cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The parent trap: uncovering the myth of "coerced parenthood" in frozen embryo disputes.

Introduction 1022 I. The Cases 1030 A. In re the Marriage of Litowitz v. Litowitz 1030 B. Davis v. Davis 1033 C. Kass v. Kass 1035 D. A.Z. v. B.Z. and J.B. v. M.B. 1038 II. Uncoupling Biological and Psychological Parenthood: What the Data Reveals 1040 A. Data on Disappearing Dads 1040 1. Factors contributing to parental disengagement.......1041 a. Cohabitation and proximity 1041 b. The relationship with the other parent 1044 c. New relationships and commitments 1046 d. Other factors influencing father involvement .....1047 e. Limitations of the data to frozen embryo disputes 1048 B. More Uncoupling—Data from Sperm Donors 1049 1. Sperm donor attitudes toward offspring 1049 2. Limits on data applicability to frozen embryo disputes 1052
Benign cervical and vaginal changes associated with exposure to stilbestrol in utero

Examinations of 320 young women allegedly exposed to stilbestrol in utero have revealed at least 12 unique and benign variations from normal anatomy, five in the cervix and seven in the vagina. Over two thirds of the patients revealed one or more of these variations. Some have been previously reported, others have not. None changed significantly or deleteriously during observation. All are described and a representative drawing of each is included. A classificational nomenclature is offered. It is felt that familiarity with these changes will allow presumptive identification by simple pelvic examination of at least two thirds of females exposed to stilbestrol in utero.
Consumer moral leadership

Sue L.T. McGregor, 2010 Rotterdam, Sense Publishers $29.00 (pbk), 224 pp. ISBN: 978-94-6091-114-9 In Consumer moral leadership, Sue L.T. McGregor argues that all consumers possess the potential and...
Review and evaluation of physiological cost prediction models for manual materials handling

Manual materials handling (MMH) tasks or unaided acts of lifting, lowering, carrying, pushing, and pulling are common types of activities in industry. Design and organization of work involving manual handling of materials has been the goal of many researchers. Their attempts have resulted in information that can be objectively used in designing manual materials handling tasks. The main objectives of this paper are (1) to review and evaluate existing energy and cardiac cost prediction models for various MMH tasks, (2) to present these models in a concise fashion that can be easily accessed by designers and practitioners of MMH, and (3) to provide recommendations for future research in modeling physiological responses of individuals engaged in MMH. More emphasis is placed on information that has become available since the publication of the NIOSH guide on work practices for Manual lifting.
The Fermat-Torricelli Problem in the Light of Convex Analysis

In the early 17th century, Pierre de Fermat proposed the following problem: given three points in the plane, find a point such that the sum of its Euclidean distances to the three given points is minimal. This problem was solved by Evangelista Torricelli and was named the Fermat-Torricelli problem. A more general version of the Fermat-Torricelli problem asks for a point that minimizes the sum of the distances to a finite number of given points in $\Bbb R^n$. This is one of the main problems in location science. In this paper, we revisit the Fermat-Torricelli problem from both theoretical and numerical viewpoints using some ingredients of of convex analysis and optimization.
Crack Propagation and Onset of Failure

We introduce a statistical model to describe the propagation of cracks along a geological fault [1]. A scale invariant mechanism for growth and coalescence of cracks results in catastrophic failure at a critical value σc of the applied stress σ.
Total Mercury in Stranded Marine Mammals from the Oregon and Southern Washington Coasts

Muscle samples from 105 marine mammals stranded along the Oregon and Washington coasts (2002–2009) were tested for levels of total mercury (THg) by Cold Vapor Atomic Fluorescence Spectrometry. The THg present is in the form of the highly toxic methylmercury. After normalizing tissue to 75% water weight, Steller sea lions and northern elephant seals exhibited the highest mean concentrations of THg followed by harbor seals, harbor porpoises, and California sea lions, 0.34 ± 0.278, 0.34 ± 0.485, 0.21 ± 0.216, 0.17 ± 0.169, and 0.15 ± 0.126 mg/kg normalized wet weight (ww), respectively. The mean normalized values demonstrate limited muscle methylmercury accumulation in these species in the Pacific Northwest. However, actual ww concentrations in some of the stranded carcasses may pose a risk to scavengers. Normalizing muscle mercury concentrations eliminated the variability from desiccation, and allowed for a clearer indication of the amount of mercury the animal accumulated before stranding.
Comparison of the effects of bepridil and diltiazem upon globally ischemic rat hearts.

Abstract Effects of the Ca2+ antagonists, bepridil (20 μM) and diltiazem (2.5 μM), upon ischemia/reperfusion injury were assessed in perfused, working rat hearts. These treatments were equally cardiodepressant in non-ischemic hearts. A lower concentration (5 μM) of bepridil was also assessed. Hearts which were reperfused following 33 min of global ischemia recovered 12.8% of preischemic pressure-rate product and had markedly reduced ATP, total adenine nucleotides, ATP/ADP ratio, and mitochondrial function. Treatment with bepridil before and during ischemia did not improve recovery of cardiac function, tissue energy reserves, or mitochondrial function upon reperfusion with control buffer. Control hearts treated with bepridil had normal levels of high energy compounds. Treatment with diltiazem significantly improved contractile function, and metabolic parameters. Ischemia/reperfusion injury was associated with a doubling of tissue Ca2+ content. Pretreatment with diltiazem, but not bepridil, reduced Ca2+ overload. Bepridil did not directly protect the myocardium from ischemia/reperfusion injury perhaps due to its inability to prevent Ca2+ overload.
Quantitative analysis of retinal ganglion cell survival with Rbpms immunolabeling in animal models of optic neuropathies.

The loss of vision in optic neuropathies is caused primarily by the degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). The survival of RGCs in various animal models of RGC degeneration is commonly evaluated with retrograde labeling by injection of tracers such as Fluorogold (FG), dextran tetramethylrhodamine, or DiI into areas of the brain that are targeted by RGCs, primarily the superior colliculus (SC), or by exposure of an axotomized optic nerve to these dyes. However, both procedures have significant limitations. Since RGC retrograde labeling with these tracers depends on active axonal transport, neither of these labeling techniques can differentiate among cell body loss, axon degeneration, or failure of transport. This is particularly important when evaluating cell loss in animal models of glaucoma, in which axonal transport deficiency caused by elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) has been proposed to be a factor in RGC degeneration.1–3 Furthermore, labeling via the SC leaves uncounted those RGCs projecting to other brain regions.4 The application of tracers to the cut surface of the optic nerve overcomes these concerns, but requires a surgical procedure that alters gene expression in RGCs and leads to the initiation of RGC apoptosis. In addition to retrograde labeling, several antigenic RGC markers, including Thy 1, Brn3, III β-tubulin, neurofilament, and others, have been used to label these cells. Many of these markers are not specific to RGCs or do not label the entire RGC population.5–8 Therefore, retrograde labeling is still viewed as the most reliable and accurate way of identifying RGCs. Recently, we characterized the expression of an RNA binding protein with multiple splicing (Rbpms), or hermes, in the retina9 and demonstrated that anti-Rbpms antibodies label over 99% of retrogradely labeled RGCs in the untreated rat retina.10 Since the level of gene expression may be significantly altered in response to various types of stress or injury, in this study we determined whether Rbpms can be used as an RGC marker for quantitative analysis of these cells in animal models of RGC degeneration induced by IOP elevation, optic nerve crush, and excitotoxicity.
Neuropsychological Functioning after Surgery in Children Treated for Brain Tumor

OBJECTIVE: To describe the neuropsychological functioning of children treated with surgery only for localized brain tumors in Darta-Farber Cancer institute Protocol 92-077. Subsequent reports will describe the neuropsychological functioning of children treated with surgery and stereotactic radiation therapy on Dana-Farber Cancer Institute 92-077. METHODS: The intellectual functioning of 106 patient was evaluated within 3 months after surgery. An in-depth assessment of the neuropsychological functioning, including an impairment index, was conducted for a subset of 77 school-age children (6-16 yr old) across six functional domains. Descriptive statistics were generated; binomial distribution analyses were performed to assess Whether the proportion of individuals with impaired performance on each measure exceeded normative expectations. The impairment index assessed whether poor performance was attributable to a few children or reflected the performance of the cohort as a whole. RESULTS: Although the Full Scate IQ was within normative expectations, the Verbal IQ was higher than the Performance IQ with 45% of individuals showing a significant discrepancy (P < 0.01) between these scales. There seas an increased prevalence of poor performance for measures of motor output, verbal memory, and visuospatial organization. The distribution of the impairment index indicated moderate impairment across the school-age cohort rather than severe impairment in a few patients. CONCLUSION: The results document a moderate level of neuropsychological morbidity among children with brain tumors before stereotactic radiation therapy, presumably referable to the tumor itself and the surgery. The extent to which stereotactic radiation therapy may increase this burden will be assessed in follow-up studies evaluating the longitudinal neuropsychological data.
Fibroblast growth factor 2 stimulation of osteoblast differentiation and bone formation is mediated by modulation of the Wnt signaling pathway.

Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) positively modulates osteoblast differentiation and bone formation. However, the mechanism(s) is not fully understood. Because the Wnt canonical pathway is important for bone homeostasis, this study focuses on modulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling using Fgf2−/− mice (FGF2 all isoforms ablated), both in the absence of endogenous FGF2 and in the presence of exogenous FGF2. This study demonstrates a role of endogenous FGF2 in bone formation through Wnt signaling. Specifically, mRNA expression for the canonical Wnt genes Wnt10b, Lrp6, and β-catenin was decreased significantly in Fgf2−/− bone marrow stromal cells during osteoblast differentiation. In addition, a marked reduction of Wnt10b and β-catenin protein expression was observed in Fgf2−/− mice. Furthermore, Fgf2−/− osteoblasts displayed marked reduction of inactive phosphorylated glycogen synthase kinase-3β, a negative regulator of Wnt/β-catenin pathway as well as a significant decrease of Dkk2 mRNA, which plays a role in terminal osteoblast differentiation. Addition of exogenous FGF2 promoted β-catenin nuclear accumulation and further partially rescued decreased mineralization in Fgf2−/− bone marrow stromal cell cultures. Collectively, our findings suggest that FGF2 stimulation of osteoblast differentiation and bone formation is mediated in part by modulating the Wnt pathway.
Mutagenicity of benzidine and benzidine-congener dyes and selected monoazo dyes in a modified Salmonella assay.

We have evaluated the mutagenic activity of a series of diazo compounds derived from benzidine and its congeners o-tolidine, o-dianisidine and 3,3'-dichlorobenzidine as well as several monoazo compounds. The test system used was a modification of the standard Ames Salmonella assay in which FMN, hamster liver S9 and a preincubation step are used to facilitate azo reduction and detection of the resulting mutagenic aromatic amines. All of the benzidine and o-tolidine dyes tested were clearly mutagenic. The o-dianisidine dyes except for Direct Blue 218 were also mutagenic. Direct Blue 218 is a copper complex of the mutagenic o-dianisidine dye Direct Blue 15. Pigment Yellow 12, which is derived from 3,3'-dichlorobenzidine, could not be detected as mutagenic, presumably because of its lack of solubility in the test reaction mixture. Of the monoazo dyes tested, methyl orange was clearly mutagenic, while C.I. Acid Red 26 and Acid Dye (C.I. 16155; often referred to as Ponceau 3R) had marginal to weak mutagenic activity. Several commercial dye samples had greater mutagenic activity with the modified test protocol than did equimolar quantities of their mutagenic aromatic amine reduction products. Investigation of this phenomenon for Direct Black 38 and trypan blue showed that it was due to the presence of mutagenic impurities in these samples. The modified method used appears to be suitable for testing the mutagenicity of azo dyes, and it may also be useful for monitoring the presence of mutagenic or potentially carcinogenic impurities in otherwise nonmutagenic azo dyes.
Near Real-Time Motion Planning and Simulation of Cranes in Construction: Framework and System Architecture

Motion planning of cranes is an important issue in construction projects, where rapid and accurate planning directly affects the safety and productivity of operations. The work presented in this pa...
“You Never Run Out of Stamps” Electronic Communication in Field Experiences:

This study sought to determine the effects of electronic communication (i.e., e-mail and listserv communication) among triads of student teachers, college supervisors, and cooperating teachers. Twenty-one volunteer participants began as the initial cohort: five college supervisors, eight cooperating teachers, and eight preservice teachers. Each participant had a portable computer equipped with a modem. Four data sets were used: 1) individual self-assessments; 2) printouts of all e-mail communication related to the project; 3) printouts of all listserv responses; and 4) within-triad and between-triad group assessments. Participants' self-reporting of computer proficiency showed significant differences. The nature of participants' e-mail messages (e.g., lesson plan discussions) and listserv responses are discussed in relation to their overall evaluation of this opportunity.
Progesterone alters GABA and glutamate responsiveness: a possible mechanism for its anxiolytic action

In this study, the neuromodulatory effects of progesterone were tested in an intact neuronal circuit of a model extrahypothalamic CNS area. Spontaneous discharge and responses of single cerebellar Purkinje neurons to microiontophoretically applied gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate were monitored before, during and after either systemic injection, at physiologic doses, or local application of the steroid. By both means of administration, progesterone significantly enhanced inhibitory responses of Purkinje cells to GABA and suppressed glutamate excitation within 3-10 min post-steroid. These results are consistent with the anxiolytic actions of the steroid.
Four‐dimensional empirical orthogonal analysis of climate variables

An empirical orthogonal analysis method for analysing four-dimensional geophysical data is derived. The potential utility of this method is illustrated in a sample analysis of the latent heating rates generated by the UCLA atmospheric general circulation climate model. In this example the four dominant eigenfunctions, which explain more than 64% of the total variance, are illustrated. The results show vertical structures, spatial patterns, and time variations that are consistent with a previous diagnosis of the UCLA model heating rates and observed climatology. Possible limitations of this methodology are discussed.
Quaternary Diamines as Mass Spectrometry Cleavable Crosslinkers for Protein Interactions

Mapping protein interactions and their dynamics is crucial to defining physiologic states, building effective models for understanding cell function, and to allow more effective targeting of new drugs. Crosslinking studies can estimate the proximity of proteins, determine sites of protein–protein interactions, and have the potential to provide a snapshot of dynamic interactions by covalently locking them in place for analysis. Several major challenges are associated with the use of crosslinkers in mass spectrometry, particularly in complex mixtures. We describe the synthesis and characterization of a MS-cleavable crosslinker containing cyclic amines, which address some of these challenges. The DC4 crosslinker contains two intrinsic positive charges, which allow crosslinked peptides to fragment into their component peptides by collision-induced dissociation (CID) or in-source decay. Initial fragmentation events result in cleavage on either side of the positive charges so crosslinked peptides are identified as pairs of ions separated by defined masses. The structures of the component peptides can then be robustly determined by MS3 because their fragmentation products rearrange to generate a mobile proton. The DC4 crosslinking reagent is stable to storage, highly reactive, highly soluble (1 M solutions), quite labile to CID, and MS3 results in productive backbone fragmentation.
The part-time employment of high school students: A research agenda☆

The high rate of unemployment among out-of-school youth in the United States-a problem in several other western nations as l$.ell-has attracted the concern of economists and polic!. makers at the highest governmental levels. ;Zt the same time, hovyever, a related phenomenon has gone largeI!unremarked and unstudied. This phenomenon is the i,lcrfaspd participation of in-school youth in the part-time labor f‘orce.’ More American teenagers are \\.orking toda!.. in absolute as i\,ell as relative numbers. than at an). other time in recent x.ears. Since 1940, the proportion of teenagers who \j.orli part-time u,hile attending high school has sk\rrocketed: for 16-year-old males. for example. part-time emplovment has increased on the order of 5005: and for females of the same age. it has risen b\. a factor of 16 (U.S. Bureau of the Census. 1910. 1950. 1960. 19’701. Current estimates indicate that about 50’;; of all high school juniors and seniors and about 30G of al! Ythand IOth-
Quantitative Light and Scanning Electron Microscopy of Ferret Sperm

Sperm were obtained via electroejaculation from Domestic ferret, (Mustela putorius furo), Siberian ferret (M. eversmanni), Black-footed ferret (M. nigripes), and a hybrid between Siberian and Domestic, called the Fitch ferret (M. sp.). Comparisons of sperm were made by four different microscopy techniques to determine whether differences exist among species. First, Nomarski differential interference microscopy could be used to distinguish domestic ferret sperm from the others on the basis of the structure of the posterior part of the acrosome. Second, both silver staining, which demonstrates argentophilic protein distribution, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), revealed differences among the morphology of sperm for each species; variation in the unique appearance of the acrosome in ferret sperm was detected especially well by SEM. To quantify differences in morphology, five sperm head parameters were measured using image analysis; light microscopy produced significantly larger values than did SEM (all parameters and all species but Fitch), and there were significant differences owing to species for all parameters but one. Generally, our data demonstrate the value of complementary techniques to distinguish among sperm of closely related species and more specifically may help establish evolutionary relationships among the ferret species studied. In addition, they provide baseline data important for the captive breeding of the endangered Black-footed ferret.
Weighing the Evidence: How Do You Put a Cost on Life?

Some clinicians may prefer to glance only superficially at cost-effectiveness studies, noting quite appropriately that it is difficult to assign a dollar cost to health care outcomes, in particular when lives can be saved. However, this type of analysis is particularly useful when deciding how to allocate scarce healthcare dollars, and it can also be useful to help patients and families assess their own beliefs about …
Longitudinal Associations Between Reading and Mathematics Achievement

The association between early reading skills and changes in mathematics was examined in a large, low-income sample to determine whether students who have a greater level of reading skills in early elementary school exhibit more rapid gains in tests of mathematics. The longitudinal associations between third grade reading comprehension and changes in three components of mathematics achievement (Problem Solving and Data Interpretation, Mathematical Concepts and Estimation, Mathematical Computation) from third through eighth grade were examined. Latent growth models were fit to the repeated assessments of each mathematics component and the students' third grade reading and global mathematics scores were included as predictors of the intercept and slope. Gender, poverty status, and ethnicity were included in the models as control variables. The results showed males and African-American students tended to have shallower rates of change than females and non-African-American/non-Hispanic students. In terms of the effect of reading on changes in mathematics, third grade reading comprehension was found to be a positive significant predictor of change for each component of mathematics, suggesting students with a greater level of reading achievement in early elementary school change more rapidly in mathematics skills controlling for prior mathematics skills and student characteristics. The largest effects were shown for the Problem Solving and Data Interpretation test, a test focused on the applications of mathematics knowledge, and the Mathematical Concepts and Estimation test. Negligible effects were found for changes in Mathematical Computation. Thus, early reading comprehension was shown to be related to a conceptual understanding of mathematics and the application of mathematics knowledge. These findings lend support for the notion that early reading skills are important for success in mathematics.
Stress intensity factors in anisotropic bodies using singular isoparametric elements

Abstract A simple, yet accurate, approach for the determination of the stress intensity factors (SIFs) in three-dimensional (3-D) cracked anisotropic bodies modeled with quadratic isoparametric elements is presented. The main advantage of this formulation is that it does not require any code modification and the SIF calculation can be very easily performed as a simple post-processing of only four (in 2-D cases) nodal displacements. When tested against problems with known exact analytical solutions, it is found that the proposed approach yields very satisfactory results.
Effects of Microfluidizer technology on Bacillus licheniformis spores in ice cream mix.

Abstract We studied the effect of Microfluidizer ® technology (sometimes referred to as "microfluidization"), a new ultra-high pressure homogenization process, on spores of Bacillus licheniformis in ice cream mix. Four batches of pasteurized ice cream mix were preheated to 33, 36, 44, or 50°C, and spores of B. licheniformis were added to yield an inoculum of 2.0×10 4 spores/ml of mix. Samples were treated at 50,000, 100,000, 150,000, and 200,000 kPa. Respective percentages of spore destruction ranged from 6 to 68%. As process pressure in the Microfluidizer ® system increased, the temperature of the product also increased. At the Microfluidizer ® system outlet, temperatures ranged from 46 to 88°C. Therefore, a combination of forces, including high pressure and temperature, likely had a multiplier effect on spore destruction during Microfluidizer ® processing of ice cream mix. Data suggest that it might be possible to design a pasteurizer-Microfluidizer ® system that would inactivate most bacterial spores in dairy foods without the extreme heat treatment currently required in commercial processing operations.
Infiltrated biopolymers effect on quality of dehydrated carrots

The penetration pattern of biopolymers in plant tissue during processing was studied. Carrot dices were infused with dye-dextran standards of different molecular weights (T10, T40, T70 and T500). Polymers of smaller size were found within the intercellular spaces and the cell walls. Larger polymers were found only in broken cells near the surface of the tissue. Biopolymers of small size were theorized to provide strength to the cell wall of plant tissue and assist in maintaining cellular integrity during dehydration. This was further verified in that the dextrans of molecular weight of 10,000 produced best quality dehydrated carrots with high rehydration ratio, more retention of carotenoids and high water-holding capacity.
Some Practical Limitations on the Use of Perturbation Signals for Resolution Enhancement

The application of a triangular perturbation signal as a means of improving the resolution of quantizers is discussed. The particular problems which occur with digital processing are examined. Inaccuracies caused by discrete sampling, and imprecise triangle wave amplitude are investigated, and relationships which bound the errors caused by these factors are established. These relationships are useful in designing the resolution-enhancement system.
Amino-acid Sequence of Substance P

IN 1931 von Euler and Gaddum1, studying the tissue distribution of acetylcholine, found that brain and intestine contained a substance that stimulated contraction of the isolated rabbit jejunum, and caused transient hypotension when injected intravenously into anaesthetized rabbits. These effects could not be ascribed to acetylcholine, for they were not prevented by the previous administration of atropine. The initial studies were made on crude acid alcohol extracts of equine brain and intestine, dried in powder form. The active principle in the preparation was later referred to as substance P (P for powder), and this non-committal term subsequently achieved widespread acceptance in the literature, in the absence of any clearly definable biological role for the compound (or compounds) involved.
Emergence of resistance to clarithromycin during treatment of disseminated cutaneous Mycobacterium chelonae infection: case report and literature review.

Results of in vitro susceptibility studies and one clinical trial have led to recommendations of clarithromycin monotherapy for the treatment of disseminated cutaneous Mycobacterium chelonae infections. We describe the case of a 65-year-old woman, immunocompromised by the use of chronic steroid therapy, who developed disseminated cutaneous infection with M. chelonae and failed clarithromycin monotherapy due to the development of drug resistance. In the relapse isolate we document the presence of a single point mutation at position 2058 in the gene coding for 23S rRNA peptidyltransferase regions, a mutation previously implicated in the development of resistance to clarithromycin. Two susceptible control isolates lacked the mutation. Three additional reports in the literature of patients developing recurrent skin lesions with clarithromycin-resistant M. chelonae following initial response to monotherapy are summarized. We demonstrate that clarithromycin monotherapy in patients with disseminated cutaneous infections can lead to clarithromycin resistance and therapeutic failure associated with a single point mutation at position 2058 of 23S rRNA.
Development and Characterization of a PECVD Silicon Nitride for Damascene Applications

A silicon nitride film, Damascene Nitride™, is deposited in a plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) chamber with a conical hole faceplate using silane and ammonia as precursors. Fourier transform infrared analysis indicates that Damascene Nitride is similar to a high-density plasma nitride film. Hydrogen forward scattering spectroscopic analysis shows the film's hydrogen content to be 13%, ~6% less than other PECVD nitride films, leading to a 20% improvement in etch selectivity to fluorinated silicate glass. Secondary ion mass spectrometric analysis shows that Cu diffusion is <250 A in the nitride; a low leakage current is confirmed through bias temperature stress testing. The higher density of Damascene Nitride leads to higher etch selectivity and better Cu barrier properties, allowing a thinner nitride film to be used. Thinner nitride layers, in addition to the lower dielectric constant (κ) of Damascene Nitride, leads to a 5-6% reduction in resistance-capacitance delay when Damascene Nitride is used with low-κ dielectric materials. © 2003 The Electrochemical Society. All rights reserved.
Evaluating the ability of visual images to inform college women about the link between smoking and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and to motivate quitting: critical dimensions.

Background. Because cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN, or dysplasia) is associated with behavioral factors, health education is an important part of the care of patients at risk for this disease. Smoking, which is strongly associated with CIN and cancers, is particularly important because smoking cessation, even after the onset of CIN, improves outcomes. This study is part of an effort to identify effective ways to convey information about the association between smoking and CIN to at-risk women.Methods. We created 8 images to systematically incorporate a range of artistic approaches to inform viewers about the relationship between smoking and CIN. College women smokers were recruited to participate. Participants rated the images on the extent to which they attracted attention and motivated smoking cessation.Results. Significant differences were identified in the response of this population to visual images differing in content and style. Informative images were more compelling than those that were emotive.conclusions. Further exploration is warranted to improve our understanding of how visual forms of health education can impact smoking cessation by those at risk for cervical cancer.
Relationships between early B- and NK-lineage lymphocyte precursors in bone marrow.

Recent studies have demonstrated that lineage marker–negative (Lin−) c-kitLo Flk-2/Flt3+IL-7R+ Sca-1Lo CD27+Ly-6C− Thy-1−CD43+CD16/32Lo/− terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)+ cells in murine bone marrow are functional lymphocyte precursors. However, it has not been clear if this is an obligate intermediate step for transit of multipotential hematopoietic stem cells to natural killer (NK) cells. We have now used serum-free, stromal cell–free cultures to determine that NK progenitors are enriched among an estrogen-regulated, c-kitLo subset of the Lin− fraction. However, several experimental approaches suggested that this population is heterogeneous and likely represents a stage where B and NK lineages diverge. Although most B-cell precursors were directly sensitive to estrogen in culture, much of the NK-cell precursor activity in that fraction was hormone resistant. B-lineage potential was largely associated with interleukin 7 receptor α (IL-7Rα) expression and was selectively driven in culture by IL-7. In contrast, many NK precursors did not display detectable amounts of this receptor and their maturation was selectively supported by IL-15. Finally, single-cell experiments showed that the Lin−c-kitLo fraction contains a mixture of B/NK, B-restricted, and NK-restricted progenitors. Two-step culture experiments revealed that NK precursors become hormone resistant on or before acquisition of CD122, signaling commitment to the NK lineage. CD45R is preferentially, but not exclusively, expressed on maturing B-lineage cells. Production of these 2 blood cell types is regulated in bone marrow by common and then independent mechanisms that can now be studied with greater precision.
Relationship Between Regional Brain Angiotensinogen a Local Blood Flow and Volume in the Adrenalectomize Rat: Application of Approach to Quantification of Brain Corticosterone Receptors

Prior studies from this laboratory have established that angiotensinogen, the prohormone of angiotensin, is unevenly distributed in the rat brain and that adrenalectomy selectively perturbs levels of the prohormone in regions associated with cardiovascular neural pathways. However, plasma angiotensinogen levels are 10(2)--10(3) times higher in plasma than in brain, so that the observation of a unique distribution of brain angiotensinogen may reflect variable plasma contamination. Studies were therefore undertaken to establish whether adrenalectomy selectively alters regional blood flow, blood volume, or plasma contamination of brain tissue, thereby artifactitiously altering apparent angiotensinogen levels. Radioactive 2-deoxyglucose, iodoantipyrine, and inulin were employed in these analyses. We conclude that variations in blood flow do not explain the selective effects of adrenalectomy, but that a variable extent of residual plasma contamination (remaining after transcardiac perfusion) is partially reflected in our earlier data. However, after correcting for plasma contamination, we still find significant changes in selected areas of the rat brain following adrenalectomy. Finally, our results demonstrate the necessity for direct quantitation of plasma contamination od brain tissue segments. This is shown to have relevance in other situations, such as corticosterone binding globulin contamination of brain corticosterone receptor binding.
Decay parameters of Ω

As is well known, the tenfohl representat ion of the S U 3 group fGr baryon isobars predicts the existence of an isosinglet, called gl-, wi th strangeness 3 and mass 1685 (i4). I ts spin and par i ty are supposed to be ~+. Because of its mass and strangeness, i t is a stable isobar which can decay only by s t rangeness-changing weak interact ions (5). The exis tence of a par t ic le of the above mass and decay ( ~ ~ E o + ~ -) has recent ly been confirmed by the Brookhaven 80 inch hydrogen bubble chamber group (6). The object of this le t ter is to present a possible me thod of de termining nonleptonie decay parameters of £2f rom exper imenta l results, when a considerable number become awfilable for analysis. General discussions on s t rong and weak decays of a spin .~ system have been given by several authors in the past (>~0). The me thod presented here is to some ex ten t based on these previous works.
EXPLORING AIRBORNE SOUND IN A NONVACUUM FREEZE‐DRYING PROCESS

SUMMARY– A study was made to determine if sound energy could be used to enhance freeze-drying rates of foods and to analyze the kinetics in such a system. A prototype pilot freeze-dryer with airborne sound was designed and built to freeze-dry liquid foods, e.g., tea and coffee extracts. The sound source was a stem-jet whistle producing 10.8–12.2 kcps with a maximum sound intensity level of 149 db. Desiccated compressed air at 70° to 90°F served as the driving force of the whistle as well as the carrier of the sublimed moisture. Experimental results showed this to be a feasible process. Sample temperature, inlet air pressure, the freeze-dryer tube size, and the sound source, all had significant effects on the freeze-drying rates. Freeze-drying rates were 11–100% higher in the stem-jet whistle runs than in the dummy whistle runs; 7% of this improvement was attributed to the thermal effect on the air resulting from friction and adiabatic compression. The remaining increase was due to the sound pressure energy, the increase in heat and mass transfer coefficients, and the “reduced-pressure” effect in the sweeping air stream during the rarefaction cycle of the sonic vibration. The flaking action of the sound waves on near-dried tea and coffee was considered a processing advantage because of the ease in product recovery and because a new surface was continuously being exposed for sublimation.
Emotion, motivation, and anxiety: brain mechanisms and psychophysiology

Abstract The organization of response systems in emotion is founded on two basic motive systems, appetitive and defensive. The subcortical and deep cortical structures that determine primary motivated behavior are similar across mammalian species. Animal research has illuminated these neural systems and defined their reflex outputs. Although motivated behavior is more complex and varied in humans, the simpler underlying response patterns persist in affective expression. These basic phenomena are elucidated here in the context of affective perception. Thus, the research examines human beings watching uniquely human stimuli—primarily picture media (but also words and sounds) that prompt emotional arousal—showing how the underlying motivational structure is apparent in the organization of visceral and behavioral responses, in the priming of simple reflexes, and in the reentrant processing of these symbolic representations in the sensory cortex. Implications of the work for understanding pathological emotional states are discussed, emphasizing research on psychopathy and the anxiety disorders.
A Computer Program for Maximizing and Cross-Validating Split-Half Reliability Coefficients.

A FORTRAN program for maximizing and cross-validating split-half reliability coefficients is described. Externally computed arrays of item means and covariances are to be supplied as input for each of two samples of persons. The user may select a number of subsets from the complete set of items for analysis in a single run.
Melatonin and the circadian system: contributions to successful female reproduction.

Objective To summarize the role of melatonin and circadian rhythms in determining optimal female reproductive physiology, especially at the peripheral level. Design Databases were searched for the related English-language literature published up to March 1, 2014. Only papers in peer-reviewed journals are cited. Setting Not applicable. Patient(s) Not applicable. Intervention(s) Melatonin treatment, alterations of the normal light:dark cycle and light exposure at night. Main Outcome Measure(s) Melatonin levels in the blood and in the ovarian follicular fluid and melatonin synthesis, oxidative damage and circadian rhythm disturbances in peripheral reproductive organs. Result(s) The central circadian regulatory system is located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). The output of this master clock is synchronized to 24 hours by the prevailing light-dark cycle. The SCN regulates rhythms in peripheral cells via the autonomic nervous system and it sends a neural message to the pineal gland where it controls the cyclic production of melatonin; after its release, the melatonin rhythm strengthens peripheral oscillators. Melatonin is also produced in the peripheral reproductive organs, including granulosa cells, the cumulus oophorus, and the oocyte. These cells, along with the blood, may contribute melatonin to the follicular fluid, which has melatonin levels higher than those in the blood. Melatonin is a powerful free radical scavenger and protects the oocyte from oxidative stress, especially at the time of ovulation. The cyclic levels of melatonin in the blood pass through the placenta and aid in the organization of the fetal SCN. In the absence of this synchronizing effect, the offspring may exhibit neurobehavioral deficits. Also, melatonin protects the developing fetus from oxidative stress. Melatonin produced in the placenta likewise may preserve the optimal function of this organ. Conclusion(s) Both stable circadian rhythms and cyclic melatonin availability are critical for optimal ovarian physiology and placental function. Because light exposure after darkness onset at night disrupts the master circadian clock and suppresses elevated nocturnal melatonin levels, light at night should be avoided.
Host Responses in Periodontal Diseases: Current Concepts

In periodontal diseases, bacteria trigger inflammatory host responses which, along with the direct destructive effects of the bacteria, cause most of the tissue destruction. Periodontal inflammatory responses are, by and large, immunologic, and our understanding of these reactions has been advanced by the explosion of knowledge in immunobiology, some of which is discussed in this review. Understanding the role of immune cells and their regulatory cell surface molecules such as the MHC, CD antigens, and receptors, as well as knowledge of effector systems set into motion such as phagocytes and cytotoxic T-cells, and the effector molecules such as antibodies, complement, and cytokines, have led to better understanding of the complex pathogenesis of periodontal disease. The role of mediators including the matrix metalloproteinases, proteoglycans, the kinins and anaphylatoxins, and low molecular weight mediators including products of arachidonic metabolism is beginning to be elucidated in periodontal disease. Important avenues of research for development of diagnostic tests based upon host response are apparent. For example, tissue products released during periodontal inflammation including the metalloproteinases, elastase, cytokines, prostaglandins, antibodies, and complement components may provide the basis for future diagnostic indicator tests. The recognition that the neutrophil/antibody/complement axis is critical for protection against periodontal bacteria and that abnormalities in this system often lead to increased periodontal susceptibility provide approaches for the development of diagnostic tests assessing risk. A group of factors which are negative regulators of inflammation including TGF-β, gamma-interferon, and IL-1 receptor antagonist provide potential for assessment of periodontal disease in remission or in the healing phase. Finally, factors such as HLA associations and the molecular basis for neutrophil abnormalities may provide genetic markers for periodontal disease susceptibility. Diagnostic factors based upon host response measures offer great potential for predicting host susceptibility and will likely be used in combination with microbial diagnostics which identify specific infecting organisms. J Periodontol 1992;63:338-355.
Characterization of optoacoustic transducers

Abstract This paper describes a measurement technique specially developed to characterize optoacoustic sources in terms of their acoustic output. Attention is focused on laser assisted devices in which appropriately delivered light energy is converted into acoustic shock waves. A meaningful comparison of such devices with other therapeutic equipment designed for a direct interaction with tissue requires knowledge of the energy needed for a successful surgical treatment. It is demonstrated that knowledge of the key shock wave parameters allows the total acoustic energy associated with the shock wave to be determined. The procedure developed to calculate this energy is discussed and it is shown that the value of this energy can be conveniently used as an indicator of efficacy of an optoacoustic converter in a clinical environment. The influence of the performance of the PVDF hydrophone probes on the measurement results was also analyzed. It was determined that when appropriately selected, the wideband PVDF probes are well suited for characterization of the optoacoustic devices in the frequency range 1–100 MHz. The characterization procedure developed is applicable to surgical ultrasonic systems including conventional and laser assisted phacoemulsifiers.
Prolonged survival and effective palliation in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus following endoscopic laser therapy

Endoscopic laser therapy provides effective symptomatic palliation for patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus. To investigate whether this treatment also prolongs survival, a retrospective case-control study was performed. Ten patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus, diagnosed between 1983 and 1985, were treated with the neodymium: yttrium aluminum garnet laser (Cooper Lasersonics, Model 8000, Santa Clara, CA). Twenty patients with the same diagnosis observed between 1979 and 1984 served as age-matched controls. There was no significant difference in sex, race, location of the cancer, prior treatment, or dysphagia scores for the two groups. Laser therapy produced a significant improvement in the mean dysphagia score. Life table analysis demonstrated a median survival of 17.5 months for the patients treated with endoscopic laser therapy compared with 5.7 months for the control subjects (P less than 0.05). One-year survival after laser treatment was 75%, compared with 20% in the control group (P less than 0.05). These results suggest that endoscopic laser therapy is effective for prolonging survival and improving the quality of life in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus.
The effect of dietary iodine on the hatchability of eggs from two commercial strains of turkeys.

Supplemental dietary iodine (3.5 mg/kg) was fed to two commercial strains [British United Turkeys (B) and Nicholas (N)] of turkey breeder hens. The basal diet contained .7 mg/kg of iodine. Observations were made on hen body weights, feed consumption, hatchability, egg weights, and egg functional characteristics to test the hypothesis that there are differences between commercial strains of turkey breeder hens in the dietary iodine requirement for reproductive success. Supplemental iodine decreased (P less than or equal to .05) functional egg characteristics of both strains. Egg production and hatchability were influenced by an interaction between strains and dietary iodine (P less than or equal to .05). In Strain B hens, egg production and hatchability declined (P less than or equal to .05) when hens were fed supplemental iodine but in Strain N hens no effects on hatchability were observed and egg production increased (P less than .05) with iodine supplementation. The decline in hatchability of eggs from Strain B hens was due to significant (P less than or equal to .05) increases in embryonic mortality during the 1st wk of incubation and during pipping. The treatments resulting in depressed hatchability caused embryos to rely more (P less than or equal to .05) on glycogenolysis than gluconeogenesis during pipping and hatching. The Strain B embryos utilized gluconeogenesis more during pipping (P less than or equal to .05) than Strain N embryos and embryos from Strain B iodine-fed hens had a lower rate of gluconeogenesis than those from hens not fed iodine. It is concluded that there are differences among strains of turkey breeder hens in their dietary iodine requirement for optimal hatchability.