cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Simple Predictive Method of Steam Pipe Forces From Stop Valve Closure

Piping systems that are subject to a fast closing valve are susceptible to large steamhammer forces. The steamhammer force is a result of high-speed pressure waves propagating through the pipe that create sizeable pressure gradients in the pipe. This paper introduces a simple predictive method of the pipe forces induced by the pressure gradients in a steam pipe resulting from stop valve closure. The case of instant valve closure is also examined for comparison. The assumptions in this analysis are that the stop valve closure is linear, the pressure losses from any bends in the pipe can be ignored, the downstream pressure is constant, the steam flow is at a constant pressure, and finally the pipe walls are rigid at a constant radius. The method introduces functions that are constant along diagonal lines on the time-space graph. The pressure and velocity along these lines can be computed from the initial conditions and boundary conditions. Finally, the pipe forces are calculated using the pressures in the targeted regions of the pipe.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Equipment design for breeding flocks

Breeding stocks require specialized equipment and facilities that accommodate both sexes and their mating behaviors. Divergence in male and female requirements has occurred due to genetic selection, particularly in heavy meat stocks. Proper equipment design requires specific knowledge about the nutritional requirements, genetics, and behavior of the particular stock within the environment intended. Attention must be paid to the relationship between the rearing and breeding environments, because preferences and behavioral patterns develop at an early age. The "correct" breeding environment is highly dependent upon the growing environment. There is evidence that some undesirable behaviors and poor fertility may arise from inadequate rearing nutrition and that nutrition can influence the development of certain behaviors.
Postsynthetic functionalization of 3D covalent organic frameworks

We demonstrate a tandem truncation–functionalization strategy using the 3D covalent organic framework, COF-102. Allyl groups incorporated within the pore walls were subjected to thiol–ene coupling conditions, achieving high conversions and maintaining the crystallinity and permanent porosity of the parent framework.
Soma size of substantia nigra neurons increases after a prenatal neocortical lesion in cats

Seeking an explanation for an increase in volume of the caudate nucleus in adult cats that had sustained a fetal unilateral neocortical lesion, we investigated possible morphological changes in the reciprocally interconnected substantia nigra. In fetal-lesioned cats the cross-sectional area of neuronal somata in substantia nigra, pars reticulata was 33% larger than in control cats (P<0.05), while in pars compacta there was a marked tendency to an increase (25%, P<0.06). This size increase might have caused the survival of a larger number of caudate nucleus neurons during development, and thus contributed to the reported increase in caudate nucleus volume.
The Risk and Management of Kidney Stones From the Use of Topiramate and Zonisamide in Migraine and Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension

CASE HISTORY A 40-year-old woman has a 15-year history of migraine without aura that has been chronic for 5 years. While on TPM 100 mg daily for 2 years without side effects, her migraine frequency has decreased from 20 days per month to 6 days per month. She then developed a first-time kidney stone that passed spontaneously. Upon analysis, the stone was determined to be calcium phosphate. QUESTIONS What is the type of kidney stones that form and their pathophysiology? What is the frequency of kidney stones in migraineurs on TPM and ZNS and the general population? Is the risk dose and time dependent? Is a prior history of kidney stones a contraindication to use of either medication? Is formation of kidney stones a contraindication to ongoing use of TPM or ZNS? If migraineurs who develop a kidney stone(s) on TPM continue the drug, is there any way to prevent further stone formation? In patients with IIH, is the risk of kidney stone formation a contraindication to combined use of TPM and acetazolamide (ATZ)?
Amplified reflection, phase conjugation, and oscillation in degenerate four-wave mixing

A number of new optical effects that result from degenerate four-wave mixing in transparent optical media are proposed and analyzed. The applications are relevant to time-reversed (phase-conjugated) propagation as well as to a new mode of parametric oscillation.
NEUTRON DIFFRACTION INVESTIGATION OF THE 119 K TRANSITION IN MAGNETITE

Neutron diffraction measurements on synthetic single crystals of magnetite confirm the orthorhombic ordering scheme proposed by Verwey and co-workers to explain the changes in physical properties which magnetite undergoes when cooled below 119\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. A magnetic field suitably applied during cooling prevents the multiple twinning which occurs in the absence of a field and allows one to make the following deductions: The spins of all magnetic ions align themselves parallel to the cubic [001] direction nearest the direction of the external field. The face diagonals of the cube orthogonal to this c axis become the orthorhombic a and b axes. If these are labeled such that a is magnetically harder than b, the ferric ions in octahedral sites lie in rows parallel to a and the ferrous ions in rows parallel to b. Although the average oxygen position is unchanged, there are presumably shifts in the four oxygen parameters which compensate for the effect of the ordering on the ionic sizes at the various sites. In attempting to reproduce the results on natural crystals, which had a transition temperature some five to ten degrees lower, it was found impossible to remove the [a,b] twinning by use of a magnetic field; furthermore, failure to observe an (002) reflection would seem to indicate that the twinning persists on a micro basis, that is, that there is only short-range order. A least-squares fit was made to the intensities of the cubic phase at 296\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K; a value of $u=0.2548\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.0002$ was obtained for the oxygen parameter in the spinel structure. The severe primary and secondary extinction encountered was satisfactorily accounted for by methods previously described by the author.
DSP-based optical Doppler tomography system for real-time signal processing

Clinical application of ODT requires real-time data acquisition and signal processing. In this paper, we present a real-time signal processing ODT unit based on a custom designed digital signal processor (DSP) module. The DSP is incorporated into a conventional ODT system using a grating-based scanning optical delay line. The newly developed flow velocity algorithms are integrated into the DSP and real-time data processing can be readily achieved.
Real-time imaging of nuclear permeation by EGFP in single intact cells.

The NPC is the portal for the exchange of proteins, mRNA, and ions between nucleus and cytoplasm. Many small molecules (<10 kDa) permeate the nucleus by simple diffusion through the pore, but molecules larger than 70 kDa require ATP and a nuclear localization sequence for their transport. In isolated Xenopus oocyte nuclei, diffusion of intermediate-sized molecules appears to be regulated by the NPC, dependent upon [Ca2+] in the nuclear envelope. We have applied real-time imaging and fluorescence recovery after photobleaching to examine the nuclear pore permeability of 27-kDa EGFP in single intact cells. We found that EGFP diffused bidirectionally via the NPC across the nuclear envelope. Although diffusion is slowed ∼100-fold at the nuclear envelope boundary compared to diffusion within the nucleus or cytoplasm, this delay is expected for the reduced cross-sectional area of the NPCs. We found no evidence for significant nuclear pore gating or block of EGFP diffusion by depletion of perinuclear Ca2+ stores, as assayed by a nuclear cisterna-targeted Ca2+ indicator. We also found that EGFP exchange was not altered significantly during the cell cycle.
Vibrational spectra and glass structure

Abstract Vibrational spectroscopy provides direct information about the structural arrangement of glass networks such as degree of polymerization of network-forming polyhedra and structural arrangements of silicate-germanate, silicate-borate, and related ternary glasses. The Raman spectrum provides a probe for the onset of crystallization in some glasses and for the identification of metastable phases that crystallize from glasses.
Adherence to Behavioral and Medical Treatment Recommendations by Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

The extent to which parents of children with intellectual or developmental disabilities are adherent to prescribed treatments has not been investigated. In this treatment adherence study, parents (n = 220) of children with autism spectrum disorders were surveyed regarding implementation of recommended treatments to manage problem behavior of their children living at home. Overall adherence to medical treatment recommendations was significantly greater than adherence to behavioral treatment recommendations (p < .002). Of the behavioral treatment recommendations, parents reported greater adherence to reinforcement (81.7%) than punishment (68.9%). Child diagnosis (p < .002) and the diagnosis × marital status interaction (p < .05) were significantly associated with reported adherence to behavioral and medical treatment, respectively. Results are discussed in light of the need to address adherence enhancement and measurement methods.
The Influence of Dominance on Shelter Preference and Eviction Rates in the Crayfish, Orconectes rusticus

The establishment and reinforcement of dominance status is thought to provide an individual with increased access to preferred resources, such as food, mates, and shelter. Resources within an environment vary based on their availability, abundance, and specific characteristics of the resource. Animals can exhibit preferences for resources by increasing the intensity of competition for access to the resource. We investigated the role that dominance has in acquiring and controlling resources within crayfish populations. Populations of 5 size-matched crayfish were allowed to establish a social hierarchy in the presence of shelters of differing structure in 10 different trials. Crayfish agonistic interactions and the use and control of shelters were quantified from 96 h continuous video recordings. Shelter preference was defined by crayfish use of specific shelter types that were occupied for longer durations. Analysis of the social hierarchy demonstrated that crayfish have a linearity hierarchy in this context. In addition, it is clear that dominance rank had a significant impact on shelter use, shelter acquisition, and shelter eviction. Crayfish with lower average dominance ranks selected specific shelter types (smaller and fewer openings). Dominant crayfish used big shelters and were less likely to be evicted from shelters. These results demonstrate that dominance in crayfish serves a role in the acquisition of resources and is also important for the control of those resources.
Undercooling of Liquid Germanium

Small liquid germanium (l-Ge) droplets (0.3–0.5mm diameter) have been undercooled in a B2O3 flux a maximum of 415 ± 20°C below Tm before recalescence. Although the droplets undercooled to temperatures well below the temperature expected for metastable equilibrium with amorphous Ge, Tal, the solidified structures were always polycrystalline. There was no evidence of a continuous liquid-to-amorphous transition at or below Tal. The nucleation frequency was calculated to be ∼8 × 106/cm3-sec at the maximum undercooling. This should be an upper limit to the homogeneous nucleation frequency of the crystal phase since we did not establish that the nucleation was homogeneous in our experiments. However, this limiting I for Ge indicates that homogeneous nucleation of the crystal or amorphous phase would not become appreciable in nsec laser pulsing experiments until l-Ge is undercooled to well below Tal. The structure of solidified Ge and Ge/Sn alloy droplets indicates that dendritic growth does not occur in Ge until the liquid is undercooled at least 300°C, and in Ge/Sn until the liquid is undercooled at least 250°C. Greater undercoolings lead to increased dendritic breakup, which results in grain refinement in the final structure.
HO-1 induction by HIF-1: a new mechanism for delayed cardioprotection?

hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1 is a redox-responsive transcription factor that regulates the expression of numerous genes under physiological and pathological conditions ([19][1]). HIF-1 has been implicated in the regulation of angiogenesis, cell survival and proliferation, cell motility and
Ultraviolet Mirau correlation microscopy

We report our work towards improving the resolution performance of a conventional Mirau correlation microscope (MCM) by operating in the UV. We have modified the Mirau interferometer with the introduction of new thin-film beamsplitters that are nonattenuative in the ultra-violet, and new interferometer structure that can be made to work with short working distance objectives. Along with special UV optics, the new MCM can be made to operate in the ultra- violet region. By operating at 248 nm mercury line, the expected resolution improvement in both transverse and depth directions should be nearly doubled. A fully working MCM UV system at 325 nm is described in detail, and demonstrates the feasibility for a 248 nm system once a high quality 248 nm objective becomes available.
Breathing and calling: neuronal networks in the Xenopus laevis hindbrain.

Xenopus laevis is an aquatic anuran with a complex vocal repertoire. Unlike terrestrial frogs, vocalizations are independent of respiration, and a single muscle group—the laryngeal dilators—produces underwater calls. We sought to identify the premotor neural network that underlies vocal behaviors. Vocal patterns generated by premotor networks control laryngeal motor neurons in cranial nucleus (n.) IX-X. Glottal motor neurons, active during respiration, are also present in n.IX-X. We used horseradish peroxidase (HRP), Lucifer yellow, and fluorescently conjugated dextrans to characterize the organization of n.IX-X and to trace premotor neuron projections. Premotor nuclei include the inferior reticular formation (Ri) adjacent to n.IX-X and the pretrigeminal nucleus of the dorsal tegmental area of the medulla (DTAM), the primary descending input to n.IX-X. Intramuscular HRP injections revealed a spatially segregated pattern, with glottal motor neurons in anterior n.IX-X and laryngeal motor neurons in the caudal portion of the nucleus. Dextran injections identified commissural n.IX-X neurons that project to the contralateral motor nucleus and DTAM-projecting n.IX-X neurons. Both neuronal types are clustered in anteromedial n.IX-X, closely associated with glottal motor neurons. Ri neurons project to ipsilateral and contralateral DTAM. Projections from DTAM target n.IX-X bilaterally, and all four identified subtypes receive DTAM input. In contrast, Ri neurons receive little input from DTAM. We hypothesize that connectivity between neurons in n.IX-X, Ri and DTAM may provide mechanisms to generate laryngeal and glottal activity patterns and that DTAM may coordinate vocal and respiratory motor pools, perhaps acting to switch between these two mutually exclusive behaviors. J. Comp.
A cross-sectional survey of childhood trauma and compliance with general health care among adult primary care outpatients

Objective: Beyond the examination of medication compliance among individuals with substance abuse or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), few studies have examined relationships between childhood trauma and health care compliance in adulthood—the focus of the present study. Method: Using a cross-sectional approach and a self-report survey methodology, we examined 5 types of childhood trauma (ie, witnessing violence, physical neglect, emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse) in relationship to 4 measures of general health care compliance (ie, self-rated general conscientiousness with medical treatment; 5 items pertaining to general health care compliance such as scheduling regular dental checkups, timely arrival for doctor’s appointments, and timely completion of laboratory work; 2 medication compliance items; and the Medical Outcomes Study general adherence score) among a sample of adult primary care outpatients (N = 272). Data were collected in March 2014. Results: According to findings, some health care adherence variables demonstrated relationships with the summed childhood trauma score, whereas others did not. It could be interpreted that the more subjective health care compliance variables (eg, self-rated conscientiousness with regard to medical treatment) demonstrated no relationship with a summed childhood trauma score, whereas the more objective health care compliance variables (eg, frequency of regular dental checkups, ability to remember to take all medications, Medical Outcomes Study general adherence score) did demonstrate statistically significant relationships with a summed childhood trauma score (most at P < .01). Conclusions: Patients with histories of childhood trauma demonstrate some deficits with health care compliance in comparison to those without childhood trauma. One interpretation is that the mistreated appear to believe that they are fairly compliant with health care treatment, but objective variables appear to suggest otherwise.
Severe corrosive gastritis related to Drano: an unusual case.

A case of lye ingestion by a suicidal patient in the form of Drano® in capsules is reported. Although lye ingestion usually causes lesions in the oropharynx and severe esophagitis, in our patient it produced severe gastritis with minimal esophageal findings because of the protective capsules which dissolved primarily in the stomach. Endoscopy should be the first method of evaluating patients with ingestion of corrosives, but an upper gastrointestinal (UGI) series can accurately demonstrate mucosal injury and extent of involvement. UGI can be used as an adjunct in patients incompletely examined by endoscopy and can play an important role in the follow-up examination of these patients.
Bone morphogenetic protein-7 delays podocyte injury due to high glucose

Background The molecular pathogenesis of diabetic glomerulosclerosis remains unknown, but recent studies suggest that podocyte damage may play a role. Bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP-7) is physiologically expressed in podocytes and tubular epithelial cells. Our previous studies show that BMP-7 reverses glomerular and tubulointerstitial damage in diabetic rats, but there is little known about possible effects of BMP-7 on podocytes. We postulate that high glucose may injure the podocyte by altering structural proteins such as synaptopodin and podocin. This study investigates the effect of high glucose on mouse podocytes, expression of synaptopodin and podocin under normal and high glucose and the treatment effect of BMP-7 on these molecules. Human diabetic glomeruli are studied in parallel. Methods Conditionally immortalized mouse podocytes were exposed to media containing normal (NG) or high (HG) glucose for 2 weeks. Synaptopodin, podocin and BMP-7 gene transcription and protein were assayed with real-time PCR, Western blot or immunohistochemistry, respectively. Synaptopodin and podocin mRNA and protein was evaluated using podocytes incubated in HG for 1 week, in the presence of low (10 ng/ml) and high (300 ng/ml) dose recombinant BMP-7 (rhBMP-7). Human diabetic glomeruli were excised from renal biopsies by laser capture micro-dissection (LCM) and endogenous BMP7 and synaptopodin and podocin were determined by RT-PCR and/or immunohistochemistry. Results Culture of podocytes in HG decreases synaptopodin, podocin and BMP-7 transcription and protein synthesis compared to NG. Treatment with rhBMP-7 restores synaptopodin and podocin mRNA and protein. Decreased BMP-7 and synaptopodin is also observed in human diabetic glomeruli both at the transcription and protein level. Conclusions BMP-7 may confer resistance to hyperglycaemic injury via synaptopodin and podocin suggesting novel BMP7 therapies for diabetic glomerulosclerosis.
Molecular characterization of GCD1, a yeast gene required for general control of amino acid biosynthesis and cell-cycle initiation

Abstract The GCD1 gene product of Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been implicated in the coordination of the cell cycle with the general control of amino acid biosynthesis (M. Wolfner et al., J. Mol. Biol. 96:273-290, 1975). Strains containing the gcd1-1 allele constitutively express the amino acid biosynthetic genes at the induced levels normally found only during conditions of amino acid starvation. In addition, gcd1-1 strains do not grow at high temperatures because under these conditions they are unable to proceed beyond the START step of the cell division cycle. We have cloned and sequenced the GCD1 gene and examined various aspects of cellular metabolism in order to elucidate its role(s) in regulating gene expression and the cell cycle. GCD1 encodes a 1.7 kb RNA whose expression is not regulated as a function of amino acid starvation. Overexpression of this RNA does not affect the regulation of amino acid biosynthetic genes or cell growth. GCD1 is an essential gene because cells containing a gcd1-HIS3 disruption are unable to grow. The essential function of GCD1 may be involved in protein synthesis because a gcd1-1 strain incorporates low levels of 35S-methionine into protein when cells are shifted to the restrictive temperature. GCD1 encodes a protein of 511 amino acids whose predicted sequence does not exhibit significant homology to any other known proteins and appears too large to be a ribosomal protein. We suggest that GCD1 encodes a component of the normal protein synthesis machinery that is involved in the translational regulation of GCN4, a protein that coordinately activates the transcription of amino acid biosynthetic genes. GCD1 may also be part of a sensing mechanism in which cells monitor the protein synthesis capacity prior to initiating a new cell division cycle.
Combinatorial Optimization Approach to Coarse Control Quantization

In this paper we consider the problem of stabilization of a single input linear discrete time invariant system where the control can take values from a countable set. The problem definition includes the design of a quantization scheme that will produce the coarsest such set while guaranteeing stability. This problem is cast as a static combinatorial resource allocation or coverage problem where in the control values are viewed as resources which have to cover the state space. A relaxed notion of stability is used to represent the coverage cost function. The resulting quantizer on applying Deterministic Annealing algorithm is logarithmic and explicitly gives the partition of the state space.
Measurement assurance program transmittance standards for spectrophotometric linearity testing: preparation and calibration

AMeasurement AssumanceProgramrforspectrophotometry is being established in orderto assistlaboratories involved in spectrophotometric calibrations. This paper deals with the preparation and calibration of neutral density glass filters for checking the linearity of photometric response, as applied to spectral transmittance measurements. Several sets of filters were prepared from suitable neutral glass to provide nominal tramnmittances of 92, 70, 50, 25, 10, 1, and 0.1% at a wavelength of 548.5 nm. These filter sets will be available in three sizes: these are, 38 mm diameter aperture in 51 x 51 mm holder, 25 mm diameter aperture rn 51 x 28 mm holder, and 30 x 8 mm aperture in a cuvette holder. The filters were calibrated for spectral transmittance on the NBS Reference Spectrophotometer for high accuracy transmittance measurements Measurements were made with a 1.5 nm passband collimated sample beam> The filters were checked for uniformity and measurements were made to determine the effects of sample beam polarization. The tranarmittance data for the wavelength range of interest were analyzed by statistical methods to determine the effecs of pasaband for a range of 1.5 nm to 10.5 nmm passband. The results of these measurements are presented in tabular and graphical detail for the master filter set.
Phase III, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Evaluation of Pregabalin for Alleviating Hot Flashes, N07C1

Purpose Hot flashes are a common problem for which effective and safe treatments are needed. The current trial was conducted on the basis of preliminary promising data that pregabalin decreased hot flashes. Patients and Methods A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial design was used to compare pregabalin at target doses of 75 mg twice daily and 150 mg twice daily with a placebo. Hot flash frequencies and scores (frequency times mean severity) were recorded daily during a baseline week and for six treatment weeks. The primary end point for this study was the change-from-baseline hot flash score during treatment week 6 between the 150 mg twice daily target pregabalin treatment and placebo. Nonparametric Wilcoxon rank sum tests, two-sample t tests, and χ2 tests were used to compare the primary and secondary hot flash efficacy end points between pregabalin treatments and placebo. Results Hot flash score changes available for 163 patients during the sixth treatment week compared with a baseline we...
Temporal summation of second pain: variability in responses to a fixed protocol.

Background: Temporal summation of second pain (TSSP) is relevant for the study of central sensitization, and refers to increased pain evoked by repetitive stimuli at a constant intensity. While the literature reports on participants whose pain ratings increase with successive stimuli, response to a TSSP protocol can be variable. The aim of this study was to characterize the full range of responses to a TSSP protocol in pain-free adults. Method: Three hundred twelve adults received a train of brief, repetitive heat stimuli at a fixed temperature and rated the intensity of second pain after each pulse. TSSP response (D in pain ratings) was quantified using the most common methods in the literature, and response groups were formed: TSSP (D > 0), no change ( D= 0), and temporal decrease in second pain (TDSP) (D < 0). A cluster analysis was performed on the D values to empirically derive response groups. Results: Depending on how TSSP response was quantified, 61‐72% of the sample demonstrated TSSP, 11‐28% had no change in pain ratings and 0‐20% demonstrated TDSP. The cluster analysis found that the majority (59%) of participants fell in the no change cluster, 29% clustered into the TSSP group and 12% in the TDSP cluster. Conclusions: Using a fixed thermal paradigm, pain-free adults exhibit substantial variability in response to a TSSP protocol not well characterized by group-mean slopes. Studies are needed to determine TSSP response patterns in clinical samples, identify predictors of response and determine the clinical implications of response variability.
Tailored polyester nanoparticles: post-modification with dendritic transporter and targeting units via reductive amination and thiol-ene chemistry

We present synthetic strategies for the utilization of functionalized polyester nanoparticles that enable efficient chemistries to conjugate targeting units and dendritic molecular transporter entities to form potent carrier systems for targeted drug delivery and transport across biological barriers. Polyester nanoparticles that feature functionalities such as keto, amine and allyl groups to react with moieties present in bioactive compounds, could be prepared in a one-pot procedure that improves the prior-developed drop-in cross-linking method. Integrated keto functionalities were utilized with amines of the N-terminus of peptide targeting units in high yielding reductive amination reactions. Thiol-ene reaction conditions were developed to perform mild addition reactions with targeting units, such as a novel c-RGD, but also cell penetrating dendritic transporter structures. The synthesis of targeting peptide–nanoparticle conjugates (NP–P–dye), dendritic molecular transporter nanoparticle conjugates (NP–MT–dye) as well as conjugates that contained both bioactive entities (NP–P–MT–dye), could be achieved. To study these systems in vitro, imaging units such as Alexa Fluor® 594 were introduced as another additional component to label primarily the nanoparticle backbone. This work describes several efficient post-modification strategies to accommodate the demands of biomaterials for mild conjugation chemistries utilizing amine and thiol units to form polyester bioconjugates with specific functionalities as a platform for an array of therapeutic applications.
Weaning of immunosuppression in liver transplant recipients.

The morbidity arising from the chronic use of antirejection medications is an incentive to establish the lowest possible level of immunosuppression necessary to maintain stable graft function. The finding that complete freedom from immunosuppression was sporadically possible in long-surviving recipients of liver (1) and kidney allografts (2) prompted a prospective trial of drug weaning (3). Although it was shown that significant reductions in medication or their discontinuance could be safely accomplished, the danger of consequent rejection has not been completely assessed and guidelines for judicious weaning need to be clarified. We present here further observations on 3 cohorts of liver recipients: 5 who self-weaned many years ago (1), 59 who were in the prospective weaning trial of Ramos et al. (3), and 36 who were subsequently entered.
Validity of Social-Cognitive Measures for Physical Activity in Middle-School Girls

Objective The factorial validity and measurement equivalence/invariance of scales used to measure socialcognitive correlates of physical activity among adolescent girls were examined. Methods Confirmatory factor analysis was applied to questionnaire responses obtained from a multi-ethnic sample (N ¼ 4885) of middleschool girls from six regions of the United States. A cohort of 1893 girls completed the scales in both sixth and eighth grades, allowing longitudinal analysis. Results Theoretically and statistically sound models were developed for each scale, supporting the factorial validity of the scales in all groups. Multi-group and longitudinal invariance was confirmed across race/ethnicity groups, age within grade, BMI categories, and the 2-year period between grades. Conclusions The scores from the scales provide valid assessments of socialcognitive variables that are putative mediators or moderators of change in physical activity. The revised scales can be used in observational studies of change or interventions designed to increase physical activity among girls during early adolescence.
Simple genetic models for autism spectrum disorder

To explore the interplay between new mutation, transmission, and gender bias in genetic disease requires formal quantitative modeling. Autism spectrum disorders offer an ideal case: they are genetic in origin, complex, and show a gender bias. The high reproductive costs of autism ensure that most strongly associated genetic mutations are short-lived, and indeed the disease exhibits both transmitted and de novo components. There is a large body of both epidemiologic and genomic data that greatly constrain the genetic mechanisms that may contribute to the disorder. We develop a computational framework that assumes classes of additive variants, each member of a class having equal effect. We restrict our initial exploration to single class models, each having three parameters. Only one model matches epidemiological data. It also independently matches the incidence of de novo mutation in simplex families, the gender bias in unaffected siblings in simplex populations, and rates of mutation in target genes. This model makes strong and as yet not fully tested predictions, namely that females are the primary carriers in cases of genetic transmission, and that the incidence of de novo mutation in target genes for families at high risk for autism are not especially elevated. In its simplicity, this model does not account for MZ twin concordance or the distorted gender bias of high functioning children with ASD, and does not accommodate all the known mechanisms contributing to ASD. We point to the next steps in applying the same computational framework to explore more complex models.
A Cognizable Universe: Transcendental Arguments in Physical Cosmology

Cosmology deals with a unique object which comprises everything and yet is self-contained and singular. To describe this object in the language of physics, certain conditions must be in place. The increased role of such conditions finds its manifestation in distinct argument patterns. One popular case in point has to do with the anthropic arguments, some of which can be looked upon as varieties of transcendental reasoning, broadly construed. After reviewing this aspect of anthropic arguments, I show that the scope of transcendental inference at work in twentieth-century cosmology has been more extensive. Indeed, one important thread of such inference – the claim that, in order to be mathematically tractable, the Universe as a whole has to be a certain way–can be traced back to the first relativistic cosmological model proposed by Einstein in 1917. A somewhat different strategy of the same broad sort played a major role in shaping the steady-state theory, the main rival of big-bang cosmology in 1948–1965. Finally, the famous “no-boundary” condition for quantum cosmology would (if it could bear the weight of far-reaching interpretations put on it) be another example of grounding the mere possibility of the physical description of the Universe in its global properties.
The Fate of Particles and Particle-Reactive Trace Metals in Coastal Waters: Radioisotope Studies in Microcosms

Many trace metals rapidly adsorb to suspended particles when introduced to the water column of coastal marine environments. The transport of these particles and “particle-reactive” trace metals from the water column to the sediments was studied using radiotracer techniques in large microcosm tanks simulating Narragansett Bay.
A Low-Power 136-GHz SiGe Total Power Radiometer With NETD of 0.25 K

This paper presents a low-noise SiGe radiometer at 136 GHz developed in an IBM 90-nm SiGe BiCMOS technology. The radiometer consists of a three-stage cascode low-noise amplifier with a gain of 36 dB, and a differential output square-law detector, all on a single chip. The detector results in responsivity of 11 kV/W and a noise equivalent power (NEP) of ${\hbox{0.6 pW/Hz}}^{1/2}$ at D-band frequencies. The radiometer chip consumes 45 mW and results in a minimum NEP of ${\hbox{1.4 fW/Hz}}^{1/2}$ with a peak responsivity of 52 MV/W at 136 GHz. The single-chip radiometer is suitable for high-resolution imaging systems having a noise bandwidth $>{\hbox{10 GHz}}$ and a low $1/f$ corner frequency $( . For an integration time of 3.125 mS $(\tau=3.125~{\hbox{mS}})$ , the temperature resolution [noise equivalent temperature difference (NETD)] is determined to be 0.25 K using several different independent methods, and is the lowest NETD demonstrated in silicon technologies at D-band frequencies. This state-of-the-art performance is comparable to the best III–V imaging systems and proves that the advanced SiGe technology is a reliable option for imaging and radiometry applications.
Abstract 3100: Identifying novel chromosomal fusions out of RNAseq data from oropharyngeal cancers

Chromosome rearrangements that result in gene fusions have important roles in the initial steps of tumorigenesis especially in leukemias and lymphomas, but the biological and clinical impact of gene fusions in the common solid tumor has been less appreciated. We previously generated RNAseq data from 12 oropharyngeal tumors along with matched normal tissue from the same patients. We utilized and compared two bioinformatic pipelines, SnowShoes-FTD and FusionHunter to identify two novel fusion events involving of MGST3-ZMAT5 and MS4A7-DKFZp586P0123. These fusions were validated utilizing. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Sanger sequencing validated. In the first translocation the 5′ UTR of MGST3 was fused with exon 1 of ZMAT5, and in the second translocation the exon 2 of MS4A7 was fused with 3′ UTR of DKFZp586P0123. These precise fusions were not present in the matched normal tissue, however, they were only found in the single tumor in which they were identified. Given a growing and powerful set of high-throughput massively parallel sequencing technologies, the future for genome-wide analysis of chromosome rearrangement appears open in many directions. Ultimately, we hope that this integrative methodology will elucidate key aspects of tumor biology as well as generate novel targets for cancer diagnostics and therapy. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3100. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-3100
Effect of Isomerism and Chain Length on Electronic Structure, Photophysics, and Sensitizer Efficiency in Quadrupolar (Donor)2–Acceptor Systems for Application in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

We report on quadrupolar (donor)2–acceptor sensitizers for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The acceptor units are based on dithieno[2,3-a:3′,2′-c]phenazine and dithieno[3,2-a:2′,3′-c]phenazine coupled to thiophene donors. The optoelectronic and photophysical properties of two sets of isomers reveal a rigid structure for linear isomers and an efficient nonradiative decay for branched isomers. These sensitizers were integrated into DSSCs, and the quadrupolar structure is an operational design, as the IPCE reached up to 38% from 400 nm to 600 nm. The lengthening of the donor chain increases the efficiency, demonstrating the appeal of these oligomeric dyes for DSSCs.
Airflow associated with the Reno basin inversion

As part of a graduate student project to study the Reno basin inversion and associated airflow, an NCAR integrated sounding system was deployed near the airport for a two-week period in November 1994. Several strong wind shear and inversion formation/breakup situations were observed. Case studies are presented here from this experiment documenting the inversion formation and breakup, strong winds and wind shear, and gusty conditions near the surface. The importance of the basin inversion for aircraft operations and air pollution prediction is discussed. (AIAA).
Abstract 5076: Identification and anti-angiogenic effects of small molecule inhibitors of TEM8.

Tumor endothelial marker 8 (TEM8) is a gene upregulated on colonic tumor endothelium compared to quiescent normal endothelium. Inhibition of TEM8 using antibodies potently inhibits the growth of a variety of tumor types in mice. This inhibition of tumor growth is accompanied by a reduction in microvessel density within the tumors. Thus, TEM8 appears to represent a tumor specific endothelial marker that has a functional role in tumor angiogenesis. TEM8 is also a receptor for anthrax toxin. In the current study, we used chemical libraries to identify small molecule inhibitors of TEM8 that may have efficacy as inhibitors of tumor angiogenesis and anthrax toxin. We conducted a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) based screen of over 270,000 small molecules in order to identify molecules that inhibit the interaction of TEM8 with its well-known ligand anthrax protective antigen (PA). We describe here the identification and anti-angiogenic effects of small molecules that bind to TEM8. From the initial screen 280 molecules inhibited TEM8/PA interaction by greater than 50%. A secondary screen involved the elucidation of IC50 values for these 280 compounds as inhibitors of the TEM8/PA interaction. Twelve compounds had measurable IC50s in the micromolar range. The anti-angiogenic effects of these compounds were studied in vitro. Of the 12 compounds tested in a human microvascular endothelial cell (HMVEC) proliferation assay, 3 compounds significantly inhibited endothelial cell proliferation after 24 hours (P We have identified a number of small molecule inhibitors of TEM8, some of which display anti-angiogenic effects in vitro. Should these inhibitors also display potent anti-angiogenic effects in vivo, they may serve as lead compounds for the future development of TEM8 therapeutic small molecules. Future studies will focus on determining the effects of these molecules on tumor growth and angiogenesis in mouse models. Citation Format: Lorna Cryan, Marinya Roznik, Aaron McBride, Robert D9Amato, Kenneth Christensen, Michael S. Rogers. Identification and anti-angiogenic effects of small molecule inhibitors of TEM8. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5076. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-5076
Note on a Production Inefficiency Function

Abstract The assumption of a particular functional form made in an earlier paper was only weakly justified. This note provides a stronger justification.
Female Sexual Dysfunction and Infertility

The link between infertility and sexuality is complex, and infertility clearly impacts the sexual functioning and sexual health of women in numerous ways. Sexual dysfunction may have an etiological role in infertility, or it may be a consequence of the disorder secondary to psychological stress in either or both partners. Testing for identifiable and correctable causes of infertility as a result of female factors is relatively straightforward and falls into three main categories: hormonal (ovulation and luteal function post-ovulation), anatomic factors (cervical abnormalities, endometrial defects, and tubal/peritoneal factors), and egg factors (advanced age with diminished egg quantity and anticipated high rate of oocyte aneuploidy). For some couples, a diagnosis is never identified, and even for those who are properly diagnosed, treatment may still be ineffective. Although some patients may proceed with infertility treatment in the presence of some sexual dysfunctions, medical treatment should be in conjunction with psychotherapy and/or sex therapy, emphasizing the importance of sexual health and well-being in infertile couples. Whether sexual dysfunction is a preexisting condition or an unwelcome side effect of infertility treatment, it can be a devastating and discouraging blow, compounding the disappointment of childlessness and the distress of medical treatment.
PASSIVE RLC NETWORKS

INTRODUCTION One characteristic of RF circuits is the relatively large ratio of passive to active components. In stark contrast with digital VLSI circuits (or even with other analog circuits, such as op-amps), many of those passive components may be inductors or even transformers. This chapter hopes to convey some underlying intuition that is useful in the design of RLC networks. As we build up that intuition, we'll begin to understand the many good reasons for the preponderance of RLC networks in RF circuits. Among the most compelling of these are that they can be used to match or otherwise modify impedances (important for efficient power transfer, for example), cancel transistor parasitics to provide high gain at high frequencies, and filter out unwanted signals. To understand how RLC networks may confer these and other benefits, let's revisit some simple second-order examples from undergraduate introductory network theory. By looking at how these networks behave from a couple of different viewpoints, we'll build up intuition that will prove useful in understanding networks of much higher order. PARALLEL RLC TANK Let's just jump right into the study of a parallel RLC circuit. As you probably know, this circuit exhibits resonant behavior; we'll see what this implies momentarily. This circuit is also often called a tank circuit (or simply tank ).
Navigating today's job market

The landscape of science career opportunities is changing, so-called “alternative” career paths are on the rise, and the personal career experiences of mentors are often not sufficient for the trainees they advise. There is a need for new resources, which are consistent with the rapidly changing job market and sensitive to the specific challenges of Ph.D. students and postdocs in the sciences. Next Gen PhD: A Guide to Career Paths in Science is a practical and thorough manual for the entire career transition process, from defining personal interests and deciding on a career path all the way to day one of a new job.
Introduction: Centering Communication Scholarship in the Wake of Political Turmoil

The 2016 presidential election will surely stand for some time as a landmark election. Not only was this the first presidential election in U.S. history in which a woman candidate was the nominee o...
Occupational Fatalities and the Labor Supply: Evidence from the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan ☆

Abstract I find that full information utility maximization models are insufficient to explain the recruiting response to deaths of US soldiers in recent years. Using data of all applicants to the enlisted US military during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, deaths had a small but significant deterrent effect on recruiting in the soldiers’ home counties. The deterrent is larger for deaths from the same county than for deaths from neighboring counties or for out of county but in state deaths. The effect exhibits significant heterogeneity: deaths in Iraq decrease recruiting, while deaths in Afghanistan may increase recruiting, and the deterrent is more negative in less populous and more racially diverse counties; it is smaller or even positive in counties that voted for George W. Bush.
Impact of ascites volume on clinical outcomes in ovarian cancer: A cohort study.

Abstract Objectives To investigate the impact of ascites volume on ovarian cancer outcomes. Methods Clinicopathologic features of a cohort of patients with ovarian cancer were obtained from a curated database at a single institution. Progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were recorded. Ascites volume at primary surgery was dichotomized at 2000mL and comparisons for high and low volume ascites were made. Additionally, to elucidate interactions between ascites and ovarian tumor progression, we evaluated the effect of intraperitoneal administrations of murine cell-free ascites versus saline in a syngeneic mouse model of epithelial ovarian cancer. Results Out of 685 patients identified, 58% had ascites present at the time of initial surgery. Considering the volume of ascites continuously, each liter of ascites was associated with shorter PFS (HR=1.12, 95% CI: 1.07–1.17) and OS (HR=1.12, 95%CI: 1.07–1.17). Patients with ascites greater than the median of 2000mL had significantly shorter PFS (14.5months vs. 22.7months; p p Conclusions The volume of ascites at initial diagnosis of ovarian cancer correlated with worse PFS and OS. The effect of large volume on prognosis is likely to be in part related to reduced likelihood for complete resection of tumor (R0). If these findings are confirmed in independent studies, consideration should be made to add the presence of large volume ascites at diagnosis to the staging criteria for ovarian cancer.