cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Monoterpenes as regulators of malignant cell proliferation.

Limonene and related monoterpenes display compelling anticarcinogenic activity. The mechanism(s) that underlie this activity is/are as yet unknown. One attractive possibility is that the monoterpenes interact with the RAS signal transduction pathway. The monoterpenes have been shown to impair incorporation of mevalonic acid-derived isoprene compounds, that is farnesyl pyrophosphate, into RAS and RAS-related proteins. As farnesylation is critical for RAS’s membrane localization and function, the isoprenylation pathways have received attention as potential targets of anti-RAS pharmacological maneuvers. We have expanded on prior studies and demonstrate that one of limonene’s metabolic derivatives, perillyl alcohol, decreases the levels of antigenic RAS in the human-derived myeloid THP-1 and lymphoid RPMI-8402 leukemia cell lines. Both limonene and perillyl alcohol decrease levels of 35[S]-methionine labeled RAS proteins in cells that have been pulsed with radiolabeled methionine for four hours. In contrast, lovastatin, which inhibits hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase and thus depletes cells of farnesyl pyrophosphate, does not diminish levels of total antigenic RAS but rather results in a shift in the RAS protein; levels of farnesylated RAS decrease whereas levels of unmodified/unfarnesylated RAS increase. As limonene and perillyl alcohol do not induce such a shift we conclude that these monoterpenes decrease farnesylated RAS protein levels by a mechanism that is clearly distinct from that of either depleting cells of farnesyl pyrophosphate or inhibiting the enzyme farnesyl protein transferase that catalyzes the posttranslational farnesylation of RAS. These findings are discussed with respect to implications for the monoterpenes to alter RAS protein synthesis and degradation. The results of these studies will likely impact the inclusion of the monoterpenes in clinical anticancer trials.
Ballistic performance of Cross-laminated Timber (CLT)

Abstract Cross-laminated Timber (CLT) is a relatively new building material that has gained recent attention in the United States construction industry. CLT is a prefabricated, engineered wood product, composed of three or more plies of lumber with alternating ply directions. CLT is relatively strong and stiff, with the potential to meet the requirements for structures that are subjected to a variety of loading conditions. While CLT’s response to static, dynamic (i.e., seismic), and fire loads has been characterized in the past, its response to the loads seen in force protection scenarios (i.e., blast or ballistic) is much less understood. In order to begin to fill this gap in knowledge, one of the first known sets of ballistic experiments were conducted on CLT and the results were used to develop and validate predictive models. This article describes the results of 122 ballistic experiments conducted at the United States Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC). The experiments were conducted on two species of CLT of varying thicknesses: Spruce Pine Fir-South and Southern Yellow Pine. The experiments measured either penetration depth or residual velocity over a range of intermediate striking velocities. The effects of weathering (i.e., moisture content) were also explored on a data set. The results of the experiments were compared to existing United States Unified Facilities Criteria models for predicting the ballistic response of wood. The findings show the deficiencies in utilizing this wood model for CLT and explore alternate models for prediction. In general, it was found that models that incorporate both projectile and CLT target parameters most accurately predict the response. Most importantly, the results reinforce the necessity for re-calibration of models as new parameters are added to the CLT ballistic characterization database.
Form versus Function: A Comparison of Lewis Structure Drawing Tools and the Extraneous Cognitive Load They Induce

In recent decades, technology has become a constant presence in the chemistry classroom with online homework extensively used in many programs. Although research has pointed to both increased course performance and better study habits in classes that utilize online homework, little work has explored the extraneous load that these platforms place on the learner’s working memory. Cognitive load theory suggests that optimal learning occurs when sufficient capacity is available in working memory to process new information, and as such, it is important that extraneous load be minimized. This research study compared the extraneous load placed on working memory as students constructed Lewis structures under three conditions: using pen-and-paper, using beSocratic, or using a traditional, button-driven online homework system. The results showed that the traditional online homework system induced a statistically significantly larger extraneous load than the other two drawing formats.
Employing Luminescence to Determine Eu-DTPA Complex Formation Rate Constants in Lactate and Citrate Media: Experiment and Aggregate-Species Kinetic Modelling

ABSTRACTThe formation kinetics for DTPA binding to europium ions in aqueous media were determined using the change in photoluminescence. The influence of lactic acid and citric acid on these kinetics were also investigated. The total formation rate constant of DTPA complexation with europium ions was strongly dependent upon the pH and DTPA speciation, with values ranging from 5 × 103 M–1s–1 to >1 × 106 M–1s–1 over the pH range 1.5 to 2.3. The ligand-metal binding in the presence of lactate and citrate ions showed an inverse kinetic behavior, with strongly decreasing reaction rates at higher buffer concentrations and pH.
Whose Taxes Matter? The Effects of Institutional Ownership on Dividend Payout Policy Around Tax Rate Changes

Prior research finds that firms accelerate dividends into the period before tax rate increases, especially when insider ownership is high, thus reducing insiders’ taxes (Hanlon and Hoopes 2014). However, this research does not consider the preferences of other investors, many of which are tax-insensitive. First, ignoring insider ownership, we find that the likelihood and magnitude of dividend acceleration is lower for firms with high tax-insensitive institutional ownership, providing new evidence on the broad relation between shareholder taxes and dividend payout. Second, accounting for insider ownership, we find that dividend acceleration increases with insider ownership even when tax-insensitive institutional ownership is high, indicating managers’ preferences outweigh institutions’ preferences. Third, accounting for both insider ownership and institutions’ monitoring ability, we find that tax-insensitive dedicated institutions constrain insiders’ ability to accelerate dividends, particularly when acceleration costs are high. This suggests dedicated institutions play a part in monitoring potentially excessive and costly tax-motivated dividend payments made in managers’, not shareholders’, best interest. Overall, our results differ from several recent studies and provide important new insight into the relation between shareholder-level taxes and dividends.
Effects of a Mindfulness-Based Intervention on Self-Compassion and Psychological Health Among Young Adults With a History of Childhood Maltreatment.

Background Individuals who were maltreated during childhood are faced with increased risks for developing various psychological symptoms that are particularly resistant to traditional treatments. This pilot study investigated the effects of a mindfulness based behavioral intervention for young adults with a childhood maltreatment history. Methods This study looked at self-report psychological questionnaires from 20 subjects (5 males) before and after a mindfulness-based behavioral intervention, compared to 18 subjects (6 males) in the waiting list control group (age range 22-29); all subjects experienced mild-to-moderate childhood maltreatment. We analyzed changes in stress, anxiety, depression, mindfulness and self-compassion related to the intervention with linear mixed effects models; we also analyzed the relationships among questionnaire score changes with partial correlation analyses and mediation analysis. Results Linear mixed effects model analyses revealed significant group by time interaction on stress (p < 0.01), anxiety (p < 0.05), and self-compassion (p < 0.01), with the mindfulness group having significant reduction in stress and anxiety (p < 0.01), and significant increase in mindfulness (p < 0.05) and self-compassion (p < 0.001). Partial correlation analyses showed that among all subjects from both groups, changes in mindfulness positively correlated with changes in self-compassion (r = 0.578, p = 0.001), which negatively correlated with changes in depression (r = -0.374, p = 0.05) and anxiety (r = -0.395, p < 0.05). Changes in self-compassion mediated, in part, the relationship between changes in mindfulness and changes in anxiety (average causal mediation effect = -4.721, p < 0.05). We observed a dose-dependent effect of the treatment, i.e., the number of intervention sessions attended were negatively correlated with changes in stress (r = -0.674, p < 0.01), anxiety (r = -0.580, p < 0.01), and depression (r = -0.544, p < 0.05), after controlling for the individual differences in childhood maltreatment severity. Conclusion Our results suggest that, to some extent, the mindfulness-based intervention can be helpful for improving self-compassion and psychological health among young adults with a childhood maltreatment history. Clinical Trial Registration www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT02447744.
Trick or Treat: Music to Scare Your Neighbors—Vintage 45s from Lux and Ivy’s Haunted Basement

Most American holidays are designated by date. Valentine’s Day is always on February 14th. Independence Day is always on July 4th. However, a few holidays occur on changing dates. Thanksgiving, Mot...
Chapter 10 – Genetic and Phenotypic Similarity Among Members of Mammalian Clonal Sets

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the genetic and phenotypic similarity among members of mammalian clonal sets. Members of clonal sets of mammals produced by nuclear transplantation are genetically identical, except for mutations and mitochondrial genes, when the same maternal line is not used for donor nucleus and recipient cytoplast. Numerous chance epigenetic phenomena, some of which are mediated via differential methylation of cytosines, affect members of the same clonal set differently. Superimposed on these effects are uterine effects and other environmental vagaries postbirth, even under relatively controlled conditions. For some species, situations, and traits, there are small phenotypic differences among members of cloned sets, whereas in other species, situations, and traits, phenotypic variation are fairly large. For many applications of cloning by nuclear transplantation/cell fusion, the phenotypic variation among clones is of minimal consequence; whereas for other applications, the phenotypic variation within clonal sets may negate most of the potential benefits of the procedure. Animal agriculture is considered as the most legitimate large-scale application of cloning technology, and its use in improving meat and milk production has already been considered. Another important aspect of cloning from an agricultural production standpoint is the similarity among the members of clonal sets, which is governed by the relationship between genotype and phenotype, or by heritability.
An Update on Idiopathic Hypertrophic Cranial Pachymeningitis for the Headache Practitioner

We aim to review idiopathic hypertrophic cranial pachymeninigitis (IHCP), describe common head pain patterns and features associated with the disorder, suggest potential classification of head pain syndromes based on the recently published International Classification of Headache Disorders-3, explore pathophysiology found to be associated with cases of IHCP, and indicate common treatment for the disorder. It is suggested that a subset of IHCP is an IgG4-related autoimmune disorder. Patients with IHCP were found to have elevated cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) protein and lymphocytic pleocytosis. Corticosteroids are a mainstay of treatment. Other immunosuppressive agents and steroid sparing agents as add-on therapy may have utility in the treatment of cases refractory to corticosteroids alone. Clinical manifestations of IHCP depend upon the location of the inflammatory lesions and compression of the adjacent nervous system structures. Headache and loss of cranial nerve function were the most common presenting features of hypertrophic cranial pachymeninigitis. Several headache diagnoses may result from IHCP. Gadolinium-enhanced MRI is the standard imaging modality for diagnosing. Although the pathophysiology is poorly understood, many cases of hypertrophic pachymeninigitis (HP) are thought to be closely related to inflammatory disorders. Cases of HP previously thought to be idiopathic may have IgG4 pathophysiology. CSF and serological studies are helpful. Treatment involves immunosuppressive agents. Advancement in neuroimaging, assays, tests, and further delineation of inflammatory disorders affecting the nervous system may provide further insight to the etiology of cases of HP previously considered and diagnosed as idiopathic.
Elevated temperature material properties of advanced high strength steel alloys

Abstract Advanced High-Strength Steels (AHSS) have high potential to be adopted in future innovative infrastructure. However, the material properties of AHSS at elevated temperature, which are necessary for analysis and design in the fire situation, are not yet specified in design codes or literature. An experimental investigation is carried out on cold-formed steels with nominal yield stress ranging from 340 MPa to 1200 MPa. The tested materials include two types of advanced high-strength steels (dual-phase (DP) and martensitic (MS) steel) and two conventional steels (high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) and mild steel). 88 tensile specimens are tested in steady-state and transient-state conditions at temperatures up to 700 °C. Material properties are obtained from the tests including elastic modulus, 0.2% proof stress, yield stresses at strain levels of 0.5%, 1.5%, and 2%, ultimate stress, and elongation at fracture. The test results are compared with the design codes provisions in Eurocode 3 and AISC 360, and with data from existing literature. Comparisons show that cold-formed DP and MS steels exhibit relatively larger reduction in stiffness and strength than conventional cold-formed steels at elevated temperature, which warrant the development of specific provisions. It is also found that transient-state tests at 5 °C/min heating rate yield approximately similar yield stress retention factors as steady-state tests but yield lower values of elastic modulus retention factors. New predictive models are proposed to determine the mechanical properties at elevated temperature of the cold-formed advanced high-strength steels with nominal yield stress up to 1200 MPa.
Strategies for Improving Adherence to Pediatric Medical Regimens

Adherence-improvement strategies can be broadly classified as educational, organizational, and behavioral (Dunbar, Marshall, & Hovell, 1979). Educational strategies primarily rely on verbal, written, computer-based, or Web-based information designed to enlighten patients and their families about diseases, treatment regimens, potential negative side effects of treatment, and the importance of consistent adherence. Organizational strategies target ways in which health care is delivered, including increasing access to health-care services, simplifying regimens, and increasing provider supervision of regimens. Behavioral strategies refer to behavior-change techniques to alter specific adherence behaviors such as patient and parental monitoring of regimens, problem-solving, contracting, and token reinforcement programs.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Family Relationships in Italy: Withdrawal on the Nuclear Family

The health emergency linked to the spread of COVID-19 has profoundly transformed people’s lives, both from the point of view of family and significant relationships, and at work, substantially modifying the relationship between these two significant areas. This contribution is aimed at assessing how Italian families are facing the current situation in dealing with work and care responsibilities using data from a CAWI study done during Phase 1 of the emergency (full lockdown, from March to April 2020) that surveyed over 1,391 participants, 73% women, (M age = 47; SD = 11.3). Findings from this study will contribute to a more thorough understanding of how people have reconciled work and care responsibilities during the lockdown, as well as their coping strategies. Findings from multivariate analysis have shown how health emergency and the related containment measures impact both personal/parental and work spheres, producing negative effects on the specific group of working parents, especially women. The 78% of respondents indicated that they continued to work mostly from home (62%) while simultaneously taking care of children. Moreover, married women and young people, and those without children, performed more effective coping strategies. Such results reveal the challenges of a nuclear family unit, wherein parents are separated from parental networks and time between family and work must be reconciled. Such problems are particularly challenging for women.
Not All Traumas Are Equal: Post-Traumatic Stress and Quality of Life among Women in Prison

Measures of well-being have gained importance in criminal justice. Examining the relationship between interpersonal traumatic experiences, post-traumatic stress (PTS), and quality of life (QOL) is ...
A data-driven model for nonlinear marine dynamics

Abstract The design and engineering of ships and platforms that operate in the ocean environment requires understanding of a nonlinear dynamical system that responds according to complex interaction with a wide range of sea and wind conditions. Time domain observation of nonlinear marine dynamics with either experiments or high-fidelity numerical simulation tools is costly due to the random nature of the ocean and the full range of environmental and loading conditions that are experienced in the lifetime of a ship or platform. In this paper, a data-driven method is presented to predict the complex nonlinear input–output relationship typical of marine systems. A Long Short-Term Memory neural net is used to learn nonlinear wave propagation and the nonlinear roll of a ship section in beam seas. Training data are generated with second-order wave theory or a volume-of-fluid computational fluid dynamics, although the method is directly applicable to data that is generated by other means such as nonlinear potential flow or experimental measurements. The cost and the amount of data to apply the method are estimated and measured. The data-driven results are compared with unseen data to demonstrate the accuracy and feasibility.
Los orígenes maquiavélicos de la categoría moderna de lectura (sobre el paso del modelo lector temprano-moderno al moderno)

La modernidad concibe la lectura como una practica intrinsicamente politica y proto-democratica. Para discutir las asunciones mas problematicas de esta tesis, proponemos una genealogia de la instit...
Hepatobiliary Scintigraphy in Evaluation of Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunciton in Post-Cholecystectomy Patients.

1454 Introduction: Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD) refers to a functional obstruction of the sphincter of Oddi leading to hepatobiliary-type pain. Historically, the gold standard for diagnosis of SOD has been the detection of elevated sphincter pressure via manometry; however, this is an invasive procedure that carries with it a substantial risk of inducing pancreatitis. Hepatobiliary scintigraphy with cholecystokinin (HIDA-CCK) stimulation is a less-invasive, alternative to manometry; however, its clinical utility in the context of SOD is unclear. This retrospective study thus sought to evaluate the utility of HIDA-CCK in the evaluation of SOD in patients with right upper quadrant pain post- cholecystectomy. Patients & Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 86 patients post cholecystectomy patients (10 male, 76 female; mean age = 56) whom had undergone HIDA-CCK studies between January 2012 - June 2019 after presenting with abdominal pain. The study consisted of the injection of 5.0 mCi Tc-99m mebrofenin and, after visualization of the small bowel, infusion of 0.02 ug/ kg CCK over a 60-minute interval. Persistent visualization of radioactivity within the common bile duct post-CCK infusion served as diagnostic for SOD. Results: Of the 86 patients included in the study, eight patients were positive for SOD via HIDA-CCK. Of these patients, one underwent ERCP sphincterotomy without symptom resolution, five were treated with medical management without symptom resolution, and 2 were lost to follow up. Of the remaining 73 patients with negative HIDA-CCK scans and with no history of prior SOD, one underwent sphincterotomy at an outside institution - which lead to transient symptom resolution followed by recurrence after several months. No interventions aimed at addressing SOD were taken in the remaining 72 patients. Conclusions: Only a minority of post cholecystectomy patients referred for HIDA-CCK test were positive. At our center the positivity rate for SOD was 9.3%. Interestingly, those with positive tests were often treated medically rather than with sphincterotomy and showed little to no symptom resolution. Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunction remains a challenging complication in post-cholecystectomy patients. Clinical outcomes were difficult to ascertain in a number of patients due to the presence of co-morbidities with overlapping symptom profiles. The trend towards medical management in lieu of more invasive treatments such as ERCP sphincterotomy aligns with recent literature cautioning against the aggressive treatment of SOD without clear evidence of structural abnormalities and positive findings on manometry. The lack of correlation between positive SOD findings and responsiveness to therapy also meshes well with recent literature that calls into question the clinical utility of SOD diagnoses made via HIDA-CCK
When White Clients Are in the Minority in a Substance Use Disorders (SUDS) Treatment Program: An Exploratory Study

There has been virtually no research regarding the experiences of White clients in substance use disorders (SUDS) treatment programs where they are in the minority racially. In a U.S. city, at a 28-day inpatient program where White individuals represented 12% of the client population, 68 White clients responded to open-ended questions regarding how their racial identity affected their treatment experiences. Nearly one half of the White participants reported no difficulties regarding being part of a small racial minority group in treatment. However, one third of the White participants expressed significant negative reactions about being in the racial minority in treatment. They expressed feeling ostracized and not accepted, being exposed to racist attitudes and comments, and experiencing a sense of alienation.
Unpaid work among children currently attending school in Nigeria: With focus on gender, ethnicity, urban‐rural residence and poverty

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the associations of gender, ethnicity, urban‐rural residence, and poverty, on children's unpaid work. It examines whether the Nigerian experience parallels previous research in India and Latin America, which finds an ethnic gap in children's unpaid work.Design/methodology/approach – To achieve the stated objectives, the 2004 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey EdData Survey (2004 NDES) were analyzed.Findings – The series of logistic regression results confirm the existence of gender, urban‐rural residence, and wealth inequalities in children's unpaid work. For example, girls, children in rural areas and poor children conduct more unpaid work than boys, urban children, and non‐poor children, respectively. In addition, the series of logistic regression results indicate that an ethnic inequality persists in children's unpaid work only when religion, parental attitude on child labor and gender bias in schooling, and region of the country in which the chi...
Minority interns' experiences during their dietetics education and their recommendations for increasing diversity in dietetics: findings from structured interviews.

Abstract Diversity among racial minorities and males has remained limited in the dietetics field. Structured interviews with eleven minority interns were conducted to assess their experiences throughout their dietetics education and to examine their perceptions of the dietetics profession. General themes were reported. Dietetics was not the first career choice for six interns. Work and volunteer experience were perceived as the most influential factors in their selection for a dietetic internship. Some perceived being the only minority in an internship program and the lack of minorities on internship selection committees as problems. Increasing minority dietitians' visibility at career days and early recruitment of students were suggested as ways to increase diversity within the profession. Resources such as the Building Our Future Mentor Program Tool Kit should be utilized to establish mentoring programs for students and to enhance diversity efforts in dietetics. J Am Diet Assoc. 2002;102:1674-1677 .
Cones: a new approach towards corner detection

This paper presents a new approach to detect corners and determine their orientations. This is done through a data structure similar to pyramids but of circular levels. Thus, we refer to it as the cone. The operation starts at the top level where only one node exists. If the node is inhomogeneous, it will be split into two nodes forming the next lower level of the cone. Splitting continues until all nodes become homogeneous. At the base and according to a threshold, similar nodes are grouped together to shape the orientation of the corner.
Evaluation of nuclear-electric propulsion for planetary exploration by graphic analysis techniques.

Power level, flight time and payload of nuclear- electric propulsion systems for unmanned planetary exploration missions evaluated by graphic analysis techniques
Can Tracking of Contrast Echocardiographic Targets Be Used to Measure Intracardiac Flow Velocities

Recent studies suggest that the slopes of linearly moving echocardiographic contrast targets (microbubbles) can be used to predict flow velocities in the right heart. The purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy of velocities measured with contrast echocardiography by comparing them with those recorded with a previously calibrated quantitative range-gated 2-dimensional echocardiographic Doppler flow meter. Venous saline echocardiographic contrast injections and Doppler studies were performed in 10 patients, aged 6 months to 16 years, who had been operated on for lesions in the left side of the heart. Blood velocities were measured on a Doppler flow meter along the direction of flow in the main pulmonary artery just distal to the pulmonary valve in a short-axis plane. Immediately after the Doppler study, an M-mode echocardiogram of the pulmonary valve was derived from the same plane as that used for the preceding Doppler sample volume, passing through the pulmonary valve; 2 to 10 ml of normal saline solution was forcefully hand-injected through a previously positioned peripheral venous line and recorded on strip chart and videotape at a paper speed of 100 mm/s. Pulmonary flow velocities by contrast echocardiography were measured as the slopes of the moving contrast echocardiographic targets seen just beyond the pulmonary valve leaflets. Measurable microbubbles had to follow the constraints described in a previous study by Shiina et al. 3 Doppler velocities were read directly from the machine calibration marks (centimeters per second) recorded with the fast Fourier output. Instantaneous and peak velocities were determined at time-matched systolic points in cardiac cycles of identical R-R intervals. Significant but low level correlations were found between contrast echocardiography and Doppler instantaneous (r = +0.45) or peak (r = +0.11) systolic velocities. Our results suggest that while contrast echocardiographic microbubbles can be measured to yield a velocity, they do not behave like moving red blood cells that reflect ultrasound to produce a Doppler shift. Therefore, contrast echocardiography cannot be used reliably to measure flow velocities in the right heart.
Differences in Delay Discounting of Some Commodities as a Function of Church Attendance

Recent research has suggested that the positive benefits of religiousness that are reported in the literature may be related to “self-control.” The present study attempted to determine whether religiousness, as measured by self reporting of regularly attending church services, would be related to how participants discount delayed outcomes. Three hundred one university students completed a delay-discounting task involving five commodities ($1,000, $100,000, annual retirement income, federal education legislation, and medical treatment). Participants who reported regularly attending church services discounted both monetary amounts significantly more than did participants who reported not regularly attending church services, indicating that church goers placed less value on those commodities than non-church goers. Rates of delay discounting did not differ between groups for the other commodities. These results suggest that religiousness alters how people frame certain decisions involving delayed outcomes, but not others.
Relevance of donepezil in enhancing learning and memory in special populations: a review of the literature

This review discusses the laboratory and clinical research supporting the rationale for the efficacy of donepezil (Aricept® USA) in enhancing cognition in autism, Alzheimer disease, Down syndrome, traumatic brain injury, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and schizophrenia. While preliminary animal models have shown effective, human studies exclusive of Alzheimer disease are sparse. Although attention and memory are unlikely a sole operation of the cholinergic system, evidence indicates a promising direction for further examination of this hypothesis in autism. Studies that examine changes in operationally defined behaviors and reliable and valid measure of changes in attention and memory are needed.
Formation of molecular clusters by percolation of water through p-bromochlorobenzene adlayer on Al2O3(0001)

Abstract Bilayers of water and p-bromochlorobenzene (BCB) were formed on a surface of Al2O3(0 0 0 1) by vacuum deposition under ultra-high vacuum (UHV) conditions with the BCB adlayer on top. The surface was then heated, allowing water that desorbs at a lower temperature to percolate through the upper BCB layer, leading to the formation of clusters. Percolation and cluster formation caused the water to desorb at temperatures higher than that of multilayer water as detected by temperature programmed desorption (TPD) using a mass spectrometer. The cluster on the surface of Al2O3(0 0 0 1) was tentatively determined to have the composition, (BCB) · H2O.
The effects of rhodamine B on the chromosomes of Muntiacus muntjac.

Abstract Cytogenetic analysis of Muntiacus muntjac fibroblast cells exposed to the xanthene dye, Rhodamine B, revealed a significant increase in chromosomal aberrations. The M. muntjac fibroblasts were exposed to various concentrations of Rhodamine B and examined for increases in aberration frequencies. As the concentration of Rhodamine B was increased there was an increase in the percentage and types of aberrations observed up to 20 μg/ml concentrations. At the 20 μg/ml exposure levels, there was a decrease in the total aberration frequencies and an increase in the types of aberrations observed; these results may be related to toxicity at the higher concentration. These results suggest the need for further study of the effects of Rhodamine B in vitro and in vivo.
Use of mononucleotide repeat markers for detection of microsatellite instability in mouse tumors

Tumors lacking DNA mismatch repair activity (MMR) from patients with Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer (HNPCC) or those with sporadic colorectal cancer can be identified by the presence of high levels of instability in repetitive sequences known as microsatellites (MSI). The assessment of MSI phenotype in human tumors helps to establish a clinical diagnosis and is accomplished with a reference panel of five mononucleotide repeats. By contrast, detection of MSI in mouse tumors has proven to be problematic and lack of a uniform set of markers for classification of MSI has impeded comparison of results between studies. We tested for MSI in intestinal tumors from MMR-deficient mice with four mononucleotide repeats with polyA(24-37) tracts and three new markers with extended polyA(59-67) tracts. All seven markers were sensitive to MSI in MMR-deficient tumors, but those with extended mononucleotide tracts displayed larger deletions, which were easily distinguishable from the germline alleles. With a panel of the five most sensitive and specific mononucleotide repeats, a high level of MSI was detected in 100% of MMR-deficient tumors, but not in tumors with MMR activity. This novel panel is an improvement over existing combinations of mono- and dinucleotide repeat markers and should facilitate MSI screening and standardize results from different studies.
Evaluation of pituitary responsiveness to LHRH as a pregnancy test in ewes.

Abstract Pregnant and nonpregnant ewes were injected with luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH). Pituitary responsiveness, based on serum luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) concentration, 2 hr after injection was then determined for each ewe, by radioimmunoassay (RIA) and correlated with the physiological reproductive state of each ewe. The serum LH release in pregnant ewes was significantly lower than that in nonpregnant ewes. Serum LH concentrations of pregnant ewes were further categorized according to whether the ewes were multiple (ML) or single lambing (SL). The responses by ML ewes were lower for LH than the SL responses. Follicle stimulating hormone responses were not different between pregnant or nonpregnant groups. Luteinizing hormone responses between pregnant ewes which were grouped according to 3 stages of pregnancy (1 to 5, 5 to 10 and 10 to 15 weeks pregnant) were not different from each other. Pregnancy diagnoses were made based on a fixed cut-off value, to which the LH response of each ewe to 5 μg LHRH was compared. Ewes whose response fell below this cut-off were diagnosed as pregnant. Accuracy of the diagnoses were determined by known lambing data. Diagnostic accuracy ranged from a low of 60% for nonpregnant, to a high of 95% for ML ewes. Accuracy for SL ewes (64%) was lower than for the overall pregnant group (79%), as well as that for ML ewes. Doses of LHRH, higher than 5 μg per ewe, generally produced LH release in pregnant ewes which was not significantly suppressed relative to responses of nonpregnant ewes. These results lead to the conclusion that gonadotropin response to exogenous LHRH injection is not an effective tool for pregnancy diagnosis.
Thermal Extension of the Total Bandwidth Server

A typical real-time application is composed of periodic tasks with hard deadline constraints. It must also service a periodic tasks that are generated in response to external and internal events. In addition to application's timing constraints, it is important that the system never violates thermal constraint due to its increasingly adverse impact on the processing platform. In this work, we propose a scheme for servicing a periodic tasks in thermally constrained hard real-time systems. We propose an algorithm, T2BS, which is a thermal extension of the Total Bandwidth Server [1]. We show that our algorithm is optimal in the sense that it meets periodic task timing constraints as well as system thermal constraints, and it supports the maximum rate of a periodic arrivals. Through extensive simulations we demonstrate the validity of theoretical results and perform the response time analysis of a periodic tasks.
WHAT IS THE FUTURE OF FIBROMYALGIA

This article discusses the future of fibromyalgia, including the current state of the art and potential future pathophysiologic studies. Suggestions are provided in regard to future therapeutic trials, longitudinal and outcome studies, and the role of the rheumatology community in this common disorder.
Kernel least mean square algorithm with constrained growth

The linear least mean squares (LMS) algorithm has been recently extended to a reproducing kernel Hilbert space, resulting in an adaptive filter built from a weighted sum of kernel functions evaluated at each incoming data sample. With time, the size of the filter as well as the computation and memory requirements increase. In this paper, we shall propose a new efficient methodology for constraining the increase in length of a radial basis function (RBF) network resulting from the kernel LMS algorithm without significant sacrifice on performance. The method involves sequential Gaussian elimination steps on the Gram matrix to test the linear dependency of the feature vector corresponding to each new input with all the previous feature vectors. This gives an efficient method of continuing the learning as well as restricting the number of kernel functions used.
Cholecystokinin-stimulated peak lipase concentration in duodenal drainage fluid: a new pancreatic function test

Abstract OBJECTIVE: Hormonal stimulation with secretin or cholecystokinin (CCK) is the most sensitive means of assessing pancreatic function. Secretin is not available, and current CCK tests are cumbersome, requiring dual tube intubation and marker perfusion techniques. The aim of this study was to test the efficacy of a new CCK-stimulated pancreatic function test measuring peak lipase concentration. METHODS: A Dreiling gastroduodenal tube was inserted to the ligament of Treitz, and fluid was collected on ice for 80 min in four 20-min aliquots. CCK was infused i.v. at a constant rate of 40 ng/kg/h. Gastric aspirations were discarded. Duodenal aspirates were analyzed for volume and enzyme concentration with a clinical laboratory autoanalyzer. RESULTS: Nineteen healthy volunteers and 18 chronic pancreatitis patients were studied. Lipase concentration and secretory volume showed a peak response by 40 min of stimulation, whereas amylase response was variable. The mean peak lipase concentrations (±SEM) for normal volunteers and mild, moderate, and advanced chronic pancreatitis patients were 16.9 ± 1.9, 7.9 ± 1.7, 3.7 ± 1.2, and 2.1 ± 0.6 × 10 5 IU/L, respectively. Lower peak lipase concentrations were significantly associated with more advanced chronic pancreatitis (p CONCLUSIONS: Lipase concentration in duodenal fluid increases nearly 3-fold from baseline after CCK stimulation in healthy volunteers but is markedly reduced in patients with chronic pancreatic disease. Peak lipase concentration is a significant predictor of chronic pancreatitis and correlates with severity of pancreatic disease. Aspiration of duodenal drainage fluid with a Dreiling tube and analysis with a laboratory autoanalyzer are less cumbersome than marker perfusion and back titration techniques. Measurement of enzyme concentration instead of output could lead to the development of an endoscopic or through-the-scope screening method for assessing patients with suspected chronic pancreatitis or chronic abdominal pain.
An inexpensive, multi-channel, electrophysiological recording system.

Abstract A system is described for recording from neural tissue with as many as 2000 channels in simultaneous operation. The output is recorded as a pattern of lights, photographed at high speed. The unique feature of the system is its cost of less than ten dollars per channel. In addition, a technique is described for the chronic implantation of a large number of cortical electrodes.
A small-nation journal? The past and future of the Scottish Geographical Journal

The Scottish Geographical Journal and its predecessor, the Scottish Geographical Magazine, have had a long and distinguished heritage as a general journal of geography dating back to 1885. Under su...
Positive and Negative Transcriptional Regulation of the Foxp3 Gene is Mediated by Access and Binding of the Smad3 Protein to Enhancer I

The molecular mechanisms underlying retinoic acid (RA) augmentation of T cell receptor (TCR) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)-induced Foxp3 transcription and inhibition of the latter by cytokines such as IL-27 were here shown to be related processes involving modifications of baseline (TGF-β-induced) phosphorylated Smad3 (pSmad3) binding to a conserved enhancer region (enhancer I). RA augmentation involved the binding of retinoic acid receptor (RAR) and retinoid X receptor (RXR) to a dominant site in enhancer I and a subordinate site in the promoter. This led to increased histone acetylation in the region of the Smad3 binding site and increased binding of pSmad3. Cytokine (IL-27) inhibition involved binding of pStat3 to a gene silencer in a second conserved enhancer region (enhancer II) downstream from enhancer I; this led to loss of pSmad3 binding to enhancer I. Thus, control of accessibility and binding of pSmad3 provides a common framework for positive and negative regulation of TGF-β-induced Foxp3 transcription.
Clinical Features and Management of Overdosage with Thyroid Drugs

Accidental ingestion and overdose of medications used in thyroidal illnesses may occur because of the frequency of these diagnoses. This review discusses acute overdosage of 4 groups of medicines.
Development and Evaluation of Regression Models for the Prediction of Human Torque Strength Applied in the Prone Position

This paper describes an experimental investigation conducted to develop and test predictive models for human torque strength in simulated maintenance tasks performed in the prone position. Eight linear regression models were developed for the prediction of human torque strength applied with a socket wrench while lying in the prone position. The models utilized anthropometric and strength data from 40 subjects in conjunction with task point location variables in their formulation. The predictability of each model was evaluated by comparing the observed and predicted torque values from 10 additional subjects.
Capsular and vascular invasion: important prognostic factors in Wilms' tumor.

Abstract The influence of capsular and vascular invasion on prognosis was determined retrospectively in 52 children with Wilms' tumor. Local recurrence was more prevalent (0.26) in patients with rupture or capsular invasion than in any other group. Inadequate postnephrectomy irradiation or infiltration of the liver by nephroblastoma cells appeared to be predisposing factors in the development of these recurrences. Of the 26 patients with gross or microscopic vascular invasion, 13 developed metastasis. This proportion was significantly higher than in patients without vascular involvement ( p These observations emphasize the importance of microscopic detection of capsular and vascular invasion in staging of Wilms' tumor.
Detection of gender-related categories by 10-month-old infants.

Abstract Thirty-two 10-month-olds completed an habituation procedure where a male or female face was paired with a specific object. Results reveal 10-month-olds can form categories based on correlations among attributes of social information. Basic processes involved in gender role formation are present in 10-month-olds.
Frequency of alloantibodies reacting with PHA-activated T lymphocytes, unexplainable by known HLA activities

Two hundred and three sera obtained from multiparous women were screened to determine the frequency of the appearance of antibodies reactive with PHA-activated T lymphocytes, but not with resting B or T cells from the same donor. The panel of cells on which the sera were tested consisted of lymphocytes from 38 unrelated donors known to be homozygous at the HLA-D locus. Forty-two sera were shown to react uniquely with PHA-activated T cells. The reactivities of these sera could not be explained in terms of the defined HLA-A,-B,-C, or DR antigen specificities on the panel cells, nor on the basis of known cross-reactivities among these antigens. Most of the antisera showed strong cytotoxicity with the activated T cells. Such sera may define antigens presented to the maternal immune system during differentiation and development, which are not expressed on adult T cells unless they are activated.
Dynamics of metallic-surface and dipole interaction in the presence of optical Johnson noise

We introduce a stochastic-dynamic model for optical-frequency Johnson noise in metallic surfaces and calculate the absorption and resonance fluorescence spectra of a dipole oscillator located near a metallic surface. The optical Johnson noise gives rise to a second peak in these spectra, centered around the asymptotic surface-plasmon energy with a width given by the inverse correlation time of the noise fluctuations. The model yields also the dependence of the spectra on the dipole's distance from the surface. These predictions compare favorably with a recent experiment by Holland and Hall. We also discuss the effect of the dielectric spacer layer between the dipole and the metallic surface and touch briefly on the extension of the model to the strong-driving-field regime where the proper Bloch equations must be employed.
Transatlantic Roots Music: Folk, Blues, and National Identities

Transatlantic Roots Music: Folk, Blues, and National Identities is a remarkably comprehensive collection of essays about the musical exchanges and interactions between primarily the UK and the US a...
Mass flows in a disappearing sunspot plume

We observed a large sunspot in NOAA Active Region 9535 on 2001 July 12, 15, 17, and 19 with three instruments (CDS, EIT, and MDI) on board SOHO. EUV emission lines of O IV (formed at logarithmic temperature of 5.2), O V (5.4), Ne IV (5.2), Ne V (5.5), Ne VI (5.6), Ne VII (5.7), and Ca X (5.9) revealed a large bright plume within the sunspot penumbra on July 12 and 15, a smaller, dimmer plume on July 17, and no plume on July 19. Downflows of 25 km s-1 or more were measured within the sunspot plume on July 12 and 15. By July 17 the downflow area had shrunk in size, the downflows had diminished in magnitude, and upflows were measured in the umbra and parts of the penumbra outside the plume. By July 19 downflows were no longer observed, but had been replaced entirely with upflows of 15-25 km s-1 in the umbra and portions of the penumbra. This is the first time that the disappearance of a sunspot plume has been observed to occur simultaneously with a dramatic change in flow velocity pattern in the sunspot plume and umbra. On July 12 upflows northeast of the sunspot were observed along with the downflows in the plume. Electron density measurements based on intensity ratios of the O IV lines at 625.8 and 554.5 A indicate a significantly greater value in the upflow zone than in the plume, consistent with siphon flow as the driver of the observed velocities; however, the line at 625.8 A is very weak and blended in the red wing of the Mg X line at 624.9 A, so derived densities are highly uncertain.
Application of non-photochemical hole burning to the two-photon spectroscopy of impurity molecules in low temperature glasses

Abstract One-photon non-photochemical hole burning (NPHB) is shown to be a viable method for producing narrow-line two-photon spectra of molecules in solution at low temperature. The TPE spectrum of phenanthrene at 2 K in a glassy medium is presented and is shown to manifest one-photon NPHB effects.