cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hydatidiform mole with coexistent fetus

Eight cases of hydatidiform mole with coexistent fetus are presented with special considerations of diagnosis and management. Although the incidence of this condition was one in 22,000 pregnancies, it is emphasized that the combination of a mole with a fetus should be included in the differential diagnosis of patients who have signs and symptoms of gestational trophoblastic disease in the presence of a fetus. Recommended treatment is immediate termination of the pregnancy. Appropriate follow-up with a sensitive and specific gonadotropin assay is required to differentiate minimal tumor activity rom normal levels of pituitary luteinizing hormone. None of the patients in this series developed maligant trophoblastic neoplasia.
Sex pheromone of the housefly: Metabolism of (Z)-9-tricosene to (Z)-9,10-epxytricosane and (Z)-14-tricosen-10-one

Abstract Components of the sex pheromone of the female housefly, (Z)-9,10-epoxytricosane and (Z)-14-tricosen-10-one, are absent on the surface of newly emerged insects, first appear on females on day 2, and increase in amount to day 10. All body parts contain these components, with the legs and abdomen containing the largest amounts. The incorporation of [1- 14 C]acetate into the non-hydrocarbon cuticular (NHC) fraction, which includes 9,10-epoxytricosane and (Z)-14-tricosen-10-one is very low in newly emerged and one-day-old female houseflies and then increases dramatically from day 2 to 6. The major labelled components in this fraction are the C 23 epoxide and ketone. The increased amounts and incorporation of [1- 14 C]acetate into the C 23 epoxide and ketone correlate closely with the production of (Z)-9-tricosene. [9,10- 3 H](Z)-9-Tricosene is readily converted to oxygenated components in female insects giving rise to the C 23 epoxide (85.5%), C 23 ketone (13.0%) and more polar components (1.5%). Both female and male insects of all ages metabolize [9,10- 3 H](Z)-9-tricosene to the epoxide and ketone. All major body parts in both males and females metabolized (Z)-9-tricosene when it was applied to the surface of the insect, with the highest rate of metabolism observed by the legs of male insects.
Poincare coset models ISO(d{minus}1,1)/IR{sup n} and T duality

We generalize a family of Lagrangians with values in the Poincare group ISO(d{minus}1,1), which contain the description of spinning strings in flat (d{minus}1)+1 dimensions, by including symmetric terms in the world-sheet coordinates. Then, by promoting a subgroup H{approximately}R{sup n}, n{le}d, which acts invariantly from the left on the element of ISO(d{minus}1,1), to a gauge symmetry of the action, we obtain a family of {sigma} models. They describe bosonic strings moving in (generally) curved, and in some cases degenerate, space-times with an axion field. Further, the space-times of the effective theory admit in general T-dual geometries. We give explicit results for two nondegenerate cases. {copyright} {ital 1998} {ital The American Physical Society}
User-Driven Frequency Scaling

We propose and evaluate user-driven frequency scaling (UDFS) for improved power management on processors that support dynamic voltage and frequency scaling (DVFS), e.g, those used in current laptop and desktop computers. UDFS dynamically adapts CPU frequency to the individual user and the workload through a simple user feedback mechanism, unlike currently-used DVFS methods which rely only on CPU utilization. Our UDFS algorithms dramatically reduce typical operating frequencies while maintaining performance at satisfactory levels for each user. We evaluated our techniques through user studies conducted on a Pentium M laptop running Windows applications. The UDFS scheme reduces measured system power by 22.1%, averaged across all our users and applications, compared to the Windows XP DVFS scheme
A Novel Single-phase Inverter with Distribution Static Compensator Capability for Wind Applications

Abstract The modular multi-level converter is an attractive topology for high-voltage DC/flexible AC transmission systems. In this article, a new single-phase modular multi-level converter based distribution static compensator inverter for grid connection is proposed. The proposed inverter is designed for grid-connected wind turbines in the small- to mid-sized (10–20 kW) range using the most advanced multi-level inverter topology. The proposed modular multi-level converter distribution static compensator inverter controls the DC-link voltage as well as the active and reactive power transferred between the renewable energy source, specifically the wind turbine, and the grid in order to regulate the power factor of the grid regardless of the input active power from wind turbine. The goal of this study is to present a new inverter with flexible AC transmission system capability in a single unit without any additional cost. The five-level distribution static compensator inverter is simulated, and the results ...
Divalent dopant ions for conducting polymers

Abstract The common denominator of species used to dope conducting polymers so far has been their monovalency. Using strong reducing agents, the divalent alkaline earth cations, Ca2+, Sr2+ and Ba2+ are incorporated into the conducting polymers polyacetylene, (CH)x and polyparaphenylene, (C6H4)x, by chemical reactions. Solvated electrons formed in metal ammonia solutions are used to partially reduce polyacetylene and polyparaphenylene with concomitant incorporation of divalent dopant cations. The new highly conducting polyacetylenes (σ=20−10 ω−1 cm−1) are stable in an inert environment, but extremely reactive in air. Changes in infrared spectra on doping polyacetylene indicate new absorptions due to the formation of polycarbanions with soliton type resonances. Magnetic and optical data are consistent with conductivity due to spinless carriers such as charged solitons and bipolarons.
EVOKED RESPONSES FROM THE EYE AND VISUAL PATHWAYS IN THE HYPOTHERMIC CAT.

Abstract During induced hypothermia in cats the amplitudes of the ERG a and b waves decreased almost linearly until they disappeared. However, there was not a one-to-one relationship between the amplitude of the ERG components and the evoked potentials recorded from the optic chiasm, superior colliculus, or the optic cortices during cooling. When the ERG disappeared at about 25 C esophageal temperature, high amplitude responses were observed in the central nervous system. Decreases in amplitudes and increases in latencies of the evoked responses of the retina, central visual pathway, and optic cortex appeared to be due to the direct effect of cold on the reactivity and conduction velocity of neurochemical systems. The latencies and amplitudes of the evoked responses of the visual system, however, appeared to be differently affected by hypothermia; the changes in latency among the various areas of the visual system were much less variable than the changes in amplitude. The phenomena were reversible, within the range of temperatures employed. Amplitudes and latencies of evoked responses throughout the visual system returned to normal as the subjects were rewarmed.
Proliferation and differentiation of neuronal stem cells regulated by nerve growth factor

Nerve growth factor plays an important part in neuron-target interactions in the late embryonic and adult brain. We now report that this growth factor controls the proliferation of neuronal precursors in a defined culture system of cells derived from the early embryonic brain. Neuronal precursor cells were identified by expression of the intermediate filament protein nestin. These cells proliferate in response to nerve growth factor but only after they have been exposed to basic fibroblast growth factor. On withdrawal of nerve growth factor, the proliferative cells differentiate into neurons. Thus, in combination with other growth factors, nerve growth factor regulates the proliferation and terminal differentiation of neuroepithelial stem cells.
Recent criminal offending and suicide attempts: a national sample

Purpose Few studies have assessed the risk of suicide and suicidal behavior among the community-residing population with recent criminal justice involvement despite evidence of high rates of suicide in jails and prisons. This study assessed the association between recent arrest history and a suicide attempt in the previous year including multiple arrests and specific offense categories using a national representative sample of adults.
A derived theory of elastic-plastic shells

Abstract The key to a theory for elastic-plastic shells is the formulation of constitutive equations. Here, incremental equations are derived from the Hooke, Prandtl-Reuss equations of elastic, plastic deformations. The theory does not embody an initial yield condition, but admits immediate, though gradual, evolution of inelastic strain. Consequently, the abrupt transitions and interfaces between elastic and plastic regions are nonexistant. Legendre polynomials are employed to approximate the distribution of stresses; the polynomials of first and second degree are identified with the active forces and couples. Higher polynomials represent residual stresses. The balance of work and rate of dissipation serve to establish the constitutive equations and conditions of loading.
Development of a cell system for siRNA screening of pathogen responses in human and mouse macrophages

Macrophages play a critical role in the innate immune response to pathogen infection, but few tools exist for systematic dissection of these responses using modern genome-wide perturbation methods. To develop an assay platform for high-throughput analysis of macrophage activation by pathogenic stimuli, we generated reporter systems in human and mouse macrophages with dynamic readouts for NF-κB and/or TNF-α responses. These reporter cells show responsiveness to a broad range of TLR ligands and to gram-negative bacterial infection. There are significant challenges to the use of RNAi in innate immune cells, including efficient small RNA delivery and non-specific immune responses to dsRNA. To permit the interrogation of the macrophage pathogen response pathways with RNAi, we employed the stably expressed reporter genes to develop efficient siRNA delivery protocols for maximal target gene silencing with minimal activation of the innate macrophage response to nucleic acids. We demonstrate the utility of these macrophage cell systems for siRNA screening of pathogen responses by targeting components of the human and mouse TLR pathways, and observe species-specific perturbation of signaling and cytokine responses. Our approach to reporter cell development and siRNA delivery optimization provides an experimental paradigm with significant potential for developing genetic screening platforms in mammalian cells.
Low CSF protein concentration in idiopathic pseudotumor cerebri

An inverse relationship between the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) opening pressure and the corresponding protein value was found for patients with idiopathic pseudotumor cerebri who underwent their first lumbar puncture (LP) prior to the initiation of therapy. This relationship provides evidence for a pressure-dependent bulk flow absorption for CSF and also suggests that patients with high CSF pressures will have low CSF protein concentration.
FIVE STEPS FOR CRAFTING A DOCTORAL RESEARCH PROPOSAL IN ENGINEERING DESIGN

Doctoral students are required to prepare and defend a research proposal. In this paper, we present five steps for doctoral students to identify the questions that are worthy of investigation and thence to develop a research plan and proposal. Our method involves five steps, namely,Step 1: Frame the problemStep 2: Develop a research planStep 3: Verification and validationStep 4: Proposal templateStep 5: Proposal outlineWe illustrate the method using the sustainable design of plug-in-electric vehicle charging stations as an example.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
System Identification of Small Loudspeakers Using ARMA Model

This study illustrates a data driven system identification method for loudspeaker model estimation using the knowledge of the underlying physics of loudspeakers. In this study, diaphragm displacement is analyzed to estimate the model structure and parameters based on impulse response equivalent sampling and autoregressive moving average model. The estimated loudspeaker models are compared in the frequency response function plot. It is shown that the autoregressive moving average (ARMA) based loudspeaker models are comparable to the model estimated by the conventional method based on electrical impedance. Also ARMA modeling strategies with and without knowledge of the physics-based model are compared. Some issues related to ARMA modeling are addressed.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Ab-initio configuration interaction calculations of hydronium ion excited states

Abstract Large-scale ab-initio configuration (CI) calculations have been performed to determine vertical excitation energies of C 3V H 3 O + for each of the two lowest singlet and triplet excited states of the A 1 , A 2 , and E symmetries. These calculations take into account all configuration functions (CF's) generated by single- and double-excitations of electrons from multiple reference CF's to a truncated space of “improved” virtual orbitals. Reference CF's for each state were determined from small CI calculations including up to several hundred CF's and the final CF's used to compute variational energies were selected from lists including up to 21 000 CF's by cumulative energy selection. The lowest vertical excited state of H 3 O + is predicted to be the 3 A 1 state followed by the 1 A 1 , the 3 E, and the 1 E states in order.
Examining the Complexity of Environmental Change during the Late Paleozoic and Early Mesozoic

The late Paleozoic and early Mesozoic was a time of tremendous upheaval on Earth with severe climatic change and biotic crises. These events, which represent Earth systems' response to changing environmental drivers, are the focus of our research. Although climate and biotic changes are often considered as separate entities, we consider them to be part of an environmental continuum of results ensuing from common driving mechanisms (i.e., Fischer, 1982; Berner, 2004). Glaciation during the late Paleozoic is arguably one of the most important climatic events of the Phanerozoic, as it is hypothesized that this event dramatically influenced Earth's biological, physical, and chemical systems (Gastaldo et al., 1996; Montanez et al., 2007). Studies of Upper Devonian, Carboniferous, and Permian strata provide a deep-time perspective on the potential outcomes (conditions and driving mechanisms) of current climatic perturbations (IPCC, 2007), as these strata record the only complete greenhouse to icehouse to greenhouse cycle on a vegetated Earth, and because the glaciation was bipolar. Despite the importance of the late Paleozoic Ice Age (LPIA), many aspects of this period are unknown. Basic questions that remain include: (1) What was the size and duration of individual glacial events? (2) How did the glaciation influence oceanic and atmospheric circulation? (3) What were the glacioeustatic effects of the glaciation? (4) What geochemical signals accurately reflect the size and duration of the glaciation? (5) What driving mechanisms controlled the development and demise of the LPIA? The LPIA has long been considered a 90+ myr event characterized by an extensive ice sheet that covered much of Gondwana (e.g., Veevers and Powell, 1987; Frakes and Francis, 1988). The origin and perpetuation of this concept is founded primarily from far-field studies of low paleolatitude European and American coal-bearing cyclothems. These strata have been studied in far greater …
Chemical modification of cell type determination in amphibian embryos.

The polyanion, polyethylene sulfonate, and the polycation, protamine sulfate, alter the epidermal differentiation of ventral ectoderm in the axolotl, Ambystoma mexicanum. Polyethylene sulfonate reverts stage 121/2 ventral ectoderm, determined to become epidermis, to ectoderm competent for neuralization, while protamine sulfate reduces the neuralization of stages 10½–11 ectoderm. Polyethylene sulfonate also decreases the basic protein staining in the nuclei of stage 121/2 ventral ectoderm and the amount of intense staining heterochromatic DNA in stages 12, 121/2, and 13 ectoderm. Protamine sulfate, in contrast, increases the basic protein staining and the amount of heterochromatic DNA in stages 11 to 14 ventral ectoderm. In addition, polyethylene sulfonate also causes a doubling of the mitotio index of stage 121/2 ventral ectoderm. On the basis of these results, the theory is proposed that the reversal in determination of stage 121/2 ventral ectoderm following polyethylene sulfonate involves decreased histone-DNA binding and increased DNA replication.
Predictors of hysterectomy in women with common pelvic problems: a uterine survival analysis.

Background Comprising over 600,000 patients per year, hysterectomy is the most common nonobstetrical operation performed in US women. Little is known about the natural history of the noncancerous uterine conditions leading to hysterectomy. We followed a prospective cohort of women with common pelvic problems to determine whether simple clinical characteristics could predict a subsequent hysterectomy. Study Design We recruited 762 women seeking care for abnormal uterine bleeding, chronic pelvic pain, or symptomatic uterine fibroids and ascertained their hysterectomy status during 4 years of surveillance. We collected baseline patient-reported sociodemographic and clinical data and fit Cox models to predict the effects of covariates on hysterectomy across patient age. Results There were 99 hysterectomies, resulting in 0.044 hysterectomies per person-year of observation and a 13.5% cumulative hysterectomy rate. Hysterectomy was independently predicted by multiple pelvic symptoms or symptomatic fibroids (hazard ratio [HR], 1.97; 95% CI, 1.18−3.28), previous use of a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (HR, 2.54; 95% CI, 1.53−4.24), and an absence of symptom resolution (HR, 2.24; 95% CI, 1.46−3.44). Survival curves plotted for subgroups with combinations of these predictors showed an escalating risk of hysterectomy with each additional risk factor. Predicted hysterectomy rates ranged from 20%, if all 3 predictors were absent, to 95%, if all 3 were present. Conclusions For women with common pelvic problems, three easily measured clinical characteristics (symptom combination, degree of resolution, and earlier use of a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist) predict the likelihood of subsequent hysterectomy and can be used to inform counseling about the likely success of alternative treatments.
A MUCOPROTEIN DERIVED FROM HUMAN URINE WHICH REACTS WITH INFLUENZA, MUMPS, AND NEWCASTLE DISEASE VIRUSES

A mucoprotein, present in normal human urine, has been isolated and obtained in a state of a high degree of purity. A number of the biological, chemical, and physicochemical properties of the substance have been studied. From the results obtained in the present investigation and those reported in succeeding papers (34, 35) it appears that the mucoprotein has a high molecular weight, i.e., of the order of 7.0 x 106, consists of thread-like molecules which have axial ratios of approximately 100, and is specifically antigenic. This substance, which appears to be free of contaminating material, possesses in extraordinary degree the capacity to react with influenza, mumps, and Newcastle disease viruses. At equilibrium, with influenza virus, the minimal amount of the substance capable of giving a demonstrable reaction with one hemagglutinating unit of virus appears to be about 0.0003 µg. The mucoprotein is altered by preparations of influenza viruses and its capacity to react with these agents or others is lost. The kinetics of the inactivation process brought about by influenza viruses is in accord with those of well known enzyme-substrate systems. With the exception of the capacity to react with viruses, altered mucoprotein did not differ from the native substance relative to any of the properties examined in the present study. That certain physicochemical properties of the altered mucoprotein are different from those of the native substance is demonstrated in succeeding papers (34, 35).
Terrestrial paleoenvironmental effects of a late quaternary-age supernova

Abstract A chronology of the γ and X radiation incident upon the Earth from discrete supernova occurences is desirable for two reasons: (1) large but short-lived γ flashes should result in episodically increased atmospheric 14 C production, and thus affect the 14 C dating method, and (2) modeling of the other atmospheric effects to be expected from nearby supernovas indicates their possible importance as independent variables capable of causing climatic or other environmental changes. Presented here is a preliminary chronology of the larger inferred radiation events experienced by the Earth during the past 15, 000 years. This chronology illustrates the possible importance of the Vela optical-, radio-, and X-emitting supernova remnant (G263.9-3.3), and its associated pulsar (PSR-0833-45), which together record an unusually close ( d = 500 pc supernova occuring sometime between 11,300 and 8,400 years B.P. The predicted terrestrial effects of a 10 49 −1 10 50 -erg γ- and X-emitting supernova at this distance include short-term increases in 14 C activity (+3 to +6%), increases in aquatic productivity at some localities, and a brief global cooling. Such effects appear to be documented by many late Quaternary paleoenvironmental records dated between 11,000 and 10,000 14 C yr B.P.
Conformal hyperbolicity of Lorentzian warped products

A space-timeM is said to be conformally hyperbolic if the intrinsic conformal Lorentz pseudodistanced M is a true distance. In this paper we first derive criteria which insure the conformal hyperbolicity of certain space-times which are generalizations of the Robertson-Walker spaces. Thend M is determined explicitly for Einstein-de Sitter space, and important cosmological model.
Comparing Chandra and SIRTF Observations for Obscured Starbursts and Active Galactic Nuclei at High Redshift

Tracking the star formation rate to high redshifts requires knowledge of the contribution from both optically visible and obscured sources. The dusty, optically obscured galaxies can be located by X-ray and infrared surveys. To establish criteria for selecting such sources based only on X-ray and infrared surveys, we determine the ratio of infrared to X-ray brightness that would be observed by SIRTF and Chandra for objects with the same spectral shapes as nearby starbursts if seen at high redshift. The parameter infrared/X-ray (IR/X) is defined as IR/X = (flux density observed in the SIRTF Multiband Imaging Photometer 24 μm filter in mJy)/(total flux observed within 0.5-2.0 keV in units of 10-16 ergs s-1 cm-2). Based on observations of NGC 4038/39 ("The Antennae"), NGC 3690+IC 694 (Arp 299 or Mrk 171), M82, and Arp 220, nine starburst regions are compared using mid-infrared spectra taken by the Infrared Space Observatory and X-ray spectra obtained with Chandra. The IR/X are determined as they would appear for 1 4 would not match any of the objects considered.
Tissue autofluorescence spectroscopy: an intermediate endpoint for chemopreventive agents

We report on the fluorescence spectroscopy of a multicellular tumor spheroid treated and non- treated with (beta) -all-trans retinoic acid. Following ten days of treatment with RA (10-6M), reproducible fluorescent changes were measured using a Mediscience CD scanner. The most significant changes included an increase in emission at 520 nm in the RA treated spheroids when excited at 340 nm. When investigating fluorescence emission at 450 nm, a blue shift in the excitation profile was noted. Molecular alterations induced by RA and as measured by optical fluorescence spectroscopy may arise from qualitative and/or quantitative changes in a number of key molecules involved in cellular differentiation, proliferation and/or electron transfer, i.e. NADH at (450 nm emission), flavins (520 nm), or cytokeratins (520 nm). To further explore alterations of cytokeratins, immunohistochemical staining showed an increase in AE1 positive cells induced by RA which paralleled the increased 520 nm signal. Our results indicate that certain vitamin derivatives are capable of modulating the intrinsic fluorescence profile emitted by neoplastic mucosa. Tissue autofluorescence may represent a significant marker for the biologic effect of cancer preventing agents in clinical trials.
Generational differences and parent-child resemblance in achievement motives and locus of control: A cross-sectional analysis

Abstract Recently, there has been increased interest in the role of stable individual differences in so-called personal constructs (e.g. motivation, affect) as determinants of work performance. This study examines: (1) parent-child resemblance in achievement motivation and locus of control, and (2) generational differences in these variables using the WOFO and I–E scales. Results offer convincing evidence for the lack of direct relationship between parent achievement motivation and locus of control on child ratings for these scales. The results are discussed in light of the importance of discovering the antecedents of achievement motivation and locus of control dispositions, especially as they affect behavior in the workplace.
Was There a "Golden Past" for the Introductory Sociology Textbook? A Citation Analysis of Leading Journals.

Much debate over the years has centered around whether there was ever a “golden past” for the introductory sociology textbook, when high quality books influenced the development of scholarship and thinking. Some empirical evidence is added to this debate through an analysis of the citations to introductory sociology textbooks in all the articles and research notes appearing in theAmerican Journal of Sociology, theAmerican Sociological Review, andSocial Forces from 1960 to 1969 and from 1984 to 1993. The data show that, although seldom cited in recent journals, introductory sociology textbooks were often cited in the earlier period. The article concludes with some thoughts about why introductory sociology textbooks have had a declining influence on scholarship.
Chemical synthesis of glucuronidated metabolites of cortisol.

Abstract During in vivo metabolism the addition of six atoms of hydrogen to cortisone at the appropriate location and configuration can lead to formation of either 3α,17,20α,21-tetrahydroxy 5β-pregnan-11-one (cortolone) or 3α,17,20β,21-tetrahydroxy-5β-pregnan-11-one (β-cortolone). Likewise, metabolic reduction of cortisol can lead to formation of either 5α-pregnane-3α,11β,17,20α,21-pentol (cortol) or the 20β isomer (β-cortol). This paper describes the chemical syntheses of the C-3 β- d -glucosiduronates of cortolone, β-cortolone, cortol and β-cortol-conjugates which are normal excretory products of man. The foregoing conjugates are characterized as free acids (or salts), as methyl esters and as polyacetate methyl esters.
Steroid release from silicone elastomer containing excess drug in suspension.

Abstract The in vitro release from a matrix consisting of silicone elastomer was studied for the purpose of testing release theories. The micronized steroid was suspended in silicone elastomer, and the release from a controlled surface area into an aqueous “sink” was experimentally determined. After a certain time period, the release from the matrixes displayed the predicted time and concentration dependencies. An initial period of apparent linear release was observed. The duration of this period was concentration and particle‐size dependent. The amount released assumed square root of time dependency after the initial linearity period terminated. The observed results are inconsistent with the equations developed to describe the release of solutes from ointment bases and matrix systems. The concentration and particle‐size effects on the duration of the linear release suggest that the release is dissolution rather than diffusion controlled.
The coefficients of a p-adic measure and its Γ -transform

In this paper we show how the coefficients of the power series associated to a p-adic valued measure α on ℤp are related to the coefficients of the measure β on 1+pℤp associated to the Γ-transform of α. In particular, we prove congruences modulo p amongst these coefficients. Finally, we show how these congruences can be used to relate the coefficients of α to the λ-invariant of the Iwasawa series of the Γ-transform of α.
Modes of Interpersonal Behavior: A Replication:

A portion of Lorr and Suziedelis' study (1969) of modes of interpersonal behavior was replicated. Lorr's Interpersonal Behavior Inventory was administered to 287 college students. Ss rated well-liked others and themselves. Factor analysis was performed on the two correlation matrices and the results were compared to those for Lorr's normal sample. Three factors were sufficient to account for the variance. Two major differences between the studies were found. The Nurturance and Sociability factors in the previous study were combined into one bipolar factor labeled Hostility-Affection and the scales comprising the Dependency category seemed considerably reduced in importance.
Do parents and peers matter? A prospective socio-ecological examination of substance use and sexual risk among African American youth

We examined the direct contribution of parent and peer risk and promotive factors on youth condom use trajectories, in addition to the indirect influence of these factors via youth's substance use over four years in a sample of urban, African American youth (N=679; 51% female; M=14.86 years; SD=0.65). Growth curve modeling was used to estimate changes in substance use and sexual risk across adolescence and test their association with parent and peer factors. Parent and peer risk factors were strongly associated with increasing substance use as youth aged. Substance use and condom use were interrelated. Parent and peer risk factors were indirectly associated with youth condom use; parent and peer promotive factors were directly associated with condom use, after accounting for substance use. Findings suggest the value of considering multiple influences on youth risk behavior.
Spatial stochasticity and correlated effects in dose–response relationships for environmental pollutants: a case study of radiation effects

Models of dose–response for environmental pollutants generally do not include explicit consideration of the stochastic nature of the spatial pattern of dose delivered to an organ or tissue, or the correlation between events leading to a final health endpoint (such as cancer). The result can be significant errors in risk calculations when these stochastic properties contribute as strongly to the dose–response relationship as do the dose–response relationships for individual cells. The present paper considers the issue of stochasticity of dose and events (initiation, promotion and inactivation) for the case of carcinogenicity following exposure to environmental pollutants, using the case of irradiation by high LET emitters such as radon and progeny from water or air. The model is based on the concepts of hit probabilities and effect-specific track length probabilities (probability of damage per unit track length), and is applied first to in vitro data and then to predictions in vivo. It is shown that inhomogeneity of dose throughout an irradiated tissue or organ volume, and correlation between initiation, promotion and inactivation, can lead to significant differences in predicted risk.
Lubricant Flow to Connecting-Rod Bearings Through a Rotating Crankshaft

Etude de l'ecoulement du lubrifiant a travers le vilebrequin en rotation vers les paliers de bielles
The Influence of Mini-BAL Cultures on Patient Outcomes : Implications for the Antibiotic Management of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia

Study objective To determine the influence of mini-BAL culture results on subsequent changes in antibiotic therapy and patient outcomes. Design Prospective, single-center, cohort study. Setting Medical ICU of Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, a university-affiliated teaching hospital. Patients One hundred thirty mechanically ventilated patients undergoing mini-BAL for suspected ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Interventions Mini-BAL, prospective patient surveillance, and data collection. Measurements and results Sixty (46.2%) patients had mini-BAL cultures that yielded at least one pathogen potentially accounting for the clinically suspected episode of VAP (64 bacterial, 3 viral, 2 fungal). Among the 60 patients with microbiologically positive mini-BAL cultures, 44 (73.3%) were classified as receiving inadequate antibiotic therapy (ie, identification of a microorganism resistant to the prescribed antibiotic regimen). Prior antibiotic administration or its absence remained unchanged in 51 (39.2%) patients based on the mini-BAL culture results, while in another 51 (39.2%) patients, antibiotic therapy was either begun (n=7) or the existing antibiotic regimen was changed (n=44), and in the remaining 28 (21.6%) patients, antibiotic therapy was discontinued altogether. The hospital mortality rates of these three groups were statistically different: 33.3%, 60.8%, and 14.3%, respectively (p Conclusions These data suggest that antibiotic selection prior to obtaining the results of lower airway cultures is an important determinant of outcome for patients with suspected VAP. A delay in initiating adequate antibiotic therapy was associated with a greater mortality. Therefore, the initial selection of antibiotics for the empiric treatment of VAP should be broad enough to cover all likely pathogens, including antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This appears to be especially important in patients having received prior antibiotics.
Floral biology and ovule and seed ontogeny of Nymphaea thermarum, a water lily at the brink of extinction with potential as a model system for basal angiosperms

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Nymphaea thermarum is a member of the Nymphaeales, of one of the most ancient lineages of flowering plants. This species was only recently described and then declared extinct in the wild, so little is known about its reproductive biology. In general, the complete ontogeny of ovules and seeds is not well documented among species of Nymphaea and has never been studied in the subgenus Brachyceras, the clade to which N. thermarum belongs. METHODS Flowers and fruits were processed for brightfield, epifluorescence and confocal microscopy. Flower morphology, with emphasis on the timing of male and female functions, was correlated with key developmental stages of the ovule and the female gametophyte. Development of the seed tissues and dynamics of polysaccharide reserves in the endosperm, perisperm and embryo were examined. KEY RESULTS Pollen release in N. thermarum starts before the flower opens. Cell walls of the micropylar nucellus show layering of callose and cellulose in a manner reminiscent of transfer cell wall patterning. Endosperm development is ab initio cellular, with micropylar and chalazal domains that embark on distinct developmental trajectories. The surrounding maternal perisperm occupies the majority of seed volume and accumulates starch centrifugally. In mature seeds, a minute but fully developed embryo is surrounded by a single, persistent layer of endosperm. CONCLUSIONS Early male and female function indicate that N. thermarum is predisposed towards self-pollination, a phenomenon that is likely to have evolved multiple times within Nymphaea. While formation of distinct micropylar and chalazal developmental domains in the endosperm, along with a copious perisperm, characterize the seeds of most members of the Nymphaeales, seed ontogenies vary between and among the constituent families. Floral biology, life history traits and small genome size make N. thermarum uniquely promising as an early-diverging angiosperm model system for genetic and molecular studies.
A new species and subgenus of Desmanthodium (Compositae, Heliantheae) from southern Mexico

Desmanthodium congestum, a new species from Chiapas, Mexico, is described and illustrated. Its morphological features are clearly distinguishable from other species of the genus, so much so that this taxon forms a new subgenus withinDesmanthodium, subgenusMultiaggregata.
Structure Prediction of Loops with Fixed and Flexible Stems

The prediction of loop structures is considered one of the main challenges in the protein folding problem. Regardless of the dependence of the overall algorithm on the protein data bank, the flexibility of loop regions dictates the need for special attention to their structures. In this article, we present algorithms for loop structure prediction with fixed stem and flexible stem geometry. In the flexible stem geometry problem, only the secondary structure of three stem residues on either side of the loop is known. In the fixed stem geometry problem, the structure of the three stem residues on either side of the loop is also known. Initial loop structures are generated using a probability database for the flexible stem geometry problem, and using torsion angle dynamics for the fixed stem geometry problem. Three rotamer optimization algorithms are introduced to alleviate steric clashes between the generated backbone structures and the side chain rotamers. The structures are optimized by energy minimization using an all atom force field. The optimized structures are clustered using a traveling salesman problem based clustering algorithm. The structures in the densest clusters are then utilized to refine dihedral angle bounds on all amino acids in the loop. The entire procedure is carried out for a number of iterations, leading to improved structure prediction and refined dihedral angle bounds. The algorithms presented in this article has been tested on 3190 loops from the PDBSelect25 data set and on targets from the recently concluded CASP9 community-wide experiment.
An interdisciplinary look at the deinstitutionalization of the mentally ill.

Deinstitutionalization of the mentally ill has had an enormous impact on the mentally ill, the community, family members and taxpayers. This paper assesses the impact of deinstitutionalization on e...
Steroidogenic cellular sites in the cat ovary: A histochemical study

Abstract The distribution of lipids, NADH, NADPH diaphorase, glucose 6-phospate, the isocitrate dehydrogenases, Δ 5 -3 β - and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases, and acid phosphatase in immature, cycling, and pregnant cat ovaries has been histochemically studied. Corpora lutea were found only in pregnant cats. Acid phosphatase was present in the degenerating follicles and only in trace amounts in the corpora lutea and was absent in the interstitial gland cells, germinal epithelium, and the normal developing follicles. Lipids and the various enzymes studied were localized in the theca interna of preantral and antral follicles, interstitial gland cells, and in the corpora lutea. Germinal epithelium lacked lipids, diaphorases, and all the enzymes investigated. It is suggested that theca interna and the interstitial gland cells form principal sites of steroid synthesis in the ovaries of immature as well as cycling cats while corpora lutea form additional sites of steroidogenesis during pregnancy.
ANTARES: The HTR/VHTR project at Framatome ANP

Abstract Framatome ANP is developing a very high temperature reactor (VHTR), relying on its previous experience with high temperature reactor concepts, from its participation in the MODUL and the GT-MHR designs. While being a major actor in the nuclear reactor business with proven light water technology, AREVA wishes to be ready to meet the new challenges calling for small grid requirements, high temperature process heat and cogeneration. The Framatome ANP VHTR design for electricity production is based on an indirect cycle coupled to an “off-the-shelf” combined cycle gas turbine. Although direct cycle HTRs are being promoted for their high efficiency, preliminary evaluations show that the Framatome ANP design efficiency is on par with a direct cycle while avoiding power generation system (PGS) developments and keeping the PGS contamination free. Moreover, the nuclear heat source of the indirect cycle could also be used to meet the heat supplies from a standard design for multiple applications.
Pre-osteoblast infiltration and differentiation in highly porous apatite-coated PLLA electrospun scaffolds

Electrospun polymer/apatite composite scaffolds are promising candidates as functional bone substitutes because of their ability to allow pre-osteoblast attachment, proliferation, and differentiation. However these structures usually lack an adequate pore size to permit sufficient cell migration and colonization of the scaffold. To overcome this limitation, we developed an apatite-coated electrospun PLLA scaffold with varying pore size and porosity by utilizing a three-step water-soluble PEO fiber inclusion, dissolution, and mineralization process. The temporal and spatial dynamics of cell migration into the scaffolds were quantified to determine the effects of enhanced pore size and porosity on cell infiltration. MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblast migration into the scaffolds was found to be a function of both initial PEO content and time. Scaffolds with greater initial PEO content (50% and 75% PEO) had drastically accelerated cell infiltration in addition to enhanced cell distribution throughout the scaffold when compared to scaffolds with lower PEO content (0% and 25% PEO). Furthermore, scaffolds with an apatite substrate significantly upregulated MC3T3-E1 alkaline phosphatase activity, osteocalcin content, and cell-mediated mineralization as compared to PLLA alone. These findings suggest that such a scaffold enhances pre-osteoblast infiltration, colonization, and maturation in vitro and may lead to overall improved bone formation when implanted in vivo.
Women’s Risk of Decision Delay in Acute Myocardial Infarction: Implications for Research and Practice

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States. Despite recent advances in treatment options for acute myocardial infarction (AMI), there has not been similar progress in decreasing the time between symptom onset and the decision to seek medical help (labeled "decision delay") and therefore availability of such treatments. Women delay longer than men before seeking help for symptoms of AMI, yet few studies have analyzed decision delay by gender. Factors studied to date do not adequately explain the differences in decision delay among women or between women and men with AMI. Additional research is needed to guide interventions to limit decision delay in women at risk for AMI. Until then, clinicians should use existing general guidelines to assist women at risk of AMI to avoid decision delay.
Behavior and Prevention of AIDS Bases of Research and Intervention

At present, modification of specific, typically social behaviors to reduce or eliminate risk of AIDS is the only way to control spread of the disease. Social psychological research that has implications for the prevention of AIDS and HIV infection, including research concerning group and normative pressures, attitude formation and change, and social context, is reviewed Some ongoing AIDS intervention efforts are also discussed. By applying social psychological findings to AIDS education and prevention efforts, we may learn more about the dynamics associated with being at risk for HIV infection and perhaps further our knowledge of social pressures in general. Until a vaccine or cure is developed for this diseased our knowledge of social behavior will play a large role in both changing the public's attitudes toward AIDS and its victims and modifying or eliminating risk behaviors that lead to HIV infection and spread
Public finance policy strategies to increase access to preconception care.

Policy and finance barriers reduce access to preconception care and, reportedly, limit professional practice changes that would improve the availability of needed services. Millions of women of childbearing age (15–44) lack adequate health coverage (i.e., uninsured or underinsured), and others live in medically underserved areas. Service delivery fragmentation and lack of professional guidelines are additional barriers. This paper reviews barriers and opportunities for financing preconception care, based on a review and analysis of state and federal policies. We describe states’ experiences with and opportunities to improve health coverage, through public programs such as Medicaid, Medicaid waivers, and the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). The potential role of Title V and of community health centers in providing primary and preventive care to women also is discussed. In these and other public health and health coverage programs, opportunities exist to finance preconception care for low-income women. Three major policy directions are discussed. To increase access to preconception care among women of childbearing age, the federal and state governments have opportunities to: (1) improve health care coverage, (2) increase the supply of publicly subsidized health clinics, and (3) direct delivery of preconception screening and interventions in the context of public health programs.
Efficient tracking and querying for coordinated uncertain mobile objects

Accurately estimating the current positions of moving objects is a challenging task due to the various forms of data uncertainty (e.g. limited sensor precision, periodic updates from continuously moving objects). However, in many cases, groups of objects tend to exhibit similarities in their movement behavior. For example, vehicles in a convoy or animals in a herd both exhibit tightly coupled movement behavior within the group. While such statistical dependencies often increase the computational complexity necessary for capturing this additional structure, they also provide useful information which can be utilized to provide more accurate location estimates. In this paper, we propose a novel model for accurately tracking coordinated groups of mobile uncertain objects. We introduce an exact and more efficient approximate inference algorithm for updating the current location of each object upon the arrival of new (uncertain) location observations. Additionally, we derive probability bounds over the groups in order to process probabilistic threshold range queries more efficiently. Our experimental evaluation shows that our proposed model can provide 4X improvements in tracking accuracy over competing models which do not consider group behavior. We also show that our bounds enable us to prune up to 50% of the database, resulting in more efficient processing over a linear scan.
Questioning the Quantitative Imperative: Decision Aids, Prevention, and the Ethics of Disclosure

Patients should not always receive hard data about the risks and benefits of a medical intervention. That information should always be available to patients who expressly ask for it, but it should be part of standard disclosure only sometimes, and only for some patients. And even then, we need to think about how to offer it.
Cultural Ethnocentrism and Imperialism in Citations of American and Scandinavian Psychological Research

Abstract The present study was conducted in order to document the extent to which ethnocentrism and imperialism exist in American and Scandinavian reports of psychological research. Journal citation analyses indicated that articles appearing in the Scandinavian Journal of Psychology referenced numerous US. resources but also many resources from Europe and other parts of the world. In contrast, articles published in American journals cited a preponderance of U.S. sources and, for the most part, excluded reference to Scandinavian psychological research. The se findings were interpreted as indicating the existence of empirical ethnocentrism in U.S. journal citations, and media-based cultural imperialism in Scandinavian reports of psychological research. L'etude actuelle a ete faite pour documenter a quel point l'ethnocentrisme et l'imperialisme existent dans les rapports americains et scandinaves de recherche psychologique. Les analyses des citations de revues professionnelles indiquent que les articles qui ...