cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Has the Microbiota Played a Critical Role in the Evolution of the Adaptive Immune System

Although microbes have been classically viewed as pathogens, it is now well established that the majority of host-bacterial interactions are symbiotic. During development and into adulthood, gut bacteria shape the tissues, cells, and molecular profile of our gastrointestinal immune system. This partnership, forged over many millennia of coevolution, is based on a molecular exchange involving bacterial signals that are recognized by host receptors to mediate beneficial outcomes for both microbes and humans. We explore how specific aspects of the adaptive immune system are influenced by intestinal commensal bacteria. Understanding the molecular mechanisms that mediate symbiosis between commensal bacteria and humans may redefine how we view the evolution of adaptive immunity and consequently how we approach the treatment of numerous immunologic disorders.
Random-priming in vitro recombination: An effective tool for directed evolution

A simple and efficient method for in vitro mutagenesis and recombination of polynucleotide sequences is reported. The method involves priming template polynucleotide(s) with random-sequence primers and extending to generate a pool of short DNA fragments which contain a controllable level of point mutations. The fragments are reassembled during cycles of denaturation, annealing and further enzyme-catalyzed DNA polymerization to produce a library of full-length sequences. Screening or selecting the expressed gene products leads to new variants with improved functions, as demonstrated by the recombination of genes encoding different thermostable subtilisins in order to obtain enzymes more stable than either parent.
DISPOSITION OF RADIOACTIVE 17α-HYDROXYPROGESTERONE,6α-METHYL-17α-ACETOXYPROGESTERONE AND 6α-METHYLPREDNISOLONE IN HUMAN SUBJECTS

The disposition in the human body of the C14-labeled synthetic steroids (6α-methyl-17α-acetoxyprogesterone, 6α-methylprednisolone and prednisolone) was compared to that of 3 natural steroids (cortisol, 17α-hydroxyprogesterone and progesterone). The unconjugated steroid metabolites of cortisol, 17α-hydroxyprogesterone, progesterone and 6α-methylprednisolone were cleared from the plasma at a rate with a half-life of approximately 1.5 hours. In contrast, prednisolone and 6α-methyl-17-acetoxyprogesterone were cleared at a much slower rate (half-life of over 200 minutes). Glucosiduronates of the progesterone group of compounds reached high levels in the plasma within fifteen minutes after intravenous injection, in contrast to the low and slowly achieved levels of glucosiduronates reached by the cortisol group of steroids. Other differences between the two groups were: higher theoretical volume of distribution shown by the former, higher urinary excretion of the latter, and substantial biliary and fecal excreti...
Surface and bulk structural relaxation kinetics of silica glass

Abstract The structural relaxation kinetics of a silica glass were measured by following the IR structural band positions, which are directly correlated with the average Si–O–Si bond angle as well as with the fictive temperature of the glass, as a function of heat-treatment time, temperature and the water vapor pressure. Both surface relaxation and bulk relaxation kinetics were determined by measuring the IR reflection and absorption band positions, respectively. The surface relaxation was much faster than the bulk relaxation and had a smaller activation energy. Also, both relaxation kinetics were faster in the presence of water vapor. The apparent bulk relaxation time determined from the IR absorption band shift was a composite relaxation time consisting of both the relaxation time of the water-catalyzed near surface layer and the true bulk relaxation time of the glass interior which is unaffected by water vapor. The true bulk relaxation time was evaluated and found to have an activation energy consistent with that of the viscous flow.
Residual properties of fibered and hyperbolic 3-manifolds

Abstract We study the residual properties of geometric 3-manifold groups. In particular, we study conditions under which geometric 3-manifold groups are virtually residually p for a prime p , and conditions under which they are residually torsion-free nilpotent. We show that for every prime p , every geometric 3-manifold group is virtually residually p . We show that geometric 3-manifold groups are virtually residually torsion-free nilpotent precisely when they do not arise from Sol geometry.
Logarithmic lower bounds for Néel walls

Most mathematical models for interfaces and transition layers in materials science exhibit sharply localized and rapidly decaying transition profiles. We show that this behavior can largely change when non-local interactions dominate and internal length scales fail to be determined by dimensional analysis: we consider a reduced model for Neel walls, micromagnetic transition layers which are observed in a suitable thin-film regime. The typical phenomenon associated with this wall type is the very long logarithmic tail of transition profiles. Recently, we derived logarithmic upper bounds. Here, we prove that the latter result is indeed optimal. In particular, we show that Neel wall profiles are supported by explicitly known comparison profiles that minimize relaxed variational principles and exhibit logarithmic decay behavior. This lower bound is established by a comparison argument based on a global maximum principle for the non-local field operator and the qualitative decay behavior of comparison profiles.
Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Overexpression and Trisomy 7 in a Case of Barrett' s Esophagus

Increased expression of epidermal growth factor receptor linked with abnormalities of chromosome 7 has been described in a number of malignancies, but not in premalignant lesions. We report on one patient of nine studied with Barrett's esophagus who had trisomy 7 and showed increased expression of epidermal growth factor receptor. Southern blot analysis demonstrated that the protooncogene c-erb-B, which encodes the epidermal growth factor receptor, was not amplified. However, increased expression of the corresponding mRNA was evident on dot blot analysis. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) binding studies were consistent with increased expression of the receptor with approximately 2.3×105 molecules of EGF bound per cell. These data suggest that chromosome 7 abnormalities can occur in Barrett's esophagus.
What Are Party Endorsements Worth? A Study of Preprimary Gubernatorial Endorsements

In this study of preprimary gubernatorial endorsements by state parties, we find that the endorsee is less likely to be challenged in a primary if the endorsement is based on state law rather than party rules; though in both situations, the percentage of contested endorsees who win has been declining. Evidence from a number of 1994 endorsing conventions shows that the gubernatorial endorsee is more likely to win nomination if (a) the party endorses a politically strong candidate, (b) the endorsing convention is reasonably united and representative of party primary voters, and (c) the endorsee receives considerable tangible support as a result of being endorsed.
Nematic liquid crystal alignment and nonlinear diffraction with subwavlength surface gratings

Preliminary attempts at aligning nematic liquid crystals using windows having sub-wavelength surface gratings show that good planar aligned cells can be fabricated. We also demonstrate all-optical nonlinear diffraction effect using methyl-red doped nematic liquid crystal that possess a large intensity refractive index change coefficient.
Generation mechanisms for laser ultrasonics

Although laser ultrasound is a promising technique for many applications, the signal-to-noise ratio of laser ultrasound is poorer than for contact ultrasonics. In this paper we present some of our current work in optimizing the excitation of laser ultrasound in composite materials. We are characterizing laser generated ultrasound as a function of laser parameters, composite material properties, and their interaction. Experimental results for a number of different laser wavelengths and pulse widths, for several materials, are presented.
Comparison of the primate alphaherpesviruses. I. Characterization of two herpesviruses from spider monkeys and squirrel monkeys and viral polypeptides synthesized in infected cells.

Biological and biochemical properties of two neurotropic herpesviruses of New World monkeys—Herpesvirus saimiri type 1 (HVS-1) andHerpesvirus ateles type 1 (HVA-1)—were examined and compared. HVS-1 and HVA-1 both exhibited a time course of replication similar to another primate herpesvirus, SA 8. Both viruses grew rapidly and high titers of infectious virus were readily produced. HVS-1 and HVA-1 were also able to replicate efficiently in cell lines derived from a number of primate and non-primate species. Analysis of proteins synthesized in infected cells revealed the presence of over 30 virus-specific proteins ranging from <30,000 to over 200,000 daltons apparent molecular weight. Both viruses specified synthesis of a major capsid polypeptide of 148,000 daltons. Pulse labeling of cells during infection demonstrated temporal differences in the kinetics of synthesis of individual viral proteins and post-translational modification of a number of viral polypeptides. Glycosylated polypeptides synthesized in HVS-1 and HVA-1 infected cells were identified which ranged from approximately 49,000 to 120,000 daltons. Structural polypeptides of HVA-1 and HVS-1 virions were identified by SDS-PAGE analysis of purified virions. Taken together with clinical data on the diseases caused by these viruses, these studies indicate that HVS-1 and HVA-1 appear similar in many respects to both the human herpes simplex viruses and alphaherpesviruses of other primates.
Two-step laser excited atomic fluorescence spectrometry determination of mercury

Abstract A novel method for the determination of mercury by laser excited atomic fluorescence with electrothermal atomization (LEAFS-ETA) has been developed. The experimental set-up consisted of a dual dye-laser system pumped with a XeCl excimer laser operated at 10 Hz, and an electrothermal atomizer with platform atomization. The atomization program allowed time for the injection of Pd (as a matrix modifier) and used a drying step at 110°C and an atomization step at 1200°C. The collection is made at 90° using a pierced mirror, an achromat lens and a long-pass filter. The monochromator is fitted with a 1P28 PMT. The signal is processed by using a boxcar and an analog to digital interface. The excitation scheme is a two-step process, with λ1 = 253.7 nm and λ2 = 435.8 nm. Direct fluorescence is observed at 546.1 nm. The limit of detection (LOD) obtained is 90 fg (9 pptr with 10 μ1 injection). The linear dynamic range (LDR) is five orders of magnitude and is limited by the non-linearity of the co-operative processes occurring at higher concentrations. In order to extend the LDR to higher amounts of mercury, indirect fluorescence is collected with the less sensitive line at 407.8 nm, allowing concentrations of 1 ppm and up to be measured, extending the LDR of the technique to at least seven orders of magnitude.
Clinical performances and endocrine profiles with contraceptive vaginal rings containing d-norgestrel

Abstract A clinical study was undertaken with contraceptive vaginal rings (CVRs) of a 3-layered “shell” design impregnated with d-norgestrel. The rings were studied in 10 normally menstruating women for 6 treatment cycles on a “3-week in, 1-week out” schedule. No adverse local effects occurred and patient and consort acceptance was good. Ovulation occurred in only 2 of the 60 treatment cycles (3.3%). Breakthrough bleeding and spotting occurred in 33.3% of cycles and 6.7% of treatment days, and failure of withdrawal bleeding in 3 (5.0%) cycles. Mean daily d-norgestrel loss was calculated to be 279.7 μg/day. Serum d-norgestrel levels were higher in the first cycle of use (mean 2.44 ± 0.55 S.D. ng/ml), than in subsequent cycles (mean 1.98 ± 45 ng/ml in the second cycle to 1.51 ± 0.40 ng/ml in the sixth cycle). For each subject serum d-norgestrel levels showed little fluctuation in each treatment cycle. Estradiol levels were consistently low, usually less than 50 pg/ml. Serum d-norgestrel levels could not be correlated with the incidence of either breakthrough bleeding or ovulation. Although the incidence of breakthrough bleeding, failure of withdrawal bleeding, and ovulation was less than previously reported with other designs of norgestrel CVRs, the incidence of each of these events remains too high to have a clinically acceptable contraceptive method.
Police handling of domestic calls: The importance of offender's presence in the arrest decision

Though much has been written about the correlates associated with the police decision to arrest when responding to domestic incidents, the current literature is almost completely silent about the effect of offender's presence on disposition. Using police records from one large jurisdiction in South Florida, this research investigates differences between offenders who are present when police arrive and those who are absent in terms of offender, victim, and situational characteristics. Consistent with prior research, this study found that 48 percent of domestic violent offenders were absent when police arrived. Furthermore, offender's presence was found to be the most powerful predictor of an arrest outcome.
de Haas-van Alphen effect and LMTO bandstructure of NiSi

The de Haas-van Alphen effect has been measured in the intermetallic compound Al2Cu, and the band structure has been calculated by the LMTO method. The theory provides a reasonable explanation of some low frequencies, and gives excellent agreement with one major larger-frequency branch, but fails to account for other major branches.
Modeling large RNAs and ribonucleoprotein particles using molecular mechanics techniques.

There is a growing body of low-resolution structural data that can be utilized to devise structural models for large RNAs and ribonucleoproteins. These models are routinely built manually. We introduce an automated refinement protocol to utilize such data for building low-resolution three-dimensional models using the tools of molecular mechanics. In addition to specifying the positions of each nucleotide, the protocol provides quantitative estimates of the uncertainties in those positions, i.e., the resolution of the model. In typical applications, the resolution of the models is about 10–20 A. Our method uses reduced representations and allows us to refine three-dimensional structures of systems as big as the 16S and 23S ribosomal RNAs, which are about one to two orders of magnitude larger than nucleic acids that can be examined by traditional all-atom modeling methods. Nonatomic resolution structural data--secondary structure, chemical cross-links, chemical and enzymatic footprinting patterns, protein positions, solvent accessibility, and so on--are combined with known motifs in RNA structure to predict low-resolution models of large RNAs. These structural constraints are imposed on the RNA chain using molecular mechanics-type potential functions with parameters based on the quality of experimental data. Surface potential functions are used to incorporate shape and positional data from electron microscopy image reconstruction experiments into our models. The structures are optimized using techniques of energy refinement to get RNA folding patterns. In addition to providing a consensus model, the method finds the range of models consistent with the data, which allows quantitative evaluation of the resolution of the model. The method also identifies conflicts in the experimental data. Although our protocol is aimed at much larger RNAs, we illustrate these techniques using the tRNA structure as an example and test-bed.
Public Trust in the New Parliaments of Central and Eastern Europe

After the collapse of the Soviet empire, democratic parliamentary elections were conducted in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, and new parliaments convened, in the early 1990s. How much confidence did citizens in these new democracies have in their new parliament? Under what conditions is citizens' trust in parliament meagre or ample? Public opinion surveys conduced in 1990–1 in nine countries – Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Estonia, Hungary, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, and Ukraine – provide data for analysing citizens', trusting or distrusting orientations. Parliamentary trust is significantly influenced by perceptions of economic conditions, and by confidence in politicians and government generally but, surprisingly, not much affected by political awareness or involvement levels, political efficacy, or social class differentials. These findings indicate that public confidence in these parliaments will grow with economic prosperity and the demonstrated effectiveness of the government to...
Thermodynamic Modeling of the Multiple Parabolic Reflector Flat Panel Collector

Abstract The Multiple Parabolic Reflector Flat Plate Collector (MPFC) is designed to concentrate solar energy while remaining stationary. Inside the panel is an array of parabolic trough reflectors with tubular receivers. The receiver array transverses within the panel to collect reflected light from the reflectors. The goal of the design is to provide heat at 150 o C for a lower cost than current types of solar thermal panels. A first-law thermal analysis is used to determine the heat gain and heat loss of the system. For Tallahassee locations, the system is oriented such that the reflectors are aligned length-wise in an East-West direction. It is determined that the MPFC can collect energy, at 150 o C, with efficiencies comparable to those of advanced flat plate, evacuated tube, and CPC collectors. The simplicity of the design allows for lower manufacturing costs than those of comparable panels, leading to more affordable solar energy collection.
Similarities in the cytoplasmic proteins of different organs and species examined by SDS gel electrophoresis.

Abstract Cytoplasmic proteins from different organs of the rat, mouse, quail, frog, and fish were compared by SDS gel electrophoresis. Since this technique separates proteins on the basis of molecular weight rather than charge, the evolutionary changes due simply to amino acid substitutions were eliminated. The brain proteins of these five widely divergent species were virtually identical, and the proteins from the liver and kidneys also showed many cross species similarities. This suggests that by the time fish had evolved the biochemical sophistication necessary to run the various organs had been developed and become relatively fixed. When proteins of different organs within the same species were compared there were again many similarities. These were most marked between the liver and kidney, and between the spleen and fibroblasts. There are probably a large number of proteins which all vertebrate cells share in common.
Population Structure and Breeding Patterns of 145 U.S. Rice Cultivars Based on SSR Marker Analysis

This study was undertaken to investigate the population structure of U.S. rice (Oryza sativa L.). A total of 115 U.S. rice cultivars and 30 ancestral accessions introduced from Asia were genotyped by means of 169 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers that are well distributed throughout the rice genome. SSR-based clustering analysis identified three groups of U.S. rice cultivars that were recognizable as temperate japonica with short to medium grains, tropical japonica with medium grains, and tropical japonica with long grains. Indica cultivars were represented among ancestral accessions, but always clustered independently. Indica germplasm has been used for cultivar improvement, but never directly in U.S. rice production. Cluster analysis of cultivars based on four time periods representing their first release date or introduction (1900-1929, 1930-1959, 1960-1979, and 1980-2000) resulted in the identification of the same three groups. This suggests that the population structure in U.S. rice was established before 1930 and remains essentially intact today, despite a large amount of controlled crossing and artificial selection as a part of the breeding process. Fifty-seven percent of U.S. rice cultivars were developed from intragroup crosses, indicating the availability of substantial genetic variability within each group. Similar results were obtained using genetic distance-based and model-based clustering methods. Information about population structure and associated phenotypic characteristics recognized by geneticists and breeders paves the way for coordinated association mapping studies in the future.
Ankle-brachial index and cardiovascular risk prediction: an analysis of 11,594 individuals with 10-year follow-up.

Abstract Background Low ankle–brachial index (ABI) is associated with increased risk of subsequent cardiovascular disease events, independent of Framingham risk factors, but its ability to improve risk prediction prospectively has not been examined. Methods We conducted post-hoc analysis of data from Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study (ARIC Study), a large prospective cohort study. 11,594 white and African American (24.2%) men and women, aged 45–64 years, with available Framingham Risk Score (FRS) variables and ABIs at baseline, and without known history of cardiovascular disease or diabetes mellitus or known peripheral arterial disease at baseline were assessed for hard cardiovascular events (hCVD; defined as heart attack, coronary death or stroke) over median follow-up of 10 years. Hazard ratios, C statistic, and net reclassification indexes were calculated to determine the independent predictive ability of ABI compared with FRS. Results 659 hCVD events occurred. Standardized ABI was significantly associated with hCVD events but with a relatively small effect on events (hazard ratios of 0.85 per standard deviation (95% CI 0.79–0.91) ( p -value p =0.50). Conclusions Although the ABI adjusted for Framingham risk variables was independently associated with subsequent events in terms of hazard ratios, the independent effect of ABI when adjusted for FRS was small in magnitude, and the FRS performed similarly with or without integration or supplementation with ABI. These findings do not provide strong evidence to support FRS modification to include ABI.
Three-dimensional simulations of incompressible and compressible flow stability

Abstract We investigate the spatial and temporal stability of certain Navier-Stokes solution algorithms subjected to both small and large disturbances.
Comparative analysis of the bovine MHC class IIb sequence identifies inversion breakpoints and three unexpected genes.

The bovine major histocompatibility complex (MHC) or BoLA is organized differently from typical mammalian MHCs in that a large portion of the class II region, called class IIb, has been transposed to a position near the centromere on bovine chromosome 23. Gene mapping indicated that the rearrangement resulted from a single inversion, but the boundaries and gene content of the inverted segment have not been fully determined. Here, we report the genomic sequence of BoLA IIb. Comparative sequence analysis with the human MHC revealed that the proximal inversion breakpoint occurred approximately 2.5 kb from the 3[prime] end of the glutamate-cysteine ligase, catalytic subunit (GCLC) locus and that the distal breakpoint occurred about 2 kb from the 5[prime] end from a divergent class IIDR[beta]-like sequence designated DSB. Gene content, order and orientation of BoLA IIb are consistent with the single inversion hypothesis when compared with the corresponding region of the human class II MHC (HLA class II). Differences with HLA include the presence of a single histone H2B gene located between the proteasome subunit, beta type, 9 (PSMB9) and DMB loci and a duplicated TAP2 with a variant splice site. BoLA IIb spans approximately 450 kb DNA, with 20 apparently intact genes and no obvious pseudogenes. The region contains 227 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and approximately 167 kb of retroviral-related repetitive DNA. Nineteen of the 20 genes identified in silico are supported by bovine EST data indicating that the functional gene content of BoLA IIb has not been diminished because it has been transposed from the remainder of BoLA genes.
Student-Teacher Working Journals in ESL Freshman Composition

Recently, first language composition researchers have shown that by using a traditional composition teaching method which focuses on the form and correctness of a finished product, teachers ask students to produce writing which does not reflect the actual writing process. Findings indicate that most school-sponsored writing does not involve the self-motivation, contemplation, exploration, and commitment which characterize real life writing. These researchers recommend that in addition to being taught expository writing, students should have more opportunity for expressive writing in their writing courses to allow them to become better academic writers. According to some second language composition researchers and teachers, these recommendations are applicable to ESL college students because their composing strategies are similar to those of native English-speaking college students. Ungraded, uncorrected journals can provide a non-threatening way for students to express themselves in written English. However, the student-teacher working journals which we describe in this article are unlike student personal journals in two important ways: first, the topic of working journals is not personal, but is rather an outgrowth of the writing class; and second, the teacher regularly writes journals to the class on the same subject and includes, in those journals, selected student journal entries. The advantages of this approach are that a group awareness develops around issues relevant to ESL composition, that students come to see writing as a way to generate ideas and to share them, and that teachers become participants in the writing process.
Limiting points of stochastic flows

It is known that if the flow of a stochastic differential equation on a compact manifold has only negative Lyapunov exponents, then its limiting behavior can be described by a moving random set a of n points. We study the properties of σ and the associated domains of attraction. For example, we will show that it is supported by a compact set on which the induced flow has only one limiting point. On a d-dimensional sphere, if the support of the stochastic flow contains all the isometries, then n = 1 or 2, and in the latter case, the two random points and their domains of attractions are antipodal symmetric.
User's relevance criteria in image retrieval in American history

A large number of digital images are available and accessible due to recent advances in technology. Since image retrieval systems are designed to meet user information needs, it seems apparent that image retrieval system design and implementation should take into account user-based aspects such as information use patterns and relevance judgments. However, little is known about what criteria users employ when making relevance judgments and which textual representations of the image help them make relevance judgments in their situational context.Thus, this study attempted to investigate the criteria which image users apply when making judgments about the relevance of an image. This research was built on prior work by Barry, Schamber and others which examined relevance criteria for textual and non-textual documents, exploring the extent to which these criteria apply to visual documents and the extent to which new and different criteria apply. Data were collected from unstructured interviews and questionnaires. Quantitative statistical methods were employed to analyze the importance of relevance criteria to see how much each criterion affected the user's judgments. The study involved 38 faculty and graduate students of American history in 1999 in a local setting, using the Library of Congress American memory photo archives.The study found that the user's perception of topicality was still the most important factor across the information-seeking stages. However, the users decided on retrieved items according to a variety of criteria other than topicality. Image quality and clarity was important. Users also searched for relevant images on the basis of title, date, subject descriptors, and notes provided. The conclusions of this study will be useful in image database design to assist users in conducting image searches. This study can be helpful to future relevance studies in information system design and evaluation.
Astronomical Models of PAHs and Dust

Physical dust models which include a PAH component are quite successful in reproducing the measured extinction vs. wavelength in the Milky Way, the infrared (IR) emission observed from Milky Way regions and other galaxies, and a number of other observational constraints. Many of the adopted PAH properties are necessarily highly idealized. The observed variations in the 7.7 μ m/11.3 μ m band ratio can be reproduced by varying the PAH ionization balance. Changing the spectrum of the starlight heating the PAHs affects the overall strength of the PAH emission (relative to total IR), but has relatively little effect on the 7.7 μ m/11.3 μ m band ratio.
Iowa Case Management for Rural Drug Abuse

Objective: The purpose of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of a comprehensive, strengths-based model of case management for clients in drug abuse treatment. Method: 503 volunteers fr...
Persistence and desistance of oppositional defiant disorder in a community sample of children with ADHD.

ABSTRACT Objective To examine the developmental progression of comorbid oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) in a community sample of children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) with particular emphasis on persistence and desistance of ODD and the emergence of new cases of conduct disorder (CD). Method A sample of disruptive children was identified from a multiple-gate epidemiological screen and stratified into diagnostic subgroups on the basis of a structured interview. A comparison sample of nondisruptive children was also identified. Group comparisons were performed on demographic, descriptive, family history, and clinical characteristics. Changes in rates of ODD symptoms and diagnostic subgroup membership were assessed after a 4-year longitudinal interval. Predictors of diagnostic group persistence were tested. Results Few differences distinguished diagnostic subgroups at baseline. Of the 43 children with baseline diagnoses of ADHD+ODD, only 1 (2.3%) was found to have developed CD at follow-up. Over time there was a 57% rate of ODD persistence and a 43% rate of ODD desistance. Negative parenting practices and mothers' psychiatric disorders predicted persistence of ODD. Conclusions There was little evidence to show that ODD acted as a precursor to CD. However, when CD was diagnosed at baseline it was always associated with or preceded by ODD (i.e., prodrome). For a subgroup of children with ADHD, comorbid ODD symptoms are relatively unstable and may represent transient developmental perturbations that have little prognostic significance. For a larger subgroup of children with ADHD, ODD symptoms persist into the adolescent years and are associated with adverse parenting practices. J. Am. Acad. Child Adolesc. Psychiatry , 1999, 38(10): 1262–1270.
Gender Differences in Food Preferences of Young Men and Women in the Armed Forces

Abstract Food preferences of Americans have changed over recent years, requiring changes in menus offered by food establishments. One large population group which is provided meals in a cafeteria setting is the military. Making menu changes and providing acceptable menus which meet dietary guidelines for members of the Armed Forces involves determining changes in food preferences. A four-page survey was designed to address demographics of respondents, ethnic food preferences, and hedonic ratings for 62 foods representing a variety of food categories and food preparation methods. Questionnaires were distributed to service members at two military bases during meal service; of 690 questionnaires distributed, 662 (95.9%) were returned. The majority of respondents (64.1%) were 18-21 years old; 38.2% were women and 61.8% men. Prior to military service respondents lived in all areas of the country, with 19% from the Atlantic, 15% from the Middle Atlantic, and 17% from the West South Central regions accounting for the majority. The most popular ethnic food categories were Italian (rating 7.3 - men, 7.1 - women), Mexican (rating 6.7 - men, 7.0 - women), and Chinese (rating 6.4 - men, 6.7 - women), which reflect current U.S. trends. Women gave higher ratings for vegetarian foods (5.8) than men (4.6). More frequent consumption of "Low-calorie/Diet food" was reported by women; selection of "Power/Energy" food was more frequent for men. No gender differences were reported in frequency of "Heart Healthy/Low Cholesterol." or "Fast Foods/ Convenience Foods". Women preferred chicken dishes to pork and beef; baked and broiled fish had low acceptability by both genders; men gave higher ratings for spicy recipes. These results show the importance of evaluating consumer preferences and gender differences among consumers to maintain participation levels in military foodservice operations. Food preference ratings should be an integral part of menu development.
Spontaneous multiloculated multiseptated pneumomediastinum in a newborn baby: the spinnaker sail is rigged—CT features with pathologic correlation

The CT appearance of a pathologically proven spontaneous multiloculated multiseptated pneumomediastinum in a newborn baby has not been reported in the English literature. Our baby was delivered vaginally at term and developed mild respiratory distress after birth. The antenatal history was unremarkable apart from borderline oligohydramnios. The multiple septa seen within the pneumomediastinum on CT on day 3 may simulate an underlying 'bubbly' lung lesion like congenital cystadenomatoid malformation or congenital lobar emphysema, but actually represent anatomically known fascia surrounding the thymus. Furthermore, in neonates, air in the mediastinum often loculates locally and tends not to dissect widely as in adults.
Digital Multiplexing of Analog Data in a Microprocessor Controlled Data Acquisition System

An analog data acquisition system typically consists of an analog multiplexor followed by an analog to digital (A/D) converter. An alternative configuration uses multiple comparators (one per input) followed by a digital multiplexor. If the control functions for A/D conversion are incorporated into a microprocessor, several potentially interesting data acquisition and conversion strategies are available. At first thought, an interrupt-driven conversion process which simultaneously searches all inputs in parallel for a level match appears attractive. However, analysis shows that a sequential conversion of the inputs, one at a time, using the successive approximation algorithm, is usually superior.
Providing a parent-implemented language intervention to a young male with fragile X syndrome: brief report.

AbstractPurpose: Although fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the leading inherited cause of intellectual disability, there are no published intervention studies focused on improving communication and language outcomes for affected children. The current study utilized a collaborative coaching approach incorporating strategies from speech-language pathology and applied behavior analysis to examine the efficacy of a naturalistic parent-implemented language intervention for a young boy with FXS. Methods: The mother was taught the language and behavioral support strategies and submitted weekly video recordings of a caregiving routine. Written feedback was provided. Results: Results indicated moderate increases in maternal use of targeted language support strategies and variable performance in maternal use of behavior support strategies. Child use of appropriate requests increased while challenging behaviors decreased. Conclusions: This collaborative approach model should be used to guide future larger scale replicati...
An animated, non-compensating pulmonary model for teaching ventilation and perfusion relationships to medical students

Medical students, in their study of gas exchange within the lung, are typically challenged by the complexities and interactions resulting from the non-uniform ventilation, diffusion, blood flow maldistribution, and the mechanisms of blood gas transport. The model uses simple animated graphics to show how a non-compensating, alveolus / capillary lung model would respond to changes in systemic and environmental parameters. The alveolus acts like a well-mixed compartment and has a non-cyclical bulk-flow input that is determined by frequency and depth of respiration. The resulting volume and partial pressures of the gas compartment are obtained by integrating the difference between this inflow and the outflow caused by simple diffusion into the blood compartment. Diffusion of oxygen from alveolus to blood is influenced by the mean-capillary oxygen partial pressure that is obtained by expressing Fick's first law of diffusion in terms of blood O"2 concentration and integrating between pulmonary artery and end-capillary values of concentration and time. This procedure also provides the end-capillary oxygen concentration which varies as diffusion characteristics and blood flow influence gas exchange. The student can observe the effect on arterial oxygen by changing frequency or depth of breathing, dead space volume, diffusion coefficient, rate of blood flow, and the hemoglobin content of blood. After perturbing the system from steady-state, the student can try to return to normal values by altering blood flow, rate and depth of breathing, or metabolism. Clinical interventions, such as O"2 supplementation or transfusion, may also be used. Students observe the clinical effects of diffusion impairment, increased dead space, venous admixture, hyper- and hypoventilation, altered cardiac output, anemia, and high altitude. Our goal is to facilitate the medical student's understanding of a complex system and to emphasize the benefits and limitations of physiologic compensation and clinical interventions.
Placental Transfer of 2,3,5-Triiodobenzoic Acid in the Rat

The placental transfer of 2, 3, 5-triiodobenzoic acid and/or metabolites was studied using 14C-labeled 2, 3, 5-triiodobenzoic acid. Placental transfer of 2, 3, 5-triiodobenzoic acid and/or metabolites occurred in both cold-stressed and control rats. The maternal blood of cold-stressed and control rats contained significantly higher concentrations of 2, 3, 5-triiodobenzoic acid and/or metabolites than the blood of respective fetal rats. However, cold stress did not significantly alter either placental transfer or the level of 2, 3, 5-triiodobenzoic acid and/or metabolites in the maternal and fetal tissue. Cold stress had no apparent effect upon the plasma level of either 2, 3, 5-triiodobenzoic acid, 2, 5-diiodobenzoic acid, or 3, 5-diiodobenzoic acid in maternal or fetal animals. While nonpregnant rats acclimated to cold stress, pregnant rats did not, indicating cold stress and pregnancy may act synergistically.
Quality of life as defined by orthopedic oncology patients

Background: Quality of life (QOL), not just survival, is central to outcomes analysis in musculoskeletal oncology. However, little information exists about the patients' definition of what constitutes QOL.
Evaluation of Polymer-Supported Rhodium Catalysts in 1-Octene Hydroformylation in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide

Supercritical CO2 has been used as a benign solvent in the hydroformylation of 1-octene using a Rh-based catalyst. The catalyst is attached to a polymer backbone that has fluoroacrylate branches th...
Second Language Learners' Beliefs About Grammar Instruction and Error Correction

Learner beliefs are an important individual difference in second language (L2) learning. Furthermore, an ongoing debate surrounds the role of grammar instruction and error correction in the L2 classroom. Therefore, this study investigated the beliefs of L2 learners regarding the controversial role of grammar instruction and error correction. A total of 754 L2 students at an American university completed a questionnaire consisting of 37 Likert-scale items and 4 open-ended prompts. The quantitative items were submitted to a factor analysis, which identified 6 underlying factors (efficacy of grammar, negative attitude toward error correction, priority of communication, importance of grammar, importance of grammatical accuracy, and negative attitude toward grammar instruction). These factors were then used to investigate differences in beliefs among learners studying different target languages. In addition, themes emerging from the qualitative data were identified. The results indicate that among learners studying English as a second language and those studying a foreign language, there were varied beliefs about grammar instruction and error correction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Within-Industry Diversification and Firm Performance in the Presence of Network Externalities: Evidence From the Software Industry

In the presence of network externalities, complementary related diversification strategies in production and consumption can be critical for achieving positive returns to within-industry diversific...
Anticipatory Coarticulation in Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson's Disease

Research investigating coarticulatory patterns in dysarthria has the potential to provide insight regarding deficits in the organizational coherence of phonetic events that may underlie deviant per...
On the Near Equivalence of the Testimation and Schwarz Information Criterion (SIC) to Study Cepheid Period-Luminosity Relation

In this paper, we show the near numerical equivalence of the Testimation and Schwarz Information criterion to check whether the LMC-Cepheid-PL relation has a change point in the slope. The advantage of the testimation method is that the variance of the estimated slope with this technique is smaller than the variance of the slope estimates from the least-square regression. Both the testimation and the Schwarz Information Criterion support previous results reporting a change point in the LMC-PL relation.
On a Two-Stage Estimate of the Mean

Abstract A two-stage estimate for the mean vector of a multivariate distribution is proposed for the situation in which the prior knowledge about the mean vector can be expressed in the form of an initial estimate. The proposed estimate is compared with the sample mean based on a single sample of equivalent size. The proposed estimate is also compared with the Bayes' estimate based on an equivalent sample. The latter comparison has been accomplished only for the univariate case.
ARL 17477, a selective nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, with neuroprotective effects in animal models of global and focal cerebral ischaemia.

In the present studies, we have evaluated the effects of N-[4-(2-{[(3-Chlorophenyl)methyl]amino}ethyl)phenyl]-2-thiophenecarboximidamide dihydrochloride (ARL 17477) on recombinant human neuronal NOS (nNOS) and endothelial NOS (eNOS). We then carried out pharmacokinetic studies and measured cortical nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibition to determine that the compound crossed the blood brain barrier. Finally, the compound was evaluated in a model of global ischaemia in the gerbil and two models of transient focal ischaemia in the rat. The IC50 values for ARL 17477 on human recombinant human nNOS and eNOS were 1 and 17 μM, respectively. ARL 17477 (50 mg/kg i.p.) produced a significant reduction in the ischaemia-induced hippocampal damage following global ischaemia when administered immediately post-occlusion, but failed to protect when administration was delayed until 30 min post-occlusion. In the endothelin-1 model of focal ischaemia, ARL 17477 (1 mg/kg i.v.) significantly attenuated the infarct volume when administered at either 0, 1 or 2 h post-endothelin-1 (P<0.05). In the intraluminal suture model, ARL 17477 at both 1 and 3 mg/kg i.v. failed to reduce the infarct volume measured at 1, 3 or 7 days post-occlusion. These results demonstrate that ARL 17477 protects against global ischaemia in gerbils and provides some reduction in infarct volume following transient middle cerebral artery occlusion in rats, indicating that nNOS inhibition may be a useful treatment of ischaemic conditions.
GABRA6 gene polymorphism and an attenuated stress response

The glucocorticoid component of the stress response has been the subject of intense scientific scrutiny because of the wide ranging pathological consequences resulting from excess glucocorticoid exposure, including mood and anxiety disorders, and cognitive impairment. Exposure to stress activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the sympathetic adrenomedullary system, which are regulated by neuronal pathways, including the inhibitory GABAergic (gamma-aminobutyric acid) system. Approximately 60% of the variance in glucocorticod levels may be attributable to genetic individual differences. In the present study, 56 healthy subjects underwent genotyping to determine the influence of the T1521C single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the GABA(A)alpha6 receptor subunit gene (GABRA6) on the hormonal and autonomic responses to psychological stress induced by the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST). Adrenocorticotropin (ACTH), cortisol, diastolic blood pressure, and mean blood pressure responses to the TSST were significantly greater in subjects homozygous for the T allele or heterozygous compared to subjects homozygous for the C allele. Behavioral data was collected employing the Revised NEO Personality Inventory (NEO PI-R); subjects homozygous for the C allele scored significantly lower on the Extraversion factor compared to subjects homozygous for the T allele or heterozygous. These results suggest that the T1521C polymorphism in the GABRA6 gene is associated with specific personality characteristics as well as a marked attenuation in hormonal and blood pressure responses to psychological stress.
A model for kinking in fiber composites—II. Kink band formation

Abstract In Part II of this series, the critical strain at which a fully formed kink band can exist in a compressed fiber composite is calculated. This calculation is based on a comparison of the energies of the kinked and unkinked configurations, assuming both satisfy all relevant field equations. The critical strain is found to be on the order of 2τ s /E L , where τ s , is the longitudinal shear strength and E L is the composite elastic modulus parallel to the fibers. In Part I, the strain to cause the fibers to break was found to be significantly higher, in general, closer to observed failure strains. This suggests that fiber breakage is the critical step in the process of kinking, not the actual formation of the band.