cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Potential population-based electronic data sources for rapid pandemic influenza vaccine adverse event detection: a survey of health plans.

Purpose A vaccine against pandemic influenza may be rapidly and widely distributed, and could be used in populations with little prior exposure to influenza vaccines. Under such conditions, it will be important to gain timely information about the rates of vaccine adverse events, ideally by using electronic data from large populations. Many public and private health plans and payers have such information. Methods Between May and September 2007, we conducted a decision maker interview and technical assessment with several health plans in the United States. The interview and survey evaluated technical capability, organizational capacity, and willingness to participate in a coordinated program of rapid safety research targeting pandemic and other influenza vaccines. Results Eleven health plans (eight private, three public) participated in the decision maker interview. Most interviewees were medical directors or held similar positions within their organizations. Participating plans provided coverage and/or care for approximately 150 million members in the U.S. Nine health plans completed a technical assessment survey. Most decision makers indicated interest and willingness to participate in a coordinated rapid safety surveillance program, and all reported the necessary claims data analysis experience. Respondents noted legal, procedural, budgetary, and technical barriers to participation. Conclusions Senior decision makers representing private and public health plans were willing and asserted the ability of their organizations to participate in pandemic influenza vaccine safety monitoring. Developing working relationships, negotiating contracts, and obtaining necessary regulatory and legal approvals were identified as key barriers. These findings may be generalizable to other vaccines and pharmaceutical products. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Subduction-induced pore fluid venting and the formation of authigenic carbonates along the cascadia continental margin: Implications for the global Ca-cycle

Abstract Pore fluid venting associated with subduction-induced sediment deformation causes precipitation of calcium carbonate as prominent carbonate chimneys or cement in the accreted sediments across the active continental margin off Oregon and Washington. A depletion of interstitial Ca 2+ with a maximum decrease of 50% relative to seawater Ca 2+ over only 1.5m depth and reduction in porosity in the deformed sediments suggest that interstitial Ca 2+ is removed to form calcium carbonate cement. In contrast, the pore waters of the undeformed abyssal plain sediments show no depletion in dissolved Ca 2+ . They are either enriched to a maximum of 5% or show no change in dissolved Ca 2+ . Here the background level of CaCO 3 content in the sediment is only 0.1 to 1%. Calcium carbonate precipitation in the deformed sediments probably occurs as the result of upward migration and oxidation of biogenic methane and of the increase in carbonate saturation due to release of excess pore pressure during fluid venting. Upward advection of fluids at rates of 1–28 cm y −1 is predicted from diffusion-advection-reaction models applied to the downcore concentration profiles of dissolved Ca 2+ and NH 4 + in the tectonically-deformed sediments. The range of predicted flow rates is related to the type of calcium carbonate lithification; i.e. slow rates generate cement and fast rates generate chimneys. Carbonate mineral precipitation associated with pore fluid venting requires direct transfer of Ca 2+ from the oceanic basement to the accretionary complex. Such a mechanism leads us to propose that the accretionary complexes of the global plate subduction zones are a major sink for crustal Ca 2+ . A global flux of crustal Ca 2+ that is removed by carbonate mineral precipitation may be as muc3 as the hydrothermal Ca-input. This significant Ca-flux, not previously considered in the global geochemical budget, implies that pore fluid venting in subduction zones may also act as a global sink or source for other elements.
Effects of transitional phenomena on the electric field induced strain-electrostrictive response of a segmented polyurethane elastomer

The electromechanical properties of a segmented polyurethane elastomer were investigated as functions of temperature and frequency. Two transitional phenomena were observed in the temperature range from -50 to 85°C. In these transition regions, the electric field induced strain coefficient exhibits large increases, which indicate that the effect of the transition processes is significant. The experimental analysis suggests that the transitional processes in the polyurethane are related to the chain-segment motions. From the elastic compliance and the dielectric constant data, the contribution of the uniform Maxwell stress was determined. It was found that the contribution of the Maxwell stress effect to the measured strain coefficient increased from about 10% below the glass transition temperature (Tg) (∼ -25°C) to about 50 and 35% for the frequencies of 10 and 100 Hz, respectively, at ∼ 40°C, which is above Tg. The large difference between the measured strain response and the calculated Maxwell stress effect indicates a significant contribution to the field-induced strain from other mechanisms, such as electrostriction. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 65: 1363–1370, 1997
Applications of rapid thermal chemical vapor deposition technology to ULSI material processing and device fabrication

Abstract Rapid thermal chemical vapor deposition (RT-CVD) has received considerable attention as a novel in situ multiprocessing tool capable of meeting the stringent requirements of ULSI manufacturing. In this paper, we review the significant benefits provided by RT-CVD for IC manufacturing and the progress made in developing RT-CVD as an integrated processing module for ULSI device fabrication.
Use of the dexamethasone suppression test with depressed and demented elderly.

Although some researchers have suggested that the dexamethasone suppression test (DST) may be useful in differentiating between major depression and dementia in the elderly, recent reports of abnormal DST results in nondepressed, demented elderly have questioned the validity of the test in this population. This study compared the frequency of abnormal DST results in three groups of elderly inpatients: depressed/not demented; demented/not depressed; and depressed and demented. Two geropsychiatrists independently evaluated 33 patients for symptoms of depression and/or dementia and then assigned each patient to one of the three groups. Subjects in the demented/not depressed group had a significantly larger proportion of abnormal DSTs (P less than .01), and the mean postdexamethasone, 4 PM blood cortisol level of the demented/not depressed group was significantly greater than the means of the other two groups (P less than .005). In this sample, the DST was more likely to identify dementia than depression. Until further investigations clarify the parameters of DST use in the elderly, the diagnosis of depression and dementia should continue to be determined by sensitive interpretation of clinical findings, history, and other diagnostic tests.
What Was Under the McMartin Preschool? A Review and Behavioral Analysis of the "Tunnels" Find

The McMartin Preschool child abuse case began in 1983 in Manhattan Beach, California, and was one of the most visible cases in history. Although two trials were conducted and no convictions were obtained, some individuals continue to believe that dozens of children were sexually abused at the preschool. In 1990 an archeologist was hired to determine whether tunnels had existed under the school because some of the children had alleged that some of their abuse took place in tunnels under the building. The archeologist's report was issued in 1993. It concluded that evidence of back-filled tunnels had been found. This critical analysis of the archeologist's report concludes otherwise, that what the archeologist found was actually the filled-in remains of a rural family's trash pit that pre-dated construction of the school. Regarding artifacts discovered in soil under the preschool, alternative interpretations to those of the archeologist are given. A theoretical functional analysis of the variables that may have accounted for the archeologist's evident misinterpretation is presented.
Radioimmunoassay for the tachykinin peptide physalaemin: detection of a physalaemin-like substance in rabbit stomach.

An antiserum against the amphibian tachykinin physalaemin was specific for the NH2-terminal region of this peptide. The cross-reactivity of antiserum PS-1 with uperolein was 2.03%, phyllomedusin, 0.36%, and kassinin, 0.013%; negligible (<0.0001%) recognition was shown for substance P as well as with numerous other polypeptide hormones. The assay readily detected 1 pg (0.79 fmol) physalaemin with 50% displacement at 6.79 ± 1.98 pg (5.29 ± 1.54 fmol). Rabbit stomach, extracted by boiling followed by homogenization in 1.0 n formic acid, contained physalaemin-like immunoreactivity. The concentration detected in the antrum was 43.0 ± 7.3 ng/g dry weight with less in the fundus, pylorus, corpus, and duodenum. Chromatography of the extracts on Bio-Gel P4 columns in 0.1 n formic acid gave a single, symmetrical peak of immunoreactivity which eluted with an apparent molecular weight of approximately 1700. These data are the first to demonstrate the presence of a peptide with physalaemin-like immunoreactivity in mammalian tissues.
Disrupted ectodermal organ morphogenesis in mice with a conditional histone deacetylase 1, 2 deletion in the epidermis.

Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are present in the epidermal layer of the skin, outer root sheath, and hair matrix. To investigate how histone acetylation affects skin morphogenesis and homeostasis, mice were generated with a K14 promoter-mediated reduction of Hdac1 or Hdac2. The skin of HDAC1 null (K14-Cre Hdac1cKO/cKO) mice exhibited a spectrum of lesions, including irregularly thickened interfollicular epidermis, alopecia, hair follicle dystrophy, claw dystrophy, and abnormal pigmentation. Hairs are sparse, short, and intermittently coiled. The distinct pelage hair types are lost. During the first hair cycle, hairs are lost and replaced by dystrophic hair follicles with dilated infundibulae. The dystrophic hair follicle epithelium is stratified and is positive for K14, involucrin, and TRP63, but negative for keratin 10. Some dystrophic follicles are K15 positive, but mature hair fiber keratins are absent. The digits form extra hyperpigmented claws on the lateral sides. Hyperpigmentation is observed in the interfollicular epithelium, the tail, and the feet. Hdac1 and Hdac2 dual transgenic mice (K14-Cre Hdac1cKO/cKOHdac2+/cKO) have similar but more obvious abnormalities. These results show that suppression of epidermal HDAC activity leads to improper ectodermal organ morphogenesis and disrupted hair follicle regeneration and homeostasis, as well as indirect effects on pigmentation.
Hilbert space inverse wave imaging in a planar multilayer environment

Most diffraction tomography (DT) algorithms use a homogeneous Green function (GF) regardless of the medium being imaged. This choice is usually motivated by practical considerations: analytic inversions in standard geometries (Cartesian, spherical, etc.) are significantly simplified by the use of a homogeneous GF, estimating a nonhomogeneous GF can be very difficult, as can incorporating a nonhomogeneous GF into standard DT algorithms. Devaney has circumvented these issues by developing a purely numerical DT inversion algorithm [A. J. Devaney and M. Dennison, Inverse Probl. 19, 855–870 (2003)] that is independent of measurement system geometry, number of frequencies used in the reconstruction, and GF. A planar multilayer GF has been developed for use in Devaney’s “Hilbert space” algorithm and used in a proof-of-principle nondestructive evaluation (NDE) experiment to image noninvasively a flaw in an aluminum/copper planar multilayer medium using data collected from an ultrasonic measurement system. The data were collected in a multistatic method with no beamforming: all focusing through the multilayer was performed mathematically “after-the-fact,” that is, after the data were collected.
Low density lipoprotein metabolism in familial combined hyperlipidemia and familial hypercholesterolemia: Kinetic analysis using an integrated model

Abstract Several models for low density lipoprotein (LDL) apo B metabolism were applied to LDL turnover data from subjects with two distinct genetic forms of hyperlipidemia, familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), and familial combined hyperlipidemia (FCHL). Of the first two models tested, there was good agreement between the observed and predicted data for FH in one (model A), and for FCHL in the other (model B). The major difference between these two models is that LDL is kinetically homogenous in model A and heterogeneous in model B, raising the possibility that LDL subspecies differences may occur between these two disorders. The findings are consistent with LDL homogeneity in FH and LDL heterogeneity in FCHL. Two other integrated models (models C and D) provided good agreement between observed and predicted data in both disorders. Although neither could be rejected outright on the basis of known physiology, parameter estimates were more variable with model D. Analysis of the data using model C was consistent with the known pathophysiologic defect in LDL catabolism in FH and suggests that individuals with FH as well as FCHL have more than one LDL subpopulation in plasma. The urine/plasma ( U P ) ratio was shown to be constant from day 4 to day 14 of the study in FH, while in FCHL this value declined in all cases. Thus, determination of LDL fractional catabolic rates (FCR) by the U P ratio method may be invalid in certain groups of patients. The other traditional method for calculating LDL FCR, the Matthews' analysis, overestimated FCR in some instances, and could lead to systematic errors when used to determine LDL FCR and production rates. These studies point out some of the complexities of LDL metabolism that may relate to heterogeneity of LDL and their subspecies, and underscore the difficulty of accurately measuring LDL turnover parameters using either the U P ratio method or a simple model in which only plasma LDL decay curves are analyzed. These studies also point out the need to use an integrated model for LDL metabolism that utilizes both plasma and urine radioactivity data.
A general view of multipliers and composition operators

This paper defines a multiplier pair, which is a very general setting in which the notions of multipliers and composition operators can be studied. We prove some results in this general setting, and we present many new interesting examples in which these notions can be interpreted.
Bone marrow and blood involvement by lymphoma in relationship to the lukes—collins classification

The incidence, pattern, extent, and morphology of bone marrow involvement in 176 cases of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) were studied in relationship to the Lukes--Collins classification. Ninety percent of the cases were B-cell lymphomas; 10% were T-cell lymphomas. In 53% of cases there was bone marrow involvement by lymphoma at diagnosis. Marrow involvement was most frequently found in the small lymphocyte (B), small cleaved follicular center cell (FCC), and convoluted lymphocyte lymphomas. Frequently, the extent of bone marrow biopsy replacement by lymphoma was less than 30%; the pattern of infiltration was predominantly focal (70%). Cytologic agreement between lymph node and bone marrow specimens was always present in small lymphocyte (B), small noncleaved FCC, convoluted lymphocyte, and lymphoepithelioid cell lymphomas. Cytologic diversity between lymph node and marrow was noted in 20% of small cleaved FCC, 40% (2/5) of large cleaved FCC, and 38% (3/8) of large noncleaved FCC lymphomas. In 79% of all involved cases, both bone marrow biopsy sections and aspirate smears were diagnostic of NHL; only biopsy sections were positive in 18%, and only smears were positive in 3%. The Lukes--Collins classification predicts a high incidence of bone marrow involvement for small lymphocyte (B), small cleaved FCC, and convoluted lymphocyte lymphomas.
Implementation of a subwavelength Bragg reflector for Terahertz applications

In recent years, the usage of the Terahertz (THz) portion of the electromagnetic spectrum has been investigated in the field of communications, medicine and biology. The evaluation of the THz wave performance in the applications requires supportive THz based devices such as emitter, detectors and filters. The efficient integration of the THz devices with the state of the art silicon based devices is limited by its typical diffraction limit (millimeters). In this abstract, a subwavelength Surface Plasmon Polaritons (SPPs) based Bragg reflector is using Indium antimonide (InSb), Silicon-dioxide (SiO 2 ) and Porous-SiO 2 , is proposed. The SPPs based wave propagation at THz allows the nanoscale realization of the THz based devices. The proposed plasmonic Bragg reflector utilizes the periodic changes of the dielectric material in the core layer, while InSb is used in the cladding layer. Finite Element Method (FEM) based simulations are used to demonstrate the working of the proposed subwavelength Bragg reflector.
Ultrastructural evaluation of acute nasal toxicity in the rat respiratory epithelium in response to formaldehyde gas.

Abstract Ultrastructural lesions were induced by formaldehyde (HCHO) gas in the rat nasal respiratory epithelium. Male F-344 rats, 7–9 weeks old, were exposed to 0.5 or 2 ppm (6 hr/day) for 1 or 4 days and to 6 ppm (6 hr/day) of HCHO for 1 day and sacrificed immediately or 18 hr after 1, 2, or 4 days of exposure. Other groups were exposed to 15 ppm (6 hr/day) of HCHO for 1 and 2 days. Ultrastructural changes to 0.5 or 2 ppm were limited to altered cilia with wing-like projections occasionally seen on the tips of the ciliary shafts. Autophagic vacuoles were present in some of the basal cells while neutrophils were seen in the basal and suprabasal layers after 1 day exposure to 6 ppm of formaldehyde. Hypertrophy of goblet and ciliated cells were noted in animals exposed to 6 ppm of formaldehyde and sacrificed 18 hours after 1, 2, or 4 days of exposure. Some nonciliated cells formed apical blebs containing an abundance of SER. Ciliated-mucous cells were observed after 2 and 4 days of exposure to 6 ppm of form-aldehyde. Nonkeratinized squamous cells containing microfilaments were seen as early as 4 days after exposure to 6 ppm and at 1 and 2 days after exposure to 15 ppm. Loss of microvilli in ciliated cells occurred in all exposure levels. At 15 ppm for 1 and 2 days, nucleolar segregation was observed in basal and cuboidal cells and internalized cilia were noted. These results demonstrate that short-term exposure to 6 or 15 ppm of HCHO caused respiratory epithelial injury which was not cell specific, but was dose related in severity.
TU‐G‐BRC‐06: Patterns of Intra‐Fractional Motion and Uncertainties of Treatment Setup Reference Systems in Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation of Right‐ and Left‐Sided Breast Cancer

Purpose: This study investigated the patterns of intra‐fractional motion and accuracy of treatment setup strategies in 3D‐CRT APBI for right‐ and left‐sided breast cancer. Methods: 16 right and 17 left breast cancer patients were enrolled in an institutional APBI trial in which gold fiducial markers were strategically sutured to the surgical cavity walls. Daily pre‐ and post‐RT kV imaging were performed and were matched to DRRs based on bony anatomy and fiducial markers, respectively, to determine the intra‐fractional motion. The positioning differences of the laser‐tattoo and the bony anatomy based setups with respect to the marker based setup (benchmark) were determined to evaluate their accuracy. Student t test was employed to evaluate the differences between the right‐ and left‐sided breast treatments. Results: Statistical differences were found between the right‐ and left‐sided APBI treatments in vector directions of intra‐fractional motion and treatment setup reference systems, but not in their magnitudes. The directional difference was more pronounced in the lateral. It was found that the intra‐fractional motion and setup reference systems tended to deviate in the left direction for the right‐sided breast treatments and in the right direction for the left‐sided breast treatments. Average intra‐fractional motion magnitude was 4.3 vs 4.8 mm and was 2.7 vs 3.0 mm based on the marker and bony anatomy matching, respectively, for right and left breast treatments. The bony anatomy and laser‐tattoo based inter‐fractional setup errors were 6.4 vs 7.5 mm, and 9.5 vs 9.2 mm, respectively. Conclusions: It appears that the fiducial markers placed in the seroma cavity exhibits side dependent directional intra‐factional motion. Although bony anatomy based treatment setup improves the accuracy over laser‐tattoo, it is inadequate to rely on bony anatomy to assess intra‐fractional target motion in both magnitude and direction. These data further support that a seroma specific approach is the key to improve treatment accuracy.
EFFECTS OF EMPIRICAL OPTION WEIGHTING ON RELIABILITY AND VALIDITY OF AN ACADEMIC APTITUDE TEST1

Item options of shortened forms of the GRE Verbal and Quantitative tests were empirically weighted by two variants of a method originally attributed to Guttman (1941). When compared with formula scores, it was found that tests scored with the empirical weights were more reliable but less valid when correlated with undergraduate GPA. A factor analysis revealed large increases in variance accounted for by the first factor. It was suggested that the weighting procedures used tended to capitalize on omitting behavior which, although a highly reliable tendency, may be invalid.
Acute infusions of cocaine result in time- and dose-dependent effects on lymphocyte responses and corticosterone secretion in rats.

In the present study, we investigated the effect of intravenously (i.v.) administered cocaine on mitogen-induced lymphocyte proliferation and NK cytolytic activity in rats implanted with indwelling jugular cannula. To assess whether the effects of cocaine were accompanied by adrenal gland activation, plasma corticosterone concentrations were also determined. It was found that the i.v. infusion of cocaine resulted in both a time- and dose-dependent decrease in both blood and splenic Con-A-stimulated lymphocyte proliferative responses. Within 60 minutes, blood responses were maximally inhibited by more than 60% with 5 mg/kg cocaine. By 4 h, the suppression of blood lymphocyte responses was no longer significant. In contrast to these findings, there were no significant effects observed with splenic lymphocyte responses until 4 h after drug administration. At this time, cocaine at doses of 5 and 10 mg/kg inhibited splenic proliferative responses by 50 and 75%, respectively. These effects appeared to be selective, since no concurrent decreases in NK cell activity were observed with 5 mg/kg at either 2 or 4 h. Within 30 min, plasma corticosterone concentrations were maximally increased by 10-fold with 5 and 10 mg/kg doses of cocaine. At lower doses of cocaine (1 mg/kg), neither changes in lymphocyte proliferative responses, NK cytolytic activity nor plasma corticosterone levels were apparent. This study demonstrates that a single i.v. infusion of cocaine results in a selective dose- and time-dependent immunosuppression which is preceded by transient increases in circulating levels of corticosterone.
A particulate viral protein vaccine reduces viral load and delays progression to disease in immunized ponies challenged with equine infectious anemia virus.

Abstract Immunization regimens that induce a broadly reactive cytolytic T lymphocyte (CTL) response specific for lentiviral antigens have emerged as the leading candidates in efficacy trials conducted in both animal modelshumans. To date, lentivirus vaccination strategies have overlooked one such immunization strategy, namely the use of particulate antigens. To evaluate the efficacy of targeting antigen into the phagocytic pathway to elicit a cell-mediated immune response to lentiviral antigens, we initiated the first study of a particulate-based vaccination protocol using a large animal model system. Gradient-purified equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV) was covalently coupled to glutaraldehyde-activated iron oxide beads. In vitro studies demonstrated the effectiveness of the inactivated whole virus particulate to prime antigen presenting cells for the activationexpansion of virus-specific CD8 + CTL. The in vivo effectiveness of the particulate antigen was evaluated by experimental immunization of ponies. Ponies receiving the viral particulate vaccinechallenged with infectious EIAV had a delayed progression to diseasea reduced viral load compared with infected ponies that had not been vaccinated. Interestingly, in vitro virus-specific CTL activity was detected in only one of four immunized animals at the day of challenge. The beneficial effects of the particulate vaccine regimen were not clearly associated with any in vitro measurable parameters of the virus-specific cellular or humoral immune responses elicited by the vaccine at the day of challenge. However, within 3 weeks after virus challenge, anamnestic humoral responses characterized by a rapid emergence of neutralizing activity in the seruma predominance of conformationally dependent epitopes recognized by virus-specific antibodies were observed in the vaccinates. Taken together, further studies are clearly warranted in large animal model systems using a particulate-based vaccine regimen considering the beneficial effects of this regimen in our studythe protective effects of particulate antigen delivery in the murine model.
Studies of type I collagen in osteogenesis imperfecta

We used the results of skin fibroblast type I collagen analysis to improve the accuracy of diagnosis and genetic counseling for six patients with osteogenesis imperfecta. The fibroblasts of two patients with osteogenesis imperfecta type I synthesized a reduced quantity of qualitatively normal type I procollagen. Another patient with osteogenesis imperfecta type I had two populations of type I collagen molecules, one apparently normal and the other with a substitution of cysteine for glycine in the triple helical domain. Three sporadic cases with osteogenesis imperfecta types II, III, and IV were studied; in each proband a normal and an abnormal overmodified population of type I collagen molecules were demonstrated, and parental collagens were normal in the two available patients. These results indicated that the probands were heterozygous for new dominant mutations and assisted our genetic counseling, especially in osteogenesis imperfecta types II and III, which were formerly believed to be inherited in an autosomal recessive fashion. The results could not exclude parental germ line mosaicism for a new dominant mutation, which has resulted in recurrence in siblings of some patients with osteogenesis imperfecta, so prenatal diagnosis was therefore offered for future pregnancies. Analysis of chorionic villus cell collagen may facilitate antenatal diagnosis in selected cases, and the study of a larger number of patients may allow correlation of the biochemical defects with the natural history and prognosis.
How does Retinal Preprocessing Affect the Receptive Field of a Stabilized Hebbian Neuron

Many biological experiments have demonstrated that receptive fields in the visual cortex of cats are dramaticly influenced by the visual environment. In a normal reared animal, the population of sharply tuned neurons increases monotonically, whereas for dark reared animals it initially increases, and then falls back to the initial level (Imbert and Buisseret, 1975). Furthermore the shapes of the receptive fields, in the mature animal, depend on the nature of the environment to which the animals are exposed (Blackmore and Van-Sluythers, 1975).
The slender ideal and eating disorders: An interdisciplinary "Telescope" model.

Objective This paper interprets eating disorders (including anorexia and bulimia) as one (nonfunctional) manifestation, in modern environments, of evolved psychological mechanisms which modulate the standard of feminine bodily attractiveness as a response to economic conditions. Method: Published evidence from anthropology, sociology, and psychology was used to evaluate predictions that (1) where economic independence is possible, women favor a slender standard and (2) where women lack economic power, marriage tends to be favored and the standard becomes more curvaceous. These patterns were tested by correlating U.S. economic data with changing standards of bodily curvaceousness in Vogue and Playboy. Psychological and biological mechanisms by which the slender standard produces anorexia and bulimia were examined. Results: Published evidence and the empirical data suggest that the standard of bodily curvaceousness is determined by the economics of reproduction. Discussion: These ideas permit integration of the research on eating disorders in several disciplines and suggest many avenues for future enquiry. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 23:295–307, 1998.
Limited expression of APRIL and its receptors prior to intestinal IgA plasma cell development during human infancy

The absence of immunoglobulin A (IgA) in the intestinal tract renders young infants highly susceptible to enteric infections. However, mediators of initial IgA induction in this population are undefined. We determined the temporal acquisition of plasma cells by isotype and expression of T cell-independent (TI) and -dependent (TD) IgA class switch factors in the human intestinal tract during early infancy. We found that IgA plasma cells were largely absent in the infant intestine until after 1 month of age, approaching adult densities later in infancy than both IgM and IgG. The restricted development of IgA plasma cells in the first month was accompanied by reduced expression of the TI factor a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) and its receptors TACI (transmembrane activator and calcium-modulator and cyclophilin ligand interactor) and B cell maturation antigen (BCMA) within isolated lymphoid follicles (ILFs). Moreover, both APRIL and BCMA expression strongly correlated with increasing IgA plasma cell densities over time. Conversely, TD mediators (CD40 ligand (CD40L) and CD40) were expressed within ILFs before 1 month and were not associated with IgA plasma cell generation. In addition, preterm infants had lower densities of IgA plasma cells and reduced APRIL expression compared with full-term infants. Thus, blunted TI responses may contribute to the delayed induction of intestinal IgA during early human infancy.
A geometric approach to high resolution TVD schemes

A geometric approach, similar to Van Leer's MUSCL schemes, is used to construct a second-order accurate generalization of Godunov's method for solving scalar conservation laws. By making suitable approximations, a scheme is obtained which is easy to implement and total variation diminishing. The entropy condition is also investigated from the standpoint of the spreading of rarefaction waves. Quantitative information is obtained for Godunov's method on the rate of spreading which explain the kinks in rarefaction waves often observed at the sonic point.
Transformative education Web 2.0 systems for enriching high school STEM education

There are currently over a hundred STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programs in the U.S., aimed at encouraging students to enter a STEM-related career. Of the fields encompassed by STEM, mathematics is the foundation. However, American teens have demonstrated less ability and aptitude for mathematics than the teens in many other countries. Efforts to reduce this ability gap have focused on building a better communal structure within schools, creating more cohesive math curricula, offering smaller classes, encouraging cooperative learning, and helping students overcome math anxiety at school. There is very little published literature on the potential of guided cyber-based self-learning in STEM education, although there are a variety of online STEM learning web sites available for students to access at or after school. In particular, no scientific approach exists to address STEM education challenges in an outside-school setting. The paper briefly unveil an approach to transformatively addressing how mathematics learning, outside of a formal high school setting, could contribute to students' math aptitude. A Web 2.0 system has been deployed, focusing on promoting students' collaborative learning. A big data architecture is applied to addressing voluminous data, which ensures that unstructured Web 2.0 data are always ready for analysis in real time.
A multivariate statistical analysis of visibility degradation at four California cities

Abstract Multiple regression analysis is used to interpret the relationship between visibility reduction, pollutants and meteorological conditions. Results indicate that multiple regression is a useful technique for air pollution analysis. Four California sites were analyzed : Los Angeles, Los Alamitos, Bakersfield and Oakland. Each site had site specific variables which reduced visibility. However, sulfur in the 0.65–3.6 μm size range showed a significant relationship to reduced visibility at all sites. The study also indicated that the elemental composition and the particle size were both important in determining the effect of paniculate aerosols on visibility reduction.
Glucosinolate Profile Variation of Growth Stages of Wild Radish (Raphanus raphanistrum)

Wild radish (Raphanus raphanistrum L.) produces glucosinolates (GSL), which are important for its use as a biofumigation or allelopathic plant for weed management. Total GSL concentrations and individual GSLs were quantified in different plant parts at different developmental stages. Eight GSLs were found in various plant tissues but glucoerucin, glucoraphenin, and glucotropaeolin comprised >90% of the total GSLs. All three are degraded to isothiocyanates, which are associated with weed suppression. Maximum GSL concentration (1942.2 μmol/plant) occurred at 50% flowering stage prior to the time of maximum biomass production, when GSL concentration was 1246.65 μmol/plant. Roots contributed <15% of the total GSL. The highest concentration of GSLs was in flowers at flowering stage, but due to the low biomass they contributed only 11.83% to the total GSL. On the basis of these results, wild radish should be incorporated into soil at 50% flowering to provide the most GSLs for weed suppression.
913 FETAL HYDANTOIN SYNDROME: SUSCEPTIBILITY TO PHENYTOIN-INDUCED CLEFT (LIP) AND PALATE LINKED TO H-2 LOCUS IN MICE

913 FETAL HYDANTOIN SYNDROME: SUSCEPTIBILITY TO PHENYTOIN-INDUCED CLEFT (LIP) AND PALATE LINKED TO H-2 LOCUS IN MICE
Ketotifen prevents gastric hyperemia induced by intracisternal thyrotropin-releasing hormone at a low dose

Abstract The thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) analog, RX 77368, ( p -Glu–His-(3,3′-dimethyl)-Pro-NH 2 ) injected intracisternally (i.c.) at low doses increases gastric mucosal blood flow through vagal cholinergic and calcitonin gene-related peptide dependent pathways. The influence of the mast cell stabilizer, ketotifen, on i.c. injection of RX 77368 (1.5 ng)-induced changes in gastric mucosal blood flow (hydrogen gas-clearance technique), gastric acid secretion and mean arterial pressure was studied in urethane-anesthetized rats. RX 77368 increased gastric blood flow by 131% and systemic arterial pressure by 11 mm Hg and decreased gastric mucosal vascular resistance by 54% whereas acid secretion was not altered within the 30 min period post injection. Ketotifen had no effect on these basal parameters but abolished i.c. RX 77368-induced increased gastric mucosal blood flow and decreased gastric vascular resistance. These data suggest that mast cells may be part of the peripheral mechanisms involved in vagal gastric hyperemia induced by TRH analog injected i.c. at a low dose.
Preliminary experience of drug-eluting bead transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for unresectable cholangiocarcinoma

Purpose The diagnosis of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) carries a poor prognosis. The majority of patients are unresectable at presentation and survival without treatment ranges from 5 to 8 months. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) using drug-eluting beads (DEB) in patients with ICC. Materials and Methods Retrospective review of 8 patients who underwent DEB TACE for ICC between April 2009 and February 2012 was performed. Demographic, procedural and follow-up data were collected for evaluation of safety, response and survival. Cross-sectional imaging was obtained prior to treatment and at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months follow-up. Patients with adequate performance who demonstrated recurrent disease on follow-up were retreated with DEB TACE. The majority of the patients also received systemic chemotherapy. Therapeutic response was evaluated using RECIST criteria and survival was estimated by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Results All 8 patients (mean age 66.1 years) had biopsy-proven ICC. The mean number of TACE procedures performed was 1.4. All TACE procedures were performed using 300-500 micron LC beads loaded with 75 or 100 mg of Doxorubicin. Mean follow-up was 8.9 months. There was one 30-day mortality from causes unrelated to the procedure. One patient was lost to follow-up. Of the remaining patients, two demonstrated partial response, three demonstrated stable disease (42.9%), and two demonstrated progression of disease by RECIST criteria. Mean survival was 9.6 months, with 3, 6 and 12-month survival of 86%, 73% and 44%, respectively, by Kaplan Meier analysis. One patient developed a biloma that was drained percutaneously. Otherwise, no major complications were reported. Conclusion Based on this small sample, DEB TACE can be performed safely in patients with ICC with the majority of patients demonstrating partial response or stable disease. DEB TACE appears to be an appropriate palliative treatment option in patients with ICC and may offer a survival benefit when compared with historical controls.
Designing the next generation high capacity battery electrodes

Much of current research in electrochemical energy storage is devoted to new electrode chemistries and reaction mechanisms that promise substantial increases in energy density. Unfortunately, most high capacity electrodes exhibit an unacceptably large hysteresis in their voltage profile. Using a first-principles multi-scale approach to examine particle level dynamics, we identify intrinsic thermodynamic and kinetic properties that are responsible for the large hysteresis exhibited by many high capacity electrodes. Our analysis shows that the hysteresis in the voltage profile of high capacity electrodes that rely on displacement reactions arises from a difference in reaction paths between charge and discharge. We demonstrate that different reaction paths are followed (i) when there is a large mismatch in ionic mobilities between the electrochemically active species (e.g. Li) and displaced ionic species and (ii) when there is a lack of a thermodynamic driving force to redistribute displaced ions upon charging of the electrode. These insights motivate the formulation of design metrics for displacement reactions in terms of fundamental properties determined by the chemistry and crystallography of the electrode material, properties that are now readily accessible with first-principles computation.
PERCEPTIONS OF THE IDEAL CHILD AMONG EMPLOYED AND NONEMPLOYED AMERICAN AND FILIPINO MOTHERS

This study examined differences in 64 American and 58 Filipino employed and nonemployed mothers' perceptions of the ideal child, measured on Torrance's Ideal Child Checklist. There were no differences in perceptions of the ideal boy and girl among these groups: however, significant differences were found in perceptions of the ideal girl between employed and nonemployed mothers, regardless of culture. Employed mothers desired the ideal girl to be more confident, aggressive, well-adjusted than did the nonemployed mothers. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Mobile augmented reality learning tool to simulate experts' perspectives in the field

Mobile Augmented Reality (MAR)---techniques to dynamically overlay digital information in the user's view through mobile devices---has the potential to uniquely contribute to people learning about objects or environments in situ. Using interactive expert videos and side-by-side MAR views on a location sensitive tablet, our prototype system, GreenHat MAR, simulates how experts go about making observations in the field, and encourages students to actively observe their environment to learn about biodiversity and sustainability issues in their natural environment. We present our design process, the GreenHat MAR prototype, and results from our preliminary evaluation study.
Anomalous HNO3/NOx ratio of remote tropospheric air: Conversion of nitric acid to formic acid and NOx?

The N oxidation ratio, (HNO3)/(NO(x)), in the free troposphere is measured at approx. 1 to 9 (averaging approx. 5), consistently lower than the values of 15-100 which known theory suggests to be reached rapidly. This discrepancy casts doubt on current models' abilities to predict effects of NO sources on remote (NO), and so also (O3) and (OH). HNO3-to-NO(x) recycling processes involving HCHO in solution are appealing explanations for the ratio. Known chemical theory are illustrated using a Lagrangian box model of the mid-troposphere which simulates characteristic episodes form NO(x) input to HNO3 washout. Ratio and budget constraint equations for No(y) can usefully restrict conceivable explanations of missing chemistry of fast nitrogen cycling; most explanations could be called 'fast-cycles' or 're-NO(x)-ification.' These equations also show how current global models may suggest spuriously good N oxidation ratios and errors in OH. Aerosol or cloud droplets reactions with HCHO may produce (a) formic acid (which needs an appropriate source) and NO(x), or alternatively, (b) hydroxymethyl nitrate (or methyl dinitrate), which might supply a large, variable amount of 'missing NO(y) not currently measurable except by NO(y) instruments.
MICROHARDNESS, SURFACE TOUGHNESS AND AVERAGE COORDINATION NUMBER IN CHALCOGENIDE GLASSES

Abstract Glasses covering the entire glass formation region in the GeSbSe chalcogenide system were prepared using 5- to 6-nines pure raw materials and careful processing techniques. Vickers microhardness and surface toughness of these, as well as several other isostructural glasses prepared similarly, were made using the microindentation technique. The microhardness of most of the glasses increased linearly with the average coordination number 〈 r 〉. The surface toughness showed a maximum at 〈r〉 ⋍ 2.6 . The empirical relationships between glass composition and the two properties so derived are examined, to some extent, in light of percolation concepts in these covalently bonded solids.
Ficin-catalyzed hydrolysis of elastin.

Abstract Ficin hydrolyzes elastin quite rapidly with a pH optimum of 5.0–5.5 and a temperature optimum (under conditions used) of 55 °C. Maximal action of ficin on elastin produces complete solubilization and a splitting of approximately 25% of the peptide bonds involving α-amino acids. Activation energy for the ficin-catalyzed splitting of these bonds is 5.8 kcal./mole.
Nosocomial outbreaks: The centers for disease control's hospital infections program experience, 1980–1990

From January 1980 to July 1990, the Hospital Infections Program of the Centers for Disease Control conducted 125 on-site epidemiologic investigations of nosocomial outbreaks. Seventy-seven (62%) were caused by bacterial pathogens, 11 (9%) were caused by fungi, 10 (8%) were caused by viruses, five (4%) were caused by mycobacteria, and 22 (18%) were caused by toxins or other organisms. The majority of fungi and mycobacterial outbreaks occurred since July 1985. Fourteen (11%) outbreaks were device related, 16 (13%) were procedure related, and 28 (22%) were product related. The proportion of outbreaks involving products, procedures, or devices increased from 47% during 1980-1985 to 67% between 1986 and July 1990. Recent outbreaks have shown that packed red blood cell transfusion-associated Yersinia enterocolitica sepsis results from contamination of the blood by the asymptomatic donor; that povidone-iodine solutions can become intrinsically contaminated and cause outbreaks of infection and/or pseudoinfection; and that rapidly growing mycobacteria can cause chronic otitis media, surgical wound infection, and hemodialysis-associated infections. These and other outbreaks demonstrate how epidemiologic and laboratory investigations can be combined to identify new pathogens and sources of infection and ultimately result in disease prevention.
Speech and Language Development and Disorders in Children

Language disorders are identified when a person has difficulty with expressive language, receptive language, or pragmatic language. Speech disorders are identified when a person's voice, fluency, or articulation call attention to the speaker because his or her speech is sufficiently different from the norm. Speech and language development should be consistent with a child's overall development and can be tracked using typical milestone markers. Differential diagnosis is critical to designing appropriate intervention, which should be tailored to the parents' goals along with the child's clinical and educational needs. Early identification and intervention assist in educational planning and are often associated with better long-term outcomes. Any speech-language therapy plan should be designed with measurable goals and consistent monitoring of progress toward those goals.
Heart-specific autoantibodies following murine coxsackievirus B3 myocarditis.

The sera from A.SW/SnJ mice infected with Coxsackievirus B3 (CB3) were tested on normal mouse tissue by indirect immunofluorescence. Heart-reactive antibodies were found. Absorption studies with organ extracts showed some of these autoantibodies to be heart-specific. Additional antibodies were crossreactive with skeletal muscle and kidney. These findings suggest a role for autoimmunity in the pathogenesis of murine CB3-induced myocarditis. This study establishes an animal model for the study of the humoral autoimmune response in human viral myocarditis.