cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inter- and Intra-Individual Variation in Allele-Specific DNA Methylation and Gene Expression in Children Conceived using Assisted Reproductive Technology

Epidemiological studies have reported a higher incidence of rare disorders involving imprinted genes among children conceived using assisted reproductive technology (ART), suggesting that ART procedures may be disruptive to imprinted gene methylation patterns. We examined intra- and inter-individual variation in DNA methylation at the differentially methylated regions (DMRs) of the IGF2/H19 and IGF2R loci in a population of children conceived in vitro or in vivo. We found substantial variation in allele-specific methylation at both loci in both groups. Aberrant methylation of the maternal IGF2/H19 DMR was more common in the in vitro group, and the overall variance was also significantly greater in the in vitro group. We estimated the number of trophoblast stem cells in each group based on approximation of the variance of the binomial distribution of IGF2/H19 methylation ratios, as well as the distribution of X chromosome inactivation scores in placenta. Both of these independent measures indicated that placentas of the in vitro group were derived from fewer stem cells than the in vivo conceived group. Both IGF2 and H19 mRNAs were significantly lower in placenta from the in vitro group. Although average birth weight was lower in the in vitro group, we found no correlation between birth weight and IGF2 or IGF2R transcript levels or the ratio of IGF2/IGF2R transcript levels. Our results show that in vitro conception is associated with aberrant methylation patterns at the IGF2/H19 locus. However, very little of the inter- or intra-individual variation in H19 or IGF2 mRNA levels can be explained by differences in maternal DMR DNA methylation, in contrast to the expectations of current transcriptional imprinting models. Extraembryonic tissues of embryos cultured in vitro appear to be derived from fewer trophoblast stem cells. It is possible that this developmental difference has an effect on placental and fetal growth.
Behavioral and neurochemical characterization of mice deficient in the phosphodiesterase-1B (PDE1B) enzyme

PDE1B is a calcium-dependent cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase that is highly expressed in the striatum. In order to investigate the physiological role of PDE1B in the central nervous system, PDE1B knockout mice (C57BL/6N background) were assessed in behavioral tests and their brains were assayed for monoamine content. In a variety of well-characterized behavioral tasks, including the elevated plus maze (anxiety-like behavior), forced swim test (depression-like behavior), hot plate (nociception) and two cognition models (passive avoidance and acquisition of conditioned avoidance responding), PDE1B knockout mice performed similarly to wild-type mice. PDE1B knockout mice showed increased baseline exploratory activity when compared to wild-type mice. When challenged with amphetamine (AMPH) and methamphetamine (METH), male and female PDE1B knockout mice showed an exaggerated locomotor response. Male PDE1B knockout mice also showed increased locomotor responses to higher doses of phencyclidine (PCP) and MK-801; however, this effect was not consistently observed in female knockout mice. In the striatum, increased dopamine turnover (DOPAC/DA and HVA/DA ratios) was found in both male and female PDE1B knockout mice. Striatal serotonin (5-HT) levels were also decreased in PDE1B knockout mice, although levels of the metabolite, 5HIAA, were unchanged. The present studies demonstrate increased striatal dopamine turnover in PDE1B knockout mice associated with increased baseline motor activity and an exaggerated locomotor response to dopaminergic stimulants such as methamphetamine and amphetamine. These data further support a role for PDE1B in striatal function.
A rheometer for measuring the viscoelastic response of polymer melts in arbitrary planar and biaxial extensional flow fields

In this paper we describe the operation of a rheometer that is capable of measuring the viscoelastic response of a polymer melt in a biaxial or planar extensional flow field under circumstances wherein the deformation history can be varied in an arbitrary manner. The principal feature of this rheometer is the use of a closed loop feedback system to control the inflation of a flat, molten polymer sheet clamped around its periphery. The feedback system is especially designed so that either stress or strain can be used as the reference point, thus permitting the deformation history to be varied arbitrarily. Illustrative data are presented on the viscoelastic response of a molten acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer subjected to a planar extensional flow for the following deformation histories: constant stress, constant strain, constant strain rate, oscillatory stress and oscillatory strain.
Efficient, effective lot sizing for multistage production systems

We consider a multistage, multiproduct production/inventory system in discrete time. When an order is placed for a component it is instantly delivered, and the required amounts of the components consumed in producing the given component are simultaneously withdrawn from their respective inventories. External demand occurs for a single component. We assume that the external demand for the component is nonconstant, deterministic, and must be met without backlogging. We propose two new cluster-based heuristics for this problem. We will show that the first of these heuristics has a worst-case relative cost that is between 1.44 and 2, and the second of these heuristics has a worst-case relative cost of 2. Computational tests indicate that, on the average, these heuristics are within 0.7% and 1.3% of optimal, respectively, and that their performance is very insensitive to the size of the system and to other input parameters.
CHEMICAL MODEL STUDIES ON THE MONOAMINE OXIDASE-B CATALYZED OXIDATION OF 4-SUBSTITUTED 1-CYCLOPROPYL-1,2,3,6-TETRAHYDROPYRIDINES

Abstract Two catalytic pathways have been proposed for the flavoenzyme monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B)—one based on an initial single electron transfer (SET) step from the nitrogen lone pair and the second based on an initial α-carbon hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) step. The SET pathway is consistent with the mechanism based inactivation properties of various cyclopropylamines. The observation that MAO-B catalyzes the efficient oxidation of certain 1-cyclopropyl-4-substituted-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridines to the corresponding dihydropyridinium metabolites suggests that the catalytic pathway for these cyclic tertiary allylamines may not proceed via the putative SET generated aminyl radical cations. The present paper describes the chemical fate of a series of N -cyclopropyltetrahydropyridines examined under reaction conditions that model the SET and the HAT pathways. All of the test compounds were rapidly converted under HAT reaction conditions to their dihydropyridinium products. Although the test compounds also were oxidized rapidly under SET conditions, no evidence for dihydropyridinium product formation was observed. The products that were identified most likely were formed after cyclopropyl ring opening of the initially formed cyclopropylaminyl radical cation. The results are discussed in terms of the mechanism of MAO-B catalysis.
A new compression ignition engine concept for high power density

A new compression ignition (CI) engine concept has been identified which greatly improves power density over conventional CI engines. This paper reviews the scaling laws as they apply to power density (power/crate volume) and derives a parameter reflecting the compactness of any engine design. The new concept is compared to existing engines on the basis of this parameter. Ideal cycle analysis of the multi-stage thermodynamic processes inherent in the new arrangement leads to the expectation that this engine will be more efficient than current engines. Real cycle simulations and concept design work have confirmed that efficiency can be at least as high as current engines while size is much reduced. Design and analysis are continuing in order to establish that the durability and low emissions will be competitive with modern CI engines.
Collaborative secret key extraction leveraging Received Signal Strength in mobile wireless networks

Securing communication in mobile wireless networks is challenging because the traditional cryptographic-based methods are not always applicable in dynamic mobile wireless environments. Using physical layer information of radio channel to generate keys secretly among wireless devices has been proposed as an alternative in wireless mobile networks. And the Received Signal Strength (RSS) based secret key extraction gains much attention due to the RSS readings are readily available in wireless infrastructure. However, the problem of using RSS to generate keys among multiple devices to ensure secure group communication remains open. In this work, we propose a framework for collaborative key generation among a group of wireless devices leveraging RSS. The proposed framework consists of a secret key extraction scheme exploiting the trend exhibited in RSS resulted from shadow fading, which is robust to outsider adversary performing stalking attacks. To deal with mobile devices not within each other's communication range, we employ relay nodes to achieve reliable key extraction. To enable secure group communication, two protocols, namely star-based and chain-based, are developed in our framework by exploiting RSS from multiple devices to perform group key generation collaboratively. Our experiments in both outdoor and indoor environments confirm the feasibility of using RSS for group key generation among multiple wireless devices under various mobile scenarios. The results also demonstrate that our collaborative key extraction scheme can achieve a lower bit mismatch rate compared to existing works when maintaining the comparable bit generation rate.
Idiopathic or mesothelioma‐related pericardial effusion: clinical findings and survival in 17 dogs studied retrospectively

This retrospective study compares the clinical signs and diagnostic findings of 17 canine patients with histopathological diagnoses of idiopathic pericardial effusion (IPE) or pericardial mesothelioma (MS) in order to identify differences in clinical findings or survival times that might aid in premortem differentiation of these disease conditions. Based on this series of cases, clinical signs, physical examination findings and results of non-invasive diagnostic testing are insufficient to differentiate MS from IPE with confidence unless a discrete pericardial or intrapericardial mass can be identified. Surgical biopsy may be misleading if large amounts of highly reactive and invasive mesothelial cells are seen. Recurrence of significant amounts of pleural effusion within 120 days of pericardiectomy may increase the likelihood that MS is the cause of pericardial effusion in cases in which other causes have been excluded. Survival longer than 120 days postpericardiectomy without chemotherapeutic intervention is associated with a decreased probability of the condition being MS.
The temporal development of the pre-perihelion infrared spectral energy distribution of comet hyakutake (C/1996 B2)

We present 1.2-18.5 μm infrared (IR) photometric observations of comet Hyakutake (C/1996 B2) that define the temporal development of the spectral energy distribution (SED) of the comet during its passage toward the Sun. The characteristics of the SED on/and prior to 1996 April 10.1 UT when the comet was at a heliocentric distance r ≥ 0.69 AU were consistent with the interpretation that the optically important grains dominating the IR emission from the coma were larger than 1 μm. The sudden appearance of a strong 10 μm silicate emission feature and several other abrupt changes in the fundamental characteristics of the SED by 1996 April 22.1 UT suggest that thermal emission from grains with radii 0.5 μm began to dominate the IR emission from the coma for r 0.39 AU. We discuss the implications of these findings in terms of the structure of the comet nucleus and suggest that they imply that Sun-activated jets may be involved in the observed temporal changes of the IR SED.
Comparative effects of some serum components and proteolytic products of fibrinogen on surface tension-lowering abilities of beractant and a synthetic peptide containing surfactant KL4.

The serum components of C-reactive protein, lysophosphatidylcholine, fibrinogen, and fibrinogen proteolytic products have been shown to reduce surface tension-lowering abilities of lung surfactant. The inhibitory effects of these serum components were compared among four different surfactants: natural lung surfactant, a phospholipid mixture that had no surfactant proteins, KL4 surfactant which has a synthetic surfactant protein B(SP-B)-like peptide, and beractant (BER) which has both SP-B and SP-C. The pulsating bubble surfactometer was used to measure the surface tension of these surfactants after the addition of inhibitors. Inhibition of BER and KL4 surfactant was observed with some serum components within 1 min of pulsation, but was reversed after 3 min of pulsation for KL4 surfactant and to a lesser extent with BER. The surface tension of phospholipid mixture alone was significantly increased and did not improve with further pulsations. Natural lung surfactant was least inhibited and was affected only at very high fibrinogen concentrations (5 mg/mL). At identical concentrations of these inhibitors, KL4 surfactant was inhibited less compared with BER. We conclude that the response of a lung surfactant to inhibitory agents may depend on the presence or absence of surfactant-related protein(s) in the surfactant and the concentration of exogenous surfactant used. KL4 surfactant, which has a synthetic peptide in lieu of SP-B, resists inhibition to these serum components more than BER at similar phospholipid concentrations.
Sediment- and aqueous-phase fenvalerate effects on meiobenthos: implications for sediment quality criteria development

Estuarine sediments sequester heavy metals and non-ionic pollutants at concentrations manyfold greater than those in the water column. Sediment-associated pollutants probably have a greater impact on the wholly sediment-dependent meiobenthos than any other invertebrate group. In this study we compared acute effects of a highly lipophilic synthetic pyrethroid pesticide, fenvalerate (i.e. FV, log Kow = 6·20), on survival of a sediment-cultured meiobenthic copepod, Amphiascus tenuiremis, exposed to aqueous and sediment-associated FV phases. Empirical results were compared to predictions generated by the equilibrium partitioning approach to sediment quality criteria. Additionally, sediment-associated FV effects on a generic group of marine nematodes and one other species of field-collected benthic copepod, Paronychocamptus wilsoni, were tested. For sediment-associated FV, nematodes showed the highest acute sensitivity (96-h LC50 = 26·1 < 33·2 < 40·5 μg-FV g−1 carbon), followed by the field-collected copepod. Paronychocamptus wilsoni (96-h LC50: 61·9 < 73·9 < 91·7), and cultured copepod Amphiascus tenuiremis (96-h LC25: 56·2 < 84·2 < 147·4). In a major departure from equilibrium partitioning theory (EqPT) predictions, A. tenuiremis exposed to aqueous FV concentrations 7300 x higher than EqPT porewater values (i.e. 0·017 to 0·068 μg-FV liter−1) exhibited only 1–27% higher mean mortalities than in sediment-associated FV exposures. Based on EqPT, the high sediment-carbon (3·8%) particulate phase probably reduced porewater FV concentrations. However, the particulate phase in this study appeared a more important FV exposure route to the sediment-ingesting A. tenuiremis than porewater or even direct aqueous exposures.
FORMIN Stable Kinetochore-Microtubule Attachments

Formins are well-known for promoting actin assembly, but they also play a lesser-studied role in microtubule stabilization. In this issue of Developmental Cell, Cheng et al. (2011) demonstrate that the formin homology protein mDia3 is regulated by Aurora B Kinase and contributes to the generation of kinetochore-microtubule attachments in mitosis.
Development of calibration standards for fourier transform infrared spectrometer in continuous monitoring of incinerator emissions

Recent development of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy greatly expands its potential as a continuous monitoring system for incinerator emissions. However, one of the key factors in ensuring success of this technology is obtaining a set of reliable calibration standards for the quantitation of target analytes. Experimental results in this study indicate that calibration should be conducted at the same cell condition as that used in the field monitoring. A static method is adequate in the calibrations of non-reactive compounds, but for a reactive compound, such as hydrogen chloride, a dynamic method must be used. The study also shows that single-component reference spectra collected in the calibration, combined with a partial least-squares method, are able to predict mixtures with strong spectral overlaps.
Coupling of highly explicit gas and aqueous chemistry mechanisms for use in 3-D

Abstract This study discusses the coupling of a near-explicit gas-phase chemical mechanism with an extensive aqueous-phase mechanism in an accurate chemical solver designed for use in 3-D models. The gas and aqueous mechanisms and the solver used are the Master Chemical Mechanism (MCM 3.1), the Chemical Aqueous Phase Radical Mechanism (CAPRAM 3.0i), and the SMVGEAR II ordinary differential solver, respectively. The MCM has over 13,500 reactions and 4600 species, whereas CAPRAM treats aqueous chemistry among 390 species and 829 reactions (including 51 gas-to-aqueous phase reactions). SMVGEAR II is a sparse-matrix Gear solver that reduces the computation time significantly while maintaining any specified accuracy. MCM has been used previously with SMVGEAR II in 3-D, and computer timings here indicate that coupling MCM with CAPRAM in SMVGEAR II is also practical. Gas- and aqueous-phase species are coupled through time-dependent dissolutional growth and dissociation equations. This method is validated with a smaller mechanism against results from a previous model intercomparison. When the smaller mechanism is compared with the full MCM-CAPRAM mechanism, some concentrations are still similar but others differ due to the greater detail in chemistry. We also expand the mechanism to include gas–aqueous transfer of two acids, glycolic acid and glyoxylic acid, and modify the glyoxal Henry's law constant from recent measurements. The average glyoxal partitioning in the cloud changed from 67% aqueous-phase to 87% aqueous-phase with the modifications. The addition of gas–aqueous transfer reactions increased the average gas-phase percentage of glycolic acid to 19% and of glyoxylic acid to 16%. This full gas-phase and aqueous-phase chemistry module is a potentially useful tool for studying air pollution in a cloud or a fog.
The Relationship of Marital Intimacy and Aloofness To Social Environment: a Hologeistic Study

This study explores the correlates of marital intimacy and aloofness across cultures. Tests of the theories of other investigators concerning the causes and consequences of marital aloofness, using indirect measures of husband-wife aloofness, fail to find support in the present study, when a more direct measure of marital aloofness is introduced. An alternative explanation of intimacy and aloofness in marriage is tested and supported, leading to the conclusion that marital intimacy is likely to occur in societies where individuals have no social support systems outside of marriage. The study concludes with a test of a set of related hypotheses that are found in the developmental literature, suggesting that adult relationships are affected by early experience with attachment figures; these hypotheses are not supported in the present study.
Teachers’ emotions in the reconstruction of professional self-understanding

Abstract This research study explores teachers’ specific emotions and the reconstruction of teachers’ professional self-understanding during a comprehensive school reform initiative. Through interviews and archival material, this study seeks to examine teachers’ specific emotions during critical incidents that occurred during the period of reform and to explore the reconstruction of their professional self-understanding. The findings illustrate that the teachers experienced fear and intimidation when their professional self-understandings were challenged. However, with the support of a literacy coach and university faculty they reconstructed these self-understandings, leading to improvements in student achievement and their own instructional practices. These positive changes led to emotions of pride and excitement. The study provides recommendations for state and local school administrators and highlights implications for future research.
Seasonal Changes in Space Use Patterns in the Southern Grasshopper Mouse, Onychomys torridus torridus

Radiotelemetry studies of Onychomys torridus torridus in the Chihuahuan Desert revealed that the home ranges of breeding males were twice as large as those of breeding females. Further, home ranges of females overlapped only slightly, whereas home ranges of males overlapped extensively with those of both females and other males. Radiotelemetry data collected at the same site during the nonbreeding season showed that: home ranges of nonbreeding adult males were significantly smaller than those of breeding males; home ranges of nonbreeding adult females did not differ in size from those of breeding females; home ranges of nonbreeding males and females did not differ significantly in size. Home-range overlap among neighboring females also was greater during the nonbreeding season, and many individuals of both sexes shared day burrows at this time. In total, these patterns support hypotheses that males compete among themselves for reproductive females.
Response to "Just Therapy":

This letter is an invited response to Waldegrave and Tamasese's (1994) "Just Therapy" article. Daniel Fullmer and Janet Ishikawa were asked to describe the successful form of family therapy they conduct in Hawaii and to indicate whether it is different from the New Zealanders' approach.
New concepts in the treatment of anaphylactoid reactions in anesthesia

Resume Durant le collapsus qui accompagne les reactions anaphylactoides peranesthesiques, le traitement vise a attenuer la vasodilatation induite par la production excessive d'un facteur relaxant les vaisseaux provenant de l'endothelium (EDRF). Ceci est realise par la stimulaton des recepteurs α 1 -adrenergiques des muscles lisses vasculaires, par l'activation de la phospholipase C et par la stimulation des mouvements du calcium. Une approche plus rationnelle serait d'attenuer la production excessive du facteur de relaxation derive de l'endothelium, en inhibant l'enzyme responsable de sa synthese, la synthetase de l'oxyde nitrique. Ce nouveau concept est actuellement a l'etude, sur des modeles experimentaux et chez l'homme. L'utilisation plus precoce d'adrenaline, a des doses plus elevees, est necessaire pour reanimer avec succes un patient atteint par une reaction anaphylactoide, comme le suggerent des etudes sur l'arret cardiaque. Les reactions anaphylactoides peuvent aussi etre associees a une vasoconstriction aigue pulmonaire avec une defaillance ventriculaire droite, mediee par le thromboxane A 2 . De nouvelles methodes de vasodilatation pulmonaire pourraient etre realisees par les inhibiteurs specifiques de la phosphodiesterase (amrinone, milrinone, enoximone) ou des prostaglandines E 1 .
Evolution of the Solar Nebula. IV. Giant Gaseous Protoplanet Formation

The discovery of the first extrasolar planets, with masses in the range of ~0.5 MJup (MJup = Jupiter mass) to ~3 MJup, demands a reevaluation of theoretical mechanisms for giant planet formation. Here we consider a long-discarded mechanism, forming giant planets through the gravitational instability of a protoplanetary disk. Radiative hydrodynamical calculations of the thermal structure of an axisymmetric protoplanetary disk with a mass of ~0.13 M☉ (inside 10 AU), orbiting a solar-mass star, predict that the outer disk may be cool enough (~100 ± 50 K) to become gravitationally unstable. This possibility is investigated here with a fully three-dimensional hydrodynamics code. Growth of significant nonaxisymmetry occurs within a few rotation periods of the outer disk and can result in the formation of several discrete, multiple-MJup clumps in <103 yr. These giant gaseous protoplanets (GGPPs) are gravitationally bound and tidally stable and so should eventually form giant planets. Modest-sized solid cores may form through dust grain growth and sedimentation prior to the centers of the GGPPs reaching planetary densities. The inner disk remains nearly axisymmetric throughout these phases, suggesting a scenario in which the formation of terrestrial planets occurs slowly through collisional accumulation in the hot inner nebula, while rapid formation of GGPPs occurs in the cooler regions of the nebula. Falling disk surface densities would restrict GGPP formation to an annulus, outside of which icy outer planets would have to form slowly through collisional accumulation. GGPP formation occurs for both locally isothermal and locally adiabatic disk thermodynamics, provided that the Toomre Q stability parameter indicates instability (Qmin ≈ 1). Low-order modes, especially m = 1 and 2, are dominant. Provided that a means can be found for inducing massive protoplanetary disks to undergo the GGPP instability (e.g., clumpy accretion of infalling gas onto a marginally stable disk), the GGPP mechanism appears to be a prompt alternative to the long-favored but protracted core accretion mechanism of giant planet formation. Observations hold the promise of deciding which of these two mechanisms is preferred by young stars.
State-Space Discretization of the Kalinin-Milyukov-Nash-Cascade in a Sample-Data System Framework for Streamflow Forecasting

A discretization of the continuous Kalinin-Milyukov-Nash-cascade is performed with the help of state-space analysis for hydrological forecasting of streamflow. A sample-data system approach is used during the discretization and results in discretely coincident values with the continuous model. The sample-data system uses input values measured instantly in time and assumes linear changes in the value of the input variable between discrete data measurements. Such description gives a generalized formulation of the pulse-data system approach often used in system engineering and discrete-time analysis of hydrological systems. An example is given to demonstrate that the approach results in improved forecasts of stream-discharge values when compared with the more traditional pulse-data system approach.
Determination of Pelvic Limb Alignment in the Large-Breed Dog: A Cadaveric Radiographic Study in the Frontal Plane

OBJECTIVES To report a method for radiographic determination of the mechanical axis of the canine pelvic limb and its relationship to the joints and bone axes. To report reference ranges for the relationships between the axes of the pelvic limb and for joint position relative to the pelvic limb axis. STUDY DESIGN Cadaveric radiographic anatomic study. ANIMALS Pelvic limbs (n=101) from normal midsized to large breed dogs; tibiae (n=105) from dogs with cranial cruciate ligament disease (previous study). METHODS Extended full-limb radiography was performed and images analyzed to determine: mechanical joint reference angles (femur, tibia), pelvic limb axis, tibiofemoral and metatarsotibial angle, mechanical axis-femur/metatarsus angle, and mechanical axis deviation (MAD) of the stifle/tarsus. RESULTS Mean mechanical angles were: lateral proximal femoral (103.7 degrees +/-5.4 degrees ), lateral distal femoral (98.6 degrees +/-2.5 degrees ), medial proximal tibial (92.2 degrees +/-1.8 degrees ), medial distal tibial (95.9 degrees +/-2.2 degrees ), tibiofemoral (9.1 degrees varus +/-2.8 degrees ), metatarsotibial (0.6 degrees valgus +/-2.1 degrees ). Mean mechanical axis-femur and-metatarsus angles were 5.6 degrees (+/-1.7 degrees ) and 2.9 degrees (+/-1.5 degrees ), respectively. Mean MAD of the stifle and tarsus were 3.6% (+/-1.1%) and 1.2% (+/-0.6%), respectively. Tibial angles were not different between dogs with and without cranial cruciate ligament disease. CONCLUSIONS Mechanical axes of the canine pelvic limb and their relationship to the joints can be determined by full-limb radiography. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Techniques and reference ranges may be useful for diagnosis, surgical planning, and postoperative assessment of pelvic limb deformities.
Process structure property relationships in electron beam generated cellular materials

Cellular materials were generated from radiation curable compositions of acrylated monomers and oligomers utilizing electron beam irradiation techniques. The relationships between the processing variables, the chemical compositions, and the final properties of these materials were examined. Two methods of producing these materials were compared. One process consists of frothing the radiation curable mixture before irradiation by a mixing technique and then casting the unpolymerized froth onto a substrate where it can be subsequently cured using electron beam radiation. Another process relies on a surfactant to stabilize the cellular structure before irradiation. It was found that the quality of the cellular structures produced by these techniques is highly dependent on the viscosity of the radiation curable mixture. A detailed outline of these processes with the resultant structures and properties of these cellular materials is presented along with comparison with other cellular material generation processes. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Colorectal carcinoma and the relationship of peritoneal cytology

Abstract Background This study was designed to investigate the frequency of the association between colorectal cancer and peritoneal cytology as well as the impact of surgical resection on conversion of cytology from benign to malignant cells being present. Furthermore, increasingly frequent reports of port site recurrences with laparoscopic colectomy for limited stage colon carcinoma prompted us to evaluate the incidence of tumor cell spillage with traditional “open” colonic surgery. Methods Fifty random patients undergoing surgery for colorectal carcinoma were prospectively evaluated with peritoneal washings prior to and following colon resection. Results Five patients (10%) were found to have malignant cytology, with no patients converting from negative to positive cytology. All five positive cytologies were associated with stage IV disease and poorly differentiated colon cancer. Conclusion Intraoperative peritoneal cancer dissemination could not be demonstrated by cytologic washings of the abdominal cavity before and after colorectal resection utilizing standard cytomorphological criteria.
Theoretical and experimental investigation of wickless heat pipes flat plate solar collector with cross flow heat exchanger

Abstract In this work, a wickless heat pipes flat plate solar collector with a cross flow heat exchanger was investigated theoretically and experimentally under the meteorological conditions of Cairo, Egypt. The author’s earlier simulation program of wickless heat pipes flat plate solar water heaters was modified to be valid for the present type of wickless heat pipes solar collector by including the solution of the dimensionless governing equations of the present analysis. For verifying the modified simulation program, a wickless heat pipes flat plate solar collector with a cross flow heat exchanger was designed, constructed, and tested at different meteorological conditions and operating parameters. These parameters include different cooling water mass flow rates and different inlet cooling water temperatures. The comparison between the experimental results and their corresponding simulated ones showed considerable agreement. Under different climatic conditions, the experimental and theoretical results showed that the optimal mass flow rate is very close to the ASHRAE standard mass flow rate for testing conventional flat plate solar collectors. Also, the experimental and theoretical results indicated that the number of wickless heat pipes has a significant effect on the collector efficiency.
Eighteen months on the planet and already a psychological theorist

Abstract A critical review essay of The Child's Theory of Mind, Henry M. Wellman, 1992, Cambridge, MA, MIT Press, xiii + 358 pp, $16.95; and Young Children's Understanding of Pretense, Paul L. Harris, Robert D. Kavanaugh, 1993, with Commentary by Henry M. Wellman, Anne K. Hickling and a Reply by the authors. Monographs of the Society for Research in Child Development, Serial No. 231, Vol. 58, No. 1. Chicago, The University of Chicago Press, v + 110 pp.
Mouse skin tumor initiation-promotion and complete carcinogenesis bioassays: mechanisms and biological activities of emission samples.

Extracts of soots obtained from various sources were applied to the skin of mice in an effort to identify carcinogens in these mixtures and to link these materials to the etiology of human cancer. ...
Differential specificity of selective culture media for enumeration of pathogenic vibrios: Advantages and limitations of multi-plating methods

Plating environmental samples on vibrio-selective chromogenic media is a commonly used technique that allows one to quickly estimate concentrations of putative vibrio pathogens or to isolate them for further study. Although this approach is convenient, its usefulness depends directly on how well the procedure selects against false positives. We tested whether a chromogenic medium, CHROMagar Vibrio (CaV), used alone (single-plating) or in combination (double-plating) with a traditional medium thiosulfate-citrate-bile-salts (TCBS), could improve the discrimination among three pathogenic vibrio species (Vibrio cholerae, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, and Vibrio vulnificus) and thereby decrease the number of false-positive colonies that must be screened by molecular methods. Assays were conducted on water samples from two estuarine environments (one subtropical, one tropical) in a variety of seasonal conditions. The results of the double-plating method were confirmed by PCR and 16S rRNA sequencing. Our data indicate that there is no significant difference in the false-positive rate between CaV and TCBS when using a single-plating technique, but determining color changes on the two media sequentially (double-plating) reduced the rate of false positive identification in most cases. The improvement achieved was about two-fold on average, but varied greatly (from 0- to 5-fold) and depended on the sampling time and location. The double-plating method was most effective for V. vulnificus in warm months, when overall V. vulnificus abundance is high (false positive rates as low as 2%, n=178). Similar results were obtained for V. cholerae (minimum false positive rate of 16%, n=146). In contrast, the false positive rate for V. parahaemolyticus was always high (minimum of 59%, n=109). Sequence analysis of false-positive isolates indicated that the majority of confounding isolates are from the Vibrionaceae family, however, members of distantly related bacterial groups were also able to grow on vibrio-selective media, even when using the double-plating method. In conclusion, the double-plating assay is a simple means to increase the efficiency of identifying pathogenic vibrios in aquatic environments and to reduce the number of molecular assays required for identity confirmation. However, the high spatial and temporal variability in the performance of the media mean that molecular approaches are still essential to obtain the most accurate vibrio abundance estimates from environmental samples.
Religious and Moral Issues in Working with Homosexual Clients

While strict moral and religious neutrality in psychotherapy is problematic at best, the therapist working with homosexual clients particularly needs clarity about her or his own moral and religious assumptions, together with knowledge of the Judeo-Christian tradition on the subject. This article examines the biblical evidence and current theological arguments about homosexuality. Christianity as an incarnationalist faith is a sex-affirming religion with positive resources for lesbians and gay men. An analysis of homophobia concludes, maintaining the position that the church as a whole will benefit greatly from the liberation of gay men and lesbians from oppression.
Molecule-interface coupling effects on electronic transport in molecular wires

Transport studies of molecular wire circuits require a description of the molecule and the leads. Here we focus on the molecule–lead interaction. We extend a time-independent scattering formalism to include a more realistic description of the interface. This allows us to obtain the conductance as a function of dimensionality of contact and of electrode, number of contacts, and geometry between molecule and interface. We study conductance in adlayers of molecules by considering transport through two identical wires. Implications for experiments are discussed.
Pigmentation development, defects, and patterning in summer flounder (Paralichthys dentatus)

Flounders offer unique opportunities to study the cytological basis of vertebrate pigmentation. Individual skin pigment cells are clearly visible at hatching, and flounder ontogeny includes a dramatic shift in overall pigmentation (from symmetrical to asymmetrical) during metamorphosis. Moreover, several types of malpigmentation occur in hatchery populations; although much effort has gone into reducing the frequency of such defects, their etiology remains poorly understood, and they have rarely been described at the cellular level. In this paper, we use light and fluorescence microscopy to describe the cytological basis of normal developmental changes and of common types of malpigmentation. We then discuss the implications of these observations for underlying patterning mechanisms.
Effect of Production and Ration Composition on Production Performance of Cows Fed Mixed Rations of Corn Silage and Concentrates

Abstract Corn silage and concentrates were mixed at time of feeding to form low-medium-and high-energy complete feeds which were fed for four 8-week periods as the only source of energy and protein to groups of cows producing low, medium, and high daily amounts of milk. Rate of decrease in daily milk production for cows receiving medium-and high-energy feeds was associated only slightly with initial production. However, a greater reduction (P Number of observations, mean initial daily milk production (kg), least-squares means for decrease in daily milk (kg), and increase in body weight (kg/week) were 48,14.5,1.93, 4.11, 71, 20.6, 2.10, 3.61, 60, 26.9, 3.34, 2.72 for the cows receiving the low, medium- and high-energy feeds.
Recurrent pericarditis: can anakinra offer a promising therapy in adults with refractory symptoms?

We read with great pleasure the work by Imazio, which is, as usual, another of his excellent contributions to pericardial disease research. Imazio discussed the treatment of recurrent pericarditis and emphasized the importance of colchicine in addition to the standard treatment modalities. This is backed up by randomized controlled evidence from CORP-1 and CORP-2 trials, which constitute the pioneer work on this subject. One aspect of this disease remains frustrating for both clinicians and patients: multiple recurrences leading to refractory pericarditis. According to the recent data from the CORP-2 trial, at least 22% of patients experienced a recurrence despite receiving 6 months of colchicine therapy for recurrent pericarditis. Such patients often experience debilitating symptoms and may progress to develop refractory pericarditis. A polypharmacy approach is utilized in such patients, which often includes a combination treatment with NSAIDs, colchicine, and steroids. Despite polypharmacy use, a large subgroup of these patients may experience recurrent symptoms. Anecdotal clinical experience of utilizing interleukin-1 inhibitors has proven beneficial in patients with refractory symptoms. Anakinra (an interleukin-1 inhibitor) was recently used in a small prospective investigation, mostly involving a pediatric population. The results showed that anakinra could be a potential treatment modality for patients with refractory symptoms of pericarditis. Anakinra has not been significantly utilized in the United States for this indication. Since this was an Italian study, we wonder if Imazio et al have utilized anakinra in their clinical experience for adult patients with refractory pericarditis. Therapeutic surgical modalities like pericardiectomy are often used as the last resort for management of recurrent pericarditis. It remains an option for patients with constrictive physiology, recurrent pericardial tamponade, or unacceptable complications with respect to standard medical therapy; however, despite pericardiectomy, patients may often experience relapse of chest pain symptoms. In contrast, percutaneous balloon pericardiotomy is a minimally invasive procedure that can be effectively used in the management of recurrent neoplastic pericardial effusions earlier in the disease course. It offers an excellent palliative benefit and improves quality of life in patients with recurrent symptoms due to malignant pericardial effusions.
Least-squares migration of incomplete reflection data

A least-squares migration algorithm is presented that reduces the migration artifacts (i.e., recording footprint noise) arising from incomplete data. Instead of migrating data with the adjoint of the forward modeling operator, the normal equations are inverted by using a preconditioned linear conjugate gradient scheme that employs regularization. The modeling operator is constructed from an asymptotic acoustic integral equation, and its adjoint is the Kirchhoff migration operator. We tested the performance of the least-squares migration on synthetic and field data in the cases of limited recording aperture, coarse sampling, and acquisition gaps in the data. Numerical results show that the least-squares migrated sections are typically more focused than are the corresponding Kirchhoff migrated sections and their reflectivity frequency distributions are closer to those of the true model frequency distribution. Regularization helps attenuate migration artifacts and provides a sharper, better frequency distribution of estimated reflectivity. The least-squares migrated sections can be used to predict the missing data traces and interpolate and extrapolate them according to the governing modeling equations. Several field data examples are presented. A ground-penetrating radar data example demonstrates the suppression of the recording footprint noise due to a limited aperture, a large gap, and an undersampled receiver line. In addition, better fault resolution was achieved after applying least-squares migration to a poststack marine data set. And a reverse vertical seismic profiling example shows that the recording footprint noise due to a coarse receiver interval can be suppressed by least-squares migration.
The effect of midazolam on visual search: Implications for understanding amnesia

The notion of multiple memory systems based on conscious accessibility has been supported largely by neuropsychological patient studies. Specifically, it was widely held that amnesic patients have impaired explicit memory performance but spared implicit memory performance. However, recent patient studies have called the implicit/explicit memory distinction into question. In this study, normal participants were tested on a visual search task, once after an injection of midazolam, an anesthetic that induces temporary amnesia, and once after an injection of saline. Under the influence of midazolam, participants did not show facilitation in search times for repeated configurations (contextual cuing), although there was a general speed-up in performance across blocks in both the midazolam and saline conditions. Neither the contextual-cuing effect nor the procedural-learning effect was available to subjective experience, yet only one of these was affected by midazolam-induced amnesia. These data call into question the notion that memory systems divide on the basis of subjective experience of consciousness or reportability. Rather, the findings support the contention that anterograde amnesia affects learning that depends on building novel associations in memory and that this deficit does not hinge upon accessibility to consciousness.
A study in Buddhist psychology: is Buddhism truly pro‐detachment and anti‐attachment?

Buddhism is often portrayed as pro‐detachment and anti‐attachment, yet is this really true? If we examine love, we can see that attachment is always a part of love, and, in fact, without a deep att...
"SOUNDS AND IMAGES": FURTHER EVIDENCE OF VALIDITY OF A TEST OF ORIGINALITY

Data from the construction, reliability and validity studies of Sounds and Images (Cunnington & Torrance, 1965), a test of verbal originality, have been reported (Torrance & Khatena, 1969). This study presents further checks on the validity of the instrument using the responses of 115 Ss of Marshall University on Sounds and Images and four criterion measures. Originality scores of 115 and 83 Ss on Form I of the measure correlated .33 and .36 (P < .01) with Forms I and I1 of Onomatopoeia and Images (Kharena, 1969), also a test of verbal originality. Similar scores of 63 and 106 Ss on Form I1 of the measure correlated .33 and .34 (p < .01) with this criterion. Originality scores of 36 and 39 Ss on the Imaginative Story (Torrance, 1962) as criterion gave rs of .44 and .39 (fi < .01) for Forms I and I1 of Sounds and Images respectively. As a third criterion, scores of 63 Ss on the What Kind of Person Are You? Test (Torrance & Khatena, 1970), a 50-item personality checklist which requires Ss to choose between creative and non-creative characteristics, correlated .33 (# < .01) with Form I of Sounds and Images. Self-ratings of 93 Ss on a 10-point scale of creativity as the fourth criterion correlated .22 (p < .05) with Form I of Sounds and Images. These small to moderate sized correlations are generally consistent with the validity of Sounds and Images as a measure of verbal originality.
Asymptotic behavior of solutions for finite-difference equations of reaction-diffusion

Abstract The method of upper-lower solutions and the associated existence-comparison theorem for continuous reaction-diffusion equations are extended to a finite-difference system which is a discrete version of the continuous problem of either parabolic type or elliptic type under appropriate boundary condition. It is shown by using the existence-comparison theorem for the discrete system that for a certain class of initial functions the corresponding time-dependent solution converges monotonically to a steady-state solution. This monotone convergence leads to the stability property of the steady-state solution as well as an estimate of the stability region in the framework of the finite difference system. Numerical results are given for an enzyme-substrate reaction model where multiple steady-state solutions exist for a certain range of physical parameters. In this situation the time-dependent solution converges either to the maximal solution or to the minimal solution depending on the corresponding initial function.