cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tipping the Scales of Justice: The Influence of Victimization on Belief in a Just World

Previous research has suggested that people have a need to believe in a just world in order to function adaptively, even when negative events occur. However, existing work has not examined how different types of negative events may differentially influence the degree to which people believe the world is just. Drawing data from two waves of a large-scale, nationally representative longitudinal study (Americans’ Changing Lives), we propose that two primary types of injustices—major injustices and threshold injustices—should affect belief in a just world (BJW) differently. Major injustices include traumatic events that are overwhelmingly intense and severe (i.e., experiencing the death of a child); threshold injustices are traumatic events that, while difficult and impactful, are less severe (i.e., being attacked, robbed, or burglarized). We expected that major injustices would be associated with higher BJW, whereas threshold injustices would be associated with lower BJW. Results largely confirmed our hypothesized effects both within the waves of data as well as across waves. Implications for BJW theory and the experience of different types of victimization are discussed.
2,4‐Nonanedione

2,4-Nonanedione reactant: 60.0 g. (0.600 mole) of 2,4-pentanedione product: 2,4-nonanedione product: 2,4-hexanedione product: 2,4-tridecanedione Keywords: alkylation, C-alkylation; ammonia
Pasaporte: Spanish for Advanced Beginners. by LEMOND, MALIA, CYNTHIA BARLOW, & SHARON FOERSTER

The article reviews the book "Pasaporte: Spanish for Advanced Beginners," by Malia LeMond, Cynthia Barlow, and Sharon Foerster, along with a companion CD-ROM entitled "Grammar Exercises and Speaking Activities," by Sharon Foerster and Jean Miller.
The Next Decade of Research on the Effectiveness of Early Intervention

The effectiveness of early intervention programs for children with developmental disabilities and for children at biologic risk was reviewed and analyzed. A general pattern indicating important effects of early intervention programs was noted, with effect sizes averaging between one-half and three-quarters of a standard deviation. The ability of early intervention programs to minimize declines in development was identified as a significant outcome. The effects of specific program features--age of start and family involvement--were selected for more detailed examination, and the moderating influence of the levels of severity of children's disabilities was also analyzed. Future directions for improving the effectiveness of early intervention include using the emerging knowledge of biobehavioral and child development research, as well as enhancing children's social competence.
Opioid pharmacotherapy in the management of cancer pain: a survey of strategies used by pain physicians for the selection of analgesic drugs and routes of administration.

Background. This survey documents the strategies used by pain control physicians in the selection of opioid drugs and routes of administration in the management of inpatients referred to a cancer pain service. Methods. The following approaches were prospectively evaluated during the treatment of 100 consecutive inpatients: 1) the influence of the evaluation of the goals of care on decision making, 2) selection of opioid drugs, 3) indications for changing opioid drugs and the frequency with which this strategy is used, and 4) selection of route of administration. Results. Eighty of the 100 patients underwent a total of 182 changes in drug, route, or both drug and route before discharge or death. The major reasons for change were to improve the convenience of treatment regimen in the setting of adequate pain relief (31.4%), diminish side effects in the setting of controlled pain (25.0%), reduce the invasiveness of therapy in the setting of controlled pain (19.3%), and simultaneously improve pain control and reduce opioid toxicity (17.7%). When opioid toxicity was the reason for change, physicians changed the opioid drug in 71% of cases and the route in 29%. When convenience or invasiveness were targeted, the physicians changed the route in 61% of cases and the opioid in 39%. Forty-four patients required one or more change in the opioid, and 20 required 2 or more changes (range, 2-6 changes). At the time of discharge (n = 82), morphine was more commonly selected than hydromorphone or fentanyl (39% vs. 23% vs. 17%) and the routes of administration were oral (57%), transdermal (18%), intravenous (18%), subcutaneous (5%), and intraspinal (4%), Therapeutic changes were associated with improvement in physician-recorded pain intensity and a lower prevalence of cognitive impairment, hallucinations, nausea and vomiting, and myoclonus among patients who were discharged from the hospital. Conclusions. These data illustrate the application of strategies for selections of opioid drugs and their route of administration that are recommended in current guidelines for the management of cancer pain.
The university rheumatic disease clinic

A medical school based rheumatic disease clinic provides patient services and educational activities and conducts clinical research. The patient population and routes of access to one such clinic are described, and the effect of direct and indirect costs influencing patient compliance are analyzed. It was found that the program cost of such a facility greatly exceeds the administrative cost. Alternatives to such high-cost facilitities are considered.
57 Fe Mössbauer investigations of manganese-containing spinels

Cation distributions and related order-disorder phenomena in the naturally occurring Mn-spinels: iwakiite, galaxite and franklinite, have been investigated by means of57Fe Mossbauer spectroscopy. Previous measurements on an iwakiite sample indicated the existence of Mn-rich and Mn-poor regions. This interpretation has been confirmed in this investigation by further measurements on annealed iwakiite samples. The57Fe Mossbauer spectrum of galaxite from Bald Knob, NC, is a well-resolved quadrupole doublet and indicates the presence of a single crystallographic Fe3+ species. A “galaxite” sample from Thailand exhibited a complex spectrum of Fe2+ and Fe3+ quadrupole doublets: This sample has been misidentified and should be regarded as a member of the (Mg, Fe)(Al, Fe)2O4 series. The57Fe hyperfine parameters of a rare franklinite from Langban, Sweden, are very close to those for synthetic zinc ferrite, confirming electron microprobe results of an unusually high zinc content.
Ceftobiprole: a new cephalosporin for the treatment of skin and skin structure infections.

Ceftobiprole is among the first of a new generation of cephalosporins with activity against aerobic Gram-negative bacilli, which extends to cefepime-sensitive Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and activity against Gram-positive organisms, which includes methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Ceftobiprole is currently undergoing evaluation by the US FDA for the treatment of complicated skin and skin structure infections, with a decision pending further evaluation of study site monitoring. It is also being evaluated for the treatment of community-acquired and healthcare-associated pneumonia. Two Phase III multicenter trials have demonstrated noninferiority in complicated skin and skin structure infections when tested against vancomycin in primarily Gram-positive bacterial infections, and when tested against vancomycin plus ceftazidime in Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial infections. It is well tolerated, with the most common side effects being nausea and dysgeusia. Ceftobiprole is likely to prove useful...
Determination of a new calcium antagonist and its main metabolite in plasma by thermospray liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry

Abstract A highly sensitive thermospray liquid chromatographic—mass spectrometric method has been developed for the simultaneous determination of FRC-8653 (I), a new calcium antagonist, and its main metabolite (M-4) in plasma. A deuterated analogue of I was added to the plasma as the internal standard. After the purification and concentration of the plasma sample on bonded-phase disposable columns, the extract was injected into the thermospray liquid chromatograph and analysed by selected-ion monitoring mass spectrometry. The calibration curves obtained were linear over the concentration range 0.5–100 ng/ml. The limits of quantification are 0.5 ng/ml for I and 1 ng/ml for M-4 in plasma, which are sufficient to evaluate plasma concentrations after oral administration to rats.
Analysis of Induction Plasma Deposition Dynamics for Control

Plasma torches are used in a variety of different applications including forming corrosion and wear resistant coatings, near net shape manufacture, and production of metal matrix composites. The dynamics ofa low order nonlinear dynamic model of the process are analyzed to obtain insight into developing an appropriate control structure.
An evaluation of cancer survivorship activities across national comprehensive cancer control programs

Introduction Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Comprehensive Cancer Control Program (NCCCP) funds states, the District of Columbia, tribal organizations, territories, and jurisdictions across the USA develop and implement jurisdiction-specific comprehensive cancer control (CCC) plans. The objective of this study was to analyze NCCCP action plan data for incorporation and appropriateness of cancer survivorship-specific goals and objectives.
A hypothesis regarding the protective role of metallothioneins against the toxicity of DNA interactive anticancer drugs

The therapeutic uses of antineoplastic agents are limited primarily due to two reasons: the drugs cause toxicity to non-malignant tissues and malignant tissues develop resistance to the toxic effects of the drugs. Many clinically effective antineoplastic agents are electrophilic and interact either covalently or non-covalently with genomic DNA. Although the interactions with DNA are generally thought to mediate their cytotoxicity, these drugs may also react with other cellular nucleophiles. Recent efforts have focused on understanding the role of thiol-rich proteins, especially metallothioneins, in determining the response of cells and tissues to specific classes of cytotoxic antineoplastic agents. Studies with cells in culture demonstrate that increases in metallothionein can afford protection against the toxic actions of both alkylating agents and cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (cisplatin). Tumors rich in metallothionein have also been reported to exhibit resistance to alkylating agents and cisplatin when grown in vivo. Pretreatment of mice with heavy metals, such as Bi salts, has been found to decrease the lethality and the renal and gastrointestinal toxicity associated with cisplatin. Some investigators have reported that the lethality of doxorubicin and its toxicity to the heart and bone marrow also have been significantly decreased by pretreatment of mice with Bi salts. We summarize these recent studies and discuss the proposition that intracellular metallothioneins may have a role in determining the toxicity of anticancer agents to non-malignant tissues.
Input and Output Variables in the Recall of Categorized and Uncategorized Lists

Summary A list of 25 nouns containing five sets of five words each beginning with a different initial letter was presented for five learning trials. The words were presented either randomly or were blockd on the basis of the initial letter. For half the Ss, the list contained five categories of five words each. For the second half of the Ss the words were unrelated. Recall was either free or cued. Categorized lists were recalled better than uncategorized lists and free recall was better than cued recall. It was concluded that under certain conditions cued recall hinders performance by interfering with the subjective-organization an S imposes on the list.
Ultrasound-assisted siRNA delivery via arginine-grafted bioreducible polymer and microbubbles targeting VEGF for ovarian cancer treatment

The major drawback hampering siRNA therapies from being more widely accepted in clinical practice is its insufficient accumulation at the target site mainly due to poor cellular uptake and rapid degradation in serum. Therefore, we designed a novel polymeric siRNA carrier system, which would withstand serum-containing environments and tested its performance in vitro as well as in vivo. Delivering siRNA with a system combining an arginine-grafted bioreducible polymer (ABP), microbubbles (MBs), and ultrasound technology (US) we were able to synergize the advantages each delivery system owns individually, and created our innovative siRNA-ABP-MB (SAM) complexes. SAM complexes show significantly higher siRNA uptake and VEGF protein knockdown in vitro with serum-containing media when compared to naked siRNA, and 25k-branched-polyethylenimine (bPEI) representing the current standard in nonviral gene therapy. SAM complexes activated by US are also able to improve siRNA uptake in tumor tissue resulting in decelerating tumor growth in vivo.
Identification of a crystal cell-specific enhancer of the black cells prophenoloxidase gene in Drosophila

In Drosophila, Black cells (Bc) encodes a Prophenoloxidase and is expressed late in the maturation of crystal cells, which are blood cells involved in wound healing and immune encapsulation. Enhancer analysis of Bc revealed a 1,025-bp upstream sequence that regulates gene expression in a crystal cell exclusive pattern. Expression of this fragment is altered by mutations in the GATA family serpent (srp) and RUNX family lozenge (lz) genes; Srp and Lz are required for crystal cell specification. Deletional analysis uncovered a 330-bp crystal cell-specific sequence, which contains two GATA and three Lz binding sites. Mutational analysis revealed that both GATA sites are necessary, but not sufficient for crystal cell expression. However, one of the Lz sites is essential for crystal cell expression. Thus, Srp and Lz do not just specify the crystal cell lineage, but also regulate the later differentiation of these cells. Additionally, we now have a sensitive tool for marking crystal cells in live animals.
Examining the relationship between impaired host resistance and altered immune function in mice treated with TCDD

Exposure to TCDD suppresses the immune response to numerous antigens, including bacterial and viral pathogens. Although we administer a non-lethal infection with influenza A virus, we often observe significant mortality in TCDD-treated animals. With the goal of identifying which TCDD-induced defects impair host resistance, we conducted a dose response study to examine whether alteration of particular immunological endpoints could be correlated with mortality. C57Bl/6 mice were treated with vehicle control, or 1, 2.5, 5, 7.5 or 10 microg/kg TCDD 1 day prior to intranasal (i.n.) infection with influenza virus. Survival was monitored for 9 days, when remaining mice were sacrificed and multiple endpoints evaluated. Lymphocyte migration to the lung and the production of virus-specific IgG2a, IgG1, and IgG2b antibodies were significantly diminished, even at the lower doses. IgA was enhanced in all groups treated with TCDD. In contrast, T cell expansion in the lymph node, and the production of IFNgamma and IL-12 were relatively resistant to suppression. Treatment with TCDD also enhanced pulmonary neutrophilia in infected mice. These results suggest that decreased antibody production and hyperinflammation may contribute to the death of TCDD-treated mice, and underscore the importance of evaluating numerous endpoints before concluding that a chemical is or is not immunotoxic.
First Record of Pyramica epinotalis (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) for the United States

Pyramica epinotalis is an arboreal dacetine ant previously known only from Brazil, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and southern Mexico. Here we report the first records of P. epinotalis for the United States. Collections were made in three parishes across southern Louisiana in cypress-tupelo swamps using floating pitfall traps placed in floating vegetation and arboreal pitfall traps placed on trunks and limbs of three wetland tree species. One additional specimen of this species was collected in Highlands County, Florida. Based on collections of specimens in Louisiana, including multiple dealate females at different localities, P. epinotalis appears to be well established in this state. We discuss the design and implementation of modified arboreal pitfall traps that were instrumental in this discovery.
Cupric–amyloid β peptide complex stimulates oxidation of ascorbate and generation of hydroxyl radical

Abstract A growing body of evidence supports an important role for oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. Recently, a number of papers have shown a synergistic neurotoxicity of amyloid β peptide and cupric ions. We hypothesized that complexes of cupric ions with neurotoxic amyloid β peptides (Aβ) can stimulate copper-mediated free radical formation. We found that neurotoxic Aβ (1-42), Aβ (1-40), and Aβ (25-35) stimulated copper-mediated oxidation of ascorbate, whereas nontoxic Aβ (40-1) did not. Formation of ascorbate free radical was significantly increased by Aβ (1-42) in the presence of ceruloplasmin. Once cupric ion is reduced to cuprous ion, it can be oxidized by oxygen to generate superoxide radical or it can react with hydrogen peroxide to form hydroxyl radical. Hydrogen peroxide greatly increased the oxidation of cyclic hydroxylamines and ascorbate by cupric–amyloid β peptide complexes, implying redox cycling of copper ions. Using the spin-trapping technique, we have shown that toxic amyloid β peptides led to a 4-fold increase in copper-mediated hydroxyl radical formation. We conclude that toxic Aβ peptides do indeed stimulate copper-mediated oxidation of ascorbate and generation of hydroxyl radicals. Therefore, cupric–amyloid β peptide-stimulated free radical generation may be involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease.
Peripheral Blood Signatures of Lead Exposure

Background: Current evidence indicates that even low-level lead (Pb) exposure can have detrimental effects, especially in children. We tested the hypothesis that Pb exposure alters gene expression patterns in peripheral blood cells and that these changes reflect dose-specific alterations in the activity of particular pathways. Methodology/Principal Finding: Using Affymetrix Mouse Genome 430 2.0 arrays, we examined gene expression changes in the peripheral blood of female Balb/c mice following exposure to per os lead acetate trihydrate or plain drinking water for two weeks and after a two-week recovery period. Data sets were RMA-normalized and dose-specific signatures were generated using established methods of supervised classification and binary regression. Pathway activity was analyzed using the ScoreSignatures module from GenePattern. Conclusions/Significance: The low-level Pb signature was 93% sensitive and 100% specific in classifying samples a leaveone-out crossvalidation. The high-level Pb signature demonstrated 100% sensitivity and specificity in the leave-one-out crossvalidation. These two signatures exhibited dose-specificity in their ability to predict Pb exposure and had little overlap in terms of constituent genes. The signatures also seemed to reflect current levels of Pb exposure rather than past exposure. Finally, the two doses showed differential activation of cellular pathways. Low-level Pb exposure increased activity of the interferon-gamma pathway, whereas high-level Pb exposure increased activity of the E2F1 pathway.
Surface magneto-optic Kerr effect (SMOKE)

The purpose of this article is to stimulate interest in the power of the surface magneto-optic Kerr effect (SMOKE) technique to address a range of contemporary issues associated with the physics of interfacial magnetic materials. Magneto-optics is introduced from both historical and modern perspectives. Experimental considerations are briefly considered. Topics highlighted include the phases of face-centered Fe, the phenomenon of oscillatory magnetic coupling, the two-dimensional spin-reorientation transition, step-induced magnetic anistropies in FCC and BCC systems, and spin frustration at the interface between ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic films.
A randomized controlled trial of a close monitoring program for minor depression and distress.

BACKGROUND Minor depression is almost twice as common in primary care (PC) as major depression. Despite the high prevalence, few evidence-based algorithms exist for managing patients with minor depression or patients presenting solely with distress.
Copulatory behavior and nest building behavior of wild house mice (Mus musculus).

The copulatory behavior and nest building behavior of wild house mice (Mus musculus) were examined in an attempt to study the effects of domestication on these behaviors. In the first experiment, 17 male and 17 female wild house mice were observed on a total of 68 tests of copulatory behavior, each carried to a satiety criterion of 90 min with no intromissions. The basic copulatory pattern was found to be identical to that of domesticated strains of house mice. However, the wild house mice appeared more extreme in certain of the quantitative aspects of copulatory behavior than most inbred strains. In the second experiment, 9 male and 10 female wild house mice and 10 male and 10 female C57BL/6J inbred house mice were tested for nest building behavior for 28 consecutive days. The nest building of wild house mice appeared similar to that of most domesticated house mice, although wild house mice used less cotton in building nests than did domesticated animals.
The Transfusion Medicine Consultant and Hospital Transfusion Committee

Aim: The evolution of blood banking into the broad, multi-disciplinary specialty of transfusion medicine has created the need for a new type of physician-the transfusion medicine consultant. Both laboratonan and clinician, the transfusion medicine consultant offers a wide range of skills and support to both medical and surgical disciplines. This individual can be based in either the hospital or regional blood center. He is a crucial member of the hospital transfusion committee. The latter can play an activist role in patient care.
Measurement of colorectal cancer test use with medical claims data in a safety-net health system.

Abstract Background Optimizing colorectal cancer (CRC) screening requires identification of unscreened individuals and tracking screening trends. A recent National Institutes of Health State of the Science Conference, “Enhancing Use and Quality of CRC Screening,” cited a need for more population data sources for measurement of CRC screening, particularly for the medically underserved. Medical claims data (claims data) are created and maintained by many health systems to facilitate billing for services rendered and may be an efficient resource for identifying unscreened individuals. The aim of this study, conducted at a safety-net health system, was to determine whether CRC test use measured by claims data matches medical chart documentation. Methods The authors randomly selected 400 patients from a universe of 20,000 patients previously included in an analysis of CRC test use based on claims data 2002–2006 in Tarrant Co, TX. Claims data were compared with medical chart documentation by estimation of agreement and examination of test use over/underdocumentation. Results The authors found that agreement on test use was very good for fecal occult blood testing ( κ = 0.83, 95% confidence interval: 0.75–0.90) and colonoscopy ( κ = 0.91, 95% confidence interval: 0.85–0.96) and fair for sigmoidoscopy ( κ = 0.39, 95% confidence interval: 0.28–0.49). Over- and underdocumentations of the 2 most commonly used CRC tests—colonoscopy and fecal occult blood testing—were rare. Conclusions Use of claims data by health systems to measure CRC test use is a promising alternative to measuring CRC test use with medical chart review and may be used to identify unscreened patients for screening interventions and track screening trends over time.
Wintertime concentrations and sinks of atmospheric particulate carbon at a rural location in northern Michigan

Abstract Particulate elemental carbon, organic carbon, and SO 2− 4 wintertime atmospheric concentrations were determined at a rural site in northern Michigan during two winters. Examination of the concentrations, based on both surface-wind direction and backward-trajectory analysis, indicated that concentrations were significantly influenced by the long-range transport of pollutants. Measurements of the wet- and drydeposition rates of elemental carbon showed that it is removed primarily by wet deposition at this site. The dry deposition velocity of elemental carbon to a snow surface averaged −1 during most of the study, but was considerably higher for one period during which it appeared to be influenced by large particles from local sources. A comparison of the scavenging ratios of SO 2− 4 and elemental carbon shows that snow removes SO 2− 4 at least twice as efficiently as elemental carbon. This difference implies that the atmospheric residence time of elemental carbon in the winter will be considerably longer than that of SO 2− 4 , if precipitation occurs. In the absence of precipitation, the estimated residence time of elemental carbon is at least 6 days. These results suggest that elemental carbon can be transported long distances and, thus, may degrade visibility and have other effects over wide regions.
Fundamental issues in modeling of mixed ionic-electronic conductors (MIECs)

Abstract The reaction at an MIEC/gas interface is electrochemical in nature when one of its charge-transfer steps influences the rate of the overall reaction. Changes in electrical states of the surfaces of an MIEC may not only enhance or hinder the rate of the reaction but also reverse the direction of the reaction (from anodic to cathodic or vice versa). Expressions similar to the Butler–Volmer equation are the most proper phenomenological description of the kinetics at an MIEC electrode, although the effect of the electrical state can be much smaller than that of the chemical state under certain conditions. Unless the kinetics are infinitely fast, the instantaneous relationship among concentrations of the species involved in a reaction is determined more by kinetics than thermodynamics. If an MIEC is assumed to be metallic in which bulk dielectric displacement cannot occur, both electric field and polarization in the bulk phase must vanish. If a huge capacitive response of an MIEC is indeed caused by space-dependent bulk polarization, displacement current density in the MIEC cannot be ignored in impedance analysis and the validity of local electroneutrality must be carefully evaluated. If local electroneutrality prevails, dielectric displacement vanishes, and the Fermi level is uniform in an MIEC, then the concentration of all defects must be uniform as must be the composition of the MIEC. It is important to adhere to these fundamental principles in order to obtain proper relations for the ionic, electronic, and oxygen fluxes and the correct influence of the interfaces on the charge-transfer and chemical reactions.
The rate of transmethylation in mouse liver as measured by trapping S-adenosylhomocysteine.

Abstract Periodate-oxidized adenosine has previously been shown to be a potent inhibitor in vitro of S -adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase (E.C. 3.3.1.1). This paper describes the inhibition of this enzyme in liver following injection of mice with periodate-oxidized adenosine. A maximally effective dose of 100 nmol/g of this compound causes liver S -adenosylhomocysteine to increase from 12 to 600 nmol/g within 30 min. This accumulation of S -adenosylhomocysteine provides an estimate of the rates of transmethylation, as well as adenosine and homocysteine production, as being at least 20 nmol/min/g liver. A doubling of S -adenosylmethionine in the liver of mice treated with periodate-oxidized adenosine suggests that the high levels of S -adenosylhomocysteine inhibit some transmethylation reactions.
Plasticity of Acetylcholine Receptor Gating Motions via Rate-Energy Relationships

Like other protein conformational changes, ion channel gating requires the protein to achieve a high-energy transition-state structure. It is not known whether ion channel gating takes place on a broad energy landscape on which many alternative transition state structures are accessible, or on a narrow energy landscape where only a few transition-state structures are possible. To address this question, we measured how rate-equilibrium free energy relationships (REFERs) for di-liganded and unliganded acetylcholine receptor gating vary as a function of the gating equilibrium constant. A large slope for the REFER plot indicates an openlike transition state, whereas a small slope indicates a closedlike transition state. Due to this relationship between REFERs and transition-state structure, the sensitivity of the REFER slope to mutation-induced energetic perturbations allows estimation of the breadth of the energy landscape underlying gating. The relatively large sensitivity of di-liganded REFER slopes to energetic perturbations suggests that the motions underlying di-liganded gating take place on a broad, shallow energy landscape where many alternative transition-state structures are accessible.
Hospital postgraduate training: factors affecting prospective interns' ranking of a municipal hospital program in internal medicine.

Abstract This study examines the statistical relationship between potential influencing factors and the rank that prospective intern applicants assigned to Boston City Hospital in the National Internship and Residency Matching Program. Types of factors examined include personal considerations, the applicant’s experience during the personal interview, hospital attributes, the academic program itself, and perceived house officer experience. A brief questionnaire was mailed to prospective interns ranked by the Department of Medicine. Analysis of questionnaire data indicates that personal reasons and two hospital characteristics, ancillary staff and type of hospital, were predominant influencing factors.
Novel dichroic beam separator for frequency-doubled lasers

A novel glass rhomb has been demonstrated for separating the residual fundamental beam from the harmonic beam in a frequency-doubled or frequency-tripled laser. This device features simple fabrication, damage resistance of uncoated glass, essentially loss-free transmittance for the harmonic beam, high (>95%) rejection of the fundamental, mechanical and thermal stability, and high optical quality.
Interracial‐Interethnic Unions and Fertility in the United States

How does the fertility of interracial and interethnic couples compare to the fertility of endogamous couples? If exogamous couples have transcended the boundary between them, then exogamy should not affect fertility. Alternatively, opposition to the relationship from the couple’s family and friends may reduce fertility. This study uses 2000 – 2005 American Community Survey data on married (n = 272,336) and cohabiting (n = 48,769) couples to compare the fertility of endogamous and exogamous couples. Interracial and interethnic partnering do not affect fertility for cohabiting, Black-White, Mexican-White, and Puerto Rican-White intermarried couples, but it does reduce fertility in Chinese-White and Asian Indian-White intermarriages. These results are largely consistent with the argument that intermarried couples have transcended group boundaries.
Nanoscopic optical rulers beyond the FRET distance limit: fundamentals and applications

In the last few decades, Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) based spectroscopy rulers have served as a key tool for the understanding of chemical and biochemical processes, even at the single molecule level. Since the FRET process originates from dipole–dipole interactions, the length scale of a FRET ruler is limited to a maximum of 10 nm. Recently, scientists have reported a nanomaterial based long-range optical ruler, where one can overcome the FRET optical ruler distance dependence limit, and which can be very useful for monitoring biological processes that occur across a greater distance than the 10 nm scale. Advancement of nanoscopic long range optical rulers in the last ten years indicate that, in addition to their long-range capability, their brightness, long lifetime, lack of blinking, and chemical stability make nanoparticle based rulers a good choice for long range optical probes. The current review discusses the basic concepts and unique light-focusing properties of plasmonic nanoparticles which are useful in the development of long range one dimensional to three dimensional optical rulers. In addition, to provide the readers with an overview of the exciting opportunities within this field, this review discusses the applications of long range rulers for monitoring biological and chemical processes. At the end, we conclude by speculating on the role of long range optical rulers in future scientific research and discuss possible problems, outlooks and future needs in the use of optical rulers for technological applications.
Alterations in retinal na+, k+-ATPase in diabetes: Streptozotocin-induced and zucker diabetic fatty rats

The temporal pattern of changes in the specific activities of retinal Na+, K+-ATPase (Na, K-ATPase) and Mg2+-ATPase (Mg-ATPase) were determined at several time intervals following the onset of diabetes in streptozotocin-induced diabetic (STZ: at 1,2, 4 and 6 months) Long-Evans hooded rats, spontaneously diabetic Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF: at 1,2 and 4 months) rats and their age-matched controls. These animals were utilized as models for insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) and non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), respectively. Na, K-ATPase specific activity, using 103 M ouabain, was decreased (-6% to -14%) at all time points after the appearance of hyperglycemia in the ZDF rat, but was reduced only after 4 and 6 months in the STZ rat (-8% and -14%, respectively). In contrast, Mg-ATPase activity was significantly increased (13%) after 4 months in the ZDF rat and after 6 months in the STZ rat (8%). The concentration-dependent inhibitory effects of ouabain (10-9 to 10-3 M) on the activity ...
Interplay between Shear Stress and Adhesion on Neutrophil Locomotion

Leukocyte locomotion over the lumen of inflamed endothelial cells is a critical step, following firm adhesion, in the inflammatory response. Once firmly adherent, the cell will spread and will either undergo diapedesis through individual vascular endothelial cells or will migrate to tight junctions before extravasating to the site of injury or infection. Little is known about the mechanisms of neutrophil spreading or locomotion, or how motility is affected by the physical environment. We performed a systematic study to investigate the effect of the type of adhesive ligand and shear stress on neutrophil motility by employing a parallel-plate flow chamber with reconstituted protein surfaces of E-selectin, E-selectin/PECAM-1, and E-selectin/ICAM-1. We find that the level and type of adhesive ligand and the shear rate are intertwined in affecting several metrics of migration, such as the migration velocity, random motility, index of migration, and the percentage of cells moving in the direction of flow. On surfaces with high levels of PECAM-1, there is a near doubling in random motility at a shear rate of 180 s−1 compared to the motility in the absence of flow. On surfaces with ICAM-1, neutrophil random motility exhibits a weaker response to shear rate, decreasing slightly when shear rate is increased from static conditions to 180 s−1, and is only slightly higher at 1000 s−1 than in the absence of flow. The random motility increases with increasing surface concentrations of E-selectin and PECAM-1 under static and flow conditions. Our findings illustrate that the endothelium may regulate neutrophil migration in postcapillary venules through the presentation of various adhesion ligands at sites of inflammation.
Phase-sensitive spectral estimation by the hybrid filter diagonalization method.

Abstract A more robust way to obtain a high-resolution multidimensional NMR spectrum from limited data sets is described. The Filter Diagonalization Method (FDM) is used to analyze phase-modulated data and cast the spectrum in terms of phase-sensitive Lorentzian “phase-twist” peaks. These spectra are then used to obtain absorption-mode phase-sensitive spectra. In contrast to earlier implementations of multidimensional FDM, the absolute phase of the data need not be known beforehand, and linear phase corrections in each frequency dimension are possible, if they are required. Regularization is employed to improve the conditioning of the linear algebra problems that must be solved to obtain the spectral estimate. While regularization smoothes away noise and small peaks, a hybrid method allows the true noise floor to be correctly represented in the final result. Line shape transformation to a Gaussian-like shape improves the clarity of the spectra, and is achieved by a conventional Lorentzian-to-Gaussian transformation in the time-domain, after inverse Fourier transformation of the FDM spectra. The results obtained highlight the danger of not using proper phase-sensitive line shapes in the spectral estimate. The advantages of the new method for the spectral estimate are the following: (i) the spectrum can be phased by conventional means after it is obtained; (ii) there is a true and accurate noise floor; and (iii) there is some indication of the quality of fit in each local region of the spectrum. The method is illustrated with 2D NMR data for the first time, but is applicable to n-dimensional data without any restriction on the number of time/frequency dimensions.
A family of self-inversive polynomials with concyclic zeros

Abstract We give a one-parameter family of self-inversive polynomials associated with Jacobi polynomials that has all zeros on the unit circle. As the parameter d goes from − 1 / 2 to ∞ , the polynomial goes from a constant multiple of ( z − 1 ) 2 n to a constant multiple of ( z + 1 ) 2 n with the polynomial ∑ k = 0 2 n z k when d = n . Also, we compute the discriminants and the squared distance sums of their zeros.
An automated vision-based method for rapid 3D energy performance modeling of existing buildings using thermal and digital imagery

Modeling the energy performance of existing buildings enables quick identification and reporting of potential areas for building retrofit. However, current modeling practices of using energy simulation tools do not model the energy performance of buildings at their element level. As a result, potential retrofit candidates caused by construction defects and degradations are not represented. Furthermore, due to manual modeling and calibration processes, their application is often time-consuming. Current application of 2D thermography for building diagnostics is also facing several challenges due to a large number of unordered and non-geo-tagged images. To address these limitations, this paper presents a new computer vision-based method for automated 3D energy performance modeling of existing buildings using thermal and digital imagery captured by a single thermal camera. First, using a new image-based 3D reconstruction pipeline which consists of Graphic Processing Unit (GPU)-based Structure-from-Motion (SfM) and Multi-View Stereo (MVS) algorithms, the geometrical conditions of an existing building is reconstructed in 3D. Next, a 3D thermal point cloud model of the building is generated by using a new 3D thermal modeling algorithm. This algorithm involves a one-time thermal camera calibration, deriving the relative transformation by forming the Epipolar geometry between thermal and digital images, and the MVS algorithm for dense reconstruction. By automatically superimposing the 3D building and thermal point cloud models, 3D spatio-thermal models are formed, which enable the users to visualize, query, and analyze temperatures at the level of 3D points. The underlying algorithms for generating and visualizing the 3D spatio-thermal models and the 3D-registered digital and thermal images are presented in detail. The proposed method is validated for several interior and exterior locations of a typical residential building and an instructional facility. The experimental results show that inexpensive digital and thermal imagery can be converted into ubiquitous reporters of the actual energy performance of existing buildings. The proposed method expedites the modeling process and has the potential to be used as a rapid and robust building diagnostic tool.
Assessing FDA's risk methodology at pharmaceutical manufacturing sites

This research analyses the US Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) risk methodology used for inspecting pharmaceutical manufacturing sites. It reviews the procedures, regulations, and violations specified in FDA warning letters (WLs). In particular it focuses on the time period between 2004-2009, as the FDA transitioned and formalised this new approach to site inspections. One of the principal outcomes of this study is to gauge the FDA's performance and assess its new methodology.
Use of a protective emollient as an endodontic aid

Abstract More than 1,800 patients with a variety of endodontic disorders were treated. Treatment in each case required the use of a rubber dam to eliminate moisture from the operative field. In each instance, Orabase emollient was routinely applied to the tooth or teeth to be treated, to protect the mucosa from the seepage of medications. The emollient paste was applied topically when needed during treatment, and it was removed after treatment. Results were excellent, with no leakage and with complete protection of the surrounding gingiva. No side effects, reactions, or disadvantages were noted. The emollient preparation proved to be superior to petrolatum or to any other material previously used as a protective aid. Also, because of its ability to adhere to mosit tissues, Orabase is an excellent vehicle when mixed with other preparations that must be applied to the gingiva.
Substance use among adolescents with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

Objective. To determine the prevalence of substance use among adolescents with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and to assess available opportunities for rheumatologists to identify high risk teens. Methods. Fifty-two teens (mean age 13.9 years, 86% female) completed questionnaires regarding substance use (alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and other illicit substances), functional disability, and frequency of health care contacts. Results. Alcohol use was reported by 30.7% of teens, including 23.5% of those for whom methotrexate was prescribed; 15.4% reported tobacco use in the last year, and 13.4% reported other illicit substance use in their lifetime, although most use was experimental. No teen reported marijuana use. The majority reported regular contact with their rheumatologist but only 26.9% were ever interviewed alone. Conclusion. Many teens with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, including those prescribed methotrexate, used substances, especially alcohol. When rheumatologists see adolescents, particularly in situations where methotrexate may be prescribed, a clinical setting conducive to confidentiality, physician comfort in asking about sensitive topics such as substance abuse, and referral relationships with skilled adolescent health and substance abuse counseling providers are essential.
New Intramolecular Effect Observed for Polyesters: An Anomeric Effect

A series of polyesters was prepared to evaluate hydrolytic stability as a function of cyclohexyl dibasic acid content. The three cyclohexyl dibasic acids: 1,2; 1,3; and 1,4 were formulated into polyesters with two glycols. The proportion of cis and trans isomers was evaluated via 1H NMR. The hydrolytic stability of short chain polyesters was evaluated in an acetone/water mixture which solubilized the polyesters to mimic oligoester behavior within a thermosetting polyester coating environment. The rate of hydrolysis was monitored by acid titration and corroborated by GPC. Surprisingly, 1,2-cylohexyl diacid-based polyesters were robust, and 1,3-cyclohexyl diacid-based polyesters were the most susceptible to hydrolysis. Evidently, a 1,2-anchimeric effect for cyclohexyl dibasic acid polyesters was not an important consideration, while the 1,3-cyclohexyl ester interaction was. Consequently, an anomeric effect was proposed.
40Ar/39Ar and K-Ar data bearing on the metamorphic and tectonic history of western New England

40Ar/39Ar ages of coexisting biotite and hornblende from Proterozoic Y gneisses of the Berkshire and Green Mountain massifs, as well as 40Ar/39Ar and K-Ar mineral and whole-rock ages from Paleozoic metamorphic rocks, suggest that the thermal peak for the dominant metamorphic recrystallization in western New England occurred 465 ± 5 m.y. ago (Taconian). Although textural data indicate a complex metamorphic-tectonic history for Paleozoic rocks, no evidence in rocks at least as high as kyanite grade dictates an Acadian age for the Barrovian metamorphism. Available 40Ar/39Ar and K-Ar data suggest that the low-grade metamorphism and cleavage formation in Taconic allochthons and the higher-grade metamorphism and emplacement of the Berkshire massif allochthon are Taconian. 40Ar/39Ar age data from a poorly defined terrane beginning near the east margin of the Green Mountain massif and extending along the eastern one-third of the Berkshire massif as far south as Otis, Massachusetts, suggest that the area has been retrograded during a metamorphism that peaked at least 376 ± 5 m.y. ago (Acadian). Available age and petrologic data from western New England indicate the presence of at least three separate metamorphic-structural domains of Taconian age: (1) a small area of relict high-pressure and low-temperature metamorphism in northern Vermont (T-1 domain), (2) a broad area in Vermont and eastern New York of normal Barrovian metamorphism from chlorite to garnet grade and characterized by a gentle metamorphic gradient (T-2 domain), and (3) a rather narrow belt of steep-gradient, Barrovian series metamorphic rocks extending from near the Cortlandt Complex northeastward through Dutchess County, New York, to the Berkshire massif in western Massachusetts (T-3 domain). Areas of maximum metamorphic intensity within the T-3 domain coincide with areas of maximum crustal thickening resulting from imbricate thrusting (Berkshire massif) or from recumbent folding (Manhattan Prong) of remobilized North American continental crust in the later stages of the Taconic orogeny.
Delayed Matching to Complex Samples and the Formation of Stimulus Classes in Children

In two experiments (ns = 3 plus a previously tested child, and 2, respectively), children learned delayed matching with complex samples, each consisting of a form and a printed nonsense word. Forms or printed words were comparison stimuli. For form comparisons, selecting the form identical to that in the preceding sample was reinforced. For printed word comparisons, selecting the word identical to that in the preceding sample was reinforced. During testing, the children then matched the forms and printed words to one another. In subsequent training, the samples were (a) old forms combined with new words or (b) old words combined with new forms. Novel matching performances among forms and words appeared across these training phases. Word-form contiguity in a matching-to-sample context may contribute to the formation of classes of stimuli that may be equivalent.