cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Differential distribution of the JC virus receptor-type sialic acid in normal human tissues.

JC virus (JCV), a member of the polyomavirus family, causes a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) in humans known as progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. Although glial cells are the principal target of JCV productive infection in progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy patients, little is known regarding the site of JCV persistence and the mechanisms by which the virus spreads to the CNS to cause disease. Previous work has demonstrated the presence of replicating JCV DNA in B lymphocytes from peripheral blood, tonsil, and spleen and it has been hypothesized that lymphocytes may be one site of JCV persistence. Detection of viral gene products in renal tubules and excretion of JC virions in the urine suggests JCV persistence in the kidney. A respiratory route of viral transmission has also been hypothesized implicating the lung as another possible site of persistent JCV infection. Earlier studies from our laboratory have shown that terminal α2,6-linked sialic acid is a critical component of the JCV receptor. In this report we examined the tissue distribution of this JCV receptor-type sialic acid in a panel of normal human tissues. Our results demonstrate that in normal brain JCV receptor-type sialic acids are expressed on oligodendrocytes and astrocytes, but not on cortical neurons. The receptor-type sialic acid is also more highly expressed on B lymphocytes than on T lymphocytes in normal human spleen and tonsil. In addition, both the kidney and lung express abundant levels of α2-6-linked sialic acids. Our data show a striking correlation between the expression of the JCV receptor-type sialic acid on cells and their susceptibility to infection by the virus. These findings also support the hypothesis of JCV persistence in lymphoid tissue and B-cell-facilitated viral dissemination to the CNS.
Measurements of the average properties of a suspension of bubbles rising in a vertical channel

Experiments were performed in a vertical channel to study the behaviour of a monodisperse bubble suspension for which the dual limit of large Reynolds number and small Weber number was satisfied. Measurements of the liquid-phase velocity fluctuations were obtained with a hot-wire anemometer. The gas volume fraction, bubble velocity, bubble velocity fluctuations and bubble collision rate were measured using a dual impedance probe. Digital image analysis was performed to quantify the small polydispersity of the bubbles as well as the bubble shape.A rapid decrease in bubble velocity with bubble concentration in very dilute suspensions is attributed to the effects of bubble–wall collisions. The more gradual subsequent hindering of bubble motion is in qualitative agreement with the predictions of Spelt & Sangani (1998) for the effects of potential-flow bubble–bubble interactions on the mean velocity. The ratio of the bubble velocity variance to the square of the mean is O(0.1). For these conditions Spelt & Sangani predict that the homogeneous suspension will be unstable and clustering into horizontal rafts will take place. Evidence for bubble clustering is obtained by analysis of video images. The fluid velocity variance is larger than would be expected for a homogeneous suspension and the fluid velocity frequency spectrum indicates the presence of velocity fluctuations that are slow compared with the time for the passage of an individual bubble. These observations provide further evidence for bubble clustering.
Usual Intake of Added Sugars and Lipid Profiles Among the U.S. Adolescents: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2005–2010

Abstract Purpose Although studies suggest that higher consumption of added sugars is associated with cardiovascular risk factors in adolescents, none have adjusted for measurement errors or examined its association with the risk of dyslipidemia. Methods We analyzed data of 4,047 adolescents aged 12–19 years from the 2005–2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a nationally representative, cross-sectional survey. We estimated the usual percentage of calories (%kcal) from added sugars using up to two 24-hour dietary recalls and the National Cancer Institute method to account for measurement error. Results The average usual %kcal from added sugars was 16.0%. Most adolescents (88.0%) had usual intake of ≥10% of total energy, and 5.5% had usual intake of ≥25% of total energy. After adjustment for potential confounders, usual %kcal from added sugars was inversely associated with high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and positively associated with triglycerides (TGs), TG-to-HDL ratio, and total cholesterol (TC) to HDL ratio. Comparing the lowest and highest quintiles of intake, HDLs were 49.5 (95% confidence interval [CI], 47.4–51.6) and 46.4 mg/dL (95% CI, 45.2–47.6; p = .009), TGs were 85.6 (95% CI, 75.5–95.6) and 101.2 mg/dL (95% CI, 88.7–113.8; p = .037), TG to HDL ratios were 2.28 (95% CI, 1.84–2.70) and 2.73 (95% CI, 2.11–3.32; p = .017), and TC to HDL ratios were 3.41 (95% CI, 3.03–3.79) and 3.70 (95% CI, 3.24–4.15; p = .028), respectively. Comparing the highest and lowest quintiles of intake, adjusted odds ratio of dyslipidemia was 1.41 (95% CI, 1.01–1.95). The patterns were consistent across sex, race/ethnicity, and body mass index subgroups. No association was found for TC, low-density lipoprotein, and non-HDL cholesterol. Conclusions Most U.S. adolescents consumed more added sugars than recommended for heart health. Usual intake of added sugars was significantly associated with several measures of lipid profiles.
The regulation of mutilated primordia in Tubularia

Nach Entfernung eines Teiles des Hydrantprimordiums beiTubularia kann die zuruckbleibende Portion degenerieren und abgeworfen werden, sie kann mit einer gewissen Wahrscheinlichkeit einer mehr oder weniger vollstandigen Resorption unterliegen oder einer mehr oder weniger vollstandigen Zuruckdifferenzierung (Auflosung) verfallen, oder sie kann auch bestehen bleiben und den verloren gegangenen Teil von ihrem distalen Bezirk aus entweder vor oder nach seinem Auftauchen aus dem Perisark ersetzen. Das Ergebnis hangt in jedem einzelnen Falle sehr wesentlich von dem Entwicklungsstadium des Primordiums zur Zeit der Operation und von dem Niveau des Schnittes ab.
Presenting the peer paper

Some methods beyond the conventional public speaking art are presented which address the major deficiencies observed in the presentation of technical papers. Problems addressed are lack of excitement, poor control of time, unreadable visuals, bewildering complexity, poor question conduct, and abusing an invitation.
Parameter design tradeoff between prediction performance and training time for Ridge-SVM

It is well known that the accuracy of classifiers strongly depends on the distribution of the data. Consequently, a versatile classifier with a broad range of design parameters is better able to cope with various scenarios encountered in real-world applications. Kung [1] [2] [3] presented such a classifier named Ridge-SVM which incorporates the advantages of both Kernel Ridge Regression and Support Vector Machines by combining their regularization mechanisms for enhancing robustness. In this paper this novel classifier was tested on four different datasets and an optimal combination of parameters was identified. Furthermore, the influence of the parameter choice on the training time was quantified and methods to efficiently tune the parameters are presented. This prior knowledge about how each parameter influences the training is especially important for big data applications where the training time becomes the bottleneck as well as for applications in which the algorithm is regularly trained on new data.
Stability of boson stars

Boson stars are gravitationally bound, spherically symmetric equilibrium configurations of cold, free, or interacting complex scalar fields \ensuremath{\varphi}. As these equilibrium configurations naturally present local anisotropy, it is sensible to expect departures from the well-known stability criteria for fluid stars. With this in mind, I investigate the dynamical instability of boson stars against charge-conserving, small radial perturbations. Following the method developed by Chandrasekhar, a variational base for determining the eigenfrequencies of the perturbations is found. This approach allows one to find numerically an upper bound for the central density where dynamical instability occurs. As applications of the formalism, I study the stability of equilibrium configurations obtained both for the free and for the self-interacting [with V(\ensuremath{\varphi})=(\ensuremath{\lambda}/4)\ensuremath{\Vert}\ensuremath{\varphi}${\ensuremath{\Vert}}^{4}$] massive scalar field \ensuremath{\varphi}. Instabilities are found to occur not for the critical central density as in fluid stars but for central densities considerably higher. The departure from the results for fluid stars is sensitive to the coupling \ensuremath{\lambda}; the higher the value of \ensuremath{\lambda}, the more the stability properties of boson stars approach those of a fluid star. These results are linked to the fractional anisotropy at the radius of the configuration.
Shattering the Myth of Invulnerability: Exploring the Prevention Needs of Sexual Minority Women Living with HIV/AIDS

Developing effective safer-sex programs for women living with HIV/AIDS (WLH/A) is a national HIV prevention priority. Existing programs focus predominantly on heterosexual women's experiences and ignore the needs of sexual minority women (SMW). Thus, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 16 sexual minority WLH/A to better understand their sexual risk behaviors and corresponding HIV prevention needs. Most of the interviewees were African American (75%) and poor (75%). We used strategies of Grounded Theory to code the interviews for key themes, which included the following: differences between relationships, risk, and protective behaviors in male and female relationships; links between substance abuse and unsafe sex; need for safer-sex or prevention programs to address SMW-specific skills and topics; and the importance of addressing women's resiliency and the social context of women's risk in prevention programs. Conclusions include concrete suggestions to make safer-sex programs more responsive to t...
In search of treatment longevity—a 30-year perspective

This review presents current data about longevity of posterior restorations, and provides guidelines for future study. The decision that a restoration has failed and requires replacement draws on individual clinical judgment that is variable and poorly defined.
MO‐D‐M100F‐04: In‐Room Imaging for Treatment of Lung and Breast Cancer

New in‐room IGRT techniques for treatment of targets in and around the lungs allow margin reduction compared to the use of more traditional MV radiographic verification techniques. Unlike targets in the head & neck, liver or prostate, the lung is interesting in that tumors are frequently easily visualized so that the use of surrogates is not always necessary. This is particularly true for volume imaging devices that can produce thin sections through the patient in various different orientations. These devices include diagnostic quality helical CT scanners placed in the treatment room in close proximity to the treatment unit as well as various MV or kV Computer Tomography approaches that use the capabilities of or simply attach to the treatment unit structure. Devices that use kV photons to produce dual stereoscopic 2D views of the patient do not allow such easy visualization of lesions in the lungs, but they are extremely helpful when reliable anatomic surrogates can be identified, or when fiducial markers can be surgically placed to identify the target position. Hypofractionated dose schedules are gaining popularity for treatment of some early diagnosed non‐small cell lungcancers. Treating these tumors to a high dose in just a few fractions is challenging in that field placement is critical. In‐room IGRT has played an important role in positioning these treatment fields with the required accuracy. Treating the breast, another structure in the thorax region, presents a somewhat different challenge in that this part of the patient's anatomy is hard to reproducibly position for each day of treatment. In‐room IGRT can also be used to advantage to treat this structure. This is particularly true for the boost portion of the treatment. Treating in or near the thorax is complicated by the fact that targets can move as a result of respiratory and/or cardiac motion. When breath hold, abdominal compression to damp a tumor's trajectory, target tracking, or treatment unit gating techniques are employed to control the effects of respiratory motion, using IGRT to verify patient positioning prior to treatment will not necessarily guarantee acceptable tumor targeting during dose delivery. However, the use of real time in‐room kV and MV fluoroscopy can provide extra information that is useful for this level of verification. Using the new IGRT techniques does not assure that apertures are correct in terms of either their shape or orientation. Thus, it is important to combine the new IGRT techniques with the older standard approach. That is, portal imaging using the MV beam and treatment apertures remains an important step in the overall QA process. 1. To understand the design, functioning, advantages, and limitations of the different IGRT systems used for treating in and around the thorax region. 2. To understand how different IGRT systems can be used to provide the information needed to target moving lesions in the thorax region. 3. To understand the workflow issues for IGRT used to treat targets in the thorax.
Mechanisms of excitability in the thalamocortical circuit

The thalamocortical system consists of widespread excitatory connections between cortical and subcortical structures. Synaptic excitation and inhibition play subcircuit-specific roles in its function. Generalized absence seizures result from either increased/decreased inhibition or excitation, depending on the subcircuit, yet a common feature of absence seizures in thalamus is net increased inhibition, with therapeutic implications. For an expanded treatment of this topic see Jasper's Basic Mechanisms of the Epilepsies, Fourth Edition (Noebels JL, Avoli M, Rogawski MA, Olsen RW, Delgado-Escueta AV, eds) published by Oxford University Press (available on the National Library of Medicine Bookshelf [NCBI] at www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books).
Point-of-Care Child Psychiatry Expertise: The Massachusetts Child Psychiatry Access Project

OBJECTIVE: Since 2005, after a pilot program, the Massachusetts Child Psychiatry Access Project (MCPAP) has provided point-of-care psychiatry expertise and referral assistance by telephone to primary care providers. We examined its adoption and use and the practice characteristics associated with different adoption timelines and use patterns. METHODS: We merged data on calls to MCPAP in 2005 to 2011 with practice data (enrollment year, panel size, regional team assignment). We categorized practices’ days from enrollment to first call (adoption) (0–100, 101–365, >365 days) and quartile of call frequency (use) (annual highest, middle, and lowest quartiles of number of calls per 1000 empanelled patients). We determined associations between adoption and use and practice characteristics using multivariate models. RESULTS: Among 285 practices, adoption and use varied: 55% called 0 to 100 days from enrollment and 16% called >365 days from enrollment. Practices in the highest quartile of use made a mean 15.5 calls/year per 1000 patients, whereas the lowest quartile made 0.4 calls/year per 1000 patients. Adoption within 100 days was associated with enrollment during or after 2007 (odds ratio [OR] 4.09, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.23–7.49) and assignment to the team at the pilot site (OR 4.42, 95% CI 2.16–9.04 for central Massachusetts). Highest-quartile use was associated with team assignment (OR 3.58, 95% CI 1.86–6.87 for central Massachusetts) and panel size (OR 0.10, 95% CI 0.03–0.31 for ≥10 000 vs CONCLUSIONS: Adoption and use of MCPAP varied widely. Timing of enrollment, assignment to the team from the program’s pilot site, and panel size were associated with patterns of adoption and use. Findings may help other programs design effective implementation strategies.
Aids-related non-hodgkin's lymphoma: The outcome and efficacy of radiation therapy

The records of all 16 patients with AIDS-related lymphoma treated with radiation therapy at our institutions were reviewed. All patients were male with a median age of 32 years, and all but one had biopsy proven high-grade NHL. Eleven had lymphoma involving the central nervous system and five had lymphoma involving other sites. Seven of the 11 patients with CNS involvement had primary CNS lymphoma. All patients were treated with megavoltage X rays to doses ranging from 1050 cGy in 1 1/2 weeks to 5037 cGy in 6 weeks. Of those patients with CNS lymphoma, only one responded completely and four responded partially to irradiation. All patients died within a range of 0.2 to 5.3 months (median survival = 2.2 months) from starting radiation therapy. In contrast, 3 of 5 patients (60%) with NHL outside the CNS responded completely and 1 responded partially to involved-field irradiation. These patients survived a median of 12.6 months with one achieving long-term lymphoma-free survival at 40 months. This long-term survivor presented with Stage IE lymphoma as his only manifestation of AIDS. We conclude that AIDS-related lymphomas respond less favorably to radiation therapy than lymphomas in non-immunosuppressed patients. Furthermore, CNS lymphomatous involvement is an ominous occurrence in the AIDS patient. In our experience, cranial irradiation failed to provide significant palliation or survival prolongation in this group of patients. Instead, long-term survival is possible in AIDS patients with limited NHL outside the CNS, and it is in these patients that combination chemotherapy plus involved-field radiation therapy may play a curative role.
Estimating numbers and survival of house flies (Diptera: Muscidae) with mark/recapture methods.

Two applications of the Jolly–Seber model were used to estimate numbers and survival of house flies, Musca domestica L. The multi sample, single-recapture census, using reared, marked flies and capture by baited jug-traps, was used to estimate numbers of adult house flies in a two-story, high-rise, caged-layer poultry house. Density estimates ranged from 1.2 to 11.5 flies per m2 and had coefficients of variation of 0.12–0.52. Daily survival rates (proportion of population which did not die or emigrate during the interval between samples) were 0.19–0.66 per day. The multisample, multirecapture census, using marked native flies and capture by netting, was used to estimate numbers and survival of house flies in a screen-sided, narrow caged-layer poultry house. Estimated fly densities ranged from 24.8 to 1,159.6 flies per m2 with coefficients of variation of 0.03–0.48. Daily survival rates were 0.54–0.99 per day. Survival rates in both studies declined with increasing mean daily temperature (°C)and on average were 0.32 lower in the high-rise house due to effects of dispersal and predation. House fly survival was not affected by marking with oil-soluble dyes, and capture of house flies using the baited jug-trap was not influenced by age, sex, or marked status of the flies. Assumptions in both census methods are discussed and shown to be met under conditions of these experiments.
A cognitive-perceptual analysis of projective tests used with children.

There are both general and specific problems with projective tests—the production, comprehension, and interpretation of two-dimensional visual representations. At the general level, there is a need...
Debugging Mappings between Biomedical Ontologies: Preliminary Results from the NCBO BioPortal Mapping Repository

The ability to provide semantic mappings between multiple large biomedical ontologies is considered as a very important, albeit labor-intensive and errorprone task. To facilitate such a process, several approaches for collaborative ontology mapping building and sharing have been proposed in the recent past. However, despite the improvements in community-wide mappings development, more often the mapping rules are redundant, incoherent, and at times, incorrect. In this paper, we present an approach for identifying such “erroneous mappings” using Distributed Description Logics. Specifically, we illustrate how logical reasoning can be used to discover semantic inconsistencies caused by erroneous mappings, and provide preliminary results of experiments based on the National Center for Biomedical Ontology BioPortal mapping repository.
The Effect of Widowhood on the Health Status of Older Persons

Interest in the relationship between stress and the onset of illness has stimulated research on the impact of various life events on health status. This article is an analysis of the health consequences of widowhood—the life event considered to require the most readjustment. Considering both objective and subjective measures of health, a structural equation model is developed and tested with panel data of a sample of elders. The findings indicate that widowhood results in an immediate decrease in perceived health but that the long-term consequences are minimal. Also, certain categories of elders shown to be health optimistic are able to maintain their optimism after widowhood. The results are interpreted as reflecting relativity in medical perceptions and favor a transitional model for explaining the normalization of disability.
Deficient PCNA expression and radiation sensitivity

Abstract Wasted mice express radiosensitivity in lymphoid and nervous system tissues, displaying increased apoptosis, increased transcriptional activation, and altered gene induction in response to radiation when compared to control littermates. In order to evaluate altered gene induction linked with radiosensitivity in spinal cord tissue of the wasted mice, we isolated total RNA from the spinal cords of radiation-exposed and unexposed wasted and control mice and hybridized it to a gene expression microarray. Previous studies by our group had demonstrated that lymphoid tissues of wasted mice lack proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression. This protein is involved in almost every aspect of DNA replication and repair, and radiosensitivity in lymphoid tissues of wasted mouse can easily be linked to proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) deficiency. In total spinal cord tissue, however, PCNA mRNA expression was not altered in wasted mice relative to controls. Nevertheless, mRNAs for many proteins that were known to interact with PCNA were modulated in wasted spinal cords compared to the tissues from BCF1 controls.
Axon Injury and Regeneration in the Adult Drosophila

Neural regeneration is a fascinating process with profound impact on human health, such that defining biological and genetic pathways is of interest. Here we describe an in vivo preparation for neuronal regeneration in the adult Drosophila. The nerve along the anterior margin of the wing is comprised of ~225 neurons that send projections into the central neuropil (thorax). Precise ablation can be induced with a pulsed laser to sever the entire axonal tract. The animal can be recovered, and response to injury assessed over time. Upon ablation, there is local loss of axons near the injury site, scar formation, a rapid impact on the cytoskeleton, and stimulation of hemocytes. By 7d, ~50% of animals show nerve regrowth, with axons from the nerve cells extending down towards the injury or re-routing. Inhibition of JNK signaling promotes regrowth through the injury site, enabling regeneration of the axonal tract.
Cognitive and clinical predictors of success in vocational rehabilitation in schizophrenia

Cognitive impairments in schizophrenia appear to be associated with social problem solving, social and vocational functioning, and psychosocial skill acquisition. The present study examined the relationship of cognitive functioning, as well as clinical symptoms, to vocational outcomes among individuals with schizophrenia. One hundred and twelve participants with DSM-IV schizophrenia spectrum diagnoses underwent a comprehensive neuropsychiatric evaluation after enrolling in one of several employment programs. The neuropsychological evaluation examined verbal learning and memory, attention, speed of information processing, and executive functioning. Clinical symptoms were evaluated with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Vocational outcomes were assessed 4 months after baseline assessment and included both measures of employment outcome (e.g., earnings) and of work performance as assessed by the Work Behavior Inventory (WBI). Negative symptoms, learning and memory performance, processing speed, and executive functioning were related to hours, weeks, and wages earned on the job. Stepwise multiple regression analyses found that among baseline clinical and cognitive predictors, only verbal learning and memory and cognitive disorganization symptoms were significant predictors of work behaviors 4 months later. Learning and memory were the only significant predictors of integrated employment at 4 months. These results suggest specific aspects of cognition may be modestly predictive of vocational outcomes.
Terminal and Instrumental? An Inquiry into Rokeach's Value Survey:

Because Rokeach's theory of values and his Value Survey are so influential on other researchers, critical analysis of the instrument and its basic assumptions are warranted. Two studies were conduc...
Generating multiple samples of multivariate data with arbitrary population parameters.

A method of generating any number of score and correlation matrices with arbitrary population parameters is described. EitherZ scores or stanines are sampled from a normal population to represent factor scores by an IBM 1620 program. These are converted to variates from a population with an a priori factor structure. The effectiveness of the method is illustrated from research data. Some further modifications and uses of the method are discussed.
Prostate Brachytherapy After Ileal Pouch–Anal Anastomosis Reconstruction

OBJECTIVE To determine the safety of prostate brachytherapy in patients with clinically localized prostate cancer who have undergone proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA). METHODS We performed a retrospective chart review of patients with a prior history of IPAA reconstruction who underwent prostate brachytherapy at our institution. Clinical records were reviewed for demographic characteristics, postoperative dosimetry, changes in bowel function, and oncologic outcomes. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS Five patients with an IPAA underwent prostate brachytherapy for clinically localized prostate cancer. Mean time from colorectal reconstruction to prostate brachytherapy was 6.3 years. Adequate dosimetry (mean D90 114.9%, mean V100 91.1%, mean R100 0.76 mL) was achieved in each patient. Bowel frequency worsened in the immediate postoperative period in all patients, but all patients returned to their baseline bowel pattern by 4 months after their procedure. Serious complications, such as J-pouch ulcers, fistulas, or fecal incontinence, did not occur in these patients. CONCLUSIONS Prostate brachytherapy is a safe treatment option in patients with clinically localized prostate cancer and a history of proctocolectomy and IPAA reconstruction.
Optimized enzymatic synthesis of geranyl butyrate with lipase AY from Candida rugosa.

Response surface methodology (RSM) and five-level, five-variable central composite rotatable design (CCRD) were used to evaluate the effects of synthetic variables, such as reaction time (1–9 h), temperature (25–65°C), enzyme amount (10–50%), substrate molar ratio of geraniol to tributyrin (1:0.33–1:1), and added water amount (0–20%) on molar percent yield of geranyl butyrate, using lipase AY from Candida rugosa. Reaction time and temperature were the most important variables and substrate molar ratio had no effect on percent molar conversion. Based on contour plots, optimum conditions were: reaction time 9 h, temperature 35°C, enzyme amount 50%, substrate molar ratio 1:0.33, and added water 10%. The predicted value was 100% and actual experimental value was 96.8% molar conversion. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Differential Regulatory Mechanisms of CBF Regulon Between Nipponbare (Japonica) and 93-11 (Indica) During Cold Acclimation

Nine CBF/DREB1 homologous genes in rice were obtained by BLAST search in the NCBI database, which share conserved amino acid sequences with DREB1 protein in Arabidopsis. Three CBF genes organized in tandem, named OsCBF1, OsCBF2 and OsCBF3, showed a transient induction in the process of cold acclimation, much stronger in indica rice 93-11 compared with japonica rice Nipponbare. The candidate downstream genes OsLIP5 and OsLIP9 were induced in 93-11 but not in Nipponbare. The differential expression of CBF regulon might be caused by polymorphisms within promoter sequences between these two rice varieties. These results could be useful for utilization of CBF/DREB1 genes and illustration of differences in chilling tolerance between indica and japonica rice varieties.
Voltammetry in static and flowing solutions with a large-amplitude sine wave potential

Voltammetric detection is a potentially powerful method of detection for high performance liquid chromatography and flow injection analysis. A problem that needs a solution is its inferior detection limit compared to that obtained with amperometric detection. The shape of the potential waveform has been investigated in the search for methods of improving the detection limit of voltammetric detection. As a result, large amplitude sine wave potential perturbations have been found to give improved signal-to-noise ratios when compared to the values found for a corresponding triangle waveform (by a factor of from 1.1 to 5). This is principally due to the fact that the background current from a large amplitude triangle perturbation is spread over a wider frequency region. Signal processing techniques such as digital filtering have also been investigated. Digital bandpass filtering can be used to improve the signal to noise ratio by a factor of 2–13. Qualitative information (e.g., half-wave potential) is obtained through observing the phase angle at harmonics of the fundamental frequency.
Effect of acute binge cocaine on levels of extracellular dopamine in the caudate putamen and nucleus accumbens in male C57BL/6J and 129/J mice

Levels of dopamine, both basal and after binge-pattern cocaine administration, were measured in the caudate putamen and nucleus accumbens of C57BL/6J and 129/J mice by in vivo microdialysis. Six-week old males were surgically implanted with a CMA guide cannula into the caudate putamen or nucleus accumbens. After 4 days recovery, dialysis probes were lowered into the caudate putamen or the nucleus accumbens and mice were placed in individual microdialysis chambers. The next morning experiments were carried out on freely moving animals. Experimental animals received 1-day binge cocaine administration (15 mg/kg×3, i.p. at hourly intervals) while control animals received saline in the same pattern. Dialysates were collected every 20 min and dopamine content was determined by HPLC with electrochemical detection. Basal levels of dopamine in the dialysate of the caudate putamen were 4.2±0.2 nM in C57BL/6J mice and 5.0±0.3 nM in 129/J mice. In the nucleus accumbens, basal levels of dopamine were 0.65±0.04 nM in the C57BL/6J mice and 0.75±0.03 nM in 129/J mice, with no significant differences between strains in either region. Binge cocaine administration significantly increased mean dopamine levels in the caudate putamen in the C57BL/6J mice (with a 3-h mean of 6.80 nM) and in the 129J mice (9.94 nM). In this region, 129/J mice had significantly higher levels of cocaine-induced dopamine than did C57BL/6J mice. In the nucleus accumbens, administration of cocaine also significantly increased dopamine levels in both strains (1.32 nM in C57BL/6J and 1.43 nM in 129/J), but with no difference between strains.
Development of a biogenic volatile organic compounds emission inventory for the SCOS97-NARSTO domain

Abstract The Biogenic Emission Inventory Geographic Information System (BEIGIS) is a spatially and temporally resolved biogenic hydrocarbon emissions inventory model developed by the California Air Resources Board that uses California land use/land cover, leaf mass, and emission rate databases within a GIS. BEIGIS simulates hourly emissions of isoprene, monoterpenes, and 2-methyl-3-buten-2-ol (MBO, methylbutenol) at a 1 km 2 resolution. When applied to the Southern California Ozone Study (SCOS97-NARSTO) domain for the 3–7 August 1997 ozone episode, the BEIGIS model predicts total biogenic volatile organic compound (BVOC) emissions of 866 tons for the warmest day (5 August). Depending on whether wildfire emissions are included in the total volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions estimate, modeled BVOC emissions comprise between 16% and 28% of the total VOC inventory. As anthropogenic VOC emissions decline in future years due to control programs, the relative significance of BVOC emissions in the development of ozone control strategies for southern California may assume greater importance.
Deep levels in Ga‐doped ZnSe grown by molecular‐beam epitaxy

Results of a deep‐level transient spectroscopy study of Ga‐doped ZnSe thin films grown by molecular‐beam epitaxy are presented. Two prominent deep levels were observed in all the samples investigated. The concentration of the trap detected at 0.34 eV below the conduction‐band edge was essentially independent of the doping concentration and is attributed to native defects arising from Se vacancies in the ZnSe films. The second level with an activation energy of 0.26 eV shows a very strong doping dependence and is tentatively identified as arising from dopant‐site (gallium‐on‐zinc‐site) defects complexed with selenium vacancies. Preliminary results also indicate that planar doping of ZnSe significantly reduces the concentration of the Ga‐vacancy complex.
Magnetic and Dielectric Properties of Materials Consisting of Oriented, Iron Flake Filler within a Thermoplastic Host: Part II Transport Model Review and Evaluation

Materials that contain both an electric permittivity and magnetic permeability greater than unity (magneto-dielectrics) are currently being investigated for microwave applications. Magneto-dielectric composite materials based upon flake-like iron inclusions were fabricated and the iron flakes oriented within a low loss thermoplastic host. The electrical and magnetic properties of the magneto-dielectric composites were predicted using mean field and effective medium approximations, as well as the Wu—McCullough generalized transport model. Predicted values were compared to measured properties as a function of the filler’s aspect ratio, surface characteristics and volume fraction. The Wu—McCullough model was found to be the most accurate in predicting the transport properties, but required an accurate description of the microstructure (flake aspect ratio and alignment).
The relation of crustal scattering to seismicity in southern California

Dense regional array recordings of 377 teleseismic events are used to map geographic variability in upper crustal P to S scattering in southern California. Scattered-wave energy is sensitive to short-wavelength heterogeneity and maps of scattering potential offer a powerful complement to travel time tomography in characterizing seismic crustal heterogeneity. The scale length of resolved scattering variability is commensurate with the scale lengths of surface fault-trace length and microseismicity variations, and both mapped faults and seismicity are concentrated in regions of strong scattering. Fault-proximal scattering averaged across-strike of predominately strike-slip fault zones is highly correlated with microseismicity levels and is predictive of the pattern of microseismicity variation but not of absolute scale. North-south profiles through the Transverse Ranges reveal coincident strong gradients in microseismicity and scattering, whereas mapped segment bounds along the San Andreas fault zone from San Francisco to the Salton Sea coincide with strong along-strike gradients in the level of scattering. The overall correlation of microseismicity and scattering potential is consistent with structural control of aftershock and background microseismicity production, strain energy control of scattering, or both. Prior evidence for fault offset in the pattern of scattering intensity [Revenaugh and Reasoner, 1997] favors the former.
Human retinas synthesize and release acetylcholine

Human retinas have the capacity to synthesize and release [3H]acetylcholine ([3H]ACh) after an incubation in [3H]choline ([3H]Ch). Synthesis of [3H]Ch by retinal homogenates was determined using either high-voltage paper electrophoresis (HVPE) or a two-step enzymatic/extraction assay for separating [3H]ACh from [3H]Ch. The enzymatic/extraction assay is shown to be accurate over a wide range of concentrations (10(-6)-10(-12) M). Homogenates of human retina synthesize [3H]ACh from [3H]Ch. We find an approximate Km of 50 microM and a Vmax of about 20 nmol/mg protein/h (at 37 degrees C) for the synthesis of labeled ACh by retinal homogenates. Human retinas also release [3H]ACh after a pulse of [3H]Ch. Release of labeled transmitter is stimulated by potassium depolarization. The potassium-stimulated release is partially blocked by magnesium or cobalt ions. Release data were analyzed by both the enzymatic/extraction assay and HVPE; the results are qualitatively identical in both cases. The data reported here provide additional evidence for cholinergic neurotransmission in the human retina.
Role of ionotropic cannabinoid receptors in peripheral antinociception and antihyperalgesia

Despite the wealth of information on cannabinoid-induced peripheral antihyperalgesic and antinociceptive effects in many pain models, the molecular mechanism(s) for these actions remains unknown. Although metabotropic cannabinoid receptors have important roles in many pharmacological actions of cannabinoids, recent studies have led to the recognition of a family of at least five ionotropic cannabinoid receptors (ICRs). The known ICRs are members of the family of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels and include TRPV1, TRPV2, TRPV4, TRPM8 and TRPA1. Cannabinoid activation of ICRs can result in desensitization of the TRPA1 and TRPV1 channel activities, inhibition of nociceptors and antihyperalgesia and antinociception in certain pain models. Thus, cannabinoids activate both metabotropic and ionotropic mechanisms to produce peripheral analgesic effects. Here, we provide an overview of the pharmacology of TRP channels as ICRs.
An anthropometric and postural risk assessment of children's school computer work environments

(1999). An Anthropometric and Postural Risk Assessment of Children's School Computer Work Environments. Computers in the Schools: Vol. 14, No. 3-4, pp. 55-63.
Surgical correction of lower-eyelid tarsal ectropion by reinsertion of the retractors.

• Lower-eyelid tarsal ectropion is an unusual form of eyelid malposition in which the entire lid is everted. The cause is most likely the disinsertion of the lower-eyelid retractors. In 12 eyelids of six patients, a transconjunctival approach was used to reunite the retractors with the inferior tarsal border. In eight eyelids, a horizontal tightening procedure was also needed. The looping passage of fornix sutures through the full thickness of the eyelid created a vector force that helped rotate the lid margin inward. The subsequent formation of an inflammatory cicatrix induced by the absorbable sutures also contributed to maintain the lid in an upright posture. During follow-up periods ranging from 8 to 36 months, there were no instances of overinversion, recurrent ectropion, or suture abscess.
Psychosocial functioning in girls with Turner's syndrome and short stature: social skills, behavior problems, and self-concept

The social relationships and behavioral characteristics of 17 preadolescent and adolescent girls with Turner's syndrome were assessed in comparison to a control group of 16 short stature girls of comparable age, height, verbal IQ and family socioeconomic status. The assessment included parent and teacher ratings of social and behavioral functioning as well as subjective self-report data. The results depict the Turner's syndrome subjects as doing more poorly in terms of peer relationships and having more behavioral problems than short stature controls. The Turner's syndrome subjects were described by parents and teachers as having fewer friends, needing more structure to socialize and to complete tasks, and having more difficulty understanding social cues. Behavioral problems were endorsed on all subscales of the Child Behavior Checklist with most problems in the area of immature, socially isolated behavior. The results are discussed in relation to the role of delayed sexual maturation, other physical anomalies, and brain maturation.
Welfare effects of exchange controls: An application to the Haitian economy

This paper estimates monthly welfare losses and the shadow exchange rate that followed a policy of restrictions of access to foreign exchange, in force in the Haitian economy from 1985 to 1991. These losses are substantial. The determinants of the parallel market, another phenomenon consistent with such a policy of restrictions, are also estimated.
Opioid inhibition of immunoreactive corticotropin-releasing factor secretion into the hypophysial-portal circulation of rats.

Abstract The role of the opioid peptides in the regulation of adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) secretion remains unclear. In rats, morphine and the enkephalins exert a stimulatory effect on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, while β-endorphin (β-E) and dynorphin (DYN) are reported to have stimulatory or inhibitory activity. Alternatively, data from human studies indicate a clear inhibitory role of opiates. In the present studies, secretion of immunoreactive corticotropin releasing factor (irCRF) into the hypophysial-portal circulation was directly measured before and after intracerebroventricular administration of β-E, DYN and naltrexone (NTX). Both β-E and DYN were equipotent in their dose-related inhibition of irCRF secretion. The inhibitory action of β-E was reversed by NTX, while the action of DYN was only partially blocked. Administration of NTX alone resulted in a significant elevation of spontaneous and stimulated irCRF secretion. Finally, injection (icv) of 1.0 nmol β-E or DYN blocked the nitroprusside-hypotension induced elevation of irCRF. These observations suggest, that under the conditions of these experiments, exogenous β-E acting primarily via μ opioid receptors and DYN acting via κ and μ receptors exert tonic inhibitory effects on the activity of CRF secreting cells. Furthermore, it appears that β-E and DYN are capable of modulating (inhibiting) stimulated secretion of irCRF and thus activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.
Clinical significance of white cell antibodies in febrile nonhemolytic transfusion reactions

Febrile nonhemolytic transfusion reactions (FNHTRs) are associated with white cell (WBC) antibodies. The purposes of this study were to determine the frequency of WBC antibodies, to associate the severity of reactions with antibody specificity, and to distinguish FNHTRs from infection and postoperative fever. By using the granulocyte indirect immunofluorescence test in conjunction with lymphocytotoxicity testing, it was found that 70 percent of FNHTRs in 24 patients involved WBC antibodies. The remaining 30 percent of apparent FNHTRs were associated with infections and postoperative fever. Granulocyte-specific antibodies were as prevalent as HLA antibodies and were associated with the severest reactions. Because FNHTRs occur with granulocyte-specific antibodies, HLA antibodies, and possible monocyte-specific antibodies (untested in this and other studies), these reactions could be grouped together as WBC-associated reactions.
Thermal dependency of RAG1 self-association properties.

Background Functional immunoglobulin and T cell receptor genes are produced in developing lymphocytes by V(D)J recombination. The initial site-specific DNA cleavage steps in this process are catalyzed by the V(D)J recombinase, consisting of RAG1 and RAG2, which is directed to appropriate DNA cleavage sites by recognition of the conserved recombination signal sequence (RSS). RAG1 contains both the active site and the RSS binding domains, although RAG2 is also required for DNA cleavage activity. An understanding of the physicochemical properties of the RAG proteins, their association, and their interaction with the RSS is not yet well developed.
Extending ERT towards fuzzy temporal data modeling

The entity-relationship(ER) model has proved a successful conceptual capture and modeling tool modeling for the relational data model. Much effort has recently been made to extend the relational data model to describe fuzzy temporal information , but as yet little corresponding development in ER modeling has been made. In this article we present a proposal for the fuzzy sets to conceptual modeling as an extension to ERT components to fuzzy temporal ER and we propose a notation for fuzzy representations. We describe in detail the various fuzzy temporal behaviours that entities and relationships may exhibit. The resultant ERFT may be used to fully model fuzzy temporal relational database schemata.
Comorbidity of Attention‐Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Early‐Onset Conduct Disorder: Biological, Environmental, and Developmental Mechanisms

[Clin Psychol Sci Prac 17: 327–336, 2010] Among boys, about one-third who exhibit severe attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in preschool follow a developmental trajectory to early-onset conduct disorder (CD) in later childhood and adolescence. Moreover, the vast majority of adolescent boys with early-onset CD also meet criteria for ADHD. Although trait impulsivity, a predisposing vulnerability to both ADHD and CD, is about 80% heritable, environmental risk factors play an important role in how impulsivity is expressed, including whether young children with ADHD eventually develop CD. In this article, we (a) describe how environmental risk potentiates early-onset conduct problems among trait-impulsive and therefore vulnerable individuals and (b) outline implications for conceptualizations of externalizing comorbidity. Although other pathways to CD exist, we focus on what is likely to be a common developmental trajectory to this costly psychiatric condition.
A comparison of In/sub 0.5/Ga/sub 0.5/P/GaAs:C single- and double-heterojunction bipolar transistors grown by LP-MOCVD

Summary form only given. The authors present a comparison of single- and double-heterojunction devices formed in the InGaP/GaAs materials system. The HBT (heterojunction bipolar transistor) structures used for this study were grown by LP-MOCVD (low-pressure metal-organic chemical vapor deposition) using CCl/sub 4/ as the base dopant. It was found that the use of a 25-AA spacer layer provided the highest gains in these device structures, with beta /sub MAX/ approximately 210. A decrease in current gain with increasing spacer layer thickness was attributed to space-charge recombination current at the emitter-base junction. Despite the small conduction band discontinuity reported for this materials system, the gains for the double-heterojunction transistors were considerably lower ( beta /sub MAX/ approximately 25) than for single-heterojunction devices for which all other layers besides the collector were identical. BV/sub CEO/ and BV/sub CBO/ are, however, significantly higher for InGaP collector structures (22 and 25 V as compared with 9.5 and 18 V for a GaAs collector, respectively). >