magnitude of growth depression caused by monensin in diets of different protein concentration or ingredient composition does not appear to be explained on the relative degree of the activation of the MFO system.
Homeowner preferences for wooded front yards and backyards: Implications for carbon storage

Abstract This study contributes to understanding of social preferences, norms, and behaviors in residential landscapes that affect planning, design, and management of trees, which store carbon and contribute to mitigating climate change. We investigated southeast Michigan homeowner preferences for different styles of front yards and backyards that were more or less wooded, learning what landscape characteristics they preferred and how their preferences related to their own yard management behavior. We surveyed homeowners, who selected their most preferred front yard and backyard from a series of images and indicated what characteristics were important to their preferences. We developed a homeowner typology based on their stated preferences for more and less wooded front yards and backyards, distinguished each type by landscape characteristics that were most important to homeowners, and tested whether homeowners of each preference type managed their actual yards consistent with type. Our results show that homeowners are heterogeneous in their preferences, identifying different characteristics as important according to type, but that only mowing of their actual yard is consistent with type. We also found that both important characteristics and actual uses of homeowners’ yards varied between front yards and backyards. Both homeowner types and front yard/backyard differences suggest opportunities for planning and maintaining larger urban woodlands on residential lots.
Data compression and perceived quality

Discusses image compression and the block compression algorithm (BCA). The power spectrum, Bode diagram, or modulation transfer function (MTF) for the transmitted, reconstructed signal are the usual measures of system resolution. Any one of these resolution measures is often nearly identical for the ordinary signal and that for which the BCA is used. Yet, observers of that same transmitted signals perceive a much more profound difference than indicated by the resolution measure. At high compression, they say it is choppy and disturbing for the dynamic features. The author discusses how one can describe a measure of the effect of the BCA on the observation. >
Representation of the glomerular olfactory map in the Drosophila brain

We explored how the odor map in the Drosophila antennal lobe is represented in higher olfactory centers, the mushroom body and lateral horn. Systematic single-cell tracing of projection neurons (PNs) that send dendrites to specific glomeruli in the antennal lobe revealed their stereotypical axon branching patterns and terminal fields in the lateral horn. PNs with similar axon terminal fields tend to receive input from neighboring glomeruli. The glomerular classes of individual PNs could be accurately predicted based solely on their axon projection patterns. The sum of these patterns defines an "axon map" in higher olfactory centers reflecting which olfactory receptors provide input. This map is characterized by spatial convergence and divergence of PN axons, allowing integration of olfactory information.
The value of histopathological prognostic factors in superficial bladder cancer: Do we need more?

Abstract The primary indicators of outcome for patients with superficial bladder cancer (determination of risk for recurrence and progression) continue to be based on clinical and histopathologic parameters and include such factors as recurrence rate, multiplicity, size, grade, and stage. While these prognostic factors can separate patients with superficial bladder cancer into high and low risk groups, the predictability for individual patients remains imprecise. Furthermore, indicators of recurrence do not necessarily provide useful information regarding the risk of progression (increase in stage). While cytology is commonly used to detect recurrent disease, its accuracy is dependent on tumor grade and the experience of the cytopathologist. Ploidy and morphometric analysis can provide additional information and be an important adjunct to cytology. There is need for new markers of outcome particularly in determining the risk of progression.
Coronary vasa vasorum neovascularization precedes epicardial endothelial dysfunction in experimental hypercholesterolemia.

Objective: Experimental hypercholesterolemia is associated with vasa vasorum neovascularization, unknown to occur before or after initial lesion formation. Thus, this study was performed to determine the temporal course of neovascularization of coronary vasa vasorum in relation to endothelial dysfunction, a hallmark of early atherosclerosis. Methods: Female domestic pigs were fed a normal diet (Group 1), a hypercholesterolemic diet for 2 and 4 weeks (Group 2), or a hypercholesterolemic diet for 6 and 12 weeks (Group 3). In vitro analysis of relaxation response to bradykinin served as an index for epicardial endothelial function. Spatial pattern and density of coronary vasa vasorum were assessed by three-dimensional microscopic computed tomography. Results: Relaxation response of coronary arteries to bradykinin was normal in both Group 1 (93±6%) and Group 2 (89±7%) but impaired in Group 3 (71±11%; P <0.05 vs. Group 1 and 2). In contrast, density of coronary vasa vasorum was significantly higher in both Group 2 (4.88±2.45 per-mm2) and Group 3 (4.50±1.37 per-mm2) compared to Group 1 (2.97±1.37 per-mm2; P <0.05 vs. Group 2 and 3). Conclusion: This study demonstrates that coronary vasa vasorum neovascularization occurs within the first weeks of experimental hypercholesterolemia and prior to the development of endothelial dysfunction of the host vessel, suggesting a role for vasa vasorum neovascularization in the initial stage of atherosclerotic vascular disease.
Implementing Evidence-Based Practices for People With Schizophrenia

Over the last decade, a consensus has emerged regarding a set of evidence-based practices for schizophrenia that address symptom management and psychosocial functioning. Yet, surveys suggest that the great majority of the population of individuals with schizophrenia do not receive evidence-based care. In this article, we review the empirical literature on implementation of evidence-based practices for schizophrenia patients. We first examine lessons learned from implementation studies in general medicine. We then summarize the implementation literature specific to schizophrenia, including medication practices, psychosocial interventions, information technology, and state- and federal-level interventions. We conclude with recommendations for future directions.