cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Perceived Social Norms, Expectations, and Attitudes toward Corporal Punishment among an Urban Community Sample of Parents

Despite the fact that corporal punishment (CP) is a significant risk factor for increased aggression in children, child physical abuse victimization, and other poor outcomes, approval of CP remains high in the United States. Having a positive attitude toward CP use is a strong and malleable predictor of CP use and, therefore, is an important potential target for reducing use of CP. The Theory of Planned Behavior suggests that parents’ perceived injunctive and descriptive social norms and expectations regarding CP use might be linked with CP attitudes and behavior. A random-digit-dial telephone survey of parents from an urban community sample (n = 500) was conducted. Perceived social norms were the strongest predictors of having positive attitudes toward CP, as follows: (1) perceived approval of CP by professionals (β = 0.30), (2) perceived descriptive norms of CP use (β = 0.22), and (3) perceived approval of CP by family and friends (β = 0.19); also, both positive (β = 0.13) and negative (β = −0.13) expected outcomes for CP use were strong predictors of these attitudes. Targeted efforts are needed to both assess and shift the attitudes and practices of professionals who influence parents regarding CP use; universal efforts, such as public education campaigns, are needed to educate parents and the general public about the high risk/benefit ratio for using CP and the effectiveness of non-physical forms of child discipline.
A hardware-accelerated approach to computing multiple image similarity measures from joint histogram

Image similarity-based image registration is an iterative process that, depending on the number of degrees of freedom in the underlying transformation, may require hundreds to tens of thousands of image similarity computations to converge on a solution. Computation time often limits the use of such algorithms in real-life applications. We have previously shown that hardware acceleration can significantly reduce the time required to register two images. However, the hardware architectures we presented were limited to mutual information calculation, which is one of several commonly used image similarity measures. In this article we show how our architecture can be adapted for the calculation of other image similarity measures in approximately the same time and using the same hardware resources as those for the mutual information case. As in the case of mutual information calculation, the joint histogram is calculated as a first step. The image similarity measures considered are mutual information, normalized mutual information, normalized cross correlation, mean-square sum of differences and ratio image uniformity. We show how all these image similarities can be calculated from the joint histogram in a small fraction of the time required to calculate the joint histogram itself.
Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) expression in postnatal and adult rat sacral parasympathetic nucleus (SPN).

The neural control of micturition undergoes marked changes during the early postnatal development. During the first few postnatal weeks, the spinal micturition reflex is gradually replaced by a spinobulbospinal reflex pathway that is responsible for micturition in adult animals. Upregulation of brainstem regulation of spinal micturition pathways may contribute to development of mature voiding patterns. We examined the expression of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), present in descending projections from Barrington's nucleus to the sacral parasympathetic nucleus (SPN), in postnatal (P0–P36) and adult Wistar rats (P60–90). CRF-immunoreactivity (IR) was present predominantly in the SPN region, although some staining was also observed in the dorsal horn and dorsal commissure in L5–S1 spinal segments. CRF-IR in spinal cord regions was age dependent (R2=0.87–0.98). The majority of the CRF-IR in the lumbosacral spinal cord was eliminated by complete spinalization (2–3 weeks). Double-label immunohistochemistry was combined with quantitative confocal laser scanning microscopy to quantify the number and percentage of colocalization between CRF-immunoreactive varicosities and preganglionic somas or proximal neurites in the SPN in postnatal and adult rats. Results demonstrate an age-dependent upregulation of CRF-IR in the SPN region and specifically in association with preganglionic parasympathetic neurons identified with neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS)-IR. CRF-immunoreactive varicosities on or within a 1 μm perimeter of nNOS-immunoreactive somas or proximal neurites also increased with postnatal age. The upregulation of CRF-IR in bulbospinal projections to the SPN may contribute to mature voiding reflexes.
Unusual predominance of even-carbon hydrocarbons in an antarctic food chain

A comparative study of lipids was conducted inEuphausia crystallorophias, Pleuragramma antarcticum andDissostichus mawsoni, representing three trophic levels of an Antarctic food chain. Very large concentrations of triglycerides were found inP. antarcticum andD. mawsoni, but the nature of the free fatty acids and triglyceride fatty acid distributions of all three species was unremarkable. The larger amounts of free fatty acids obtained inEuphausia crystallorophias, when compared to a previous analysis, may have been due to enzymatic hydrolyses of lipid esters during cold storage. In contrast, the hydrocarbon distributions in the three organisms were found to contain an unusual predominance of even-carbonn-alkane constituents. A different biochemical pathway to hydrocarbons may be operating in members of this food chain that is so well adapted to the low temperatures of Antarctic waters.
Rapid Inactivation and Phosphorylation of Pyroglutamyl Peptidase II in Y-79 Human Retinoblastoma Cells after Exposure to Phorbol Ester*

Pyroglutamyl peptidase II (EC 3.4.19.-), a membrane-bound metalloproteinase, is a highly specific TRH-degrading enzyme. Exposure of Y-79 human retinoblastoma cells to 12-0-tetradecanoyl phorbol 13-acetate (TPA) decreased the activity of this enzyme in a time- and concentration-dependent manner (IC60 5 × 10-9 M). After 15 min of TPA treatment, only 10% of pyroglutamyl peptidase II activity remained. TPA treatment did not affect the activity of the cytosolic enzyme pyroglutamyl peptidase I (EC 3.4.19.3) or the membrane-bound enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase IV (EC 3.4.19.3). Pretreatment of the cells with the protein kinase C inhibitors H-7 or sphingosine prevented the inactivation of pyroglutamyl peptidase II by TPA. The time course of the TPA-mediated effect paralleled the time course of translocation and activation of protein kinase C in this cell line. Immunoblot analysis demonstrated that inactivation of pyroglutamyl peptidase II was not due to dissociation or internalization of this enzyme molecule. Incuba...
Underutilization of Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator in Primary Prevention of Sudden Cardiac Arrest.

Background : The aim of this study was to evaluate the overall use of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) for primary prevention of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), among eligible patients from an outpatient cardiology clinic and to determine what factors might contribute to underutilization of ICDs. Methods : This report was a retrospective chart review of patients with ischemic or non-ischemic cardiomyopathy and left ventricular ejection fraction ? 35% from an outpatient cardiology practice from January 2005 to May 2008. These patients met the eligibility criteria for ICD implantation for primary prevention of SCA. A detailed review of medical records captured distribution of ICD implantation including future plans for ICD implant, patient preference against ICD use, presence of severe co-morbidities, and any other documented reasons/contraindications regarding ICD implantation. Results : Of the 275 patients who were eligible for ICD for primary prevention of SCA, 119 (43%) had an ICD implantation. ICDs were used in 84 (48%) eligible men and 35 (35%) eligible women (P 0.02). Among 156 (57%) patients who did not receive ICD, 79 (28%) had severe co-morbidities precluding them from having ICD. Twenty-six patients (10%) refused to have ICD implanted. The remaining 51 (19%) patient charts did not include any documentation regarding ICD use (future plan or contraindication). Conclusions : ICDs are underutilized for primary prevention of SCA, with rates of use being lowest among eligible women. This underutilization exists even after accounting for patient preferences and presence of severe co-morbid conditions that might make an otherwise eligible patient not a suitable candidate for ICD implantation. Cardiol Res. 2011;2(1):1-6 doi: https://doi.org/10.4021/cr13w
Oxygen-induced segregation effects in sputter depth-profiling

Abstract In sputtering depth profiles of metal overlayers on silicon the metal signal decays exponentially beyond the metal-silicon interface. We have investigated the effect of oxygen on decay lengths for overlayers of carbon and eight metals (Mg, Ca, Ti, Cu, In, Ag, Au, Pb) on silicon. Typically, decay lengths for electropositive metals (Ca, Mg) decrease and those for electronegative metals (Cu, Ag, Au, Pb) increase in the presence of oxygen. The results are consistent with a model in which dilute impurities segregate towards or away from the oxygenated ion-bombarded surface depending on whether they form stronger, or weaker, bonds with oxygen than does silicon.
Development of a high-throughput rubella virus infectivity assay based on viral activation of caspases.

Abstract Rubella virus (RV, German measles) is a teratogenic agent that can lead to serious congenital defects after maternal infection during early pregnancy. Currently, the disease can be prevented effectively by available live attenuated vaccines. An important requisite for the manufacture and release of a safe and potent live virus vaccine is the measurement of the vaccine titer (potency), to ensure the correct dose and efficacy of the vaccine. One historical method for measuring potency is the endpoint dilution TCID 50 assay. Traditionally, RV TCID 50 titers are calculated after visual inspection of cells for presence of cytopathic effect (CPE). Such visual scoring is tedious and labor intensive. The development of a new TCID 50 readout method, based on a fluorescent molecular marker of RV-induced apoptosis, is described in this report. Further, in order to calculate TCID 50 potency a novel mathematical model was established to convert the numerical fluorescence measurements into categorical data. Finally, the assay parameters such as signal-to-noise ratio, robustness, variability and bias were optimized. This new readout method demonstrated strong concordance with the standard manual scoring of CPE, and therefore can provide a practical, objective and higher-throughput alternative to the traditional TCID 50 readout used for calculating titers of rubella virus.
The Multilayered Interlaced Network (MIN) in the sporoplasm of the Microsporidium Anncaliia algerae is derived from Golgi

This study provides evidence for the Golgi-like activity of the multilayered interlaced network (MIN) and new ultrastructural observations of the MIN in the sporoplasm of Anncaliia algerae, a microsporidium that infects both insects and humans. The MIN is attached to the end of the polar tubule upon extrusion from the germinating spore. It surrounds the sporoplasm, immediately below its plasma membrane, and most likely maintains the integrity of the sporoplasm, as it is pulled through the everting polar tube. Furthermore, the MIN appears to deposit its dense contents on the surface of the sporoplasm within minutes of spore discharge thickening the plasma membrane. This thickening is characteristic of the developmental stages of the genus Anncaliia. The current study utilizes transmission electron microscopy (TEM), enzyme histochemistry, and high voltage TEM (HVEM) with 3D tomographic reconstruction to both visualize the structure of the MIN and demonstrate that the MIN is a Golgi-related structure. The presence of developmentally regulated Golgi in the Microsporidia has been previously documented. The current study extends our understanding of the microsporidial Golgi and is consistent with the MIN being involved in the extracellular secretion in Anncaliia algerae. This report further illustrates the unique morphology of the MIN as illustrated by HVEM using 3D tomography.
Excessive atlanto-occipital flexion as a cause of complete airway obstruction following anterior cervical spine fusion

Abstract This report describes complete airway obstruction following anterior cervical fusion caused by extreme, fixed f exion of the neck in a halo device. The causes and treatment of such an airway complication are reviewed.
Voltage-gated Ca2+ current in pancreatic B-cells

Voltage-dependent inward Ba++ and Ca++ currents were recorded in cultured neonatal rat pancreatic islet cells using the whole-cell voltage clamp technique. Outward current was suppressed by internal Cs+ and ATP and external TEA. Inward currents activated rapidly and decayed to a variable extent. The current decay was particularly marked when using long duration or large depolarizing pulses. Currents were due to Ca++ channel activation since they were abolished by omitting Ba++ and Ca++ or including Co++.
Development without Intervention: A Successful Self-Reliance Initiative of Rural Development and Urban Growth in The Sudan

We investigate the complex relationship between small‐scale farming, urban‐rural remittances and rural development. We highlight a successful, innovative self‐reliance approach in which traditional...
A New Species of Euxoa Hbn. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) from the Sierra Nevada of California

Euxoa piniae new species is described from material collected at Johnsville, Plumas County, California and compared with E . brunneigera latebra Benjamin, its closest relative.
Modern human metrical variation in the first three manual rays

This study utilizes radiographic samples of white, black. Mexican-American, and Asian males and females from the Ten State Nutrition Survey to examine the degree and pattern of variation seen in measurements of bones from the three radial hand rays. Pattern profile analysis is used to portray graphically the intersample differences for 44 length and width variables. This technique allows a visual assessment of intersample differences and extends results of statistical analyses. Base widths serve best in separating male and female groups. Males have a longer first ray with respect to the second ray and a longer first proximal phalanx compared with the second proximal phalanx than do females. Certain ray III variables seem to hold the most promise for separating samples within one sex. Correlation of pattern profile curves demonstrates that within nonwhite ethnic samples the shape of male and female curves is similar when plotted against the white reference samples. Coefficients of variation for the large white samples are highest for mid-widths and tuft widths of distal phalanges and lowest for lengths and base widths of proximal phalanges II and III. While some of the variation between groups may serve to distinguish populations and may relate broadly to evolutionary history, it is difficult to show clear functional correlates for the majority of the variation detected. It is suggested that hypotheses relating morphology of hominid hands to hand function and behavior should consider the extent of modern human hand bone variation.
Quantitative Aspects of Friend Leukemia Virus in Various Murine Hosts

SummaryThe murine host range of Friend leukemia virus has been investigated quantitatively. Virus failed to multiply in C57BL and A strains. About 70% of C3H mice were susceptible, but overt disease developed in only 39%, the remainder being detectable by histologic examination only. Virus multiplied more slowly and to a lesser degree in C3H mice than in Swiss, DBA/2 and BALB/c, which were highly susceptible. Splenomegaly was more marked and more regular in BALB/c than in any of the other strains investigated; 100% of these mice being susceptible after initial adaptation.
Numerical Simulation of Residual Stress in Multi-Pass Butt-Welded Stainless Steel Pipe

It is necessary to obtain an accurate welding residual stress distribution for the evaluation of stress corrosion cracking (SCC) behavior. However, a welding residual stress simulation for pipes is often performed by a two dimensional axisymmetric model because this type of simulation requires significant time to analyze the complicated inelastic behavior. This approximation deteriorates the modeling accuracy since the welding heat input and the structural response are approximated by axisymmetric responses although they are originally three dimensional. The authors propose “a virtual additional stiffness method” in order to improve the accuracy of the axisymmetric model. With this method, the difference between the axisymmetric model and a three dimensional behavior was greatly reduced. The virtual additional stiffness method was used to reproduce three dimensional constraints that were not taken into account in the axisymmetric model. In the case of the axisymmetric model, an unrealistic large thermal expansion was observed because of simultaneous heating along a hoop direction of the whole pipe. In order to compensate this unrealistic deformation, a virtual additional stiffness was added in axial and radial directions on the axisymmetric model. This stiffness was added by using spring elements whose positions and spring constants were determined by comparing the two and three dimensional models. Results obtained by this new method in the multi-pass butt-welded stainless steel pipe were in very good agreement with measurements of the mock-up specimens.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Peripheral nerve tumors: surgical principles, approaches, and techniques

The surgical treatment of peripheral nerve sheath tumors is dependent on the tumor’s neoplastic nature and its anatomic location. Surgical planning can be conceptually divided into ‘‘principles,’’ which are based on the biologic nature of intraneural tumors, an ‘‘approach,’’ which deals in general with the anatomic surgical exposure of a tumor, and then with ‘‘techniques’’ of tumor resection, which deal with the intraneural removal of the tumor. Of course, it is conceptually impossible always to separate these three surgical themes in reality, but they constitute a useful framework with which to plan peripheral nerve surgery. Intraneural techniques of dissection that are applicable to all tumor resections are shown, but only after proper exposure. They are categorized into symmetric and asymmetric and are dependent to some degree on the characteristics of tumor exposure. Surgical principles for nerve sheath tumors focus on surgical decision making common to all peripheral nerve sheath tumor operations and then on that particular to a given tumor type. The treatment of solitary nerve sheath tumors, either schwannoma or neurofibroma, is different from that of multiple nerve sheath tumors and plexiform tumors of von Recklinghausen’s disease (VRD), which is again different from the treatment of malignant nerve sheath tumors. Each of these groups requires different rules for decision making. Surgical approaches for nerve sheath tumors vary according to the local anatomy. Exposure on an extremity is relatively straightforward, but as the location becomes more proximal, anatomy conspires to protect nerves, plexuses, and the spinal cord, making surgical exposure more difficult. As a consequence, selected surgical approaches to nerve sheath tumors in these more protected areas are specifically described.
Malignant fibrous histiocytoma obstructing the thoracic aorta

Neoplasms of the aorta are rare. In this report, we present a case of a malignant fibrous histiocytoma that nearly obliterated the lumen of the thoracic aorta. The neoplasm was resected and aortic continuity was reestablished with an interposition graft. This case is particularly unusual because the patient had an isolated lymph node excised 5 years previously that contained the same neoplasm.
Implementation of Stanley's algorithm for projective group imbeddings

Computing intersection cohomology Betti numbers is complicated by the fact that the usual long exact localization sequences in Borel-Moore homology do not carry over to the setting of intersection homology. Nevertheless, about 20 years ago, Richard Stanley had formulated a remarkable algorithm for computing the intersection cohomology Betti numbers of toric varieties. During the last few years, Michel Brion and the first author were able to extend this to a much larger class of spherical varieties. This algorithm has been implemented as an interactive script written for the programming package GAP (using also LiE and polymake) by the authors. This paper is an exposition of this implementation.
SUICIDE, HOMICIDE, AND A HISTORY OF OPPRESSION IN THE CARIBBEAN NATIONS '

Summary.--In 16 Caribbean nations, those with a longer history of sugar production and more power for the sugar planters tended to have lower rates of personal violence (suicide and homicide) in later times (the 1970s). Stinchcombe (1994) classified the Caribbean nations for the extent: to which they were slave societies in the 18th Century based on the dominance of the sugar cane economy and the power of the planters. As modern suicide and homicide rates for the 1970s were available from Yang and Lester (1994), the present work explored whether such a history of oppression was
Continuous cell line from Spodoptera exigua (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) that supports replication of nuclear polyhedrosis viruses from Spodoptera exigua and Autographa californica

Abstract A continuous cell line, designated UCR-SE-1, has been established from larvae of the beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). The cell line was established from minced neonate larvae treated with collagenase, and is grown in a modified TNM-FH medium with an osmotic pressure of 400 mOsm. The cell line consists of a mixture of two cell types, epithelial-like cells and spindle-shaped cells, both of which grow as attached monolayers. The cell line has a population doubling time of 56 hr, and has undergone more than 100 serial passages. Greater than 90% of the spindle-shaped cells support replication of the multiple nucleocapsid nuclear polyhedrosis viruses from Spodoptera exigua and Autographa californica , although the epithelial-like cells support replication of the latter virus only.
Modification of alkylating agent cytotoxicity by cisplatin

Abstract The effect of cisplatin on the cytotoxicity of alkylating agents in the RIF-1 tumor both in vivo and in vitro was investigated. A single dose of cisplatin (1 mg/kg) enhanced the in vivo tumor killing by melphalan (L-PAM; 8 mg/kg). The effect was maximal when cisplatin was given between 3 hours before and 1 hour after injecting L-PAM; the enhancement was lost as the time interval increased. Similar results were obtained with cyclophosphamide (CYT; 75 mg/kg) and CCNU (50 mg/kg) although the enhancement was much less than that seen with L-PAM. The enhancement by cisplatin was constant at all L-PAM doses as measured by both cloning assay and regrowth delay. Measurements of white blood cell counts four days after drug administration suggests that a therapeutic gain can be achieved. Exponential and plateau phase RIF-1 cells grown in monolayer culture were also exposed to various L-PAM doses. A 1 hour pre-exposure to cisplatin (0.5 μg/ml) under aerobic conditions increased the cell killing by L-PAM. The results are discussed with reference to the possible reasons for the therapeutic gain.
THE MARBLE-DROP TECHNIQUE: A PROCEDURE FOR GATHERING SENSITIVE INFORMATION

This study investigates the efficiency of a ballot technique in reducing bias caused by nonsampling errors in studies designed to gather sensitive information. Findings reveal that the technique produces population estimates more accurate than conventional interviewing and as accurate as the randomized-response technique.
Identification and mapping of regions that confer plasmid functions and of sites for excisive recombination of plasmid pMMC7105

Strain PP808 of Pseudomonas syringae pv. phaseolicola contains pEXC8080 (34.6 kb), the smallest of several plasmids that originated by partial excision of the cryptic plasmid, pMMC7105 (150 kb), from the host chromosome. This excision plasmid is derived entirely of sequences from pMMC7105 and contains a 24 kb region referred to as common DNA, which is present in each of the other excision plasmids. A six enzyme restriction endonuclease map was constructed of pEXC8080. The replication region was mapped by identifying small restriction fragments that conferred replication properties to pMB1 plasmids that otherwise fail to replicate in Pseudomonas. This region is located within the common DNA and is 0.8-3.8 kb in size. Sequences from pEXC8080 failed to stabilize pMB1 derivatives in Pseudomonas in the absence of antibiotic selection, but stability functions were mapped to a region of pMMC7105 that presumably remains integrated in the chromosome of strain PP808. An incompatibility region was mapped to a 7.3 kb region on pEXC8080 that is closely linked to, but not included within, the replication region. The recombination site was mapped to a 1.2 kb region of the fusion fragment that was formed upon excision of pEXC8080. RS-I, a repetitive sequence found on pMMC7105 was present in the fusion fragment at the site of recombination. RS-I was also mapped to BamHI fragments that recombined upon excision of pEXC8080 and suggest that it provides sites for homologous recombination.
Homocysteine and Cardiovascular Disease

After a thorough review of the available literature, it appears that hyperhomocysteinemia is an independent risk factor for CHD. Furthermore, folic acid has been shown to reduce homocysteine concentration. Nevertheless, CHD is a multifactorial process, and many risk factors play a role in its pathogenesis. Several unanswered questions remain regarding the role of folic acid supplementation in hyperhomocysteinemia (Table 3). The absolute homocysteine concentration at which cardiovascular risk increases is not certain, and the magnitude of homocysteine-lowering needed to prevent events is unknown. Consequently, the number needed to treat cannot be calculated for folic acid supplements. Based on these data, the populations in whom to evaluate a homocysteine concentration have yet to be described. Because the POEMs are not yet available, it is unknown whether supplemental folic acid to lower homocysteine concentration will reduce CHD morbidity and mortality. It will take several years before any randomized, controlled trials are done, and primary prevention trials will need to be of very long duration to show any change in outcomes. Widespread use of folic acid supplementation has been recommended, however, and the need for clinical outcomes might be precluded. Even in the absence of outcome data, the potential benefits of using folic acid appear to outweigh any risks. A diet high in folic acid should be encouraged in everyone (Table 4). The FDA-mandated folic acid fortification of enriched grain products is most likely insufficient to lower homocysteine concentrations meaningfully, and a daily multivitamin that contains 400 microg of folic acid should be considered for patients who have documented CHD (especially when other risk factors are absent or in patients with premature atherosclerosis) and men and women who have cardiovascular risk factors, in addition to women of childbearing potential. Folic acid supplementation in the form of a multivitamin once daily is safe and inexpensive and might prevent the development and progression of CHD.
CRYOLITE-TIN-TUNGSTEN-SILVER MINERALIZATION

(1988). CRYOLITE-TIN-TUNGSTEN-SILVER MINERALIZATION. International Geology Review: Vol. 30, No. 1, pp. 83-89.
A note on)2 the shape of the erythrocyte

A note on the shape of the red blood cell is revisited, utilizing variational calculus to to find an extremum for the surface area of such a cell, using the volume as a constraint. A fairly significant error in the value of the volume is corrected, and the note concludes with a discussion of measures of cell shape (such as the sphericity index) which are more appropriate than the dimensional surface area to volume ratio.
Investigating uncertainty and sensitivity in integrated, multimedia environmental models: tools for FRAMES-3MRA

Elucidating uncertainty and sensitivity structures in environmental models can be a difficult task, even for low-order, single-medium constructs driven by a unique set of site-specific data. Quantitative assessment of integrated, multimedia models that simulate hundreds of sites, spanning multiple geographical and ecological regions, will ultimately require a comparative approach using several techniques, coupled with sufficient computational power. The Framework for Risk Analysis in Multimedia Environmental Systems - Multimedia, Multipathway, and Multireceptor Risk Assessment (FRAMES-3MRA) is an important software model being developed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency for use in risk assessment of hazardous waste management facilities. The 3MRA modeling system includes a set of 17 science modules that collectively simulate release, fate and transport, exposure, and risk associated with hazardous contaminants disposed of in land-based waste management units (WMU). The 3MRA model encompasses 966 multi-dimensional input variables, over 185 of which are explicitly stochastic. Design of SuperMUSE, a 215 GHz PC-based, Windows-based Supercomputer for Model Uncertainty and Sensitivity Evaluation is described. Developed for 3MRA and extendable to other computer models, an accompanying platform-independent, Java-based parallel processing software toolset is also discussed. For 3MRA, comparison of stand-alone PC versus SuperMUSE simulation executions showed a parallel computing overhead of only 0.57 seconds/simulation, a relative cost increase of 0.7% over average model runtime. Parallel computing software tools represent a critical aspect of exploiting the capabilities of such modeling systems. The Java toolset developed here readily handled machine and job management tasks over the Windows cluster, and is currently capable of completing over 3 million 3MRA model simulations per month on SuperMUSE. Preliminary work is reported for an example uncertainty analysis of Benzene disposal that describes the relative importance of various exposure pathways in driving risk levels for ecological receptors and human health. Incorporating landfills, waste piles, aerated tanks, surface impoundments, and land application units, the site-based data used in the analysis included 201 facilities across the United States representing 419 site-WMU combinations.
Effect of the rate of repeat traversal on adhesive wear

Abstract An experimental study of the effect of the rate of repeat traversais on the adhesive wear of selected metal combinations at sliding speeds of around 10 mm s −1 is described. Using a pin-on-disk geometry the time for repeat traversals was varied by conducting wear tests in which the pin traced either a circular wear track or a spiral wear track on the rotating disk, the time between repeat traversais being 6 s in the first case and in the range 450–10000 s in the second case. At low loads, typically between 5 and 20 g, metals undergo a mild form of adhesive wear, either burnishing or a regime in which wear debris is predominantly oxide. At high loads, above 1000 g, severe metal transfer occurs, the surfaces become rough and the debris is predominantly metallic. In neither of these two load ranges is there a difference between the tests using circular and spiral tracks. However, at intermediate loads varying the time between repeat traversals has a significant effect with oxide-forming metals. The spiral wear track tests gave a reduction of almost two orders of magnitude in the wear coefficient accompanied by lower friction coefficients and much smoother surfaces presumably because the oxide layer functioned more effectively. Using gold, which forms no oxide layer, severe wear is encountered even at very low loads (2 g). Varying the time for repeat traversals has no effect. No effects attributable to the fatiguing of the metal surfaces were noted.
Towards crowdsourced large-scale feedback for novice programmers

Often, students do not have access to computer science classes in school. Novices learning programming independently can choose to use online resources like tutorials, books, and forums, but they have no way of receiving unsolicited feedback from an experienced programmer or teacher. This feedback is especially important for novices, as they may not always know what questions to ask in order to gain new skills.
Does prenatal nicotine exposure sensitize the brain to nicotine-induced neurotoxicity in adolescence?

Offspring of women who smoke during pregnancy are themselves more likely to take up smoking in adolescence. We evaluated neurotoxicant effects of prenatal and adolescent nicotine exposure in developing rats to evaluate whether these contribute to a biological basis for this relationship. Rats were given nicotine or vehicle throughout pregnancy and the offspring then again received nicotine or vehicle during adolescence (postnatal days PN30–47.5); this regimen reproduces the plasma nicotine levels found in smokers. Indices of neural cell number (DNA concentration and content), cell size (protein/DNA ratio), and cell membrane surface area (membrane/total protein) were then evaluated in brain regions during adolescent nicotine administration (PN45) and up to 1 month post-treatment. By itself, prenatal nicotine administration produced cellular alterations that persisted into adolescence, characterized by net cell losses in the midbrain and to a lesser extent, in the cerebral cortex, with corresponding elevations in the membrane/total protein ratio. The hippocampus showed a unique response, with increased DNA content and regional enlargement. Adolescent nicotine treatment alone had similar, albeit smaller effects, but also showed sex-dependence, with effects on protein biomarkers preferential to females. When animals exposed to nicotine prenatally were then given nicotine in adolescence, the net outcome was worsened, largely representing summation of the two individual effects. Our results indicate that prenatal nicotine exposure alters parameters of cell development lasting into adolescence, where the effects add to those elicited directly by adolescent nicotine; neurotoxicant actions may thus contribute to the association between maternal smoking and subsequent smoking in the offspring.
The Impact of Disclosure of Intimate Partner Violence on Friends

Intimate partner violence (IPV) affects people connected to survivors as well as survivors themselves. Despite this, we do not have measures assessing IPV’s impact on others. The Impact on Friends measure was developed to understand the impact of disclosure of sexual assault (SA) on friends of survivors. In the present study, the Impact on Friends measure was modified to apply to IPV and administered to two separate online samples. Exploratory factor analysis in one sample (U.S.-based participants) revealed a very similar factor structure to the original Impact on Friends measure, consisting of Emotional Distress, Validation, and Confusion. This factor solution was then applied to the next sample (mostly Indian participants), resulting in an adequate model fit. The Impact on Friends-IPV measure has adequate reliability. One of its factors, Emotional Distress, is related to increased depression and post-traumatic distress disorder symptoms of friends, but only in the U.S. sample. These findings suggest tha...
Lipids of bovine retinal pigment epithelium.

Abstract Bovine retinal pigment epithelial cells have been prepared in high purity and their lipid class composition determined. The two major phospholipids are phosphatidyl ethanolamine and phosphatidyl choline, with phosphatidyl serine, phosphatidyl inositol and sphingomyelin being minor components. This composition is similar to that reported for bovine rod photoreceptor membranes. However, the fatty acids of the phospholipids of the retina pigment epithelium differ substantially from those of rod outer segments. The former contains high levels of saturated and low levels of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in all phospholipid classes.
Age-related regional loss of caudate-putamen dopamine receptors revealed by quantitative autoradiography.

Senescent (26–28 months) Fischer 344 rats were shown to have a lower density of D2 sites (−36%) without any change in affinity in membranes prepared from homogenized caudate-putamen (CPU), as compared to young adult (5–6 months) rats. In additional rats prepared for quantitative autoradiography of [3H]spiroperidol binding, the loss was shown to be specific for and quite extensive (50–60%) in the lateral to ventrolateral region of the CPU. The region of the CPU that shows the major age-related loss of D2 sites is critically involved in sensorimotor functions; therefore this regional loss of D2 sites may contribute importantly to the sensorimotor deficits in aged rats.
Bounds for the greatest characteristic root of an irreducible nonnegative matrix II

Abstract This paper is a continuation of our paper [3] in Linear Algebra Appl. Another new lower bound for the Perron root ω of an irreducible nonnegative matrix A is obtained. It improves the bound of Frobenius [4] that ω is greater than the greatest main diagonal element. In particular, if A is symmetric, then ω is greater than the sum of the greatest element of A plus the arithmetic mean of the two smallest main diagonal elements.
MeV Si ions bombardment effects on thermoelectric properties of sequentially deposited SiO2/AuxSiO2(1−x) nano-layers ☆

Abstract We prepared 50 periodic nano-layers of electro-cooling system consisting of SiO2/AuxSiO2(1−x) super lattice with Au layer deposited on both sides as metal contacts. The deposited multilayer films have a periodic structure consisting of alternating layers where each layer is 10 nm thick. The purpose of this research is to tailor the figure of merit of layered structures used as thermoelectric generators. The super lattices were then bombarded by 5 MeV Si ions at three different fluences to form nano-cluster structure. Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS) was used to monitor the film thickness and stoichiometry before and after MeV bombardment. We measured the thermoelectric efficiency of the fabricated device before and after 5 MeV bombardment measuring the cross plane thermal conductivity by third harmonic method, measuring cross plane Seebeck coefficient, and measuring electric conductivity using Van der Pauw method. As predicted the electronic energy deposited due to ionization by MeV Si beam in its track produces nano-scale structures which disrupt and confine phonon transmission therefore reducing thermal conductivity, increasing electron density of state so as to increase Seebeck coefficient, and electric conductivity, thus increasing figure of merit.
Environment-Immune Interactions

The need for effective immune function for the maintenance of health has been clearly established in both agriculturally significant animal species and humans. Intensive agricultural practices present production species with numerous disease challenges during the rearing period. Environmental factors represent a ubiquitous, yet frequently manageable, category of immunomodulators that can influence immune performance and ultimately disease susceptibility or resistance. However, strategies for assessing overall immune potential have not been widely implemented for agricultural species. This is in contrast to the use of immune evaluation for human health considerations. Immune assessment relative to environmental-immune interactions can produce benefits in two areas. First, the efficiency of the production operation can be enhanced. Second, the welfare of the animals during the production cycle can be optimized. This paper presents an overview of environmental factors known to influence the immune function of poultry and the opportunities to manage environmental factors to benefit the health of the animals. In addition, the paper discusses the status of immunological assessment for humans and laboratory animals and proposes potential immune assessment panels that could serve as a tool to optimize the environmental management of poultry populations.
Oxidative stress and potential interventions to reduce oxidative stress in overweight and obesity

Purpose: Obesity may be a state of chronic oxidative stress. Oxidative stress may be the mechanism underlying the development of co-morbidities in obesity. This review provides a summary of the available evidence regarding systemic oxidative stress in young, older and clinical obese populations. Methods: Medline was searched for all available articles published between 1975 and 2006 that evaluated oxidative stress biomarkers in resting conditions or following various interventions in overweight and obese humans. Results: Obesity elevates oxidative stress in young, old and clinical populations as shown by elevations in lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde, hydroperoxides, 4-hydroxynonenal, isoprostanes, conjugated dienes) or protein oxidation (8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine). Lipid peroxidation is associated with several indices of adiposity and a low systemic antioxidant defence (i.e. antioxidant enzymes, tissue dietary antioxidants, glutathione). Oxidative stress may be exacerbated with acute exercise, advancing age or co-existing clinical conditions and may be corrected by improving antioxidant defences through fat volume reduction via surgery, pharmacological agents, exercise and/or dietary modification. Conclusion: Oxidative stress is related to chronic disease in obesity, but is reversible with one or more interventions described above.
Surgical techniques: how I do it? Mini open reduction and fixation of calcaneal fractures with fine wire circular frames

Patients with calcaneal fractures associated with significant soft tissue swelling or open wounds are not ideal candidates for extensive incisions and open reductions with internal fixation. Fine wire frame external fixateurs are being used for the treatment of displaced intraarticular fractures of the calcaneus with soft tissue compromise or in patients with moderately displaced fractures. In this paper, we present our surgical technique of treating displaced intraarticular calcaneal fractures with circular frame external fixateurs.
A comparison of metals and ferrites for high-speed pulse operation

Metals and ferrites with rectangular hysteresis loops are used in magnetic amplifiers, switching networks, and data-storage systems. In these applications, the large-signal pulse response is most important. To reduce the effect of eddy currents, metals have been rolled to ultrathin gauge and high-resistivity ferrites have been used. By these techniques, eddy currents have been reduced to the point where relaxation effects limit the response time in both cases. The relative merits of metals and ferrites indicate that at present ultrathin metal-ribbon cores are better for stepping registers and switching circuits, while ferrite cores are better for use in coincident-current memories.
Mutational analysis of the BPTI folding pathway: I. Effects of aromatic → leucine substitutions on the distribution of folding intermediates

The roles of aromatic residues in determining the folding pathway of bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor (BPTI) were analyzed mutationally by examining the distribution of disulfide-bonded intermediates that accumulated during the refolding of protein variants in which tyrosine or phenylalanine residues were individually replaced with leucine. The eight substitutions examined all caused significant changes in the intermediate distribution. In some cases, the major effect was to decrease the accumulation of intermediates containing two of the three disulfides found in the native protein, without affecting the distribution of earlier intermediates. Other substitutions, however, led to much more random distributions of the intermediates containing only one disulfide. These results indicate that the individual residues making up the hydrophobic core of the native protein make clearly distinguishable contributions to conformation and stability early in folding: The early distribution of intermediates does not appear to be determined by a general hydrophobic collapse. The effects of the substitutions were generally consistent with the structures of the major intermediates determined by NMR studies of analogs, confirming that the distribution of disulfide-bonded species is determined by stabilizing interactions within the ordered regions of the intermediates. The plasticity of the BPTI folding pathway implied by these results can be described using conformational funnels to illustrate the degree to which conformational entropy is lost at different stages in the folding of the wild-type and mutant proteins.
The effect of adding cholesterol to laying hen diets as powder or predissolved in fat.

Abstract An experiment was conducted to determine if adding supplemental cholesterol to the feed or first adding it to the supplemental fat source of laying hen diets would result in differences in egg yolk and liver cholesterol levels. Five levels of cholesterol (0, .5,1,2, and 4%) and three levels of animal tallow (0,4, and 8%) were used. The diets were randomly assigned and fed for 35 days to individually caged hens within each of six replicates. Eggs laid on or near Days 0, 7,14,21,28, and 35 were used for cholesterol analysis. Liver cholesterol, egg production, and feed intake were also assessed. Mixing cholesterol with the fat source before feed incorporation did not promote higher yolk or liver cholesterol levels and were essentially the same as the method in which powdered cholesterol was added directly to the feed. A linear increase in yolk and liver cholesterol was observed with 0, .5, and 1% dietary cholesterol. Yolk cholesterol also increased linearly during the first 14 days of cholesterol administration. Further increases in yolk cholesterol, however, were not obtained with either the higher levels of dietary cholesterol or the extended feeding times.
Oriented crystallization in fiber formation: inferences from the structure and properties of melt spun syndiotactic polypropylene filaments

In processes, such as melt spinning, the crystallization behavior of syndiotactic polypropylene (sPP) is found to be substantially different from that of most other linear polymers. The anisotropic stress field in such processes leads invariably to extension as well as alignment (orientation) of the chains in the melt, both of which contribute usually to dramatic enhancement in the rate of crystallization. However, since the primary structure of the sPP chain in its most preferred crystal form is comprised of a “coiled helical,” (T2G2)2, sequence, stress-induced chain extension can lead to conformational sequences that are not favorable for crystallization in this form. As a consequence, process conditions that generate higher stress levels can cause a diminution in the rate of crystallization of this polymer. Such conformation-related aspects of oriented crystallization of sPP have been addressed through an analysis of the structure and properties of melt-spun fibers, produced over a range of spinning speeds. The results serve to identify a refinement that is needed in current models of oriented crystallization and also a mechanism to promote the nucleation of crystallization of sPP. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 81: 2305–2317, 2001