cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Insurance status and head and neck radiotherapy interruption disparities in the Mid-Southern United States.

BACKGROUND Relationships between health insurance coverage and radiotherapy (RT) interruption rates in patients with head and neck (H&N) cancer remain unclear. METHODS We performed a retrospective cohort study at our academic center. Days of RT interruption for individual patients were tabulated, analyzed for explanatory variables, and geographically mapped. RESULTS 894 of 7526 (11.9%) scheduled treatment days were interrupted, impacting 149 of 216 (69%) patients. Medicaid/uninsured patients experienced a 7.3 day mean interruption (SD = 9.9) vs 3.4 days (SD = 5.2) for Medicare/private patients (P < .001). RT interruption was predicted by insurance status in multivariate analysis (P = .008). Higher RT interruption rates overlapped geospatially with low predicted median household income and racial minority neighborhoods. CONCLUSION Unplanned treatment interruptions are a key source for H&N RT quality shortfalls in Medicaid/uninsured patients. This is the first geographic benchmarking of H&N RT delivery disparities across a complete metropolitan region, and will guide interventions studies to reduce interruption risk.
No effect of endoperoxide 4 or thromboxane A2 receptor blockade on static mechanoreflex activation in rats with heart failure.

NEW FINDINGS What is the central question of this study? Do endoperoxide 4 and thromboxane A2 receptors, which are receptors for cyclooxygenase products of arachidonic metabolism, on thin fibre muscle afferents play a role in the chronic mechanoreflex sensitization present in rats with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HF-rEF)? What is the main finding and its importance? The data do not support a role for endoperoxide 4 receptors or thromboxane A2 receptors in the chronic mechanoreflex sensitization in HF-rEF rats. ABSTRACT We investigated the role of cyclooxygenase metabolite-associated endoperoxide 4 receptors (EP4-R) and thromboxane A2 receptors (TxA2 -R) on thin fibre muscle afferents in the chronic mechanoreflex sensitization in rats with myocardial infarction-induced heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HF-rEF). We hypothesized that injection of either the EP4-R antagonist L-161,982 (1 µg) or the TxA2 -R antagonist daltroban (80 µg) into the arterial supply of the hindlimb would reduce the increase in blood pressure and renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) evoked in response to 30 s of static hindlimb skeletal muscle stretch (a model of isolated mechanoreflex activation) in decerebrate, unanaesthetized HF-rEF rats but not sham-operated control rats (SHAM). Ejection fraction was significantly reduced in HF-rEF (45 ± 11%) compared to SHAM (83 ± 6%; P < 0.01) rats. In SHAM and HF-rEF rats, we found that the EP4-R antagonist had no effect on the peak increase in mean arterial pressure (peak ΔMAP SHAM n = 6, pre: 15 ± 7, post: 15 ± 9, P = 0.99; HF-rEF n = 9, pre: 30 ± 11, post: 32 ± 15 mmHg, P = 0.84) or peak increase in RSNA (peak ΔRSNA SHAM pre: 33 ± 14, post: 47 ± 31%, P = 0.94; HF-rEF, pre: 109 ± 47, post: 139 ± 150%, P = 0.76) response to stretch. Similarly, in SHAM and HF-rEF rats, we found that the TxA2 -R antagonist had no effect on the peak ΔMAP (SHAM n = 7, pre: 13 ± 7, post: 19 ± 14, P = 0.15; HF-rEF n = 14, pre: 24 ± 13, post: 21 ± 13 mmHg, P = 0.47) or peak ΔRSNA (SHAM pre: 52 ± 43, post: 57 ± 67%, P = 0.94; HF-rEF, pre: 108 ± 93, post: 88 ± 72%, P = 0.30) response to stretch. The data do not support a role for EP4-Rs or TxA2 -Rs in the chronic mechanoreflex sensitization in HF-rEF.
Binaural Hearing with Temporally Complex Signals

Spatial hearing in real-world scenes involves stimuli that are both spectrally and temporally complex. That is, they consist of multiple frequency components that change over time. Temporal complexity results from motion of sound sources, acoustical effects resulting from interaction with the environment (e.g., reverberation), and intrinsic modulations of the sounds themselves. These factors introduce dynamic fluctuations in the binaural acoustic cues responsible for spatial hearing, and in the overall features of the waveform, such as its amplitude envelope, that affect how the brain processes those cues. Although temporal complexity adds challenge to the problem of spatial hearing, brain mechanisms seem to have evolved to manage and even exploit temporal complexity to support robust spatial hearing in complex scenes. This chapter explores research on five interrelated aspects of temporal complexity with profound impacts on binaural hearing: (1) the importance of binaural information that co-occurs with envelope fluctuations; (2) the superior sensitivity to binaural cues carried by steep versus shallow envelope slopes; (3) the apparent insensitivity to binaural information conveyed by rapidly fluctuating envelopes; (4) the dependence of binaural integration (sensitivity over time) on the specific cues available; and (5) the role of stimulus similarity across the two ears in the form of interaural coherence or interaural correlation as an important mediating factor and as a direct cue to the binaural configuration of the auditory scene. The overall results suggest that robust spatial representations of acoustically complex scenes are facilitated by the binaural system exploiting temporal complexity, for example by utilizing binaural information conveyed by relatively large, infrequently occurring, positive-going envelope fluctuations.
Marine debris knows no boundaries: Characteristics of debris accumulation in marine protected areas of the Florida Keys.

Abstract Marine debris is a persistent and pervasive threat worldwide including inside marine protected areas (MPAs). To assess marine debris accumulation rates and potential impacts, we counted and evaluated trap, non-trap fishing gear, and non-fishing debris in unprotected areas and MPAs with different management boundary regulations in the Florida Keys (USA). Analyses identified that neither MPA type nor size were strong drivers of debris density and that debris densities were not statistically different between unprotected areas and MPAs. Non-fishing and non-trap fishing gear debris densities were potentially related to unexplored local differences in human behavior, while trap debris density was likely associated with oceanographic forces that transported traps into the MPAs. Overall, our results suggested that the drivers of marine debris accumulation for each debris category were different and may vary with each individual MPA, and that marine debris is not constrained by MPA boundaries.
Nitrate isotope distributions on the US GEOTRACES North Atlantic cross-basin section: Signals of polar nitrate sources and low latitude nitrogen cycling

Abstract We report and interpret the nitrate δ15N and δ18O distributions in the cross-basin transect of the US GEOTRACES North Atlantic expedition. Low nitrate δ15N observed in the shallow thermocline of the central western portion of the basin (reaching as low as 2.5‰ vs. air; ~ 2.3‰ lower than deep Atlantic nitrate) reflects the remineralization of nitrogen with a low δ15N, presumably mostly from nitrogen fixation. A strong correlation between the δ15N and concentration of nitrate argues that the focusing of the low δ15N signal in the upper thermocline of the North Atlantic subtropical gyre is at least partly due to the low concentration of nitrate in those waters, such that the east-to-west δ15N decrease in shallow thermocline nitrate does not require an east-to-west increase in nitrogen fixation rate. In underlying intermediate-depth water, which enters the section largely from the South, the nitrate δ15N is ~ 1‰ higher than in deep water while the δ18O is similar to that in deep water. The δ15N elevation derives from the partial assimilation of nitrate in Southern Ocean surface waters prior to Antarctic Intermediate and Subantarctic Mode Water formation. The δ18O elevation of preformed nitrate in southern-sourced intermediate waters has been diluted by the addition of nitrate from regeneration/nitrification in the low latitudes, which does not similarly weaken the δ15N elevation. In deep water, the nitrate δ15N in samples with a high relative contribution of North Atlantic Deep Water is almost indistinguishable from that of samples with a higher contribution of Antarctic Bottom Water (4.8–4.9‰ vs. air). Thus, the high nitrate δ15N in northward flowing intermediate waters is almost entirely erased by the input of low-δ15N newly fixed nitrogen to the Atlantic (including that from the Mediterranean) prior to the incorporation of those intermediate depth waters into southward flowing North Atlantic Deep Water. The data appear consistent with a nitrogen isotopic balance between northward and southward nitrate transports across the GEOTRACES section, suggesting that most Atlantic nitrogen fixation occurs south of the section.
Conjugated and conducting nanostructures in zeolites

The inclusion chemistry of conducting polymers and related oligomers in inorganic hosts is reviewed, with emphasis on zeolite molecular sieve hosts. Conducting polymers have been intercalated via various synthetic pathways into layered hosts such as FeOCl, into nanoporous membranes, and into zeolite molecular sieves. The crystalline nature and molecular dimensions of the zeolite cage-and channel-systems make them important hosts for the structuring of matter at the nanometer scale. Significant efforts have been directed at the intrazeolitic polymerization of acetylenes and several heteroaromatics, including pyrrole, thiophene, and aniline. For the latter group, oxidative polymerization is typically used, while polymerization of acetylene proceeds in the acid forms of zeolites. Intrazeolite carbon filaments based on the pyrolysis of intrazeolite polyacrylonitrile have also been prepared. The electronic conductivity of some of the intrazeolitic polymers has been determined, and the critical effects of charge trapping and hopping in more extended systems are emphasized. Encapsulation of conjugated systems in the channels of the mesoporous host MCM-41 leads to conducting filaments at nanoscale dimensions.
Physiological Responses to Natriuretic Hormones

The sections in this article are: 1 Cellular Actions of Natriuretic Peptides 1.1 The Family of Natriuretic Peptides 1.2 Natriuretic Peptide Receptors 1.3 Natriuretic Peptide Signaling 2 Adrenal and Other Endocrine Actions of Natriuretic Peptides 3 Regulation of Blood Pressure by Natriuretic Peptides 3.1 Regulation of Autonomic Reflexes 3.2 Cardiac Output 3.3 Peripheral Vascular Resistance 3.4 Distribution of Fluid Between Intravascular and Extravascular Compartments 3.5 Integrative Effects on Blood Pressure 3.6 Growth of Vascular Cells 4 Renal Actions of Natriuretic Peptides 4.1 Renal Hemodynamics 4.2 Renal Epithelial Actions 4.3 Integrative Effects on Renal Function 5 Integrative Physiology of Natriuretic Peptides 5.1 Roles in Normal Physiology and Disease 6 Summary and Future Directions
Abstract W P9: Recanalization in Wake-up Strokes

INTRODUCTION: Current treatments for acute ischemic stroke are approved based on time of onset, providing a dilemma for stroke patients with unknown onset time. About 25% of patients present as wake-up strokes (WUS). Our aim was to identify characteristics associated with the clinical outcomes of WUS patients receiving acute revascularization therapies. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of consecutive patients with ischemic stroke who received treatment at a large academic medical center from 1994-2014. We identified patients with symptoms upon awakening and those with indefinite time of onset presenting within 24 hours of last known normal time. Demographics, NIHSS, diffusion-weighted imaging-based Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score (DWI-ASPECTS), treatment, and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 90-day follow-up were obtained. A good outcome was defined as 90-day mRS 0-2. RESULTS: Patients with unknown stroke onset time comprised 25.6% (90/351) of acute strokes treated in our series. Seventy-two were WUS, and 18 were indefinite time of onset not upon awakening. Median age was 70.5 (range 2-92), median NIHSS 13 (range 2-27), and median DWI-ASPECTS 8 (range 1-10). Large vessel occlusions were as follows: 39 M1 middle cerebral artery (MCA), 16 M2 MCA, 9 intracranial internal carotid artery (ICA), 8 basilar artery, 6 extracranial ICA, 2 M3 MCA, 2 distal MCA, 1 A2 anterior cerebral artery, 1 posterior cerebral artery, and 1 vertebral artery. Five cases did not have an occlusion. Forty-six were treated with thrombectomy, 11 with IV thrombolysis, 14 IA thrombolysis, 10 IA thrombolysis + thrombectomy, 3 IV + IA thrombolysis, 5 IV thrombolysis + thrombectomy, and 1 IV + IA thrombolysis + thrombectomy. Sixty-one patients had MRI on initial evaluation, and 51 (77%) had DWI-ASPECTS≥7. Of those, 16 (31.4%) had a good outcome at follow-up. Only 1 patient with DWI-ASPECTS<7 had good outcome, and 14/33 patients with DWI-ASPECTS≥7 had good outcome (p=0.04). Lower age (65 vs 74, p=0.03) was a predictor of good outcome at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with anterior circulation strokes with unknown onset time and DWI-ASPECTS≥7 have potential for good outcome with acute treatment.
Isochronous 180 degrees turns for the SLC positron system

The design of the compact, achromatic, second-order isochronous 180 degrees turn, for the SLC positron transport system is described. Design criteria require an energy range of 200+or-20 MeV, energy acceptance of +or-5%, transverse admittance of 25 pi mm-mr, and minimal lengthening of the 3 to 4 mm (rms) positron bunch. Optics specifications and theoretical performance are presented and compared to experimental results based on streak camera measurements of bunch length immediately after the first isochronous turn (200 MeV) and positron beam energy spread after S-band acceleration to 1.15 GeV. >
Educating practitioners to value new marketing knowledge

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to detail teaching and learning strategies designed to incorporate advances in marketing and continued interest in new marketing knowledge.Design/methodology/approach – The current debate concerning the transfer of new marketing knowledge from academics to practitioners is reviewed. Teaching and learning strategies that increase exposure to and interest in new marketing knowledge are described.Findings – Certain classroom strategies that increase the transmission of new marketing knowledge appear to increase the receptivity towards future advances. The argument is made that the use of such strategies helps move marketing academics from a push strategy for disseminating marketing knowledge to a pull strategy.Research limitation/implications – The strategies described here have been used with highly motivated, experienced students, such as executives.Practical implications – The specific classroom techniques have been refined over a number of years and offer ideas that...
Subnational FDI Competition in Developing Countries: The Case of Viet Nam

This paper is part of a larger work on investment incentives worldwide. Here I explain provincial use of investment incentives, even ones illegal under Vietnamese law, as a response to their need for capital and the competition engendered by capital’s mobility. Vietnam has interesting parallels with Brazil in terms of conflict between richer and poorer provinces, but also with the European Union in terms of Vietnam’s administratively ambitious effort to control the maximum subsidy available in every location in the country. This structure broke down in 2001-2005, when half of the country’s provinces broke the laws, but the central government reasserted its authority at the end of 2005 and seems to be holding the provinces in check even as the government has further decentralized investment attraction.
Comparison of Duplex Ultrasonography and Nocturnal Penile Tumescence in Evaluation of Impotence

AbstractDuplex ultrasound is used commonly to evaluate vascular function in impotent men. There is evidence, however, that some men with normal vascular function may have falsely abnormal duplex ultrasound results because of suppression of response to pharmacological stimulation due to anxiety. We performed a prospective blinded study of 40 impotent men comparing duplex ultrasound to a formal nocturnal penile tumescence evaluation. Duplex ultrasound was done with a standard 10MHz. color Doppler unit after intracorporeal pharmacological stimulation. Nocturnal penile tumescence was performed at a sleep laboratory, and included measurements of penile circumference, axial rigidity, arterial pulsations, and direct patient and observer evaluation of erections.Of 40 men 20 had an abnormal duplex ultrasound result (maximum arterial velocity less than 30cm. per second), including 9 who had normal nocturnal penile tumescence with at least 1 rigid erection (greater than 550 gm. axial rigidity) lasting at least 5 min...
Motion sensitivity and caloric responsiveness in vestibular migraine and Meniere's disease.

Objectives/Hypothesis We examined whether scores on a motion sensitivity questionnaire (MSQ) could distinguish between vestibular migraine (VM) and Meniere's disease (MD). As a secondary goal, we examined whether scores on the MSQ correlated with results from caloric testing. Study Design This study administered a telephone questionnaire to subjects who met clinical criteria for vestibular migraine, Meniere's disease, and controls. Methods A MSQ was administered to 20 subjects meeting American Academy of Otolaryngology (AAO) criteria for MD, 30 subjects meeting Neuhauser criteria for both probable vestibular migraine (pVM) and definite vestibular migraine (dVM), and 22 controls. Results The average score on the MSQ was 5.9 for VM, 4.25 for MD, and 0.4 for controls. Both the VM and MD scored significantly higher than the controls (P = 0.0001), but results were not statistically different from each other (P = 0.17). However, the average score for subjects with dVM was 7.1, which was significantly higher than subjects with pVM whose average score was 4.2 (P = 0.045) and higher than subjects with MD (P = 0.048). When each question of the MSQ was analyzed, motion sensitivity to riding in a car was found to be significantly different between VM (average score 1.1) and MD (average score 0.5), with P value of 0.048. Scores of MSQ did not correlate with the total eye speed (TES) on caloric testing. Conclusions Subjects with VM and MD had elevated levels of motion sensitivity compared to controls. Subjects with VM had more motion sensitivity to riding in a car than those with MD, but their TES was not different. Level of Evidence 3b. Laryngoscope, 124:969–973, 2014
Role of surface chemistry in primary and secondary coagulation and heterocoagulation

Abstract Stability ratios were calculated from a modified Fuchs' equation using the double-layer interaction computed by solving the nonlinear Poisson-Boltzmann equation subject to boundary conditions which consider dissociation equilibria. Stability ratios calculated for identical particles with weakly acidic surfaces show less sensitivity to ionic strength than with strongly acidic surfaces and the same density of ionizable sites. Oppositely charged sols may also be stable to heterocoagulation over a narrow interval of salt concentration, provided the ratio of surface charge densities is sufficiently different from -1. Stability arises from the double-layer repulsion which occurs between oppositely charged surfaces separated by less than one Debye length. Particles may coagulate in the secondary minimum without overcoming the barrier which opposes coagulation in the primary minimum. When the secondary minimum is deep compared to kT , an analysis was presented which indicated that coagulation in the secondary minimum is initially rapid. After a relaxation time, which increases with the depth of the secondary minimum, the total rate of coagulation in the primary and secondary minima slows to the steady-state value predicted by Fuchs' theory. Consideration of variations in the surface potential with the salt concentration or the particle-particle separation did not resolve the disparity with respect to particle size between predicted stability ratios and those measured by Ottewill and Shaw [ Disc. Faraday Soc. 42 ,154 (1966)]. Likewise, consideration of the secondary minimum did not resolve the disparity. However, considering a Gaussian-like distribution of charge densities among particles of a sol may lead to agreement between predicted and observed stability ratios.
The possible elemental nature of brown

Abstract The continuous judgmental color-naming technique was used to assess the elemental nature of names descriptive of dark colors. Subjects were instructed to describe the color of a 0.54 deg, 2.5 log td test field of either 450, 530, 580 or 660 nm, that was surrounded by an achromatic annulus of 3.8 deg outer diameter. The annulus was varied in retinal illuminance from 1.5 to 3.7 log td. Test field and annulus were flashed simultaneously for 1 sec to the fovea of one eye. Results from 3 subjects indicated that the names blue, green, red and black were necessary and sufficient for describing the 450, 530 and 660 nm test fields. The 580 nm test field required the color name brown, in addition to the names yellow and black, to describe it when intermediate surround intensities were used. Additional results suggested the possible elemental nature of the color name brown.
Targeting the de novo biosynthesis of thymidylate for the development of a PET probe for pancreatic cancer imaging

The development of cancer-specific probes for imaging by positron emission tomography (PET) is gaining impetus in cancer research and clinical oncology. One of the hallmarks of most cancer cells is incessant DNA replication, which requires the continuous synthesis of nucleotides. Thymidylate synthase (TSase) is unique in this context because it is the only enzyme in humans that is responsible for the de novo biosynthesis of the DNA building block 2'-deoxy-thymidylate (dTMP). TSase catalyzes the reductive methylation of 2'-deoxy-uridylate (dUMP) to dTMP using (R)-N(5),N(10)-methylene-5,6,7,8-tetrahydrofolate (MTHF) as a cofactor. Not surprisingly, several human cancers overexpress TSase, which makes it a common target for chemotherapy (e.g., 5-fluorouracil). We envisioned that [(11)C]-MTHF might be a PET probe that could specifically label cancerous cells. Using stable radiotracer [(14)C]-MTHF, we had initially found increased uptake by breast and colon cancer cell lines. In the current study, we examined the uptake of this radiotracer in human pancreatic cancer cell lines MIAPaCa-2 and PANC-1 and found predominant radiolabeling of cancerous versus normal pancreatic cells. Furthermore, uptake of the radiotracer is dependent on the intracellular level of the folate pool, cell cycle phase, expression of folate receptors on the cell membrane, and cotreatment with the common chemotherapeutic drug methotrexate (MTX, which blocks the biosynthesis of endogenous MTHF). These results point toward [(11)C]-MTHF being used as PET probe with broad specificity and being able to control its signal through MTX co-administration.
Whose history? : Museum-making and struggles over ethnicity and representation in the Sunbelt

This article examines the contested versions of history, defined as a kind of discourse, surrounding the attempt to establish a museum in Tampa, Florida. As part of a strategy of urban redevelopmen...
Molecular identification of Trogoderma granarium (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) using the 16s gene

The Khapra beetle, Trogoderma granarium Everts, is a global pest species of stored grain products. Accurate identification of Trogoderma specimens trapped within stores of grain is critical to surveillance and exclusion efforts for the Khapra beetle. To enhance diagnostic capacity, we report PCR-based diagnostic assays for Khapra beetle identification. Three methods such as conventional PCR, real-time PCR, and DNA sequencing are reported for the diagnosis of Trogoderma specimens captured within the U.S. All three methods discern the Khapra beetle based on variation in fragments of 16S mitochondrial DNA. To examine PCR assay stringency, ten native or introduced Trogoderma species and two Megatoma species were also examined. These DNA-based assays provide reliable identification of T. granarium regardless of condition, life stage, or taxonomic expertise of the investigator.
Female genital mutilation: the penultimate gender abuse.

Objective The five goals established for the development of this article were to: (1) provide an historical overview of the practice, (2) describe the procedure and its sequelae in realistic terms, (3) explore cultural justifications for the continuation of this action, (4) evaluate inherent moral/ethical/legal issues and, (5) focus worldwide professional attention on a gender-specific child atrocity. Method A review of the past and current historical, popular and professional literature was undertaken to determine the precursors, magnitude, settings, rationale, and moral-ethical-legal-treatment issues associated with this mutilating procedure. Results Four forms of female genital mutilation were identified. These are: (1) sunna (removal of the prepuce of the clitoris); (2) clitoridectomy (removal of the prepuce and the clitoris); (3) excision (removal of the prepuce, clitoris, upper labia minora and perhaps the labia majora); and, (4) infibulation (removal of the prepuce, clitoris, labia minora, and labia majora). The "surgery" is performed most frequently by untrained midwives who use sharp rocks, razor blades, kitchen knives, broken glass, or even their teeth. As a rule, no anesthetics, antiseptics, analgesics or antibiotics are available to victims. Consequently, these females typically suffer from massive short-term and long-term physical, emotional, sexual and obstetrical sequelae. Conclusions The justifications tendered by proponents do not withstand moral-legal-ethical scrutiny. Female genital mutilation is a violation of human rights and an atrocity perpetrated against helpless individuals who are unable to provide informed consent and who must therefore be protected through education and legislation.
Genetic and Phenotypic Relationships Between Certain Body Measurements and First Lactation Milk Production in Dairy Cattle

Abstract Genetic and phenotypic correlations between milk production and six body measurements taken at five ages were estimated to study tbe usefulness of body measurements in predicting future milk production. Measurements of body length, chest depth, heart girth, paunch girth, weight, and withers height were obtained at 3, 6, 12, and 18 months of age and at 3 months postpartum, from two experiment station Holstein herds and one experiment station Guernsey herd. Correlations were estimated from 157 daughter-dam pairs and from paternal sister analyses involving from 371 to 452 daughters of 71 sires. Phenotypic correlations between measurement traits and milk production fell between −.1 and 0.1, and were not significantly different from zero. Estimates of genetic correlations were mostly positive, but only the correlation between 12-month weight and milk production of 0.43±0.19 differed significantly from zero. Body measurements seem to be of little value in predicting milk production, but there appears to be no basis for the often-encountered claim of a genetic antagonism between measures of body size and milk production in dairy cattle.
Remember where you come from: Dissociative process in multicultural individuals.

Psychoanalysts participate in the internal constructs and the external exigencies of the people with whom they work, sitting where society and individuality cross paths. Yet, much of psychoanalytic writing mutes culture's bass line from the self's composition, even though every gesture—not to mention every word—evinces the cultural world in the analyst's room. Psychic disconnection takes place as the analyst decontextualizes an individual's personality from cultural reality in a dissociative process that compromises the analytic work. Cultural truths are very much a part of that work's mutuality. Social history underscores the motivations of the seekers and the providers of psychoanalysis and psychotherapy. Interpretations, enactments, and the relationship's construction unconsciously replicate unexamined tenets of analysts' cultural belief system. If analysts don't connect the dynamic process in which they work to social influence, they and the people who consult with them will inevitably wall off access...
Modulation of mast cell responses to adenosine by agents that alter protein kinase C activity

Abstract The acute incubation of mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells with low concentrations of agents known to activate protein kinase C [phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), 1,2-dioctanoyl- sn -glycerol (diC8), and 1-oleoyl-2-acetyl-glycerol (OAG)] caused an enhancement of β-hexosaminidase release stimulated by the calcium ionophore A23187. Higher concentrations of protein kinase C activators tended to inhibit A23187- or antigen-induced preformed mediator release. All concentrations studied induced a striking mast cell hyporesponsiveness to the mediator release augmenting effect of adenosine. Agents that have been reported to block protein kinase C activity [1-(5-isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-methylpiperazine dihydrochloride (H-7) and sphingosine] demonstrated diverse responses in this system. Up to 100 μM H-7 failed to affect mast cell β-hexosaminidase release in the presence or absence of PMA and secretagogue. Sphingosine (10 μM) was a potent inhibitor of antigen- or A23187-induced mediator release as well as adenosine responsiveness. Sphingosine also blocked the effects of PMA noted above in a dose-dependent fashion. The generation of leukotriene C 4 (LTC 4 ) by stimulated mast cells surprisingly was not affected by concentrations of diC8 that significantly inhibited granule-associated mediator release. Translocation of protein kinase C activity from the cytosol to the mast cell membrane was evident in cells briefly pretreated with A23187, adenosine alone, and diC8 in the presence of Tyrode's buffer, A23187, or adenosine. These findings lend further support to the contention that signal transduction from mast cell adenosine receptors to processes that regulate degranulation may involve protein kinase C.
Acrolysin, the aminoproteinase catalyzing the initial conversion of proacrosin to acrosin in mammalian fertilization.

Abstract Extracts of mammalian sperm acrosomes and testes contain a proteinase, acrolysin, that hydrolyzes the aminopeptide bonds of hydrophobic aminoacyl residues. Acrolysin has hydrolytic specificity and properties similar to the proteinase, thermolysin (E.C. 3.4.24.4), that also catalyzes the conversion of proacrosin to acrosin (E.C. 3.4.21.10). Acrolysin is the apparent initiator of proacrosin activation in mammalian fertilization.
Nutrition Claims Influence Health Perceptions and Taste Preferences in Fourth- and Fifth-Grade Children

Abstract Objective To determine whether children perceive food with nutrition claims as healthier and tasting differently than those without claims. Methods Fourth- and fifth-graders (n = 47) from 3 California schools participated. Two identical products (cookies, crackers, or juice) were placed in front of product packages, 1 with a nutrition claim, the other without. Each child was asked which product was healthier and which tasted better. Results The percentage of children who identified the reduced-fat cookie, whole-grain cracker, or 100% juice as healthier was 81%, 83% and 81%, respectively. The taste of the “healthier” product (ie, with nutrition claim) was preferred by 72%, 67%, and 54%, respectively. Conclusions and Implications A convenience sample of children perceived products with a nutrition claim as healthier and identified the “healthier” cookies and crackers as tasting better. Future research should examine whether food labeling can be used to encourage children to consume healthier diets.
Separation of epidermal cells by density centrifugation: A new technique for studies on normal and pathological differentiation

Murine keratinocytes, isolated by flotation trypsinization of skin, can be separated into five groups by centrifugation through Percoll, a colloidal silica gradient. Within each group a good correlation was found between density, plating efficiency, morphological appearance, DNA synthesis, and degree of keratinization/cornification. This method can be applied equally well to fetal, newborn, or adult keratinocytes and should be useful in a variety of studies including isolation of subpopulations of pathological cell types, work on chalones and hyperplastic diseases such as psoriasis, and in vitro transformation studies.
Energy accumulation in nanoparticle collision and coalescence processes

During coalescence, the surface area of the particle decreases, resulting in a heat release associated with the resulting lower surface energy. In a growth process particle heating competes with heat transfer by conduction to the cooler carrier gas and radiation. This temperature increase can be extremely important and should be accounted for when modeling collision/coalescence processes. The heat release associated with particle coalescence may reduce the coalescence time by as much as a few orders of magnitude. In addition, under some conditions there is insufficient time for the particles to cool to the gas temperature before another collision event takes place. Two such cases are investigated in this paper: (1) low pressure growth of Si nanoparticles and (2) high volume loading growth of TiO2 nanoparticles. It is shown that accounting for energy release and heat transfer effects have a dramatic effect on primary particle formation and the onset of aggregate formation. The results of the work indicate that to grow the largest primary particles one should operate at low pressures and/or high volume loadings.
Photography of comets 1973f (Kohoutek) and 1974b (Bradfield) at Mauna Kea observatory

Photographs of the comets Kohoutek and Bradfield were made at Mauna Kea Observatory in Hawaii in late 1973 and early 1974 using spectroscopic plates, black-and-white film, and color film. Examples of some photographs are reproduced. A catalog of all the photographs is given, showing the time and length of exposure, the comet-Earth distance, and the comet-Sun distance.
Education for the Successful Geoscience Information Specialist

Summary In lengthy interviews geoscience information specialists from government, academic institutions, and the corporate world discussed their views of the ideal education for practitioners in their field. These experts shared opinions and experiences concerning subject specialization, specific competencies and services, users and their information needs, management and administrative skills, and preparation for teaching and research. Common themes in these conversations were those of new technologies, changing paradigms for libraries and information services, funding priorities, increasing and often competing demands on the information specialist's time, and the necessity for marketing and value-added services.
Pharmacokinetics of sulphadimethoxine in the lobster, Homarus americanus, following intrapericardial administration.

1. The pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of intrapericardially administered sulphadimethoxine were studied in the lobster Homarus americanus.2. Pharmacokinetic analysis of haemolymph concentration-time data indicated that a two compartment model best described sulphadimethoxine disposition, and that there were no apparent sex differences in the lobster. Analysis of total body clearance (Clb), apparent steady-state volume of distribution (Vss), area under the curve, and plasma protein binding in lobsters receiving 21, 42 and 55 mg/kg sodium sulphadimethoxine indicated that the pharmacokinetics were independent of dose.3. Mean parameter estimates for Clb, Vss, and terminal half life were 13˙8 ml/h/kg, 1369 ml/kg, and 76˙7 h, respectively. Binding of sulphadimethoxine to haemolymph proteins was linear, with a mean of 53˙5% bound.4. Analysis of the tissue distribution of radiolabelled sulphadimethoxine at 4, 48 and 336 hours after a 42 mg/kg dose indicated that sulphadimethoxine was excreted slowly by ...
Electrochemical formation of a polyaniline-analogue monolayer on a gold electrode

Electrochemical preparation of polymerized self-assembled monolayers on an Au(111) substrate has been attempted by using aminobenzenethiol and 3-aminophenethylthiol. A self-assembled monolayer of a...
Self-determination at work: Understanding the role of leader-member exchange

Integrating self-determination theory (SDT) and leader-member exchange (LMX) theory, we explore the role of the leader in facilitating employee self-determination. We test a model of the linkages between employees’ leader-member exchanges, psychological need satisfaction (i.e., satisfaction of autonomy, competence, and relatedness needs), autonomous motivation, and attitudinal outcomes. We posit that high-quality leader-member exchanges facilitate satisfaction of employees’ fundamental psychological needs, which, in turn, enhance autonomous motivation and outcomes. Results for 283 working professionals supported this notion. Structural equation modeling indicated that the employee’s perception of the quality of the LMX was positively related to satisfaction of the needs for competence, autonomy, and relatedness. Satisfaction of competence and autonomy needs was positively related to autonomous motivation, which, in turn, was associated with higher levels of job satisfaction, affective organizational commitment, and subjective vitality. Our findings accentuate the role of leader-employee relationships in creating self-determination at work, and reinforce the importance of self-determination for employee attitudes and well-being. Limitations, implications, and directions for future research are discussed.
Acceleration of the menstrual cycle by intercourse.

Hazard statistics were applied to an extensive set of prospective data to test for an acceleration of the menstrual cycle by intercourse. Intercourse appeared to accelerate both the basal body temperature (BBT) shift and the onset of menses. Menses was accelerated more by a combination of follicular and luteal intercourse than by luteal intercourse alone (using the BBT shift as an ovulation indicator). The accelerator effects of intercourse therefore appear to cumulate across the menstrual cycle.
"Ages" of the Sikhote Alin Iron Meteorite.

Measurements of the potassium and argon content of the Sikhote Alin iron meteorite, by activation analysis, enable a potassium-argon "age" of 1.7 x 109 years to be calculated. Such an age is vastly different from all the ages previously measured for iron meteorites.
Use of a neurophysiological trait in linkage analysis of schizophrenia

Traditional diagnostic techniques may not provide all the information necessary to reveal the genetic causes of schizophrenia through linkage analysis. Use of neurophysiological indicator variables that are associated with the disease may increase the probability of detecting linkage. Such variables not only produce simpler phenotypes for analysis, but they also may be more proximal to the gene products involved in neurological dysfunctions underlying schizophrenia. We have used a previously characterized neurophysiological variable, the P50 evoked-auditory response, to search for chromosomal regions that may be of interest in the study of schizophrenia. Although our scan of over 300 markers did not show strong evidence for linkage to P50 in nine families, this exploratory analysis has revealed several chromosomal regions that may deserve further study.
MFM and Its Application to Magnetic Recording: For D.C. and High-Frequency Characterization

The magnetic force microscope (MFM) is a tool for observing the microscopic magnetic structure of a sample surface using a scanning probe. Its use in investigations of the microscopic characteristics of magnetic components has been studied intensively. In this review, we describe applications of MFM to the characterization of magnetic recording heads and media. The principle of operation is based on detection of the force between the MFM probe tip and the sample; hence various experimental results can be obtained by changing the magnetic properties of the MFM probe tip. We also discuss interpretation of results and their applications.
Examining the Effects of Social Bonds and Shame on Drug Recovery within an On-Line Support Community

Past research has demonstrated the utility of on-line support groups for individuals to form relationships and make connections. Additionally, some on-line communities have expanded to provide various types of support, particularly for deviant behavior. These virtual communities may be particularly indispensable to individuals who, out of fear of condemnation, are reluctant to seek traditional forms of social support. For purposes of this study, we examined how members of a substance abuse recovery on-line support group expressed feelings pertaining to their own substance abuse, as well as their processes of attempted or successful recovery. Using an inductive approach for our preliminary analysis, we first assessed which theories were most prevalent throughout the writers’ journals. We then used these theories, both Hirschi’s theory of social control and Braithwaite’s theory of reintegrative shaming, as frameworks to explore the differences between those who were in recovery and those who were still using.
Enhancement and extinction effects in surface-enhanced stimulated Raman spectroscopy

We address the optical physics of surface-enhanced stimulated Raman spectroscopy (SESRS) from the microscopic to macroscopic scales to provide experimental design criteria in colloidal-suspension SESRS. The nanoparticles that provide local field enhancement also extinguish the Raman signal. We compute the total Raman signal detected from a suspension of Raman-active molecules and nanoparticles due to the cumulative effects of enhancement and extinction and find optimum operating parameters for pump frequency and nanoparticle concentration.
Nancy Vincent McClelland (1877-1959): Professionalizing Interior Decoration in the Early Twentieth Century

This paper explores the beginnings of professionalization in interior decoration during the early twentieth century mainly within the context of the writings and professional activities of Nancy Vincent McClelland. A member of the first generation of women decorators in the USA, she was a respected interior decorator, author, lecturer and expert in antiques and wallpapers. McClelland was also a life-long advocate of education and professional standards, including licensing, for decorators. She made important contributions to the field in these and other areas through her writing, speaking and activities in professional organizations. Her colleagues acknowledged her zeal for professionalization by electing her as the first woman to be national president of the American Institute of Interior Decorators, now the American Society of Interior Designer. Following a brief overview of the role of women as professional decorators, the paper documents some of the first steps in the professionalizing process of interior decoration and McClelland's contributions to and ideas about that process. It also suggests some of the strategies she and other women decorators used to compete and succeed in the predominantly male business and professional world.
Women’s Reports of Breast Implant Problems and Silicone-Related Illness

ABSTRACT Objective The safety of silicone breast implants recently has been questioned. Increasing numbers of women have reported a variety of health problems that they attribute to their implants. The purpose of this descriptive study was to explicate the phenomenon of silicone-related illness as reported by women who have had breast implants Design A qualitative design was grounded in the theoretical framework proposed by McBride and Mcbride (1981), the core of which is the first-person, lived experiences of women as interpreted and explained by the women themselves Participants Trust Network, an international support group for women with breast implant problems. The sample consisted of 55 women from 19 states and Canada who experienced health problems they attributed to their implants. Eighteen percent labeled themselves as disabled. Results Themes emerging from responses to 10 questions are discussed in terms of circumstances leading to initial implantation, understanding risks and benefits, health problems and symptoms, physician response, choices made about implant removal, and psychosocial and emotional consequences. Conclusions Findings included dissatisfaction with implants similarity of health problems, and recurrent surgical and nonsurgical procedures. Dominant themes included lack of informed consent, physician denial of health problems, and the decision to remove implants. Further research should be directed at recipients of implants who report silicone-related illness to determine the number of women affected and the nature of their problems.
The effect of surgical resection of experimental “primary” adenocarcinoma of the colon on survival and incidence of metastases

The effect of surgical resection of "primary" tumors classified by size at the time of resection has been studied in two tumor cell lines derived from dimethylhydrazine-induced colonic neoplasms in the Buffalo strain rat. Surgical treatment of colon cancer in the rat yields results similar to those for human carcinoma. Some of the smallest tumors resected were associated with metastases and this finding suggests a need for effective postoperative adjuvant therapy. The incidence of metastases and the size of the tumor were inveresely related to survival, e.g., the smaller the tumor or the sooner the excision, the greater the survival of the animal. The operated animal model studied here could prove to be very useful for evaluating various forms of systemic therapy for the control of micrometastases associated with colonic neoplasms.
Three-dimensional conductivity model for porous electrodes in lead acid batteries

Abstract In this paper, the critical volume fraction (CVF) of electrodes having porosity is predicted with the help of a three-dimensional (3D) conductivity model. The model consists of a 3D lattice of nodes; which in this paper, are assumed to be identical spheres, which are in electrical contact with their neighbors. The porosity that exists between these spheres is referred to as “micro-porosity” while the porosity that occurs from having missing spheres is referred to as “macro-porosity”. The critical volume fraction is the maximum utilization of an electrode's active material and occurs when the electrode's conductivity changes from being conductive to nonconductive. Previous 3D conductivity models used to determine the CVF did not account for porosity. The porosity is modeled from porosity size distribution previously determined experimentally by other researchers. The sphere size of the model is estimated from these porosity distributions and by assuming a simple cubic (SC) lattice structure as the sphere arrangement. Because the porosity between the spheres (i.e. “micro-porosity”) for such an arrangement is 48%, the sphere size can be estimated from the pore size where this value of electrode porosity occurs. Porosity smaller than this sphere size is assumed to be smaller than a single sphere, and to be counted as part of the 48% porosity that exists between the spheres. Porosity above the single sphere size is modeled with nonconductive additives having the same pore size as the porosity being modeled. This approach is therefore used to determine both the sphere size in the model as well as the influence of porosity on the critical volume fraction. The model provides reasonable estimates of the critical volume fraction of positive electrodes having porosity and agrees with experimental data.