cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multi-arm star polyisobutylenes: 2. The effect of synthesis conditions on the structure of star PIBs

Multi-arm star polyisobutylenes (*-(PIB)n) have been prepared by the “arm-first” method. This synthesis was accomplished by adding various linking agents (“core builders”) such as p- and m-divinylbenzene (DVB) and p- and m-diisopropenylbenzene (DIB) to living PIB® charges and thus obtaining a crosslinked aromatic core holding together a corona of well-defined arms. The products were characterized in terms of overall arm/core composition, molecular weight, and molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn). The effect of reaction conditions (time, [linking agent]/[PIB], arm molecular weight) on the kinetics of the star formation and star structure were investigated. The multi-arm star nature of *-(PIB)ns was proven directly by determining the molecular weight (by light scattering) of the intact products, selectively destroying the aromatic polyDVB (or polyDIB) core (“core-destruction”), and finally determining the molecular weight of the surviving aliphatic PIB arms. The synthetic strategy, overall kinetics, and observations during the preparation of star-PIBs were discussed. Among the critical parameters that determine product structures are the rate of crossover PIB⊕ + DVB (or DIB) PIB-DVB⊕ (or PIB-DIB⊕), the concentration of the linking agent DVB (or DIB), and the molecular weight of the PIB arm. Evidence for the formation of higher order stars (“secondary”, etc.) by star-star- coupling has been presented.
An investigation into the influence of frictionally generated surface temperatures on thermionic emission

Abstract Tribochemistry—including chemical reactions at sliding surfaces in contact—is an important factor in boundary lubrication and the formation of protective films. It is a complex subject quite different from conventional glassware studies and may involve effects of high temperatures produced by friction, the emission of charged particles and high pressure. In previous theoretical studies based on a general thermal model of sliding contact, results were presented for surface temperatures generated with pure metallic elements as well as ceramics. More recently, this model was extended to include thermionic emission of electrons. The current paper is motivated by the need to understand the connection between high surface temperatures and electron emission in sliding systems. The objectives are to examine theoretically the temperatures and resulting thermionic emission at the surface of selected sliding contact systems. Results are presented and discussed for 20 pure elements including 19 metals and 1 semi-conductor. The results of this investigation may be of value in examining and testing various film-forming hypotheses. For example, in the tribopolymerization concept of boundary lubrication, it is postulated that high surface temperatures are controlling for the surface polymerization of condensation-type monomers while the emission of low-energy electrons initiates polymerization of vinyl-type addition monomers.
Spectral Investigations Of Mars From Viking

Throughout the Viking Mission which extended from July of 1976 through July of 1980, more than two Mars years, spectral and photometric observations were made using some complement of the four, paired camera systems, two on the surface and two in orbit. Results of these studies have enabled definition of the probable composition and texture of the surface, grossly and at high resolution; determination of optical properties of the atmosphere from two vantage points and under varying conditions; and overall, a better understanding of the Martian environment.
Project First: A Case Study in Mechatronics Course Design

In many project-based mechatronic courses, the project is either a tangential part of the course or a kit is given to the students (e.g. parts of a mobile base for a robot) which they then assemble and modify as necessary. In contrast to these typical approaches, we present the design of a mechatronics course wherein the semester project pre-determines the various lab activities, which then define the ordering and content of the classroom lectures. As such, the project is the core focus of the course, and the supplied components are kept to a minimum in order to maximize the solution space and student creativity. Putting such a strong emphasis on the project requires that significant effort is invested early to select a suitable project for the semester, but once that choice is made, the remainder of the content essentially fills in automatically. In addition to the case study, we present more general rules and context which can be helpful in choosing a project and fostering a strong peer-assisted learning culture.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Large Sparse Numerical Optimization

1 Large sparse systems of linear equations.- 2 Large sparse linear least squares.- 3 Large sparse linear programming.- 4 Nonlinear equations and nonlinear least squares.- 5 Large unconstrained optimization problems.- 6 Large sparse quadratic programs.
Free-hand thoracic pedicle screws placed by neurosurgery residents: a CT analysis

Free-hand thoracic pedicle screw placement is becoming more prevalent within neurosurgery residency training programs. This technique implements anatomic landmarks and tactile palpation without fluoroscopy or navigation to place thoracic pedicle screws. Because this technique is performed by surgeons in training, we wished to analyze the rate at which these screws were properly placed by residents by retrospectively reviewing the accuracy of resident-placed free-hand thoracic pedicle screws using computed tomography imaging. A total of 268 resident-placed thoracic pedicle screws was analyzed using axial computed tomography by an independent attending neuroradiologist. Eighty-five percent of the screws were completely within the pedicle and that 15% of the screws violated the pedicle cortex. The majority of the breaches were lateral breaches between 2 and 4 mm (46%). There was no clinical evidence of neurovascular injury or injury to the esophagus. There were no re-operations for screw replacement. We concluded that under appropriate supervision, neurosurgery residents can safely place free-hand thoracic pedicle screws with an acceptable breach rate.
Effects of classroom age composition on the play and social behaviors of preschool children

Abstract Preschool children enrolled in same- and mixed-age day care classrooms were observed during free play to examine patterns of social and play behavior. In mixed-age rooms, there was more interactive-functional play, for both older and younger children, more dramatic play and negative interactions for younger children, and a tendency for older children to be onlookers. In the same-age rooms, there was more conversation and more parallel-functional interaction for both older and younger children. While previous research has emphasized the benefits of mixed-age rooms, the current research indicates that some costs may also be involved.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LEVEL AND SPEED ON TWO INTELLIGENCE TESTS

Summary. A group of first year engineering students was given the Progressive Matrices (1947) with initial and final time limits; the Nufferno Level test, with a time limit; and an objective (mathematical) test with initial and final time limits. As in a previous study, the Matrices test revealed a slow-working group which was handicapped by the time limit. On the Level test, this group completed fewer items within the time limit, but obtained as a high a Level score as the faster-working students. The group was shown to be handicapped by the time limit placed on the objective test. The implications of these results for university selection procedures, and the relevance of the personality dimension of introversion-extraversion as a possible explanatory factor for the group differences, are discussed.
American Depositary Receipts: The Performance of ADRs from the Asia-Pacific Region

ABSTRACT An important development in U.S. capital markets during the past decade has been the rapid growth of the market for American depositary receipts (ADRs). More than 1400 ADRs are now available. Of those, 40% have been issued by firms from the Asia-Pacific region. However, there has never been a rigorous examination of the nature and performance of ADRs issued by Asia-Pacific firms. The first part of this study examines patterns and trends of ADR utilization within the Asia-Pacific region: by country; by industry; by security exchange; and by “sponsorship,” i.e., the role played by the issuing company. The second part of the study examines the risk-adjusted returns which have accrued to Asia-Pacific ADRs listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the NASDAQ during the 1991–94 period.
Spirochetes in otology: Are we testing for the right pathogens?

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence rate of otosyphilis and Lyme-associated labyrinthine disease among patients presenting with idiopathic, progressive sensorineural hearing loss and, thus, to provide recommendations regarding the diagnostic workup. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective cohort study of patients presenting to a university hospital otology clinic with idiopathic, progressive sensorineural hearing loss between 1998 and 2006. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Cases in which hearing loss was clearly attributable to other causes were excluded, leaving 181 patients (mean age 55.6 years). History, physical examination, autoimmune laboratory tests, syphilis and Lyme serology, audiometric assessment, and MRI were performed in all cases. RESULTS: Nine cases (4.9%) of otosyphilis and none of Lyme disease were diagnosed by serological tests. CONCLUSION: Routine serological testing for otosyphilis, but not Lyme disease, is recommended for all cases of idiopathic, progressive sensorineural hearing loss.
White matter integrity in alcohol-naive youth with a family history of alcohol use disorders.

Author(s): Squeglia, LM; Jacobus, J; Brumback, T; Meloy, MJ; Tapert, SF | Abstract: BackgroundUnderstanding pre-existing neural vulnerabilities found in youth who are family history positive (FHP) for alcohol use disorders could help inform preventative interventions created to delay initiation age and escalation of heavy drinking. The goal of this study was to compare indices of white matter integrity using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) between FHP and family history negative (FHN) youth using a sample of 94 alcohol-naive adolescents and to examine if differences were associated with global and domain-specific cognitive functioning.MethodParticipants were 48 FHP and 46 FHN demographically matched, healthy, substance-naive 12- to 14-year-olds (54% female) recruited from local middle schools. Participants completed a neuropsychological test battery and magnetic resonance imaging session, including DTI.ResultsFHP youth had higher fractional anisotropy and axial diffusivity, and lower radial and mean diffusivity, than FHN youth in 19 clusters spanning projection, association and interhemispheric white matter tracts. Findings were replicated after controlling for age, gender, socio-economic status, grade and pubertal development. Groups did not differ significantly on global or domain-specific neuropsychological test scores.ConclusionsFHP teens showed higher white matter integrity, but similar cognitive functioning, to FHN youth. More mature neural features could be related to more precocious behaviors, such as substance use initiation, in FHP youth. Future research exploring white matter maturation before and after substance use initiation will help elucidate the neurodevelopmental trajectories in youth at risk for substance use disorders, to inform preventive efforts and better understand the sequelae of adolescent alcohol and drug use.
Characteristics and psychosocial needs of victims of violent crime identified at a public-sector hospital: data from a large clinical trial

Abstract Objective This study explores the feasibility of recruiting acutely injured public-sector crime victims into a research protocol and identifies baseline characteristics associated with posttraumatic distress in the enrolled sample ( N =541). Method Assertive research tracking methods were used to enroll participants, who completed baseline interviews. Descriptive statistics were used to define characteristics of the sample and prevalence of psychosocial problems and posttraumatic distress. Multiple regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of posttraumatic distress. Results A high percentage (78%) of eligible victims completed baseline interviews within 1 month of victimization. The sample was largely male, ethnic minority, unemployed and living below the poverty level. Trauma symptoms were highly prevalent, with three quarters having significant posttraumatic distress. Female gender, preexisting psychiatric disorder, trauma history, case management needs and employment status were predictive of greater symptomatology. Stabbing victims had lower distress. Conclusions Comprehensive mental health and case management services that proactively engage disadvantaged victims are needed to meet the complex problems of this population.
Lithium-stimulated recovery of granulopoiesis after sublethal irradiation is not mediated via increased levels of colony stimulating factor (CSF).

SummaryWe have previously demonstrated that lithium (Li) is an effective agent in accelerating the recovery of granulopoiesis following sublethal (2 Gy) whole body irradiation. In this report, studies are described that further define this Li-mediated recovery by measuring the levels of colony-stimulating factor (CSF) present in serum from mice administered 105 µg/mouse (total dose) of ultra-pure Li2CO3 for 3 days immediately following irradiation. On days 1–28 following the last lithium dose, the serum was tested for its CSF activity against both normal non-adherent derived bone marrow target cells and non-adherent marrow cells from mice administered cyclophosphamide (200 mg/kg body weight). Serum was assayed at 0·01, 0·1, 1 and 10 per cent final concentration. No significant difference in the total number of CFU-GM was observed from normal marrow using either serum from irradiated mice or lithium-treated and irradiated mice, although the irradiation did produce a 300 per cent rise in CFU-GM colonies com...
On the convergence of interior-reflective Newton methods for nonlinear minimization subject to bounds

We consider a new algorithm, an interior-reflective Newton approach, for the problem of minimizing a smooth nonlinear function of many variables, subject to upper and/or lower bounds on some of the variables. This approach generatesstrictly feasible iterates by using a new affine scaling transformation and following piecewise linear paths (reflection paths). The interior-reflective approach does not require identification of an "activity set". In this paper we establish that the interior-reflective Newton approach is globally and quadratically convergent. Moreover, we develop a specific example of interior-reflective Newton methods which can be used for large-scale and sparse problems.
Using Newsletters to Create Home–School Connections

Newsletters are often used in classrooms as a link between school and home. Too often though, newsletters flow only one way—from school to home—to inform parents of events, expectations, and classroom practices. Although this can be an effective and efficient method for keeping parents abreast of the academic life of the classroom, it misses an opportunity to contribute to a home–school partnership. When thoughtfully created, teacher-initiated newsletters benefit children, parents, and teachers alike. Teachers can actively communicate information to parents, but parents can also have the opportunity to feel connected to their children's lives inside the classroom. When a partnership between the home and school is created, children see a mutual respect develop. This article explains the benefits of using a regular classroom newsletter and provides suggestions for the creation of an effective newsletter.
Biomarkers in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: What Surgeons Need to Know

Advances in research in the field of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have led to the identification of biological and genetic markers that can assess the natural history and perhaps predict the course of an individual's disease, including response to treatments over time and postoperative course. The ever-expanding genetic and immune discoveries have improved our understanding of the variability in presentation and course in all IBD patients. It will be important moving forward to be able to better classify patients so that appropriate decisions can be made regarding choosing the right treatment for the right patient at the right time. Surgical options also remain an integral part of IBD management, but like with medications, it is important to choose the right surgery for the right patient.
Optimum Time Compression in Project Scheduling

An algorithm based on convex programming is developed for optimum time compression in network scheduling systems. The development allows for the activity time-cost trade-off functions to be any differentiable convex function. Decomposition theory is then applied to reduce the amount of computation necessary. This along with a limited number of rules to structure any incoming vector makes the algorithm amenable to time compression in large project networks.
Progress report: active knowledge structures in natural language understanding

Work on the project has concentrated in the last six months on (a) reimplementing our two semantics-based message parsers and (b) integrating them with the KR formalism we use: a form of conceptual graphs (CG) embedded in the MGR (Model Generative Reasoning) framework.
THEORETICAL COMPARISON OF THE FETI AND ALGEBRAICALLY PARTITIONED FETI METHODS, AND PERFORMANCE COMPARISONS WITH A DIRECT SPARSE SOLVER

In this paper, we prove that the AlgebraicA-FETI method corresponds to one particular instance of the original one-level FETI method. We also report on performance comparisons on an Origin 2000 between the one- and two-level FETI methods and an optimized sparse solver, for two industrial applications: the stress analysis of a thin shell structure, and that of a three-dimensional structure modelled by solid elements. These comparisons suggest that for topologically two-dimensional problems, sparse solvers are effective when the number of processors is relatively small. They also suggest that for three-dimensional applications, scalable domain decomposition methods such as FETI deliver a superior performance on both sequential and parallel hardware configurations. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantification of tartrate resistant acid phosphatase distribution in mouse tibiae using image analysis

Tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity of bone is a suitable biochemical marker for osteoclastic bone resorption. Qualitatively, the histochemical distribution of TRAP has been used to identify osteoclasts responsible for bone resorption; however, there have been few attempts to quantify TRAP localization. We describe a method for evaluating bone resorption by quantifying area percentages of positive TRAP localization using image analysis. Mouse tibiae were paraffin embedded following demineralization in disodium ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid. Longitudinal sections of tibia were cut from 15 levels in the left and the right limbs of six mice (180 sections total) and stained for TRAP distribution. Positive TRAP localization was quantified by pixel area count and reported as a percentage of the total tissue area specified. The 1.85 mm2 region of interest was placed at the midpoint of the epiphyseal growth plate containing the provisional calcification layer and the primary spongiosa, while excluding cortical bone of each mouse tibia. The percentage of TRAP localization ranged from 0.95 to 1.31% and was not significantly different from level to level or limb to limb in each mouse (p > 0.100). Within the same region of interest, an osteoclast count along the bone perimeter also was performed. We demonstrated a strong correlation (r2 = 0.903) between the conventional histomorphometric osteoclast index and positive TRAP localization, validating the latter as an alternative method to assess bone resorption. Quantitative analysis of TRAP is significant because it allows statistical comparisons between treatment groups, promotes precise pathological diagnoses and facilitates a reference data base that may aid the study of bone related diseases involving increased bone resorption.
Transmission electron microscopy of reaction-bonded silicon nitride☆

Abstract Reaction-bonded silicon nitride was prepared for transmission electron microscopy by ion beam milling. The structures of three morphological forms were investigated: α-needles, α-matte, and β-grains. The α-needles were found to either have helical bands of impurity segregation or crystalline cores surrounded by noncrystalline sheaths. The α-matte consisted of fine grains (
Supercontinuum generated by ultrashort resonant pulses

Abstract In this letter we investigate the spectral distribution generated by the passage of an ultrashort pulse in a thin two-level resonant system. The shape and extent of the supercontinuum are obtained for large amplitude pulses whose duration is much shorter than the system relaxation time.
Structural Health Monitoring of Bridges Using Wireless Sensor Network

The objective of this research is to monitor the structural health of an urban bridge real-time in the City of Youngstown, OH, by applying new technologies involving acceleration sensors, wireless networks, internet web services, Java SunSPOTs and embedded systems. The research was aimed to assessing the current structural health and future performance of the bridge with any immediate repair or replacement needs. A total of 8 wireless accelerometer Java SunSPOT Sensors, developed by Sun Microsystems (now part of Oracle), were customized and deployed at structurally critical locations on the bridge. Acceleration data were collected via real-time wireless sensor network. Later the acceleration data were analyzed to assess the structural condition of the bridge.
Immunostimulatory properties of genomic DNA from different bacterial species

Abstract Bacterial DNA has potent immunological properties because of its content of immunostimulatory sequences centering on CpG motifs. To investigate whether DNA from various bacterial species differ in these properties, the activity of a panel of DNA was assessed in in vitro cultures of murine spleen cells. This panel varied in base composition and included DNA from Clostridium perfringens (CP), Escherichia coli (EC), Micrococcus lysodeikticus (MC), Staphylococcus aureus (SA), , as a mammalian DNA control, calf thymus (CT) DNA. In assays of IL-12 and IFN-γ production as well as B cell mitogenesis, these DNA showed marked differences in their immunostimulatory activity. For both cytokine and B cell responses, EC DNA demonstrated the highest activity while CP DNA had the lowest activity among the bacterial DNA. To determine whether differences in stimulatory capacity resulted from differences in cell uptake, the activity of DNA complexed with lipof ectin was tested. While the addition of lipof ectin to DNA increased stimulation by all DNA, it did not change the relative potency of the DNA tested. These results indicate that bacterial DNA differ in their immunostimulatory capacity, most likely reflecting their content of CpG motifs. These differences could affect the induction of innate immunity as well as the consequences of infection.
ON GENERALIZED FRACTIONAL PROCESSES – A CORRECTION

. A sign error in the proof of Theorem 3 of the paper by Gray et al. (1989) slightly changes a result of that theorem. In this correction we note the error along with the resulting changes that should be made in the results and the proof of the theorem. Additionally, another minor error in the proof is noted which does not effect the result.
First‐principles enthalpy landscape analysis of structural recovery in glasses

The enthalpy landscape is used to derive from first principles the departure functions that quantify structural recovery and aging in glassy materials. The departure functions are identical in form to the phenomenological Kovacs–Aklonis–Hutchinson–Ramos model departure functions, but with the important difference is that the relaxation times do not depend on the instantaneous structure (e.g., volume). This first-principles derivation elucidates a number of experimental observations in glassy materials, including the asymmetry of approach, the effective relaxation-rate paradox, and the different time dependences for volume and enthalpy recovery. Example results that qualitatively display these phenomena are obtained with a simple enthalpy landscape. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 41: 2302–2306, 2003
Inhibition of rubella virus-specific RNA synthesis by interferon.

SummaryThe effect of interferon (IF) on rubella virus (RV) replication in Vero tissue culture cells was investigated. Viral-specific RNA components were synthesized in RV-infected Vero cells in the presence of actinomycin D. The synthesis of these RNA species was shown to be inhibited by IF.
Smooth tube friction and heat transfer in laminar and transitional flow

Abstract An experimental investigation of pressure drop and heat transfer for laminar and transitional flow of air was made. The effect of wall cooling or fluid heating on pressure drop is most significant within the transition region and depends, to a marked extent, on the magnitude of the heat input. For heat transfer, the Nusselt number is directly proportional to the square root of the Reynolds number. The experimental results of previous investigators support the sol1 2 power dependence of the Nusselt number on the Reynolds number. Explicit relationships between laminar friction factor and heat transfer are established.
Family-Centered Practices and American Sign Language (ASL) Challenges and Recommendations

Families with children who are deaf face many important decisions, especially the mode(s) of communication their children will use. The purpose of this focus group study was to better understand the experiences and recommendations of families who chose American Sign Language (ASL) as their primary mode of communication and to identify strategies that empowered or hindered feelings of acceptance and belonging with regard to their deafness and use of ASL. Results from two focus groups with a total of 10 participants indicate a need for continued professional development about the complexities of self-identity, Deaf culture, and modes of communication for families with ASL users. Strategies to help professionals strengthen family-centered practices within special education services are emphasized.
Relationship of academic success of medical students with motivation and pre-admission grades.

Objective: To determine predictive validity of pre-admission scores of medical students, evaluate correlation between level of motivation and later on academic success in a medical college. Study Design: Analytical study.
An African-Centered Perspective on White Supremacy:

This article engages the idea of White supremacy and its ideological com- panion, racism, from the standpoint of critical analysis. What this article seeks to do is to reveal the nature of White supremacy as it has operated in the United States and in the United Kingdom. Using an African-centered paradigm, the article demonstrates that the existence of White supremacy marginalizes African people within both societies. Only by utilizing an agency analysis where Africans see themselves as subjects can White supremacy be overcome. White nationalism was the basis of (European) slavery, and eventu- ally, when slavery reached a saturation point, white nationalism invented another form of slavery called colonialism. And after colo- nialism they computerized colonialism with a form of racism. —Clarke (1991, p. 268) Throughout the last four and a half centuries, racism and white supremacy have continually threatened the existence of African people before, during, and after enslavement. These threats have forced Africans to modify their beliefs, thoughts, and behavior in order to survive on a planet where they are regarded as "Third World" people. Those who now claim to be members of "First World" are actually late comers to the human family.
Rule-dependent prefrontal cortex activity across episodic and perceptual decisions: An fmri investigation of the criterial classification account

Although lateral prefrontal cortex (LPFC) is clearly involved in decision-making, competing functional characterizations exist. One characterization posits that activation reflects the need to select among competing representations. In contrast, recent fMRI research suggests that activation is driven by the criterial classification of representations, even with minimal competition. To adjudicate between these hypotheses, we used event-related fMRI and contrasted tasks that required different numbers of criterial classifications prior to response in both perceptual and memory domains. Additionally, we manipulated the level of interstimulus competition by increasing the number of probes. Experiment 1 demonstrated that LPFC activation tracked the number of intermediate classifications during trials yet was insensitive to the number of competing probes and the behavioral decline accompanying competition. Furthermore, Experiment 2 demonstrated equivalent increases in LPFC activation for a task requiring two overt criterial classifications (independent classification) and one requiring two covert criterial classifications prior to the single overt response (same-different judgment). As found in Experiment 1, both tasks showed greater activation than a judgment requiring only one classification act (forced choice). These data indicate that LPFC responses reflect the number of executed criterial classifications or judgments, independent of the number of competing stimuli and the overt response demands of the decision task.
Toward an Understanding of Family Planning Behaviors: An Initial Investigation1

Based on a theoretical model developed by Fishbein (1972), a questionnaire was administered to 73 female college students to test the hypotheses that (1) behavioral intention (BI) to use birth control pills is a function of (a) one's attitude toward the act (A-act) of using birth control pills and/or (b) one's normative beliefs weighted by one's motivation to comply with those perceived norms (ΣNB(Mc)); and (2) A-act of using birth control pills is a function of (or is highly correlated with) the sum of one's beliefs about the consequences of using birth control pills times the evaluation of those beliefs (ΣBiai). In support of the hypotheses, (1) the multiple correlation between the two components of the model and BI was significant (R= 335, p < .01); and (2) the correlation between XBiui and A-act was significant (r= .792, p < .01).
Burden and Economic Cost of Group A Streptococcal Pharyngitis

OBJECTIVE. Our aim was to describe the morbidity, medical costs, and nonmedical costs associated with group A streptococcal pharyngitis in school-aged children. METHODS. Our study population included parents of children diagnosed as having group A streptococcal pharyngitis at 2 pediatric practice sites in the Boston, Massachusetts, metropolitan area. Telephone interviews were conducted with parents of eligible children, who were asked questions about health care utilization, medications, and time missed from work or school, for calculation of medical and nonmedical costs associated with illness. RESULTS. One hundred thirty-five parents completed interviews between October 2005 and January 2006. Older children were significantly more likely to present with headache, compared with those ≤5 years of age. No significant differences between older and younger children were found for rates of sore throat, fever, abdominal pain/nausea/vomiting, or rash. Children missed a mean of 1.9 days (range: 0–7 days) of school/day care, and 42% of parents missed a mean of 1.8 days of work. A second parent or caregiver also missed a mean of 1.5 days in 14% of families. The total societal cost per case of group A streptococcal pharyngitis was $205 (medical: $118; nonmedical: $87). CONCLUSIONS. The societal cost of group A streptococcal pharyngitis is substantial, with almost one half being attributable to nonmedical costs. Through extrapolation from this experience, the total cost of group A streptococcal pharyngitis among children in the United States ranges from $224 to $539 million per year.
Osteonecrosis of The Jaw: Dental Outcomes in Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients Treated With Bisphosphonates With/Without Bevacizumab

The etiology, optimal management, and outcome of osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) are not well understood. Because healing after mucosal trauma requires revascularization, theoretically, the combination of bevacizumab (bev) and a bisphosphonate (BP) could affect the time to development of ONJ and/or the response to dental therapy. We reviewed all cases of ONJ in metastatic breast cancer patients treated at our institution with bev+BPs and BPs alone between October 2002 and April 2010. We identified 27 ONJ patients with a median age of 57 years (range, 40 to 68 years). Seven patients received bev+BPs; 20 patients received BPs alone. Patients received intravenous zolendronate (95%), pamidronate (20%), or both (15%). Patients were treated with antibiotics (93%), alveoplasty/debridement (67%), and chlorhexidine scrub (81%). There was no difference in dental treatment between the groups or by the year of diagnosis (before 2007 versus 2007-2010). Complete resolution (CR) was achieved in 24% of all patients; 33% treated with bev+BPs, and 21% treated with BPs alone. Rates of CR improved from 15% to 33% after 2007. The median time to response was 5.6 months (range, 1.3 to 67.5 months). The addition of bev to BPs did not appear to alter the time to development of ONJ (32.6 months versus 34.6 months, respectively). The number of BP treatments administered before the diagnosis of ONJ between bev+BPs and BPs (32 doses versus 36.5 doses) was similar. However, our sample size was too small to characterize the difference statistically. Because dental management of ONJ has not changed over time at our institute, early recognition and screening may account for the improvement in dental outcomes.
A prospective, randomized, comparative trial of a COX-2 selective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug versus placebo in inguinal herniorrhaphy patients

Objective The standard opioid treatment for postoperative pain can be associated with nausea, vomiting, and constipation. In addition, opioids often provide insufficient pain relief. The purpose of this study was to compare postoperative pain and functional outcomes in patients undergoing inguinal herniorrhaphy who receive a COX-2 selective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (COX-2) or placebo preoperatively and for 4 days postoperatively.
A new family of microcontrollers simplify aerospace communications systems

Recent advances in very large scale integrated (VLSI) semiconductors have led to a family of advanced microcontrollers that can be of great benefit to designers of aerospace communications systems. This paper discusses some of the important technological breakthroughs made possible by the alliance of IBM, Motorola and Apple Computer, that culminated in the PowerPC microprocessor. This architecture is now being used in a new, powerful family of communications controllers that are described in this paper. The Motorola MPC860, also referred to as the Power QUICC, is a new family of high-speed communications controllers designed for a wide range of data communication applications. This family currently includes five devices. Typical aerospace applications include navigation and control systems, local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), bridges, routers and digital voice/data systems for aircraft and spacecraft. This new PowerPC-based family of microcontrollers can greatly improve and simplify the design of aerospace communications systems. The MPC860 family combines a PowerPC core processor in conjunction with a powerful communications module on the same die. The PowerPC, a reduced instruction set computing (RISC) processor, is one of the most powerful processors available today. The communications processor, also of a RISC-based design, automatically handles various communication protocols. To help promote cost-effective designs, each chip includes additional system functions such as a memory controller and a PCMCIA interface. Members of the family offer various combinations of the number of serial communications channels (10 megabits per second each) and available communication protocols. This paper presents a brief review of the development of the PowerPC Architecture and describes the innovations made by the unique PowerPC design team composed of Apple, IBM and Motorola employees at the Somerset Design Center in Austin, Texas. The MPC860 is then described and a number of typical aerospace applications are explored.
Comparison of behavioral and physiological responses of dogs wearing two different types of collars

Physiological and behavioral responses of dogs while wearing two different types of collars were compared: a traditional buckle nylon neck collar, and a newly developed nylon head collar. Before and following tests of obedience training and restraint, measurements were made of blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate and pupillary dilation to compare quantitative and qualitative measures of behavior during physiological measurements and during the tests of responses to training. Plasma ACTH and cortisol levels were measured at the conclusion of testing. Results indicated no significant differences in the physiological responses to the two types of collars. There was a trend for physiological responses to diminish during the course of the testing with both collars which indicated a physiological accommodation to handling and training. Evaluation of behavioral responses indicated that during testing dogs were more unruly and disobedient and pulled on the leash while wearing traditional neck collars, but pawed at their noses more and watched the handler less while wearing head collars. The dogs more frequently lowered their heads and ears when wearing the head collar. Owners of dogs wearing head collars may be interested to know that their dogs are not physiologically stressed when the collars are initially applied, despite nose pawing. q 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Recognition, pathophysiology, and management of acute myocardial infarction

New insights into the pathophysiology of atherosclerotic plaques leading to acute myocardial infarction (MI) are discussed, along with new diagnostic and treatment strategies. Ischemic heart disease represents a continuum from stable angina to unstable angina to non-Q-wave MI to Q-wave MI. Patients whose angina becomes unstable are classified as having acute coronary syndrome (ACS). It was formerly believed that thrombosis leading to critical occlusion of coronary arteries at the site of atherosclerotic plaque rupture was the common cause of ischemic heart disease. It is now thought that even lesions that do not critically occlude coronary arteries can cause MI. ACS can be caused by the rupture of an unstable atherosclerotic plaque. Vulnerable plaques are usually those causing only mild to moderate stenosis and having a lipid-rich core and a thin, macrophage-dense, collagen-poor fibrous cap. Factors affecting plaque rupture include mechanical injury, circadian rhythm, inflammation, and infection. Progressive thrombosis and vasospasm may follow plaque rupture. The diagnosis of MI starts with the recognition of symptoms of myocardial ischemia that are new or different from the usual pattern. Agents used to prevent or treat plaque rupture and its complications include thrombolytics, antiplatelet agents, antithrombotics, beta-blockers, angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, and nitrates. Once patients survive the acute phase of MI, long-term therapy for prevention of future events begins. Post-MI patients should receive aspirin, beta-blockers, and an ACE inhibitor indefinitely; modification of cardiovascular risk factors is also important. Greater understanding of the pathophysiology of ACS has led to strategies to limit the progression of atherosclerosis and to improve survival and function after an acute event.
Inhibition of Topoisomerase (DNA) I (TOP1): DNA Damage Repair and Anticancer Therapy

Most chemotherapy regimens contain at least one DNA-damaging agent that preferentially affects the growth of cancer cells. This strategy takes advantage of the differences in cell proliferation between normal and cancer cells. Chemotherapeutic drugs are usually designed to target rapid-dividing cells because sustained proliferation is a common feature of cancer [1,2]. Rapid DNA replication is essential for highly proliferative cells, thus blocking of DNA replication will create numerous mutations and/or chromosome rearrangements—ultimately triggering cell death [3]. Along these lines, DNA topoisomerase inhibitors are of great interest because they help to maintain strand breaks generated by topoisomerases during replication. In this article, we discuss the characteristics of topoisomerase (DNA) I (TOP1) and its inhibitors, as well as the underlying DNA repair pathways and the use of TOP1 inhibitors in cancer therapy.
Dual stream input for pointing and scrolling

To find ways to improve users' performance of tasks that involve both scrolling and pointing, we studied three dual-stream input methods, with one stream for pointing and one for scrolling. The results showed that a mouse augmented with a tracking wheel did not outperform the conventional single stream mouse. Two other methods, a mouse with an isometric rate-control joystick and a two handed system significantly improved users' performance.
Clonal origin of chemically induced papillomas: separate analysis of epidermal and dermal components

A fundamental prediction of the hypothesis that critical events in tumour formation are rare is that the tumours develop by clonal expansion. This prediction has been tested by establishing the isozyme content of tumours induced in mosaic animals whose normal tissues contain two distinguishable isozyme activities. The observation that tumours contain activity associated with one or other of the two cell types present in non-neoplastic tissue has been taken to support the contention that the tumours are clonal in origin. Conversely, the presence of both isozyme activities has been taken to mean that the tumours are derived from a large number of cells. There are conflicting reports concerning the clonal origins of chemically induced epidermal tumours. In this report we present evidence that permits a critical resolution of this controversy. The neoplastic epidermal component of the tumours in mosaic animals was separated from the non-neoplastic dermal components. The neoplastic components were derived exclusively from one or other of the cell lineages present within the mosaic, while the dermal non-neoplastic tissue was shown to be derived from both cell lineages. The data support the view that, irrespective of dose or type of carcinogen, the neoplastic portion of a tumour is clonally derived and that analysis of unseparated tumours is confounded by non-neoplastic dermal tissue. The patch size (number of cells in aggregates of like cell type) was established in the target tissue, isolated epidermis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Modified transfer matrix formulation for bragg grating strain sensors

This paper presents a formulation for the application of the transfer matrix method to Bragg grating strain sensors. A modified T-matrix representation is detailed for the sensor problem based on an effective period derived from the coupling coefficients. This modified T-matrix formulation is shown to converge to the coupled-mode equations solution for a large number of grating segments, even in the presence of significant strain gradients. Several numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the importance of inclusion of the strain gradient in the calculation. In addition, the current formulation is validated by application to previously published experimental data.
Disruption of the COP9 signalosome Csn2 subunit in mice causes deficient cell proliferation, accumulation of p53 and cyclin E, and early embryonic death

Csn2 (Trip15/Cops2/Alien) encodes the second subunit of the COP9 signalosome (CSN), an eight-subunit heteromeric complex homologous to the lid subcomplex of the 26S proteasome. CSN is a regulator of SCF (Skp1-cullin-F-box protein)ubiquitin ligases, mostly through the enzymatic activity that deconjugates the ubiquitin-like protein Nedd8 from the SCF Cul1 component. In addition, CSN associates with protein kinase activities targeting p53, c-Jun, and IkappaB for phosphorylation. Csn2 also interacts with and regulates a subset of nuclear hormone receptors and is considered a novel corepressor. We report that targeted disruption of Csn2 in mice caused arrest of embryo development at the peri-implantation stage. Csn2(-/-) blastocysts failed to outgrow in culture and exhibited a cell proliferation defect in inner cell mass, accompanied by a slight decrease in Oct4. In addition, lack of Csn2 disrupted the CSN complex and resulted in a drastic increase in cyclin E, supporting a role for CSN in cooperating with the SCF-ubiquitin-proteasome system to regulate protein turnover. Furthermore, Csn2(-/-) embryos contained elevated levels of p53 and p21, which may contribute to premature cell cycle arrest of the mutant.
Study of Horizontally Oriented Ice Crystals with CALIPSO Observations and Comparison with Monte Carlo Radiative Transfer Simulations

AbstractData from the Cloud–Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP) indicate that horizontally oriented ice crystals (HOIC) occur frequently in both ice and mixed-phase clouds. When compared with the case for clouds consisting of randomly oriented ice crystals (ROIC), lidar measurements from clouds with HOIC, such as horizontally oriented hexagonal plates or columns, have stronger backscatter signals and smaller depolarization ratio values. In this study, a 3D Monte Carlo model is developed for simulating the CALIOP signals from clouds consisting of a mixture of quasi HOIC and ROIC. With CALIOP’s initial orientation with a pointing angle of 0.3° off nadir, the integrated attenuated backscatter is linearly related to the percentage of HOIC but is negatively related to the depolarization ratio. At a later time in the CALIOP mission, the pointing angle of the incident beam was changed to 3° off nadir to minimize the signal from HOIC. In this configuration, both the backscatter and the depolarizat...
Symptoms associated with the menstrual cycle and the effects thereon of ovarian therapy

Abstract The “flash” symptom in women may serve as a guide to the therapy in clinical conditions generally recognized as neuroses. We have indicated three quite similar symptom complexes linked by this common denominator; and after a study of the effects of the administration of desiccated whole ovary upon these conditions have been most favorably impressed with the value of this therapy.
Neptune's cosmic ray cutoff

The Voyager 2 cosmic ray experiment observed the signature of a magnetic cutoff of cosmic ray protons immediately after the closest approach to Neptune. The cutoff signature shows that the simultaneous observation of a trapped particle dropout could not have occurred at high magnetic latitudes, but is likely to be a drift shadow of the planet caused by the large offset of the particle drift shells. The OTD2 dipole model of Neptune's magnetic field predicts a drift shadow at approximately the correct times. In addition, the cutoff signature is similar to that predicted by the OTD2 model, although the model is not accurate throughout the observation period. The similarity is consistent with small estimated corrections to the predicted signature based on the locally observed magnetic field values, indicating that the L shell values derived from the model are approximately valid after the closest approach time.