cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Navigation in minimally invasive spine surgery

Minimally invasive spine (MIS) surgery is associated with limited dissection as compared to open surgical procedures and this can result in decreased visualization. The use of computer-assisted navigation technology, however, allows surgeons greater visualization of bony and soft tissue anatomy through limited MIS incisions. This article outlines the potential benefits of intraoperative navigation during minimally invasive spinal surgery procedures to reduce intra-operative radiation exposure and enhance surgical accuracy. We also offer the senior author’s surgical setup and technique related to a skin-based navigation system. Future research is required into the use of augmented reality for surgeons during a navigated MIS surgery.
Phytochelatin database: a resource for phytochelatin complexes of nutritional and environmental metals.

Phytochelatins (PyCs) are a diverse set of plant compounds that chelate metals, protect against metal toxicity and function in metal homeostasis. PyCs are present in plants consumed as food by humans and could, in principle, impact absorption and utilization of essential and toxic metals such as selenium and cadmium, respectively. PyCs vary in terminal amino acid composition and chain length, exist in multiple oxidation states and reversibly bind multiple metals; consequently, PyCs include a large set of possible structures. Although individual PyC-metal complexes have been studied, no resource exists to characterize the diversity of PyCs and PyC-metal complexes. We used the scientific literature to develop a database of elemental formulas for polymer forms varying in chain length from 2 to 11 glutamyl-cysteine repeats. Using elemental formulas, we calculated monoisotopic masses using the most abundant isotopes of each element and calculated masses for complexes with 13 metals of nutritional and toxicological significance. The resulting phytochelatin database (PyCDB) contains 46 260 unique elemental formulas for PyC and PyC-metal complexes. The database is available online for download as well as for direct mass queries for mass spectrometry using an accurate mass annotation tool for user-selected PyC types, metals and adducts of interest. We performed studies of a commonly consumed food-onion-to validate the database and test utility of the tool. Onion samples were analyzed using ultra-high resolution mass spectrometry-based metabolomics. Mass spectral features were annotated using the PyCDB web tool and the R package, xMSannotator; annotated features were further validated by collision-induced dissociation mass spectrometry. The results establish use and a workflow for PyCDB as a resource for characterization of PyCs and PyC-metal complexes.
Analysis of Rural Interstate Fatality Rates in Consideration of Recent Increases in Maximum Statutory Speed Limits

The relationship between traffic safety and speed limits has been an area of significant research. Since the repeal of the National Maximum Speed Law in 1995, states have full autonomy in establish...
Bone Marrow Biopsy Findings in Patients with Hepatitis C Infection

Abstract 4840 Patients with hepatitis C often present with cytopenias - thrombocytopenia, neutropenia and less commonly anemia. Hypersplenism may contribute to cytopenias but effects on the bone marrow due to the hepatitis C infection also likely play a role in its pathogenesis. Hepatitis C infection predisposes to development of lymphomas as well. The bone marrow findings in patients with hepatitis C infection are not well described and to our knowledge there has only been one peer reviewed study published till date. In order to elucidate this further, we conducted a retrospective review of bone marrow biopsies performed at our institution on patients with known hepatitis C infection. Between years 1999 and 2010, 56 adults (36 male and 20 female) patient with hepatitis C underwent bone marrow biopsies. The indications for bone marrow biopsy included evaluation or staging of lymphoma or myeloma (24 patients) OR investigation of cytopenias (32 patients). None of the patients were on treatment for Hepatitis C at the time of the bone marrow biopsy. Of the 24 patients with lymphoma/myeloma, 11 showed bone marrow involvement, while 10 patients had benign lymphocyte aggregates in the marrow. 9 out of 24 patients had a hypercellular marrow and 8 had a hypocellular marrow. Mild to moderate megaloblastic change in the erythrocyte series was seen in 5 patients and dyserythropoiesis in 2. Hyperplasia of megakaryocytes was seen in 11/24 and 6/24 showed atypical megakaryocytes with focal clustering in 7/24. Reticulin fibrosis was noted in 7 patients. Iron stores were increased in 13/24 with decreased sideroblasts in 15/24 patients. Review of the 32 patients who had the bone marrow biopsy done for cytopenias showed 16 were hypocellular and 9 were hypercellular while 4 patients had variable cellularity. Mild to moderate megaloblastic change in the erythrocyte series was seen in 12/32 and dyserythropoiesis in 11/32. Granulocytic hypoplasia was seen in 14/32. Benign lymphoid aggregates were noted in 20 patients. Hyperplasia in the megakaryocytes was seen in 8 while 11 had decreased megakaryocytes. Atypical megakaryocytes were noted in 10/32 with clustering seen in 4 patients. Reticulin fibrosis was noted in 13 patients. Iron stores were increased in 16/32 and sideroblasts were decreased in 13/32. Frank hemophagocytosis was observed in 5 patients. Of these 32 patients, 4 were HIV positive. Myelodysplastic syndrome was diagnosed in 2/32, AML and Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in one each. Conclusions: Bone marrow biopsies are usually performed in patients with Hepatitis C to investigate cytopenias and for diagnosis or staging lymphoma or myeloma. Even without lymphoma involving the marrow, a substantial number of patients have benign lymphocyte infiltrates seen in the marrow. Marrow hypocellularity is common. Megaloblastic change in the erythroid series, dyserythropoiesis, atypical megakaryocytes and reticulin fibrosis can be seen in a substantial minority of the patients which contribute to cytopenias. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
A resolution of the Trans-Planckian problem in the R_h=ct universe

The recent measurement of a cutoff k_min in the fluctuation power spectrum P(k) of the cosmic microwave background may vitiate the possibility that slow-roll inflation can simultaneously solve the horizon problem and account for the formation of structure via the growth of quantum fluctuations in the inflaton field. Instead, we show that k_min may be interpreted more successfully in the R_h=ct cosmology, as the first mode exiting from the Planck scale into the semi-classical Universe shortly after the Big Bang. In so doing, we demonstrate that such a scenario completely avoids the well-known trans-Planckian problem plaguing standard inflationary cosmology.
Global impact of rotavirus vaccination on diarrhea hospitalizations and deaths among children <5 years old: 2006–2019

BACKGROUND Since 2006, more than 100 countries have introduced rotavirus vaccine into their immunization programs. We reviewed published data on relative reductions of rotavirus hospitalizations, acute gastroenteritis (AGE) hospitalizations, and AGE deaths among children <5 years old. METHODS Articles published from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2019 with at least 12 months of data before and after rotavirus vaccine introduction were included. Relative reductions were abstracted into a standardized form. Descriptive statistics are presented as medians and interquartile ranges (IQRs). RESULTS We reviewed 1827 total records and included 105 articles from 49 countries. Among children <5 years old, there was a median reduction of 59% (IQR, 46-74) in rotavirus hospitalizations, 36% (IQR, 23-47) in AGE hospitalizations, and 36% (IQR, 28-46) AGE mortality. Reductions were larger in countries with low child mortality, among younger age groups, and in countries with higher coverage. The median percentage of specimens that tested positive for rotavirus among children <5 years old hospitalized for diarrhea was 40% (IQR, 28-45) before rotavirus vaccine introduction and 20% (IQR, 20-20) 4 years after introduction. CONCLUSIONS Overall, we found sustained impact on rotavirus and AGE hospitalizations and deaths. These results should encourage countries still considering rotavirus vaccine implementation.
Switching from Thoracoscopic to Robotic Platform for Lobectomy: Report of Learning Curve and Outcome:

ObjectiveThe optimal minimally invasive surgical management for patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is unclear. For experienced video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) surgeons, th...
8 – Salivary Glands

Publisher Summary In mice and humans, there are three pairs of major salivary glands and numerous minor glands. Salivary secretions may be serous, mucous, or mixed, and they serve similar functions in mice and humans—to aid in digestion, taste, protection, and lubrication of the teeth and oral cavity. Mice and humans have three paired major salivary glands that are visible grossly—the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual—and numerous microscopic minor glands. Of the major glands in the mouse, the submandibular (submaxillary) is the largest. This gland is multilobed and lobulated and is located on the ventral midline of the neck, where the left and right glands are opposed and extend toward the sternum. The submandibular gland is rostrally bordered by the submandibular lymph node, where it also abuts the sublingual gland, extending dorsally to the parotid gland. The sublingual gland is much smaller and consists of a single lobe located between the submandibular lymph nodes and the submandibular salivary gland.
Disposal of Rocket Fuels Stored at Alyat and Mingechevir Depots, Azerbaijan

An Engineering Process for treatment of rocket fuels and oxidizers is developed. This process includes establishing design criteria, selecting alternatives for each waste stream, and evaluating each alternative versus each criteria for the design. Recommendations re presented for each of the five waste streams.
DNA-inhibited RNase of E. coli.

This communication presents evidence which indicates that Escherichia coli contains an RNase which is strongly inhibited by DNA. The enzyme is co-purified with polynucleotide phosphorylase and what appears to be DNA-dependent RNA polymerase. The only product of an exhaustive digest of poly C is 5′-CMP.
Synthesized Social Signals: Computationally-Derived Social Signals from Account Histories

Social signals are crucial when we decide if we want to interact with someone online. However, social signals are typically limited to the few that platform designers provide, and most can be easily manipulated. In this paper, we propose a new idea called synthesized social signals (S3s): social signals computationally derived from an account's history, and then rendered into the profile. Unlike conventional social signals such as profile bios, S3s use computational summarization to reduce receiver costs and raise the cost of faking signals. To demonstrate and explore the concept, we built Sig, an extensible Chrome extension that computes and visualizes S3s. After a formative study, we conducted a field deployment of Sig on Twitter, targeting two well-known problems on social media: toxic accounts and misinformation. Results show that Sig reduced receiver costs, added important signals beyond conventionally available ones, and that a few users felt safer using Twitter as a result. We conclude by reflecting on the opportunities and challenges S3s provide for augmenting interaction on social platforms.
Abstract 127: Racial Disparities in Management and Outcomes of Cardiac Arrest Complicating Acute Myocardial Infarction

Introduction: Racial disparities in outcomes of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and cardiac arrest (CA) exist. This study assessed the racial differences in the management and outcomes of CA comp...
Adaptive Control Design for Multi-UAV Cooperative Lift Systems

Multi-unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) cooperative lift systems use multiple UAVs to collectively lift and transport payloads. These systems have unique benefits over standard single-vehicle logistics...
Optimally Rotation-Equivariant Directional Derivative Kernels

We describe a framework for the design of directional derivative kernels for two-dimensional discrete signals in which we optimize a measure of rotation-equivariance in the Fourier domain. The formulation is applicable to first-order and higher-order derivatives. We design a set of compact, separable, linear-phase derivative kernels of different orders and demonstrate their accuracy.
A Frame for Frames: Representing Knowledge for Recognition

Publisher Summary This chapter presents the idea of frames, discusses desirable features of a representation for knowledge, and illustrates them with a specific example. A frame is a specialist in a small domain. It contains the knowledge necessary to create a description of an element of its domain from observed data. The frame for an object can have associated with it the frames for actions which commonly affect that object, so that predictions can be made about required modifications to the description. The frame is capable of predicting unobserved features, and of using previous observations to refine its predictions. These predictions can guide the recognition process, and provide answers to questions before that process is complete. An observation that is inconsistent with the expectations of the frames can suggest a better frame as a replacement. Much of the partially constructed description can be incorporated into the new frame, which continues the recognition process.
Humoral Influences on Brain Development

Publisher Summary This chapter describes neurotransmitters as developmental signals in key ontogenic processes, such as neural tube formation, germinal cell proliferation, and neuronal and glial differentiation during brain organogenesis. It further discusses the hormonal regulation of brain development during postnatal neurogenesis and explains the key interrelationships, which may link neurotransmitters and hormones in a humoral milieu, providing a variety of control mechanisms for the central and peripheral nervous system during the key phases of their development. The development of the central nervous system (CNS) begins very early in gestation with the formation of the neural plate. Within hours of induction of the neural ectoderm by the chordamesoderm, neural folds elevate at the lateral edges of the neural plate. As the neural folds approximate near the midline, they fuse, forming a continuous neural tube. The chapter further describes monoamines as early-developing neurotransmitters that can be endogenously detected by the formaldehyde-induced fluorescence method or by immunocytochemistry.
Epidemiology of needlestick injury in emergency medical service personnel.

Abstract Employees of the St. Louis Emergency Medical Service (EMS) reported 44 needlestick injuries during a recent 38-month period, an incidence of 145 injuries/1,000 employee years. New employees, that is, those employed for less than a year, reported 19 (4301o) of these injuries. Two employees developed clinically apparent hepatitis B during the study period. These results document a high risk to emergency medical personnel of exposure by needlestick to blood potentially infectious for hepatitis and other pathogens. EMS personnel require early and continuing educational efforts directed toward prevention of needlestick injuries and should be offered hepatitis B vaccine.
Rodent models of mental retardation: Self-injury, aberrant behavior, and stress

This paper reviews the research on three animal models related to self-injurious behavior (SIB), stereotypy, and aggression and their susceptibility to stress. These studies support the importance of stress and differences in organic dysfunction in the etiology, maintenance, and topography of SIB and their relationship to stereotypy and aggression. Several organic risk factors associated with mental retardation also increase the susceptibility to manifestation of SIB and related behaviors. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Does Lyme Disease Occur in the South?: A Survey of Emerging Tick-Borne Infections in the Region

Lyme disease is the most common arthropod-borne infection in the United States. However, the risk of infection varies widely by geographic region. In the South, Borrelia burgdorferi has been identified in ticks and small mammals, but transmission of the agent to humans has not been documented. The Lyme disease-like disorder reported from the region may have another etiology.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms Mediate the Association between Deficits in Executive Functioning and Social Impairment in Children

We investigated whether symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are pathways through which deficits in inhibition and working memory are associated with teacher- and parent-rated social impairment in children. Participants were 64 children (55 % males; 53 % with ADHD) in grades 3–6. Consistent with our hypotheses, the association between inhibition and social impairment was mediated by hyperactivity/impulsivity and the association between working memory and social impairment was mediated by inattention. Support was not obtained for alternative models wherein the association between inhibition and social impairment was mediated by inattention, and the association between working memory and social impairment was mediated by hyperactivity/impulsivity. Further, tests of hierarchical models suggest that neither inhibition nor working memory is primary but, rather, that these cognitive processes are related to one another and that they collectively (but not uniquely) contribute to hyperactivity/impulsivity and inattention. These findings have implications for conceptual models of ADHD, for understanding factors that influence and sustain social impairment among youth with symptoms of the disorder, and for interventions aimed to addressing such impairment.
Differences in Pediatric Preventive Care Counseling by Provider Type

Objective Many children in the United States do not receive advice about health behaviors and injury prevention during routine preventive care visits. We investigated the role of provider type in the probability of receiving advice. Methods We analyzed children aged 3 to 17 in the Medical Expenditure Panel Data 2002 to 2003 surveys who had only 1 preventive clinic or office visit in the past year. We examined whether provider type affects whether the child is advised about healthy eating, physical activity, the harmful effects of smoking in the home, proper safety restraints in a car, and use of a helmet when riding a bicycle. Results Pediatricians were more likely to advise about healthy eating (63.6% vs 46.8% for other physicians and 41.1% for nonphysicians; P Conclusion Many pediatric providers, particularly those not trained as pediatricians, are missing opportunities to advise about health behaviors and injury prevention.
Localization of Interleukin-1βP Converting Enzyme mRNA in Rat Brain Vasculature: Evidence that the Genes Encoding the Interleukin-1 System Are Constitutively Expressed in Brain Blood Vessels

Interleukin (IL)-1β-converting enzyme (ICE) cleaves the biologically inactive precursor form of IL-1β into mature, bioactive IL-1β. Because of the potent effects of IL-1 in blood vessels, we conducted
Fluid Flow in a System with Separate Laminar and Turbulent Zones

Attention is focused on physical situations in which separate zones of laminar and turbulent flow coexist within a given device. The specific motivating application for this study is a complex fluid-flow manifold used in the thermal management of electronic equipment. The adopted approach to the solution of this fluid-flow problem was to employ a turbulent-flow model for the entire solution space but to use several turbulence models as inputs. The goal of the study was to quantify the behavior of popular turbulence models in regions where the flow is laminar according to the accepted Reynolds number criteria. Three models were considered: 1) standard k-e, 2) k-ω, and 3) SST. Evaluation of the models was based on the values of the ratio μ t /μ in nominally laminar regions, where μ t and μ are, respectively, the turbulent and molecular viscosities. Values of this ratio well below one in a nominally laminar region would indicate that a turbulence model reduces, in effect, to a laminar model. It was found tha...
Characteristics of T cells involved in the expression of delayed hypersensitivity and tumor rejection immunity to 13762A rat mammary adenocarcinoma.

Abstract The 13762A rat mammary adenocarcinoma is poorly immunogenic and metastasizes with high frequency to regional lymph nodes and lungs. Tumor rejection immunity (TRI) may be readily transferred with oil-induced peritoneal exudate cells (PEC) from immune rats but the transfer of delayed hypersensitivity (DH) was less reliable. The purposes of the present study were: (1) to compare the optimum conditions for transfer of DH and TRI; (2) to determine whether the TRI effectors were derived from cells which recently divided in the donor; (3) to determine the relative sensitivity of DH and TRI effectors to treatment with radiation and mitomycin C; and (4) to identify the phenotypes of the T-cell subsets responsible for transfer of DH and TRI. The results indicate that transfer of DH requires more cells or a longer interval between transfer and challenge than did TRI. Treatment of the donor with vinblastine (VBL) or hydroxyurea (HU) continuously for 5 days prior to harvest of PEC impairs effectiveness of transferred DH and TRI. This indicates that the effectors proliferated during the period before harvest of the PEC. Treatment of the PEC in vitro with mitomycin C or γ-radiation eliminates transfer of DH and TRI, but DH is more radiosensitive than TRI. T-cell subsets were identified with the monoclonal antibodies W3/13 (pan-T), W3/25 (helpers), and OX8 (cytotoxic/suppressors). The TRI effectors are nonadherent and express W3/13, W3/25, or OX8 antigens. The DH effectors are also nonadherent but expressed only W3/13 or W3/25 antigens. Thus, DH systemic adoptive transfer requires more cells or a shorter interval between transfer and challenge than TRI. Both DH and TRI effectors replicate in the donors prior to transfer. The DH effectors are helper T cells but TRI effectors include cells with helper or cytotoxic T-cell marker antigens. We conclude that TRI and DH are probably functions of two T-cell subsets which differed in radiation sensitivity and membrane phenotype. CY pretreatment of the recipients of immune PEC potentiate TRI. The potentiated effects are reduced if the recipients are given nonadherent spleen cells. The responsible cells expressed W3/13 and W3/25 antigens. Thus, CY potentiation is attributed to the depletion of precursors of suppressor T cells.
Nonlinear Optics at the Timescale of the Electron – Bright Coherent Attosecond-to-Zeptosecond KeV X-Rays

We demonstrate bright coherent X-ray supercontinua at photon energies >1.6keV (<7.8A) on a tabletop. Full phase matching of high harmonic generation up to the 5031st order is possible using mid-IR driving lasers, supporting attosecond-to-zeptosecond pulses.
YinYang Bipolar Quantum Entanglement - Toward a Logically Complete Quantum Theory

Based on YinYang bipolar relativity a complete non-linear bipolar symmetrical logical theory for coherent quantum interaction is presented that leads to equilibrium-based logically definable causality for quantum entanglement, teleportation, and cryptography with quantum-digital compatibility and an explanation to the hidden variable in the EPR paradox. It is shown with simulation that bipolar teleportation is theoretically possible the first time ever without conventional communication between Alice and Bob, and bipolar cryptography enables the unique feature of bitwise encryption.
PHYSICAL LIMITS ON THE NOTION OF VERY LOW TEMPERATURES

Standard statistical thermodynamic views of temperature fluctuations predict a magnitude $(\sqrt{〈(\ensuremath{\Delta}{T)}^{2}〉}/T)\ensuremath{\approx}\sqrt{{(k}_{B}/C)}$ for a system with heat capacity $C.$ The extent to which low temperatures can be well defined is discussed for those systems that obey the thermodynamic third law in the form ${limop}_{(\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{T}0)}C=0.$ Physical limits on the notion of very low temperatures are exhibited for simple systems. Application of these concepts to bound Bose condensed systems are explored, and the notion of bound boson superfluidity is discussed in terms of the thermodynamic moment of inertia.
Why Free Trade “Losers” Support Free Trade: Industrialists and the Surprising Politics of Trade Reform in Brazil

The “rush to free trade” that began in Latin America in the 1980s remains inadequately explained. Among several puzzles connected with this shift, the degree of support for free trade among industrialists especially stands out. This article argues that the inability to account for industrialists' behavior lies in political economy's tendency to derive preferences from market position. Instead, the author argues that contextual factors shape preferences and behavior. He makes the argument by examining Brazilian industrialists, a “least likely” group to endorse the policy shift. The author provides evidence that Brazilian industrialists supported commercial liberalization despite real distributive consequences. Factors that help explain support include the effects of economic crisis, bundling of free trade with other desirable policies, the prevalence of adjustment options, and the absence of a distinct class of losers. The author relies on survey evidence, business rankings, and documentary evidence to mak...
A light-dependent mechanism for massive accumulation of manganese in the photosynthetic bacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803.

Manganese is an essential micronutrient for many organisms. Because of its unique role in the water oxidizing activity of photosystem II, manganese is required for photosynthetic growth in plants and cyanobacteria. Here we report on the mechanism of manganese uptake in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. Cells grown in 9 μM manganese-containing medium accumulate up to 1 × 108 manganese atoms/cell, bound to the outer membrane (pool A). This pool could be released by EDTA treatment. Accumulation of manganese in pool A was energized by photosynthetic electron flow. Moreover, collapsing the membrane potential resulted in the immediate release of this manganese pool. The manganese in this pool is mainly Mn(II) in a six-coordinate distorted environment. A distinctly different pool of manganese, pool B (∼1.5 × 106 atoms/cell), could not be extracted by EDTA. Transport into pool B was light-independent and could be detected only under limiting manganese concentrations (1 nM). Evidently, manganese uptak...
Cost-effective species conservation in exurban communities: A spatial analysis

Exurban areas have increasingly become zones of conflict as conservation and development compete for the same finite land resources. Conversion of natural areas to land dominated by human use results in loss, degradation, and fragmentation of wildlife habitat which often lead to species endangerment or even extinction. Recently, reserve site selection models have begun to integrate spatial attributes in order to design more compact and connected reserve networks that are thought to improve long-term species persistence. While these models are a good step forward to designing conservation reserve networks, they might not be adequate for use in exurban areas that consist of heterogeneous mosaics of land uses where habitat fragmentation already exists and not all parcels are available for preservation. This paper presents a species conservation framework that expands upon traditional reserve site selection models in three ways. First, because of the focus on exurban areas, the framework used here allows for land conversion within core habitat patches. Second, the framework provides a more robust assessment of connectivity among patches by accounting for land-use heterogeneity in the dispersal matrix. And third, the framework explicitly incorporates species population dynamics. We apply our conservation framework to the case of pond-breeding salamanders in an exurban community in Rhode Island, USA. Comparisons are made between the outcomes for uniform conservation policies and more flexible policies that accommodate ecological and economic heterogeneity. As expected, policies that offer more flexibility in the decision-making process are less costly in terms of foregone development. Conservation planners should consider core habitat patches, dispersal matrix, and spatial scale in their decision making. By not assessing the potential impact of dispersal barriers, reserve site selection models will result in conservation plans that may not protect species over the long term, particularly for species residing in highly fragmented landscapes such as those found in many exurban communities.
Linkage disequilibrium analysis of G-olfα (GNAL) in bipolar affective disorder

This study examines G-olf{sub {alpha}} as a possible candidate gene for susceptibility to bipolar affective disorder (BPAD) using the Transmission Disequilibrium Test (TDT). G-olf{sub {alpha}}, which encodes a subunit of a G-protein involved in intracellular signaling, maps within a region of chromosome 18 that has been implicated by two different linkage studies as a potential site of BPAD susceptibility loci. The expression pattern of G-olf{sub {alpha}} in the brain, its coupling to dopamine receptors, and the effects of lithium salts on G-proteins all support G-olf{sub {alpha}} as a candidate gene for BPAD. Our study population consisted of 106 probands and sibs with bipolar I disorder, with a median age-at-onset of 21.5 years ascertained from the United States. There was no evidence of linkage disequilibrium between BPAD and any of the observed G-olf{sub {alpha}} alleles in our sample. Division of families based on sex of the transmitting parent did not significantly change the results. This sample had good power (78%) to detect linkage disequilibrium with alleles conferring a relative risk equal to that estimated for the putative 18p locus (2.58). Our results do not support a major role for G-olf{sub {alpha}} as a susceptibility locus for BPAD in a substantial portionmore » of our sample. Other genes lying near G-olf{sub {alpha}} within the linked region on chromosome 18 cannot be excluded by our data. This study illustrates the use of the TDT in evaluating candidate genes within linked chromosome regions. 24 refs., 1 tab.« less
Atomization of Low-Volume Malathion Aerial Spray

This paper describes studies of the atomization produced by minispin rotary units at 3 speeds—4000, 6000, and 8000 rpm; and by 3 flat spray nozzles—8002, 80015, and 800067. All were used on an aircraft at 95 to 100 mph air speed and 40 psi spray pressure. Mass median diameter of the spray ranged from 120 microns with the minispin at 8000 rpm to 269 with the 8002 nozzles. The minispin produced a lower percentage of both the fine drops and the coarse drops than did the 800067 nozzles.
INTERNAL DAMPING OF SHORT-FIBER REINFORCED POLYMER MATRIX COMPOSITES

Abstract This paper describes an analytical study to optimize the internal damping of shortfiber polymer matrix composites. Two different analytical methods—force balance model and finite-element numerical scheme were used to obtain numerical results. The loss factor is optimized in terms of many important parameters such as; fiber aspect ratio, the angle θ between the applied tensile load and the fiber direction, stiffness ratio between the fiber and matrix materials and the damping ratio between the fiber and matrix materials. The numerical results show that, for given fiber and matrix materials and given fiber volume fraction, there exists an optimum fiber aspect ratio and an optimum angle γ for maximum damping of the composite. The predicted optimum aspect ratios lie in the range of actual aspect ratios for whiskers and microfibers for small fiber damping and increases as the damping ratio between the fiber and matrix increases. The predicted optimum angle θ lies between 0 and 30°.
Psychology and National Development

Psychologists have important contributions to make to the debate on national development, particularly because human development is now viewed as central to national development. A major shortcoming of the psychological literature on national development is the lack of an adequate explanation of change. We address this gap through an account of national development based on social reduction theory and reversal theory, two recent theories that focus on change and stability.
Solvent selection in the preparation of poly(dl-lactide) microspheres prepared by the solvent evaporation method

Abstract Poly( dl -lactide) (PLA) microspheres containing quinidine or quinidine sulfate were prepared by the solvent evaporation technique. The successful entrapment of drug within the microspheres was associated with: (a) a fast rate of precipitation of the polymer from the organic solvent phase; (b) a low water solubility of the drug in the aqueous phase; and (c) a high concentration of the polymer in the organic phase. The rate of polymer precipitation was strongly affected by the rate of diffusion of the organic solvent into the aqueous phase. Organic solvents of low water solubility resulted in a slow polymer precipitation, causing the drug to partition completely into the aqueous phase. Water-miscible organic solvents when added to the organic phase further enhanced the drug content in the microspheres. The construction of a solubility envelope for PLA and an envelope for microsphere formation based on the three-dimensional solubility parameter concept was found to be useful in the selection of suitable solvent mixtures and in the interpretation of solvent-non-solvent-polymer interactions and the formation of PLA microspheres.
Astronomical Image-Integration System Using a Television Camera Tube

Image orthicon camera tube for detecting faint stars, with photocathode and metal-oxide storage target for c image integration
Legal Ramifications of Computer-Aided Detection in Mammography.

CAD may help highlight nodules the clinician may have otherwise missed, but its use is not without legal ramifications. What do you think? Take this survey.
The Genetic Precursors and the Advantageous and Disadvantageous Sequelae of Inhibited Temperament: An Evolutionary Perspective.

Guided by evolutionary game theory (Korte, Koolhaas, Wingfield, & McEwen, 2005), this study aimed to identify the genetic precursors and the psychosocial sequelae of inhibited temperament in a sociodemographically disadvantaged and racially diverse sample (N = 201) of 2-year-old children who experienced elevated levels of domestic violence. Using a multimethod, prospective design across 3 annual measurement occasions, the authors conducted structural equation modeling analyses indicating that trained observer ratings of inhibited temperament at age 2 were uniquely predicted by polymorphisms in dopamine and serotonin transporter genes. Children's inhibited temperament, in turn, indirectly predicted decreases in their externalizing problems at age 4 through its association with greater behavioral flexibility at age 3. Results highlight the value of integrating evolutionary and developmental conceptualizations in more comprehensively charting the developmental cascades of inhibited temperament.
New Approach to Perturbation Theory.

We present here a new approach to nonrelativistic perturbation theory. We show that in problems reducible to one dimension, the energy shifts and wave-function corrections, including corrections to the position of the nodes, to any order, can be expressed in quadrature in a hierarchy scheme. The second-order energy shift calculated is explicitly shown to be equivalent to that in the ordinary Rayleigh-Schr\"odinger theory.
High temperature kinetics of NCO

Abstract Mixtures of cyanogen and nitrous oxide diluted in argon were shock heated to measure the ratio of the rate constants for (3) NCO + O → CO + NO and (4) NCO + M → N + CO + M . The diagnostic was narrow-line absorption of NCO at 440.479 nm using a remotely located cw ring dye laser source. By varying the mole fraction of nitrous oxide in the initial mixture and conducting otherwise identical experiments, we inferred at 2240°K k 3 k 4 =10 3.54(+0.34, −0.37) . Utilizing a recent determination of k3 and previous measurements of the ratio k 3 k 4 , we recommend over the temperature range 2150 ⩽ T ⩽ 2400°K k 4 =10 16.8 T −0.5 exp [−24000/T] cm 3 /mole/s [×2.3, ×0.4]. An additional mixture of cyanogen, oxygen, hydrogen, and nitrous oxide diluted in argon was shock heated and NCO was monitored to infer the rate constant for (5) NCO + H → CO + NH and the ratio k 6 k 7 : (6) C 2 N 2 + H → CN + HCN , (7) CN + H 2 → HCN + H . We found near 1490°K k 5 =10 13.73(+0.42,−0.27) cm 3 /mole/s, and k 6 k 7 =0.81(+0.89, −0.47). These experiments also led to an estimate of the rate constant for (8) NCO + H 2 → HNCO + H , with the result, near 1490°K, k 8 ≃10 12.1(+0.4,−0.7) cm 3 /mole/s.
Esophageal stent fixation with endoscopic suturing device (with video)

t t s i M s ( s ( o t r t a s Esophageal self-expandable stents were introduced into clinical practice in the early 1990s and are now frequently placed to palliate dysphagia in patients with benign and malignant esophageal obstruction. In addition, sophageal stents are often are used to facilitate healing of stulas, perforations, and anastomotic leaks.4,5 Although placement of esophageal stents is technically easy and safe, these stents are quite expensive, and spontaneous stent migration often requires repeat endoscopy for removal of the migrated stent and placement of a new stent.6-8 Previously reported initial attempts at internal and external fixation of esophageal stents with endoscopic clips and snares have not become popular due to technical difficulties, low effectiveness, and a high rate of complications.9-13 The objective of our study was to evaluate feasibility and usefulness of esophageal stent fixation by using the Overstitch endoscopic suturing device, which recently has been developed by Apollo Endosurgery, Inc (Austin, Tex) and approved for clinical use in the United States by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
A scannable pulse-to-static conversion register array for self-timed circuits

This paper describes the design and hardware results of a scannable pulse-to-static conversion register array for self-timed circuits. The circuits include a self-timed control circuit and a 64-bit register array, both designed utilizing self-resetting CMOS (SRCMOS) circuit techniques. The self-timed feature of the control block allows it to require only one system clock input. The evaluation, reset, and write-enable controls are all generated within the control macro. The register array is a level-sensitive scan design, which is compatible and complies with SRCMOS test modes. This type of register array can facilitate the synchronous/asynchronous interfaces, pipelined operation, power management, and testing of advanced digital systems employing a mixture of static and dynamic circuits to achieve low power and high performance.
Faster point set pattern matching in 3-D

Abstract We improve upon the best previous upper bound for the volume of output for the Point Set Pattern Matching Problem (PSPM) in Euclidean 3-space, R 3 . This in turn yields a better running time than was previously known for a sequential algorithm to solve this problem. The previous best sequential running time for PSPM in R 3 is O (kn 5/2 [λ 6 (n)/n] 1/4 log n) time, where k is the size of the pattern and n is the size of the sample set. In the current paper, we show that a sequential algorithm can solve PSPM in R 3 in O (kn 2 [λ 6 (n)/n] 1/2 log n) time.
Mapping the Knowledge Management Domain of Ideas: Evidence from a Practice Group

This article adds to our understanding of the field of knowledge management as an evolving body of concepts, relationships, strategies, and practices. Using qualitative research methods, we examined the activities of a community of practice for knowledge management professionals operating in a large metropolitan U.S. city. Through the analysis, we produced an organizing framework that maps KM topics according to the tactical-strategic orientation of the KM issue and level of analysis (individual-group-enterprise). We constructed and populated the framework based on a content analysis of 44 presentations made from 2001-2005, from survey data, from interviews conducted with key informants, and from data collected as participant-observers. The work provides insight into the decision-making processes regarding the selection of KM topics and adds to our understanding of collective sense making (Weick, 1995) based on the differing needs, values, and perceptions of the multiple stakeholders in this KM community of practice.
Grain boundary diffusion of chromium in niobium bicrystals

Abstract Grain boundary diffusion of chromium in niobium bicrystals with 〈100〉 symmetric tilt boundaries has been studied using electron probe microanalysis. The penetration depth and diffusion coefficient were determined at 1273°C. Increase in misorientation of the bicrystal enhances the boundary diffusion, except near the coincidence-site-lattice boundary where the diffusion rate dips to a minimum.
Macrophage activation and anti-tumor activity of biologic and synthetic agents.

Systemic administration of the synthetic immunopotentiator pyran, was as effective as the use of the biologic immunopotentiator BCG in activating macrophages and in inhibiting the Lewis lung carcinoma and MCA 2182 sarcoma. Several other synthetic polyanions also activated macrophages and exhibited some anti-tumor activity, but none were as effectives as pyran. Cell-wall fractions such as the Ribi vaccine and MER were considerably less effective than BCG. The anti-tumor activity of pyran against the virtually non-immunogenic Lewis lung carcinoma involved non-specifically activated macrophages, and both anti-tumor activity and macrophage activating ability persisted over a 100-fold range of drug from 0.5 mg/kg to 50 mg/kg. The ability of activated macrophages to destroy tumor cells was abrogated by treatment with trypan blue, an inhibitor of macrophage lysosomal enzymes. In addition, preincubation of tumor cells with activated peritoneal cells at effector-cell:target-cell ratios of 20:1 and 5:1 markedly decreased tumor incidence and mortality. Glycogen-stimulated or unstimulated peritoneal cells were completely inactive in inhibiting tumor growth in vivo or exhibiting cytotoxicity in vitro, demonstrating the requirement for activated macrophages selective for tumor-cell destruction.
Total and elastic scattering neutron cross sections of 239Pu

Abstract Elastic neutron scattering cross sections of 239Pu are measured at ⪅50 keV intervals from 0·3−1·5 MeV with incident neutron resolutions of ≈20 keV. Total neutron cross sections are measured from 0·65 to 1·5 MeV at intervals of ⪅5 keV and with resolutions of ≈2·5 keV. The experimental results are compared with the predictions of optical- and statistical-models, with other measured values and with representative evaluated data.
Continuous-time capture-recapture population estimation when capture probabilities vary over time

Closed capture-recapture (CR) estimators have been used extensively to estimate population size. Most closed CR approaches have been developed and evaluated for discrete-time models, but there has been little effort to evaluate their continuous-time counterparts. Continuous-time estimators — developed using maximum likelihood theory by Craig (1953) and Darroch (1958), and martingale theory by Becker (1984) — that allow capture probabilities to vary over time were evaluated using Monte Carlo simulation. Overall, the ML estimators had a smaller MSE. The estimators performed well when model assumptions were upheld, and were somewhat robust to heterogeneity in capture probabilities. However, the estimators were not robust to behavioural effects in the capture probabilities. Time lag effects (periods when animals might be unavailable for immediate recapture) on continuous-time estimates were also investigated and results indicated a positive bias which was greater for smaller populations. There was no gain in performance when using a continuous-time estimator versus a discrete-time estimator on the same simulated data. Usefulness of the continuous-time approach may be limited to study designs where animals are easier to sample using continuous-time methodology.
Adjuvant effect of LPS on in vivo antibody response: Genetic defect in C3H/HeJ mice

Among several inbred strains of mice studied, only C3H/HeJ failed to demonstrate LPS enhancement of antibody response to the synthetic polypeptide (T,G)-A-L. LPS antibody enhancement was designated the LPS/adjv(+) trait and results of testing F1 and backcross animals were consistent with the postulate that the LPS/adjv(+) trait may be determined by a single autosomal dominant gene.
The Evolution of Chromosome Arrangements in Carex (Cyperaceae)

Sedges (Carex: Cyperaceae) exhibit remarkable agmatoploid chromosome series between and within species. This chromosomal diversity is due in large part to the structure of the holocentric chromosomes: fragments that would not be heritable in organisms with monocentric chromosomes have the potential to produce viable gametes in organisms with holocentric chromosomes. The rapid rate of chromosome evolution in the genus and high species diversification rate in the order (Cyperales Hutch., sensu Dahlgren) together suggest that chromosome evolution may play an important role in the evolution of species diversity in Carex. Yet the other genera of the Cyperaceae and their sister group, the Juncaceae, do not show the degree of chromosomal variation found in Carex, despite the fact that diffuse centromeres are a synapomorphy for the entire clade. Moreover, fission and fusion apparently account for the majority of chromosome number changes in Carex, with relatively little duplication of whole chromosomes, whereas polyploidy is relatively important in the other sedge genera. In this paper, we review the cytologic and taxonomic literature on chromosome evolution in Carex and identify unanswered questions and directions for future research. In the end, an integration of biosystematic, cytogenetic, and genomic studies across the Cyperaceae will be needed to address the question of what role chromosome evolution plays in species diversification within Carex and the Cyperaceae as a whole.
Perinatal administration of nicotine alters subsequent sexual behavior and testosterone levels of male rats

The effect of pre- and/or postnatal administration of nicotine (0.25 mg/kg) on sexual behavior and testosterone levels in adult male rats was examined. Prenatal nicotine decreases male sexual behavior as measured by the number of males that mounted, intromitted or ejaculated. The males that did mount and/or ejaculate exhibited an increase in mount latency and number of mounts and a decrease in efficiency. This decrease was correlated with a decrease in plasma testosterone levels. Postnatal nicotine treatment improved the sexual performance of sexually naive males as measured by an increase in the number of males that completed 2 ejaculatory series and by a decrease in mount latency. This effect is transient, subsequent testing of the nicotine males eliminated this difference in sexual performance. Pre- and postnatal nicotine treatment did not affect the overall sexual performance of the male rats, although the number of mounts and intromissions during a second series decreased. Eye opening of male and female pups was accelerated with pre/postnatal nicotine administration. Birth weight, testis and levator ani weights, sex ratio and number of pups per litter were not affected. We suggest that nicotine may act as a neuromodulator during sexual differentiation of the brain, demasculinizing the male progeny in rats. This effect is correlated with decreased testosterone levels during adulthood.