cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
IGSF4 Methylation as an Independent Marker of Human Papillomavirus-Positive Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Importance Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a known causative agent for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). Whereas it is becoming more firmly established that HPV-positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma is associated with better survival outcomes, believed to be because of better response to chemoradiation therapy, the specific mechanisms for these improved survival outcomes remain underexplored. Objective To examine the relationship between HPV status and promoter methylation in an OPSCC cohort. Design, Setting, and Participants Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to examine oncogenic HPV type 16 in a retrospective cohort of 121 patients with primary OPSCC. Aberrant promoter methylation of IGSF4, DAPK1, and ESR1 genes, known to be methylated in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, including OPSCC, was examined by means of quantitative methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction. Interventions Patients received standard therapy. Main Outcomes and Measures Univariate associations between HPV and methylation were analyzed using Fisher exact tests followed by multivariable logistic regression. Cox proportional-hazards regression was used to model the risk of death given age, race, sex, HPV status, methylation, stage, smoking, and treatment. Results In univariate logistic regression analyses, HPV-positive status was significantly associated with Caucasian race ( P = .02), treatment (radiotherapy only, P = .01; chemoradiotherapy, P = .007), and IGSF4 methylation ( P = .005). The final multivariate logistic model, after controlling for patient characteristics (sex, age, smoking, race, and treatment) with backward variable selection among genes, retained IGSF4 methylation (OR, 4.5 [95% CI, 1.6-12.8]; P = .005), Caucasian race (OR, 2.9 [95% CI, 1.0-8.3]; P = .053), treatment (radiotherapy only vs neither: OR, 11.62 [95% CI, 2.02-66.82]; P = .02; chemoradiotherapy vs neither: OR, 11.15 [95% CI, 1.92-64.65]; P = .01), male sex (OR, 4.7 [95% CI, 1.3-17.0]; P = .02), and younger age (OR, 0.9 [95% CI, 0.90-1.0]; P = .008) as independent predictors of HPV-positive status. Cox regression modeling indicated HPV-negative status, age, male sex, smoking, and radiation treatment as independent predictors of mortality. Conclusions and Relevance Methylation of IGSF4 is an independent predictor of HPV-positive status. DNA methylation in conjunction with HPV infection appears to play a role in OPSCC.
Intraoperative Switch to a Temporal Surgical Approach in 23- and 25-Gauge Microcannula-Based Sutureless Transconjunctival Vitrectomy

Purpose: To illustrate a surgical method in which the infusion port during a three-port pars plana vitrectomy is moved intraoperatively from the traditional infra-temporal location and placed supra-nasally, thus permitting a temporal surgical approach to better tackle superior and inferior vitreoretinal pathology. Methods: Description of surgical technique. Results: When the location of the vitreoretinal pathology and/or the patient's anatomy prevents adequate visualization or surgical access and/or the instrument flexibility precludes sufficient maneuvering of the eyeball, a temporal approach to the vitrectomy may be employed by utilizing the interchangeable microcannulas of 23- and 25-gauge vitrectomy systems. The infusion port is dis-inserted from the traditional infra-temporal microcannula and reaffixed in the supra-nasal microcannula. The surgeon, the operating microscope, and the foot pedals are then adjusted to a temporal orientation, and the instruments inserted through the temporally placed microcannulas. Conclusions: The flexibility of interchangeable microcannulas in 23- and 25-gauge PPV systems permits intraoperative switching between superior and temporal surgical sites to better manage posterior segment pathology.
Variation in substance use relapse episodes among adolescents: A longitudinal investigation

Substance use disorders are chronically relapsing conditions, and there is a need to evaluate whether relapse precursors are consistent across multiple relapses. We identified latent groups of relapse characteristics over time in adolescents with alcohol and substance use disorders following an inpatient treatment episode. Youth (N = 124, mean age = 16 years, 56% male, 60% Caucasian) were interviewed while in treatment and biannually during the first year after treatment to gather contextual information about first and second relapse episodes. We identified two latent classes of relapse precursors labeled aversive-social (41% at initial relapse, 57% at subsequent relapse) and positive-social (59% at initial relapse, 43% at subsequent relapse). Classes were stable in structure over time; however, only 61% of those assigned to aversive-social and 39% assigned to positive-social classes at initial relapse remained there for the subsequent relapse. Findings highlight the dynamic nature of relapse for youth and have important clinical implications.
Ageing and neuronal vulnerability

Everyone ages, but only some will develop a neurodegenerative disorder in the process. Disease might occur when cells fail to respond adaptively to age-related increases in oxidative, metabolic and ionic stress, thereby resulting in the accumulation of damaged proteins, DNA and membranes. Determinants of neuronal vulnerability might include cell size and location, metabolism of disease-specific proteins and a repertoire of signal transduction pathways and stress resistance mechanisms. Emerging evidence on protein interaction networks that monitor and respond to the normal ageing process suggests that successful neural ageing is possible for most people, but also cautions that cures for neurodegenerative disorders are unlikely in the near future.
COMORBIDITY AND OUTCOME IN EATING DISORDERS

This article reviews the data on comorbidity, course, and outcome in anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Recovery, relapse, the process of recovery, and predictors of outcome are reviewed. Although significant differences exist among outcome studies, the data suggest that patients with anorexia and bulimia tend to improve symptomatically over time. Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are associated with substantial rates of comorbidity. The relationship between eating disorders and depression, anxiety disorders, substance abuse, and personality disorders is discussed.
Bentonite films to protect steel from oxidation

Bentonite films protect heated steel from oxidation when channels through them are absent or are too narrow for oxygen to pass. Ca, Mg and Fe-bentonites are flocculated and thus produce films containing channels. Na bentonites, being well-dispersed, give relatively impervious films. Films can be effectively scrubbed from the steel if their montmorillonite expands with water, despite prior heating, but the scrubbing of resistant films with cleansing solutions suggests that wettability is also significant. Na-Ca-bentonites showed good overall behaviour when the proportion of Ca was low. A small critical proportion of Ca accelerated thixotropic setting and thus was likely to give a less permeable film. Progressive substitution of Na by Ca produced flocculation, permeable films and difficulty in scrubbing the clay from the steel. This difficulty supervened at different Na/Ca ratios for different bentonites. Heating was to 700° momentarily. Lower peak temperatures should make a wider range of bentonites acceptable.
A TECHNICAL INVESTIGATION OF PAINTS USED BY JACKSON POLLOCK IN HIS DRIP OR POURED PAINTINGS

AbstractThis study presents the analytical results of nine paintings executed by Jackson Pollock between 1943 and 1950 in the ‘drip’ or ‘poured’ method for which he is most famous. Pigment and medium analysis reveals that, contrary to popular perception, Pollock’s development of his radical new painting style was not linear. Nor did it involve his immediate and wholesale adoption of commercial paints, which he poured directly from the -can or dripped with sticks and stiffened brushes. While improvisation and spontaneity were certainly factors in Pollock’s working method, analysis indicates that the artist’s selection of his paints was inspired by the aesthetic qualities he sought and by his developing sensibility to the physical properties of the paints he was using.
Design of adaptive steganographic schemes for digital images

Most steganographic schemes for real digital media embed messages by minimizing a suitably defined distortion function. In practice, this is often realized by syndrome codes which offer near-optimal rate-distortion performance. However, the distortion functions are designed heuristically and the resulting steganographic algorithms are thus suboptimal. In this paper, we present a practical framework for optimizing the parameters of additive distortion functions to minimize statistical detectability. We apply the framework to digital images in both spatial and DCT domain by first defining a rich parametric model which assigns a cost of making a change at every cover element based on its neighborhood. Then, we present a practical method for optimizing the parameters with respect to a chosen detection metric and feature space. We show that the size of the margin between support vectors in soft-margin SVMs leads to a fast detection metric and that methods minimizing the margin tend to be more secure w.r.t. blind steganalysis. The parameters obtained by the Nelder-Mead simplex-reflection algorithm for spatial and DCT-domain images are presented and the new embedding methods are tested by blind steganalyzers utilizing various feature sets. Experimental results show that as few as 80 images are sufficient for obtaining good candidates for parameters of the cost model, which allows us to speed up the parameter search.
Anterior Vaginal Wall Suspension Procedure for Moderate Bladder and Uterine Prolapse as a Method of Uterine Preservation

Purpose: We report our experience with anterior vaginal wall suspension for moderate anterior vaginal compartment prolapse and uterine descent less than stage 2.Materials and Methods: Data on patients who underwent anterior vaginal wall suspension with uterine preservation by hysteropexy and had a 1-year minimum followup were extracted from a long-term, prospective, institutional review board approved, surgical prolapse database. The indication for uterine preservation was uterine descent not beyond the distal third of the vagina with traction with the patient under anesthesia, and negative Pap smear and pelvic ultrasound preoperatively. The upper suture of the anterior vaginal wall suspension secures the cardinal ligament complex, allowing for uterine suspension once the suture is transferred suprapubically. Failure was defined as prolapse recurrence greater than stage 2 on physical examination or the need for reoperation for uterine descent. Outcome measures at serial intervals included validated questi...
EFFECTS OF CONSISTENT AEROBIC EXERCISE ON THE PSYCHOLOGICAL FUNCTIONING OF WOMEN

Effects of consistent aerobic exercise on depression, anxiety, and health locus of control for a group of nonclinical inactive women were investigated. Type A and Type H (hard-driving) behavioral styles were evaluated to determine whether these traits were related to exercise improvement. 26 women were randomly assigned to either an exercise group (n = 10) or exercise with cognitive strategy instructions (n = 16). All subjects increased distance run in 12-min. run test from pre- to posttest. Women improved in depression and trait anxiety. Depression was significantly correlated with body mass index at end of program. Posttest state-anxiety was significantly correlated with 6-wk. follow-up of exercise frequency. No significant difference in pre- and posttest health locus of control was found. Type H scores were significantly correlated with number of exercise sessions attended. Consistent aerobic exercise had a positive effect on psychological functioning, and some characteristics may affect exercise improvement.
Cardiovascular function in large to small hibernators: bears to ground squirrels

Mammalian hibernation has intrigued scientists due to extreme variations in normal seasonal physiological homeostasis. Numerous species manifest a hibernation phenotype although the characteristics of the hypometabolic state can be quite different. Ground squirrels (e.g., Sciuridae) are often considered the prototypical hibernator as individuals in this genus transition from an active, euthermic state (37 °C) to a nonresponsive hibernating state where torpid body temperature commonly falls to 3–5 °C. However, the hibernating state is not continuous as periodic warming and arousals occur. In contrast, the larger hibernators of genus Ursus are less hypothermic (body temperatures decline from approximately 37°–33 °C), are more reactive, and cyclical arousals do not occur. Both species dramatically reduce cardiac output during hibernation from the active state (bears ~75 % reduction in bears and ~97 % reduction in ground squirrels), and both species demonstrate hypokinetic atrial chamber activity. However, there are several important differences in cardiac function between the two groups during hibernation. Left ventricular diastolic filling volumes and stroke volumes do not differ in bears between seasons, but increased diastolic and stroke volumes during hibernation are important contributors to cardiac output in ground squirrels. Decreased cardiac muscle mass and increased ventricular stiffness have been found in bears, whereas ground squirrels have increased cardiac muscle mass and decreased ventricular stiffness during hibernation. Molecular pathways of cardiac muscle plasticity reveal differences between the species in the modification of sarcomeric proteins such as titin and α myosin heavy chain during hibernation. The differences in hibernation character are likely to account for the alternative cardiac phenotypes and functional strategies manifested by the two species. Molecular investigation coupled with better knowledge of seasonal physiological alterations is dramatically advancing our understanding of small and large hibernators and their evolutionary differences.
The behavior of misfit dislocations during interdiffusion

Abstract The behavior of misfit dislocations during interdiffusion was studied by means of a hot stage in an electron microscope. An analysis was made on the basis of previous theoretical calculations of forces on dislocations. Misfit dislocations were found to exist in an interwomen network such that each of the dislocations could not move independently of those in a perpendicular orientation. The analysis of the experimental results indicated that the motion of the misfit dislocations was controlled by the osmotic force arising from interdiffusion.
Dependency, anger, and denial in pregnant diabetic women: a group approach.

Pregnancy in a diabetic woman is marked by characteristic emotional complications. These derive from exaggeration of the normal anxieties of pregnancy, because of the increased risks; and from exacerbation of the pre-existing emotional problems posed by diabetes mellitus. The increased anxieties of pregnancy and the diabetic's pre-existing feeling of defectiveness become entwined to make child-bearing a test issue around which the diabetic woman strives to prove her femininity and worth.
Learning-induced Glutamate Receptor Phosphorylation Resembles That Induced by Long Term Potentiation

Abstract Long term potentiation and long term depression of synaptic responses in the hippocampus are thought to be critical for certain forms of learning and memory, although until recently it has been difficult to demonstrate that long term potentiation or long term depression occurs during hippocampus-dependent learning. Induction of long term potentiation or long term depression in hippocampal slices in vitro modulates phosphorylation of the α-amino-3-hydrozy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid subtype of glutamate receptor subunit GluR1 at distinct phosphorylation sites. In long term potentiation, GluR1 phosphorylation is increased at the Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase and protein kinase C site serine 831, whereas in long term depression, phosphorylation of the protein kinase A site serine 845 is decreased. Indeed, phosphorylation of one or both of these sites is required for long term synaptic plasticity and for certain forms of learning and memory. Here we demonstrate that training in a hippocampus-dependent learning task, contextual fear conditioning is associated with increased phosphorylation of GluR1 at serine 831 in the hippocampal formation. This increased phosphorylation is specific to learning, has a similar time course to that in long term potentiation, and like memory and long term potentiation, is dependent on N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor activation during training. Furthermore, the learning-induced increase in serine 831 phosphorylation is present at synapses and is in heteromeric complexes with the glutamate receptor subunit GluR2. These data indicate that a biochemical correlate of long term potentiation occurs at synapses in receptor complexes in a final, downstream, postsynaptic effector of long term potentiation during learning in vivo, further strengthening the link between long term potentiation and memory.
A Pediatric Perspective on Medical Necessity

Medical necessity is a mechanism that gives legal authority to a health plan to limit the provision of covered benefits to an enrollee. 1 Because the term medical necessity has no standardized definition, its inclusion in contract language gives the health plan considerable discretion, determining the use, scope, and duration of covered benefits. Many health care plans are endorsing the approach published by Dr Eddy in the Journal of the American Medical Association 2 proposing criteria for benefit coverage and medical necessity. This article suggests that health plans only be required to cover interventions for treating a medical condition. A medical condition is defined as a disease, illness, or injury, and not a biological or psychological condition within the range of normal variation. While managed care organizations may find this adult-oriented approach attractive, this approach reduces the value of preventive and supportive services that may avoid the need for future
An instrument to measure adherence to the Protestant Ethic and contemporary work values

The problem of the current research is to develop an instrument that accurately measures individuals' adherence or nonadherence to both Protestant Ethic and contemporary work values. The study confirms that the traditional Protestant Ethic work values and the contemporary work values are different and the instrument used to measure the work values that individuals actually support is valid and reliable. Two scales were developed based on Protestant Ethic work values and contemporary work values. A four-point Likert scale was used to indicate the extent of agreement or disagreement with statements written to represent Protestant Ethic and contemporary work values. Face and content validities of the instrument were established by using two panels of experts — one consisted of authorities in the area of work values; the other consisted of editorial critics. Reliability of the instrument was confirmed by the Kuder-Richardson and test-retest methods. Four sets of work values emerged with significant discrimination among them.
Screen Printable Silver Paste For Silicon Solar Cells With High Sheet Resistance Emitters

Abstract In silicon solar cells, forming good ohmic contact between the emitter and the metal with minimum contact resistance is critical to achieve peak electrical performance [1] . In commercial solar cells, screen printable silver paste is commonly used to form contact. Factors related to paste chemistry, process conditions and the solar cell wafers influence the contact quality. In this paper, the effect of paste chemistry and emitter sheet resistance on contact quality is described. Several paste chemistries were tested for contact resistance with Transmission Line Model (TLM) measurements on wafers with sheet resistance between 45-100 Ω/□. The series resistance of the solar cells was recorded over 50 °C firing window. The paste chemistry was further refined to form low resistance contacts on solar cells with emitter sheet resistance on 100 Ω/□.
Analysis of protein digests by transmission-mode desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry with ultraviolet photodissociation

Abstract Transmission mode desorption electrospray ionization is coupled with ultraviolet photodissociation at 193 nm for the analysis of protein digests. SEQUEST is utilized for data interpretation and database searches. Comparative results are presented for transmission mode desorption electrospray ionization (TM-DESI)-MS/collision induced dissociation (CID) and TM-DESI-MS/ultraviolet photodissociation (UVPD) analyses of five proteolyzed model proteins ranging in molecular weight from 8.5 kDa (ubiquitin) to 66 kDa (bovine serum albumin, BSA). In some cases TM-DESI/UVPD yielded greater confidence in database correlation scores for peptides and comparable protein identification compared to TM-DESI-MS/CID due to the production of an extensive array of sequence ions and the ability to detect low m / z terminal sequence ions and immonium ions.
The relationship between world and socialist trade prices—some empirical evidence

Abstract Principles of intra-CMEA price formation and salient features of trade data of European CPEs are summarized in this article, which then formulates an empirical test of the relationship between world and CMEA trade prices for 16 primary commodities, in order to verify whether the official price-formation principles are adhered to, and for which commodities. The empirical results confirm applicability of these principles for most fuels and minerals; the relationship for other primary goods, particularly agricultural products, is less robust. The author takes issue with the contention that the price-reference base has recently been compressed to 3 years.
Comparative Weights and Body Lengths of Parthenogenetic and Normal Turkey Embryos

Abstract INTRODUCTION DEVELOPMENT of the germinal discs of newly laid unfertilized turkey eggs is characterized by a pronounced time lag in onset of development. The developing blastoderm of a newly laid fertilized turkey egg starts to develop soon after eggs are placed in the incubator and can be detected before the candler by 18 to 24 hours of incubation (Olsen and Marsden, 1954a). In contrast, some of the developing blastoderms of unfertilized turkey eggs first become visible at 48–72 hours, while others may require as much as 144 hours of incubation before they can be detected by candling (Olsen and Marsden 1954b; Olsen, 1965a). This present investigation was conducted to establish comparative growth curves for parthenogenetic and normal embryos. MATERIAL AND METHODS Parthenogenetic embryos employed developed in unfertilized eggs of young Beltsville Small White (BSW) and heterozygous bronze (HB) turkey hens. The HB hens were essentially Beltsville Small Whites having…
Collagen metabolite excretion as a predictor of bone- and skin-related complications in spinal cord injury.

Abstract Immediately after the trauma, spinal cord injury patients have an increased rate of collagen synthesis and an even greater increase of collagen degradation. Collagen lost from bone is implicated in the etiology of osteoporosis and heterotopic ossification, and collagen lost from skin might lead to a propensity to develop pressure ulcers. The urinary excretion of two collagen metabolites has been monitored and their fluctuation related to the onset of skin or bone complications in these patients. One metabolite, glucosyl-galactosyl hydroxylysine, is more abundant in skin collagen; the other, galactosyl hydroxylysine, is more abundant in bone collagen. The excretion of both metabolites increases after injury, reaching a peak between three and six months after injury, and declines gradually, reaching control values about a year after injury. If a skin pressure ulcer develops, the urinary excretion of the diglycoside remains elevated instead of gradually decreasing. Similarly, if osteoporosis or heterotopic ossification is diagnosed, the monoglycoside excretion does not return to control values until the bone turnover stabilizes. Monitoring of the urinary excretion of both glycosides might prove helpful in prompting early examination to establish the presence of emerging skin and bone complications. Thus, aggressive preventive therapy could be given sooner.
A self-report measure of social skill

Recent behavioral investigations into the assessment and modification of social skills have differed in two important ways from earlier conceptualizations of assertive behavior. First, some investigators are focusing their treatment strategies solely on the remediation of social behavior deficits and are ignoring the anxiety that may accompany such deficits. Second, interest in the assessment and modification of social skills is moving beyond the delimited area of assertive behavior to other types of social behavior. These trends suggest the need for an assessment device to measure a broad range of interactive variables. To meet this need, the Social Performance Survey Schedule (SPSS) was constructed. The SPSS contains descriptions of social behaviors whose frequency can be rated on a 5-point Likert scale. There are 50 positive and 50 negative items in the survey. Scoring may be adjusted to reflect standards of optimum social performance in a given population. Data on the reliability and validity of the SPSS are presented and clinical and research uses are discussed.
The Moderating Effect of the APOE ɛ4 Allele on the Relationship Between Hippocampal Volume and Cognitive Decline in Older Depressed Patients

Objective The apolipoprotein E epsilon-4 (APOE ɛ4) allele and depression are independently associated with increased risk for cognitive decline (CD). The authors have reported that depressed elders with an APOE ɛ4 allele had greater CD compared with depressed elders without the allele. Depression affects the hippocampus, and reduced hippocampal volume has been associated with CD. This study sought to examine in depressed patients the relationships between hippocampal volume, the APOE ɛ4 allele, and their interaction on CD. Analyses were performed to examine the influence of baseline hippocampal volume, the APOE ɛ4 allele, and their interactions on change in cognitive functioning overtime. Design Secondary data analysis using linear regression analyses. Setting Clinical Research Center for the Study of Depression in Later Life conducted at Duke University. Participants Depressed older patients (N = 61) followed up for 4 years. Measures At baseline, cognitive functioning (assessed by the Mini-Mental State Examination), left and right hippocampal volume (assessed by magnetic resonance imaging), and APOE genotype were obtained. At 4-year follow-up, cognitive functioning was reassessed. Results The APOE ɛ4 allele and left hippocampal volume, but not right hippocampal volume, were independently associated with CD. Importantly, the authors found the APOE ɛ4 allele to moderate the effects of left hippocampal volume on CD. The APOE ɛ4 allele seemed to have little effect among those with larger left hippocampal volumes, whereas the allele influenced CD among those with smaller hippocampal volumes. Conclusion Future studies of cognitive impairment and decline should examine both individual and conjoint effects of putative risk factors.
A temperature-sensitive mutant of tobacco mosaic virus deficient in synthesis of single-stranded RNA.

Abstract RNA synthesis by a temperature-sensitive, replication-deficient mutant of tobacco mosaic virus (TMV), IV-35, was examined in temperature-shift experiments. Viral RNA synthesis occurred normally at 25°, but upon a shift to 35°, synthesis of single-stranded genome RNA ceased immediately while production of replicative form and replicative intermediate RNAs continued normally. The plus strand:minus strand ratios of IV-35 double-stranded RNAs labeled at 35° were the same as those of wild type. The ability to produce single-stranded RNA was not irreversibly lost at 35° because upon a shift back to 25°, synthesis of single-stranded RNA immediately resumed. The in vitro activity of membrane-bound replicase was not temperature sensitive. However, the stabilities in vitro and in vivo at 35° and the optimum temperature profile of the enzyme from IV-35-infected leaves were altered from those of the wild-type enzyme preparation.
Improved sooting tendency measurements for aromatic hydrocarbons and their implications for naphthalene formation pathways

Abstract Sooting tendencies have been determined for aromatic hydrocarbons using a new definition: the maximum soot volume fraction f v , max measured in a coflow methane/air nonpremixed flame whose fuel is doped with 400 ppm of the test hydrocarbon. These f v , max were converted into apparatus-independent yield sooting indices (YSIs) by the equation YSI = C × f v , max + D , where C and D are apparatus-specific parameters chosen so that YSI-benzene = 30 and YSI-1,2-dihydronaphthalene = 100. The dopants were added to the fuel mixture with a syringe pump and f v , max was measured with laser-induced incandescence. YSI was determined for 6 cycloaliphatics and for 62 aromatics, which included 28 alkylbenzenes, 10 alkenylbenzenes, 10 alkynylbenzenes, 25 multiply substituted benzenes, 6 two-ring aromatics, and 6 substituted benzenes with heteroatoms in the side chains. The YSIs correlate well with literature values of threshold sooting index (TSI), which is a more traditional sooting tendency based on the height of pure-fuelled flames at the smoke point. This agreement indicates that f v , max and smoke height are equivalent measures of sooting tendency and that YSI is largely apparatus-independent. However, the YSIs have a total uncertainty of ± 3 % , which is substantially better than the TSIs, and the number of aromatic YSIs reported here is more than double the number of aromatic TSIs in the literature. The YSIs depend strongly on molecular structure; thus they provide information about the chemical kinetic reaction mechanisms responsible for fuel decomposition and hydrocarbon growth from a broad cross section of one-ring aromatics. Important naphthalene formation pathways appear to include acetylene addition to ethynylphenyl, propargyl addition to benzyl, and methyl addition to indenyl. This last pathway is particularly significant because it converts indene quantitatively to naphthalene and because the side chains in many alkenylbenzenes and alkynylbenzenes cyclize to form five-membered rings.
A nonlinear integral equation for visual impedance

The Hartline-Ratliff equation is a linear integral equation of the second kind and is employed in modeling inhibitory networks. Saturation of the inhibiting elements is commonly modeled as a function whose form is sigmoid; however, the resulting integral equation is nonlinear. Whenever the unknown function within the integral is hypothesized to be a nondecreasing nonlinear function, the Hartline-Ratliff equation becomes a nonlinear integral equation of the Hammerstein type. We present existence and uniqueness theorems for a Hammerstein equation which represents a further generalization of the Hartline-Ratliff equation.
Power devices on bulk gallium nitride substrates: An overview of ARPA-E's SWITCHES program

Wide bandgap power semiconductor devices offer substantial energy efficiency opportunities in a wide range of applications. However, to date, relatively high cost has impeded the widespread adoption of these devices in many high volume applications. Recent progress in high quality bulk GaN substrates offers a new potential pathway to the development of novel vertical power semiconductor devices in gallium nitride. If successfully developed, these devices could offer a pathway to functional cost parity with silicon-based power devices at higher power levels. The Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E)'s recently launched SWITCHES program is targeting the development of bulk GaN, 1200 V, 100 A transistors and diodes. In this paper, we give an overview of the technical approaches within the program and discuss some of the major anticipated challenges.
How many, powerfully?

One of the most common questions to statisticians from investigators and researchers is ‘how many subjects do I need for my study'? The always correct answer is ‘it depends,’ since there are multip...
Ultrastructure of the eggs of reduviidae: IV. Eggs of Rhaphidosomatinae (Insecta—Heteroptera)

Eggs of Rhaphidosomatinae share with the eggs of other subfamilies, several characters common to Reduviidae. The chorion with simple follicle cells, short, highly porous collar rim, 6 micropyles and the operculum with a central highly porous conical disc are characters to distinguish the eggs of this from other reduviid subfamilies. The ultrastructural details of the chorion, the operculum, and the aero-micropylar system of the eggs ofRhaphidosoma atkinsoni, the only species represented in India, are reported.
Crystallization and preliminary X-ray crystallographic studies of rusticyanin from Thiobacillus ferrooxidans.

Abstract Rusticyanin is a 16.5 kDa type I blue copper protein isolated from Thiobacillus ferrooxidans . This organism can grow on Fe 2+ as its sole energy source. Rusticyanin is thought to be a principal component in the iron respiratory electron transport chain of T. ferrooxidans . As a component of the periplasmic space of an acidophilic bacterium, rusticyanin is remarkably stable at acidic pH. It is redox-active down to pH 0.2. Crystals of rusticyanin have been grown from solutions of PEG 8000 by the hanging-drop vapor diffusion method. The crystals are orthorhombic, space group P2 1 2 1 2 1 , with unit cell dimensions a = 32.36 A, b = 60.37 A, c = 74.60 A . The crystals diffract to 2.0 A resolution and they are stable in the X-ray beam for at least two days.
Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor primes NADPH oxidase in neutrophils through translocation of cytochrome b558 by gelatinase-granule release

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (GCSF) primes reduced neutrophil nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase activity in response to formyl peptide but does not increase oxidase activity when used alone. Both oxidase activity and degranulation require phospholipase D (PLD) activation, and exogenous C(2)-ceramide inhibits both functions through inhibition of PLD activity. We extended these observations to investigate neutrophil responses to GCSF. GCSF at a dosage of 30 to 100 ng/mL, a concentration range that primes superoxide release, stimulated a 60% to 100% increase in gelatinase release from tertiary granules but did not stimulate lactoferrin release from secondary granules. A 75% to 100% dose-dependent increase in PLD activity in GCSF-treated neutrophils was also observed. Gelatinase release and PLD activity were inhibited by 10 micromol/L C(2)-ceramide. The increase in gelatinase release in response to priming concentrations of GCSF suggests that tertiary granules contribute a component of the NADPH oxidase to the plasma membrane. Neutrophils treated with 50 ng/mL GCSF were found to contain 20% more cytochrome b(558) in the plasma membrane fraction than unstimulated cells, consistent with degranulation of only tertiary granules. Correspondingly, in the presence of 10 micromol/L C(2)-ceramide, cytochrome b(558) content in the plasma membrane did not increase after neutrophil activation. In contrast, GCSF did not lead to p47phox translocation to the plasma membrane or phosphorylation. Because phosphorylation and translocation of p47phox are required for oxidase activity, these findings account for the inability of GCSF alone to generate the respiratory burst. We conclude that translocation of cytochrome b(558) was responsible for GCSF priming of NADPH oxidase in neutrophils.
Host recognition and selection by Aphytis species: Response to California red, oleander, and cactus scale cover extracts

One or more chemicals associated with the host's cover appear to play a major role in host recognition by Aphytis species. Aphytis melinus DeBach, A. lingnanensis Compere, A. coheni DeBach and Comperiella bifasciata Howard, all parasitoids of diaspidid scale-insects, were found to respond to water extracts of California red scale covers, Aonidiella aurantii (Mask.); A. melinus and A. lingnanensis responded to water extracts of cactus scale covers, Diaspis echinocacti (Bouche); and A. chilensis Howard to water extracts of oleander scale covers, Aspidiotus nerii Bouche. A. lingnanensis responded to water extracts of cactus scale covers only if it had been reared on this scale. A. melinus also responded to ethanol extracts of California red scale covers while A. lingnanensis did not. A. melinus failed to respond to water extracts of California red scale covers after a single ovipositional experience on California red scale. Such kairomones might prove useful in screening natural enemies as potential biological control agents for specific hosts as well as in elucidating the mechanisms by which parasitoids of scale-insects differentiate among potential hosts. Resume Determination et choix de l'hote par differents Aphytis: reactions aux extraits de boucliers d'Aonidiella aurantii Mask., Aspidiotus nerii Bouche et Diaspis echinocacti Bouche Aphytis lingnanensis, A. melinus, A. coheni et Comperiella bifasciata reagissent tous a des extraits aqueux d'Aonidiella aurantii, tandis qu'A chiliensis reagit aux extraits aqueux d'Aspidiotus nerii. La reaction de A. coheni aux extraits aqueux d'A aurantii confirme les ecrits de Quednau et Hubsche (1964). Nous n'avons pas ete capables d'observer une reaction de A chrysomphali aux extraits aqueux d'A aurantii. Comme nous n'avons pas essaye de traiter les boucliers avec d'autres solvants, nous ne pouvons pas affirmer l'absence de reponse de cet aphelinide aux kairomones de cette cochenille. Que A melinus et A lingnanensis aient ete eleves sur Aspidiotus nerii ou sur Aonidiella aurantii, ils ne reagissent pas aux extraits aqueux d'A nerii; qui est accepte comme hote par ces deux aphelini-des au laboratoire. Ces resultats suggerent que d'autres elements, comme la forme ou la texture, jouent aussi un role important dans la determination des hotes. A melinus et A. lingnanensis reagissent tous deux aux extraits aqueux de boucliers de Diaspis echinocacti; cependant, apres elevage sur D. echinocacti, seul A lingnanensis reagit a l'extrait. La reaction de A melinus a l'extrait de D. echinocacti suggere que cet aphelinide est preadapte chimiosen-soriellement a deceler cette cochenille, dont la distribution est neotropicale tandis que celle de A melinus orientale. A melinus a ete eleve a partir de D. echinocacti recoltes dans la nature. La reaction de A lingnanensis aux extraits de D. echinocacti uniquement lorsqu'il a eleve dessus, suggere qu'un conditionnement preimaginal peut aussi jouer un role dans la determination de l'hote.
Youth empowerment evaluation learning voice

Including youth in the evaluation process can enhance the quality of the inquiry and be empowering for the participants, but it is not without challenges. In this article, several principles for youth-involved research and evaluation are outlined. These come from those who are pioneering this approach and from current research on the dilemmas of practice encountered by youth program leaders. These guidelines, along with the American Evaluation Association's Guiding Principles, are then applied to Dr. Luanda's case to explore how she might proceed and to consider how she might have avoided this ethical challenge.
An almost four-approximation algorithm for maximum weight triangulation

We consider the following planar maximum weight triangulation (MAT) problem: given a set of n points in the plane, find a triangulation such that the total length of edges in triangulation is maximized. We prove an \(\Omega(\sqrt{n})\) lower bound on the approximation factor for several heuristics: maximum greedy triangulation, maximum greedy spanning tree triangulation and maximum spanning tree triangulation. We then propose the Spoke Triangulation algorithm, which approximates the maximum weight triangulation for points in general position within a factor of almost four in O(nlog n) time. The proof is simpler than the previous work. We also prove that Spoke Triangulation approximates the maximum weight triangulation of a convex polygon within a factor of two.
Performance Metrics for Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Cross-Section Design

Analytical models have been developed to describe the partial pressure distributions of reactants within solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) electrodes and introduce the concept of a reactant depletion current density. These existing analytical expressions for two-dimensional reactant partial pressure distributions and the reactant depletion current density are presented in non-dimensional form. Performance metrics for SOFC electrodes are developed including a correction factor that can be applied to button-cell predictions of pressure distribution and two forms of dimensionless reactant depletion current density. Performance predictions based on these metrics are compared to numerical predictions of partial pressure and depletion current density based on a finite element solution of the dusty-gas model (DGM) within SOFC electrodes. It is shown that the pressure correction factor developed provides a reasonable prediction of interconnect geometry effects. Thus, it is presented as a modeling tool that can be applied to translate component level fidelity to cell and stack level models. The depletion current density metrics developed are used to present basic design maps for SOFC unit cell cross-sections. These dimensionless forms of the depletion current density quantify the influence of sheet resistance effects on reactant depletion and can predict the deviation from the limiting current behavior predicted using a button-cell model.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Taurine And Cobalamin Status of Cats Fed Vegetarian Diets

Cats are obligate carnivores and have essential requirements for certain nutrients that are only found in animal tissues. Notwithstanding this, some caregivers choose to feed their pets vegetarian diets. The aim of this study was to investigate the nutritional status of cats fed commercial vegetarian diets that were formulated to meet feline nutritional requirements. Caregivers of cats that had been fed vegetarian diets for ≥1 year were recruited nationally through the study web site and at an animal welfare conference. Inclusion criteria for this part of the study included use of commercially available vegetarian diets. Cats on owner-formulated diets were excluded. Consent was obtained for venipuncture of the cats. Blood and plasma were submitted to the Amino Acid Analysis Laboratory at UC Davis to determine plasma and whole blood taurine concentrations. Serum was submitted to the Texas A&M University Gastrointestinal Laboratory to determine serum cobalamin concentrations. A telephone survey was conducted with each caregiver to gather information about their feeding practices. Results were compared to the normal reference intervals established by the reporting laboratories. Blood was obtained from 16 cats (taurine analysis is pending for one cat). In two instances plasma was not submitted so plasma taurine concentrations were available for only 13/16 of the cats. The mean plasma taurine concentration was 123 ± 42 nmol/ml (median: 125 nmol/ml, range: 52–188 nmol/ml, normal reference range: 60–120 nmol/ml). Only one sample was below the normal reference range and none were below the critical level of 40 nmol/ml. The mean whole blood taurine concentration was 382 ± 121 nmol/ml (median: 346 nmol/ml, range: 224–672 nmol/ml, normal reference range: 300–600 nmol/ml). Three cats fell below the normal range, but were above the critical level of 200 nmol/l. Serum cobalamin for all cats fell within the normal reference range (mean: 883 ± 334 ng/l, median: 1014 ng/l, range: 299–1201 ng/l, normal reference range: 290–1499 ng/l). The cats in this study had sufficient cobalamin intake to maintain normal serum values. Whole blood taurine, a more reliable indicator of taurine status, was normal for the majority of the cats tested. However, three cats had blood values between the normal reference range and the critical level indicating that their dietary intake was marginal.
Fusion and Fission: Membrane Trafficking in Animal Cytokinesis

Cytokinesis is the physical act of separating daughter cells, allowing them to become separate entities. Recent studies have revealed that membrane insertion for furrowing and scission of the residual bridge is a key aspect of animal cytokinesis.
Preparation and characterization of a new heteropolyoxofluorotungstate anion [InW17O56F6NaH4]8−

Abstract The ammonium salt of [InW 17 O 56 F 6 NaH 4 ] 8− has been isolated in crystalline form. X-ray powder patterns reveal that the anion has the Dawson structure. Other evidence from analytical results, fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry (FAB-MS), IR spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry has confirmed that the structure is a modification of the well-known Dawson structure. The indium atom in the anion is thought to occupy the octahedral site vacated by the missing tungsten atom. FAB-MS shows that the formula weight of the anhydrous salt is 4421 Da.
Black Single Fathers: Choosing to Parent Full-Time

This ethnographic study uses the narratives of African American, single, full-time fathers to explore the motivations precipitating their choice to parent. While the fathers had in common a number of demographic characteristics, such as full employment, residence, and support systems, which factored into their timing of and ability to take full custody, none of these are salient in their own narratives expressing why they wanted to be full-time fathers. Instead, their main motives centered on fulfilling a sense of duty and responsibility, reworking the effects of having had weak or absent fathers themselves, wanting to provide a role model for their children, and fulfilling an already established parent-child bond.
Evaluating Educational Multimedia in the Context of Use

Researchers at the NASA Classroom of the Future have been using the design experiment framework to conduct evaluations of multimedia curricula. This method stands in contrast to more traditional, controlled experimental methods of evaluating curricular reforms. The methodology presented here is integrated with Walter Doyle's (1983) notion of using academic tasks to describe how classroom activities impact student learning. We will report the results from a design experiment with a multimedia program developed at the NASA Classroom of the Future, and we will examine the methodologies that were used in the evaluation.