cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A soil‐vegetation‐atmosphere transfer scheme for the modeling of water and energy balance processes in high latitudes: 1. Model improvements

This paper describes the development of a process-based water and energy balance model for use in high latitudes under both summertime and wintertime conditions. The model is developed as a part of the Boreal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study (BOREAS). The model differs from its original version in the representation of hydrological processes specific to climatic and ecologic conditions in high latitudes: the impact of an organic layer on the water and energy balance of the boreal forest; the parameterization of frozen ground and snow accumulation and ablation; and the effect of open water bodies on the calculation of the radiative energy and water budget. The model can be run either in a fully distributed or an aggregated statistical mode. The resulting macroscale hydrological model can be used, off line, to study the energy and water balance of the boreal forest and potentially can be used as a land-atmosphere parameterization in atmospheric models.
Reevaluation of the cellular immune response in breast cancer patients vaccinated with MUC1.

Conjugation of antigens to a carrier protein like keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) has proven effective in clinical trials for inducing antibodies against selected tumor antigens. The impact of this approach on T-cell immunity has not been previously tested. We utilized peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) obtained at leukapheresis from 6 breast cancer patients vaccinated 4 times each with a 106-amino acid-long MUC1 peptide conjugated with KLH plus immune adjuvant QS-21. Proliferation after 6 days of in vitro culture and an interferon gamma ELISPOT assay with and without 6 days of in vitro sensitization with the immunizing antigen were used. Parallel experiments employed the use of the cytokine IL2. Our results indicate that despite a high response to KLH in all patients with precursor frequencies as high as 1/120 peripheral blood lymphocytes and augmentation of proliferation in excess of 200-fold after vaccination, the T-cell response against MUC1 peptide was minimal and inconsistent. The strength and consistency of the vaccine-induced T-cell response against KLH in these patients excludes general immune incompetence and assay insensitivity or inconsistency as explanations for the weak and inconsistent response against MUC1. We conclude that for any report of augmented T-cell responses against MUC1 to be convincing, one or more postimmunization blood samples will be needed to demonstrate augmented MUC1-specific immunity consistently on multiple occasions. Assuming this criteria, convincing induction of T-cell immunity against MUC1 by vaccination has yet to be described. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Viking XX - Western Washington University's solar race car

Abstract The Vehicle Research Institute at Western Washington University designed and constructed the Viking XX Solar Race Vehicle to compete in GM Sunrayce USA. In this event, cars from 32 universities race from Orlando, FL to Detroit, MI, with the sun being the only energy source used to propel the vehicles. Viking XX is an advanced composite, monocoque chassis, two-person, solar powered vehicle that can run in either direction. The solar panel is composed of terrestrial grade solar cells. The energy produced by the array is stored in silver zinc batteries, which in turn power a 20 hp brushless, rare-earth, permanent magnet, d.c. motor located on the main drive wheel in the center of the drivers' pod. Two wheels mounted in the battery pod counter steer one another so that the car has a very tight turning radius. This paper is a concise description of the research, testing and design of the Viking XX solar race vehicle.
Dying trajectory in the last year of life: does cancer trajectory fit other diseases?

Purpose: To examine differences in the pattern of functional decline among persons dying of cancer and other leading noncancer causes of death. Design: Mortality followback survey of next of kin listed on death certificate. Setting: Probability sample of all deaths in the United States. Participants: Next of kin for 3,614 decedents that represented 914,335 deaths. Measurements: Days of difficulty with activities of daily living and mobility in the last year of life. Results: Relative to other decedents, patients with cancer experienced an increased rate of functional impairment beginning as late as 5 months prior to death. For example, only 13.9% of patients with cancer had difficulty getting out of bed or a chair 1-year prior to death. This increased from 22.2% to 63.0% in the last five months of life. In contrast, decedents from other diseases had higher rates of functional impairment 1 year prior to death (approximately 35% had difficulty getting out of bed or chair) and they manifested a more gradual ...
The benefits of implant removal from the foot and ankle.

Background: Following successful orthopaedic surgical procedures, implant removal is generally not necessary or recommended. However, patients with pain related to implants may benefit from this elective procedure. The foot and ankle may be more symptomatic from retained implants because of weight-bearing activities, shoe wear, and limited soft-tissue cushioning. In such cases, implant removal may provide good and reliable relief of symptoms. Methods: A prospective study of sixty-nine patients who underwent elective removal of symptomatic implants from the foot and ankle was undertaken to evaluate the patients’ pain experience. The Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire was administered preoperatively and six weeks postoperatively. Postoperatively, patients were also asked whether they would repeat the procedure and whether they were satisfied with the results. Results: Patients reported significantly less pain following the procedure, with the average rating of pain on the visual analog scale (VAS) decreasing from 3.06 to 0.88 and the average rating of present pain intensity decreasing from 2.03 to 0.58 (p 0.05 for present pain intensity).With the small sample size, preoperative and postoperative pain did not show a significant difference on the basis of implant location or patient age or sex. Ninety-four percent of patients said they would repeat the procedure under the same circumstances, and 91% of patients were satisfied with the results. Conclusions: Following successful orthopaedic surgical procedures, removal of implants causing symptoms can result in pain relief and a high rate of patient satisfaction. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Comparison of Sustainability Performance for Cross Laminated Timber and Concrete

As sustainable building design practices become more prevalent in today’s construction market, designers are looking to alternative materials for novel design strategies. This paper presents a case study comparing the sustainability performance of cross laminated timber (CLT) and reinforced concrete. A comparative sustainability assessment of cross laminated timber and concrete, considering economic, environmental, and social aspects was performed. Environmental impact is measured in terms of CO2 equivalent, economic impact is measured with total sector cost (including sector interdependencies), and qualitative metrics were considered for social impact. In order to conduct an accurate performance comparison, a functional unit of building facade volume was chosen for each product. For this paper, several end-of-life strategies were modeled for CLT and concrete facades. To understand environmental, economic, and social impact, three different scenarios were analyzed to compare performance of both CLT and concrete, including cradle to gate product manufacturing, manufacturing with landfill end-of-life, and manufacturing with recycling end-of-life. Environmental LCA was modeled using GaBi 5.0 Education Edition, which includes its own database for elements including materials, processes, and transportation. To compare the economic impact, Carnegie Mellon’s EIO-LCA online tool is used. Finally, social life cycle impact was considered by identifying process attributes of both products that affect the social domain. Based on this analysis, the use of CLT has a significantly lower environmental impact than concrete, however there are additional costs.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Stroke in Children Within a Major Metropolitan Area: The Surprising Importance of Intracerebral Hemorrhage:

Our objective was to determine the incidence rate of stroke and stroke subtypes in children. We reviewed the medical records, autopsy records, and brain imaging studies of all children with a possible stroke within the Greater Cincinnati metropolitan area population of nearly 1.3 million during 1988 and 1989. Traumatic brain hemorrhages and germinal matrix hemorrhages were excluded. Of the 295,577 children in Greater Cincinnati, medical records of 178 children were screened. Sixteen cases (13 whites and three blacks) less than age 15 years fit strictly defined criteria for first-ever stroke. The incidence rate for cerebral infarction was 1.2 cases per 100,000 (95% confidence interval, 0.3 to 2.0). The combined incidence rate for intracerebral hemorrhage and subarachnoid hemorrhage was 1.5 cases per 100,000 children (95% confidence interval, 0.4 to 2.3). The incidence rate of all stroke in white children was 2.6 cases per 100,000 (95% confidence interval, 1.2 to 4.1), compared to 3.1 per 100,000 in black c...
The relationship between boron soil test results and boron uptake by bean plants

Abstract Boron sensitive crops, kidney beans and soybeans, were grown in pots containing soil collected from a beet field and a nearby pasture. Two soil extraction procedures were used to measure boron concentrations in the soils. Dilute acid was used to extract what is believed to be readily available boron. A modified‐Soxhlet apparatus, which employed continuous leaching with hot water, measured what is believed to be slowly available boron. Plant boron status was determined by analyzing the above ground portion of the plants grown in two soils. The amount of boron in the plant tops provides an indication of biologically available boron or that boron actually available to plants. Although kidney beans and soybeans extracted more boron from the beet soil, both soil extraction procedures indicated that the concentration of boron was higher in the pasture soil. Neither extraction procedure proved reliable in predicting plant response.
Effects of counseling techniques on patients’ weight-related attitudes and behaviors in a primary care clinic

Objective Examine primary care physicians’ use of counseling techniques when treating overweight and obese patients and the association with mediators of behavior change as well as change in nutrition, exercise, and weight loss attempts.
Neocortical projections to the mesencephalon of the armadillo, dasypus novemcinctus

Abstract The results of this study indicate a definite pattern of neocortical projections to the mesencephalon in the nine-banded armadillo. This pattern closely parallels that described for certain other mammals, but differs in certain specifics. Degenerating fibers resulting from a lesion of the mid-presupraorbital neocortex assumed a position within the most medial aspect of the cerebral peduncle and projected to the ventral and medial areas of the mesencephalon. Such areas inccluded the ventral nucleus of the periaqueductal gray, the rostal linear nuclei, the ventral tegmental area of Tsai, the medial substantia nigra and the rostral cap and intermediate portion of the red nucleus. The rostral tip of the neocortex, while projecting to similar mesencephalic areas as the mid-presupraorbital neocortex, did not distribute to either the ventral nucleus of the periaqueductal gray or to the red nucleus. The projection pattern of the neocortex immediately rostal to the supraorbital sulcus was also similar to that of the mid-presupraorbital cortex but, in addition, fibers distributed to the dorsal lateral tegmentum. Degenerating fibers which emanated from lesions immediately caudal to the supraorbital sulcus were positioned within the intermediate areas of the ipsilateral cerebral peduncle and terminated within the intermediate substantia nigra, the rostral cap and intermediate portion of the red nucleus, the mesencephalic reticular formation and extensively within the dorsal lateral tegmentum of the midbrain. Injured fascicles resulting from a lesion of the caudal one-third of the neocortex were located in the more lateral portion of the cerebral peduncle and projected to the more dorsal portions of the mesencephalon, as well as to certain mesencephalic areas which received cortical inout from the cortex immediately caudal to the supraorbital sulcus. A small ablation of the most caudal pole of the neocortex gave rise to degenerating fascicles which assumed a position within the most dorsal and lateral portion of the cerebral peduncle and terminated within the superficial layers of the superior colliculus.
Volunteer bias in a study of male alcoholics' sexual behavior

Studies on sexual behavior frequently require that subject volunteers engage in intrusive/sensitive assessment procedures. While earlier investigators have found that these demands may result in volunteer bias (volunteers differing from nonvolunteers), these studies were limited to nonclinical samples. The present study involved 182 males admitted to an inpatient alcoholism rehabilitation program. Those patients who volunteered to participate in an intrusive study examining sexual functioning were dissimilar to nonvolunteers. Compared to nonvolunteers, volunteers reported a greater interest in sex, less satisfaction with sex, more concerns about sexual functioning, a greater incidence of premature ejaculation, and a greater incidence of negative sexual experience. Volunteers also had a higher MAST score, used outpatient substance-abuse counseling more often, and more frequently had a diagnosis of cocaine/amphetamine dependence and cannabis dependence. These differences between volunteers and nonvolunteers suggest a need to use caution when generalizing the results of similar studies to the overall population. Procedures that may help to minimize volunteer bias are offered.
Exploring the biology of socialization.

: How will the social sciences take advantage of the revolution that has taken place in biology during the past two decades? Over the last fifteen years, neuroimaging has allowed the study of human cognition and emotion within psychology to achieve close alliances with biology through the development of cognitive and affective neuroscience. There is little doubt that a similar alliance between psychology and biology will occur in the domain of human brain development. In principle, understanding how the human brain is organized by experience (epigenetic rules) and how societies instruct their young could produce a link between natural and social science. The late David C. McClelland sought methods to base the social sciences on psychological ideas. McClelland sought to connect the values of achievement and power as coded from children's readers and popular ballads to societal economic growth and conflict. These efforts lacked knowledge of brain mechanisms of memory and attention and an understanding of the role of experience in organizing brain circuitry. Understanding of cognitive and brain systems related to knowledge and action may allow a new approach to forging connections between individual minds and social behavior.
Radiation Therapy Dose Escalation for Glioblastoma Multiforme in the Era of Temozolomide

Purpose To review clinical outcomes of moderate dose escalation using high-dose radiation therapy (HDRT) in the setting of concurrent temozolomide (TMZ) in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), compared with standard-dose radiation therapy (SDRT). Methods and Materials Adult patients aged 60 Gy) and TMZ from 2000 to 2012. Biological equivalent dose at 2-Gy fractions was calculated for the HDRT assuming an α/β ratio of 5.6 for GBM. Results Eighty-one patients received SDRT, and 128 patients received HDRT with a median (range) biological equivalent dose at 2-Gy fractions of 64 Gy (61-76 Gy). Overall median follow-up time was 1.10 years, and for living patients it was 2.97 years. Actuarial 5-year overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) rates for patients that received HDRT versus SDRT were 12.4% versus 13.2% ( P =.71), and 5.6% versus 4.1% ( P =.54), respectively. Age ( P =.001) and gross total/near-total resection (GTR/NTR) ( P =.001) were significantly associated with PFS on multivariate analysis. Younger age ( P P P =.001) were associated with improved OS. On subset analyses, HDRT failed to improve PFS or OS for those aged Conclusion Moderate radiation therapy dose escalation above 60 Gy with concurrent TMZ does not seem to improve clinical outcomes for patients with GBM.
Glucagon-stimulated respiration and intracellular Ca2+

The effects of extra- and intracellular Ca2+ on glucagon-stimulated respiration were examined in perfused rat liver. Glucagon increased the uptake of O2 to a significantly greater extent in Ca2+-containing perfusate than in Ca2+-free perfusate. If, however, the livers were perfused first with Ca2+-containing perfusate for 60 min in order to load the hormone-sensitive Ca2+ pool(s) and subsequently with Ca2+-free perfusate, glucagon was able to stimulate O2 uptake to the same extent in Ca2+-free, as in Ca2+-containing perfusate. These experiments support previous observations of a connection between Ca2+ and the hormonal stimulation of respiration, but indicate a role for intracellular, rather than extracellular, Ca2+ in the process.
Enhanced elution of sperm from cotton swabs via enzymatic digestion for rape kit analysis.

This report describes development of a method for enhanced cell elution from cotton swabs. The method exploits an enzyme mixture for digestion of the cotton to remove intact cells, and can be utilized in conjunction with or to circumvent conventional differential extraction (DE). Samples digested with Aspergillus niger cellulase yielded sperm cell recoveries (18 ± 3.5%) similar to conventional DE buffer (23 ± 7.8%) while providing intact epithelial cells. Storage time affected the concentration of enzyme required for optimal sperm cell recovery, with longer times requiring increased cellulase concentrations. Cellulase from A. niger yielded a twofold enhancement in sperm cell elution over buffer alone, and preliminary testing of higher activity cellulases from Trichoderma reesei and Trichoderma viride showed even greater enhancement. These results indicate that cellulose-digesting enzymes enhance the release of sperm and epithelial cells from a cotton swab over buffer alone, providing for efficient DNA analysis.
Preservation of "peripheral" benzodiazepine receptors: differential effects of freezing on [3H]Ro 5-4864 and [3H]PK 11195 binding.

Abstract A statistically significant decrease in the density of peripheral benzodiazepine receptors was observed in renal membranes of rats beginning 2 weeks after adrenalectomy when compared with sham-operated controls. This decrease in peripheral benzodiazepine receptor density was manifest as a decrease in the B max of two ligands [ 3 H]Ro 5-4864 and [ 3 H]PK 11195, without accompanying changes in their apparent affinity (K d ) for this site. Similar changes were not seen in another aldosterone-sensitive organ, the submandibular salivary gland. The decrease in peripheral benzodiazepine receptor density in observed in adrenalectomized rat renal membranes was restored to control levels after 1 week of aldosterone administration using a dose (12.5 μg/kg/day) that had no effect on peripheral benzodiazepine receptor density in sham-operated animals. In contrast, dexamethasone administration (50 μg/kg/day, 1 week) had no effect on renal peripheral benzodiazepine receptor density when administered to either adrenalectomized or sham-operated rats. Further, adrenal demedullation had no effect on renal peripheral benzodiazepine receptor density or affinity. The decrease in peripheral benzodiazepine receptor density was localized to the renal cortex and the outer stripe of the medulla by gross dissection of renal slices and renal tissue section autoradiography. The specific effect of adrenalectomy on renal peripheral benzodiazepine receptor density, the lack of direct effect of aldosterone on [ 3 H]Ro 5-4864 binding, and the localization of the change in peripheral benzodiazepine receptor density to the renal cortex and outer stripe suggests that these changes may reflect an adaptation of the renal nephron (possibly the distal convoluted tubule, intermediate tubule and/or the collecting duct) to the loss of mineralocorticoid hormones.
Qualitative probabilities for default reasoning, belief revision, and causal modeling

Abstract This paper presents a formalism that combines useful properties of both logic and probabilities. Like logic, the formalism admits qualitative sentences and provides symbolic machinery for deriving deductively closed beliefs and, like probability, it permits us to express if-then rules with different levels of firmness and to retract beliefs in response to changing observations. Rules are interpreted as order-of-magnitude approximations of conditional probabilities which impose constraints over the rankings of worlds. Inferences are supported by a unique priority ordering on rules which is syntactically derived from the knowledge base. This ordering accounts for rule interactions, respects specificity considerations and facilitates the construction of coherent states of beliefs. Practical algorithms are developed and analyzed for testing consistency, computing rule ordering, and answering queries. Imprecise observations are incorporated using qualitative versions of Jeffrey's rule and Bayesian updating, with the result that coherent belief revision is embodied naturally and tractably. Finally, causal rules are interpreted as imposing Markovian conditions that further constrain world rankings to reflect the modularity of causal organizations. These constraints are shown to facilitate reasoning about causal projections, explanations, actions and change.
Inhibition of growth and decreased survival of B104 rat neuroblastoma cells after exposure to hyperbaric oxygen

The toxic effects of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) on growth and survival of B104 rat neuroblastoma cells were investigated. Cells in log phase growth were incubated at 37°C with 10 atm O2 for 1 to 4 h. After exposure to HBO, cells were monitored for their subsequent growth and survival. Two hours of exposure caused a slowing of growth, which returned to normaly by the end of the 7th d of the postexposure period. Exposures to O2 of 3 h or longer caused a complete cessation of growth for 4 d after the exposure and very litle or no recovery after this period. Increased hydrostatic pressure for 6 h using helium as the inert gas had no effect on growth. A colony formation assay was used to quantitative the degree of cell death induced by HBO. The resulting survival curve was of the exponential type with a broad shoulder between 0 to 2.5 h of exposure to 10 atm O2. The curve fell off sharply at 2.5 h with an exponential decrease in survival when the exposure to HBO was extended to 4 h. At 2 h about 50% of cells were killed, but at 4 h only 2% survived the treatment. These results show that the depression of the growth rate by HBO is related to the number of cells that are killed by the exposure. This system provides a model in which the molecular and cellular effects of HBO can be investigated.
Physico-chemical changes in heat treated micellar casein – Soy protein mixtures

Abstract This study presents a rheological and chemical evaluation of the changes induced by heating of micellar casein (MCN) – soy proteins (SP) mixtures. Individual and mixed (1:1) protein preparations of 10 g/100 g and 15 g/100 g concentration were prepared and heat treated for 15 min at 40 °C, 60 °C and 95 °C, respectively. After cooling to 20 °C, their steady-shear and dynamic rheological properties were determined. Apparent viscosity of MCN, SP and their mixtures increased with concentration. Most heat treated MCN–SP mixtures had liquid-like behavior, except the 15 g/100 g mixture, which formed a gel after treatment at 95 °C. A differential solubility method was used to investigate the degree of protein denaturation, and non-reducing SDS-PAGE analysis to identify specific protein fractions in the heat treated protein systems. Heat treatments did not induce any chemical interactions between soy proteins and casein micelles in the mixed MCN–SP systems, but the 95 °C treatments induced denaturation and subsequent interactions among soy proteins when the critical concentration for gelation was exceeded. Nonetheless, mixtures with interesting rheological properties were obtained, which could be used in the development of high protein foods with unique textural and mouthfeel characteristics.
Barriers to children's mental health services.

ABSTRACT Objective To examine the characteristics associated with barriers to children's mental health services, focusing on the effect of children's psychosocial problems on parents. Method Data come from a first-grade, prevention-intervention project conducted in Baltimore, Maryland. Analyses were restricted to 116 families who participated in seventh-grade interviews and indicated the index child needed services. The Services Assessment for Children and Adolescents was used to measure barriers to children's mental health services. Results More than 35% of parents reported a barrier to mental health services. Types of barriers included those related to structural constraints, perceptions of mental health, and perceptions of services (20.7%, 23.3%, and 25.9%, respectively). Although parenting difficulties were associated with all barriers (structural: OR=10.63, 95% CI: 2.37, 47.64; mental health: OR=8.31, 95% CI: 1.99, 34.79; services: OR=5.22, 95% CI: 1.56, 17.51), additional responsibilities related to attendance at meetings was associated only with structural barriers (OR = 5.49, 95% CI: 1.22, 24.59). Conclusions Researchers and policymakers interested in increasing children's access to mental health services should consider strategies to reduce barriers related to perceptions about mental health problems and services, in addition to structural barriers. Particular attention should be given to programs that focus on the needs of families who are most affected by their child's psychosocial problems.
Should severe monolateral asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis be treated at the time of coronary artery bypass operation

Objective: The optimal treatment of severe monolateral asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis (SMACS) in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is still controversial. Materials and methods: This study is based on the in-hospital and mid-term (.5 years) clinical results of a cohort of 139 consecutive CABG patients with SMACS operated at our Institution between January 1989 and December 1995. In the first 73 patients (no carotid surgery group), the SMACS was left untouched at the time of coronary surgery, whereas in the remaining 66 (carotid endoarterectomy group), the carotid stenosis was treated either immediately before or concomitantly with the CABG procedure (depending on the severity of the anginal symptoms). Results: The overall preoperative characteristics of the patients were comparable. The in-hospital results were similar between the two groups with regard to mortality, stroke and major postoperative complications. However, at mid-term follow-up, significantly more patients of the no carotid surgery group suffered cerebral events (transient or permanent) ipsilateral to the SMACS or the lesion had to be operated on. Conclusions: The concomitant treatment (either staged or simultaneous) of SMACS at the time of CABG does not influence the in-hospital results, but confers significant neurological protection during the years after the operation. q 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Autologous transplantation for relapsed non-Hodgkin's lymphoma using intravenous busulfan and cyclophosphamide as conditioning regimen: a single center experience

Autologous transplantation for relapsed non-Hodgkin's lymphoma using intravenous busulfan and cyclophosphamide as conditioning regimen: a single center experience
Bactericidal silver ion delivery into hydrophobic coatings with surfactants.

A much studied oil-soluble surfactant, bis[2-ethylhexyl]sulfosuccinate, sodium salt, was ion exchanged into the silver ion form and dissolved into microemulsions of immiscible polyurethane step monomers. Coating and curing of these microemulsions produced polyurethane coatings that exhibit bactericidal activity against representative Gram negative bacteria. After 24 h exposure, 0.006–0.012% weight Ag relative to coating weight (0.0013–0.0025 μmol Ag/cm2) results in the three-log reduction in Escherichia coli. A slightly higher level of 0.031% weight Ag relative to coating weight (0.006 μmol Ag/cm2) killed all of the E. coli after 12 h exposure. Similar results were obtained for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Since the double-tail surfactant anion promotes reverse micelle formation in many different kinds of oils and solvents, it appears an excellent vector for incorporating low and effective amounts of silver ion into many industrial, hospital, and household coating formulations.
Collagen synthesized and modified by aging fibroblasts in culture.

Collagen is produced by WI-38 diploid human fibroblast cultures throughout their life cycle. It is examined by a sensitive method based on the analysis of specific peptides obtained after digestion with bacterial collagenase. The production and hydroxylation of the collagen is strongly dependent upon the age (population doublings) of the culture and the presence of ascorbic acid. Young cultures (passage 26) produce large amounts of collagen in the absence of ascorbic acid, and this collagen is about 50% hydroxylated compared to that produced by young cultures in the presence of ascorbic acid. Ascorbic acid reduces to about one-half the amount of collagen produced by these young cultures. The young confluent cultures also depend strongly on ascorbic acid for hydroxylation of proline. The dependence declines rapidly with the age of the culture. The collagen produced by young cultures supplied with ascorbic acid is very similar to the type I collagen produced by normal individuals and has about the same degree of hydroxylation of its prolyl residues. The amount of collagen produced by “older” cultures is unaffected by ascorbic acid, but the degree of hydroxylation is normal only if ascorbic acid is present, and is decreased to about 60 to 70% in the absence of the vitamin. “Senescent” cultures showed little, if any, dependency on ascorbic acid, and the collagen produced, with and without the vitamin, is about 80% hydroxylated. The prolyl hydroxylation system of the WI-38 cells and the various controls on the system are age-dependent.
Lack of prognostic value of pre-procedural HbA1C in diabetic patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention with drug-eluting stent implantation

Lack of prognostic value of pre-procedural HbA1C in diabetic patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention with drug-eluting stent implantation Gilles Lemesle, Laurent Bonello, Axel de Labriolle, Gabriel Maluenda, Sara D Collins, Asmir I Syed, Rebecca Torguson, Kimberly Kaneshige, Zhenyi Xue, Yanlin Li, William O Suddath, Kenneth M Kent, Lowell F Satler, Joseph Lindsay, Augusto D Pichard, Ron Waksman Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC
14 N(p,p') 14 N reaction between 25 and 40 MeV and the tensor part of the effective interaction

Differential cross sections for the scattering of protons from $^{14}\mathrm{N}$, leaving this nucleus in its ground, 2.31- or 3.95-MeV states, were measured at bombarding energies of 29.8, 36.6, and 40.0 MeV. In addition, cross sections for the next ten excited states with ${E}_{x}l8.7$ MeV were obtained at 29.8 MeV. Emphasis was placed on obtaining reliable results for the transition to the weakly excited ${J}^{\ensuremath{\pi}}={0}^{+}$, $T=1$ state at 2.31 MeV, which is unusually favorable for studies of the tensor part of the effective interaction. The present data for the 2.31-MeV state, together with results from the literature at ${E}_{p}=24.8$ MeV, were analyzed using a microscopic model distorted-wave approximation; contributions from the knock-on exchange amplitude and from central, tensor, and spin-orbit two-body forces were included. The fits obtained were satisfactory at 24.8 and 29.8 MeV, but failed to reproduce a peak in the cross section which appeared near 80\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} at the higher bombarding energies. Strengths of the tensor force were extracted and were found to be 20-75% larger than estimates based on the one-pion-exchange potential. Available evidence on the strength of the tensor force is summarized. Of the other observed states, those whose structure is dominated by $1p$-shell orbitals [at 3.95 MeV (${1}^{+}$, $T=0$) and at 7.03 MeV (${2}^{+}$, $T=0$)] were compared with microscopic distorted-wave approximation calculations using an empirically derived central force. Cross section enhancement factors were calculated in an effective charge approximation. The resulting cross sections have roughly the correct magnitude, but the shapes are only qualitatively correct. A systematic optical model analysis was carried out to provide optical model parameters for use in the distorted-wave approximation calculations. The rate of change of the real potential with bombarding energy was found to be $\frac{d{V}_{R}}{d{E}_{p}}=\ensuremath{-}0.50$.NUCLEAR REACTIONS $^{14}\mathrm{N}$($p$,${p}^{\ensuremath{'}}$) $E=29.8, 36.6, 40.0$ MeV; measured $\ensuremath{\sigma}(\ensuremath{\theta})$. Deduced optical model parameters. Microscopic distorted-wave analysis, deduced tensor effective interaction.
Trinuclear Gold Clusters Supported by Cyclic (alkyl)(amino)carbene Ligands: Mimics for Gold Heterogeneous Catalysts

The synthesis of air- and moisture-stable trinuclear mixed-valence gold(I)/gold(0) clusters is described. They promote the catalytic carbonylation of amines under relatively mild conditions. The synthetic route leading to the trinuclear clusters involves a simple ligand exchange from the readily available μ(3)-oxo-[(Ph3 PAu)3O](+) complex. This synthetic method paves the way for the preparation of a variety of mixed-valence gold(I)/gold(0) polynuclear clusters. Moreover, the well-defined nature of the complexes demonstrates that the catalytic process involves a rare example of a definite change of oxidation state of gold from Au(0)2Au(I) to Au(I)3.
Exploring the Construct Validity of the Social Cognition and Object Relations Scale in a Clinical Sample

The Social Cognition and Object Relations Scale–Global rating method (SCORS–G; Stein, Hilsenroth, Slavin-Mulford, & Pinsker, 2011; Westen, 1995) measures the quality of object relations in narrative material. This study employed a multimethod approach to explore the structure and construct validity of the SCORS–G. The Thematic Apperception Test (TAT; Murray, 1943) was administered to 59 patients referred for psychological assessment at a large Northeastern U.S. hospital. The resulting 301 TAT narratives were rated using the SCORS–G method. The 8 SCORS variables were found to have high interrater reliability and good internal consistency. Principal components analysis revealed a 3-component solution with components tapping emotions/affect regulation in relationships, self-image, and aspects of cognition. Next, the construct validity of the SCORS–G components was explored using measures of intellectual and executive functioning, psychopathology, and normal personality. The 3 SCORS–G components showed unique...
Presenting Evidence of Malingering to Courts: Insights from Decision Theory

The past decade has witnessed a significant increase in research on measures that help detect malingered performance on psychological tests conducted in forensic contexts. After reviewing the principles and procedures that have been used to design and evaluate these measures, we propose a new approach to the presentation of their results. We show how clinicians can use currently-available data and simple mathematical principles first discussed over two centuries ago (Bayes, 1763) to estimate the likelihood that an evaluee is feigning cognitive or emotional problems. Reanalyses of available data may permit professionals to present empirically-grounded probabilistic evidence about malingering in a host of commonly-encountered forensic situations.
Characterization of the Ziegler‐Natta olefin polymerization system: surface science studies on model catalysts

Modern surface science techniques have been applied to the heterogeneous Ziegler-Natta catalysis system, polymerizing α-olefins to produce polyolefins, and revealed the correlation between the catalyst surface structure and polymer properties. Two types of thin films—TiClx/MgCl2 and TiCly/Au—were fabricated on an inert gold substrate, using chemical vapor deposition methods, to mimic the high-yield catalysts of MgCl2-supported TiCl4 and TiCl3-based catalysts, respectively. Once activated with triethylaluminum (AlEt3) vapor, both catalysts were active for polymerization of ethylene and propylene in the absence of excess AlEt3. The model catalyst films were as active as the high-surface-area industrial catalysts. Both catalysts were terminated with chlorine at the surface but had different surface structures. The TiClx/MgCl2 film had a distribution of two structures: the dominant sites had the (001) basal plane of these halide crystallites and the minority sites had a non-basal plane structure. The surface of the TiCly/Au film assumed only the non-basal plane structure. These structural differences resulted in different tacticity of the polypropylene produced with these catalysts. The TiClx/MgCl2 catalyst produced both atactic and isotactic polypropylene, whereas the TiCly catalyst without the MgCl2 support produced exclusively isotactic polypropylene. The titanium oxidation states did not appear to be an important factor in determining the tacticity of the polypropylene. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
AN OVERVIEW OF THE GEOLOGY OF WESTERN ARABIA

Serious study of the geology of western Saudi Arabia began in 1950 (1369 A.H.) at the request of King Abdulaziz Al Saud. Reconnaissance mapping and photo-interpretation were combined with maps compiled by international oil companies, and the resultant maps were published by 1963 at scales of 1:500,000 and 1:2,000,000. The crystalline 36% of the Kingdom was mapped on the basis of petrologic units described mostly in field terms, as it was recognized at an early stage that lithostratigraphic groups range from unmetamorphosed rocks to greenschist and amphibolite facies.
Pen-based tools for the creation of handwritten learning content

This paper presents a pen-based didactic experience where teachers use different technologies to produce and deliver learning contents. We describe the use of a pen-based device for the creation of handwritten lessons. Handwritten contents such as sketches, pictures, graphs, are captured by a screen recorder tool, converted into a movie file and delivered by a streaming server. These handwritten contents are embedded into online lessons provided by a learning management system. This experience is part of an online BSc degree course organized by the University of Palermo. This paper describes the workflow to produce these learning contents and presents some considerations about the efficacy of handwritten contents to enhance the learning process of the students.
Retrospective Analysis of Protein- and Carbohydrate-Focused Diets Combined with Exercise on Metabolic Syndrome Prevalence in Overweight and Obese Women.

Abstract Background: To examine the effect of protein-focused (PRO, 1.14 g/kg/day) and carbohydrate-focused (CHO, ∼2.2 g/kg/day) diets (∼1600 kcals) combined with 10 weeks of circuit exercise training in sedentary overweight/obese women (N = 661, age 46 ± 11 years) on metabolic syndrome (MetS). Methods: We retrospectively analyzed eight exercise training studies performed from 2002–2014. Primary (MetS), secondary (MetS z-scores and individual MetS components), and tertiary outcomes [body mass index (BMI) by WHO cut points] were analyzed using chi-square, GLM, and McNemar's tests. Results: Both groups experienced significant weight loss, improvements in fitness, and reductions in MetS prevalence from baseline to follow-up (PRO: 49% to 42%, CHO: 42% to 36%, both P < 0.01). MetS z-score improvement (∼66.5%) was similar for both groups with no significant between-group differences noted. There were also no significant differences for individual component features between groups for the following: waist circum...
A comparative study of various computational approaches in calculating the structure of pyridoxal 5′‐phosphate (PLP)‐dependent β‐lyase protein. The importance of protein environment

Various computational approaches, using molecular mechanics (Amber), semiempirical (AM1), density functional (B3LYP), and various ONIOM methods, have been comparatively investigated for the structure of Escherichia coli NifS CsdB protein. The structure of the entire monomer containing 407 amino acid residues and 579 surrounding water molecules has been optimized. The full geometry optimization in the "active site-only" approach (including only active site atoms) has been found to give the largest root-mean-square (RMS) deviation from the X-ray structure; a much better agreement has been achieved by keeping the atoms leading to the backbones of some amino acids frozen in their positions in the X-ray structure. The best agreement has been attained by including the surrounding protein in the calculations using the two-layer ONIOM (B3LYP:Amber) approach. The results presented in this study conclusively demonstrate the importance of the protein/active-site interaction on the active-site structure of the enzyme. The present theoretical study represents the largest system studied at the ONIOM level to date, containing 7992 atoms, including 84 atoms in the QM region and rest in the MM region.
Social influences on conditioned food aversions in sheep

Abstract We conditioned ewes and 10-week-old lambs to avoid calfmanna pellets by giving them capsules of lithium chloride following ingestion of calfmanna. We then exposed conditioned ewes and lambs to calfmanna in the presence of similar aged conspecifics that ate calfmanna. Intake of calfmanna by sheep with the conditioned food aversion increased ( P P
An ecological version of accountability

(1979). An ecological version of accountability. Theory Into Practice: Vol. 18, Education: A Vision NOT A Viewpoint (Accountability), pp. 308-315.
Malignant mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis testis: atypical sonographic appearance.

Malignant mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis testis is a rare scrotal neoplasm with fewer than 80 cases reported in the literature in the last 30 years. Because many of the cases reported did not have ultrasonographic evaluations before surgery, a paucity of literature is available concerning the sonographic appearance of this tumor. Indeed, most of these cases did not have a preoperative diagnosis of malignancy, which had a direct effect on the patients' surgical management and prognoses.' The nonspecific symptoms, broad age distribution, and lack of tumor markers make preoperative diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis difficult. 1,2 With recent advances in technology and improved resolution, ultrasonography may be a useful part of the presurgical workup and may help increase detection of malignancy in these patients. We describe a case of malignant mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis that appeared as an intratesticular mass and the various sonographic appearances of this tumor.
Uncoupling of in vivo torque production from EMG in mouse muscles injured by eccentric contractions

1. The main objective of this study was to determine whether eccentric contraction-induced muscle injury causes impaired plasmalemmal action potential conduction, which could explain the injury-induced excitation-contraction coupling failure. Mice were chronically implanted with stimulating electrodes on the left common peroneal nerve and with electromyographic (EMG) electrodes on the left tibialis anterior (TA) muscle. The left anterior crural muscles of anaesthetized mice were stimulated to perform 150 eccentric (ECC) (n = 12 mice) or 150 concentric (CON) (n = 11 mice) contractions. Isometric torque, EMG root mean square (RMS) and M-wave mean and median frequencies were measured before, immediately after, and at 1, 3, 5 and 14 days after the protocols. In parallel experiments, nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AChR) concentration was measured in TA muscles to determine whether the excitation failure elicited a denervation-like response. 2. Immediately after the ECC protocol, torque was reduced by 47-89 %, while RMS was reduced by 9-21 %; the RMS decrement was not different from that observed for the CON protocol, which did not elicit large torque deficits. One day later, both ECC and CON RMS had returned to baseline values and did not change over the next 2 weeks. However, torque production by the ECC group showed a slow recovery over that time and was still depressed by 12-30 % after 2 weeks. M-wave mean and median frequencies were not affected by performance of either protocol. 3. AChR concentration was elevated by 79 and 368 % at 3 and 5 days, respectively, after the ECC protocol; AChR concentration had returned to control levels 2 weeks after the protocol. At the time of peak AChR concentration in the ECC protocol muscles (i.e. 5 days), AChR concentration in CON protocol muscles was not different from the control level. 4. In conclusion, these data demonstrate no major role for impaired plasmalemmal action potential conduction in the excitation-contraction coupling failure induced by eccentric contractions. Additionally, a muscle injured by eccentric contractions shows a response in AChR concentration similar to a transiently denervated muscle.
Reflected appraisals and perceived importance of significant others' appraisals as predictors of college athletes' self-perceptions of competence.

Abstract This study examined the reflected appraisal process with college athletes (N = 325). Specifically, the study tested: (a) the relative influence of the reflected appraisals of mothers, fathers, coaches, and teammates (i. e., how athletes perceive these others view their ability) on athletes' self-perceptions of competence, and (b) whether the importance placed on these significant others as sources of competence information moderated the relationship. Based on a factor analysis, composite variables were formed representing the reflected appraisals of the athletes'parents (i.e., father, mother) and the reflected appraisals of sport-others (i.e., coach, teammates). Regression analyses revealed that the reflected appraisals of parents (P = .21) and sport-others (/3 = .55) predicted self-perceptions of competence fp < . 05, R2 =. 45). Follow-up analyses determined that the reflected appraisal of sport-others was a significantly stronger predictor. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that the int...
Fixed point theorems in partially ordered metric spaces and applications

Abstract We prove a fixed point theorem for a mixed monotone mapping in a metric space endowed with partial order, using a weak contractivity type of assumption. Besides including several recent developments, our theorem can be used to investigate a large class of problems. As an application, we discuss the existence and uniqueness of solution for a periodic boundary value problem.