cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High Pressure Crystallization of Vitamin E-containing Radiation Cross-linked UHMWPE

One of our aims in developing ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) joint implants is to improve the fatigue strength of cross-linked UHMWPEs without sacrificing their wear resistance induced by cross-linking. High pressure crystallization (HPC) of uncross-linked UHMWPE, which results in the formation of less hindered extended chain crystals, increased fatigue strength. Vitamin E, also an antioxidant, acted synergistically with HPC and the resulting UHMWPE had increased wear and fatigue strength. In this study, we hypothesized that vitamin E-blended, cross-linked, and high pressure crystallized UHMWPE (X-VEHPE) would have higher wear resistance and fatigue strength compared to radiation cross-linked UHMWPE. To test this hypothesis, we irradiated 0.1 wt% vitamin E-blended UHMWPE, subsequently radiation cross-linked it to various doses and terminally high pressure crystallized it. We used bi-directional pin-on-disc wear testing, tensile mechanical testing, and fatigue crack propagation resistance testing. We found that X-VEHPE required less radiation dose and less cross-linking to achieve the same wear rate when compared to irradiated UHMWPE and had improved fatigue resistance at the same wear rate. Therefore, this UHMWPE presented about 46 and 87% improvement in fatigue strength compared to irradiated and irradiated/melted UHMWPE and may be a feasible alternative for joint implants.
EPR Spectroscopy of MOLB2C2-A Reveals Mechanism of Transport for A Type II Molybdate Importer

ABC importers are embedded in the plasma membrane of all bacteria. There they facilitate the uptake of several vital nutrients and cofactors. Due to differences in structure and activity, ABC importers are divided into two types. Type I importers have been well studied, but most of what we know about Type II importers has been observed in studies of the vitamin B12 importer, BtuC2D2. MolB2C2 (formally known as HI1470/71) is also a Type II importer, but its substrate, molybdate, is about 10x smaller than vitamin B12. To understand mechanistic differences among Type II importers, we focused our studies on MolBC where alternative conformations may be required to transport its relatively small substrate. To investigate the mechanism of MolBC, we employed electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy with the transporter imbedded in detergent micelles and liposomes (spherical lipid bilayers). The use of both detergent and lipid have allowed us to identify conformational changes in MolBC and the impact of the lipid environment. We observed that nucleotide binding and hydrolysis shift the conformation of MolBC at both the cytoplasmic and periplasmic gates. Mechanistic differences between MolBC and other Type II transporters highlight potential effects of substrate size on transport. Combining our results, we propose a mechanism for MolBC-A embedded in a lipid bilayer, which gives new insight in the transport of small substrates.
Ribosomal RNA synthesis in mitochondria of Neurospora crassa

Ribosomal RNA synthesis in Neurospora crassa mitochondria has been investigated by continuous labeling with [5-3H]uracil and pulse-chase experiments. A short-lived 32 S mitochondrial RNA was detected, along with two other short-lived components; one slightly larger than large subunit ribosomal RNA, and the other slightly larger than small subunit ribosomal RNA. The experiments give support to the possibility that 32 S RNA is the precursor of large and small subunit ribosomal RNA's. Both mature ribosomal RNA's compete with 32 S RNA in hybridization to mitochondrial DNA. Quantitative results from such hybridization-competition experiments along with measurements of electrophoretic mobility have been used to construct a molecular size model for synthesis of mitochondrial ribosomal RNA's. The large molecular weight precursor (32 S) of both ribosomal RNA's appears to be 2.4 × 106 daltons in size. Maturation to large subunit RNA (1.28 × 106 daltons) is assumed to involve an intermediate ~1.6 × 106 daltons in size, while cleavage to form small subunit RNA (0.72 × 106 daltons) presumably involves a 0.9 × 106 dalton intermediate. In the maturation process ~22% of the precursor molecule is lost. As is the case for ribosomal RNA's, the mitochondrial precursor RNA has a strikingly low G + C content.
Mind and brain, again

Abstract Classical mind-brain questions appear deviant through the lens of an analogy comparing mental processes with computational processes. Problems of reducibility and personal consciousness are also considered in the light of this analogy.
WE-D-224A-07: Enhanced Efficacy in Helical Tomotherapy Quality Assurance

Purpose: The Helical Tomotherapy Image Guided Radiation Therapy(IGRT) system delivers highly conformal dose distributions in a dynamic fashion. This system is also capable of acquiring MV‐CT images and registering them with the planning CT for accurate target localization. Efficient QA tools are necessary for the effective implementation of this technology. This work describes the design of a custom phantom for daily QA of a Helical Tomotherapy linear accelerator. Materials and Methods: A custom designed 20×20×20cm3 water‐equivalent phantom was fabricated for this purpose. Eight ionization chambers are positioned inside the phantom. Low and high electron density plugs along with a specific image‐resolution‐plug are incorporated into the phantom for testing the image quality indicators. This phantom also includes two slide‐out film cassettes for planar dose verification. The commercial eight‐channel electrometer is used. Daily QA is performed in the following three steps; 1) Static Beam Quality Tests: Machine output, percent depth dose and off‐axis factors are checked simultaneously for a 5×40cm2 open field. 2) Image Quality and Registration: The QA phantom is off‐set to a known position and an MV‐CT is obtained. After verifying the image quality, MV‐CT images are registered with planning CT to determine the suggested shift accuracy. 3) Accuracy of the helical delivery: Treatment plans with two targets (separated by 12cm inferior‐superiorly) are used to test the helical delivery. Film dosimetry will detect errors such as couch position inaccuracies that could be missed by the point‐dose measurements. Results and Discussion: This QA procedure is designed to verify vital components of the Tomotherapy system such as beam quality, image quality, accuracy of the target localization, and helical delivery. Typical time required for this QA testing is only 30 minutes. Conclusions: This QA process is simple, efficient and verifies several important dosimetric and geometric parameters. Supported in part by Tomotherapy, Inc.
Bicycle Riding, Arterial Compression and Erectile Dysfunction

A National survey approximately estimates 57 million people rode a bicycle in 2002. Males were more likely to ride bicycle than were females1. Another survey estimates US bicycles and accessories sales in 2010 to be 6 billion dollars. Several research studies implicated bicycle riding as risk factor for erectile dysfunction2. One possible reason is ischemic injury due to compression of perennial arteries between the bony pelvis and the bicycle seat. Previous studies attempted to measure this damage employed several indirect methods including computational models3, pressure mats on a stationary bike4, measuring transcutaneous oxygen pressure in the penis5, MR imaging of the pelvic region6, doppler flowmetry. None of these studies measured forces exerted directly on the perennial arteries and correlated to each riders occlusion force. Most of these studies are done on a stationary bike set up inside the lab. The objective of our study is to build a device to measure the forces exerted on the perennial arteries and develop a method to correlate the forces with each riders occlusion force. Another goal is to conduct the rides on the road where actual bike riding takes place. Recent publications4 suggested that cutting off the nose from the saddles may help to prevent the damage to the arteries. Based on these findings several noseless seats came to market. We also wanted to test some of them in our study.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Morphological changes of ethylene/vinyl acetate-based controlled delivery systems during release of water-soluble solutes

Abstract Thin slabs of theophylline and monomer albumin release systems were prepared by dispersing 212-300 μm and 300-25 μm particles respectively, of these bioactive agents in a methylene chloride solution of ethylene/vinyl acetate (EVAc) copolymer (40 wt% vinyl acetate), and evaporating the solvent at low temperatures according to the Langer—Folkman technique. Compositions containing 21.41 wt%, 31.04 wt% and 40.0 wt% albumin, and 19.32 wt% theophylline were prepared. Solute release experiments were performed in deionized water at 37 ± 0.1°C under perfect-sink conditions. The concentration of released solute was determined by measuring the absorbance of the UV spectra at 276 nm for albumin and 272 nm for theophylline. Both solutes could be released for long periods of time at controlled rates. The main mechanism of release was established to be solute dissolution and diffusion through the generated, waterfilled pore structure. Photomicrographs present the main features of this pore network. Mercury porosimetry was used to determine the pore volume and size of pores for freezedried slabs before, during and after the dissolution/diffusion/release process. Considerable pore collapse was observed and pore diameters of 8-650 μm were detected. In addition to solution diffusion through large pores, diffusion might occur through small constrictions between large pores or through a pore network of much smaller pores created in the matrix.
Eigenvalue error analysis of viscously damped structures using a Ritz reduction method

The efficient solution of the eigenvalue problem that results from inserting passive dampers with variable stiffness and damping coefficients into a structure is addressed. Eigenanalysis of reduced models obtained by retaining a number of normal modes augmented with Ritz vectors corresponding to the static solutions resulting from the load patterns introduced by the dampers has been empirically shown to yield excellent approximations to the full eigenvalue problem. An analysis of this technique in the case of a single damper is presented. A priori and a posteriori error estimates are generated and tested on numerical examples. Comparison theorems with modally truncated models and a Markov parameter matching reduced-order model are derived. These theorems corroborate the heuristic that residual flexibility methods improve low-frequency approximation of the system. The analysis leads to other techniques for eigenvalue approximation. Approximate closed-form solutions are derived that include a refinement to eigenvalue derivative methods for approximation. An efficient Newton scheme is also developed. A numerical example is presented demonstrating the effectiveness of each of these methods.
Prospective Secondary Mathematics Teachers’ Understanding and Cognitive Difficulties in Making Connections among Representations

This study investigates prospective secondary teachers’ cognitive difficulties and mathematical ideas involved in making connections among representations. We implemented a three-week teaching unit to help prospective secondary mathematics teachers develop understanding of big ideas that are critical to formulating connections among representations, in the context of conic curves. Qualitative analysis of data showed that most undergraduate mathematics majors and minors in this study struggled with variation, the Cartesian Connection, and other affiliated ideas such as graph as a locus of points. Furthermore, they were unable to identify basic metric relations encoded in algebraic expressions such as the distance between points, which further compounded their difficulties in making connections among representations. We argue that mathematics teacher education needs more focus on these ideas so that their graduates can successfully teach these big ideas in their future instruction.
Dissection of De Novo Membrane Insertion Activities of Internal Transmembrane Segments of ATP-Binding-Cassette Transporters: Toward Understanding Topological Rules for Membrane Assembly of Polytopic Membrane Proteins

The membrane assembly of polytopic membrane proteins is a complicated process. Using Chinese hamster P-glycoprotein (Pgp) as a model protein, we investigated this process previously and found that Pgp expresses more than one topology. One of the variations occurs at the transmembrane (TM) domain including TM3 and TM4: TM4 inserts into membranes in an N(in)-C(out) rather than the predicted N(out)-C(in) orientation, and TM3 is in cytoplasm rather than the predicted N(in)-C(out) orientation in the membrane. It is possible that TM4 has a strong activity to initiate the N(in)-C(out) membrane insertion, leaving TM3 out of the membrane. Here, we tested this hypothesis by expressing TM3 and TM4 in isolated conditions. Our results show that TM3 of Pgp does not have de novo N(in)-C(out) membrane insertion activity whereas TM4 initiates the N(in)-C(out) membrane insertion regardless of the presence of TM3. In contrast, TM3 and TM4 of another polytopic membrane protein, cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), have a similar level of de novo Nin-Cout membrane insertion activity and TM4 of CFTR functions only as a stop-transfer sequence in the presence of TM3. Based on these findings, we propose that 1) the membrane insertion of TM3 and TM4 of Pgp does not follow the sequential model, which predicts that TM3 initiates N(in)-C(out) membrane insertion whereas TM4 stops the insertion event; and 2) "leaving one TM segment out of the membrane" may be an important folding mechanism for polytopic membrane proteins, and it is regulated by the N(in)-C(out) membrane insertion activities of the TM segments.
Hypothesis: The risk of childhood leukemia is related to combinations of power‐frequency and static magnetic fields

The authors present a hypothesis that the risk of childhood leukemia is related to exposure to specific combinations of static and extremely-low-frequency (ELF) magnetic fields. Laboratory data from calcium efflux and diatom mobility experiments were used with the gyromagnetic equation to predict combinations of 60 Hz and static magnetic fields hypothesized to enhance leukemia risk. The laboratory data predicted 19 bands of the static field magnitude with a bandwidth of 9.1 {mu}T that, together with 60 Hz magnetic fields, are expected to have biological activity. The authors then assessed the association between this exposure metric and childhood leukemia using data from a case-control study in Los Angeles County. ELF and static magnetic fields were measured in the bedrooms of 124 cases determined from a tumor registry and 99 controls drawn from friends and random digit dialing. Although no association was found for childhood leukemia in relation to measured ELF or static magnetic fields alone, an increasing trend of leukemia risk with measured ELF fields was found for subjects within these static field bands. When the 60 Hz magnetic fields were assessed according to the Wertheimer-Leeper code for wiring configurations, leukemia risks were again greater with the hypothesized exposure conditions. Althoughmore » the risk estimates are based on limited magnetic field measurements for a small number of subjects, these findings suggest that the risk of childhood leukemia may be related to the combined effects of the static and ELF magnetic fields.« less
A spot test for cobalt based on catalytic effect

Abstract A spot test for cobalt based on the catalytic effect of cobalt on the oxidation of the manganous ion was developed. The test involves the use of ammonium acetate, butyraldehyde, and manganese(II) ion as reagents. Studies of interferences and sensitivity were made.
The influence of autologous cell interactions on spontaneous and pokeweed mitogen-induced immunoglobulin production

Both helper- and suppressor-T-cell activities are generated in the autologous mixed lymphocyte reaction and in pokeweed mitogen (PWM)-stimulated cultures. The addition of low numbers of irradiated non-T cells enhance while high numbers suppress spontaneous and PWM-stimulated IgG synthesis by autologous cells. Monocytes are the principal inducers of suppression and exert their influence within the first 24 hr of culture. Suppression in association with PWM stimulation is nonspecific in nature, T-cell mediated, partially radiosensitive, and resistant to hydrocortisone. Neither indomethacin nor dibutyryl cyclic AMP reverses monocyte-related suppression. These findings suggest that the outcome of in vitro Ig synthesis assays is critically dependent upon monocyte-T-cell interaction.
Effects of fantasy behavior, level of fantasy predisposition, age, and sex on direction of aggression in young children.

Abstract The effect of fantasy behavior, fantasy predisposition, age, and sex upon direction of aggression in children was assessed in 57 kindergarten boys and girls. Ss from low to high levels of assessed fantasy predisposition were randomly designated as experimental or control. All Ss were exposed to an imposed frustrating condition. The experimental group was then exposed to a condition designed to elicit spontaneous fantasy behavior; the control group was exposed to a condition designed to be incompatible with fantasy. All Ss were then assessed for direction of aggression. Children who engaged in fantasy behavior following frustration were significantly more extrapunitive than control Ss (p < .05); the findings did not support either the premise that fantasy results in drive-reduction or that fantasy results in the turning inward upon the self of hostile drive manifested by increased intropunitiveness. Age was found to be significantly but negatively correlated with extrapunitiveness (p < .05).
Changing places: contexts of awareness in computing

By allowing any social institution to structure activity in any place, wireless information services break down the traditional mapping between institutions and places. This phenomenon greatly complicates the analysis of context for purposes of designing context-aware computing systems. Context has a physical aspect, but most aspects of context will also be defined in institutional terms. This essay develops two conceptual frameworks for the analysis of context in mobile and ubiquitous computing. The first framework concerns the relation between architecture, practices, and institutions; it directs attention to the complex middle ground in which information services make use of whatever computational resources happen to be in the user's physical surroundings. The second framework is called the capture model; it rationally reconstructs the traditional systems analysis methods, which reorganize work activities to enable a computer to capture the information it needs. Context-aware computing devices that depart from the capture model face a difficult set of design tradeoffs.
Caroli's disease diagnosed in a child by MRCP

We describe a case of Caroli's disease associated with a choledochal cyst and autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease in a child whose diagnosis was confirmed with magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), after initial abnormalities were seen by ultrasonography. Invasive procedures such as liver biopsy or endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) were, therefore, not necessary. Recent radiological advances in the diagnosis of Caroli's disease with particular emphasis on MRCP are discussed.
Functional genital morphology of armored spiders (Arachnida: Araneae: Tetrablemmidae).

This study describes the female genitalia of the tetrablemmid spiders Brignoliella acuminata, Monoblemma muchmorei, Caraimatta sbordonii, Tetrablemma magister, and Ablemma unicornis by means of serial semi-thin sections and scanning electron microscopy and compares the results with previous findings on Indicoblemma lannaianum. Furthermore, the male palps and chelicerae are briefly described. The general vulval organization of females is complex and shows similarities in all of the investigated species. The copulatory orifice is situated near the posterior margin of the pulmonary plate. The opening of the uterus externus lies between the pulmonary and the postgenital plate. Paired copulatory ducts lead to sac-like receptacula. Except for A. unicornis, the male emboli of all investigated species are elongated and thread-like. However, they are too short to reach the receptacula. Hence, the spermatozoa have to be deposited inside the copulatory ducts. The same situation was also found in I. lannaianum. Females of this species store sperm encapsulated in secretory balls in their receptacula. The secretion is produced by glands adjoining the receptacula. The presence of paired fertilization ducts and spermatozoa in the uterus internus suggested that fertilization takes place internally in I. lannaianum. Secretory balls in the receptacula are found in all of the investigated species in this study, showing that sperm are stored in the same way. The place of fertilization may also be identical since dark particles, presumably spermatozoa, are located in the uterus internus of all investigated species except for T. magister. However, fertilization ducts are only found in B. acuminata and M. muchmorei. A sclerotized central process with attached muscles is present in A. unicornis, M. muchmorei, C. sbordonii and T. magister. Only in A. unicornis does the central process show an internal lumen and hold spermatozoa. In the other species, it could be used to lock the uterus during copulation in order to prevent sperm from getting into it as suggested for certain oonopid species. The uterus externus of all investigated species shows a sclerotized dorsal fold with attached muscles, previously described as “inner vulval plate.” Contractions of the muscles lead to a widening of the dorsal fold, thus creating enough space for the large oocytes to pass the narrow uterus externus. The males of all investigated species have apophyses on their chelicerae. At least in B. acuminata and A. unicornis, where females have paired grooves on the preanal plate, these apophyses allow males to grasp the female during copulation as described for I. lannaianum. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A non-T:non-B cell bears I-A, I-E, I-J, and Tla (Qa-1?) determinants.

A non-T:non-B accessory cell in peritoneal washout or spleen-cell suspensions facilitates T-cell proliferative responses to the mitogen, concanavalin A. Utilizing monoclonal antibody, we show that this accessory cell bears the same I-A- and I-E-subregion controlled determinants as found on B cells. In addition, the same accessory cell bears a Tla (Qa-1?)-region and an I-J-subregion controlled determinant. This I-J determinant is also present on splenic accessory cells involved in in vitro antibody responses to sheep red blood cells. Data in a companion paper show that not all anti-I-J sera contain antibody reactive with the accessory cell, and suggest that T cells involved in the generation of suppressor activity and accessory cells bear different I-J-subregion controlled determinants.
MEMS-based phased arrays for army applications

The Army Aviation and Missile Research, Development, and Engineering Center (AMRDEC) initiated a research and development project several years ago to develop Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS)-based phased arrays to provide rapid beam steering for sensors, optical and Radio Frequency (RF) missile seekers, and RF communication links. In particular, the joint AMRDEC/Army Research Laboratory (ARL) project, which leverages low-cost phased array components developed under the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Low Cost Cruise Missile Defense (LCCMD) project, is developing RF switches, phase shifters, and passive phased sub-arrays to provide a fast scanning capability for pointing, acquisition, tracking, and data communication; and rugged, optical MEMS-based phased arrays to be employed in small volume, low-cost Laser Detection and Ranging (LADAR) seekers. The current status of the project is disclosed in this paper. Critical technical challenges, which include design and fabrication of the RF switches and phase shifters, design and fabrication of micro lens arrays, control of beam steering, scanning angular resolution and array losses, are discussed. Our approach to overcoming the technical barriers and achieving required performance is also discussed. Finally, the validity of a MEMS technology approach against competing low cost technologies is presented.
Low temperature densification of silicon nitride nanoglasses

Abstract We have consolidated laser derived, nano-sized Si 3 N 4 powders into high density, transparent nanoglass green compacts at high pressures. The powders were 17 nm in diameter and had been exposed to atmospheric moisture and thus contained 6.2 wt% oxygen. Powders were consolidated in a diamond anvil cell at temperatures from 77 K to 773 K and pressures to 5 GPa. The densest and most transparent samples were first pressed at 5 GPa and 77 K followed by pressing at 773 K. Subsequent heating above 1473 K resulted in a dramatic increase in Vickers microhardness (>2000 kg/mm 2 ). This increase in hardness was attributed to partial sintering of the randomly close-packed Si 3 N 4 particles.
A feminist critique of problem gambling research

Using a liberal feminist orientation, the literature on a diverse range of topics concerning the profile of the pathological gambler, from personality traits to psychiatric orientation, as well as consequences of the behavior on individuals was reviewed for its gender-related content. The vast majority of this research has been on male subjects; gender of respondents has not been discussed; gender-related findings have not been reported; mostly male-dominated gambling sites have been investigated. To say that most compulsive gamblers are men and therefore, theorists need to explain them first and only later apply these same explanations to the 'rare' [female] cases is to acquiesce to a patriarchal notion of the world. Action is suggested which would put a halt to this trend and suggestions are made for future research.
Early childhood educators: Perspectives on maltreatment and mandated reporting

Abstract This study examined knowledge of maltreatment issues of 141 early care and education (ECE) providers who are mandated reporters. Participants rated the importance of factors for determining maltreatment, indicated whether a hypothetical act was maltreatment, and whether they would report that incident. Participants emphasized the importance of actual harm and sexual acts for determining child maltreatment, but rated potential for harm as less important relative to studies of other mandated reporters. The results also suggested that participants hold similar beliefs about what constitutes maltreatment (neglect) as K-8 teachers. Unlike their K-8 counterparts, participants placed more emphasis on sexual abuse and less emphasis on physical abuse. Finally, consistent with findings from studies of K-8 teachers, participants were more likely to say they would report an incident when they were personally more certain the act was abuse.
Entropy law and Nicholas Georgescu-Roegen's paradigm: A reply

Abstract Lozada fails to offer an argument why the entropy law is pertinent to the conception of the economic process. What appears to him as a “logical slip” in my argument in fact substantiates the thesis that the entropy law is irrelevant to the understanding of the deterioration of natural resources and the environment.
Running a micro lab: Beyond the technical

There are a number of questions that need to be considered by the university computing facility contemplating a micro area. Our experience suggests that there are considerable advantages to answering these questions prior to making any purchases. (Note: Our own solutions will be mentioned in the presentation of this paper but will not be included in the text.)
Lithium beam characterization of cylindrical PBFA II hohlraum experiments

Summary form only given, as follows. Sandia National Laboratories is actively engaged in exploring indirect-drive inertial confinement fusion on the Particle Beam Fusion Accelerator (PBFA II) with pulsed-power accelerated lithium ions as the driver. Experiments utilizing cylindrical hohlraum targets were conducted in 1994. Using the incoming ion beam-induced line radiation from titanium wires surrounding these hohlraums, beam profiles during these experiments have been measured and characterized, these data, their comparison/cross-correlation with particle-based beam diagnostics, and an analysis of the beam parameters that most significantly influence target temperature are presented.
Hypercalcemia complicating childhood malignancies

Background. Hypercalcemia complicating malignancy is a frequent complication in adults, but little has been published about the pathogenesis or the true incidence of hypercalcemia in children with cancer. Methods. Hypercalcemia developing in childhood malignancies was studied retrospectively at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital to determine its incidence, the timing of its presentation, and its response to therapy. Results. Over a 29-year period, 25 children (median age, 9.5 years) had been diagnosed and treated for hypercalcemia that occurred during the course of their malignancy. These 25 represented of 0.4% of the total number of children treated for cancer at the institution during that period. Their malignancies comprised acute leukemias (11;0.6%), rhabdomyosarcoma (4;1.2%), malignant rhabdoid tumor (2), Hodgkin disease (1), non-Hodgkin lymphoma (1), hepatoblastoma (2), neuroblastoma (1), brain tumor (1), angiosarcoma (1), and a solid malignant tumor of undetermined type. Conclusions. Patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia were more likely to present with hypercalcemia at the time of their initial diagnosis and to achieve resolution of this complication, whereas patients with solid tumors presented with hypercalcemia later in the course of their disease and had hypercalcemia that was more resistant to therapy. In contrast to adults with cancer, hypercalcemia of malignancy is extremely rare in children. Cancer 1993; 72:256–60.
Clinical depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, and comorbid depression and posttraumatic stress disorder as risk factors for in-hospital mortality after coronary artery bypass grafting surgery

Objective The goal of this study was to examine the effect of clinical depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, and comorbid depression and posttraumatic stress disorder on in-hospital mortality after a coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. It is hypothesized that depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, and comorbid depression and posttraumatic stress disorder will independently contribute to an increased risk for in-hospital mortality rates after coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of the 2006 Nationwide Inpatient Sample database. The Nationwide Inpatient Sample database provides information on approximately 8 million US inpatient stays from about 1000 hospitals. We performed χ 2 and unpaired t tests to evaluate potential confounding group demographic and medical variables. Hierarchic logistic regression was used with forced order entry of depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, and comorbid depression and posttraumatic stress disorder. Results Deceased patients were more likely to have had depression (alive, 24.8%; deceased, 60.3%; P P P Conclusions Two findings were noteworthy. First, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, and comorbid depression and posttraumatic stress disorder are prevalent in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting procedures. Second, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, and comorbid depression and posttraumatic stress disorder increase the risk of death by magnitudes comparable with well-established physical health risk factors after coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. The implications for clinical practice and future directions are discussed.
Technical report: an ePRO patient reported outcome program for the evaluation of patients with irritable bowel syndrome.

Background Patient reported outcome (PRO) is an important healthcare concept that describes patient's participation in their care by self-evaluation, usually in the form of questionnaires. This report describes an unique computerized technique, electronic PRO (ePRO), for following the progress of patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Methods Patients first completed a series of questionnaires, including questions about their illness history, symptom severity, and, in this application, psychological and relationship issues. The symptom severity and psychological questionnaires were then completed at intervals by the patients on their own computers. The ePRO was constructed to allow scores to be automatically summed and placed on a time-line graph for review at the time of the next office visit. Key Results Of the 32 patients who completed the initial set of questionnaires, 20 maintained participation in the program for a 6-month period. Of those 20 patients, median number of submissions was 7.0; median interval between questionnaire submissions was 3.0 weeks, whereas median interval between office visits was 5.9 weeks. On average, questionnaire completion took less than 5 min and was positively experienced by the patients. Conclusions & Inferences The ePRO program proved to be technically feasible, clinically useful, and positively experienced by the patients. It provides a focus on a collaborative conversation between physician and patient. It has significant potential as a technique for evaluating outcome in response to various therapies.
Research on Children’s Play: Analysis of Developmental and Early Education Journals from 2005 to 2007

Our review examined four early childhood journals (Early Child Development and Care, Early Childhood Education Journal, Journal of Research in Childhood Education, and Early Childhood Research Quarterly) and four developmental science journals (Child Development, Developmental Psychology, Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology, and Merrill Palmer Quarterly) from 2005 to 2007. Only 57 articles out of over 1,000 (conservative estimate) included the term ‘play’ in the title, abstract or as a key word. Of these 57 articles, only 19 were primarily focused on play, 16 from ECE journals and only three from developmental science journals (Z = 2.43, p < .05). While the ECE journals drew implications for practice, the developmental science journals did not. Seven ECE journal articles dealt with the concept of play in education and four other ECE journal articles covered play and literacy. The findings suggest the need for more careful use of the term play in early education and child development studies and a reevaluation of rationales and methods for its study.
Melatonin in autism spectrum disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Aim The aim of this study was to investigate melatonin-related findings in autism spectrum disorders (ASD), including autistic disorder, Asperger syndrome, Rett syndrome, and pervasive developmental disorders, not otherwise specified. Method Comprehensive searches were conducted in the PubMed, Google Scholar, CINAHL, EMBASE, Scopus, and ERIC databases from their inception to October 2010. Two reviewers independently assessed 35 studies that met the inclusion criteria. Of these, meta-analysis was performed on five randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled studies, and the quality of these trials was assessed using the Downs and Black checklist. Results Nine studies measured melatonin or melatonin metabolites in ASD and all reported at least one abnormality, including an abnormal melatonin circadian rhythm in four studies, below average physiological levels of melatonin and/or melatonin derivates in seven studies, and a positive correlation between these levels and autistic behaviors in four studies. Five studies reported gene abnormalities that could contribute to decreased melatonin production or adversely affect melatonin receptor function in a small percentage of children with ASD. Six studies reported improved daytime behavior with melatonin use. Eighteen studies on melatonin treatment in ASD were identified; these studies reported improvements in sleep duration, sleep onset latency, and night-time awakenings. Five of these studies were randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover studies; two of the studies contained blended samples of children with ASD and other developmental disorders, but only data for children with ASD were used in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis found significant improvements with large effect sizes in sleep duration (73min compared with baseline, Hedge’s g 1.97 [95% confidence interval {CI} CI 1.10–2.84], Glass’s Δ 1.54 [95% CI 0.64–2.44]; 44min compared with placebo, Hedge’s g 1.07 [95% CI 0.49–1.65], Glass’s Δ 0.93 [95% CI 0.33–1.53]) and sleep onset latency (66min compared with baseline, Hedge’s g−2.42 [95% CI −1.67 to −3.17], Glass’s Δ−2.18 [95% CI −1.58 to −2.76]; 39min compared with placebo, Hedge’s g−2.46 [95% CI −1.96 to −2.98], Glass’s Δ−1.28 [95% CI −0.67 to −1.89]) but not in night-time awakenings. The effect size varied significantly across studies but funnel plots did not indicate publication bias. The reported side effects of melatonin were minimal to none. Some studies were affected by limitations, including small sample sizes and variability in the protocols that measured changes in sleep parameters. Interpretation Melatonin administration in ASD is associated with improved sleep parameters, better daytime behavior, and minimal side effects. Additional studies of melatonin would be helpful to confirm and expand on these findings.
Natural resources and institutional development

Recent work on the resource curse argues that the effect of resource wealth on development outcomes is a conditional one: resource-dependent countries with low-quality institutions are vulnerable to a resource curse, while resource-dependent countries with high-quality institutions are not. But extant models neglect the ways in which the inflow of resource revenue impacts the institutional environment itself. In this paper, I present a formal model to show that where domestic institutions do not limit state leaders’ discretion over policy prior to becoming fiscally reliant on resources, those leaders have little incentive in the wake of resource windfalls to establish institutional mechanisms that limit their discretion. Importantly, this shows that simple calls for domestic institutional reform are unlikely to be effective. Among other things, future prescriptions to mitigate the resource curse must focus on decreasing rulers’ fiscal reliance on resources.
Length dependent NLO properties of 2D hollow gold nanoprisms formed by guided assembly

This communication reports a unique way to tune the first order NLO properties of nanoparticles tremendously via organized assembly structures, through σ-bond conjugation.
Direct and indirect measurements of hydrogen

Abstract We have demonstrated that the content of hydrogen in carbon-based films can be reliably calculated from a measurement made either directly using forward recoiled hydrogen or indirectly using backscattered helium. The method makes use of the surface signal height ratio of a sample of unknown composition to a standard of known composition. This approach allows elimination of several experimental parameters. The method assumes validity of Bragg's rule, potential deviations from which account for the majority of the absolute uncertainty in the hydrogen fraction. In general however, we have found agreement in hydrogen content between the two techniques for several carbon-based films.
Social mobile applications

The pervasiveness of the mobile phone culture in informal economies in underdeveloped countries, as well as in immigrant communities in developed countries even in areas devoid of electricity and computers has been a motivation for the development of two mobile phone applications presented in our paper. The first is an account book application based on goal oriented accounting and the second is a calorie intake monitoring application. We also present our ideology of developing Mobile Phone Template applications and transforming them into other application domains to gain language and regional independence. Our applications have been tested on low end mobile phones.
Inducing attack by male Platypus (Col., Platypodidae) on wood billets in the laboratory

A method of inducing attack on wood billets by males of 3 species of Platypus is described. Clusters of nail holes are made in fresh billets of beech, over which are placed clear plastic cages. Beetles are placed beneath the cages and, under suitable conditions, they bore their own tunnels in the nail holes. Zusammenfassung Laboruntersuchungen zum kunstlichen Befall von Holzscheiten durch mannliche Kafer der Gattung Platypus (Col., Platypodidae) Das “Forest Research Institute” in Rotorua, Neuseeland, untersucht derzeit die Pheromone der Platypodidae. Es wird hier eine Methode beschrieben, mit der Kafer von 3 Platypus-Arten zum Befall von Nothofagus-Holzscheiten angereizt werden konnen. Uber gruppenweise in das Holz gehauene Nagellocher werden Behalter aus durchsichtigem Kunststoff gestellt, in die Kafer eingefuhrt werden. Unter geeigneten Bedingungen bohren dann die Kafer, ausgehend von den Lochern, ihre Bohrgange ins Holz. Wahrend der Schwarmzeit 1983–84 und 1984–85 legten 71 % der so angesetzten Kafer Bohrgange an. Die befallenen Scheite werden als Bezugsquellen von Pheromonen fur die chemische Analyse und fur Lockstoffversuche im Labor und in Freiland-Fallen gebraucht.
Propagation of non-resonant temporal Raman solitons in the presence of coherence decay: a perturbation theoretical analysis

Abstract The propagation of a soliton in a Raman medium in the presence of collisional decay of coherence and detuning from Raman line center is studied. The spatial dependence of soliton width, position and amplitude is calculated by treating the decay of coherence as a perturbation. Two approaches are used, one based onthe inverse scattering transform and the other employing constants of motion. Both give identical results which are confirmed through the numerical integration of the equations of Raman scattering. These results confirm the phenomena of soliton narrowing and decay, which have been observed experimentally.
Phylogeny, taxonomy and biogeography of a circum-Indian Ocean clade of leaf-toed geckos (Reptilia: Gekkota), with a description of two new genera

Geckos with a leaf-toed morphology (digits with a single pair of enlarged adhesive pads located terminally) occur on six continents and many islands. Although most leaf-toed gecko genera belong to independently derived lineages, recent studies support the monophyly of a circum-Indian Ocean group including four genera from disparate regions: the southern African genera Afrogecko and Cryptactites, the Malagasy genus Matoatoa, and the Australian genus Christinus. We obtained molecular and/or morphological data for most species in these genera to estimate phylogenetic relationships among constituent species and infer broad historical biogeographic patterns. Our results confirm that Afrogecko is not monophyletic, and that Christinus is embedded among African taxa. Afrogecko is comprised of three lineages, each of which is distinct in external features and osteology. Based on these results, we partition Afrogecko and recognize two new genera. Molecular clock analyses suggest divergences within the circum-Indian...
Bien vu, bien dit: Intermediate French. by WILLIAMS, ANN, CARMEN GRACE, & CHRISTIAN ROCHE Bien vu, bien dit Workbook/Laboratory Manual. by WILLIAMS, ANN, CARMEN GRACE, & CHRISTIAN ROCHE

The article reviews the books "Bien vu, bien dit: Intermediate French" and "Bien vu, bien dit Workbook/Laboratory Manual," by Ann Williams, Carmen Grace and Christian Roche and the DVD release of the motion picture "Le Chemin du retour."
Compensatory responses in the aging hippocampal serotonergic system following neurodegenerative injury with 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine.

This study utilized a multidisciplinary approach to examine injury-induced compensatory responses in the aging hippocampal serotonin transporter (5-HTT), a membrane protein implicated in a variety of neurodegenerative disorders. Age-dependent cellular, anatomical, and physiological changes of the 5-HTT were evaluated in female Fischer 344 rats (2 and 17 months) following denervation of the serotonergic afferents (fimbria-fornix and cingulum bundle) to the dorsal hippocampus using the neurotoxicant 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine (5,7-DHT). Seven days following 5,7-DHT administration, a uniform loss of the hippocampal 5-HTT immunoreactivity was observed in both age groups. However, at 21 days 5-HTT immunoreactivity in young 5,7-DHT-treated animals was similar to control levels, indicative of recovery, while older animals exposed to 5,7-DHT did not show recovery of hippocampal 5-HTT expression. 5-HTT binding site density, as determined by quantitative autoradiography ([3H]citalopram), supported the immunohistochemical results by demonstrating a recovery of 5-HTT binding sites in young, but not old animals, at 21 days following the lesion (P < 0.001). Furthermore, cellular electrophysiological function of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons in 3- and 18-month-old F344 rats at 21 days following 5,7-DHT or vehicle treatment were assessed using in vivo microiontophoretic application of serotonin (5-HT). Independent of changes in sensitivity to the inhibitory effects of 5-HT application, the time to recovery of cell firing following application of 5-HT was significantly increased in the 18-month 5,7-DHT group compared to the 18-month vehicle and 3-month 5,7-DHT groups (60 and 59% increases, respectively; P < 0.05). Overall, these series of studies comprise a model which can be used to identify cellular events underlying both the formation of injury-induced compensatory processes in younger animals and the lack thereof with advancing age. Synapse 39:109–121, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Nearly one dimensional dynamics in an epidemic.

The incidence of measles in New York City and Baltimore was studied using recently developed techniques in nonlinear dynamics. The data, monthly case reports for the years 1928–1963, suggest almost two dimensional, chaotic flows whose essential attributes are captured by one dimensional, unimodal maps. The effects of noise, inevitable in ecological and epidemiological systems are discussed.
Mass Flow and Energy Use During Orange Peel Oil Recovery

Electrical energy consumption and oil recovery were measured during operation of a commercial citrus peel oil centrifugation process. Two parts of a centrifuge's electrical consumption were identified: regular operation and the discharge cycle. During discharge cycles, the electrical energy ranged from 125–189% of the steady-state values. Energy costs were computed for the desludger and polisher centrifuges. Direct electrical costs for the oil mill totaled 0.67/kg oil recovered. Electrical costs calculated for finishing and dewaxing totaled 0.5/kg oil. Actual oil yield (1.1 kg/t) was only 20% of the total in the fruit. A major source of oil loss occurred during extraction from the fruit, where less than 50% of the oil was actually extracted into the dilute emulsion. Inefficient operation of the centrifuges accounted for most of the remaining losses.