cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of derivative formation on the mass spectra of the estrogens

Abstract The utility of combined gas chromatography-mass spectrometry is now well established for analysis of compounds of biological importance. For successful gas chromatography, it is often necessary to form derivatives of the compounds of interest. For the combined technique, both chromatographic and mass spectrometric requirements must be considered, ease of recognition of the mass spectrum and ease of chromatographic separation being of equal importance in the choice of derivative. We report here a comparative study of the mass spectra of the common derivatives of the “classical” estrogens and assess the suitability of these derivatives for use in combined gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.
PrivExec: Private Execution as an Operating System Service

Privacy has become an issue of paramount importance for many users. As a result, encryption tools such as True Crypt, OS-based full-disk encryption such as File Vault, and privacy modes in all modern browsers have become popular. However, although such tools are useful, they are not perfect. For example, prior work has shown that browsers still leave many traces of user information on disk even if they are started in private browsing mode. In addition, disk encryption alone is not sufficient, as key disclosure through coercion remains possible. Clearly, it would be useful and highly desirable to have OS-level support that provides strong privacy guarantees for any application -- not only browsers. In this paper, we present the design and implementation of PrivExec, the first operating system service for private execution. PrivExec provides strong, general guarantees of private execution, allowing any application to execute in a mode where storage writes, either to the filesystem or to swap, will not be recoverable by others during or after execution. PrivExec does not require explicit application support, recompilation, or any other preconditions. We have implemented a prototype of PrivExec by extending the Linux kernel that is performant, practical, and that secures sensitive data against disclosure.
On Quine's philosophy

Comparant l'empirisme et le pragmatisme de Quine avec les positions de Carnap et de C. I. Lewis, l'A. montre comment Quine est passe d'une approche epistemique de la question des donnees et de l'evidence a une theorie de la signification sans signification developpee dans «World and object» a partir de la notion de signification stimulus appliquee a la traduction et a l'acquisition du langage
Computer-based instruction’s (CBI) rediscovered role in K-12: An evaluation case study of one high school’s use of CBI to improve pass rates on high-stakes tests

Patriot High School (PHS) adopted a remediation strategy to help its 10th-grade students at risk of failing the Math portion of MCAS, the state’s end of year competency exam. The centerpiece of that strategy was a computer-based instructional (CBI) course. PHS used a commercially available CBI product to align the course content with the competencies covered on the MCAS exam. This case study examines the overall effectiveness of the PHS strategies, and in particular, the role of CBI. Participant MCAS scores and CBI performance (measured by module-mastery data) are analyzed, and an interview with the course instructor is summarized. Finally, PHS scores were compared to the overall state MCAS scores for the same years. Overall scores of all 10th graders increased significantly compared to their 8th-grade scores, students who participated in the CBI course improved more than the students who did not. The passing rate at PHS improved from 40% in 1999 to 84% in 2001, compared to an improvement of from 47% to 75% statewide. A significant correlation was identified between the MCAS scores and the program usage data, with student CBI module mastery correlated with higher MCAS scores. Overall, the instructor was positive about the impact of the course and believed that the course gave many under-performers a chance to succeed when more traditional methods had failed. It seems likely that CBI contributed to PHS’s success. Although we report herein on just one case, we argue that CBI might play an important a role in the high stakes test environment in the USA and eleswhere.
A visualization-enhanced graphical user interface for geospatial resource discovery

Information visualization and user interaction play critical roles in geospatial resource discovery processes. Well-designed graphical user interfaces improve user experience and also help convey important information to assist decision-making. Existing approaches have visualization problems that impact the efficiency of geospatial resource discovery including (1) search portals lack intuitive and diverse information visualization methods to present search results; (2) functions to sort, filter, explore and analyse search results are inadequate and inefficient and (3) value-added information to help users make selection is missing. To address these problems, we propose a visualization- and interaction-enhanced discovery workflow. We use the latest Rich Internet Application (RIA) technologies from Microsoft to implement the proposed methods for our search portal – GeoSearch. Specifically, (1) based on the Pivot Viewer, a multiple sorting, filtering and multi-level-zoom-enabled histogram clustering function...
Escherichia coli host cell modifications in continuous culture affecting heterologous protein overproduction: a population dynamics study

There are many published studies of plasmid segregational instability in Escherichia coli in the literature. However, the formation of plasmid-free segregants can be controlled by the addition of selective chemical agents like antibiotics. This solution has become commonplace in both the laboratory and industry. On the other hand, host cell modifications, which result in low production of plasmid-encoded protein and lead to loss of culture productivity, have not been adequately addressed. Continuous culture of an inducible (ptac) Escherichia coli vector containing strain, RB791(pKN), was characterized by strong dynamic changes in the cell population and product (beta-lactamase) expression. Long-term cultivation resulted in the loss of high-level production of beta-lactamase. Loss of productivity was not due to the formation of plasmid-free cells or structural modifications to the plasmid; instead, continuous operation resulted in a culture dominated by irreversibly altered, low-producing cells. Two distinct classes of lac- mutants which inhibited induction were identified (Y- and I(s)).
Toward the safety society: Police agencies and environmental planning

The authors of this paper outline one approach to crime prevention which has recently become available - participation by police agencies in the environmental planning process. Two environmental management devices, the environmental impact assessment process and the general plan, are described and opportunities for police agency involvement are detailed. The contribution of public safety personnel to environmental management is seen as residing in two areas: precicting the effects of a project on the demand for police services, and suggesting ways in which a project may be designed with a view to the prevention of crime. In the latter context, the literature in environmental design and environmental psychology is reviewed for findings relevant to the creation of a safe environment.
Plagues and Peoples

This book describes the dramatic impact of infectious diseases on the rise and fall of civilisations. Plague demoralized the Athenian army during the Peloponnesian war, and ravaged the Roman Empire. In the 16th century smallpox was the decisive agent that allowed Cortez with only 600 men to conquer the Aztec empire, whose subjects numbered millions. As recently as 1918-19 an epidemic of influenza claimed twenty-one million victims, and seemed to threaten civilization itself. Diseases such as syphilis, cholera, smallpox and malariahave been devastating to humanity for centuries. Now professor McNeill, through an accumulation of evidence, demonstrates the central role of pestilence in human affairs and the extent to which it has changed the course of history.
A cytogenetic study of bipolar affective illness.

Abstract Cytogenetic studies in psychiatry are important in view of the potential multiple etiologies of psychiatric syndromes, the strong genetic component of the functional psychoses, and the high incidence of chromosome abnormalities reported in diverse psychiatric populations. These studies, that suffered largely from heterogenous patient samples and lack of diagnostic criteria, involved mainly “gross” screening for sex chromosome defects (sex chromatin). As a result, the incidence of minor chromosome variants, as detected with new chromosome techniques, remains largely unknown in psychiatry. Bipolar affective disorder (manic-depressive) is a good place to start the more elaborate studies, since criteria for diagnosis is widely agreed upon and the illness has a predictable course and treatment response suggestive of a common etiology. Recent cytogenetic developments, such as the chromosome banding techniques, permit the exact identification of chromosomes through the differential staining of their segments. Evidence from the record of human chromosome imbalance indicates that banding patterns may also reflect the genetic constitution of a given chromosomal segment. The use of late prophase or early metaphase chromosomes instead of the customary midmetaphases considerably increases visual resolution. Late prophase chromosomes show over 1240 bands per haploid set, representing four times the number of bands observed on midmetaphase chromosomes. Since it is believed that man has approximately 30,000 genes per cell, the more elongated chromosomes would bring us relatively close to the gene level (around 23 genes per observed band) (Fig. 1). The present study was prompted by the observation of linkage of bipolar affective disorder to two genetically distant loci in the X chromosome in some informative families 2–4 and a recent report of familial X-linked mental retardation in connection with an X chromosome defect. 5 The latter highlights the potential importance of studying chromosome structure in X-linked disorders. We began “standard” chromosome studies on a homogenous sample of bipolar patients diagnosed according to research diagnostic criteria. Subsequently, studies of chromosome banding and analyses of X chromosome structure using elongated chromosomes (late prophase/early metaphase) were performed in selected cases.
Misguided concepts: the bases of scientific advancement.

Being elected President of the ISPN has been the greatest honor ever bestowed upon me. My predecessors are the most distinguished pediatric neurosurgeons in the world, and to be included in this "elite" group is an accomplishment that I would not have even "dreamed" possible just a few years ago. I have always viewed myself as intelligent and creative, though not more so than many of my peers. Because I recognize and accept some of my intellectual limitations, I have asked myself the question, "Why have I been successful when so many gifted neurosurgeons (or any physicians) have not enjoyed the prominence that I have attained?" What are the "ingredients" of success in our profession as well as other fields and even life itselt'?. These questions have encouraged me to review my 20-year career as a pediatric neurosurgeon in an effort to understand the basis of my professional success. I believe that success in any facet of life is predicated on luck (being in the right place at the right time) and recognizing that "opportuni ty knocks." In other words a coincidence of time and place may afford an opportunity to develop a new insight into a scientific or clinical problem. In my view, this is where most individuals "fail." They either are not excited by a new concept or, more importantly, lack the courage to pursue an idea because it may be proven wrong and then be embarrassing. I believe that the "common denominator" to success is the ability to recognize opportunity and the courage to pursue new ideas and concepts even if they prove to be misguided. If the truth be candidly stated, most new ideas and concepts prove to be completely or partially wrong; however, they serve as "building blocks" for improved understanding in the future (often by someone else!). It has become retrospectively apparent that many of the ideas and concepts I advocated have turned out to be erroneous and were abandoned. Nevertheless, these misguided concepts stimulated my interest (as well as others) in different directions that might not have been pursued
Parallel-Tempering Monte Carlo Study of (H2O)n = 6-9

Parallel-tempering Monte Carlo simulations are used to characterize the finite temperature behavior of the (H2O)n = 6-9 clusters. The heat capacities, quenched energy distributions, and Landau free energies are calculated and used to address the nature of the structural transformations that occur with increasing temperature.
Timing of office visits can be a powerful tool to improve adherence in the treatment of dermatologic conditions.

Abstract Background: Poor adherence to treatment is a significant problem throughout medicine and particularly in the treatment of dermatologic conditions with topical medications, which present unique barriers to adherence. Purpose: We reviewed the literature to assess whether timing of office visits can be used to improve adherence. Methods: Studies examining adherence and office visits were identified using two search engines. PubMed was searched using the terms “medication adherence” OR “medication compliance” AND “visits.” A Web of Science® cited reference search was performed to identify articles referencing the paper “On White-Coat Effects and the Electronic Monitoring of Compliance” by Alvan R. Feinstein, MD. Results: Fifteen studies were identified, three of which were on dermatologic conditions. Thirteen studies found a positive correlation between adherence and office visits. Three of these studies demonstrated increased adherence with increased visit frequency. One study reported adherence was...
Electron beam and pulsed laser irradiation of glass-forming CrTa and CrZrGe alloys

Preliminary results are reported on the application of (1) an electron beam, (2) a pulsed laser whose pulse duration is of the order of about 0.5 msec, and (3) a pulsed laser of about 35 nsec pulse duration, to the surface of one binary Cr-Ta and three ternary Cr-Zr-Ge alloys. In order to enhance the possibility of producing a metallic glass through these irradiations, each of the alloys was prepared in a eutectic or near-eutectic region of the respective phase diagram. Irradiation produced homogenization and grain refinement in the Cr-Ta alloy surface, but no amorphous phase was detected. The ternary alloys, however, produced both metallic glass and a fine-grained FCC structure. 6 references.
Effect of the Si/Al Ratio and of the Zeolite Structure on the Performance of Dealuminated Zeolites for the Reforming of Hydrocarbon Mixtures

Various 12-membered ring pore zeolites were employed for the reforming of “synthetic” hydrocarbon mixtures which simulate industrial naphthas. All the zeolites were dealuminated to various extents....
Simultaneous determination of arsenite, arsenate, selenite and selenate in waters using suppressed ion chromatography with ultraviolet absorbance detection

Using Dionex AS4A anion-exchange column, with micromembrane supressor and UV detector at 195 nm, arsenite, arsenate, selenite and selenate can be determined simultaneously in water samples. The mole fraction of sodium carbonate in the eluent as well as eluent concentration affected the retention times especially for the divalent anions. An eluent of 2.5 mM Na2CO3 and 0.75 mM NaHCO3 was found to be the most suitable for sample analysis. The responses for all ions tested was linear in 0–5 mg 1−1 range. The system can tolerate up to 1600 mg 1−1 of SO2−4, before affecting arsenate peaks. Selenate peak area was not affected due to SO2−4 concentration up to 2000 mg 1−1. The detection limits using 100-μl loop were 0.1 mg 1−1 for AsO−2 and SeO2−3 and 0.25 mg 1t-1 AsO3−4 and SeO2−4.
Fractional independent yields of 111mPd and 112Ag from thermal-neutron-induced fission of 249Cf

Abstract The fractional independent yields of 111 m Pd and 112 Ag from thermal-neutron-induced fission of 249 Cf were measured. The yields of 111 m Pd and 112 Ag are 0·083 ± 0·005 and 0·035 ± 0·008, respectively. The yield of 111 m Pd is consistent with an isomer yield ratio for which the low-spin ground state isomer 111 g Pd is favored.
Formation of precise connections in the olfactory bulb occurs in the absence of odorant-evoked neuronal activity.

Abstract Olfactory neurons expressing the same odorant receptor converge to a small number of glomeruli in the olfactory bulb. In turn, mitral and tufted cells receive and relay this information to higher cortical regions. In other sensory systems, correlated neuronal activity is thought to refine synaptic connections during development. We asked whether the pattern of connections between olfactory sensory axons and mitral cell dendrites is affected when odor-evoked signaling is eliminated in mice lacking functional olfactory cyclic nucleotide–gated (CNG) channels. We demonstrate that olfactory sensory axons converge normally in the CNG channel mutant background. We further show that the pruning of mitral cell dendrites, although slowed during development, is ultimately unperturbed in mutant animals. Thus, the olfactory CNG channel—and by inference correlated neural activity—is not required for generating synaptic specificity in the olfactory bulb.
The Community-based Healthy-lifestyle Intervention for Rural Preschools (CHIRP) study: Design and methods

Abstract The CHIRP study is a two-arm, pilot randomized controlled trial assessing the effectiveness of a behavioral family weight management intervention in an important and at-risk population, overweight young children, 3 to 6 years of age, and their parents from underserved rural counties. Participants will include 96 parent–child dyads living in rural counties in north central Florida. Families will be randomized to one of two conditions: (a) behavioral family based intervention or (b) a waitlist control. Child and parent participants will be assessed at baseline (month 0), post-treatment (month 4), and follow-up (month 10). Assessments and intervention sessions will be held at the Cooperative Extension office in each participating rural county. The primary outcome measure is change in child body mass index (BMI) z-score. Additional key outcome measures include child dietary intake, physical activity, and parent BMI. This study is unique because (1) it is one of the few randomized controlled trails examining a behavioral family intervention to address healthy habits and improved weight status in young overweight and obese children, (2) addresses health promotion in rural settings, and (3) examines intervention delivery in real world community settings through the Cooperative Extension Service offices. If successful, this research has potential implications for medically underserved rural communities and preventative health services for young children and their families.
5 S DNAs of Xenopus laevis and Xenopus mulleri: Evolution of a gene family

Abstract The 5 S DNA which contains the genes for 5 S RNA has been purified from the frog Xenopus mulleri and compared with the 5 S DNA of Xenopus laevis . Both DNAs contain highly repetitive sequences in which the gene sequence that codes for 5 S RNA alternates with a spacer sequence. The 5 S DNAs of X. laevis and X. mulleri comprise about 0.7% of the total DNA or about 24,000 and 9000 repeating sequences, respectively. The average repeat length within native X. laevis and X. mulleri 5 S DNA is about 0.5 to 0.6 and 1.2 to 1.5 × 10 6 daltons, respectively, each repeat of which contains a single gene sequence for 5 S RNA (0.08 × 10 6 daltons). The two DNAs differ in the average length of their spacers and no cross homology can be detected by heterologous hybridization of the two DNAs, except within the 5 S RNA gene regions. Despite their differences, the spacer sequences of X. laevis and X. mulleri 5 S DNA resemble each other enough to conclude that they have diverged from a common ancestral sequence. The multiple repeating sequences of 5 S DNA in each species have evolved as a family of similar, but not identical sequences. It is known that 5 S DNA is located at the ends (telomeres) of the long arms of most, if not all, X. laevis chromosomes. It is proposed that multiple gene sequences located on the ends of many chromosomes can evolve together as a family if there is extensive and unequal exchange of DNA sequences between homologous and non-homologous chromosomes at their ends.
The physiology of keystroke dynamics

A universal implementation for most behavioral Biometric systems is still unknown since some behaviors aren't individual enough for identification. Habitual behaviors which are measurable by sensors are considered 'soft' biometrics (i.e., walking style, typing rhythm), while physical attributes (i.e., iris, fingerprint) are 'hard' biometrics. Thus, biometrics can aid in the identification of a human not only in cyberspace but in the world we live in. Hard biometrics have proven to be a rather successful form of identification, despite a large amount of individual signatures to keep track of. Virtually all soft biometric strategies, however, share a common pitfall. Instead of the classical pass/fail decision based on the measurements used by hard biometrics, a confidence threshold is imposed, increasing False Alarm and False Rejection Rates. This unreliability is a major roadblock for large scale system integration. Common computer security requires users to log-in with a six or more digit PIN (Personal Identification Number) to access files on the disk. Commercially available Keystroke Dynamics (KD) software can separately calculate and keep track of the mean and variance for each time travelled between each key (air time), and the time spent pressing each key (touch time). Despite its apparent utility, KD is not yet a robust, fault-tolerant system. We begin with a simple question: how could a pianist quickly control so many different finger and wrist movements to play music? What information, if any, can be gained from analyzing typing behavior over time? Biology has shown us that the separation of arm and finger motion is due to 3 long nerves in each arm; regulating movement in different parts of the hand. In this paper we wish to capture the underlying behavioral information of a typist through statistical memory and non-linear dynamics. Our method may reveal an inverse Compressive Sensing mapping; a unique individual signature.
Application of Expert Systems in Air Traffic Control

Increased automation of air traffic control (ATC) systems appears to offer a solution to the dual problem of handling higher levels of air traffic while reducing the costs incurred by the ATC system itself and the aircraft under control. Because of the complexity of the ATC system, expert systems may provide a valuable addition to human decision making and conventional data processing in the design of future ATC systems. A number of potential applications, including traffic flow management, controller support functions, system failure management, training, and system configuration planning, are described, and the special requirements of expert systems developed for realtime control applications are discussed. The structure of a prototype expert system to assist in air traffic flow management is described. The paper concludes with a brief examination of the potential for applying similar techniques to other transportation control systems.
Systemically administered gp100 encoding DNA vaccine for melanoma using water-in-oil-in-water multiple emulsion delivery systems

The purpose of this study was to develop a water-in-oil-in-water (W/O/W) multiple emulsions-based vaccine delivery system for plasmid DNA encoding the gp100 peptide antigen for melanoma immunotherapy. The gp100 encoding plasmid DNA was encapsulated in the inner-most aqueous phase of squalane oil containing W/O/W multiple emulsions using a two-step emulsification method. In vitro transfection ability of the encapsulated plasmid DNA was investigated in murine dendritic cells by transgene expression analysis using fluorescence microscopy and ELISA methods. Prophylactic immunization using the W/O/W multiple emulsions encapsulated the gp100 encoding plasmid DNA vaccine significantly reduced tumor volume in C57BL/6 mice during subsequent B16-F10 tumor challenge. In addition, serum Th1 cytokine levels and immuno-histochemistry of excised tumor tissues indicated activation of cytotoxic T-lymphocytes mediated anti-tumor immunity causing tumor growth suppression. The W/O/W multiple emulsions-based vaccine delivery system efficiently delivers the gp100 plasmid DNA to induce cell-mediated anti-tumor immunity.
Spatial filtering effects of the attenuated PSM and assist bar OPC

When considered from a spatial frequency standpoint, that attenuated phase shift mask and assist bar OPC perform functions that can be compared to frequency filtering. The combination of these two resolution enhancement techniques can be evaluated from this perspective and they can be optimized together to produce maximum desired effects. We will describe a simple method of RET analysis and introduce a new concept to assist bar OPC where non-zero transmission of the bar is allowed. Gray assist bar OPC can offer for significant control over imaging performance.
Perception of Food Amounts by Chimpanzees Based on the Number, Size, Contour Length and Visibility of Items.

Nonhuman animals reliably select the largest of two or more sets of discrete items, particularly if those items are food items. However, many studies of these numerousness judgements fail to control for confounds between amount of food (e.g. mass or volume) and number of food items. Stimulus dimensions other than number of items also may influence how animals perceive sets and make choices. Four chimpanzees, Pan troglodytes, completed a variety of tasks that involved comparisons of food items (graham crackers) that varied in number, size and orientation. In experiment 1, chimpanzees chose between two alternative sets of visible cracker pieces. In experiment 2, the experimenters presented one set of crackers in a vertical orientation (stacked) and the other in a horizontal orientation. In experiment 3, the experimenters presented all food items one at a time by dropping them into opaque containers. Chimpanzees succeeded overall in choosing the largest amount of food. They did not rely on number or contour length as cues when making these judgements but instead primarily responded to the total amount of food in the sets. However, some errors reflected choices of the set with the smaller total amount of food but the individually largest single food item. Thus, responses were not optimal because of biases that were not related to the total amount of food in the sets.
Application of clinical laboratory measurements to issues of environmental health.

Abstract Monitoring of biochemical constituents in serum is an important component in revealing potential toxicity in humans and experimental animals due to exposure to a variety of xenobiotic agents. The relative toxicity of pure compounds, usually at large doses, has helped elucidate the mode of action of these compounds and their relative risk. However, most actual cases of environmental exposure present an extensive range of components and the potential for synergistic or inhibitory interactions. In this paper we review two such environmental cases: The Love Canal chemical dump site in Niagara Falls, NY, and the transformer fire at the State Office Building in Binghamton, NY. We focus on the clinical laboratory measurements obtained in these studies (including serum glucose, triglycerides, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, -γ-glutamyltransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, sodium and potassium), their usefulness, limitations, and application to such cases. Significant alterations in serum triglyceride and alanine aminotransferase levels were found in guinea pigs due to exposure to dioxins. These two tests were useful in estimating the ‘equivalent’ concentration of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo- p -dioxin in complex chemical mixtures.
A collaborative study of the etiology of breast cancer subtypes in African American women: the AMBER consortium

Purpose Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease, with at least five intrinsic subtypes defined by molecular characteristics. Tumors that express the estrogen receptor (ER+) have better outcomes than ER− tumors, due in part to the success of hormonal therapies that target ER+ tumors. The incidence of ER− breast cancer, and the subset of ER− cancers that are basal-like, is about twice as high among African American (AA) women as among US women of European descent (EA). This disparity appears to explain, in part, the disproportionately high mortality from breast cancer that occurs in AA women. Epidemiologic research on breast cancer in AA women lags behind research in EA women. Here, we review differences in the etiology of breast cancer subtypes among AA women and describe a new consortium of ongoing studies of breast cancer in AA women.
Chromatographic depletion of lipoproteins from plasma and recovery of apolipoproteins.

Abstract Selective adsorption of proteins from a complex mixture onto an affinity support presents a very powerful approach to protein purification. High density lipoprotein (HDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) have been removed from plasma by hydrophobic adsorption chromatography using phenyl-Sepharose. Plasma chromatographed on phenyl-Sepharose is depleted of β-lipoprotein and apolipoproteins A-I, A-II and E. Less than 5% of the initial amounts of cholesterol, triacylglycerol, sphingomyelin, and phosphatidylcholine remain in the plasma. Column elution with propylene glycol permits recovery of apolipoproteins A-I, A-II and E. This procedure should provide a convenient alternative to ultracentrifugal removal of lipoproteins from plasma.
Neonatal androgen depresses female responsiveness to estrogen.

Abstract To evaluate whether estrogen responsiveness influenced by neonatal androgenization, 28 Sherman female rats were injected when 5 days old with either oil, 0, 10, or 1250 μg testosterone propionate (TP) and after reaching maturity, permitted to live in Wahmann activity apparatuses. Daily number of revolutions was recorded while animals were intact, spayed and injected daily first with 0.1 μg and then with 1.0 μg estradiol benzoate (EB). After removal from activity cages, animals were administered either oil or 3.3 μg EB for each of 5 days before uterine sections were taken. The results reveal that running rate and amplitude for each level of EB were inversely proportional to the neonatal TP dosage. Similarly, relative uterus weight after EB replacement was lowest for the 1250 μg TP and highest for the oil-injected rats. It was concluded that neonatal androgen reduces adult responsiveness to estrogen in direct proportion to the amount administered.
DNA-linked metal nanosphere materials: Fourier-transform solutions for the optical response

Methods are developed for modeling the optical properties of aggregates of large numbers of small metal nanospheres in a dielectric medium. Aggregates are modeled as systems of coupled dipoles, with the dipole polarizabilities for the spheres determined using Mie theory. Fast-Fourier-transform (FFT) and conjugate-gradient (CG) techniques are used to solve the electrodynamic equations for both ordered and disordered aggregates. Results are shown to match solutions arrived at by direct methods. The range of validity of the coupled-dipole approximation for modeling DNA-linked colloidal materials is established by comparison with coupled-multipole results. While the methods are applicable only to lattice gas aggregates and aggregates composed of nanospheres on cubic lattices, there are no restrictions as to aggregate shape.
The galaxy activity-interaction connection. I, Optical observations

As part of an investigation into the triggering of nuclear radio emission in interacting galaxies, new multicolor, broadband data are presented from a subset of Arp-Madore Catalog galaxies selected on the basis of their optical morphology - systems with loops and/or tails. The CTIO 4 m is used to obtain images in B, V, R, and I for the purpose of performing synthetic aperture photometry. Isophotal ellipse fitting to the more regular objects in the sample is also performed to quantify their isophotal deviation from purely elliptical morphologies. Color index maps for the galaxies are constructed, and the optical morphologies, broadband colors, and detailed photometric properties as well as the IRAS fluxes for the galaxies are discussed. These data are used to obtain a rough measure of the level of activity present in these systems.
A beta-linked mannan inhibits adherence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to human lung epithelial cells

Adherence through carbohydrate-binding adhesins is an early step in colonization of the lung by gram-negative organisms, and because published data indicate that binding involves mannose groups, we tested the ability of a beta-linked acetyl-mannan (acemannan) to inhibit adherence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to cultures of human lung epithelial cells. Adherence of radiolabelled P.aeruginosa to A549 cells (a type II-like pneumocyte line) increased linearly with the duration of the incubation. Acemannan inhibited adherence of bacteria, and the extent of inhibition was related to the concentration of the mannan. Inhibition required continued contact between acemannan and the target epithelial cells; cells washed free of acemannan no longer discouraged bacterial binding. Comparison of binding between seven different strains of P.aeruginosa indicated that fewer mucoid than non-mucoid bacteria adhered, but binding of either phenotype was inhibited by acemannan. Mannose, methyl alpha-D-mannopyranoside, methyl beta-D-mannopyranoside and dextran did not affect adherence of any of the non-mucoid strains. Mannose inhibited adherence by one mucoid strain, but not the other, indicating differences between strains of the same phenotype. Since prior treatment of epithelial cells with concanavalin A did not affect acemannan-induced inhibition of bacterial adherence, we concluded that the inhibitory effect of acemannan probably does not involve mannose-containing receptors.
Parental literacy and infant health: an evidence-based healthy start intervention.

Syracuse Healthy Start, a federally funded infant mortality prevention project in Onondaga County, New York, has undertaken a range of interventions to address parental low literacy as a risk factor for infant mortality. A growing number of studies advocate for health-related information that is easy to read, of a low literacy level, and culturally appropriate. Creation of an evidence-based public health intervention involves analyzing local data, reviewing published studies, assessing available materials, initiating programmatic interventions, and evaluating the outcomes. Preparing health educational materials that are clear, culturally sensitive, and at appropriate reading levels follows Paulo Freire’s lead in empowering the disadvantaged to positively affect their health and the health of their infants toward the reduction of infant mortality.
The use of an in vitro 3D melanoma model to predict in vivo plasmid transfection using electroporation

A large-scale in vitro 3D tumor model was generated to evaluate gene delivery procedures in vivo. This 3D tumor model consists of a "tissue-like" spheroid that provides a micro-environment supportive of melanoma proliferation, allowing cells to behave similarly to cells in vivo. This functional spheroid measures approximately 1 cm in diameter and can be used to effectively evaluate plasmid transfection when testing various electroporation (EP) electrode applicators. In this study, we identified EP conditions that efficiently transfect green fluorescent protein (GFP) and interleukin 15 (IL-15) plasmids into tumor cells residing in the 3D construct. We found that plasmids delivered using a 6-plate electrode applying 6 pulses with nominal electric field strength of 500 V/cm and pulse-length of 20 ms produced significant increase of GFP (7.3-fold) and IL-15 (3.0-fold) expression compared to controls. This in vitro 3D model demonstrates the predictability of cellular response toward delivery techniques, limits the numbers of animals employed for transfection studies, and may facilitate future developments of clinical trials for cancer therapies in vivo.
Verification of Lyapunov functions for the analysis of stochastic Liénard equations

Versions of stochastic Lienard equations perturbed by both additive and multiplicative white noise are considered. We discuss existence, uniqueness, continuity, boundedness and moment stability of solutions with the help of several Lyapunov-type functions. The Lyapunov functions are explicitly found to control uniform moment boundedness and stability. A new matching condition on the interaction of resistance and restoring force plays an essential role to guarantee stability (uniform boundedness) of p-th moments by validation of those Lyapunov functions.
The impact of multiple team memberships in leader: member exchange relationship (LMX)

Most of the research related to leadership and virtual teams has been developed under the assumption that members participate on one team at a time. However, scholars have recently noted that more organizations are having their employees working in multiple team environments, and most of this multiple team membership (MTM) is taking place in virtual teams. In this article, we present an analysis of how MTM might affect the creation and development of the Leader-Member Exchange relationship, LMX. To our understanding, this is the first attempt to explore the challenges that multiple team memberships carries in the creation and development on LMX relationships whether they are created in virtual or co-located teams.
State of the art in craniomaxillofacial trauma: frontal sinus.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Many of the successes and controversies in endoscopic management of craniofacial trauma are exemplified in the management of frontal sinus trauma. RECENT FINDINGS: The effort to reduce surgical morbidity and to optimize reconstruction of craniomaxillofacial injuries has resulted in the development of less invasive surgical approaches and in the use of computer image guidance in surgical planning and execution. Minimally invasive management of frontal sinus inflammatory disease has gained wide acceptance. The technology and techniques applied to surgery of the floor of the frontal sinus is now being applied to the management of frontal sinus trauma. A paradigm shift in the treatment of frontal sinus trauma may be underway. SUMMARY: An increasing scope of less severe injuries is being managed expectantly with endoscopic frontal sinus surgery available for salvage. There may be an overall decrease in the most severe frontal sinus injuries owing to enforcement of seatbelt and airbag usage. And the most severe injuries are often best managed through cranialization with anterior skull base reconstruction. Thus, the role for frontal sinus obliteration purely to obviate fractures of the frontal sinus outflow tract may be vanishing. Language: en
The behavioral and cognitive-behavioral treatment of female sexual dysfunction: how far we have come and the path left to go

Over the past several decades, researchers have been trying to determine efficacious treatments for sexual dysfunctions. While sexual dysfunction is problematic for both men and women, studies have shown women consistently deal with it at higher rates than men. Proposed treatment modalities come in many forms, yet many outcome studies support the use of behavioral or cognitive-behavioral interventions when addressing female sexual dysfunction. This paper will review the prevalence of female sexual dysfunction, provide a brief history of its treatment, and outline studies that used behavioral and cognitive-behavioral treatments. Lastly, a discussion will address the need for psychologists to continue researching, improving and promoting the use of psychological interventions for women who present with concerns related to sexual functioning.
Benzo[b] thiophene derivatives XVII. Electrophilic substitution of 4-hydroxybenzo[b] thiophene derivatives †

A variety of eleclrophilic substitution reactions have been carried out on 4-methoxybenzo[b]-thiophene (IIIa) and 4-benzoyloxybenzo[b ] thiophene (IVa). Substitution occurs in the 7-position of IIIa and, with the exception of bromination, in the 7-position of IVa. Bromination of IVa occurs in the 3-position. Bromination of 4-hydroxybenzo[b] thiophene (IIa) occurs in the 5-position. The nmr spectra of eleven disubstituted benzo[b] thiophenes have been tabulated.
The transport of morphologically abnormal sperm in the female reproductive tract of mice

Mice of the PL/J strain exhibit a high percentage of morphologically abnormal sperm and provide a model for studying the function of abnormal sperm. The ability of such sperm to reach the site of fertilization within the female reproductive tract has been investigated. We have found a decrease in the percentage of structurally abnormal sperm within the population that reaches the oviduct. This observation suggests either that there is an active selection against abnormal sperm or that they are physiologically disadvantaged in reaching the site of fertilization.
Spatiotemporal correspondence as a metric for human-like robot motion

Coupled degrees-of-freedom exhibit correspondence, in that their trajectories influence each other. In this paper we add evidence to the hypothesis that spatiotemporal correspondence (STC) of distributed actuators is a component of human-like motion. We demonstrate a method for making robot motion more human-like, by optimizing with respect to a nonlinear STC metric. Quantitative evaluation of STC between coordinated robot motion, human motion capture data, and retargeted human motion capture data projected onto an anthropomorphic robot suggests that coordinating robot motion with respect to the STC metric makes the motion more human-like. A user study based on mimicking shows that STC-optimized motion is (1) more often recognized as a common human motion, (2) more accurately identified as the originally intended motion, and (3) mimicked more accurately than a non-optimized version. We conclude that coordinating robot motion with respect to the STC metric makes the motion more human-like. Finally, we present and discuss data on potential reasons why coordinating motion increases recognition and ability to mimic.
Yoga as Entrée to Complementary and Alternative Medicine and Medically Pluralistic Practices

Yoga is increasingly ubiquitous in the United States and globally. The growth of yoga's popularity alongside Indian healing philosophies, including Ayurvedic medicine, makes yoga an important influence on conceptualization of health in holistic terms. Because of these philosophies, the growing use of yoga has implications for how healthcare is sought and utilized. Yoga practitioners are likely to engage in pluralistic health care-seeking practices, yet, the underlying perspectives that drive yoga practitioners to engage in particular health practices are poorly understood in anthropological and public health literature. This study examined perspectives on health care-seeking among long-term yoga practitioners in a yoga community in Florida. Based on semi-structured interviews conducted in 2010 with 26 adults in a Florida yoga center who have practiced yoga at least once per week for at least one year, the study found that long-term yoga practitioners utilized yoga and other systems of complementary and al...
Neural network processor for n-mode fiber optic sensors

The n-mode fiber optic sensor built has four linearly polarized (LP) modes propagating simultaneously in the fiber, producing a two-dimensional, spatially distributed output intensity pattern. When the fiber is strained, there is a change in fiber parameters. Oscillating and rotating of the pattern caused by coupling between degenerate modes is observed. Thus the processing of this type of output signal becomes one of a two-dimensional image processor. A neural network signal processor employing a back propagation algorithm was used in conjunction with the few mode fiber optic sensor to categorize the spatial output patterns from the sensor, thus converting the optical pattern to its corresponding strain value. The testing results show that the neural network processor is capable of recognizing this kind of image with good accuracy, resulting in strain accuracies within 0.7 percent.
Self-injurious behavior in frontotemporal dementia

Abstract Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) may be one of the most common neurodegenerative dementias with onset before age 65. Investigators have only recently characterized FTD, which encompasses Pick's disease as well as non-specific degeneration of the frontal lobes. Neuropsychiatric symptoms are the main features of FTD and include disinhibition, apathy, obsessive-compulsive behavior, and the Kluver-Bucy syndrome. We report a patient with FTD who developed prominent self-injurious behavior (SIB) consisting of persistent self-biting and hair-pulling. Stereotypical, repetitive SIB usually occurs in patients with autism or mental retardation; SIB is rarely discussed in patients with dementia. This report extends the neuropsychiatric spectrum of FTD to encompass SIB and discusses the potential mechanisms for SIB in these patients. The most likely contributing source for their self-injury is the development of obsessive-compulsive behaviors in the presence of coincident self-directed behaviors. Hyperorality fr...
Revenge of the killer microbe

The cover of Time Magazine on Sept. 14, 1994, read “Revenge of the killer microbe” in reference to an article about emerging infections, including drug-resistant bacteria that are difficult to treat.[1][1] A lead article in Science just 2 years earlier cautioned readers about the possibility of
Production of Indole-3-Acetic Acid via the Indole-3-Acetamide Pathway in the Plant-Beneficial Bacterium Pseudomonas chlororaphis O6 Is Inhibited by ZnO Nanoparticles but Enhanced by CuO Nanoparticles

The beneficial bacterium Pseudomonas chlororaphis O6 produces indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), a plant growth regulator. However, the pathway involved in IAA production in this bacterium has not been reported. In this paper we describe the involvement of the indole-3-acetamide (IAM) pathway in IAA production in P. chlororaphis O6 and the effects of CuO and ZnO nanoparticles (NPs). Sublethal levels of CuO and ZnO NPs differentially affected the levels of IAA secreted in medium containing tryptophan as the precursor. After 15 h of growth, CuO NP-exposed cells had metabolized more tryptophan than the control and ZnO NP-challenged cells. The CuO NP-treated cells produced higher IAA levels than control cultures lacking NPs. In contrast, ZnO NPs inhibited IAA production. Mixing of CuO and ZnO NPs resulted in an intermediate level of IAA production relative to the levels in the separate CuO and ZnO NP treatments. The effect of CuO NPs on IAA levels could be duplicated by ions at the concentrations released from the NPs. However, ion release did not account for the inhibition caused by the ZnO NPs. The mechanism underlying changes in IAA levels cannot be accounted for by effects on transcript accumulation from genes encoding a tryptophan permease or the IAM hydrolase in 15-h cultures. These findings raise the issue of whether sublethal doses of NPs would modify the beneficial effects of association between plants and bacteria.