cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cytotoxic germacranolides of Elephantopus carolinianus and the structure and stereochemistry of isodeoxyelephantopin

Abstract The whole parts of North Carolina Elephantopus carolinianus yielded two cytotoxic sesquiterpene lactones, deoxyelephantopin and isodeoxyelephantopin, as well as 11β,13-dihydrodeoxyelephantopin which is devoid of cytotoxicity. The structures and stereochemistries of isodeoxyelephantopin and 11β,13-dihydrodeoxyelephantopin were determined by spectroscopic analysis, chemical transformations and X-ray analysis.
Chemical composition and aerosol size distribution of the middle mountain range in the Nepal Himalayas during the 2009 pre-monsoon season

Abstract. Aerosol particle number size distribution and chemical composition were measured at two low altitude sites, one urban and one relatively pristine valley, in Central Nepal during the 2009 pre-monsoon season (May–June). This is the first time that aerosol size distribution and chemical composition were measured simultaneously at lower elevations in the middle Himalayan region in Nepal. The aerosol size distribution was measured using a Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer (SMPS, 14–340 nm), and the chemical composition of the filter samples collected during the field campaign was analyzed in the laboratory. Teflon membrane filters were used for ion chromatography (IC) and water-soluble organic carbon and nitrogen analysis. Quartz fiber filters were used for organic carbon and elemental carbon analysis. Multi-lognormal fits to the measured aerosol size distribution indicated a consistent larger mode around 100 nm which is usually the oldest, most processed background aerosol. The smaller mode was located around 20 nm, which is indicative of fresh but not necessarily local aerosol. The diurnal cycle of the aerosol number concentration showed the presence of two peaks (early morning and evening), during the transitional periods of boundary layer growth and collapse. The increase in number concentration during the peak periods was observed for the entire size distribution. Although the possible contribution of local emissions in size ranges similar to the larger mode cannot be completely ruled out, another plausible explanation is the mixing of aged elevated aerosol in the residual layer during the morning period as suggested by previous studies. Similarly, the evening time concentration peaks when the boundary layer becomes shallow concurrent with increase in local activity. A decrease in aerosol number concentration was observed during the nighttime with the development of cold (downslope) mountain winds that force the low level warmer air in the valley to rise. The mountain valley wind mechanisms induced by the topography along with the valley geometry appear to have a strong control in the diurnal cycle of the aerosol size distribution. During the sampling period, the chemical composition of PM2.5 was dominated by organic matter at both sites. Organic carbon (OC) comprised the major fraction (64–68%) of the aerosol concentration followed by ionic species (24–26%, mainly SO42− and NH4+). Elemental Carbon (EC) compromised 7–10% of the total composition and 27% of OC was found to be water soluble at both sites. The day-to-day variability observed in the time series of aerosol composition could be explained by the synoptic scale haze that extended to the sampling region from the Indian Gangetic Plain (IGP), and rainfall occurrence. In the presence of regional scale haze during dry periods, the mean volume aerosol concentration was found to increase and so did the aerosol mass concentrations.
Does Emma Woodhouse's Father Suffer from “Dementia”?

Jane Austen's Emma is not usually read as a novel about two generations facing a troubling old age. But Emma spends an unusual amount of time, once left alone with her father, in soothing his anxieties and depressions, helping others to treat him appropriately, and judging them on their success. The most plausible reason why Mr. Woodhouse cannot be satirized, that squares with Austen's linguistic and moral values, is because he is cognitively unable to reform. His condition of impairment might now be called “dementia,” in an era of growing terror of Alzheimer's and alarmist demography. There are lessons to be learned from an earlier period before biogerontology that was not so afflicted. Our dread of forgetfulness has contributed to making American ageism more panicky and cruel.
Electromagnetic Mass Differences and Regge Phenomenology

We examine the electromagnetic mass differences of hadrons by a phenomenological analysis of the forward virtual Compton amplitude. In addition to the usual elastic contribution, we consider in detail the contribution from ${{A}_{2}}^{0}$ Regge exchange for $I=1$ mass differences and possible contributions from non-Regge behavior for this weak amplitude in the asymptotic region. In the approximation of neglecting the inelastic resonant spectrum in Compton scattering, the contribution of the pure Regge exchange to the subtraction term for any $I=1$ mass difference can be related to a ratio of the ${{A}_{2}}^{0}$ residue functions (hence independent of the target) and the relevant elastic form factors. This analysis suggests that a large Regge contribution requires comparable longitudinal and transverse electroproduction cross sections at high energy for small spacelike virtual photon mass. The tadpole model is also examined from the observation that certain linear combinations of $I=1$ mass differences with just the ${{A}_{2}}^{0}$ Regge pole removed can be formulated in terms of unsubtracted dispersion relations and are presumably satisfied by retaining just the elastic contribution. The $\frac{F}{D}$ ratio that we calculate in this way for the tensor-meson couplings to baryons agrees with that obtained from high-energy experiments. From a superconvergence relation it is argued that there is a fixed pole in the helicity-flip crossed-channel Compton amplitude at $J=0$, $I=1$, the experimental consequences of which are discussed.
Timelines and Quantum Time Operators

The failure of conventional quantum theory to recognize time as an observable and to admit time operators is addressed. Instead of focusing on the existence of a time operator for a given Hamiltonian, we emphasize the role of the Hamiltonian as the generator of translations in time to construct time states. Taken together, these states constitute what we call a timeline. Such timelines are adequate for the representation of any physical state, and appear to exist even for the semi-bounded and discrete Hamiltonian systems ruled out by Pauli’s theorem. However, the step from a timeline to a valid time operator requires additional assumptions that are not always met. Still, this approach illuminates the issues surrounding the construction of time operators, and establishes timelines as legitimate alternatives to the familiar coordinate and momentum bases of standard quantum theory.
Electromagnetic ball conveyor

In the operation of a nuclear power reactor, a means of rapid shutdown is required to prevent a “runaway” in case of equipment malfunction. One scheme involves the use of balls having a neutron-absorbing element to control the reactivity. An apparatus has been devised to transport the radioactive boron steel control balls through a stainless-steel tube. Movement through the tube is effected by traveling magnetic waves which pull clusters of balls within them as they progress linearly through the tubes.
Repeat cylindrical battery ingestion

Cylindrical batteries are not commonly ingested. Their size and shape may pose problems different from those seen with disk battery ingestion. We present a case of repeat cylindrical battery ingestion in a schizophrenic woman. The presentation and course, potential treatment modalities and complications of cylindrical battery ingestion are discussed.
Significance of Alcohol-Induced Hypertriglyceridemia in Patients with Type IV Hyperlipoproteinemia

Excerpt The relation: between alcohol abuse and cardiac, pancreatic, and hepatic disease are still an enduring enigma in biomedical science. Two recent findings suggest that alcohol induces elevati...
The configuration of bitangents of the Klein curve

Abstract The configuration of bitangents of a smooth quartic curve in P2(C) has been a classical object of study. In particular for the Klein curve xy3 + yz3 + zx3 = 0 it is highly symmetric (Baker 1935; Klein 1879). Key concepts are Steiner sets and Aronhold sets (Dickson, 1961). We give a complete description of these sets for the Klein curve and of their orbits under the group of the curve, using the relation between the geometric configuration, the Coxeter graph (Coxeter, 1983) in various appearances and the regular 2-graph on 28 points (Taylor, 1977). Also a model is provided for the self-dual configuration of 21 + 28 points and 21 + 28 lines associated with the Klein curve.
Design and performance of an R-θ fiber positioner for the BigBOSS instrument

The BigBOSS instrument is a proposed multi-object spectrograph for the Mayall 4m telescope at Kitt Peak, which will measure the redshift of 20 million galaxies and map the expansion history of the universe over the past 8 billion years, surveying 10-20 times the volume of existing studies. For each 20 minute observation, 5000 optical fibers are individually positioned by a close-packed array of 5000 robotic positioner mechanisms. Key mechanical constraints on the positioners are: o12mm hardware envelope, o14mm overlapping patrol zones, open-loop targeting accuracy ≤ 40μm, and step resolution ≤ 5μm, among other requirements on envelope, power, stability, and speed. This paper describes the design and performance of a newly-developed fiber positioner with R-θ polar kinematics, in which a flexure-based linear R-axis is stacked on a rotational θ-axis. Benefits over the usual eccentric parallel axis θ-φ kinematic approach include faster repositioning, simplified anti-collision schemes, and inherent anti-backlash preload. Performance results are given for complete positioner assemblies as well as sub-component hardware characterization.
High performance computing beyond 14nm node — Is there anything other than Si?

Conventional CMOS scaling is rapidly coming to an end and the quest for solutions is in full swing how to meet the computational demands for the foreseeable future. Possible solutions are the change of device architecture and the introduction of high mobility materials for the devices. Beyond the classical device materials Si, Ge, and some III/V compounds carbon in the form of carbon nano tubes seems to provide an interesting alternative for digital applications.
Green’s-function method for modeling surface acoustic wave dispersion in anisotropic material systems and determination of material parameters☆

Abstract A Green’s-function method for modeling propagation of surface acoustic waves in anisotropic nanolayered materials is reviewed. The mathematical model, developed at NIST, provides a computationally efficient inversion algorithm for determination of the material parameters of the film, such as its elastic constants and density, from observed dispersion of the surface acoustic waves. The application of the method to a 306 nm thick TiN film having transverse isotropy on a single crystal Si substrate is discussed as an example. The errors in the values of the parameters determined by using the inversion algorithm and the question of uniqueness of the values of the parameters are discussed in detail. It is suggested that, at least in the example considered in this paper, the SAW dispersion can be used to determine any two parameters of the film, provided other parameters are known by independent measurements. In particular, the values of c11 and the density of the film, obtained from the measured SAW dispersion, are the most reliable and the value of c44 is the least reliable. The method is extended to account for defective bonding between the film and the interface and the effect of an intermediate layer of silica between the film and the substrate.
Adaptive internal model control for simultaneous precision positioning and vibration suppression of smart structures

This paper focuses on adaptive internal model control of smart structures with simultaneous precision positioning and vibration suppression functions. First, the structure, manufacturing, and test of an Active Composite Panel (ACP) with surface-mounted piezoelectric ceramic patches are introduced. Based on the discussion of the 2-DOF internal model control scheme, an adaptive internal model control scheme is then presented, in which the controller is constructed in form of a finite impulse filter, and the filtred-x LMS algorithm is employed to adapt the coefficients of the filter. Finally, the adaptive internal model control scheme is experimentally verified on the ACP, and compared with the adaptive feedforward control scheme, showing that it can produce more accuracy and faster response process. The satisfactory performance confirms that the adaptive internal model control schem is reliable and efficient.
Teamwork skills assessment for cooperative learning

Teamwork skills are required at work, but teacher efforts in many countries to track achievement within this context have been hindered by lack of assessment tools and input from students. The Teamwork Skills Inventory relies on peer and self-evaluation to establish accountability, identify competencies, and detect learning needs. Twenty-five items state the criteria students refer to in reporting observations about whether individual members of their cooperative learning group attend to teamwork, seek and share information, communicate with teammates, think critically and creatively, and get along with teammates. Ways to prepare students for authentic assessment and to process anonymous feedback from peers are discussed. A field test of 303 high school students and teachers determined validity and reliability. Students were able to recognize team skills as well as deficits of peers, and gender differences in competencies were acknowledged. A portfolio record of team skills enables teachers across subject...
Physical characterization methods for iron oxide contrast agents encapsulated within a targeted liposome-based delivery system

Intact liposome-based targeted nanoparticle delivery systems (NDS) are immobilized by non-selective binding and characterized by scanning probe microscopy (SPM) in a fluid imaging environment. The size, size distribution, functionality, and stability of an NDS with a payload consisting of a super-paramagnetic iron oxide contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging are determined. SPM results are combined with information obtained by more familiar techniques such as superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometry, dynamic light scattering, and electron microscopy. By integrating the methods presented in this work into the NDS formulation and manufacturing process, size-dependent statistical properties of the complex can be obtained and the structure-function relationship of individual, multi-component nanoscale entities can be assessed in a reliable and reproducible manner.
Invasion success and impact of an invasive fish, round goby, in Great Lakes tributaries.

Aim Environmental and biological characteristics interact in complex ways to determine ecosystem susceptibility to invasive species, and a greater understanding of their relative roles in invader spread and impact is needed. We evaluated relationships between environmental characteristics, biodiversity of indigenous species, and the abundance and ecological impact of an invasive fish, round goby (Neogobius melanostomus). Location Tributaries to Lake Michigan, WI, USA. Methods We assessed the distribution and abundance of round gobies and native fishes in tributaries via electrofishing. We compared fish community composition and diversity in streams with (n = 30) and without (n = 52) round gobies and examined how trends in round goby abundance from 2007 to 2010 correlated with changes in abundance of five native benthic fishes. We used redundancy analysis to determine how indigenous stream communities related to environmental characteristics and round goby abundance. Results Round goby abundance was best explained by environmental characteristics, with watershed area and temperature explaining 22.4% of the variation. Species richness and Shannon diversity only explained 6.9% of the variation in round goby abundance and only an additional 2.3% after considering environmental characteristics. Round goby abundance was not a significant predictor of fish community composition, which was best explained by seven environmental variables (30.3% of the variation). Invaded communities had significantly higher indigenous species richness than uninvaded communities (8.38 vs. 6.54). Round goby abundance was low compared with estimates from other studies, but showed an increasing trend in many tributaries (average 10.8-fold increase from 2007 to 2010). Surprisingly, there were no temporal trends in native benthic fish abundance despite increases in round goby abundance. Main conclusions Environmental characteristics favouring high fish diversity (e.g. resource availability and warm water temperature) were positively associated with round goby abundance. However, round goby density and impact are relatively low in most tributaries at present, emphasizing the importance of considering heterogeneity in an invader's abundance when assessing invasion success.
Projective Dimension and the Singular Locus

Abstract For a Noetherian local ring, the prime ideals in the singular locus completely determine the category of finitely generated modules up to direct summands, extensions and syzygies. From this some simple homological criteria are derived for testing whether an arbitrary module has finite projective dimension.
Respiratory Distress Syndrome and the Induction of Fetal Lung Maturity by the Use of Glucocorticoids

Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is the major cause of death in the pediatric age group. The introduction of neonatal intensive care units has improved the chance for survival for those infants who develop RDS, while amniocentesis to determine lung maturity prior to birth can help the health care team reduce the likelihood of RDS in some circumstances. Trials are now being conducted to see if antepartum administration of steroids to women delivering prematurely can further reduce the number of infants afflicted with RDS.
Increased dopamine transmission in schizophrenia: relationship to illness phases.

Abstract Background: Abnormalities of dopamine function in schizophrenia are suggested by the common antidopaminergic properties of antipsychotic medications. However, direct evidence of a hyperdopaminergic state in schizophrenia has been difficult to demonstrate, given the difficulty to measure dopamine transmission in the living human brain. Such evidence has recently emerged. Three studies reported an increase in dopamine transmission following acute amphetamine challenge in patients with schizophrenia compared to matched healthy control subjects, thus demonstrating a dysregulation of dopamine in schizophrenia. In all studies, a large variance was observed within the schizophrenic group in the magnitude of this finding, and clinical predictors of this effect could not be identified. Methods: In this paper, we combined previously published and newly acquired data to obtain sufficient power to address this question. Results: The most important findings derived from this extended data set are: 1) dysregulation of dopamine function revealed by the amphetamine challenge is present at onset of illness and in patients never previously exposed to neuroleptic medications; 2) this dysregulation was observed in patients experiencing an episode of illness exacerbation, but not in patients studied during a remission phase. Conclusions: A hyperdopaminergic state is present in schizophrenia during the initial episode and subsequent relapses, but not in periods of remission. This finding has important consequences for the development of new treatment strategies for the remission phase.
How the EU is seen in Asia: and what to do about it

In Asia, Europe is no longer seen as a dominant world player and is, in some cases, seen to exemplify the management of decline. More often than not, Europe and the EU are seen to be unstrategic actors in Asia that are preoccupied with relations with China. European states do not act in solidarity in Asia, signalling to Asian states that they are dealing with individual countries and not ‘Europe’ and many Asian observers question whether Europe is clinging to an obsolete world order. However, the opportunity for Europe to rehabilitate its image does exist. The Lisbon Treaty has allowed the EU a greater scope for external action. Treating Asia as an integrated strategic space rather than through the lens of EU-China relations could also do much for Europe’s battered image. Despite increasing negative perceptions of Europe, it still plays an important role in Asia and is seen, with its economic might, to complement the military-strategic role played by the United States in the region.
Beyond Trenches and Grassroots? Reflections on Urban Mobilization, Fragmentation, and the Anti-Wal-Mart Campaign in Chicago

Studies of the relationship between urban-based contention and neoliberal capitalism have recognized the relatively fluid and potentially empowering ways in which networked and multiscaled mobilizations strive to overcome fragmentation. Yet this work has not focused sufficiently on national urban politics for understanding the legacies of division and circumscription that may shape the city as a terrain of conflict. Reconsidering two classic treatments of fragmentation in the work of Katznelson and Castells, I contend that the historically racialized and politically decentralized institutional patterns characteristic of US urban governance continue to hamper urban social-justice mobilizations that seek to grapple with sectoral and scalar cleavages. Drawing on recent work in urban history, labor sociology, and urban politics, my discussion acknowledges the emerging potential of certain kinds of cross-sectoral and multiscalar efforts—such as labor–community coalitions and translocally supported multilocal c...
Evaluation of New High-Performance Calcium Polyphosphate Bioceramics as Bone Graft Materials

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of a recently developed porous calcium polyphosphate bioceramic (CPB) to function as a bone graft substitute. After six weeks, postsurgical extraction of the mandibular first and second molars, alveolar ostectomies were performed bilaterally in five dogs. The ridge forms were then restored using the CPB implant material on one side and the autogenous bone obtained from the contralateral ostectomy site on the other. The graft and implant sites were retrieved after 4 months and decalcified and undecalcified sections were prepared for special staining (modified Attwood) and subsequent light microscopy and histomorphometry. In addition, the undecalcified sections were prepared for histometry using backscattered electron imaging (BSEI). Histologically, the CPB implants showed extensive vascularization and cellularity within an “invading” loose connective tissue matrix. On the opposite side, the loose connective tissue of the autografts showed hypovascularity and hypocellularity. Neither the implants nor the autografts showed any histologic evidence of an inflammatory reaction. Using light microscopic histomorphometry, the implants showed a higher incidence of union than the autografts. On BSEI histometry, the CPB implants showed significantly greater new bone formation than the autografts. This study reveals that porous CPB possesses certain characteristics essential for the “ideal” implantable bone substitute necessary for the repair of craniofacial and other bony defects.
Binary helium dwarf supernovae

The possibility of helium dwarf evolution to sufficiently high densities for violent helium ignition in low-massed binary systems is investigated. During accretional evolution the occurrence of thermonuclear runaway is found to be probable when the dwarf's mass approaches 1M⊙, and steady-state discontinuous wave propagation considerations indicate that the dwarf is totally incinerated (i.e., its total mass burns to nuclear equilibrium) by a detonation wave. A numerical stellar dynamic investigation, including the full effects of nuclear statistical equilibrium and electron capture indicates total disruption for all reasonable dwarf central densities. For consistency with the cosmic element abundances, the conclusion of total disruption requires a low frequency for helium supernova events, implying that helium ignition in mass exchanging binaries must occur at the lower densities of the relatively mild helium flash.
Bariatric surgery in high-risk patients: is it time to reconsider?

Context: Existing evidence of the survival associated with bariatric surgery is based on cohort studies of predominantly younger women with a low inherent obesity-related mortality risk. The association of survival and bariatric surgery for older men is less clear. Objective: To determine whether bariatric surgery is associated with reduced mortality in a multisite cohort of predominantly older male patients who have a high baseline mortality rate. Design, Setting, and Participants: Retrospective cohort study of bariatric surgery programs in Veterans Affairs medical centers. Mortality was examined for 850 veterans who had bariatric surgery in January 2000 to December 2006 (mean age 49.5 years; SD 8.3; mean body mass index [BMI] 47.4; SD 7.8) and 41 244 nonsurgical controls (mean age 54.7 years, SD 10.2; mean BMI 42.0, SD 5.0) from the same 12 Veteran Integrated Service Networks; the mean follow-up was 6.7 years. Four Cox proportional hazards models were assessed: unadjusted and controlled for baseline covariates on unmatched and propensity-matched cohorts. Main Outcome Measures: All-cause mortality through December 2008. Results: Among patients who had bariatric surgery, the 1-, 2-, and 6-year crude mortality rates were, respectively, 1.5%, 2.2%, and 6.8% compared with 2.2%, 4.6%, and 15.2% for nonsurgical controls. In unadjusted Cox regression, bariatric surgery was associated with reduced mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 0.64; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.51-0.80). After covariate adjustment, bariatric surgery remained associated with reduced mortality (HR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.63-0.995). In analysis of 1694 propensity-matched patients, bariatric surgery was no longer significantly associated with reduced mortality in unadjusted (HR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.61-1.14) and time-adjusted (HR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.64-1.39) Cox regressions. Conclusion: In propensity score–adjusted analyses of older severely obese patients with high baseline mortality in Veterans Affairs medical centers, the use of bariatric surgery compared with usual care was not associated with decreased mortality during a mean 6.7 years of follow-up.
Increased 5-lipoxygenase metabolism in the lungs of human subjects exposed to ozone

The environmental pollutant ozone, at sufficiently high levels, is known to induce pulmonary inflammation with resultant airway obstruction in normal subjects. Eicosanoids comprise one group of mediators released from alveolar macrophages which are involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory lung diseases. We compared the effects of 2-h exposures to 0.4 ppm ozone and filtered air on pulmonary function and eicosanoid levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in 11 normal healthy volunteers. Subjects were exposed to a 6-fold increase in minute ventilation using an adjusted work load on a cycle ergometer. All subjects complained of cough and dyspnea, and demonstrated increased airway obstruction, and increased specific airway resistance following ozone exposure as compared to air exposure. Bronchoalveolar lavage cell count demonstrated a 9-fold increase in the number of neutrophils with a lesser reduction in the number of alveolar macrophages following ozone exposure. Notably, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid leukotriene (LT) C4 (8-fold) and to a lesser extent LTB4 (1.5-fold) levels were higher following ozone exposure compared to air control, with no change in prostaglandins. In a subset of four subjects, alveolar macrophage arachidonic acid metabolism was studied in vitro following separate in vivo exposures to both ozone and air. Alveolar macrophages obtained following ozone exposure released more 5-lipoxygenase (1.5-fold) metabolites, with no change in cyclooxygenase metabolites, than did cells obtained following air exposure. These observations document activation of the 5-lipoxygenase pathway in the lung following ozone exposure, and suggest that alveolar macrophages may participate in the generation of LT, whose actions promote airway inflammation and obstruction.
Prognostic disclosure to patients with cancer near the end of life.

17.9% to 27.4%) of the time, would communicate the same survival estimate they formulated 37% (CI, 31.5% to 42.5%) of the time, and would communicate a survival estimate different from the one they formulated 40.3% (CI, 34.8% to 45.9%) of the time. Of the discrepant survival estimates, most (70.2%) were optimistically discrepant. Multivariate analysis revealed that older patients were more likely to receive frank survival estimates, that the most experienced physicians and the physicians who were least confident about their prognoses were more likely to favor no disclosure over frank disclosure, and that female physicians were less likely to favor frank disclosure over pessimistically discrepant disclosure. Conclusions:Physicians reported that even if patients with cancer requested survival estimates, they would provide a frank estimate only 37% of the time and would provide no estimate, a conscious overestimate, or a conscious underestimate most of the time (63%). This pattern may contribute to the observed disparities between physicians’ and patients’ estimates of survival. Ann Intern Med.2001;134:1096-1105.
Sexual violence in playboy magazine: A longitudinal content analysis

(1987). Sexual violence in playboy magazine: A longitudinal content analysis. The Journal of Sex Research: Vol. 23, No. 4, pp. 534-539.
Temperature effect on development and morphometrics of the potato leafhopper.

Development and mortality of the potato leafhopper [ Empoasca fabae (Harris)] were studied in the laboratory under constant temperature regimes. Lower thresholds for egg and nymphal development were 7.6 and 8.8°C, respectively, and the upper threshold for development was ca. 29°C. Nymphal mortality was high at 13°C, decreased at 18°C, and gradually increased to 81% at 35°C. Most mortality occurred in the first and fifth instars. Adult measurements indicated differences in size of head capsule width and body length due to sex, differences in whole length due to sex and temperature, and differences in wing length due to temperature. Centigrade degree day (CDD) accumulation for egg development was related to field monitoring of alfalfa for leafhopper eggs, nymphs, and adults during the spring of 1976 and 1977 in Montgomery Co., VA. Calculated CDD from first females collected to nymphal hatch and from first observed eggs to nymphal hatch was 199 ± 20.4 and 136±39.7 respectively. This system could be used in an alfalfa scouting program to indicate when nymphal samples should be collected based on accumulated temperatures after arrival of female potato leafhoppers in the spring.
Disparity of care for children with parent-reported autism spectrum disorders.

Abstract Objective Although children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are eligible to receive special education services via an individualized education program (IEP), approximately 12% to 20% do not. Our objective was to determine which clinical and demographic characteristics are associated with IEP receipt among a nationally representative sample of children with ASD. Methods Using data from the 2007 National Survey of Children's Health, we determined which clinical and demographic covariates are associated with IEP receipt for children ages 6 to 17 years with a current, parent-reported ASD diagnosis (n = 759). Logistic regression models were used to assess the association of covariates with IEP receipt. Application of weighting techniques made the findings representative of the noninstitutionalized population of US children 6 to 17 years old. Results In the weighted model, 90% of children with ASD receive an IEP. Maternal education level above high school (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 4.08, P = .01) and presence of perceived need for coordination of care (aOR 3.62, P = .02) were associated with IEP receipt, while Hispanic children were less likely to receive an IEP compared with white children (aOR 0.12, P = .001). The following factors were not associated with IEP receipt: severity of ASD, speech, and behavior problems. Conclusions For children with ASD in the United States, socioeconomic factors, not disability severity, are associated with IEP receipt. Future research should address methods to overcome this disparity in care. Health care providers may help to advocate for appropriate educational services for patients with ASD.
Estimation of geometrical parameters for fan beam tomography

Tomographic image quality depends on precisely determining the geometric parameters that reference the detector system to the transaxial imaging coordinate system. In addition to the projection of the centre of rotation onto the detector, fan beam geometry requires two other parameters that include the focal length and the projection of the focal point onto the detector. Heretofore no method has been developed for estimating the geometrical parameters of a fan beam detector system. A method is presented for estimating these parameters from centroids of the measured projections of a point source using the non-linear estimation algorithm due to Marquardt. The technique is applied to single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) data from a rotating gamma camera using a fan beam collimator. The parameters can be determined very quickly in a clinical environment. The corresponding reconstructed images do not show image artefacts or loss of resolution characteristic of inaccurately determined geometric parameters.
Aortic Dissection: A Dreaded Disease with Many Faces

Aortic dissection is a relatively uncommon but catastrophic illness classically thought to present with acute, sharp, chest pain with radiation to the back. However, aortic dissection can manifest in a number of different ways that include congestive heart failure, inferior myocardial infarction, stroke, focal pulse and neurologic deficits, abdominal pain, or acute renal failure. According to some studies, only about 80% of patients with type A dissection present with severe anterior chest pain, and only about 60% describe their pain as being sharp. Another series reports that treating clinicians fail to initially entertain the diagnosis of aortic dissection in up to 35% of cases. Many patients later found to have aortic dissection are initially suspected to have other conditions such as acute coronary syndrome, pericarditis, pulmonary embolism, or even cholecystitis. In this article we present a case of an unusual presentation of aortic dissection and a review of this condition.
Alternative splicing and genomic structure of the Wilms tumor gene WT1.

Abstract The chromosome 11p13 Wilms tumor susceptibility gene WT1 appears to play a crucial role in regulating the proliferation and differentiation of nephroblasts and gonadal tissue. The WT1 gene consists of 10 exons, encoding a complex pattern of mRNA species: four distinct transcripts are expressed, reflecting the presence or absence of two alternative splices. Splice I consists of a separate exon, encoding 17 amino acids, which is inserted between the proline-rich amino terminus and the zinc finger domains. Splice II arises from the use of an alternative 5' splice junction and results in the insertion of 3 amino acids between zinc fingers 3 and 4. RNase protection analysis demonstrates that the most prevalent splice variant in both human and mouse is that which contains both alternative splices, whereas the least common is the transcript missing both splices. The relative distribution of splice variants is highly conserved between normal fetal kidney tissue and Wilms tumors that have intact WT1 transcripts. The ratio of these different WT1 mRNA species is also maintained as a function of development in the mouse kidney and in various mouse tissues expressing WT1. The conservation in structure and relative levels of each of the four WT1 mRNA species suggests that each encoded polypeptide makes a significant contribution to normal gene function. The control of cellular proliferation and differentiation exerted by the WT1 gene products may involve interactions between four polypeptides with distinct targets and functions.
Impact of Heat Stress Exposure During Meiotic Maturation on Oocyte, Surrounding Cumulus Cell, and Embryo RNA Populations

To determine if reductions in developmental competence related to heat stress exposure were correlated with perturbations in certain RNA populations, poly(A) RNA, total RNA, RNA size distribution, and the abundance of transcripts (cyclin B1, GDF9, BMP15, poly(A) polymerase, HSP70, 18S & 28S rRNA) were examined in oocytes matured at 38.5 or 41 C. Performing in vitro fertilization resulted in embryos for examining RNA. Relative to germinal vesicle-stage oocytes, total amount of poly(A) RNA decreased similarly in oocytes matured at 38.5 or 41 C. Total RNA did not change during meiotic maturation or up through the 4 to 8-cell stage of embryonic development. Blastocyst-stage embryos had more total RNA; those originating from heat-stressed oocytes had more than those from nonheat-stressed oocytes. Oocytes and 4 to 8-cell embryos had similar RIN values and ratios for rRNA, 18S/fast region, and 18S/inter region. Values obtained for blastocyst-stage embryos were similar to those obtained for cumulus cell RNA, which did not change during maturation. Culture at 41 C for the first 12 h of meiotic maturation had no impact on RNA size distribution or transcripts examined from oocytes, surrounding cumulus or resultant 4 to 8-cell embryos. Interestingly, however, RNA from blastocysts originating from heat-stressed oocytes had lower 18S/fast region and 18S/inter region ratios compared to other developmental stages and cumulus cells. Although biological significance of these RNA changes is unclear, differences at the molecular level in embryos from heat-stressed oocytes emphasize the importance of minimizing stress exposure during meiotic maturation, if the intent is to obtain developmentally-competent embryos.
A novel mouse model for frostbite injury.

Background Frostbite injury occurs when exposure to cold results in frozen tissue. To screen drugs and other field therapies that might improve the outcome for a frostbite victim, it would be helpful to have a reliable and cost-effective preclinical in vivo model. Objective We sought to create a novel mouse skin model of induced frostbite injury. This model would allow quantification of the surface area of involved skin, histology of the wound, rate of wound healing, and skin loss in a standardized fashion after the frostbite injury. Methods Thirty-six mice were studied. Standardized 2.9-cm diameter circles were tattooed on the mouse dorsum. Magnets frozen in dry ice (−78.5°C) were used to create a frostbite injury on skin within the circle, either as a continuous 5-minute freeze or as 3 repeated freeze (1-minute) and thaw (3-minute) cycles. Appearance, healing rate, skin surface area loss, and histology were recorded until the wounds were healed. Results The amount of skin surface area loss was approximately 50% for both freeze methods. Although the time to surface skin healing was similar for both freeze methods, the initial healing rate was significantly ( P = .001) slower in mice exposed to the freeze-thaw cycles compared with the continuous freeze model. Histopathology reflected inflammatory changes, cell death, and necrosis. Conclusions This novel in vivo mouse model for frostbite allows quantification of affected skin surface area, histology, healing rate, and skin loss and has the potential of being utilized to screen future treatment modalities.
Lipid-soluble components of meat flavors/odors and their biochemical origin

A review of the lipid-soluble constituents important in the flavor-odor, of various meats is presented. In addition, the focus of current research at The Pennsylvania State University in these areas is discussed. Special emphasis is given to the flavor of aged beef, swine sex odor, mutton flavor, turkey-chicken skin flavor, and mechanically deboned turkey-chicken flavor. The data presented include both chemical analyses and the results of sensory evaluation. Metabolic pathways and biochemical mechanisms in the formation of meat flavor-odor components are presented and discussed.
Evaluation of Preservice Teachers’ Internships: A Model to Encourage Career Continuity and Program Reform

Quality teacher evaluation is a complex subject, requiring complex methods that draw from multiple data sources (Peterson, 2000). Most importantly, preservice teacher evaluation should match teacher education objectives (Popham, 1993) and, ultimately, be used to inform teacher practices and reform educational programming (Darling-Hammond, 1990). The purpose of this study is to present an evaluation model that uses multiple data sources for a preservice teacher’s internship experience. This model is employed within a teacher education program at a large land-grant university; the multiple data sources match program objectives and draw parallels between preservice and inservice teacher evaluation tools at use in this particular state. The evaluation model incorporates two guiding objectives within this college of education’s mission statement—objectives that focus on performance and reflection. First, preservice teachers are educated to assume roles of leadership and service in classroom practice, and second, preservice teachers are taught to become reflective practitioners, The first objective is measured by using a research-based classroom observation rating form during the internship that closely resembles the tool used by the state-licensing department of education. The second program objective is measured through the use of portfolios. In addition to using the results from these instruments to advise preservice teachers regarding their professional growth, the data can also guide program development within the college and suggest programmatic reform, an often overlooked yet integral factor of personnel evaluation. Discussion of specific rating results per instrument and specific avenues for program development are presented.
Clozapine-Induced Pulmonary Embolism: A Case Report and Literature Review

Purpose: To report a case of pulmonary emboli induced by clozapine in a patient who was also using nicotine gum. This case is presented to alert health care providers of this rare adverse effect, to call attention to the risks associated with thromboembolism, and to enable prompt recognition of symptoms so that morbidity and mortality may be decreased in future cases.Summary: A 51-year-old white woman was admitted to the psychiatric ward of a hospital for depression. She had suicidal ideation, was experiencing ethanol abuse relapse, and had had auditory hallucinations caused by concomitant medication nonadherence for 2 weeks prior to admission. The patient smoked 2 packs of cigarettes per day and was adhering to a smoking cessation program that included the use of nicotine gum. She developed diffuse pulmonary emboli 15 days after clozapine initiation. Application of the Naranjo Adverse Drug Reaction Probability Scale to this case indicated a probable relationship between initial clozapine titration and th...
Chiral perturbation theory for the pion-skyrmion system

Abstract We discuss the canonical quantization of the pion-skyrmion system. The presence of derivative couplings and mixing between the pion degrees and collective coordinates requires that care be exercized in the quantization in order to preserve chirality and soft-pion theorems. As an application of these methods we calculate the leading soft-pion radiative corrections to the skyrmion mass and pion emission from skyrmions.
A microelectrode study of redox potential change in biofilms

In this study, we examined the stratification of microbial processes and the associated redox potential changes in biofilms using microelectrode techniques. Two types of biofilms, each with a different combination of microbial processes, were examined. The first type carried aerobic oxidation and sulfate reduction, while the second one provided aerobic oxidation and nitrification. The microelectrodes used were oxygen, sulfide, ammonium, pH and redox potential microelectrodes. The results of this study provide the following new experimental evidence: (1) The aerobic/sulfate-reducing biofilm had a clearly stratified structure with depth. In this biofilm, aerobic oxidation took place only in a shallow layer near the surface and sulfate reduction occurred in the deeper anoxic zone. The boundary between these two processes was well defined. (2) The aerobic/nitrifying biofilm also had a stratified structure with depth. In this biofilm, though aerobic oxidation took place throughout the biofilm depth, more nitrification occurred in the deeper section of the biofilm. The boundary between these two processes, however, was less well defined. (3) Redox potential could be an indicator for the existence of certain microbial processes in biofilms. The redox potential profile changes were correlated to shifts of microbial processes in both types of biofilms. The redox potential profiles in these biofilms can be used to elucidate the stratification of microbial processes in the biofilms.
Psychosocial impact of living with cancer-related lymphedema.

Objectives To summarize the evidence of and identify factors influencing the psychosocial impact of lymphedema, as well as to discuss nursing strategies. Data Sources Peer-reviewed publications from 2004 to 2011 in 11 major medical indices. Conclusion Poorer overall health-related quality of life was reported among cancer survivors with lymphedema. The consistent, detailed, and vivid descriptions from the qualitative studies suggest that cancer-related lymphedema exerts tremendous negative psychosocial impact, which quantitative studies failed to capture. Implications for Nursing Practice Nursing strategies include helping patients to build a routine for daily care, setting goals, exercise, positive self-talk, providing helpful resources, and organizing support groups. Professional organizations should devote resources to public education through television advertisement, public meetings, and online education.