cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intervention with Families

Family interventions have become increasingly important for social work practice during the past 50 years. This chapter reviews the historical background of family interventions and the growing body of research on evidence-based family intervention, and the importance of family intervention for social work practice at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels. The increasing emphasis on evidence-based practice has the potential to greatly improve social work services with families. However, in order for these practices to benefit families, they need to be used by practitioners in community-based organizations. The authors discuss some of the challenges to implementing evidence-based practices and propose some strategies for meeting these challenges. Keywords: family intervention; evidence-based practices; social work practice
Androgen receptor gene mutation, rearrangement, polymorphism

Genetic aberrations of the androgen receptor (AR) caused by mutations, rearrangements, and polymorphisms result in a mutant receptor that has varied functions compared to wild type AR. To date, over 1,000 mutations have been reported in the AR with most of these being associated with androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS). While mutations of AR associated with prostate cancer occur less often in early stage localized disease, mutations in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) patients treated with anti-androgens occur more frequently with 10-30% of these patients having some form of mutation in the AR. Resistance to anti-androgen therapy usually results from gain-of-function mutations in the LBD such as is seen with bicalutamide and more recently with enzalutamide (MDV3100). Thus, it is crucial to investigate these new AR mutations arising from drug resistance to anti-androgens and other small molecule pharmacological agents.
A Network Analytic Approach to Understanding Cross-Platform Audience Behavior

This article explains and implements a network analytic approach to the study of cross-platform audience behavior. It begins by conceptualizing large-scale patterns of media use in network terms, treating media outlets as nodes and the levels of audience duplication among them as links. Following that, it explains 2 common measures of audience duplication, Absolute Duplication and Primary Duplication, and offers a new measure, Deviation-from-Random Duplication. In doing so, techniques for converting duplication data into network data are discussed. This approach is then applied to analyze patterns of audience fragmentation, media publics, and audience polarization using data from Nielsen's TV/Internet Convergence Panel. The findings show the value of using a network approach, by contributing to an alternative understanding of these patterns. Economic and policy implications are discussed, as well as broader reflections on the use of network analysis in the study of audience behavior.
Infrared multiphoton dissociation of electrosprayed crown ether complexes

Complexes of 18-crown-6, 15-crown-5, and 12-crown-4 with Na+, K+, Rb+, Cs+ and H3O+ were observed and characterized using infrared multiphoton dissociation (IRMPD) in conjunction with Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry. The complexes were formed in methanol-water solution and were subsequently transported into the gas phase using two different electrospray ionization sources. Trapped complexes were dissociated utilizing IRMPD to obtain fragmentation and binding information on selected crown ether complexes. Dissociation of crown ether-alkali metal complexes proceeded via the loss of the alkali metal ion at low laser fluences; dissociation of the crown was not observed. For all of the alkali metal-crown ether complexes investigated, it was found that Na+ binds to the crown ether more strongly than any of the larger alkali metal ions. In contrast to the alkali metal complexes, IRMPD of (18-crown-6)H3O+ proceeded via loss of H2O to produce protonated 18-crown-6 ions. At higher laser fluences, (15-crown-5)H3O+ and (12-crown-4)H3O+ lost water and then fragmented by sequential loss of C2H4O units.
Session 455 Long-term Change in Functional Independence Measure Scores in Adults With Cerebral Palsy Who Underwent Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy

Disclosures: S. M. Stibb, none. Objective: To assess long-term functional changes when using Functional Independence Measures (FIM) for activities of daily living (ADL), bowel and bladder management (BB), and mobility in adults with cerebral palsy (CP) who underwent selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) as children. Design: Prospective survey study and retrospective chart review. Setting: Outpatient academic rehabilitation facility. Participants: 14 adults with CP who underwent SDR between 1986 and 2000. Interventions: The subjects and/or caregivers participated in a telephone interview. By using validated, structured FIM questioning, the subjects rated independence with tasks that pertained to ADLs, BB, and mobility. The subjects rated their satisfaction with life on the Diener Satisfaction with Life Scale (DSLS) and subjective impressions of rhizotomy helpfulness were obtained. Medical records were reviewed for age at surgery and Wee-FIM score ratings before SDR and 1 year and 2-4 years after SDR. Main Outcome Measures: FIM scores for ADLs, BB, and mobility assessed before SDR, and 1, 2-4, and 21-24 years (current) after SDR. The score on the DSLS was obtained 21-24 years after SDR. Results: The mean age at time of SDR was 4.93 years and the mean time since surgery was 22.5 years. One-way repeated measures analysis of variance showed significant improvements in FIM scores from preoperative to current (ADL FIM, F[3,39] 11.24, P .001; BB FIM, F[3,39] 10.54, P .001; mobility FIM, F[1.63,21.22] 9.82, P .05]. Lower age was associated with significantly less mobility change from before SDR to 1 year. A change in FIM scores from baseline to current was not associated with life satisfaction. The majority of subjects (71.4%) rated SDR as helpful. Conclusions: FIM scores for ADLs, BB, and mobility improved by 2-4 years after surgery in children who underwent SDR. Continued improvement was found in all FIM categories in adults. Satisfaction with life scores were not found to be related to the degree of FIM change.
Current Status of Microwave Delay Lines

A number of approaches have been investigated or suggested which can delay and process microwave signals by using electromagnetic, acoustic and magnetic propagation in materials. Some of these approaches will be summarized and their capabilities and limitations will be discussed. Delay, delay variation, bandwidth, dispersion and attenuation will be considered, including their dependence on the available coherent of materials. Optical approaches involving coherent Brillouin scattering will be included in the discussion.
Strategic best-response learning in multiagent systems

We present a novel and uniform formulation of the problem of reinforcement learning against bounded memory adaptive adversaries in repeated games, and the methodologies to accomplish learning in this novel framework. First we delineate a novel strategic definition of best response that optimises rewards over multiple steps, as opposed to the notion of tactical best response in game theory. We show that the problem of learning a strategic best response reduces to that of learning an optimal policy in a Markov Decision Process (MDP). We deal with both finite and infinite horizon versions of this problem. We adapt an existing Monte Carlo based algorithm for learning optimal policies in such MDPs over finite horizon, in polynomial time. We show that this new efficient algorithm can obtain higher average rewards than a previously known efficient algorithm against some opponents in the contract game. Though this improvement comes at the cost of increased domain knowledge, simple experiments in the Prisoner's Di...
Texture problems in biomedical pattern recognition

Various approaches to texture analysis will be described and related to problems in biomedical pattern recognition. The feasibility of the various methods will be discussed, and new methods of computing for texture analysis will be described. Special application to chest X rays is discussed.
Semen traits and metabolic and gonadotropic hormone profiles in ram lambs treated with glucose

Abstract Two experiments were conducted to examine reproductive and endocrine responses of ram lambs to exogenous glucose. In Experiment 1, three ram lambs (6 mo of age) received 100 ml ip of saline (0.9%) daily and three animals received 50 g glucose (100 ml 50% dextrose) daily for 18 d. In Experiment 2, ten lambs (5 per group) were treated similarly for 10 d. Serum samples were collected intensively before and after GnRH treatment on the last day of both experiments. After 15 d of glucose treatment in Experiment 1, treated rams weighed 58 kg compared with 68 kg for the controls (P = 0.08). A similar numerical trend was observed in Experiment 2, suggesting that intraperitoneal glucose decreases feed intake. In both experiments, 50 g of glucose induced a rapid elevation in serum glucose to greater than 120 mg/dl compared with 70 to 80 mg/dl for the controls (P 0.10) by glucose in either experiment and IGF-1 was similar (P > 0.20) between groups in Experiment 2. Although serum concentrations of prolactin tended (P = 0.14) to be reduced by glucose treatment (64 ± 21 ng/ml) compared with that of the controls (120 ± 21 ng/ml) in Experiment 1, the opposite trend (P = 0.20) was observed in Experiment 2. Serum thyroxine was elevated (P = 0.08) in glucose-treated rams compared with that in controls in Experiment 2 but triiodothyronine concentrations were similar (P > 0.80) between groups. In Experiment 1, area under the curve (AUC) for LH after a GnRH challenge tended (P = 0.14) to be greater in glucose-treated (1,351 units) than in control (999 ± 139 units) animals. The AUC for FSH (Experiment 1) did not differ (P = 0.30) between groups. The LH AUC in Experiment 2 was about 2,500 units for both groups (P = 0.80). The AUC for testosterone in Experiment 1, was 5,452 and 2,597 (± 1051) units for rams treated with 0 and 50 g glucose/d (P = 0.13), but testosterone AUC in Experiment 2 was similar between groups (P > 0.70). No effect of exogenous glucose was evident in either experiment for semen traits. Results suggest that 50 g ip glucose daily for 10 or 18 d induced large increases in serum insulin but other metabolic and reproductive hormones were not greatly influenced.
Determination of silicon in nickel-based alloys using electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry with longitudinal Zeeman-effect background correction and zinc oxide pretreatment

Abstract The determination of Si in the nickel-based alloy matrices by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ET-AAS) has been studied. A longitudinal Zeeman-effect correction with end-capped transversely heated graphite atomizer (THGA) is used. When measured at 251.6 nm, spectral interference mainly from Fe is found. Pretreatment for the removal of Ni and Fe from the sample solution of the nickel-based alloys is required. The effects of various modifiers including ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), Mg(NO3)2, NH4H2PO4, Pd(NO3)2, and tartaric acid are evaluated in terms of the optimization of accuracy, sensitivity and the minimization of background absorption. Sample pretreatments including ammonium and zinc oxide precipitation are evaluated in terms of reducing the non-specific absorption. ZnO precipitation gives more accurate and precise results. The proposed method has been validated with certified reference materials of nickel-based alloys. Values for the silicon content ranged between 0.521 and 0.016%. The characteristic mass is 33.1 pg and the detection limit is 24.8 pg when 20 μl was injected for each ET-AAS measurement. The recovery for the proposed method ranges from 95 to 105%.
Elastomeric networks cross-linked by silica or titania fillers

Abstract Triethoxysilyl-terminated poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) was prepared by reacting triethoxysilane with vinyl-terminated PDMS having a number-average molecular weight of 11.3 × 10 3 g mol −1 . Particles of silica and titania generated in situ by the hydrolysis of tetraethoxysilane and titanium n -propoxide, respectively, were found to end-link this polymer. The presence of a stable elastomeric network structure was confirmed by stress-strain measurements in elongation.
Collisional–radiative studies of carbon plasmas

Abstract A detailed plasma kinetics model for carbon is presented which has been calculated using the Los Alamos suite of atomic kinetics codes. Models have been generated in the configuration-average approximation and the fine-structure approximation, which includes configuration-interaction and intermediate-coupling effects. These models have been used to generate relevant plasma quantities, ranging from the average ionization stage to detailed emission spectra. For many of the quantities examined, and for certain plasma conditions, significant differences exist between the configuration-average model and the detailed fine-structure model, indicating that such a detailed fine-structure model is necessary to accurately model atomic properties in such plasmas.
ELASTIC SCATTERING OF 2.7 GeV/c ANTIPROTONS ON PROTONS.

The differential elastic scattering cross section for 2.7 GeVc antiprotons on protons has been studied using film from the 20″ BNL hydrogen bubble chamber. The diffraction pattern based on a total sample of 7300 events shows a sharp forward maximum, a first diffraction minimum, and a second maximum. The forward diffraction peak is fitted by (dσdt)elastic =[325 ± 6 mb(GeVc)2] exp[−13.3 ± 0.2(GeVc)−2t and the total elastic cross section is found to be 25.6 ± 0.6 mb. The first and second diffraction peaks are fitted by the optical model formula for a “black” disc. dσdt∼ [j1(2k R sin 12θ)]2 (1 + acos θ)2 where R = 1.2 fm and a = −5.
A general log‐linear model for the analysis of band recovery data

Many current methods of analyzing band recovery data are described by the classic monograph Statistical Inference from Band Recovery Data—A Handbook of Brownie et al. (1985). A log-linear model with restricted minimum modified transformed chi-square estimation and Wald type testing are proposed. The proposed model provides a general theory of band recovery sampling which unifies Brownie et al. (1985) models within a log-linear framework. A general closed form estimator of recovery and survival rates is developed. Further, a general goodness of fit and hypothesis testing framework is presented. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation and Management of Breast Pain

Pain is one of the most common breast symptoms experienced by women. It can be severe enough to interfere with usual daily activities, but the etiology and optimal treatment remain undefined. Breast pain is typically approached according to its classification as cyclic mastalgia, noncyclic mastalgia, and extramammary (nonbreast) pain. Cyclic mastalgia is breast pain that has a clear relationship to the menstrual cycle. Noncyclic mastalgia may be constant or intermittent but is not associated with the menstrual cycle and often occurs after menopause. Extramammary pain arises from the chest wall or other sources and is interpreted as having a cause within the breast. The risk of cancer in a woman presenting with breast pain as her only symptom is extremely low. After appropriate clinical evaluation, most patients with breast pain respond favorably to a combination of reassurance and nonpharmacological measures. The medications danazol, tamoxifen, and bromocriptine are effective; however, the potentially serious adverse effects of these medications limit their use to selected patients with severe, sustained breast pain. The status of other therapeutic strategies and directions for future research are discussed.
Spin-diffusion lengths of Cu 1-x Ni x using current perpendicular to plane magnetoresistance measurements of magnetic multilayers

Spin-relaxation effects are generally believed to have a strong influence on giant magnetoresistance of ferromagnetic/noble-metal multilayers. We have measured current perpendicular to plane magnetoresistances (CPP MR's) of sputtered Co/${\mathrm{Cu}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{Ni}}_{\mathit{x}}$ multilayers with x=0.06, 0.10, 0.14, and 0.23. Our results indicate that the spin-diffusion length of CuNi is reduced as the concentration of Ni increases. Spin-diffusion lengths obtained from fitting the CPP MR to Valet-Fert theory are in a good agreement with theoretical calculations from spin-orbit scattering. Assuming that the permalloy(Py)-Cu interface in Py/Cu multilayers resembles a CuNi alloy, we can conclude that there will be spin-flip scattering at a Py-Cu interface, but we expect its effect on the MR to be small. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
Sex differences in total body water in adolescent rhesus macaques estimated by ethanol dilution.

Non-human primates are widely used in research, yet relatively few studies have addressed potential pharmacokinetic differences between males and females. The present study examined the relationship between total body water, sex, age, and weight in the rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta). Ethanol-naive, adolescent rhesus macaques (n = 119) were administered ethanol (males, 2.1 g/kg; females, 2.0 g/kg) intravenously, and blood samples for blood ethanol concentration obtained at 5, 10, and 60 minutes following the end of the infusion. Non-linear regression was used to compare and contrast a series of pharmacokinetic models examining the relationship between weight, sex, age, V(d) and zero-order elimination rate. V(d) (mean +/- SEM) for male rhesus was 0.771 +/- 0.008 l/kg and for females was 0.730 +/- 0.008 l/kg, different at P < 0.00001. There were no sex differences in the rate of zero-order ethanol elimination, estimated to be 0.0032 +/- 0.0004 g/kg/minute. The data reported here may be useful in designing and interpreting pharmacokinetic studies using rhesus monkeys.
Polyphenols as inhibitors of carcinogenesis

Many polyphenolic compounds have demonstrated anticarcinogenic activities in animal models. These compounds include flavanone, flavonols, isoflavone, and catechins. In this article, tea catechins w...
Ethos and embodiment: the social and emotional development of deaf children.

There is so much out there about the grief, the denial, and the anger, like in the death of a child. We definitely experienced the 'death' of our child - that was not the chi d we gave birth to. And, we had this other baby we were going to have to figure out what to do with (mother, US, 1995).
False-positive polymerase chain reaction results for human papillomavirus in lichen planus. Potential laboratory pitfalls of this procedure.

Abstract Background: The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a common tool in laboratory evaluation of tissue samples. It has been particularly useful in testing for nucleic acids of infectious organisms implicated in the pathogenesis of cutaneous diseases. Objective: Our purpose was to evaluate archival biopsy material (paraffin-embedded) of lichen planus for human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA with PCR and in situ hybridization (ISH). Methods: Tissue sections were obtained from 13 specimens of lichen planus and 10 control tissues. Standard methods for PCR and ISH were used to evaluate the presence of HPV DNA. Results: Initial PCR results demonstrated HPV DNA in 11 of 13 specimens and in none of the control tissue. However, testing for specific HPV types revealed nucleic acid contamination. ISH was negative in all specimens. Conclusion: Accurate evaluation of tissue with PCR is difficult because of the procedure's profound sensitivity. Positive results reported in the literature should be viewed with caution. Potential causes for false-positive and false-negative results should be considered.
The use of solid phase extraction columns in fatty acid purification

Abstract Solid phase extraction (SPE) columns with an aminopropyl bonded stationary phase are commonly used to isolate fatty acids. We tested SPE columns with tubes composed of three different materials, high density polyethylene (HDPE), HDPE coated with a fluorinated polymer similar to Teflon ® (FP-HDPE) and glass, to assess the effects of these products on the purity of fatty acid extracts derived from the different SPE columns. Products made of HDPE released significant levels of short chain (mainly C 16 and C 18 ) fatty acids during elution, while glass and FP-HDPE yielded little contamination. These results urge caution in the use of HDPE products during analysis of short chain fatty acids, especially in applications involving the use of stable isotope ratio values that could be significantly altered by small amounts of contaminants.
Water: The World's Most Precious Resource

Freshwater is essential for all life for agriculture, for industry and commercial use ot serve the economy, for municipal development, and for household use. Of the Earth's water, only 2.5% is freshwater, mostly trapped as ice. Of the une-third that is renewable, three-fourths of that is lost during floods, resulting in a very small portion of the Earth's water to be accessible for human use. The hydroglogic cycle maintains a constant replenishment of freshwater, but it is delivered where nature determines and necessarily where it is needed, not in amounts or at a time to be effectively used. Population growth will continue to stress water availability, especially in underdeveloped areas. Many countries are depleting underground aquiters thus destroying the essential reserves needed to buffer periods of scarcity. There is no overreaching solution for all of the problems related to water security, but a variety of suggestions for preservation, purification, and resutilization can be of value. Application of new technologies to recycle and purify waste water, to generate freshwater by desalination, to decrease losses due to exaporation and delivery system leakage, and to assure purification with chlorination or ozonization will provide inexpensive, clean, and safe water to those who nedd it. New, innovative water management policies must be created and jointly implemented by the world community to provide better slewardship of our most critical resource, to enable allocation between competing sectors and meet demands for upstream/downstream water sharing, and to allocate water for societal use while protecting the environment.
Spatial congruence between exine pattern, microtubules and endomembranes in Vigna pollen

The role of microtubules and endomembranes in pollen wall pattern formation in Vigna vexillata L. was examined using fluorescence laser scanning confocal microscopy. Indirect immunofluorescence using anti-β-tubulin antibodies revealed that the arrangement of the cortical microtubular cytoskeleton in microspores resembled the reciprocal of the reticulate ektexine ornamentations of mature V. vexillata pollen. Patches of microtubules in cortical cytoplasm corresponded in location with the lumina of the exine reticulum and with apertural sites. Microtubules were absent from cytoplasm under muri (ridges) of the exine reticulum. Labeling of microspores during the mid-tetrad stage with the endomembrane-specific fluorochrome DiOC6 produced a pattern similar to that of the microtubules; i.e., DiOC6 staining was localized in cytoplasm underlying lumina and absent from cortical cytoplasm underlying sites of muri. This report represents the first observation of congruence of the pattern of occurrence of any subcellular organelles with exine pattern and, in particular, the congruence of both microtubules and endomembranes in cortical cytoplasm with the lumina of the reticulate exine.
Spectroscopic flame temperature measurements and their physical significance-III. Existence of isothermal zones in some laboratory flames

Abstract For the accurate measurement of certain atomic and molecular properties, such as absolute or relative transition probabilities, dissociation energies and optical cross sections, it is desirable to form and observe atoms and molecules in an isothermal environment whose temperature can be measured precisely. In this paper it is shown that a premixed N 2 O-C 2 H 2 flame burning on a long path, slot burner can provide not only a relatively high temperature (~3000 K) but also an isothermal environment as well. In this flame, well developed atomic emission spectra of all the metallic elements may be readily observed. This flame and burner system should therefore be useful for the determination of more accurate relative transition probabilities for many elements.
Quantitative benedict test using bicinchoninic acid.

Abstract Cupric ion (Cu 2+ ), in complex form, functions as a selective oxidizing agent for a variety of compounds in the qualitative Benedict test. Cupric ion is reduced to cuprous ion (Cu + ) in the reaction. We found that the cuprous ion formed in this type of redox reaction could be detected and quantified using 2,2′-bicinchoninic acid. This reagent produced an intense purple complex with cuprous ion. The color development in this modified Benedict test was dependent on pH, temperature, and time. The reaction is insensitive to ethanol and sodium dodecyl sulfate. This improved method of the Benedict test has enhanced sensitivity and makes the quantitation of compounds possible. This method should be useful for studies of Benedict-positive compounds which are available only in small amounts.
Quadricuspid semilunar valve.

Abstract Clinical and necropsy findings are described in 10 patients with quadricuspid semilunar valves, and previous reports of 197 cases are reviewed. Quadricuspid semilunar valves occur infrequently, and usually the pulmonic valve is affected. The quadricuspid pulmonic valve typically functions normally. The quadricuspid aortic valve was functionally abnormal in 5 of 11 cases studied.
Computing azeotropes in multicomponent mixtures

Abstract The problem of computing the temperatures and compositions of all azeotropes predicted by thermodynamic models for nonideal, multicomponent mixtures can be formulated as a multi-dimensional root-finding problem. This problem is complicated by the presence of multiple solutions, constraints on the compositions and the complexity of realistic vapor—liquid equilibrium descriptions. We describe a homotopy method which, together with an arc length continuation, gives an efficient and robust scheme for finding solutions. The homotopy begins with a hypothetical ideal mixture described by Raoult's Law for which all of the solutions to the problem are known trivially, since they are simply the pure components. There are as many solution branches for the homotopy as there are pure components, and one or more of the branches shows a bifurcation when azeotropes are present in the mixture. Solutions for the azeotropes are found from the limiting behavior of the homotopy and we show that azeotropes containing c components can be found from a series of c -1 bifurcations in the solution branches of lower dimensions. There is no restriction on the dimension of the problems other than the availability of an accurate thermodynamic model; examples containing up to five components are described.
Extended covalent solid forms of carbon dioxide with carbon–oxygen single bonds

Abstract Recent evidence points toward the existence at high pressures of extended covalent solid forms of carbon dioxide with carbon–oxygen single bonds. A (CO2)2n+1 polyspirotrioxane (polyspiro orthocarbonate) polymer structure proposed by us in 1992 and predicted as thermodynamically feasible and synthesizable under high pressure is consistent with the recent experimental findings.
Improvements in the synthesis of pentylenetetrazol‐10‐14C

Improvements in the synthesis of pentylenetetrazol-10-14C from hydrazoic acid and cyclohexanone-1-14C are reported. Purification was accomplished by crystallization. Chemical purity was determined by GLC and TLC. The radiochemical purity was determined by TLC and autoradiography. The specific activity was found by liquid scintillation counting. A more efficient synthesis was obtained by improvements in the cold bath, the extraction procedures, and the crystallization procedure. The latter change increased the effectiveness of the purification procedure.
Comparative action of acetyl-beta-methylcholine, histamine, and pollen antigens in subjects with hay fever and patients with bronchial asthma

Abstract Eight of fourteen hay fever subjects had their first episode of wheezing following an aerosol inhalation of pollen extract. Sputum examinations confirmed the presence of many eosinophils within minutes after specific allergen challenge. The appearance of eosinophils in the sputum, the fall in FEV 1 , with cough, tightness, and wheezing, after specific allergen, and the subsequent response to bronchodilators indicate that these were indeed allergic changes simulating asthma in hay fever subjects. Eight hay fever subjects showed a significant decrease in FEV 1 after Mecholyl and six after histamine inhalations. All of the twenty-five asthma patients tested and none of the nonatopic controls showed a significant decrease in FEV 1 following Mecholyl and histamine challenge in the doses employed. In terms of bronchial sensitivity to the number of inhalations of the preparations used, the asthma patients were approximately twenty-seven times as sensitive to Mecholyl as the hay fever group, but only three and four times as sensitive to histamine and pollen inhalation, respectively. Antihistamines do not block or prevent induced bronchial obstruction in hay fever subjects and therefore should not be relied upon to prevent asthma. Finally, the method presented may be useful to determine which persons who have hay fever are later going to have asthma.
Noise and y-parameters in mos fet's☆

Abstract The effect of the substrate on the MOS FET y -parameters and the device noise parameters is calculated by solving the wave equation for arbitrary substrates. It is shown that the substrate doping has little effect on these parameters and hence cannot explain the excess noise observed by Halladay and van der Ziel and by Takagi and van der Ziel. The flicker noise induced at the gate of MOS FET's is calculated with the help of the models suggested by Christensson, et al. , and it is shown that a large effect should exist in noisy FET's. However, Kirk, et al. , have shown that no such effect is observed. Attempts are being made to explain the negative outcome of this experiment with the help of flicker noise sources located near the middle of the channel.
On linkage synthesis with minimum error

Abstract A modification of Freudenstein's method for respacing the precision points in a kinematic synthesis is presented. By this method, the number of points which have to be shifted to obtain minimum structural error is reduced to approximately half the total number of mechanism parameters used in the synthesis. An example problem is solved.
Type III neuregulin-1 promotes oligodendrocyte myelination

The axonal signals that regulate oligodendrocyte myelination during development of the central nervous system (CNS) have not been established. In this study, we have examined the regulation of oligodendrocyte myelination by the type III isoform of neuregulin-1 (NRG1), a neuronal signal essential for Schwann cell differentiation and myelination. In contrast to Schwann cells, primary oligodendrocytes differentiate normally when cocultured with dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons deficient in type III NRG1. However, they myelinate type III NRG1-deficient neurites poorly in comparison to wild type cultures. Type III NRG1 is not sufficient to drive oligodendrocyte myelination as sympathetic neurons are not myelinated even with lentiviral-mediated expression of NRG1. Mice haploinsufficient for type III NRG1 are hypomyelinated in the brain, as evidenced by reduced amounts of myelin proteins and lipids and thinner myelin sheaths. In contrast, the optic nerve and spinal cord of heterozygotes are myelinated normally. Together, these results implicate type III NRG1 as a significant determinant of the extent of myelination in the brain and demonstrate important regional differences in the control of CNS myelination. They also indicate that oligodendrocyte myelination, but not differentiation, is promoted by axonal NRG1, underscoring important differences in the control of myelination in the CNS and peripheral nervous system (PNS). © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Impact of Guided-Inquiry-Based Instruction with a Writing and Reflection Emphasis on Chemistry Students' Critical Thinking Abilities.

The Science Writing Heuristic (SWH) laboratory instruction approach has been used successfully over a decade to engage students in laboratory activities. SWH-based instruction emphasizes knowledge construction through individual writing and reflection, and collaborative learning as a group. In the SWH approach, writing is a core component of learning. Previous studies on the SWH approach have reported effective implementation of the SWH approach leads to an improvement in overall student academic performance and content knowledge. Using a rubric developed by Maria Oliver-Hoyo, we compared the critical thinking (CT) skills of students across three groups, based on their written laboratory reports for various traits of CT, and the cognitive skills embedded in the rubric. Participants in this study were first-year general chemistry students who received traditional laboratory instruction, first-year general chemistry students who were instructed using the SWH approach, and fourth-year chemistry students who ...
Lipoprotein(a) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease in hemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND Although serum lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis in the general population and Lp(a) levels are increased in hemodialysis patients, an association of Lp(a) with the risk of clinical events attributed to atherosclerosis has not been established in the chronic hemodialysis patient population. We therefore determined the association between Lp(a) levels and the risk of clinical events of presumed atherosclerotic etiology in a prospective study of an outpatient hemodialysis population. METHODS AND RESULTS Lp(a) was measured by radioimmunoassay in a baseline cardiovascular disease risk assessment in a consecutive series of 129 hemodialysis patients. The relation between baseline Lp(a) and clinical events of presumed atherosclerotic etiology was determined during 48 months of follow-up. Hemodialysis patients had a median Lp(a) concentration that was approximately four times as high as the median Lp(a) concentration in normal controls and twice as high as the levels in controls with angiographic evidence of coronary artery disease [median Lp(a), 38.4 versus 16.9 mg/dl; p less than 0.001]. Baseline Lp(a) levels were no different in participants with or with no history of a previous clinical event at the time of the baseline examination. However, baseline Lp(a) concentration (p less than 0.001) and a history of atherosclerotic clinical events (p = 0.001) were associated with clinical events during the period of follow-up. In contrast, baseline serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, age, gender, race, or duration of hemodialysis were unrelated to this risk in the prospective study. Stepwise multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated that serum Lp(a) concentration (p = 0.001) and the presence of a previous clinical event (p = 0.004) were the only independent contributors to the risk of a clinical event during the period of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Lp(a) is an independent risk factor for clinical events attributed to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in patients receiving chronic hemodialysis treatment of end-stage renal disease.
The principle of equivalence and theories of gravity

We construct classical theories of gravity on the basis of special relativity and the Einstein-Infeld accelerating-elevator thought experiment. The resulting theories share most of the main features of general relativity, namely the nonlinear character of the theory, the metrical significance of the gravitational potentials and the geodesic equation of particle motion. They differ from general relativity in at most nonlinear terms in the gravitational constant G in their equations of particle motion and field equations.
Collaborative sense-making in print and digital text environments

This study describes the sense-making behaviors of sixth- and seventh-grade students (n = 46 dyads) as they read and discussed expository articles in print and digital formats. Most dyads approached the digital text as if it were static and linear, despite the availability of hyperlinks. Reading through (or covering) the text was the most commonly observed behavior, occurring in 89% of the coded intervals in the print condition and 76% of intervals in the digital condition. Students were observed discussing a variety of cognitive and metacognitive strategies. The most common strategies were process monitoring, summarizing, connecting, and reacting. The dyads used at least one overt sense-making strategy in about 50% of the intervals when reading the print text and about 65% of the intervals with the digital text. Previewing and progress monitoring, which serve important planning and self-regulative functions, were used more frequently in the digital condition. Regression analyses show that several collaborative behaviors were associated with text comprehension, as measured by a researcher-designed multiple choice test, in the print condition but not in the digital condition. These included word recognition monitoring (β = 1.84; SE = 0.90; p = .05), summarizing (β = 2.43; SE = 1.21; p = .05), and connecting (β = −5.20; SE = 2.06; p = .02) at the student level and attending to illustrations (γ = −7.08; SE = 2.17; p = .003) at the dyad level. In both conditions, prior reading achievement and prior knowledge were strong predictors of comprehension.
Mechanism of RGS4, a GTPase-activating Protein for G Protein α Subunits *

GTP hydrolysis by guanine nucleotide-binding proteins, an essential step in many biological processes, is stimulated by GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs). The mechanisms whereby GAPs stimulate GTP hydrolysis are unknown. We have used mutational, biochemical, and structural data to investigate how RGS4, a GAP for heterotrimeric G protein alpha subunits, stimulates GTP hydrolysis. Many of the residues of RGS4 that interact with Gi alpha 1 are important for GAP activity. Furthermore, optimal GAP activity appears to require the additive effects of interactions along the RGS4-G alpha interface. GAP-defective RGS4 mutants invariably were defective in binding G alpha subunits in their transition state; furthermore, the apparent strengths of GAP and binding defects were correlated. Thus, none of these residues of RGS4, including asparagine 128, the only residue positioned at the active site of Gi alpha 1, is required exclusively for catalyzing GTP hydrolysis. These results and structural data (Tesmer, J. G. G., Berman, D. M., Gilman, A. G., and Sprang, S. R. (1997) Cell 89, 251-261) indicate that RGS4 stimulates GTP hydrolysis primarily by stabilizing the transition state conformation of the switch regions of the G protein, favoring the transition state of the reactants. Therefore, although monomeric and heterotrimeric G proteins are related, their GAPs have evolved distinct mechanisms of action.
Behavioral and biochemical analysis of gaba-mediated inhibition in the early chick embryo

Exogenous gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) decreased spontaneous motility in 4-, 6-, 7-, 9-, and 13-day chick embryos; the younger embryos were more sensitive. Neither the positional isomers of GABA, alpha-aminobutyric acid (AABA) and beta-aminobutyric acid, nor the principle GABA catabolite, succinic acid, decreased motility in 4-day embryos. Several semi-rigid GABA analogues decreased motility in 4-day embryos with a potency that paralleled their effectiveness in displacing [3H]GABA in ligand-binding studies. The effects of AABA and GABA on hind-limb motility were quantitatively similar in thoracic spinal and sham-operated 7-day embryos. Bicuculline and picrotoxin elicited absolute motility increases at 6, 7 and 9 days of incubation. Picrotoxin and two bicyclophosphate GABA antagnoists elicited relative motility increases while bicuculline elicited an absolute motility increase at 4 days. The two bicyclophosphates increased motility with a potency that paralleled their electrophysiological effectiveness. L-Glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) activity was detected in the embryonic lumbar spinal cord at all ages examined (3--7 days) using a new radiometric cation-exchange method. Gamma-Aminobutyric acid transaminase (GABA-T) activity was detected in the lumbar spinal cord at the earliest age examined (day 5). Both GAD and GABA-T activity were detected at earlier ages than previously reported. GABA receptors, and the enzymes necessary for the synthesis and degradation of GABA, all appear to be present at (or before) the onset of spontaneous motility. GABA-mediated transmission appears to be present at 6 days and perhaps as early as 4 days.
An explanation for the changes in collagen in sporadic Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

There is evidence showing abnormalities in collagen from the skin of patients with sporadic Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (sALS) both from Guam and elsewhere. The non-proteinogenic amino acid beta-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) was first associated with the high incidence of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis/Parkinsonism Dementia Complex (ALS/PDC) in Guam, and has been implicated as a potential environmental factor in ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases. BMAA has a number of toxic effects on motor neurons including direct agonist action on NMDA and AMPA receptors, induction of oxidative stress, and depletion of glutathione. As a non-proteinogenic amino acid, there is also the strong possibility that BMAA could cause intraneuronal protein misfolding, the hallmark of neurodegeneration. While an animal model for BMAA-induced ALS is lacking, there is substantial evidence to support a link between this toxin and ALS. We hypothesize that the abnormalities seen in sALS collagen may result from the misincorporation of BMAA and subsequent misfolding of the collagen protein.
The role of women's therapy groups in the treatment of chemical dependence

The distinctive needs of chemically dependent women are contrasted with those of men and discussed in relationship to traditional mixed-gender therapy groups. A qualitative study of the contrasting experiences of women in mixed-gender and women-only treatment groups confirmed the hypothesis that their treatment needs are better met in the latter, and that these groups are an essential component of programs treating chemically dependent women.
Expression of S9 and actin CyIIa mRNAs reveals dorso-ventral polarity and mesodermal sublineages in the vegetal plate of the sea urchin embryo

We have used whole amount in situ hybridization to analyze the patterns of expression of two genes, S9 and actin CyIIa, during the development of the sea urchin, Strongylocentrotus purpuratus. We demonstrate that at the late blastula stage, these two mRNAs are expressed specifically by cells of the vegetal plate. Their domains of expression, however, are different. S9 mRNA is broadly distributed within most of the vegetal plate except for the central region, while CyIIa expression is restricted to a population of 10-15 cells in the ventral region of the plate. S9-expressing secondary mesenchyme cells (SMCs) migrate from the vegetal plate into the blastocoel early in gastrulation and later populate the dorsal ectoderm. The numbers, morphology, and migratory behavior of these cells strongly suggest that they are pigment cells. Throughout gastrulation, CyIIa mRNA is expressed by a population of presumptive SMCs at the ventral aspect of the archenteron tip. The pattern of expression of this mRNA is dynamic, however, and by the early pluteus stage, CyIIa mRNA accumulates in primary mesenchyme cells (PMCs), SMCs, and endodermal cells of the gut. When embryos are treated with NiCl2, a compound that has been shown to ventralize other embryonic tissues, CyIIa mRNA is expressed by an increased number of cells in the vegetal plate in a radially symmetrical pattern. The spatial pattern of CyIIa expression provides the first direct molecular evidence that the vegetal plate is polarized along the dorso-ventral (D-V) axis of the embryo. This gene product should be a valuable marker in future studies of D-V axis specification, as it can be detected at earlier developmental stages than existing molecular markers of this axis. Our observations show that the vegetal plate consists of subterritories of gene expression, and provide further support for the view that diversification of the presumptive, non-skeletogenic mesoderm begins prior to the onset of invagination.
Disulfide cross-linking reveals a site of stable interaction between C-terminal regulatory domains of the two MalK subunits in the maltose transport complex.

Understanding the structure and function of the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters is very important because defects in ABC transporters lie at the root of several serious diseases including cystic fibrosis. MalK, the ATP-binding cassette of the maltose transporter of Escherichia coli, is distinct from most other ATP-binding cassettes in that it contains an additional C-terminal regulatory domain. The published structure of a MalK dimer is elongated with C-terminal domains at opposite poles (Diederichs, K., Diez, J., Greller, G., Muller, C., Breed, J., Schnell, C., Vonrhein, C., Boos, W., and Welte, W. (2000) EMBO J. 19, 5951–5961). Some uncertainty exists as to whether the orientation of MalK in the dimer structure is correct. Superpositioning of the N-terminal domains of MalK onto the ATP-binding domains of an alternate ABC dimer, in which ATP is bound along the dimer interface between Walker A and LSGGQ motifs, places both N- and C-terminal domains of MalK along the dimer interface. Consistent with this model, a cysteine substitution at position 313 in the C-terminal domain of an otherwise cysteine-free MalK triggered disulfide bond formation between two MalK subunits in an intact maltose transporter. Disulfide bond formation did not inhibit the function of the transporter, suggesting that the C-terminal domains of MalK remain in close proximity throughout the transport cycle. Enzyme IIAglc still inhibited the ATPase activity of the disulfide-linked transporter indicating that the mechanism of inducer exclusion was unaffected. These data support a model for ATP hydrolysis in which the C-terminal domains of MalK remain in contact whereas the N-terminal domains of MalK open and close to allow nucleotide binding and dissociation.
Effect of tumor necrosis factor-α on progesterone production by granulosa cells in laying hens of different genetic lines

Abstract In vitro progesterone production by granulosa cells in the presence or absence of human recombinant tumor necrosis factor-alpha (hrTNF-α) was measured at 10, 20, and 30 wk of egg production in White Leghorn hens selected for high (HA)- or low-antibody (LA) response to sheep red blood cell challenge. Isolated granulosa cells from the three largest preovulatory follicles (F1–F3) were incubated with 5 or 250 ng/ml hrTNF-α, and progesterone production was determined by the use of a validated radioimmunoassay. F1, F2, and F3 granulosa cells from HA hens produced more (P ⩽ 0.05) progesterone (140.8, 107.2, and 49.7 ng/ml) than LA hens (109.4, 78.9, and 26.9 ng/ml). The treatment of granulosa cells with hrTNF-α consistently inhibited (P ⩽ 0.05) progesterone secretion by all follicles among HA and LA hens, but not always at both doses. Generally, 5 ng/ml hrTNF-α was the maximum inhibitory dose. In the laying hen, a decrease in steroid production in response to cytokines may upset the steroid balance created by follicular hierarchy and inhibit or delay ovulation.