cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spindle epithelial tumor with thymus-like differentiation in fine needle aspiration of thyroid gland: Report of two cases.

Spindle epithelial tumor with thymus-like differentiation (SETTLE) is a rare, malignant tumor of the thyroid gland that typically affects young males and has a propensity for late metastasis. With fine needle aspiration (FNA) being a primary tool for diagnosis of thyroid lesions, there are rare reports of cytological features of SETTLE on FNA since its initial characterization 30 years ago . Here we report two cases of SETTLE, involving 9-year-old and 15-year-old male patients. Both patients underwent US-guided FNA with a subsequent resection confirming the diagnosis of SETTLE. In the first patient the thymic origin of the tumor was suspected on FNA, but the diagnosis of SETTLE was established only after resection. Five years later, this patient presented with an enlarged ipsilateral cervical lymph node. Needle biopsy confirmed it to be a metastatic tumor compatible with SETTLE. In the second patient the diagnosis of SETTLE was suggested on FNA. Cytology of the thyroid gland nodule on FNA from both patients showed loosely cohesive and single spindle-shaped epithelial cells associated with metachromatic stroma. The differential diagnosis of spindle cell lesions of the thyroid should include SETTLE based on characteristic morphological features, after more common entities of thyroid gland such as medullary carcinoma are excluded.
Gaining Faith, Losing Faith: How Education Shapes the Relationship between Religious Transitions and Later Depression.

Using the life course perspective, we assess the “resources” and “risks” to mental health associated with transitions in religious attendance between early life and midlife and how this process may...
Complications Related to Endoscopic Fenestration in Loculated Hydrocephalus

Loculated hydrocephalus (LH) is a condition in which multiple cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-filled compartments form within the brain that do not communicate with the ventricular system. LH has many etiologies including infection and intraventricular hemorrhage and is associated with brain tumor cysts. Patients with LH are predominantly children and often are infants at the time of recognition of this condition. These patients can be extremely challenging to manage, often requiring multiple surgical procedures for cerebrospinal fluid diversion including shunting, endoscopic fenestration, or craniotomy for fenestration. In this chapter we review the common etiologies of LH and management strategies for patients suffering from this condition.
Evaluation of Green Lacewings for Suppressing Azalea Lace Bug Populations in Nurseries

Abstract Greenhouse and nursery studies were conducted to determine an optimal release rate and efficacy of green lacewing (glw) larvae, Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens), for suppression of azalea lac...
Testing Equivalence for Petri Nets with Action Refinement: Preliminary Report

A definition of “action refinement” is given for an operational model of concurrent processes based on safe Petri Nets, generalizing previous work of Vogler and van Glabbeek/Goltz. A failure-style denotational semantics is described for process nets. The semantics is fully abstract for Hennessy Testing-equivalence on nets acting as refinement operators as well as operands. The semantics embodies the notions of deadlock, failures and divergences found in the Hoare/CSP and Hennessy Testing-equivalence theories, as well as some of the basic ideas of “pomset runs” and “causal” partial orders of Net theory.
The Locations of Satellite Galaxies in a ΛCDM Universe

We compute the locations of satellite galaxies with respect to their hosts using the ΛCDM GIF simulation. If the major axes of the hosts' images are perfectly aligned with the major axes of the projected mass, the satellites are located preferentially close to the hosts' major axes. In this case, the degree of anisotropy in the satellite locations is a good tracer of the flattening of the hosts' halos. If all hosts have luminous circular disks, the symmetry axes of the projected mass and light are not perfectly aligned, and the locations of the satellites depend on how the hosts' disks are placed within their halos. If the disk angular momentum vectors are aligned with the major axes of the halos, the satellites show a pronounced Holmberg effect. If the disk angular momentum vectors are aligned with the intermediate axes of the local large-scale structure, the distribution of the satellite locations is essentially isotropic. If the disk angular momentum vectors are aligned with either the minor axes or with the net angular momentum vectors of the halos, the satellites are distributed anisotropically about their hosts, with a preference for being found near the hosts' major axes. This agrees well with the observation that satellite galaxies in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey tend to be found near the major axes of their hosts and suggests that the mass and light of SDSS host galaxies must be fairly well aligned in projection on the sky.
The Morphology and Physics of the Local Interstellar Medium

We are finally on the threshold of obtaining a coherent morphological and physical picture for the local interstellar medium (LISM), especially the region within 300 pc of the Sun. The EUVE is playing a special role in revealing this picture. This instrument can provide direct measurements of the the radiation field that photoionizes both hydrogen and helium. It also can yield direct measurements of the column densities of hydrogen, but especially He I and He II toward nearby white dwarfs. These observations suggest that the ionization in the Local Cloud, the cloud in which the Sun is embedded, is not in equilibrium, but in a recombination phase. Heuristic calculations imply that the the present ionization is due to the passage of shocks, at times greater than 3 × 106 years ago. the origin of these shocks are probably linked to the supernova which was responsible for the expanding nebular complex of clouds know as the Loop I supernova remnant, of which the Local Cloud is a part. extreme-UV radiation field, that which ionizes both hydrogen and helium in the LISM. Of the ISM within 300 pc, the volume appears to be predominantly filled by hot (106 K) coronal gas. This gas is laced with six largescale shell structures with diameters ∼100–150 pc including the long-recognized radio loops, Loop I-IV, as well as the Orion-Eridanus and Gum Nebulae are identified. An idea that has evolved in the literature for over two decades is that the kinematically-linked OB associations representing Gould’s Belt, plus the gas and dust of Lindblad’s Ring, require that previous supernova activity and stellar winds carved out a 400–600 pc diameter cavity some 3 to 6 × 107 yr ago. this activity produced a pre-existing low density region, into which the present young loop structures have expanded. The outer boundaries of the identified expanding loop structures, inside this preexisting cavity, delineate the periphery of the the mis-named “local interstellar bubble.” Thus, this picture naturally explains some of the problems often associated with the presence of this low density region exterior to Loop I.
Activated Protein C Resistance, the Factor V Leiden Mutation, and a Laboratory Testing Algorithm

Abstract Objectives.—To present the current understanding of factor V Leiden and activated protein C resistance, and to propose a laboratory testing algorithm. Data Sources.—Publications on MEDLINE...
Systemic magnesium to improve quality of post-surgical recovery in outpatient segmental mastectomy: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Background: It remains to be determined if perioperative systemic magnesium can improve postoperative quality of recovery of patients undergoing ambulatory procedures. The main objective of the current investigation was to evaluate the effect of systemic magnesium on postoperative quality of recovery in patients undergoing outpatient segmental mastectomies. Methods: The study was a prospective randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial. Female subjects were randomized to receive intravenous magnesium (MgSO 4 50mg/kg in 100 mL of normal saline over 15 min before anesthesia induction, followed by an infusion of 15 mg/kg/hour) or the same volume of saline. The primary outcome was the Quality of Recovery 40 (QOR-40) questionnaire at 24 hours after surgery. Results: 50 subjects were recruited and 46 completed the study. Patients in the magnesium group had better global Quality of Recovery scores compared with the saline group, with a median difference of 24 (99% CI, 3 to 33), P<0.001. After discharge from hospital, subjects in the magnesium group required less oral opioids, median (IQR) of 10 (0 to 20) (oral milligrams of morphine equivalents) than the saline group, 30 (20 to 40) ( P<0.001). The postoperative systemic magnesium concentrations were substantially higher in the magnesium group, 1.25 ± 0.28 mmol/L compared to control, 0.71 ± 0.11 mmol/L, P<0.0001. Simple linear regression demonstrated a direct linear relationship between the postoperative systemic magnesium concentrations and 24 hour postoperative quality of recovery scores ( P = 0.004), and also an inverse relationship with pain burden in the postoperative care unit ( P = 0.01). Conclusions: Systemic magnesium improves postoperative quality of recovery in patients undergoing outpatient segmental mastectomy. Systemic magnesium is a safe, inexpensive, efficacious strategy to improve quality of recovery after ambulatory surgery.
Increased Resident Research over an 18-Year Period: A Single Institution's Experience.

Objectives(1) To evaluate changes in the resident publications over time, including before and after duty hour restrictions, and (2) to identify factors statistically associated with publications during residency.Study DesignRetrospective review of bibliometric data.Subjects and MethodsResidents who graduated from an otolaryngology residency program from 1996 to 2013 were evaluated. Thomson Reuters Web of Science was searched to determine the number of indexed peer-reviewed publications before and after implementation of resident duty hour restrictions in 2003. Resident demographics, PhD degrees, training tracks, and postgraduation plans were collected to determine factors associated with publication rate using multivariable regression analysis.ResultsDuring the studied period, 75 residents completed otolaryngology residency training and published a total of 294 papers, averaging 3.92 publications per resident during training. After work hour restrictions were implemented, the mean number of publications ...
Export quality dynamics

Country export quality (measured by unit values) is correlated with income level suggesting that studying quality dynamics potentially offers insights into the development process. This paper uses highly disaggregated trade data to explore the export quality (unit value) dynamics of goods exported to the United States over the 1990-2000 period. In addition to finding considerable heterogeneity in the relative quality of exports across countries and across goods within countries, the authors find that the rate of quality growth varies substantially across countries, as well. Specifically, the fastest growth is seen in exports from the richer (OECD) countries, implying an evolving divergence in product quality across regions. This divergence obtains despite evidence of conditional convergence in quality over time -- goods with lower initial relative quality levels experience faster growth in quality. The data suggest that part of this divergence is driven by the product mix itself -- OECD exported products experience intrinsically higher growth rates. This is consistent with the argument of Hausmann, Hwang and Rodrik (2007) that what countries export does matter for growth. However, it is partly driven by a higher growth rate of quality in the richer countries independent of convergence effects, suggesting that other country-specific factors impeding overall convergence are at work. Finally, there is very limited technological "leap-frogging" by countries across product lines as the relative quality of new exports, on average, is roughly the same as incumbent exports, both in richer countries and elsewhere.
Sexual Pleasure during Condom-Protected Vaginal Sex among Heterosexual Men

ABSTRACT Introduction Public health condom promotion efforts increasingly focus on the importance of sexual pleasure; however, little is known about sexual event‐specific factors that may increase or decrease perceptions of sexual pleasure when condoms are used. Aims To examine event‐level factors associated with ratings of sexual pleasure during condom‐protected vaginal intercourse. Methods Data were collected in 2008 from 1,875 men during a prospective daily diary study of sexual behavior and condom use. Sexual pleasure was assessed during condom‐protected vaginal intercourse considering situational, relational, intrapersonal, and behavioral predictors. Analyses were generalized estimating equation ordinal regression. Main Outcome Measures Event‐specific perceptions of sexual pleasure (three categories: not at all enjoyable to extremely enjoyable). Results Vaginal intercourse was reported on 29.8% (N = 8,876/29,714) of diary days; complete condom use was reported for 59.1% (5,249/8,876) of all vaginal intercourse events. This was confusing by using the word “all sexual events.” Higher sexual pleasure ratings during complete condom use were associated with older age, manual stimulation of one's genitals, receiving oral sex, and performing oral sex. Sexual pleasure ratings also increased in association with intercourse duration, intercourse intensity, ejaculation, erection perception, and condom comfort. Sexual pleasure ratings were lower with erection difficulty and partner discomfort during sex. Conclusions These data advance understanding of sexual pleasure during condom use, suggesting that sexual pleasure increases in conjunction with specific relational, physiological, and condom perceptions. These findings offer points upon which clinicians and health educators can engage men in an ongoing dialogue about augmenting sexual pleasure in the context of condom use. Hensel DJ, Stupiansky NW, Herbenick D, Dodge B, and Reece M. Sexual pleasure during condom‐protected vaginal sex among heterosexual men. J Sex Med 2012;9:1272–1276.
Gender-deviant boys compared with normal and clinical control boys.

The physical movement and social characteristics of effeminate behavior-problem, referred boys (N=13)were compared with those of normal boys (N=25)and boys (N=12)referred for nongender problems. Parent reports, observer ratings, and videotapes were collected in a series of structured tasks. As expected, mothers described gender-problem sons as much more feminine than the other two groups in interests, activities, and mannerisms. Gender-problem sons were also seen as relatively inactive and introverted. Further, they were non-significantly lower than the clinical control boys in perceived behavior problems, but both groups had marginally more problems than the normal boys. Gender-problem and clinical control boys both showed more body constriction than normal boys in ratings of a videotaped interview. They also both showed less ideal ball-throw form than normal boys on a set of variables scored with slow-motion video. However, in a set of behaviors directly rated in the various tasks, the gender-problem boys gave a uniquely general impression of uncoordination. The groups did not differ on seven additional variables.
Effects of positive end expiratory pressure on shunt flow in atelectasis.

Abstract We studied the effects of positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) on vascular pressure flow relationships in atelectatic lobes in closed-chest pigs and compared our results to measurements we previously obtained in sublobar atelectasis. Regional hemodynamic responses to lung inflation were significantly different between lobes and sublobar regions. PEEP caused marked increase in the fraction of cardiac output perfusing the atelectatic lobe from 16.5 ± 2.0% (SE) to 32.5 ± 2.0% at similar pulmonary vascular transmural pressures. In contrast, similar levels of PEEP failed to redistribute blood flow to the atelectatic sublobar regions. We propose that distortion of the sublobar region with inflation of the surrounding lung may be responsible for the failure of redistribution of pulmonary blood flow with application of PEEP.
Actin-myosin interactions visualized by the quick-freeze, deep-etch replica technique

A new method of preparing biological samples for electron microscopy has been used to re-examine the structure of actin filaments, actin filaments decorated by myosin subfragment-1 (S1), and insect flight muscles. Samples were quick-frozen by contact with a block of copper cooled to ∼4 K; then were freeze-fractured, deep-etched, rotary-replicated with platinum, and viewed in a transmission electron microscope. By this approach, actin filaments display prominent transverse bands whose repeat (∼5·5 nm) and pitch (∼15 to 20°) fit with the expected left-handed “genetic” helix. Freeze-etched actin filaments do not, however, display the usual two-start helix as prominently as is seen after negative staining, and they also appear substantially thicker than after negative staining (9 to 10 nm versus 8 nm). The latter two-start helix appears very clearly after S1 decoration. Nevertheless, freeze-etched acto-S1 does not display the “arrowheads” that are seen after negative staining. Instead it displays the outer envelope of the helically deployed S1, and as would be expected from current models derived from optical reconstruction of negatively stained samples, this surface view looks only slightly polarized. Finally, the quick-freeze, deep-etch approach provides particularly distinct images of the crossbridges in insect flight muscles. These are plentiful and regularly arranged in rigor muscles, but rare in muscles relaxed with ATP before freezing. In rigor muscles fixed with aldehydes, these crossbridges assume a broad distribution of inclination, ranging from 45° to 90° with a mean of ∼80°, which is less tilt than has been seen before in thin-sectioned muscles. However, when aldehyde fixation is followed by exposure to tannic acid with or without uranyl acetate block-staining, crossbridges assume a more acute angle with respect to the fiber axis, centering around 45°. This is associated with a commensurate reduction in interfilament spacing within the muscle fibers, such that tilted crossbridges are not any longer than untilted ones (both measuring ∼15 nm). At the opposite extreme, crossbridges often become stretched in unfixed muscles, owing to an unnatural increase in interfilament spacing that occurs during sample preparation; in such regions, crossbridges display narrow “stalks”, which invariably emerge from the thick filaments at close to 90°. We conclude that crossbridge shape and orientation is strongly affected by different methods of sample preparation, and this will make it difficult to visualize natural crossbridge movements by electron microscopy.
Micromechanics model for damage and failure analyses of laminated fibrous composites

Abstract A micromechanics model was developed for damage and failure analyses of laminated fibrous composite structures. The micromechanics model computed stresses and strains at the fiber and matrix level, as well as the smeared composite stresses and strains. Damage and failure criteria used in the present study were based on the fiber and matrix stresses rather than smeared composite stresses. Progress of damage, e.g. matrix cracking and fiber breakage, as well as final failure loads were computed from the present model which was incorporated into a finite element analysis program. Some example problems were solved using the present model and the predicted results were compared to experimental results. The two results agreed very well. The model allowed the load transfer from cracked matrix to surrounding fibers until the fibers came to failure.
Initiation of movement from quiet stance: comparison of gait and stepping in elderly subjects of different levels of functional ability

This study describes how elderly subjects initiate gait, and step from a position of quiet stance. Based on scores from selected standardized tests subjects were placed in either a high (HFL) or low functional level (LFL) group and were asked to initiate gait, step onto a 10 cm high, 1.22 m wide curb and step over a 10 cm high, 9 cm wide obstacle at a self paced speed. Stepping conditions affected the velocity of movement. It was clear that all subjects decreased initiation velocity for both curb and obstacle compared to gait initiation. Swing and stance limb acceleration ground reaction forces and EMG amplitude were modulated according to initiation velocity. Toe clearance was greater for obstacle than curb and gait initiation. Swing toe-off was significantly earlier and there was a trend for obstacle clearance to be greater for the HFL group. Those in the LFL group appear to be at a greater risk for falling due to the possible effect of slower rate of toe-off that could influence toe clearance over the obstacle.
Bursts of miniature end-plate potentials can be released from localized regions of the frog motor nerve terminal.

We examined spontaneous transmitter release by simultaneously recording from end-plates with both an intracellular electrode and a focal extracellular electrode. In normal Ringer's solution the focal releases appear to be a near random portion of the pooled output. But in elevated [Sr2+]out bursts of miniature end-plate potentials (m.e.p.p.s.) occur, and these can be localized at a portion of the presynaptic terminal. The bursts are not artifacts caused by the focal recording technique. In some conditions, sections of the nerve terminal can exhibit an enhanced probability of quantal release that persists for seconds. We occasionally observe extracellular events that must be generated by m.e.p.p.s. in adjacent fibers.
Electronic Commerce and World Wide Web Apprehensiveness: An Examination of Consumers' Perceptions of the World Wide Web

Through a telephone survey of 204 residents from a northeastern state, participants' perceptions of the World Wide Web usage were investigated. In a path model, the relationships between perceptions and attitudes toward World Wide Web (WWW) use and manifest usage behaviors were tested. Through the analyses distinct differences between general communication-related and commerce-related apprehensiveness toward the WWW were found. Specifically the findings indicated that participants' general WWW apprehensiveness was notably related to the amount of time they spent online. Additionally, the findings indicated that general WWW apprehensiveness (WA) and the misuse of personal information were strongly related to participants' WWW purchasing apprehensiveness for commercial transactions, but the findings were inconsistent with the hypothesis that a need for interpersonal contact while shopping would also influence WWW purchasing apprehensiveness (WA-P). The outcome variables of time and dollars spent online were both well predicted by both WA and WA-P, with WA showing a strong negative influence upon time spent online, and WA-P showing a moderate, negative influence on time spent online, and a stronger negative influence upon dollars spent online, supporting the model of WWW apprehensiveness presented and tested.
Is all social exchange marketing

The attempt of some marketers to define marketing as all social behavior broadens marketing to an extent that it is difficult if not impossible to operationalize. The marketing discipline is facing an identity crisis because it is expanding its boundaries to include all human exchange. The consequences of the blurred image of marketing will be confusion in research, teaching and the practice of marketing.
Introduction: addressing the hard problem.

This special issue is concerned with what I take to be the leading problem in the biological sciences today. Indeed a case could be made that it is the leading problem in science in general. To put the problem at its most succinct: How exactly do neurobiological processes in the brain cause consciousness? This is sometimes called \the hard problem" to suggest that it is a di®erent problem in kind from such other neurobiological problems as for example, how does the re°ex arc work, what is the exact role of neurotransmitters in action potentials? I will now explain the problem in a way that will enable us to expand its formulation to include more aspects. First we will have to answer the question, what is consciousness? Consciousness is sometimes said to be hard to de ne but I think if we are just talking about a common sense de nition that identi es the target of the discussion and not a scienti c de nition of the sort that typically comes at the end of the investigation, then consciousness is not hard to de ne. Here is the de nition. By \consciousness" we mean all of our states of feeling or sentience or awareness. These typically begin in the morning when we wake from a dreamless sleep and they go on all day until we once again fall asleep, or otherwise become unconscious. On this de nition dreams are a form of consciousness. Consciousness so de ned only exists insofar as experienced by human or animal subjects and we can say therefore it has a rst person or subjective ontology (where \ontology" just means the mode of existence). What exactly is the relation between consciousness so de ned and the brain? Well opinions di®er about that and indeed it is the traditional mind–body problem. But I think in general outline, we know enough about how the world works to state the general features of the answer to the question. All of our conscious states without exception are caused by lower level neuronal processes in the brain. The textbooks typically assume that the neuron is the basic functional unit but for all we know it may be something higher than the level of individual neurons, such as whole maps or Journal of Integrative Neuroscience, Vol. 13, No. 2 (2014) vii–xi °c Imperial College Press DOI: 10.1142/S0219635214020014
Neutron focusing using microguides

Abstract Analytical techniques which are dependent solely on the neutron capture reaction rate may be advanced by neutron focusing. We describe a system composed of curved totally reflecting mirrors for the focusing of neutrons by the superposition of intensity transmitted through many thin silicon films, each of which points individually to the desired focus. The acceptance technique shows that the maximum current density is obtained with a large number of microguide sheets of minimum thickness, a short focal length, and a large radius of curvature. This analysis indicates the transmission properties of continuously curved neutron guides as a function of wavelength, and enables the calculation of an estimate of transmission efficiency. Reflection losses increase geometrically with the average number of reflections. The major losses in transmission are caused by misalignment of the layers which diffuse the focus from its theoretical maximum. We propose using 25 μm thin silicon wafers with a 100 nm coating of nickel, loaded into a cassette specially fabricated to ensure overlapping and to enable a small curvature to be maintained. The length of the system should be as short as possible (∼ few cm) to reduce both reflection losses from the nickel coating and scattering losses in the neutron transmitting medium of silicon.
Stark Effects in Gas-Phase Electronic Spectra. Dipole Moment of Aniline in Its Excited S1 State

Measurements of the Stark effect on the rotationally resolved S(1)<--S(0) fluorescence excitation spectrum of aniline are reported, providing quantitative information about the degree of charge transfer in the electronic transition. We find that mu(a)(S(1)) = 2.801 +/- 0.007 D, a value that is approximately 150% larger than the ground state, mu(a)(S(0)) = 1.129 +/- 0.005 D. The enhanced value of the dipole moment in the S(1) state is attributed to more efficient electron donation by the quasi-planar amino group to the aromatic ring.
Differential effects of two estrogen antagonists on the development of masculine and feminine sexual behavior in hamsters.

Abstract To determine whether nonsteroidal antiestrogens can be used to investigate the role of aromatization in behavioral masculinization and defeminization, newborn male and female hamsters were administered 0.5 or 5.0 μg of the antiestrogens nafoxidine or tamoxifen on postnatal Days 1 and 2. Other females received 1.0 μg of the synthetic estrogen RU-2858 (RU) alone or in combination with 0.5 or 5.0 μg of nafoxidine or tamoxifen. All animals were tested for the display of masculine and feminine sexual behaviors in adulthood. Nafoxidine, tamoxifen, and RU all reduced lordosis behavior in adult females, indicating that the antiestrogens probably have some estrogenic properties. Nafoxidine had no effect on male mating behavior in female hamsters when given alone; when given to male hamsters or female hamsters receiving a partially masculinizing dose of RU, this compound effectively reduced the frequencies of masculine sexual behaviors (mounts and intromissions) displayed by the treated animals. However, nafoxidine-treated males had the same mating efficiency (ME = intromissions/ mounts) as control males. Tamoxifen, in contrast, facilitated the display of mounting behavior in females when given alone or in combination with RU. Male hamsters receiving 5.0 μg of tamoxifen had high mount frequencies and slightly reduced intromission frequencies, but their ME scores were only half of control levels. Thus nafoxidine itself simultaneously promoted defeminization and antagonized masculinization while tamoxifen appeared to facilitate both processes. The data support the hypothesis that estrogens derived via aromatization from androgens play an important role in both masculinization and defeminization, at least in hamsters. The differential effects of tamoxifen and nafoxidine suggest that these and other antiestrogens might serve as useful tools for dissociating and independently examining these two components of the sexual differentiation process.
Management options for symptomatic stenosis after laparoscopic vertical sleeve gastrectomy in the morbidly obese

Background This study aimed to determine the incidence, etiology, and management options for symptomatic stenosis (SS) after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG).
Sensitive method for measuring tissue α-tocopherol and α-tocopheryloxybutyric acid by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorometric detection

Abstract The nonhydrolysable tocopherol ether analog, d -α-tocopheryloxybutyric acid (TSE), and its tocopherol ester counterpart, d -α-tocopheryl hemisuccinate (TS), have been shown to possess anti-tumor activity. In the present study, a sensitive high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method using fluorometric detection is described for the simultaneous determination of TSE and α-T in biological specimens. Maximal sensitivity for the measurement of TSE and α-T was observed with the wavelengths, 210 nm excitation and 300 nm emission. Using an internal standard (I.S.) method, the amount of these tocopherol compounds was determined in standards, liver homogenates isolated from rats administered TSE–tris salt or vehicle (saline) and in HL-60 human leukaemia cells incubated with TSE–tris salt or saline. Treatment with TSE resulted in the significant accumulation of TSE, but not α-T, in the liver and HL-60 cells.
Computer-Based Instructional Strategies to Improve Creativity

Abstract Advancements in cognitive psychology provide the framework for recommending instructional strategies to improve student creativity. This article provides an introduction to the topic of computer-based software as an instructional means to enhance curricular goals associated with creativity. Reviewed first is the theoretical literature on creativity, followed by a review of a specific computer-based program promising to improve student creativity. The conclusion offers suggestions on the design of instructional strategies generalized from the two reviews.
Kinetic Monte Carlo model of defect transport and irradiation effects in La-doped CeO2

Abstract A generalized Kinetic Monte Carlo code was developed to study oxygen mobility in UO 2 type nuclear fuels, using lanthanum doped CeO 2 as a surrogate material. Molecular Statics simulations were performed using interatomic potentials for CeO 2 developed by Gotte, Minervini, and Sayle to calculate local configuration-dependent oxygen vacancy migration energies. Kinetic Monte Carlo simulations of oxygen vacancy diffusion were performed at varying lanthanum dopant concentrations using the developed generalized Kinetic Monte Carlo code and the calculated configuration-dependent migration energies. All three interatomic potentials were found to confirm the lanthanum trapping effect. The results of these simulations were compared with experimental data and the Gotte potential was concluded to yield the most realistic diffusivity curve.
Direct atomistic simulation of quartz crystal oscillators: Bulk properties and nanoscale devices

Current experimental research aims to reduce the size of quartz crystal oscillators into the submicrometer range. Devices then comprise multimillion atoms and operating frequencies will be in the gigahertz regime. Such characteristics make direct atomic scale simulation feasible using large scale parallel computing. Here, we describe molecular-dynamics simulations on bulk and nanoscale device systems focusing on elastic constants and flexural frequencies. Here we find (a) in order to achieve elastic constants within 1% of those of the bulk requires approximately one million atoms; precisely the experimental regime of interest; (b) differences from continuum mechanical frequency predictions are observable for 17 nm devices; (c) devices with 1% defects exhibit dramatic anharmonicity. A subsequent paper describes the direct atomistic simulation of operating characteristics of a micrometer scale device. A PAPS cosubmission gives algorithmic details.
An integrated field emission array for ion desorption

Field emission arrays that are used for ion desorption must be capable of operating at high applied voltages. The large electric fields can lead to dielectric breakdown or electron emission from the gate, both of which may result in catastrophic failure. Methods were developed to fabricate tip arrays with integrated gate electrodes, separated from the substrate with sufficient dielectric to sustain high voltages. To suppress gate electron emission, processes were developed to fabricate geometries that favor high fields at the tip while minimizing the field at the gate.
A new synthesis of N-containing perfluoroolefins

Abstract The pyrolytic reaction of four types of N-containing perfluorocarboxylic acids, which leads to the formation of many new or previously difficult to obtain fluoroethenes and -propenes, is described. For example, a mixture of three isomeric perfluoropropenylamines were obtained in good yields from K salt of 3 . While, the pyrolysis of K salt of 4 resulted in the formation of a new series of perfluoro(2-dialkylamino-1-propene) as major products. Continuous-flow method which consists of passing the corresponding acid fluorides of 1 and 3 over the fillers (K 2 CO 3 , Na 2 CO 3 , CaCO 3 etc) in the tubular reactor was also conducted. The dependence of the composition of three isomeric products from 3 on the kinds of metal salts (Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs; Mg, Ca), and reaction conditions (fillers, S.V. of acid fluorides, Temp) will be discussed also.
INELASTIC SUPPLY: AN ECONOMIC APPROACH TO SIMPLE INTERVAL SCHEDULES

Economic theory predicts an inverse relationship between the quantity of a commodity supplied to the marketplace and the equilibrium market price of that commodity. This prediction was tested in three experiments. Pigeons responded on simple variable-interval schedules, and quantity of reinforcement supplied was varied in a different way in each experiment. In Experiment 1, quantity supplied was varied by manipulating reinforcement rate while keeping session length constant. In Experiment 2, quantity supplied was varied by manipulating reinforcement rate while keeping reinforcers per session constant. In Experiment 3, quantity supplied was varied by manipulating reinforcer magnitude while keeping number of reinforcers constant. As predicted by economic theory, the obtained behavioral cost (responses per reinforcer) increased as supply decreased. The results could not be explained by simple artifacts such as satiation and time available to respond. In addition, the function relating response rate to reinforcement rate was bitonic in 7 of 9 animals in Experiments 1 and 2, which supports economic and regulatory theories over more traditional reinforcement theories.
Early activation of the host complement system is required to restrict central nervous system invasion and limit neuropathology during Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus infection.

Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) is a mosquito-borne RNA virus of the genus Alphavirus, family Togaviridae, that is responsible for sporadic outbreaks in human and equid populations in Central and South America. In order to ascertain the role that complement plays in resolving VEEV-induced disease, complement-deficient C3−/− mice were infected with a VEEV mutant (V3533) that caused mild, transient disease in immunocompetent mice. In the absence of a functional complement system, peripheral inoculation with V3533 induced much more severe encephalitis. This enhanced pathology was associated with a delay in clearance of infectious virus from the serum and more rapid invasion of the central nervous system in C3−/− mice. If V3533 was inoculated directly into the brain, however, disease outcome in C3−/− and wild-type mice was identical. These findings indicate that complement-dependent enhancement of peripheral virus clearance is critical for protecting against the development of severe VEEV-induced encephalitis.
Structure and dynamics in concentrated, amorphous carbohydrate--water systems by molecular dynamics simulation

The authors report results from molecular simulations of binary aqueous solutions of the carbohydrate stereoisomers, {beta}-D-glucose, {beta}-D-mannose, and D-fructose over a concentration range from zero to 80 wt % carbohydrate at 300 and 270 K. It is found that increasing carbohydrate concentration has a number of striking effects on the microscopic structure and dynamics of these solutions, including (1) a percolation threshold for connected water clusters at ca. 60 wt % carbohydrate, (2) a maximum in the hydrogen bond network strength and degree of ordering, as a function of carbohydrate concentration, at ca. 29 wt %, and (3) activated or hopping dynamics in the translational diffusion of water due to the influence of (1) and (2). There are appreciable differences in the magnitudes of these effects as a function of sugar type for the three stereoisomers studied. The relevance of these results is discussed in the context of the efficacy of sugars in biopreservation and lyophilization applications.
Preparing Early Childhood Educators to Address Young Children's Social-Emotional Development and Challenging Behavior: A Survey of Higher Education Programs in Nine States.

This article presents results from a survey of faculty members from 2- and 4-year higher education programs in nine states that prepare teachers to work with preschool children. The purpose of the ...
Chi-squared distance and metamorphic virus detection

Metamorphic malware changes its internal structure with each generation, while maintaining its original behavior. Current commercial antivirus software generally scan for known malware signatures; therefore, they are not able to detect metamorphic malware that sufficiently morphs its internal structure. Machine learning methods such as hidden Markov models (HMM) have shown promise for detecting hacker-produced metamorphic malware. However, previous research has shown that it is possible to evade HMM-based detection by carefully morphing with content from benign files. In this paper, we combine HMM detection with a statistical technique based on the chi-squared test to build an improved detection method. We discuss our technique in detail and provide experimental evidence to support our claim of improved detection.
Second-trimester rudimentary uterine horn pregnancy: rupture after labor induction with misoprostol.

BACKGROUND:Uterine anomalies are often first suspected after bimanual or ultrasonographic examination. Currently there are no specific recommendations for further evaluation of asymptomatic women with suspected uterine anomalies in pregnancy.CASE:A young primigravida with a history of an ultrasound
Manual digital pressures during knuckle-walking in chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes).

Considerable attention has been given to hand morphology and function associated with knuckle-walking in the African apes because of the implications they have for the evolution of bipedalism in early hominins. Knuckle-walking is associated with a unique suite of musculoskeletal features of the wrist and hand, and numerous studies have hypothesized that these anatomical features are associated with the dynamics of load distribution across the digits during knuckle-walking. We collected dynamic digital pressures on two chimpanzees during terrestrial and simulated arboreal locomotion. Comparisons were made across substrates, limb positions, hand positions, and age categories. Peak digital pressures were similar on the pole and on the ground but were distributed differently across the digits on each substrate. In young animals, pressure was equally high on digits 2–4 on the ground but higher on digits 3 and 4 on the pole. Older animals experience higher pressures on digits 2 and 3 on the ground. Hand posture (palm-in vs. palm-back) influenced the distribution and timing of peak pressures. Age-related increases in body mass also result in higher overall pressures and increased variation across the digital row. In chimpanzees, digit 5 typically bears relatively little load regardless of hand position or substrate. These are the first quantitative data on digital pressures during knuckle-walking in hominoids, and they afford the opportunity to develop hypotheses about variation among hominoids and biomechanical models of wrist and forearm loading. Am J Phys Anthropol 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
State school policies and youth obesity.

The objective of this study was to examine relations between state-level school policies and childhood obesity for youth ages 10–17 years. Secondary analysis of the 2003–2006 School Nutrition Environment State Policy Classification System, 2003–2007 Physical Education Related State Policy Classification System, and 2003 and 2007 National Surveys of Children’s Health was performed. Eleven nutrition and 5 physical education (PE) domains were examined for elementary (ES), middle (MS), and high school (HS) children. Logistic regression models examined the association of policies on obesity prevalence in 2007 as well as change scores for the policy assessments. Scores for 5 of 11 nutrition domains and 4 of 5 PE domains increased between 2003 and 2006–2007. Controlling for individual, family and neighborhood factors, nutrition policies were positively associated with the odds of 2007 obesity in 3 ES and 2 MS domains and negatively associated with 1 HS domain. Adjusted positive associations also were observed between 2 ES and 1 MS PE policy domains and 2007 obesity. Controlling for covariates, nutrition policy change scores showed positive associations between increases in 1 ES and 1MS domain, and negative associations with 1 ES and 1 HS domain and 2007 obesity. PE policy change scores showed positive adjusted associations between increases in 2 ES, 2 MS and 1 HS domains and 2007 obesity. The findings indicate that state-level school health policies are associated with childhood obesity after adjusting for related factors, suggesting that states with higher obesity levels have responded with greater institution of policies.
Proles, Entrepreneurs, or Public Scholars?

Faculty in higher education are socially, politically, and economically situated such that they must as individuals, and collectively, take a stand on the nature and future of academic life. The positions available to faculty are shaped by the vast structural changes that accompany late capitalism. Most feared is that of faculty as powerless, contingent work force; experts without position or security of tenure, always on the move, their competenceis on their backs and in their laptops; competencies quickly outmoded. Another option, faculty as entrepreneurs, may seem exciting to many. But that too has limitations in terms of the long-standing commitment of higher education to democratic values beyond market capitalism. A third option is to reenter public space as public scholars and there reconnect with a critical inquiry into what democracy means and how might institutions, including higher education, pursue in practice, ideals suddenly found essential after September 11, 2001.
The Ranking of Contractors to the U.S. Department of Defense According to Integrated Power Blocs Among the Contractors

Knowledge about the power and misbehavior of defense contractors is substantial; yet their power continues to grow in full view of a record of waste, fraud, corrupt activity, and the failure to perform contracts. The knowledge base about defense contractors has not been sufficient to effectively oppose their extensive power. Knowledge is needed about how the boards of directors of the defense corporations are interlocked. That work is initiated in this article by ranking the top defense contractors in terms of the number of power blocs to which the corporations belong in the defense contractors' power-bloc network.
Gonadotropin Response to Naloxone in the Mare: Effect of Time of Year and Reproductive Status

In the mare, endogenous opioids have been implicated in the suppression of gonadotropin secretion during seasonal anestrus (AN). The present study tested whether continuation of reproductive activity during the nonbreeding season (NBS) reflects the absence of a seasonal shift in opioid tone compared to what occurs in AN mares. During the NBS, 11 AN and 8 luteal-phase mares received 0.1, 0.05, 0. 025 mg/kg naloxone (NAL) or vehicle on alternate days. Whereas cycling mares responded to all dosages of NAL, AN mares responded only to the higher dosages for FSH, and LH failed to increase at any dosage employed. During the breeding season (BS), the response to these dosages of NAL was reevaluated in 12 mares in the luteal phase of a synchronized estrous cycle. Although there was no difference between cycling mares during the breeding and nonbreeding seasons in FSH response, those mares that had cycled during the NBS showed a greater LH response to 0.05 mg/kg NAL than mares during the BS. From these data, we conclude that opioid tone is lower during the BS than during AN and that this shift in inhibitory tone does not occur in mares that cycle during the NBS. Thus, reduced opioid tone may play a role in the mechanisms controlling the nonseasonal exhibition of estrous cycles in the mare.