cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Eating attitudes and weight concerns in female low birth weight adolescents.

Objective: Studies of clinically referred patients have implicated low birth weight (LBW) as a possible risk factor for eating disorders. This study examines eating attitudes and weight concerns in nonreferred LBW female adolescents. Method: 274 LBW girls (mean age 15.9) belonging to a prospective regional LBW birth cohort completed the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) and items from the Eating Symptoms Inventory on weight perception and weight dissatisfaction. Results: Only 2.3% scored above threshold for eating disorder risk on the EAT-26. A total of 25% perceived themselves as overweight and 18.7% perceived themselves as underweight, while 63.4% desired to lose and 17.7% desired to gain weight. Girls who perceived themselves as overweight or desired to lose weight had higher mean EAT scores than those who did not. Conclusion: Nonreferred adolescent girls born at LBW are not, as a whole, at risk for abnormal eating attitudes and negative perceptions of their weight. © 2008 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2008
Incorporating immersive virtual environments in health promotion campaigns: a construal level theory approach.

In immersive virtual environments (IVEs), users may observe negative consequences of a risky health behavior in a personally involving way via digital simulations. In the context of an ongoing health promotion campaign, IVEs coupled with pamphlets are proposed as a novel messaging strategy to heighten personal relevance and involvement with the issue of soft-drink consumption and obesity, as well as perceptions that the risk is proximal and imminent. The framework of construal level theory guided the design of a 2 (tailoring: other vs. self) × 2 (medium: pamphlet only vs. pamphlet with IVEs) between-subjects experiment to test the efficacy in reducing the consumption of soft drinks over 1 week. Immediately following exposure, tailoring the message to the self (vs. other) seemed to be effective in reducing intentions to consume soft drinks. The effect of tailoring dissipated after 1 week, and measures of actual soft-drink consumption 1 week following experimental treatments demonstrated that coupling IVEs ...
Relapse with oral antipsychotics versus long-acting injectable antipsychotics: new paradoxical findings

Earlier randomised controlled trials (RCTs) for first-generation antipsychotics (FGA) comparing long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIs) to oral antipsychotics (OAPs) suggested FGA-LAIs were superior at preventing relapse. By delivering a full-recommended dose on a continuous basis, LAIs would seem to overcome adherence issues associated with OAPs.1
Psychosocial predictors of mood symptoms 1 year after acute phase treatment of bipolar I disorder.

Objective: The aim of the current study was to evaluate family functioning, social support, and functional impairment as predictors of mood symptoms 1 year after acute phase treatment of bipolar I disorder. This study builds upon the extant literature by evaluating these putative psychosocial risk factors simultaneously to determine whether they account for unique variance in clinical outcomes. Method: Patients (N = 92) were recruited from hospital settings during an acute mood episode to participate in pharmacologic or combined family and pharmacologic interventions. The Modified Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, Bech-Rafaelson Mania Scale, Family Assessment Device, Interpersonal Support Evaluation List, and UCLA Social Attainment Survey were administered at acute phase treatment completion and again at 1-year follow-up. Controlling for mood symptom severity at acute phase treatment completion, multiple regression analyses were used to examine longitudinal associations between the psychosocial variables and subsequent depressive and manic symptoms. Results: None of the aforementioned psychosocial variables predicted manic symptomatology, and social support alone emerged as a unique predictor of depression at the 1-year follow-up. Effects of social support were moderated by recovery status, such that the strength of association between social support and subsequent depression was stronger for those who had not fully recovered during the acute phase of treatment than for those who had. Conclusions: Low levels of social support at acute phase treatment completion, especially in concert with residual symptomatology, may place individuals with bipolar I disorder at risk for subsequent depressive symptoms. These data suggest that maintenance therapies focused on improving level of social support might be especially important to consider in the management of bipolar depression, and add to a growing literature focused on unique vs shared effects of psychosocial risk factors for poor illness course in bipolar disorder.
Structural characteristics of nitrosyl hemoglobins and their relation to ESR spectra.

state the bond between the proximal histidine and iron has been shown ruptured in the a-chains of NO-HI, [3,5,6]. Since conforma- tional characteristics of NO-Hb are reflected in the ESR spectra we have studied a number of hemoglobins having modified heme environments and have found that in the
Drug monographs: afatinib and obinutuzumab.

Dr. Mancheril is a pharmacy practice (PGY1) resident at Blount Memorial Hospital, Maryville, Tennessee. The complexity of cancer chemotherapy requires pharmacists be familiar with the complicated regimens and highly toxic agents used. This column reviews various issues related to preparation, dispensing, and administration of antineoplastic therapy, and the agents, both commercially available and investigational, used to treat malignant diseases. Questions or suggestions for topics should be addressed to Dominic A. Solimando, Jr, President, Oncology Pharmacy Services, Inc., 4201 Wilson Boulevard #110-545, Arlington, VA 22203, e-mail: OncRxSvc@comcast.net; or J. Aubrey Waddell, Professor, University of Tennessee College of Pharmacy; Oncology Pharmacist, Pharmacy Department, Blount Memorial Hospital, 907 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway, Maryville, TN 37804, e-mail: waddfour@charter.net.
Opportunistic fungi: a view to the future.

Abstract Opportunistic fungi are a constantly evolving group of pathogens that plague a growing group of vulnerable patients. These include hospitalized patients, especially those in the intensive care unit; stem cell and solid organ transplant recipients; patients treated with immunosuppressant medications; those with advanced human immunodeficiency virus or other acquired immunodeficiency conditions; and patients with organ failure syndromes. Rapid diagnosis of invasive fungal infection is essential to optimize outcomes. Several newer nonculture-based diagnostics, including the Aspergillus galactomannan enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, the β -d-glucan assay and the multiplex polymerase chain reaction-based assays, may emerge as important tools facilitating early intervention with effective antifungal therapy. Newer azoles, including posaconazole, isavuconazole and ravuconazole, will potentially provide more effective therapeutic options in the future, diminishing the role for amphotericin B.
A Quantitative Assay of Puccinia coronata f. sp. avenae DNA in Avena sativa.

Crown rust, caused by Puccinia coronata f. sp. avenae, is the most damaging disease of oat. Quantification of the disease can be done by visual or digital assessments of diseased leaf area, lesion number, lesion size, and latent period. Laborious measurements of sporulation can also be made. As an alternative to these methods, a new quantitative assay was developed. The method employs simple inoculum application, quantitative sampling from inoculated areas, a closed tube DNA extraction method restricting loss of tissue, and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using a pathogen-specific TaqMan primers/probe set. Image analyses of genotypes with varying levels of crown rust resistance were compared to fungal DNA (FDNA) estimations by the new assay. The moderately resistant genotype IA98822-2 was distinguished from susceptible genotypes at the seedling stage, and the moderately resistant genotype O x T 107 was distinguished from the resistant cultivar TAM-O-301 at seedling and adult plant stages using FDNA. These separations were not evident with digital image analysis. The new assay also detected fungal development earlier and more rapidly in genotypes with lower levels of resistance. The assay can consistently estimate disease and should be useful for studying many aspects of the crown rust host-pathogen interaction where precise assessment of pathogen development is needed.
Reduced expression of the PTH/PTHrP receptor during development of the mammary gland influences the function of the nipple during lactation

Signaling by the parathyroid hormone/parathyroid hormone-related protein receptor (Ppr) is necessary for mammary gland development beyond the early induction stage in mice. We used a series of murine models of reduced Ppr expression to determine how diminished receptor signaling influences mammary development. Reduction of Ppr expression to very low levels prevented mammary gland development. A less-severe reduction in Ppr expression permitted progression of mammary gland development beyond the induction stage, but the nipples of these mice were dramatically smaller than those of controls, with altered epidermis and connective tissue. Mothers with reduced expression of Ppr could not successfully nurse pups; however, the lactating glands did produce milk but could not efficiently deliver it. This finding was associated with reduced levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and an absence of pregnancy-associated remodeling of connective tissue matrix in the nipple. Reduced smooth muscle appears to underlie the majority of nipple deficiencies in mice with lower levels of the Ppr expression. Developmental Dynamics 233:794–803, 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Genomics and cardiovascular disease.

Purpose: To describe genetic knowledge and discovery in the area of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and to discuss how these new advances will influence the clinical care of affected people. Organizing Framework: A selective review of the literature is presented on the disease mechanism of both the Mendelian and multifactorial genetic cardiovascular conditions. A case study approach is used to illustrate how the genetic paradigm affects the healthcare experience of a family affected with familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Findings: The current state of CVD treatment remains complex. An understanding of genomic concepts and a genome-based approach is necessary to determine: (a) the risk of CVD susceptibility beyond traditional risk factors; (b) early detection of illness; (c) response to treatment; and (d) molecular taxonomy of the disease. Conclusions: The results of genetic research, education, and teaching will lead to a new understanding of genes and pathways, resulting in powerful new therapeutic approaches to CVD. The challenge is to translate genetic discoveries into clinical practice that ultimately leads to preventing CVD and reducing mortality.
A molecular theory of lipid—protein interactions in the plasma lipoproteins

Lipid-protein interactions are of fundamental importance in the structure of biological membranes and of plasma lipoproteins. From previous studies [1-3] it seems reasonable to assume that the interactions between phospholipids and lipoprotein-protein (apoprotein) constituents are fundamental to the binding of neutral lipid by the plasma lipoproteins. For example, there is an insignificant binding of cholesteryl ester by the apoproteins of human HDL * in the absence of phospholipids. We have recently presented studies describing the probable location of phospholipid-binding site(s) in the MN-glycoprotein of the human red cell membrane [4-6] and of plasma lipoproteins [7-12]. Phospholipid-binding regions do not appear to be uniformly distributed along the length of the polypeptide chain [7-11,13] ; certain fragments of apoLP-Ala, apoLP-Gln-I and apoLP-Gln-II preferentially bind phospholipid as corn-
Accumulation and intense bioturbation of bioclastic muds along a carbonate-platform margin: Dry Tortugas, Florida

Abstract A sedimentological study was undertaken in the Dry Tortugas, lowermost Florida Keys, to examine processes influencing the accumulation and sedimentary-fabric characteristics of carbonate muds along the shallow margin of a carbonate platform. Sedimentological studies (physical properties, 234Th and 210Pb geochronology) were coordinated with observations of benthic biology and benthic-boundary-layer dynamics. Sampling was concentrated around a mud depocenter in Southeast Channel, a reentrant 20–30 m deep in the southern edge of the Dry Tortugas platform. In the depocenter of Southeast Channel, accumulation rates of 0.10–0.32 cm y− 1 are estimated from 210Pb profiles. Likely sources of sediment are in shallower water, and include reefs and beds of calcareous green algae. Fine sediment (silt- and clay-sized) is advected to the seabed of Southeast Channel by a combination of tidal and storm-driven currents. Flows from shallow water decelerate upon entering deeper water in Southeast Channel, producing conditions favorable to long-term accumulation. Once deposited, sediment in Southeast Channel is subjected to bioturbation by a two-tiered benthic community. The surface zone (0–5 cm) is mixed biodiffusively by a surface community of small bivalves and polychaetes (Db ≈ 9 cm2 yr− 1) over periods of weeks to months, and is characterized by mm-scale mottling. Other near-surface structures include biodeposited fecal mounds of deep‐deposit feeders and ephemeral physical stratification as thin (1–5 cm) layers of fine sediment. Below ~ 5 cm, the dominant post-depositional process is bioadvective mixing by a deep-deposit-feeding community of callianassid shrimp and notomastid polychaetes. The upper 10–15 cm is mixed completely every 6–21 years, and bioturbation below this depth is slower. Even though the study area has been hit by > 10 major hurricanes in the last 120 years (winds > 190 km h− 1), sediments preserved (i.e., below 5 cm depth) in Southeast Channel during this period reveal wholly biogenic sedimentary fabric produced by the deep callianassid/notomastid community. Bioturbation is thus capable of erasing the stratigraphic signature of the most extreme sediment-transport events over decadal time scales.
Videodisc Technology: Developments 1980–1982

This annual review of literature will summarize and analyze the scientific developments and the applications of optical and videodisc technology. For this first review the initial coverage extends backward to the year 1980. That time represents the great initial surge of application of video and optical discs in the home entertainment market and in libraries.
Atlantic Empires of France and Spain: Louisbourg and Havana, 1700-1763

Atlantic Empires of France and Spain is a comparative study of the colonies of Cape Breton and Cuba within their imperial systems and within the Atlantic world in general. John McNeill examines the importance of these colonies fo the French and Spanish empires, particularly in light of Britain's rise to dominance among European imperial powers. McNeil covers French and Spanish economic and military policy toward the colonies, as well as the empires' actual economic and military roles. Particular colonial trades -- codfish in Cape Breton and sugar and tobacco in Cuba -- were important to the economies of the mother countries. Both colonies proved to be highly profitable and comparatively inexpensive to defend, govern, and maintain, but, as McNeill shows, managing them from a distance was not without problems. Smuggling was widespread throughout the colonies, although this illegal trading did not undermine the overall commercial success of the systems. In addition, because the preferred method of profiteering from a rival's empire was to seize cargo at critical points on the high seas, the imperial powers faced the continual threat of foreign attacks on their trade ships. McNeill also emphasizes the role of geography, climate, ecosystems, and disease patterns in thwarting Spanish and French ambitions in the New World. Using archival research, McNeill illuminates the character of the Atlantic world of the eighteenth century by offering information on the economy and defense of two colonies. He also delineates the importance of overseas holdings to European states and the problems of imperial management. Originally published in 1985. A UNC Press Enduring Edition -- UNC Press Enduring Editions use the latest in digital technology to make available again books from our distinguished backlist that were previously out of print. These editions are published unaltered from the original, and are presented in affordable paperback formats, bringing readers both historical and cultural value.
Separation of the molecular species of intact phosphatidylethanolamines and their N-monomethyl and N,N-dimethyl derivatives by high-performance liquid chromatography on a C8 column.

We have developed a gradient reversed-phase C8 high-performance liquid chromatography method for the separation of molecular species of phosphatidylethanolamines (PEs) and their N-monomethyl and N,N-dimethyl derivatives. This method uses a 40-min linear gradient of 88–100% methanol, containing ammonium hydroxide as silanol suppressing agent, and is suitable for metabolic studies using both UV detection at 205 nm and radioactivity flow detection. The elution order of a given PE is inversely related to the polarity of its fatty acid constituents. Lipid classes studied here containing the same fatty acyl chains elute in the order: PE-N,N-dimethyl<PE<PE-N-monomethyl<phosphatidylcholine, indicating that elution order is not simply a function of the numbers of methyl groups on the nitrogen atom of PE.
On the ordering of recycle calculations

Algorithms are developed for organizing large recycle calculations. In particular, we discuss the problem of determining the minimum number of recycle parameters that must be assumed to render recycle calculations acyclic. This work has significance in the evolution of computer programs for the automatic design of process systems.
Thermo-mechanical Characterization of Metal/Polymer Composite Filaments and Printing Parameter Study for Fused Deposition Modeling in the 3D Printing Process

New metal/polymer composite filaments for fused deposition modeling (FDM) processes were developed in order to observe the thermo-mechanical properties of the new filaments. The acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) thermoplastic was mixed with copper and iron particles. The percent loading of the metal powder was varied to confirm the effects of metal particles on the thermo-mechanical properties of the filament, such as tensile strength and thermal conductivity. The printing parameters such as temperature and fill density were also varied to see the effects of the parameters on the tensile strength of the final product which was made with the FDM process. As a result of this study, it was confirmed that the tensile strength of the composites is decreased by increasing the loading of metal particles. Additionally, the thermal conductivity of the metal/polymer composite filament was improved by increasing the metal content. It is believed that the metal/polymer filament could be used to print metal and large-scale 3-dimensional (3D) structures without any distortion by the thermal expansion of thermoplastics. The material could also be used in 3D printed circuits and electromagnetic structures for shielding and other applications.
Structural Determination of 5‘-OH α-Ribofuranoside Modified Cobalamins via 13C and DEPT NMR

A protocol for the rapid NMR characterization of cobalamin (vitamin B12) analogues with 5‘-hydroxy-α-ribofuranoside modification is reported. The structure of cyanocobalamin in DMSO-d6 has been assigned using COSY, NOESY, HSQC, and HMBC NMR methods. The robust precision of 13C NMR assignments in DMSO-d6 allows for the rapid structural determination of 5‘-hydroxy-α-ribofuranosyl cyanocobalamin derivatives with solely 1-D 13C and DEPT NMR spectra and only 10 mg of derivatized cobalamin. Using this method, the 13C NMR resonances of four cobalamin analogues were determined with the most significant variance of 13C chemical shifts occurring in the α-ribofuranoside ring. In DMSO-d6, cobalamin concentrations greater than 30 mM can be achieved for an improved signal-to-noise ratio.
Infections and Apparent Life-Threatening Events

The need for routine sepsis evaluation in patients who have experienced an apparent life-threatening event but lack signs of infection remains controversial. To assess their risk of a serious occult bacterial infection, records were reviewed of 95 infants in whom infections were discovered during their inpatient evaluation after an apparent life-threatening event. Noted for each patient was the presence of any suggestive findings that would have prompted a physician to consider the given type of infection in the differential diagnosis. Thirty patients had bacterial infections; all but 5 had suggestive findings. The exceptions included 1 patient with pneumonia and 4 with urinary tract infections. None of the remaining 25 patients had occult bacterial infections. In patients with an apparent life-threatening event who appear well and lack signs suggestive of a serious bacterial infection, it may be possible to forego routine sepsis evaluation beyond a chest radiograph and urine culture without risking a serious missed diagnosis.
Maternal Personality and Distress as Predictors of Child Neglect

Previous studies suggest that maternal personality problems predict child neglect. However, these studies have not distinguished between the common and unique contributions of various maternal personality dimensions, nor have they compared the contribution of maternal personality with maternal emotional distress. The current study addresses these issues using data collected by James Gaudin and distributed by the National Data Archive on Child Abuse and Neglect at Cornell University. Information was extracted on 94 neglectful and 101 comparison mothers. Logistic regression analyses revealed that a composite score reflecting maternal empathic capacity inversely predicted child neglect, whereas maternal depressive symptoms and loneliness did not. Results are discussed in terms of the importance of distinguishing between common and unique contributions of maternal personality dimensions to clinical and social outcomes and in terms of the relative contribution of maternal personality and emotional distress to child neglect.
Crystal and molecular structures of bis[2-hydroxy-N-3-hydroxypropyl-5-nitrobenzylideneaminato-(µ-O)-copper(II)] and bis[2-hydroxy-N-3-hydroxypropyl-α-methylbenzylideneaminato-(µ-O)-copper(II)] and relation of structural and magnetic properties

The crystal structures of the title complexes (Ia) Cu2O8N4C20H20 and (Ib) Cu2O4N2C22H26 have been studied by single crystal X-ray diffraction, from counter data. Crystal data: (Ia), space group P21/c, Z= 2, a= 10.988(5), b= 5.444(5), c= 17.455(7)A, β= 96.49°, R 0.098, 506 reflections; (Ib), space group C2/c, Z= 8, a= 20.700(9), b= 9.555(6), c= 21.64(1)A, β= 92.49(4)°, R 0.034, 1 649 reflections. The structures were solved by the heavy-atom method.Complex (Ia) has the closest intermolecular Cu ⋯ Cu distance for any complex of this type [3.6 Avs. Cu ⋯ Cu (intramolecular) 3.0 A], a property probably responsible for the high degree of cohesion in the lattice; it is also the closest to being completely coplanar. Complex (Ib) differs from others of this type in space group, and in the inequivalence of the two copper atoms in the binuclear molecule. The structures and magnetic properties of both complexes support a general correlation between decreasing strength of antiferromagnetic interaction and increasing distortion towards tetrahedral metal environment in binuclear copper(II) complexes.
Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome : Report of Survival after Two Episodes

A 45-year-old white man who survived two episodes of the adult respiratory distress syndrome is discussed. After being on cardiopulmonary bypass twice, he demonstrated no clinical, physiologic, or radiologic evidence of pulmonary impairment 19 months after the first and 12 months after the second episode. This illustrates that in spite of severe pulmonary damage produced by the syndrome, some patients may recover without sequelae.
Abstract 2951: DUSP1 is a novel target for enhancing pancreatic cancer cell sensitivity to gemcitabine.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a deadly cancer with a poor prognosis that is characterized by marked chemoresistance to a broad spectrum of chemotherapeutic drugs, as a consequence of intrinsic cell-autonomous factors, and extrinsic stroma-associated factors. Dual specificity protein phosphatase 1 (DUSP1) has been reported to be overexpressed in pancreatic cancer cells in PDAC. Moreover, DUSP1 was shown to be essential for efficient in vitro colony formation and in vivo tumorigenicity, indicating that DUSP1 may contribute to the biological aggressiveness of PDAC. However, it is not known whether DUSP1 overexpression contributes to PDAC chemoresistance. Using BxPC3 and COLO-357 human pancreatic cancer cells, we show that gemcitabine activated c-JUN N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK), key kinases in two major stress-activated signaling pathways. Activation of JNK and p38 MAPK was associated with increased apoptosis, as evidenced by increased cleavage of PARP and Caspase 3. However, gemcitabine also enhanced DUSP1 transcription, as demonstrated by increased DUSP1 mRNA levels, and increased RNA polymerase II loading at both DUSP1 promoter and gene body. Moreover, shRNA-mediated inhibition of DUSP1 enhanced JNK and p38 MAPK activation and sensitized both cell lines to gemcitabine. Taken together, these results suggest that gemcitabine-mediated upregulation of DUSP1 contributes to a negative feedback loop that attenuates its beneficial actions on stress pathways and apoptosis, raising the possibility that targeting DUSP1 in PDAC may have the dual advantage of suppressing proliferation while enhancing gemcitabine chemosensitivity. Citation Format: Fang Liu, Murray Korc. DUSP1 is a novel target for enhancing pancreatic cancer cell sensitivity to gemcitabine. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2951. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-2951
Afraid Not: Student Performance Versus Perception Based on Exam Question Format

Successful exam composition can be a difficult task. Exams should not only assess student comprehension, but be learning tools in and of themselves. In a biotechnology course delivered to nonmajors at a business college, objective multiple-choice test questions often require students to choose the exception or “not true” choice. Anecdotal student feedback suggests that students have greater difficulty with this format. To determine whether student perceptions are reflected in performance on “exception” versus “true” multiple-choice questions, similar questions were given on exams and quizzes, some worded to choose the true option, some worded to choose the exception. The percentage of students arriving at the correct answer was determined for each group. Results show that there was no clear advantage based on whether students were asked to choose the true or not true answer.
Vapor−Liquid Equilibrium for Mixtures of Hexane and Squalane at Temperatures from 469.8 K to 623.3 K

Vapor and liquid equilibrium compositions have been measured for the hexane + squalane (2,6,10,15,19,23-hexamethyltetracosane) system at (469.8, 524.3, 574.6, and 623.3) K and at pressures ranging from (5.5 to 54.8) bar. A continuous-flow apparatus was used both to minimize squalane degradation and to measure the lower squalane concentrations in the vapor phase. Mixture critical pressures and compositions were also obtained.
The electoral impact of casework

Abstract There is no doubt that legislators assume casework has an important political impact, but the evidence that such service can be used to win electoral support from grateful constituents is mixed. The research reported here offers a model to assess the overall electoral impact of casework. The model suggests that while the impact does benefit the incumbent, it varies as a function of voter partisanship. In particular, the recognition effect of casework is the dominant one for incumbent partisans, while improved incumbent evaluation accounts for more of the overall impact among challenger partisans and Independents.
Locomotor sites mapped with low current stimulation in intact and kainic acid damaged hypothalamus of anesthetized rats.

To determine whether local mediated the locomotor effects of electrical stimulation of the lateral hypothalamus, kainic acid injections (0.5–1.25 μg), intended to destroy neural somata as opposed to fibers of passage, were made unilaterally in the tuberal-posterior hypothalamus of 22 rats. The area of lesion and its contralateral homolog were mapped for locomotor stepping sites in Nembutal-anesthetized rats mounted in a stereotaxic apparatus such that locomotor stepping rotated a wheel. Stimulation (25 and 50 μA, 50 Hz, 0.5-ms cathodal pulses 10-s trains) was delivered through 50–80 μm glass pipettes with 2 M saline. Contralateral to the lesion, locomotor stepping sites were common in the perifornical lateral and medial hypothalamus and less dense in the zona incerta. On the side of the kainic-acid lesion, locomotor sites were generally absent in the central part of the damaged area. If they did appear within the area of lesion, they tended to be near the border with intact tissue. In a few cases, locomotor stepping sites were found centrally located in the lesion amidst widespread loss of somata. In four rats, addintional maps of anterior locomotor regions in the preoptic area ipsilateral to the lesion suggested that their descending fibers were largely spared by the kainic lesions. Local neurons appear to be major contributors to the locomotion elicited by electrical stimulation of the lateral hypothalamus, but fibers of passage may also participate.
An optimum NLMS algorithm: performance improvement over LMS

The authors prove that for zero-mean white data input, the optimum algorithm which modifies the data vector in the LMS (least mean square) gradient estimate to achieve the lowest excess mean-square error for a given convergence rate is the normalized LMS (NLMS) algorithm. It is shown that this adaptive filtering algorithm is equivalent to recursive least-squares adaptation with a known diagonal data covariance matrix. Moreover, the algorithm can be interpreted as a modified LMS algorithm in which the iterated weight vector is used to form the error estimate. Both theoretical calculations and simulations for white Gaussian data show that this NLMS algorithm performs as much as 3.6 dB better than standard LMS for the input. >
The Velar Nasal in Japanese: Phoneme or Allophone?

I N MODERN colloquial Japanese, the patterns of occurrence of the velar nasal [ij] are sufficiently skewed to require or elicit special techniques of phonological description. The symmetry of the Japanese phonemic system and the vague Systemzwang that can be imputed to the phonology of the language suggest an / m, n, Ij / nasal series parallel to the series of voiced and voiceless stops. Still, even a gross statistical estimate shows that the [g]i phone is limited to particular phonetic contexts and bears a very limited structural load. As a matter of phonemic theory, it is by no means unusual to find individual phonemes with infrequent occurrences in special environments in various languages, and, when synchronic and diachronic linguistic techniques have been profitably combined, such situations often indicate the emergence of an allophone to phonemic status.
Dynamics of Al/Fe2O3 MIC Combustion from Short Single-Pulse Photothermal Initiation and Time-Resolved Spectroscopy

Time-resolved spectroscopy was used to study the dynamics of the photothermal ignition of Al/Fe2O3 metastable intermolecular composites after single short-pulse laser initiation. The dynamics were recorded in several time domains from nanosecond to microsecond to quantify the dynamics from initial laser excitation to combustion. Time-averaged spectral data were also collected for the overall emission occurring during combustion.
Chronic stress disrupts fear extinction and enhances amygdala and hippocampal Fos expression in an animal model of post-traumatic stress disorder

Chronic stress may impose a vulnerability to develop maladaptive fear-related behaviors after a traumatic event. Whereas previous work found that chronic stress impairs the acquisition and recall of extinguished fear, it is unknown how chronic stress impacts nonassociative fear, such as in the absence of the conditioned stimulus (CS) or in a novel context. Male rats were subjected to chronic stress (STR; wire mesh restraint 6 h/d/21d) or undisturbed (CON), then tested on fear acquisition (3 tone-footshock pairings), and two extinction sessions (15 tones/session) within the same context. Then each group was tested (6 tones) in the same context (SAME) or a novel context (NOVEL), and brains were processed for functional activation using Fos immunohistochemistry. Compared to CON, STR showed facilitated fear acquisition, resistance to CS extinction on the first extinction day, and robust recovery of fear responses on the second extinction day. STR also showed robust freezing to the context alone during the first extinction day compared to CON. When tested in the same or a novel context, STR exhibited higher freezing to context than did CON, suggesting that STR-induced fear was independent of context. In support of this, STR showed increased Fos-like expression in the basolateral amygdala and CA1 region of the hippocampus in both the SAME and NOVEL contexts. Increased Fos-like expression was also observed in the central amygdala in STR-NOVEL vs. CON-NOVEL. These data demonstrate that chronic stress enhances fear learning and impairs extinction, and affects nonassociative processes as demonstrated by enhanced fear in a novel context.
Morphological Analyses of Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell Electrodes with Nano-Scale Computed Tomography Imaging

We report a three-dimensional (3D), pore-scale analysis of morphological and transport properties for a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) catalyst layer. The 3D structure of the platinum/carbon/Nafion electrode was obtained using nano-scale resolution X-ray computed tomography (nano-CT). The 3D nano-CT data was analyzed according to several morphological characteristics, with particular focus on various effective pore diameters used in modeling gas diffusion in the Knudsen transition regime, which is prevalent in PEFC catalyst layers. The pore diameter metrics include those based on chord length distributions, inscribed spheres, and surface area. Those pore diameter statistics are evaluated against computational pore-scale diffusion simulations with local gas diffusion coefficients determined from the local pore size according to the Bosanquet formulation. According to our comparison, simulations that use local pore diameters defined by inscribed spheres provide effective diffusion coefficients that are consistent with chord-length based estimations for an effective Knudsen length scale. By evaluating transport rates in regions of varying porosity within the nano-CT data, we identified a Bruggeman correction scaling factor for the effective diffusivity.
Mining source coverage statistics for data integration

Recent work in data integration has shown the importance of statistical information about the coverage and overlap of sources for efficient query processing. Despite this recognition there are no effective approaches for learning the needed statistics. The key challenge in learning such statistics is keeping the number of needed statistics low enough to have the storage and learning costs manageable. Naive approaches can become infeasible very quickly. In this paper we present a set of connected techniques that estimate the coverage and overlap statistics while keeping the needed statistics tightly under control. Our approach uses a hierarchical classification of the queries, and threshold based variants of familiar data mining techniques to dynamically decide the level of resolution at which to learn the statistics. We describe the details of our method, and present preliminary experimental results showing the feasibility of the approach.
Bilayer lipid membranes: An experimental system for biomolecular electronic devices development

Abstract The lipid bilayer postulated as the basic structural matrix of biological membranes is widely accepted. At present, the planar bilayer lipid membrane (BLM) together with spherical lipid bilayers (liposomes), upon suitable modification, serves as a most appropriate model for biological membranes. In recent years, advances in microelectronics and interest in ultrathin organic films, including BLMs and Langmuir-Blodgett (L-B) films, have resulted in a unique fusion of ideas toward the development of biosensors and transducers. Furthermore, recent trends in interdisciplinary studies in chemistry, electronics, and biology have led to a new field of research: biomolecular electronics. This exciting new field of scientific-technological endeavor is part of a more general approach toward the development of a new, post-semiconductor electronic technology, namely, molecular electronics with a long-term goal of molecular computers. Recently, it has been demonstrated that BLMs, after suitable modification, can function as electrodes and exhibit nonlinear electronic properties. These and other experimental findings relevant to sensor development and to “biomolecular electronic devices” (BED) will be described in more details in the present review article. Also the potential use of the BLM system together with its modifications in the development of a new class of organic diodes, switches, biosensors, electrochemical photocells, and biofuel cells will be discussed. Additionally, this paper reports also a novel technique for obtaining BLMs (or lipid bilayers) on solid supports. The presence of solid support on one side of the BLM greatly enhances its mechanical stability, while retaining the dynamic properties of the lipid bilayer. Advantages of the new techniques for self-assembling amphiphilic molecules on rigid substrates are discussed in terms of their possible uses. It is evident that the new BLM system (s-BLMs) is potentially useful for technological applications in the area of biosensors and enzyme electrodes as well as molecular electronics.
Subclinical Thyroid Dysfunction

Subclinical thyroid dysfunction may be defined as an abnormal serum thyrotropin concentration in an asymptomatic patient with a normal serum free thyroxine concentration. This article addresses the prevalence, natural history, and potential pathophysiological consequences of subclinical hypothyroidism and subclinical thyrotoxicosis. Subclinical hypothyroidism, which occurs in more than 10% of women older than 60 years, may be accompanied by an unfavorable serum lipid profile and may lower the threshold for the development of major depressive disorder. Subclinical thyrotoxicosis, which is most commonly due to thyrotropin-suppressive levothyroxine sodium therapy, may be associated with reduced bone mineral density in postmenopausal women and confers a 3-fold relative risk for the development of atrial fibrillation. While there are no outcome data to support therapeutic intervention in subclinical thyroid dysfunction, some screening and management recommendations are offered. Arch Intern Med. 1997;157:1065-1068
Optimization of the Hydraulic Control System Utilizing BP Neural Network Control Strategy Based on Genetic Algorithm

For the characteristic of the MMS series Thermo-Mechanical Simulator hydraulic control system, using traditional PID control method can not achieve the desired control effect. Basing on genetic algorithm, BP neural network, which has the arbitrary non-linear approximation ability, self-learning ability and generalization ability, has been used into the hydraulic control system to achieve the online adjustment of the weighting coefficients and the adaptive adjustment of PID control parameters. The results of simulation and online tests show that the control effect of hydraulic system has been improved significantly, and the accurate control of hydraulic system hammer displacement has been realized.
GE NLTooLSET: MUC-3 test results and analysis

This paper reports on the GE NLTooLSET customization effort for MUC-3, and analyzes the results of the TST2 run. Although our own tests had shown steady improvement between TST1 and TST2, our official scores on TST2 were lower than on TST1. The analysis of this unexpected result explains some of the details of the MUC-3 test, and we propose ways of looking at the scores to distinguish different aspects of system performance.
731-1 Contemporary PTCA for Acute Coronary Ischemia: Results in Women Match Those of Men

Prior reports have demonstrated an unfavorable safety and efficacy profile of PTCA for women with coronary disease compared to men. To determine if such a gender difference exists for patients with acute coronary ischemic syndromes treated with contemporary medical therapy, the results of PTCA performed routinely or according to clinical course in 294 men and 150 Male % (mean) Male % (mean) p-value Age (yrs) (57.4) (63.2) 0.000 Never Smoked 24.1 44.0 0.000 Prior MI 35.7 30.0 0.229 Hypertension 32.1 53.7 0.000 Abnormal ECG 93.2 94.7 0.547 LVEF (58.7) (61.2) 0.040 Multivessel CAD 42.9 37.0 0.277 LAD Culprit Site 42.6 43.9 0.806 Stenosis Pre (83.4) (82.6) 0.533 Stenosis Post (25.3) (24.5) 072.6 TIMI Flow Grade Pre (2.4) (2.6) 0.007 TIMI Flow Grade Post (2.9) (3.0) 0.184 Angiographic Success 95.9 96.4 0.823 Complication at 42 Days Death 1.4 1.3 0.981 MI 5.4 6.7 0.606 Stroke 0.3 0.0 0.474 CABG 4.1 1.3 0.116 Death/Ml/Stroke/CABG 8.5 9.3 0.774 women with either unstable angina pectoris (n = 278) or non-Q-wave myocardial infarction (n = 165) enrolled in TIMI IIIB were analyzed. Women treated with PTCA in TIMI IIIB were older and more often had hypertension, were non-smokers and had better LV systolic function. PTCA in these women was associated with high success and low complication rates comparable to those of men. Thus, gender does not affect the outcome of PTCA for acute ischemic syndromes.
Gender Differences in the Determinants and Consequences of Long-Term Illness A Comparative Analysis of Sweden and Poland

Because Sweden is an extremely generous welfare state, while Poland continues to undergo radical social changes in its transformation to a capitalist economy, one would expect cross-national differences in occupational-career pat terns, including absenteeism from work. This article examines a specific type of occupational-career interruption, long-term illness. Using panel surveys in Sweden (HUS) and Poland (POLPAN), event history analyses are employed to investigate gender differences in factors that trigger work absenteeism due to illness. In both countries, gender differences in the factors that determine whether one has an ill ness interruption are mainly because of women's greater responsibilities for child care and the household. In addition, change-score regression of income on career interruption due to illness is examined. In Sweden, women experience a significantly negative impact on wages for illness interruptions. In Poland, it is men who suffer long-term negative consequences on wages for illness interruptions. Cross-national variation is attributed to gender differences in labor market experiences and the legacies of gender equity policies in Sweden and Poland.
The Centrality of Context in Learning from Further Class Size Research

Educational researchers have conducted numerous studies regarding the effects of class size on student learning, yet the disparity of their findings make it difficult to draw overall conclusions. This paper first provides a description of some of the major class size studies in an effort to illustrate this point. Next, a research approach is suggested which might yield more definitive conclusions by carefully accounting for the additional contextual factors which surround class size. In addition to giving particular attention to context, this involves focusing on the mediating effects between class size and achievement and measuring achievement with classroom-level assessments.
Transportation and retention in outpatient drug abuse treatment programs

To determine whether certain types of transportation assistance improve outpatient treatment retention beyond thresholds shown to have therapeutic benefits, we analyzed data from 1,144 clients in 22 outpatient methadone maintenance (OMM) programs and 2,031 clients in 22 outpatient drug-free (ODF) programs in the Drug Abuse Treatment Outcomes Study (DATOS), a national, 12-month, longitudinal study of drug abuse treatment programs. Directors' surveys provided information about provision of car, van, or contracted transportation services or individual vouchers/payment for public transportation. Chart-abstracted treatment retention was dichotomized at 365 days for OMM and 90 days for ODF. Separate multivariate hierarchical linear models revealed that provision of car, van, or contracted transportation services improved treatment retention beyond these thresholds for both OMM and ODF, but individual vouchers or payment for public transportation did not. Future research should validate whether car, van, or contracted transportation services improve retention and other treatment outcomes in outpatient drug abuse treatment.
Troponin T Gene Switching Is Developmentally Regulated by Plasma-Borne Factors in Parabiotic Chicks

Myogenesis involves a conserved program of muscle gene isoform switching requiring the synchronized induction and repression of numerous muscle-specific gene family members. Central to understanding the regulation of this process are questions related to the origin and transmission of regulatory signals to the myofiber. We show here that troponin T gene switching can be precociously initiated by extrinsic blood-borne components but also requires other mechanisms that are regulated locally, intrinsically, or posttranscriptionally. We established a chimeric blood circulation by parabiosis between fetal chicks and quails to determine whether signals inducing earlier troponin T mRNA isoform switching in quails could be transduced to chick partners through the serum. While quail fetuses were unaffected by parabiosis, quail serum caused premature troponin T iso-mRNA switching in chick muscle, although initiation remained later than in quails. The onset of repression of a known innervation-dependent acetylcholine receptor mRNA did not coincide with the initiation of troponin T iso-mRNA switching and was not affected by parabiosis. These results support serum-borne factor regulation of isoform switching as an important and distinct mechanism relevant to understanding how extrinsic and intrinsic cues are integrated during muscle differentiation and development.