cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Development of quality indicators for women with urinary incontinence

Aims To develop a means to measure the quality of care provided to women treated for urinary incontinence (UI) through the development of quality-of-care indicators (QIs). Methods We performed an extensive literature review to develop a set of potential quality indicators for the management of UI. QIs were modeled after those previously described in the Assessing the Care of Vulnerable Elders (ACOVE) project. Nine experts ranked the indicators on a nine-point scale for both validity and feasibility. We analyzed preliminary rankings of each indicator using the RAND Appropriateness Method. A forum was then held in which each indicator was thoroughly discussed by the panelists as a group, after which the indicators were rated a second time individually using the same nine-point scale. Results QIs were developed that addressed screening, diagnosis, work-up, and both non-surgical and surgical management. Areas of controversy included whether routine screening for incontinence should be performed, whether urodynamics should be performed before non-surgical management is initiated, and whether cystoscopy should be part of the pre-operative work-up of uncomplicated stress incontinence. Following the expert panel discussion, 27 of 40 potential indicators were determined to be valid for UI with a median score of at least seven on a nine-point scale. Conclusions We identified 27 quality indicators for the care of women with UI. Once these QIs are pilot-tested for feasibility, they will be applied on a larger scale to measure the quality of care provided to women with UI in the United States. Neurourol. Urodynam. 32:1058–1063, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Spectral gaps and mode localization in Fibonacci chains of metal nanoparticles

In this paper we study the spectral, localization and dispersion properties of dipolar modes in quasi-periodically modulated nanoparticle chains based on the Fibonacci sequence. By developing a transfer matrix approach for the calculation of resonant frequencies, oscillation eigenvectors and integrated density of states (IDS) of spatially-modulated dipole chains, we demonstrate the presence of large spectral gaps and calculate the pseudo-dispersion diagram of Fibonacci plasmonic chains. The presence of plasmonic band-gaps and localized states in metal nanoparticle chains based on quasi-periodic order can have a large impact in the design and fabrication of novel nanophotonics devices.
Insulin stimulates arterial neointima formation in normal rats after balloon injury.

Aim: Insulin resistance in patients is associated with increased atherosclerosis and arterial restenosis. It is thought that the concomitant hyperinsulinaemia exacerbates vascular disease because resistance to insulin-induced glucose disposal is associated with resistance to certain effects of insulin which inhibit, but with no resistance to other effects which promote, neointimal hyperplasia. We sought to determine the net effect of hyperinsulinaemia on neointimal hyperplasia in normal animals. Methods: Rats were infused with or without insulin for 16 days and the carotid artery injured by balloon catheter on day 2. Results: Steady-state serum insulin concentrations were 0.56 ± 0.04 and 1.25 ± 0.05 nm for control and hyperinsulinaemic rats respectively (p < 0.01). Systolic blood pressures, weights and serum glucose levels were not affected by hyperinsulinaemia. Fourteen days after injury, the neointima-to-media area ratio was 0.72 ± 0.07 and 1.39 ± 0.15 for control and hyperinsulinaemic rats respectively (p < 0.05). Media area was unaffected by hyperinsulinaemia. Conclusions: The effects of hyperinsulinaemia which promote neointimal hyperplasia after balloon injury of rat carotid artery predominate over the effects which inhibit it even in normal animals.
So truth is safe from paradox: now what?

The article is part of a symposium on Hartry Field’s “Saving truth from paradox”. The book is one of the most significant intellectual achievements of the past decades, but it is not clear what, exactly, it accomplishes. I explore some alternatives, relating the developed view to the intuitive, pre-theoretic notion of truth.
Pharmacokinetic studies of cimetidine hydrochloride in adult horses

Histamine type II (H2) antagonists inhibit gastric acid secretion and are useful in treating gastric and duodenal ulcer disease. To provide some information on the pharmacokinetics of the H2 antagonist cimetidine, adult horses were given 3.3 mg/kg cimetidine intravenously (iv) or 3.3 and 10 mg/kg orally. Plasma cimetidine concentrations after 3.3 mg/kg orally were too low to measure. Following 3.3 mg/kg iv, cimetidine displayed two-compartment characteristics with a t1/2 of 0.083 +/- 0.039 h and t1/2 of 2.23 +/- 0.64 h. The total body clearance was 0.443 +/- 0.160 litre/h/kg and the mean residence time was 2.74 +/- 1.11 h. This clearance and t1/2 are similar to that in man. The volume of distribution (Vss) and volume of the central compartment (Vc) were 1.138 +/- 0.230 and 0.276 +/- 0.102 litre/kg, respectively. After a single oral dose of 10 mg/kg as crushed tablets, peak plasma concentration of 1.81 +/- 0.82 micrograms/ml occurred at approximately 1.4 h. Oral absorption of cimetidine appeared variable and slow with an extent of absorption of 0.296 +/- 0.183 and a mean residence time for absorption of 1.99 +/- 0.79 h. This was less than in man. Based on a desired average steady state plasma concentration of 1.0 microgram/ml, 11.0 mg/kg/day iv and 48 mg/kg/day orally can be recommended in adult horses.
Intranigral antagonism of neurokinin 1 and 3 receptors reduces intrastriatal dopamine D1 receptor-stimulated locomotion in the rat

Abstract Stimulation of striatal dopamine (DA) D1 receptors increases the activity of the direct striatonigral pathway resulting in movement. While GABA has long been considered the primary effector of this pathway, co-released tachykinin peptides and their respective nigral tachykinin receptors are also in position to influence movement. Therefore, the present studies determined to what extent nigral tachykinin receptor subtypes contribute to striatal D1-mediated locomotion. Adult male Sprague–Dawley rats bearing chronic cannulae in the dorsal striatum and/or substantia nigra (SN) were tested for locomotor responses to various drug infusions. Unilateral intranigral infusions of the neurokinin-1 (NK1) antagonist LY306740 (0 and 50 nmol) but not the neurokinin-3 (NK3) antagonist SR142801 (0 and 50 nmol) led to ipsilateral rotations. Bilateral intrastriatal infusions of the full D1 agonist SKF 82958 (0, 1.2 and 12.0 nmol) dose-dependently increased locomotion. Prior bilateral intranigral infusions of LY306740 or SR142801 (0, 5.0 and 50 nmol) dose-dependently attenuated locomotor activity induced by intrastriatal SKF 82958 (12.0 nmol). These findings indicate that NK1, but not NK3, receptors within the SN may be tonically stimulated. However, activation of both nigral NK1 and NK3 receptors appears to be required for increased locomotion in response to striatal D1 receptor stimulation.
Projection schemes for one-point quadrature shell elements

Abstract A new projection scheme to improve the performance of one-point quadrature shell elements is presented. The projection is performed elementwise and enforces invariance of the internal power to rigid body motion and drill rotation. The projection is especially suitable for 6 degree-of-freedom per node explicit programs, and can be easily implemented as an integral part of the subroutine that calculates the internal forces on the element level. Problems that could not be solved accurately with one-point quadrature elements, such as the twisted beam problem, show excellent results even for very coarse meshes when the projection is used.
A biosystematic analysis of the Caltha leptosepala (Ranunculaceae) complex in the Rocky Mountains I. Chromatography and cytotaxonomy

Part one of a biosystematic study of theCaltha leptosepala complex in the Rocky Mountains involves a brief history of the taxonomic problem in addition to analyses of phenolic chromatography and cytotaxonomy. Data obtained from the natural populations sampled support the premise that only one species,Caltha leptosepala, can be taxonomically justified for the Rocky Mountains.
Dynamic Plastic Response of an Immersed Pipe

The dynamic plastic deformation of a rigid-ideally plastic pipe subjected to an internal pressure is reduced when the pipe is surrounded by a fluid. A method to determine the added (virtual) mass which reflects the resistance of the fluid being displaced by the deforming pipe is described herein. The expression for the added mass is derived in form of an integral which in turn is solved by means of numerical techniques recognizing the asymptotic behavior of the argument. A simple parameter family of curves is given for the added mass. An approximation in the form of a polynomial is also computed for the added mass in order to simplify the subsequent determination of the plastic deformation of the pipe.
Interleukin-11 enhances intestinal absorptive function after ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Abstract Background/Purpose: Interleukin-11 (IL-11) is a multifunctional cytokine that has been shown to improve small bowel adaptation and enhance cellular recovery after bowel ischemia. This study was designed to examine the effects of systemic IL-11 on small bowel absorptive function in a rat model of intestinal ischemia and reperfusion (IR) injury. Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats underwent placement of a venous catheter connected to an osmotic pump, which delivered its contents over 3 days. Rats were divided into 3 groups: sham operation/systemic saline; 30-minute superior mesenteric artery occlusion/systemic saline; superior mesenteric artery occlusion/systemic IL-11, 750 [mu ]g/kg/d. After the infusion, 14 C-galactose or 14 C-glycine absorption was measured using an in vivo, recirculation technique. Statistical significance was determined using analysis of variance. Results: In control rats, 30 minutes of IR decreased absorption of galactose from 2.62 to 2.02 [mu ]moles/cm 2 ( P [lt ] .01), and glycine from 2.79 to 1.72 [mu ]moles/cm 2 ( P [lt ] .01). Rats treated with systemic IL-11 showed improved absorption of galactose of 2.39 [mu ]moles/cm 2 ( P [lt ] .05), and glycine at 2.21 [mu ]moles/cm 2 ( P [lt ] .05). Mucosal DNA content was reduced significantly from 7.37 to 5.61 [mu ]g DNA/mg by IR ( P [lt ] .01). IL-11 treatment did not significantly alter DNA content during this period. Conclusions: These data show that 30 minutes of intestinal IR significantly decreases intestinal absorptive function in this animal model. When compared with untreated control animals, administration of systemic IL-11 significantly increased the absorption of carbohydrate and amino acid in rats recovering from mesenteric IR.
The Pancreas: A Symposium in Honor of Charles Frederick Frey, MD

On October 3, 1997, the University of California, Davis, under the leadership of James E. Goodnight, Jr, MD, chair of the Department of Surgery, gathered together 5 distinguished authorities in surgical pancreatic disease to present a symposium in honor of the retiring professor of 21 years, Charles F. Frey, MD. The atmosphere was one of informality and "give and take," and the result was not only a thorough and up-to-date review of many aspects of pancreatic disease but a wonderful tribute to a colleague who has spent a lifetime in this area of endeavor. Dr Frey has been a leader in this field, both scientifically in refining and extending our treatment of severe acute pancreatitis and administratively in organizing the Pancreas Club and promoting the concept that one could manage the pancreas, not in fear, but with confidence of success.
Actinomycin D synergistically enhances the efficacy of the BH3 mimetic ABT-737 by downregulating Mcl-1 expression

Many types of cancer cells possess the ability to evade apoptosis, leading to their rapid and uncontrolled proliferation. As major regulators of apoptosis, Bcl-2 proteins serve as emerging targets for novel chemotherapeutic strategies. In this study, we examined the involvement of Bcl-2 proteins in apoptosis induced by the chemotherapeutic agent actinomycin D. A dramatic decrease in anti-apoptotic myeloid leukemia cell differentiation protein (Mcl-1) mRNA and protein expression was detected upon actinomycin D treatment. Further, Mcl-l over-expression caused resistance to cell death upon treatment with actinomycin D, implicating a role for the down-regulation of Mcl-1 in actinomycin D-induced apoptosis. We also explored the therapeutic potential of actinomycin D in combination with ABT-737, an experimental agent that inhibits anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins. Actinomycin D sensitized cells to ABT-737 treatment in a Bak- or Bax-dependent manner. Importantly, low concentrations of actinomycin D and ABT-737 were more effective in inducing cell death in transformed cells than their untransformed counterparts. A synergistic effect of actinomycin D and ABT-737 on cell death was observed in several human tumor cell lines. Like actinomycin D treatment, knocking down Mcl-1 expression greatly sensitized tumor cells to ABT-737, and Mcl-1 over-expression abrogated the cytotoxic effect induced by ABT-737 and actinomycin D. These results suggest that the down-regulation of Mcl-1 by actinomycin D is likely responsible for the observed synergistic effect between the two drugs. Overall, our studies provide compelling evidence that the combination of actinomycin D and ABT-737 may lead to an effective cancer treatment strategy.
The interaction of fast neutrons with hafnium

Abstract Elemental hafnium neutron total cross sections are measured from ≈0.75 to 4.5 MeV in steps of ≈40 keV. Differential neutron elastic-scattering cross sections are measured from ≈4.5 to 10.0 MeV in ≈0.5 MeV steps and at 40 scattering angles distributed between ≈17 and 160°. These data are combined with those found in the literature to construct a comprehensive experimental data base which is interpreted in terms of coupled-channels models. Physical characteristics of the resulting potentials are discussed. Comparisons are made with ENDF/B-6 (MAT 7200). A detailed report of this work is given by Smith (Smith, A., 2001. Argonne National Laboratory Report ANL/NDM-153).
Defining the Role of Ultrasound in Drug Delivery

Ultrasound is a very effective modality for drug delivery because energy that is noninvasively transmitted through the skin can be focused on a specific location and employed to release drug at that site. Most of the drug delivery techniques employ one or both of the results of ultrasonic insonation — the generation of thermal energy, called hyperthermia, or the oscillation of gas bubbles, called acoustic cavitation. Cavitation perturbs cell membrane structures via several modes and increases the permeability to drugs or other solutes. Micro-convection, caused by stable cavitation, shears cell membranes. The shock waves and fluid jets of inertial cavitation disrupt and pierce cell membranes. While intense cavitation can lyse cells, moderate cavitation can transiently increase membrane permeability without lysis or permanent damage. Cavitation events can increase the permeability of larger tissue systems, such as skin or capillary walls. In skin, cavitation appears to transiently disrupt the lipid organization of the stratum corneum, as well as to form pores. In bacteria, cavitation is implicated in increasing the cell wall permeability towards antibacterials. Cavitation events also increase the rate of drug transport in general by superseding the slow diffusion process with convective transport processes. Ultrasound increases the transport of proteins into blood clots, of antibacterials through alginate, and of drugs from polymeric depots. Drugs can also be released ultrasonically from liposomes and micelles that circulate in the blood and retain their cargo of drugs until they enter an insonated volume of tissue. Gas filled microbubbles in the circulatory system cavitate upon insonation and disrupt surrounding cells and membranes, thus allowing the passage of drugs into the targeted tissue. The unique advantages of ultrasonic drug delivery have been employed in several tissue systems, including dermal and transdermal delivery, localized delivery to tumors, and delivery to selected organs, such as the heart, eyes, and lungs. The scope of this review article covers the use of ultrasound in delivering drugs to targeted tissues, with emphasis on drug release from liposomes, micelles and polymeric depots.
ABO certification in the age of evidence and enhancement

The American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) phase III certification examination was originally constructed and recently modified to "help the Board determine the candidate's knowledge of clinical orthodontics and provide a basis to assess the quality of the candidate's clinical treatment results." For the most part, the ABO phase III examination measures the orthodontic treatment-induced changes in occlusion in a limited and biased patient sample. The process and outcome measures used in the current model-the discrepancy index and the objective grading system-are so narrowly focused that an orthodontist might lack up-to-date clinical knowledge, psychomotor and critical thinking skills, diagnostic acumen, patient management ability, and patient-centered ethics, and still pass the examination largely because of mechanically morphing the patient's teeth into the board's construct of ideal occlusion. The goal of this article is to provide provocative insight into the core concepts that drive the ABO phase III certification process and to recommend an alternative paradigm predicated on a patient-centered, evidence-based clinical practice model.
A study of natural sponge as a disintegrating agent in compressed tablets.

Natural sponge ( Hippiospongia lachne , de Laubenfels) has been studied as a disinte-grating agent in compressed tablets. A brief description of the procedures used for cleansing, bleaching, and powdering the sponge prior to its incorporation in tablet formulas has been given. The disintegrating ability of powdered sponge in the formulas studied was found to be superior to that of cornstarch for tablets containing lactose, calcium gluconate, sulfadiazine, aluminum hydroxide, bismuth subnitrate, and sodium bicarbonate. Combinations of powdered sponge added during the granulation process and dried cornstarch added just before compression were more efficient for disintegration than powdered sponge alone.
Gestational weight gain and pregnancy outcomes in obese and morbidly obese women: How much is enough?

MORBIDLY OBESE WOMEN: HOW MUCH IS ENOUGH? ELIZABETH DODSON, DEBORAH KIEL, TEGAN BOEHMER, TERRY LEET, RAUL ARTAL, Saint Louis University, Community Health, St. Louis, Missouri, Saint Louis University, Obstetrics, Gynecology & Women’s Health, St. Louis, Missouri OBJECTIVE: The effect of gestational weight gain on pregnancy outcomes in obese women is not well studied. Given the tendency for postpartum weight retention and the implication of pregnancy in the development of obesity later in life, further study is required to determine appropriate gestational weight gain ranges for obese women. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of reduced weight gain on pregnancy outcomes in obese and morbidly obese women. STUDY DESIGN: This population-based retrospective cohort study employed data from the Missouri Linked Birth-Death Certificate File. Pregnancy outcome data from 52,301 obese (body mass index, BMI = 29.0-32.9) and 56,793 morbidly obese (BMI R 33.0) women with singleton births between 1990 and 2001 were analyzed using logistic regression. RESULTS: Compared with recommended adequate gestational weight gain (15-35 pounds), gaining under 15 pounds significantly reduced the risk of preeclampsia, c-section, and large-for-gestational-age infants in obese and morbidly obese women. The risk of small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants was inversely related to weight gain in obese women [adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) 1.6 (1.5-1.8) gain 10-14 pounds, 1.8 (1.6-2.0) gain 2-9 pounds, 2.4 (2.0-2.8) no weight change, 2.8 (2.1-3.7) loss 2-9 pounds, 2.9 (2.14.1) loss R10 pounds]. A similar trend was seen in morbidly obese women; however, the magnitude of the association was not as strong, indicating that the impact of gestational weight gain on infant birth weight is significantly different for this population. CONCLUSION: Risks for some adverse pregnancy outcomes can be decreased by reducing gestational weight gain in obese women; however, the negative effect of inadequate weight gain or gestational under-gain on SGA births is different for obese and morbidly obese women and cannot be ignored.
Fast statistical model of TiO 2 thin-film memristor and design implication

The emerging memristor devices have recently received increased attention since HP Lab reported the first TiO 2 -based memristive structure. As it is at nano-scale geometry size, the uniformity of memristor device is difficult to control due to the process variations in the fabrication process. The incurred design concerns in a memristor-based computing system, e.g, neuromorphic computing, can be very severe because the analog states of memristors are heavily utilized. Therefore, the understanding and quantitative characterization of the impact of process variations on the electrical properties of memristors become crucial for the corresponding VLSI designs. In this work, we examined the theoretical model of TiO 2 thin-film memristors and studied the relationships between the electrical parameters and the process variations of the devices. A statistical model based on a process-variation aware memristor device structure is extracted accordingly. Simulations show that our proposed model is 3 ∼ 4 magnitude faster than the existing Monte-Carlo simulation method, with only ∼ 2% accuracy degradation. A variable gain amplifier (VGA) is used as the case study to demonstrate the applications of our model in memristor-based circuit designs.
Submovement changes characterize generalization of motor recovery after stroke

Submovements are hypothesized to be discrete building blocks of human movement. Changes in their parameters appear to account for features observed in processes of motor learning and motor recovery from stroke. Our previous studies analyzed submovement changes in subjects recovering from stroke. Subjects were trained on point-to-point movements with the assistance of a rehabilitation robot as part of a stroke treatment protocol. Results suggested that recovery starts first by regaining the ability to generate submovements and then, over a longer time period, by reacquiring the means to combine submovements. Over recovery submovements became fewer, longer, and faster and such changes contributed to changes in movement smoothness. Taken together these results lent support to the theory that movement is produced via centrally generated submovements and that changes in submovements characterize recovery. More recently, we investigated generalization of training. We found that stroke subjects trained on point-to-point movements became progressively better able to draw circles, a task on which they had received no training. The goal of this paper was to further investigate the changes that occur in untrained movements during motor recovery from stroke. Specifically we wanted to test whether changes in smoothness and submovements also characterize untrained movements. We analyzed circle drawing movements performed by 47 chronic stroke subjects who underwent training on point-to-point movements over an 18-session robot-assisted therapy program. We found that during recovery the shapes drawn by subjects became not only closer to circles (a task not trained during therapy) but also smoother. Concurrently, submovements grew fewer, longer, and faster. These results are consistent with the theory that movement is produced via submovements and suggest that changes in smoothness and submovements might characterize and describe the process of motor recovery from stroke. Also, they are consistent with the idea that motor recovery after a stroke shares similar traits with motor learning.
The release of 5-methylene-2-furanone from irradiated DNA catalyzed by cationic polyamines and divalent metal cations.

Abstract Roginskaya, M., Bernhard, W. A., Marion, R. T. and Razskazovskiy, Y. The Release of 5-Methylene-2-Furanone from Irradiated DNA Catalyzed by Cationic Polyamines and Divalent Metal Cations. Radiat. Res. 163, 85–89 (2005). Release of 5-methylene-2-furanone (5-MF), a characteristic marker of DNA deoxyribose oxidative damage at the C1′ position, was observed in significant quantities from X-irradiated DNA. This observation, which held for DNA irradiated either in aqueous solution or as a film, requires postirradiation treatment at 90°C in the presence of polyamines and divalent metal cations at biological pH. The 5-MF product was quantified by using reverse-phase HPLC. The radiation chemical yield of 5-MF comprised more than 30% of the yield of total unaltered base release. Polylysine, spermine and Be(II) showed the strongest catalytic effect on 5-MF release, while Zn(II), Cu(II), Ni(II), putrescine and Mg(II) were substantially less efficient. We have hypothesized that the 5-MF release from irradiate...
Determinants of retail sales in SMSAs

Abstract This paper develops a theoretical model to explain consumer behavior in the context of spatially extensive retail markets. Several socio-economic variables influencing total and per capita retail sales are identified and their effects on sales are predicted. The theoretical framework presented in this paper serves to link location theoretic arguments to the retail trade arena and to provide a guideline for the empirical work reported. The empirical work encompasses nine retail trade sectors plus retailing in the aggregate. Good results are obtained for total sales and credible results for per capita sales using data from 229 United States SMSAs.
Spearman's Hypothesis: Methodology and Evidence.

(1992). Spearman's Hypothesis: Methodology and Evidence. Multivariate Behavioral Research: Vol. 27, No. 2, pp. 225-233.
Where is the Earth's Radiogenic Helium?

AT the estimated 2 × 1020 gm. uranium and 5 × 1020 gm. thorium in the lithosphere, helium should be generated radiogenically at a rate of about 3 × 109 gm./year. Moreover, the (secondary) cosmic-ray source of helium has been estimated to be of comparable magnitude. Apparently nearly all the helium from sedimentary rocks and, according to Keevil1 and Hurley2, about 0.8 of the radiogenic helium from igneous rocks, have been released into the atmosphere during geological times (currently taken to be about 5 × 109 yr.). Hence more than 1020 gm. of helium should have passed into the atmosphere since the ‘beginning’. Because the atmosphere contains only 3.5 × 1015 gm. helium-4, the common assumption is therefore that about 1020 gm. of helium-4 must also have passed out through the exosphere, and that its present rate of loss through the exosphere balances the rate of exudation from the lithosphere.
Comparison of the Jovian north and south pole aurorae using the IUE observatory

New results on the spatial and temporal variability of the auroral emissions from Jupiter have been obtained from three IUE observations of the south pole made during the period July 1983 to March 1984. The current observations, together with previous IUE studies of the north pole aurora, provide convincing evidence for persistent longitudinal asymmetries in the Jovian auroral emissions. The strongest emissions appear to originate from regions centered near lambda-III of about 0 deg at the south pole and lambda-III of about 185 deg at the north pole. Differences in surface magnetic field strength seem inadequate to explain the extent to which particles precipitating along field lines into a given longitude sector in one hemisphere are inhibited from precipitating along the same field lines into the opposite hemisphere. Thus, the IUE auroral results present a challenge to existing models of auroral production.
Ribosomal RNA: Nature's own polymerase-amplified target for diagnosis

The technological criteria for diagnostic tests for tropical diseases are strict and limited. One method of considerable potential for field use is the exploitation of regions of species-specific sequences of ribosomal RNA (rRNA). Oligodeoxynucleotide probes can be used to detect the specific RNa regions in question. Andy Waters and Tom McCutchan describe how simple rRNA methodologies for Plasmodium can detect and identify parasites as well as follow different stages in their development. The potential of this methodology extends to monitoring both epidemiological parameters and the efficacy of novel drug regimes.
A search for water vapor and trace constituents in the venus atmosphere

An unsuccessful spectroscopic search for water vapor and other gases in the Venus atmospheres is described. The resulting upper limit on the Cytherean water vapor/ atmosphere mixing ratio down to a level of high temperature and pressure is about 10−5.
Long-Term Followup of Dextranomer/Hyaluronic Acid Injection for Vesicoureteral Reflux: Late Failure Warrants Continued Followup

Purpose: Dextranomer/hyaluronic acid injection of ureteral orifices is a popular option in the treatment of vesicoureteral reflux, with success rates ranging from 69% to 89%. We found only 1 study that followed patients beyond the initial postoperative voiding cystourethrogram, which describes a 96% success rate at 2 to 5 years but defines success as “nondilating” reflux. We examined our dextranomer/hyaluronic acid series to evaluate the long-term (1-year) outcome in children who had resolution of reflux on initial postoperative voiding cystourethrography.Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed our dextranomer/hyaluronic acid experience from February of 2002 to December of 2005. We determined initial success on early (6 to 12-week) postoperative voiding cystourethrogram. We then evaluated long-term success by obtaining a voiding cystourethrogram at 1 year postoperatively in patients who were initially cured of reflux. In addition, success rates between the first and second halves of our experie...
Genotypic Variation in Promotion of Rice Dinitrogen Fixation as Determined by Nitrogen-15 Dilution

Rice (Oryza saliva L.) genotypes capable of stimulating associative N 2 fixation (NFS) are desirable to reduce dependence on fertilizer N. A pot experiment was conducted during the 1993 dry season to assess differences in NFS among 70 genotypes of diverse origin and growth duration and to validate the use of 15 N enrichment of mineralized soil N as reference for N 2 fixation measurement. The soil used had a stable 15 N enrichment that was obtained by incubating and frequent mixing with ( 15 NH 4 ) 2 SO 4 (6.3 kg N ha -1 ) in submerged condition for 6 wk. The 15 N enrichment of soil NH 4 + -N dropped exponentially, showing an initial rapid decline to half of the original level within 2 wk, followed by a slower, nonsignificant rate of decline after 5 wk. Whole plant 15 N atom % excess was inversely correlated with growth duration and ranged from 1.78 in Oking Seroni (late genotype) to 2.45 in PTA-18 (early genotype). It was, therefore, necessary to compare NFS among genotypes of the same growth duration. Enrichment was lowest in the roots, suggesting this as the site of active N 2 fixation; it was highest in the shoot and intermediate in grain. Nitrogen derived from air (Ndfa) estimated using 15 N enrichments of mineralized soil N and reference rice genotype correlated highly (r = + 0.0.998**). Percentage Ndfa ranged from 1.5 to 21.0, with an average of 10.2. Yelsulbyeo, Pankaj, and Oking Seroni had the highest Ndfa among early, medium, and long growth duration genotypes, respectively. Genotypes with high Ndfa, grain yield, and N uptake are Oking Seroni, IR29337-36-3, OR-142-99, and Pankaj.
Sources of Information in the Learning Disabilities and Special Education Literature.

Knowles, B. S. Which way do I go? Pointer, 1978, 23, 43-47. Marshall, A. E., & Heward, W. L. Teaching selfmanagement to incarcerated youth. Behavioral Disorders, 1979, 4, 215-226. Ohio Department of Motor Vehicles. 1980 Digest of Ohio motor vehicle laws. Columbus: Author, 1980. Test, D. W., Cooke, N. L., & Heward, W. L. The Visual Response System handbook: Maximizing the effectiveness of small-group instruction. Columbus: Project Interaction, Ohio State University, 1983. Test, D. W., & Heward, W. L. Photosynthesis: Teaching a complex science concept to juvenile delinquents. Science Education, 1980, 64, 129-139.
Smoothing intensity-modulated treatment delivery under hardware constraints.

A method is developed to smooth intensity-modulated beam delivery while considering hardware constraints. The method uses matrix algebra to model MLC leaf motion and hardware constraints such as interleaf digitization, synchronization requirements, and intersegment field abutment to deliver intensity modulated beam sequences. It was implemented and demonstrated for simulated and clinical intensity modulated cases. The simulated cases included intensity distributions from 3×3 to 30×30 in dimension with 1000 intensity levels. The clinical examples included four treatments sites: prostate, head and neck, lung, and esophagus cancers. In particular, we studied the relationships between the intensity levels, segment numbers and their influence on the dose-volume histograms of the inversely optimized IMRT treatment plans. It was found that a significant reduction in the leaf segment numbers was achieved by applying the smoothing approach. The effects were found to be more significant for the unconstrained delivery than for the constrained delivery. The effects were also found to be more sensitive for the complex intensity distributions such as the head-and-neck cases than for the less complex ones such as the prostate cases. These results demonstrated the feasibility of maintaining inversely optimized treatment plans under acceptable tolerance levels while smoothing IMRT treatments with hardware constraints.
Leukemia-Inhibitory Factor—Neuroimmune Modulator of Endocrine Function

Leukemia-inhibitory factor (LIF) is a pleiotropic cytokine expressed by multiple tissue types. The LIF receptor shares a common gp130 receptor subunit with the IL-6 cytokine superfamily. LIF signaling is mediated mainly by JAK-STAT (janus-kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription) pathways and is abrogated by the SOCS (suppressor-of cytokine signaling) and PIAS (protein inhibitors of activated STAT) proteins. In addition to classic hematopoietic and neuronal actions, LIF plays a critical role in several endocrine functions including the utero-placental unit, the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis, bone cell metabolism, energy homeostasis, and hormonally responsive tumors. This paper reviews recent advances in our understanding of molecular mechanisms regulating LIF expression and action and also provides a systemic overview of LIF-mediated endocrine regulation. Local and systemic LIF serve to integrate multiple developmental and functional cell signals, culminating in maintaining appropriate...
Direct somatic embryogenesis fromBegonia gracilis explants.

Direct somatic embryogenesis ofBegonia gracilis was achieved from microcultured laminar segments and petioles on Murashige and Skoog medium with 0.5 mg 1-1 kinetin and 2% coconut water. Somatic embryos were obtained with greater frequency from petiole explants than from leaf blade sections. Under red light (45 μmol m-2 s-1), approximately 80% of the petiole explants successfully produced somatic embryos but only 30% of the leaf blade sections responded. However, somatic embryos were significantly more abundant on responding lamina explants (60-70 embryos/leaf section) than on petioles (40-50 embryos/petiole). These trends were similar for explants kept in the dark, but overall production was lower. Somatic embryos were produced more quickly (5 weeks) from petioles than from lamina explants (8 weeks). The somatic embryos germinated to produce plantlets and subsequently shoot cultures with the same appearance as the parental clone.
The auditory corticopontocerebellar projection in the rat: inputs to the paraflocculus and midvermis. An anatomical and physiological study

This study investigated afferent projections to the cerebellum, in particular those from the auditory cerebral cortex. The parafloccular lobule of the rat cerebellum is shown to be a primary target for the auditory cortical information with the midvermal region being a receiving area from the inferior colliculus. The method of anterograde transport of tritiated amino acids was employed to determine projections of the auditory cortex to the pons. Autoradiography showed that the site of termination of efferents from the auditory cortex corresponds to the location of neurons that project to the paraflocculus. Histogram analysis of neuronal activity in halothane anesthetized rats was employed to determine the response characteristics of neurons in paraflocculus and midvermis following cortical and tectal electrical stimulation. In addition, unit recordings of parafloccular neurons in immobilized, locally anesthetized animals demonstrated general characteristics of the responses of these neurons to auditory field stimulation. Electrical stimulation of the auditory cortex evoked mixed, excitatory-inhibitory and pure inhibitory mossy fiber responses in 33% of neurons in the paraflocculus, with no responses evident in the midvermis. Following inferior collicular stimulation, 12.6% of the neurons in the midvermis elicited a response. Recordings from parafloccular neurons in unanesthetized, immobilized rats showed evidence for excitatory and inhibitory mossy fiber responses, following auditory field stimulation. This spectrum of basic studies establishes the existence of a pathway in which the paraflocculus is revealed as an integrating target for cortical auditory information.
Right-ventricular function by nuclear cardiology.

Purpose of this review Right-ventricular (RV) function has both diagnostic and prognostic relevance; thus the ability to accurately evaluate and quantify the RV is critical. Nuclear techniques provide an accurate and reproducible assessment of RV systolic function. Additionally, nuclear techniques can assess RV physiology, thus providing insight into the pathogenesis of common conditions affecting the RV. In this review, we describe the role of nuclear imaging in assessing RV systolic function, perfusion, and metabolism. Recent findings Nuclear techniques to quantify RV function have been available for many years, but newer methods to evaluate RV function are emerging. Recent investigations into the pathophysiology of RV failure from a variety of causes have identified RV ischemia and alterations in RV metabolism as major contributors. Because nuclear-imaging techniques also allow evaluation of RV ischemia and metabolism, nuclear imaging may allow a comprehensive assessment of RV function and physiology. Summary In addition to providing a reliable determination of RV systolic function, nuclear-imaging techniques are emerging as clinically useful tools to assess RV perfusion and metabolism. As these novel uses of nuclear imaging for RV assessment continue to be studied and validated across a variety of clinical settings, an expanded role of nuclear imaging of the RV is anticipated.
Newcomer Immigrant Adolescents and Ambiguous Discrimination: The Role of Cognitive Appraisal

Cognitive appraisal has been shown to mediate the relationship between stressors and internalizing symptoms, but not among newcomer immigrant youth facing ambiguous discrimination. Using a mixed-me...
Assuming identities: Kafka's Curse and the unsilenced voice

Summary As Zoe Wicomb observes in “Shame and Identity: The Case of the Coloured in South Africa” (1998), the country's history of miscegenation has been silenced by the very people whom the practice has created: “it is after all the very nature of shame to stifle its own discourse” (Wicomb quoted by Attridge & Jolly 1998:92). In chronicling the ways in which the color bar was constantly and continually being subverted through interracial couplings, Kafka's Curse (Dangor 1997) works to challenge the silence surrounding miscegenation as well as the idea that pure categories of race could even exist. But the categories must not be ignored altogether. Kafka's Curse cautions against a total rejection of attachment to origins, obscure, distant or elusive as those origins may be. It must be the project of the new South African literature to examine the role of ethnic identification in nation‐building, and to consider how “remembrance” can be harnessed toward it.
Sensitization of Photoconductivity in Cadmium Sulfide

The photoconductivity of cadmium sulfide in the red and near infrared can be enhanced by sensitization with cyanine dyes. There is general qualitative agreement between the results of sensitization with pinacyanole, dicyanine-A, kryptocyanine, and neocyanine, and those obtained when these dyes are used as optical sensitizers in photography, so that the two effects may be considered to be similar.Cells have been made in the form: metal electrode || dye || cadmium sulfide || metal electrode, which upon illumination show a photo-emf and steady current, the dye being positive with respect to the cadmium sulfide. A simple explanation is proposed which relates this emf to the energy difference between the conduction bands of dye and cadmium sulfide. On the basis of this picture, and assuming electron conduction in both, the conduction band of the dye must lie above that of the cadmium sulfide, and the condition for sensitization by charge carrier transfer according to the original proposal of Gurney and Mott is satisfied.
Through Multiple Lenses: Mentoring and Tutoring

This issue of Mentoring and Tutoring: Partnership in Learning includes research from scholar representing the United States, Canada, Ireland, Finland, and New Zealand. The authors of the five artic...
Telling Stories and Making Social Relations: Transnational Women’s Ways of Belonging in Intercultural Contexts

This study investigates how transnational women construct their social relations by telling stories in a lingua franca environment (Firth 1996). My main interest lies in naturally occurring and interactionally achieved stories (Bamberg 2004; Georgakopoulou 2007) told during break time of an adult English as a Second Language (ESL) class in Honolulu. I investigate how seven learners find common ground for belonging by telling stories as a means of active participation. The process of cultural belonging and participation is examined by way of narrative analysis—a concrete, visible, and discursive method for analyzing participants’ daily interactions. By utilizing the dimensions of storytelling, which are embeddedness, tellership, and tellability (Ochs and Capps 2001; Georgakopoulou 2007) I seek to examine how the women construct their social relations and what social actions and goals their stories produce in the interaction. The women locate common concerns and complaints, using their stories to build a familiar, safe, and comfortable environment in which to practice their new lingua franca.
Effects of prenatal crowding on behavior of rodent mothers and offspring.

Pregnant female rats lived in groups of 1, 2, 4, or 8 during the gestational period. Using a systematic analysis, maternal behaviors were observed from Days 2 through 16 postpartum. Both the crowde...
Illustrations of vacuum polarization by solitons

The value and limitations of the adiabatic method for calculating induced charges are discussed in a general way and illustrated in some simple models in 1+1 dimensions. The relevance of the size of solitons is emphasized.
IGF-I and/or growth hormone preserve diaphragm fiber size with moderate malnutrition

Resistance to the anabolic effects of growth hormone (GH) occurs with severe caloric deficit. This study examined whether moderate caloric deficit (50% of daily intake for 7 days) in the adolescent...
MERCURY REMOVAL FROM OILS

Abstract Heavy condensate or oil can contain significant amounts of mercury which causes marketing, processing and environmental concerns. We have developed an effective process to remove all kinds of mercury compounds in heavy condensate. At the conditions tested, the total mercury content in a condensate was reduced from 3,000 to lO ppb, representing 99.7% mercury removal. In the process, the condensate is pumped upflow through a reactor filled with activated carbon and polysulfide solution at mild conditions. The effluent is a clear, low mercury product. The theory and principles of the process are developed and verified with experiments. Process variables were also explored to define the preferred region of operation.
BIODIVERSITY, DENSITY COMPENSATION, AND THE DYNAMICS OF POPULATIONS AND FUNCTIONAL GROUPS

Species richness can affect both the size and stability of populations. Many simple theories predict that complex speciose communities should be less stable than simple ones. In contrast, stability of collective community attributes, such as functional groups, may be greater in more complex communities. We used aquatic microcosms containing microbial food webs to generate an experimental gradient of species richness. Biweekly counts of population samples permitted estimation and comparison of density, persistence time, and temporal variation in density for populations and trophic functional groups embedded in communities of varying richness. Densities of nearly half of the species declined as species richness increased, demonstrating broad community-wide density compensation that resulted from more abundant competitors and predators in species-rich communities. Persistence time, a measure of population stability, also declined with increasing species richness. Another measure of population stability, temporal variation in density, indicated that abundances of most species embedded in diverse communities varied no more than in less diverse communities. In contrast to results for individual species, temporal variation of entire functional groups composed of multiple species decreased as species richness increased. The stability of individual populations was not predicted by that of functional groups. Interspecific interactions and statistical averaging may both contribute to the reduced temporal variability of functional groups created by aggregating multiple species.
Wage Rigidity : A Look Inside the Firm

This paper tests for nominal salary rigidity using panel data from two large service-sector firms. Distributions of the firms' salary changes exhibit nominal rigidity: few nominal pay cuts, a pile-up of observations at zero, and positive skewness and asymmetry. In addition, these characteristics become more pronounced in periods of low inflation. These results are much stronger than those found in the previous literature. Further analysis shows that the sizable measurement error in the PSID and the fact that establishment surveys typically follow average wages within jobs may bias the results in the previous literature toward rejecting downward nominal wage rigidity.
SPADES-ACE: A simulator for path delay faults in sequential circuits with extensions to arbitrary clocking schemes

Testing of synchronous sequential circuits for path delay faults requires two sequences: a test sequence, that specifies the input values, and a clocking scheme, that specifies at what time units a fast clock should be applied. In this work, a fault simulator for path delay faults in synchronous sequential circuits is described, that has the following novel features. (1) For a given test sequence, all clocking schemes that have a single fast clock are simulated in parallel. (2) During the simulation process, it is possible to determine a minimal set of clocking schemes to achieve the same fault coverage as in (1). (3) Alternatively, it is possible to simulate the test sequence under a given clocking scheme, containing multiple fast clocks at arbitrary time units. (4) A path representation scheme is used, that allows efficient access to path delay faults detected by previous tests. Experimental results are presented to demonstrate these features and their effectiveness. >