cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Involuntary hospitalization: Opinions and attitudes of psychiatrists and lawyers

N PREVIOUS ARTICLES, ‘I’ we noted that the participation of lawyers in decision-making regarding involuntary hospitalization of the mentally ill significantly increases the rate of out-of-court settlement and decreases the need for court hearings as a final recourse. Out-of-court settlements are of two kinds: either the psychiatrist reverses his eariier recommendation and discharges the patient, or the patient changes his mind and accepts hospitalization, which is thus not on a committed basis. At Bellevue Hospital in New York City, 130 cases, or 64% of a total of 203 patients who requested a court hearing in 1969 to contest further hospitalization at state hospitals were settled without a judicial ruling. Of these 130 cases, 63% were discharged by psychiatrists prior to the hearing or during an adjournment of it, and the remaining 37% eventually accepted hospitalization. All patients who requested a court hearing received free legal counseling and representation in the court from staff lawyers of the Mental Health Information Service, if a hearing was held. The latter was created by the revised statute for New York State in 1965. In seeking a settlement before the court hearing, these lawyers inevitably exert pressure not only on the psychiatrists to discharge patients, but, on occasion, on the patients to accept hospitalization. In advising his client not to contest hospitalization, the lawyer may either be acting on his assessment that he cannot make a court case for discharge, or he may judge that his client does indeed require hospitalization. Apart from considerations of strategy, the direction in which the lawyer will exercise pressure will be determined to some extent by his judgment as to who should be hospitalized and who should not.2 In arriving at such judgments he receives little assistance from the statutory criteria of involuntary or compulsory hospitalization. The New York statute is, as are the statutes of other states,3 very general in its terminology, and only states: “If it be determined that the patient is mentally ill and in need of retention for care and treatment, the court shall forthwith issue an order authorizing the retention of such patient for care and treatment in the hospital. . . . ” (Article 5, Section 72, paragraph 3). The outcome of a hearing case at Bellevue is undoubtedly influenced by the informal operating criteria of the lawyers, for involuntary hospitalization, that inevitably develop under these circumstances, and which may or may not conflict with the psychiatrists’ criteria. In this paper we examine the opinions and attitudes of both psychia
Intracoronary versus intravenous effects of cocaine on coronary flow and ventricular function.

BACKGROUND Cocaine use has been associated with cardiomyopathy and ischemic coronary syndromes. However, the pathophysiological mechanisms responsible for these syndromes are not clear and have been suggested to involve direct effects of cocaine on myocyte contractility and coronary resistance as well as indirect effects via altered autonomic tone, secondary mediators, and myocardial metabolism. We sought to distinguish direct from indirect effects of cocaine on ventricular function and coronary resistance by comparison of the administration of intracoronary cocaine (0.12 to 0.36 mg/min constant infusion) with intravenous cocaine (5 mg/kg bolus infusion) in an in vivo anesthetized pig preparation. METHODS AND RESULTS To control for changes in coronary resistance secondary to autoregulation and myocardial metabolism, the left anterior descending coronary artery was perfused at constant coronary pressure and the interventricular vein was cannulated for coronary venous oxygen saturation measurement. Coronary blood flow, regional percent segment shortening, myocardial oxygen consumption, and serum cocaine concentrations were measured. Intracoronary cocaine produced a dose-dependent decrease in percent segment shortening in the absence of significant changes in coronary flow or systemic hemodynamics. In contrast, intravenous cocaine had mild biphasic effects on coronary resistance with an initial brief vasodilation (30.0 +/- 5% increase in flow from control) followed by more prolonged vasoconstriction (17.0 +/- 3.3% decrease in flow from control), which were independent of autoregulation or myocardial metabolism. In addition, intravenous cocaine caused an early 48% decrease in percent segment shortening, at which time the measured cocaine concentration was 20.1 micrograms/mL blood. This was comparable to the intracoronary cocaine concentration of 17.1 micrograms/mL blood, which produced a similar 48% decrease in percent segment shortening. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that the effects of acute cocaine exposure on ventricular function are predominantly direct but of brief duration and therefore probably not clinically relevant. The effects of cocaine on coronary tone are predominantly indirect and biphasic, with early vasodilation followed by mild and more prolonged vasoconstriction. In the absence of coronary stenosis or ventricular hypertrophy, this small amount of vasoconstriction is unlikely to cause ischemia.
Educating Students with Mental Retardation in General Education Classrooms

Empirical evidence and federal mandates support the notion that students with mental retardation (MR) should spend some or much of the school day in general education classrooms. This study investigated trends in state-level rates for placing students in different educational settings between 1989–90 and 1999–2000. The research utilized state-reported data published in the Annual Report to Congress on the Implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Results indicate that during the 1990s (a) identification rates remained stable, (b) the proportion of students labeled with MR placed in general education classrooms for some or much of the school day increased from 27.3% to 44.7%, (c) placement in separate settings decreased from 72.7% to 55.3%, and (d) the proportion of students with MR placed in separate facilities decreased by 46%. Evidence also suggests that the U.S. has reached a plateau in educating students with MR in general education classrooms. Implications and suggestions for...
Resolution of macular edema in radiation retinopathy after intravenous diuresis.

PURPOSE To report resolution of bilateral macular edema secondary to radiation retinopathy after intravenous diuresis. METHODS Observational case report, consisting of clinical examination, fluorescein angiography, and optical coherence tomography. RESULTS A 38-year-old woman developed radiation retinopathy and severe macular edema secondary to whole brain radiation therapy for metastatic breast cancer. After diuresis with intravenous furosemide for pleural effusion, the bilateral macular edema resolved. CONCLUSION In select patients, systemic diuresis may aid in resolving macular edema.
Limited plasticity of biomass allocation in alpine forbs, Pikes Peak, Colorado

ABSTRACT. Alpine plant species are thought to have limited phenotypic plasticity, but few data exist on forbs. We assessed plasticity in allocation of biomass to belowground and aboveground parts and to reproduction in 5 forb species from a 50-year-old disturbance and adjacent undisturbed areas in an alpine dry meadow. Three of the species, mostly those with variable numbers of stems per genet, increased in size in the disturbed areas. All 5 forbs showed very limited plasticity in allocation of biomass. Lack of phenotypic plasticity in these forbs may limit their ability to respond to future changes in environment.
EFFECTS OF VARIOUS FRESH MEAT STORAGE METHODS ON THE COLOR OF COOKED GROUND PORK

The effects of microbial growth in raw materials on cooked pork color were investigated. In two trials with sow meat held aerobically at 2C for 3 weeks, microbial load reached spoilage levels (107 cfu/g), pH increased to 6.46, and samples cooked to 71C had red exudate, shown by absorption spectroscopy to contain myoglobin and cytochrome c. Samples cooked to 82C also received high panel ratings for red color, due to red, flocculent precipitate in the exudate, but undenatured myoglobin levels were low. In sow meat held frozen or vacuum-packaged at 2C, pH after 3 weeks was 6.03 and 6.18, and plate counts were 104 and 107, respectively, but exudates after cooking were much less red. In five trials with fresh pork legs, total plate counts also reached 107 cfu/g by 3 weeks storage, and pH increased to 6.37, but cooked samples were not red. Higher myoglobin levels in sow meat probably accounted for the red color and level of undenatured myoglobin remaining after cooking of high pH, spoiled samples.
Probing the Catalytic Sites and Activation Mechanism of Photoreceptor Phosphodiesterase Using Radiolabeled Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors

Retinal photoreceptor phosphodiesterase (PDE6) is unique among the phosphodiesterase enzyme family not only for its catalytic heterodimer but also for its regulatory γ-subunits (Pγ) whose inhibitory action is released upon binding to the G-protein transducin. It is generally assumed that during visual excitation both catalytic sites are relieved of Pγ inhibition upon binding of two activated transducin molecules. Because PDE6 shares structural and pharmacological similarities with PDE5, we utilized radiolabeled PDE5 inhibitors to probe the catalytic sites of PDE6. The membrane filtration assay we used to quantify [3H]vardenafil binding to PDE6 required histone II-AS to stabilize drug binding to the active site. Under these conditions, [3H]vardenafil binds stoichiometrically to both the α- and β-subunits of the activated PDE6 heterodimer. [3H]vardenafil fails to bind to either the PDE6 holoenzyme or the PDE6 catalytic dimer reconstituted with Pγ, consistent with Pγ blocking access to the drug-binding sites. Following transducin activation of membrane-associated PDE6 holoenzyme, [3H]vardenafil binding increases in proportion to the extent of PDE6 activation. Both [3H]vardenafil binding and hydrolytic activity of transducin-activated PDE6 fail to exceed 50% of the value for the PDE6 catalytic dimer. However, adding a 1000-fold excess of activated transducin can stimulate the hydrolytic activity of PDE6 to its maximum extent. These results demonstrate that both subunits of the PDE6 heterodimer are able to bind ligands to the enzyme active site. Furthermore, transducin relieves Pγ inhibition of PDE6 in a biphasic manner, with only one-half of the maximum PDE6 activity efficiently attained during visual excitation.
Identification of Failing Mechanical Systems through Spectrometric Oil Analysis

The results obtained from spectrometric analyses may be viewed as being stochastic in nature, so that decisions based upon them are necessarily accompanied by uncertainties. A class of rules is developed for making decisions concerning whether a mechanical system may be failing, based upon spectroscopic analyses of the system's oil over a period of time. Some considerations that went into the development of these rules, including studies of past analysis records and experiments, are presented. Identification procedures of the type suggested should perform well in connection with a computerized analysis system, at least insofar as routinely monitoring the well behaved systems, while calling the attention of appropriate personnel to possibly discrepant systems.
Changes in simian immunodeficiency virus reverse transcriptase alleles that appear during infection of macaques enhance infectivity and replication in CD4+ T cells.

Abstract We previously showed that a slowly replicating, minimally pathogenic clone of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), SIVmneCl8, evolves increased ability to replicate in T cells with the onset of AIDS in pig-tailed macaques. Moreover, molecular clones derived from late stages of infection (SIVmne170 and SIVmne027) replicate to high levels in vivo compared to SIVmneCl8. Here, we investigated the role of rt mutations in SIVmne variant replication. We demonstrate selection for rt alleles that enhance viral infectivity and replication capacity in CD4+ T cells. Moreover, the ability of SIVmne to be induced from resting CD4+ T cells by anti-CD3/CD28 stimulation is more strongly influenced by the variant rt alleles than nef alleles. Taken together, our data underscore the importance of RT determinants for pathogenicity of SIV and for the capacity to replicate in CD4+ T cell populations.
Birefringence correction for single-mode fiber couplers

We apply a two-port, lumped-element birefringence model to single-mode fiber couplers. By application of twist and compression to output leads, the effects of circular and linear birefringence can be essentially eliminated. Resulting output polarization states are linear and unrotated for any linear inputs in both splitters and combiners. Compensation stability is investigated.
The Effect of Postsecondary Coenrollment on College Success: Initial Evidence and Implications for Policy and Future Research

Drawing upon the latest data from the Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:04/09) and the Postsecondary Education Transcript Data (PETS:09), this study employed propensity score matching and postmatching logistic regression to estimate the extent to which postsecondary coenrollment affects persistence and attainment of students beginning at both community colleges and 4-year institutions. Coenrollment was defined as simultaneous enrollment at multiple postsecondary institutions during the same academic term. Findings suggest that coenrollment had a significant positive effect on educational attainment and postsecondary persistence for both student populations. This study has important implications for policy and future research surrounding coenrollment and complex pathways in postsecondary education.
Usefulness of follow-up electrophysiologic study and event monitoring after successful radiofrequency catheter ablation of supraventricular tachycardia

Abstract We assessed the usefulness of routine follow-up electrophysiologic studies after successful catheter ablation for supraventricular tachycardia and the role of event monitoring as an alternative modality in 310 patients at 11 centers using an investigational catheter ablation system with closed-loop temperature control. A routine follow-up electrophysiologic study between 1 and 3 months after ablation was required as part of the study protocol, and patients developing palpitations after ablation were encouraged to use event monitors. Recurrence of the initially targeted arrhythmia developed in 23 patients (7.4%) at a mean of 1.5 ± 1.5 months after ablation. However, only 2 of these 23 recurrences were discovered by routine follow-up electrophysiologic study in asymptomatic patients (both with concealed accessory pathways); in the remaining 21 patients a positive follow-up electrophysiologic study was heralded by either recurrent symptoms, documented recurrent supraventricular tachycardia, and/or preexcitation on the electrocardiogram. Eighteen patients complained of palpitations after ablation and received an event monitor, which correctly diagnosed another cause of palpitations and ruled out recurrence of the ablated arrhythmia in 8 patients. Thus, the combination of clinical follow-up and event monitoring appears to be an effective alternative to routine follow-up electrophysiologic studies after catheter ablation of supraventricular tachycardia.
Design and performance of a high-power modelocked Nd:YLF laser

The design and performance characteristics of a TEM(00) mode Nd:YLF laser oscillator which can produce over 35 watts CW at 1053 nm are described. Performance data for Q-switched operation and for mode-locked operation are also presented. The performance of the laser was analyzed using a plane-wave extraction model, and the results are presented.
Cookies and Freedom of Information: The Putnam Pit Case

Abstract The Watergate scandal in the early 1970s permanently revised conceptions of the public's right to know the inner workings of government agencies. “Reporters recite the magic words of open government laws and demand access to dusty public records in hope of uncovering a big story. Public officials, reading the same laws more narrowly, refuse to open their file cabinets more than a little. Both sides run to the courts for help.”1 The Freedom of Information Act and similar state statutes have created a higher level of accountability for governmental agencies.
Electron paramagnetic resonance measurements of dibenzenechromium cations on silica gel and in Y-type zeolites

Abstract The EPR spectra of Cr(C6H6)2+ cations on silica gel and in Y-type zeolite were studied. The spectra show a well resolved proton hyperfine structure due to interactions between the unpaired electron and twelve equivalent protons of the benzene rings. An analysis of the 53Cr hyperfine structure indicates that the unpaired electron is mainly localized in the 3dz2 orbital of the chromium (I). The thermal stability of the dibenzenechromium complexes was greater in the Y-type zeolites than on silica gel. It was not possible to achieve either the reversible formation of the complex or ligand exchange with mesitylene. Furthermore, the dibenzenechromium complex did not form new π-arene complexes with acetylenes.
Changes in Cell Proliferation in the Developing Olfactory Epithelium Following Neonatal Unilateral Naris Occlusion

Surgical closure of an external naris reduces airflow through one side of the nasal cavity. Previous studies using [3H]thymidine autoradiography have demonstrated that rats subjected to the procedure on Postnatal Day 1 (P1) exhibit reduced cellular proliferation in the olfactory mucosa by P30. We investigated cell production at earlier ages to determine (a) when the effect first emerges, and (b) whether septal, dorsal, and lateral regions of the nasal cavity responded similarly. Both short (2-h) and long (30-day) survival groups were tested. Results from the first group indicate that changes in proliferation emerge between P10 and P20, and that the septum is more affected than other regions of the nasal cavity. No differences were observed in the long survival groups, perhaps due to changes in patterns of cell production or death.
Stimulation of exocytosis without a calcium signal

More than 30 years ago, Douglas (Douglas & Rubin, 1961; Douglas, 1968) proposed that intracellular Ca2+ controls stimulus-secretion coupling in endocrine cells, and Katz & Miledi (1967; Katz, 1969) proposed that intracellular Ca2+ ions control the rapid release of neurotransmitters from synapses. These related hypotheses have been amply confirmed in subsequent years and for students of excitable cells, they dominate our teaching and research. Calcium controls regulated exocytosis. On the other hand, many studies of epithelial and blood cell biology emphasize Ca2+-independent regulation of secretion of mucin, exocytotic delivery of transporters and degranulation. The evidence seems good. Are these contrasting conclusions somehow mistaken, or are the dominant factors controlling exocytosis actually different in different cell types? In this essay, we try to reconcile these ideas and consider classes of questions to ask and hypotheses to test in seeking a more integrated understanding of excitation-secretion coupling. Our review is conceptual and narrowly selective of a few examples rather than referring to a broader range of useful studies in the extensive literature. The examples are taken from mammals and are documented principally by citing other reviews and two of our own studies. The evidence shows that protein phosphorylation by kinases potentiates Ca2+-dependent exocytosis and often suffices to induce exocytosis by itself. Apparently, protein phosphorylation is the physiological trigger in a significant number of examples of regulated exocytosis. We conclude that although sharing many common properties, secretory processes in different cells are specialized and distinct from each other.
An Improved Support Vector Domain Description Method for Modeling Valid Search Domains in Engineering Design Problems

Predictive modeling is an important tool in engineering design and optimization. Designers can develop a predictive model to replace a computationally-intensive physics-based model (a practice referred to as meta-modeling or response-surface modeling) or to model systems based on empirically-obtained data. However, such models typically have a limited domain of validity—that is, only certain combinations of model inputs yield predictions that are trustable. Consequently, designers must take care to bound the search space of optimization algorithms that otherwise would be unable to distinguish between valid and invalid predictions. Prior research has found that the valid input domain of a model can be shaped irregularly and difficult to model using simple bounds on input variables. The Support Vector Domain Description (SVDD) method was shown to be an effective approach for modeling such boundaries. However, the method used previously for generating the domain description is slow and scales poorly as the size of the training data set grows. This paper describes a new incremental method for generating a SVDD using a point-by-point comparison in place of considering all data points at once. This method is observed to be over 1000 times faster than the original method. This makes the overall approach attractive on problems of practical scale. We describe the new method, explore its characteristics, and demonstrate it on a design example for the selection of component concepts for a commercial power generation plant.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
The Mission of Giovanni de Plano Carpini and Benedict the Pole of Vratislavia to Halicz

The journey to Mongolia of Giovanni de Plano Carpini and Benedict the Pole of Vratislavia (Wroclaw, Breslau) in 1245–1247 has been explored by historians. But the significance of their careers in Poland and Ruthenia has not yet been studied and remains a subject for future research. The Minorites, in addition to their chief mission—the peace negotiations with the Grand Khan in Karakorum—had been ordered to start conversations in Cracow (Krakow) and Halicz to bring about the union of Orthodox Ruthenia with Rome. Since he was vicedelegate and companion to friar Giovanni, Benedict's contribution to the achievement of the union seems to have been overlooked or insufficiently appreciated.
Recognizing Teen Dating Violence

Melissa is age 17 and a high school senior. Her exam today is suspicious for a chlamydial infection. She has a cervicitis and a mucopurulent discharge. Four months ago she was treated for Chlamydia-PID. At that time she seemed reluctant to tell her boyfriend that she had a sexually transmitted infection though she knew she had no other partner. She said then "He will say I gave it to him." After a detailed explanation of the epidemiology and possible consequences for health she promised to see that he was treated. Today when asked if he was treated she has difficulty making eye contact and says in a low voice that she never told him. She denies that she is afraid to tell him but her downcast eyes and reluctance to make eye contact suggest otherwise. (excerpt)
S100β protects hippocampal neurons from damage induced by glucose deprivation

Abstract S100β is a calcium-binding protein elevated in Down's syndrome and Alzheimer's disease. Previous studies have demonstrated that S100β is trophic for several neuronal populations. We tested the influence of S100β on hippocampal neurons. The initial response included a rapid increase in [Ca2+]i similar to that elicited by S100β in other populations. S100β also substantially decreased cell death and loss of mitochondrial function resulting from glucose deprivation. Therefore, S100β exerts a neuroprotective influence on CNS neurons, suggesting that its elevation in neurological disorders may be a compensatory response.
Flap opening and dimer-interface flexibility in the free and inhibitor-bound HIV protease, and their implications for function.

Abstract Background: 1 H and 15 N transverse relaxation measurements on perdeuterated proteins are ideally suited for detecting backbone conformational fluctuations on the millisecond–microsecond timescale. The identification of conformational exchange on this timescale by measuring the relaxation of both 1 H and 15 N holds great promise for the elucidation of functionally relevant conformational changes in proteins. Results: We measured the transverse 1 H and 15 N relaxation rates of backbone amides of HIV-1 protease in its free and inhibitor-bound forms. An analysis of these rates, obtained as a function of the effective rotating frame field, provided information about the timescale of structural fluctuations in several regions of the protein. The flaps that cover the active site of the inhibitor-bound protein undergo significant changes of backbone ( φ , ψ ) angles, on the 100 μ s timescale, in the free protein. In addition, the intermonomer β -sheet interface of the bound form, which from protease structure studies appears to be rigid, was found to fluctuate on the millisecond timescale. Conclusions: We present a working model of the flap-opening mechanism in free HIV-1 protease which involves a transition from a semi-open to an open conformation that is facilitated by interaction of the Phe53 ring with the substrate. We also identify a surprising fluctuation of the β -sheet intermonomer interface that suggests a structural requirement for maturation of the protease. Thus, slow conformational fluctuations identified by 1 H and 15 N transverse relaxation measurements can be related to the biological functions of proteins.
Some non-uniformly homeomorphic spaces

in this paper we prove that for 0<p, q≤1 the real F-spacesL q[0, 1] and l p are not uniformly homeomorphic. The particular casep=q=1 is due to Enflo and our work is motivated by his.
Transport depletion for nickel recovery

Abstract The potential usefulness of the transport depletion process to recycle nickel salts from dilute solutions was investigated and compared with the electrodialysis process. Results showed that nickel salts could be transferred against a 22: 1 concentration ratio, at rates proportional to applied current, but performance in terms of yield per kilowatt-hour and water co-transport was inferior to that of electrodialysis. Means for improvement and for anticipating performance efficiency in other applications are suggested.
Endocytosis of surface bound dopamine β-hydroxylase and plasma membrane following catecholamine secretion by bovine adrenal chromaffin cells

Abstract Cultured chromaffin cells were stimulated with either Ba 2+ or nicotine to secrete catecholamines. This resulted in the appearance of the chromaffin granule membrane protein, dopamine β-hydroxylase (DBH), on the cell surface. The DBH exposed on the cell surface was labeled using fluorescently tagged anti-DBH Fab fragments and the cell surface was simultaneously labeled with fluorescently tagged concanavalin A. Immediately after labeling, both fluorescent markers were localized on or near the cell surface; anti-DBH fluorescence was distributed as patches, but Con A fluorescence was uniformly distributed. Approximately 30 min after labeling, anti-DBH fluorescence appeared to be almost completely internalized without apparent redistribution on the surface whereas much of the Con A fluorescence remained on the cell surface. The rate of DBH endocytosis was quantified using 125 I labeled anti-IgG to measure surface bound anti-DBH. Following stimulation of catecholamine secretion, DBH and DBH/anti-DBH complexes both disappeared from the cell surface at similar rates. The half-life on the cell surface was approximately 7 min. These results demonstrate that DBH was rapidly and selectively retrieved from the cell surface, probably from the site of exocytosis.
ACHIEVING URBAN WATER CONSERVATION

: Increasing costs and competition for water have resulted in pressure to manage urban water demand through conservation programs. Metering, pricing, devices, restrictions, building code changes, and horticultural practices have all been effective in reducing average residential water use. Some conservation means are specifically aimed at reducing peak demands but these usually reduce average usage as well. Combined programs of conservation can be expected to reduce urban demand by as much as 25–30 percent over the long term. Restrictions can reduce water usage on the short term even further. The success of conservation programs is as dependent on the effectiveness of public education and information dissemination as on the conservation practices themselves.
Measurement of glutathione in normal volunteers and stroke patients at 3T using J-difference spectroscopy with minimized subtraction errors.

Purpose—To develop and optimize a 1 H MRS method for measuring brain glutathione (GSH) levels. Materials and Methods—Phantom experiments and density operator simulations were performed to determine the optimal TE for measuring GSH at 3 T using J-difference spectral editing. In vivo data collected from eleven normal volunteers (forty-three measurements) and five stroke patients (ten measurements) were processed using a new spectral alignment method (adaptive spectral registration). Results—In phantom experiments and density operator simulations where relaxation effects were ignored, close to maximum GSH signal (2.95 ppm) was obtained at TE ≈ 131 ms with minimum N-acetyle-aspartate (NAA) signal interference. Using adaptive spectral registration, GSH levels in healthy volunteers were found to be 1.20 ± 0.14 mM (mean ± SD). GSH levels in stroke patients were found to be 1.19 ± 0.24 mM in lesion and 1.25 ± 0.19 mM in contralateral normal tissue. In comparison, the standard deviations were significantly larger when only the NAA singlet (2.01 ppm) was used as a navigator for spectral alignment. Conclusion—Spectral editing using J-differences is a reliable method for measuring GSH levels in volunteers and stroke patients.
Self-reports of "positive" childhood and adolescent sexual contacts with older persons: an exploratory study

An exploratory, descriptive study of 37 male and 26 female subjects reporting childhood or adolescent intergenerational sexual contacts about which subjects maintained, at least in part, “positive” feelings is reported. An informal comparison group of 7 female victims of sexual abuse also participated. Subjects were administered a 21-page, 130-item questionnaire designed to explore and evaluate childhood functioning and development, the nature of the sexual experience, and its possible impact on adult life. Eight subjects also participated in subsequent in-depth telephone interviews. A wide range of characteristics and possible effects of the experiences were reported, suggesting that intergenerational sexual contacts may represent a continuum of experience rather than a unitary and discrete pathological phenomenon.
Synchronous Intussusceptions Following Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Intussusception is an atypical cause of small bowel obstruction following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and, as such, is not often considered in the differential diagnosis. In this setting, the pathophysiology appears to differ in that a pathologic lead point is rarely identified and the intussusceptum most often progresses retrograde into the proximal bowel. Involvement of the jejunojejunostomy is nearly universal in reported cases and, if untreated, can lead to devastating consequences. Despite this potential, the clinical presentation often lacks remarkable features yet timely surgical intervention is generally required. This phenomenon is being reported with greater frequency and altered motility in the Roux limb is the prevailing hypothesis regarding pathogenesis. Awareness of the potential for this process and prompt consultation with a bariatric surgeon are keys to optimal outcomes.
Stimulation and molecular characterization of bacterial perchlorate degradation by plant-produced electron donors.

Root homogenate from poplar trees (Populus deltoides × nigra DN34, Imperial Carolina) stimulated perchlorate degradation in microcosms of soil and water samples collected at a perchlorate contaminated site, the Longhorn Army Ammunition Plant (LHAAP), located outside Karnack, Texas. Direct use of root products by perchlorate-degrading bacteria was shown for the first time as six pure-culture bacteria isolated from LHAAP perchlorate-degrading microcosms degraded perchlorate when given root products as the sole exogenous source of carbon and electron donor. Nonenriched environmental consortia were able to utilize root products for perchlorate degradation, regardless of prior exposure to perchlorate. Microcosms that contained perchlorate-contaminated groundwater (MW-3) or uncontaminated surface water (Harrison Bayou) as inoculum degraded approximately 240 and 160 mg L-1 perchlorate, respectively, using root products (approximately 440 mg L-1 as COD) over 38 days. The predominant bacterial species in these aqu...
Nonlinear dynamics of the CAM circadian rhythm in response to environmental forcing.

Abstract Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) photosynthesis functions as an endogenous circadian rhythm coupled to external environmental forcings of energy and water availability. This paper explores the nonlinear dynamics of a new CAM photosynthesis model ( Bartlett et al., 2014 ) and investigates the responses of CAM plant carbon assimilation to different combinations of environmental conditions. The CAM model ( Bartlett et al., 2014 ) consists of a Calvin cycle typical of C3 plants coupled to an oscillator of the type employed in the Van der Pol and FitzHugh–Nagumo systems. This coupled system is a function of environmental variables including leaf temperature, leaf moisture potential, and irradiance. Here, we explore the qualitative response of the system and the expected carbon assimilation under constant and periodically forced environmental conditions. The model results show how the diurnal evolution of these variables entrains the CAM cycle with prevailing environmental conditions. While constant environmental conditions generate either steady-state or periodically oscillating responses in malic acid uptake and release, forcing the CAM system with periodic daily fluctuations in light exposure and leaf temperature results in quasi-periodicity and possible chaos for certain ranges of these variables. This analysis is a first step in quantifying changes in CAM plant productivity with variables such as the mean temperature, daily temperature range, irradiance, and leaf moisture potential. Results may also be used to inform model parametrization based on the observed fluctuating regime.
Parent-caregiver communication in two kinds of day-care settings

Parent-caregiver communication at employer-sponsored on-site day-care centers was compared to that at neighborhood-based centers in terms of quantity, quality, and level of communication. It was found that communication did not vary according to the location of the day-care center. In fact, parents and caregivers spoke very little to each other, regardless of location. Discussion highlights the ambiguity of the function of the day-care/home relationship.
Harvesting credentials in trust negotiation as an honest-but-curious adversary

Need-to-know is a fundamental security concept: a party should not learn information that is irrelevant to its mission. In this paper we show that during a trust negotiation in which parties show their credentials to one another, an adversary can systematically harvest information about all of a victim's credentials that the attacker is entitled to see, regardless of their relevance to the negotiation. We present examples of need-to-know attacks with the trust negotiation approaches proposed Yu, Winslett, and Seamons; by Bonatti and Samarati; and by Winsborough and Li. Finally, we propose possible countermeasures against need-to-know attacks, and discuss their advantages and disadvantages.
Male and female created they them: The depiction of gender in the advertising of traditional women's and men's magazines

Abstract Images from advertisements in six traditional women's and men's magazines in the United States are analyzed for the ways they depict objects and figures, sex segregation, and sex differentiation in the posing of figures through size, stance, smile, touch, and gaze. Evaluation of the data considers the landscape of advertising, representation of self and other in men's and in women's magazines, and gender differences in total advertising from all magazines. Analysis reveals that advertising offers a world of material objects detached from people, of individuals disengaged from others in general, and disassociated from others of the opposite sex in particular. Ads from gender-typed magazines depict a sex-segregated world populated by figures of the same sex as potential viewers. While representatives of the “other” sex seek connection through touch or gaze, representatives of the “self” remain self-absorbed and unresponsive. In addition, certain differences in gender representation of female figures remain constant in both types of magazines: female figures are more likely than male to be stance-subordinated and to display connection through smile, touch, and gaze. A final section on content analysis augments the descriptive statistical findings.
Use of Dicalcium Phosphate Dihydrate for Sustained Release of Highly Water Soluble Drugs

The utilituy of Dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (DCPD), a commonly used water insoluble pharmaceutical excipient, has been investigated for its use in formulating a controlled release matrix type tab...
Second-order schedules: discrimination of components

Pigeons were exposed to a series of second-order schedules in which the completion of a fixed number of fixed-interval components produced food. In Experiment 1, brief (2 sec) stimulus presentations occurred as each fixed-interval component was completed. During the brief-stimulus presentation terminating the last fixed-interval component, a response was required on a second key, the brief-stimulus key, to produce food. Responses on the brief-stimulus key before the last brief-stimulus presentation had no scheduled consequences, but served as a measure of the extent to which the final component was discriminated from preceding components. Whether there were one, two, four, or eight fixed-interval components, responses on the brief-stimulus key occurred during virtually every brief-stimulus presentation. In Experiment 2, an attempt was made to punish unnecessary responses on the brief-stimulus key, i.e., responses on the brief-stimulus key that occurred before the last component. None of the pigeons learned to withhold these responses, even though they produced a 15-sec timeout and loss of primary reinforcement. In Experiment 3, different key colors were associated with each component of a second-order schedule (a chain schedule). In contrast to Experiment 1, brief-stimulus key responses were confined to the last component. It was concluded that pigeons do not discriminate well between components of second-order schedules unless a unique exteroceptive cue is provided for each component. The relative discriminability of the components may account for the observed differences in initial-component response rates between comparable brief-stimulus, tandem, and chain schedules.
Acrylonitrile-Induced Oxidative Stress and Oxidative DNA Damage in Male Sprague-Dawley Rats

Studies have demonstrated that the induction of oxidative stress may be involved in brain tumor induction in rats by acrylonitrile. The present study examined whether acrylonitrile induces oxidative stress and DNA damage in rats and whether blood can serve as a valid surrogate for the biomonitoring of oxidative stress induced by acrylonitrile in the exposed population. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with 0, 3, 30, 100, and 200 ppm acrylonitrile in drinking water for 28 days. One group of rats were also coadministered N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) (0.3% in diet) with acrylonitrile (200 ppm in drinking water) to examine whether antioxidant supplementation was protective against acrylonitrile-induced oxidative stress. Direct DNA strand breakage in white blood cells (WBC) and brain was measured using the alkaline comet assay. Oxidative DNA damage in WBC and brain was evaluated using formamidopyrimidine DNA glycosylase (fpg)-modified comet assay and with high-performance liquid chromatography-electrochemical detection. No significant increase in direct DNA strand breaks was observed in brain and WBC from acrylonitrile-treated rats. However, oxidative DNA damage (fpg comet and 8'hydroxyl-2-deoxyguanosine) in brain and WBC was increased in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, plasma levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) increased in rats administered acrylonitrile. Dietary supplementation with NAC prevented acrylonitrile-induced oxidative DNA damage in brain and WBC. A slight, but significant, decrease in the GSH:GSSG ratio was seen in brain at acrylonitrile doses > 30 ppm. These results provide additional support that the mode of action for acrylonitrile-induced astrocytomas involves the induction of oxidative stress and damage. Significant associations were seen between oxidative DNA damage in WBC and brain, ROS formation in plasma, and the reported tumor incidences. Since oxidative DNA damage in brain correlated with oxidative damage in WBC, these results suggest that monitoring WBC DNA damage maybe a useful tool to assess acrylonitrile-induced oxidative stress in humans.
Internal defibrillation with minimal skeletal muscle activation: A new paradigm toward painless defibrillation

Background Shock-induced pain produces substantial morbidity in recipients of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs). This pain likely derives from activation of skeletal muscle and associated nerves in the chest and abdomen. In an effort to develop a painless defibrillation system, we designed an electrode arrangement that incorporates a conductive sock placed around the heart to confine the electric shock field to cardiac tissue. Objectives The purpose of this study was to test whether cardiac defibrillation could be achieved without skeletal muscle activation using a novel electrode system. Methods Eight adult mongrel dogs were studied. Force of skeletal muscle contraction was measured by strain gauges attached to the forelimbs during delivery of internal shocks ranging in energy from 0.1 to 31 J. Biphasic shocks were delivered (1) between a right ventricular coil and a subcutaneous dummy can (standard configuration), and (2) between a left ventricular coil and an epicardial electrode sock. Internal and external defibrillation thresholds (DFTs) were determined for each electrode configuration. Results Shock-induced muscle contraction force was significantly lower using the sock electrode than with standard ICD electrodes at every shock energy level tested ( P P = .4), but muscle contraction force at DFT was greatly reduced with the new electrode system (1.8 ± 2.0 kg vs 10.6 ± 2.1 kg, P Conclusion Skeletal muscle activation induced by ICD shocks can be greatly reduced using an electrode system that confines the electric shock field to the heart. Refinement of this strategy may allow for delivery of painless shocks by ICDs. Further development is needed to overcome implant complexity and the higher external DFT with this type of electrode system.
Reply---On Stationarity and Optimality in Arborescent Production/Inventory Systems

We are indebted to Jack Muckstadt and Howard Singer for calling our attention to two errors in [Graves, S. C., Schwarz, L. B. 1977. Single cycle continuous review policies for arborescent production/inventory systems. Management Sci.23 5, January 529--540.].
gerud 2.0: a computer program for the reconstruction of parental genotypes from half‐sib progeny arrays with known or unknown parents

Large groups of related progeny, as can be collected from discrete egg masses or fruits, present excellent opportunities for parentage analysis by allowing the reconstruction of parental genotypes. Current techniques of parental genotypic reconstruction require the knowledge of at least one parental genotype. Here, I present a new computer program that reconstructs parental genotypes when no parents are known, provided that the progeny array contains only full and half siblings. The prospects for successfully reconstructing parental genotypes for such progeny arrays with unknown parents are nearly as good as those for the case when one parent is known with certainty.
Analysis of Student Performance in Large-Enrollment Life Science Courses.

This study examined the historical performance of students at Michigan State University in 12 life sciences courses over 13 yr to find variables impacting student success. Hierarchical linear model...
Work in progress - Tablet PCs in interactive undergraduate mathematics

Students who struggle to learn mathematics often do not engage in problem-solving during class and feel that learning mathematics is a solitary undertaking. We now use Tablet PCs in a networked undergraduate classroom configuration that allows students to view and annotate the instructor's Powerpoint slides in real time and also participate in interactive problem-solving. Students save their own annotated slides for subsequent review. Using a standard course management system, the instructor posts a synchronized and searchable file that contains an audio recording of the class (student and instructor comments) as well as the instructor's annotated slides. Twenty students participated in the pilot class, College Algebra and Trigonometry. Student attendance, retention and performance were better in the Tablet PC enriched course than in the previous three years. The evaluation of the instructor was unchanged.
Accelerated LLG Simulation of Magnetic Stability: “Bounce” Algorithm

We have developed a new method for the computation of switching rates in magnetic systems. It can be shown to give the same results as brute-force Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert (LLG) simulation, but much faster because it does not waste time simulating low-energy precessional trajectories, but concentrates on switching and near-switching trajectories. We show how the method can be applied to the calculation of thermal switching rates that are many orders of magnitude slower than precessional rates
Dysplastic changes in different types of melanocytic nevi. A unifying concept

We observed histopathologic changes previously described in dysplastic melanocytic nevi in association with a dermal component characteristic of other types of melanocytic nevi or overlapping with features of other varieties of nevi. In order to determine the frequency of these changes, we studied 2,164 cases of compound melanocytic nevi that fulfilled the histopathologic criteria for the diagnosis of compound dysplastic nevus, including architectural pattern, cytologic features, and mesenchymal changes. Of the 2,164 compound dysplastic melanocytic nevi, 1,895 (87.6%) had the histopathologic characteristics previously described for dysplastic nevus, 179 (8.3%) showed a dermal component with a congenital pattern, 67 (3.1%) demonstrated epidermal and dermal characteristics of Spitz's nevus, 8 (0.3%) had features of a combined blue nevus, 13 (0.6%) had a halo phenomenon and 2 (0.1%) showed dermal neuronevus. By considering these nevi as variants of dysplastic nevi, one may apply a unified conceptual basis for their nomenclature. In order to completely describe the appearance of the nevus, we named them by adding the term "dysplastic", to their main histopathologic subtype. Accordingly, six different varieties of dysplastic nevi were identified: 1) dysplastic nevus (original); 2) dysplastic nevus with a congenital pattern; 3) dysplastic Spitz's nevus; 4) dysplastic combined blue nevus; 5) dysplastic halo nevus; and 6) dysplastic neuronevus. In summary, we conclude that the histopathologic criteria previously reported for the diagnosis of dysplastic nevi may be found in association with a dermal component characteristic of other types of melanocytic nevi or may have overlapping features with other variants of nevi.