cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hydrogel Formation in Amphiphilic Triblock Copolypeptides

We report the synthesis of a variety of polylysine-b-polyleucine-b-polylysine, KmLnKo triblock copolypeptides and compare their gel forming properties to diblock copolypeptides. The architecture of the KmLnKo triblock copolypeptides forces the hydrophobic α-helical oligoleucine segments to pack perpendicular to extended fibrils in lamellar structure, and the similarity in properties between diblock and triblock copolymers supports the hypothesis that both systems assemble in a similar manner. The triblock architecture, however, allows preparation of samples with greater gel strength and better salt tolerance than diblock samples at similar concentrations. We have found that block architecture provides a means for fine adjustment of hydrogel properties beyond variation of polypeptide composition, concentration, and chain length.
Neural correlates of cognitive and affective processing in maltreated youth with posttraumatic stress symptoms: Does gender matter?

We investigated the relationship of gender to cognitive and affective processing in maltreated youth with posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms using functional magnetic resonance imaging. Maltreated (N = 29, 13 females, 16 males) and nonmaltreated participants (N = 45, 26 females, 19 males) performed an emotional oddball task that involved detection of targets with fear or scrambled face distractors. Results were moderated by gender. During the executive component of this task, left precuneus/posterior middle cingulate hypoactivation to fear versus calm or scrambled face targets were seen in maltreated versus control males and may represent dysfunction and less resilience in attentional networks. Maltreated males also showed decreased activation in the inferior frontal gyrus compared to control males. No differences were found in females. Posterior cingulate activations positively correlated with posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms. While viewing fear faces, maltreated females exhibited decreased activity in the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex and cerebellum I-VI, whereas maltreated males exhibited increased activity in the left hippocampus, fusiform cortex, right cerebellar crus I, and visual cortex compared to their same-gender controls. Gender by maltreatment effects were not attributable to demographic, clinical, or maltreatment parameters. Maltreated girls and boys exhibited distinct patterns of neural activations during executive and affective processing, a new finding in the maltreatment literature.
Backfill Impacts on Moisture Measurements in Fractured Rock

As the scope of hillslope-hydrology investigations extend deeper, there will likely be an increase in the use of backfill to facilitate sensor installations, particularly in fractured rock. Because of the disparity in hydrologic properties of backfill and the native rock being monitored, discrepancies in measured values are imminent. In this study, we assessed the impact of different types of backfill that can be used to provide hydraulic continuity between sensors and the “measured” environment. During a period of 4 yr, the hydrologic response to seasonal wetting and drying was monitored with identical time domain reflectometry (TDR) sensors embedded in native rock, fracture infill, augured native rock, and silica powder. We found that while all backfills responded to wetting and drying events, there were differences in the response to individual rainfall events and in the amount of moisture measured. Our observations show that the use of any type of backfill for monitoring fractured rock hydrology will result in distorted measurements; however, our analysis suggests that simple calibrations between native rock and backfill measurements allow moisture content changes in the native rock to be quantified using backfill measurements. Backfill that is finer textured than native rock provides the best estimate of water content during long-term, uninterrupted drying events when the backfill measurements are calibrated to native rock conditions. Irrespective of calibration, backfill materials coarser than the native rock provide the best detection of the timing and duration of the hydrologic response to precipitation.
Experimental investigation of circular Bragg phenomenon for oblique incidence

A 20-period-thick chiral sculptured thin film (STF) of zinc selenide was fabricated on a glass slide by thermal evaporation. A variable-angle spectroscopic system was devised and used to measure all eight of the circular remittances of the chiral STF as functions of the angle of incidence and the free-space wavelength. Thereby, the center wavelength and the bandwidth of the circular Bragg phenomenon exhibited by structurally chiral materials such as cholesteric liquid crystals and chiral STFs were comprehensively characterized for incidence angles in the range [0°,70°]. The experimental data were qualitatively compared with data calculated using a helicoidal model for the relative permittivity dyadic of the chiral STF, and assuming that all three eigenvalues of that dyadic obey the single-resonance Lorentz model. The chosen representation was found adequate to represent the blue shift of the centerwavelength with an increasing angle of incidence, but the Lorentz model requires modification to develop improved predictive capabilities.
High-Energy Expansions of Scattering Amplitudes

The partial-wave series is converted without approximation to a Fourier-Bessel expansion based on a new (infinite series) expansion for the Legendre function. The direct connection between the Fourier-Bessel phase shift and the partial-wave interpolating phase shift is established as an infinite series in powers of ${K}^{\ensuremath{-}2}$ ($K=\mathrm{wave}\mathrm{number}$). The series contains the Glauber eikonal approximation as a leading term and reproduces the results of an eikonal expansion about the Glauber propagator. Corrections to the eikonal approximation are developed and rules are given for an unambiguous interpretation of the eikonal expansion. The relativistic eikonal expansion is discussed for forward and backward scattering without small-angle approximations.
Mapping the EEZ

A cooperative, multi-year program to map the largely uncharted Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), begun last month, has the potential for piggybacking scientific observations and research. On March 10, 1983, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the mineral-rich zone as the area between the U.S. shoreline and 200 nautical miles outward. The United States has sovereign rights for exploration, exploitation, conservation, and management of all living and nonliving resources within the zone. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) will cooperate in the project that will map an area nearly twice the area of U.S. land. USGS responsibilities include definition of seafloor geology and definition of geological processes and resources, including sand and gravel, placers, phosphorites, manganese nodules, cobalt crusts, and sulfides (Eos, March 20, 1984, p. 105). NOAA, meanwhile, will be surveying, mapping, analyzing resources, and managing fisheries.
Differences in requirements and actions of various histamine-releasing agents

Abstract Histamine release induced by dextran, concanavalin A (con A), antigen, anti-IgE, the ionophore A23187, somatostatin, compound 48/80, polylysine, and protamine was studied in Sprague-Dawley rat mast cells. Release by dextran, con A, antigen, and anti-IgE was highly dependent on addition of phosphatidyl serine (PS). The same agents plus A23187 were highly dependent on exogenous Ca2+ , but only dextran was completely dependent. The other (basic) agents showed little or no dependence on exogenous PS or Ca2+. Addition of 0.1 mM Mn2+ with the A23187 (in the presence of 1.0 mM Ca2+), which probably markedly reduced the level of the A23187-Ca complex, did not greatly educe release by the A23187. Treatment of the cells with neuraminidase increased release by con A, A23187, and antigen; did not greatly affect release by dextran; and definitely decreased release by 48/80, polylysine, and protamine. Each agent desensitized the cells to a higher concentration of the same agent, and most also reduced release by other agents. A23187 and protamine sometimes sensitized to each other, however, and dextran and antigen regularly sensitized to A23187. The observations indicate that the different agents did not act in an identical manner.
Social Purpose and Militarized Disputes

This study tests whether a government's social purpose helps account for the likelihood of states to engage in militarized disputes. Ruggie has argued that states whose social purpose reflected the `compromise of embedded liberalism' would be more cooperative in their economic relations and would promote the creation of economic regimes which reflected this social purpose. We investigate whether governments which possess this `embedded' liberal social purpose are also more cooperative in the security arena. We introduce two measures that provide insight into the nature of state/society relations which are consistent with the government's commitment to a liberal social purpose. These measures are negatively related to several aspects of militarized disputes. This is tested using binary time-series-cross-sectional analysis at the monad level while controlling for other important variables and for contamination caused by temporal and cross-sectional disturbances. This study identifies two state-level charact...
Diversity of the murine antibody response targeting influenza A(H1N1pdm09) hemagglutinin.

Abstract We infected mice with the 2009 influenza A pandemic virus (H1N1pdm09), boosted with an inactivated vaccine, and cloned immunoglobulins (Igs) from HA-specific B cells. Based on the redundancy in germline gene utilization, we inferred that between 72–130 unique IgH VDJ and 35 different IgL VJ combinations comprised the anti-HA recall response. The IgH VH1 and IgL VK14 variable gene families were employed most frequently. A representative panel of antibodies were cloned and expressed to confirm reactivity with H1N1pdm09 HA. The majority of the recombinant antibodies were of high avidity and capable of inhibiting H1N1pdm09 hemagglutination. Three of these antibodies were subtype-specific cross-reactive, binding to the HA of A/South Carolina/1/1918(H1N1), and one further reacted with A/swine/Iowa/15/1930(H1N1). These results help to define the genetic diversity of the influenza anti-HA antibody repertoire profile induced following infection and vaccination, which may facilitate the development of influenza vaccines that are more protective and broadly neutralizing. Importance: Protection against influenza viruses is mediated mainly by antibodies, and in most cases this antibody response is narrow, only providing protection against closely related viruses. In spite of this limited range of protection, recent findings indicate that individuals immune to one influenza virus may contain antibodies (generally a minority of the overall response) that are more broadly reactive. These findings have raised the possibility that influenza vaccines could induce a more broadly protective response, reducing the need for frequent vaccine strain changes. However, interpretation of these observations is hampered by the lack of quantitative characterization of the antibody repertoire. In this study, we used single-cell cloning of influenza HA-specific B cells to assess the diversity and nature of the antibody response to influenza hemagglutinin in mice. Our findings help to put bounds on the diversity of the anti-hemagglutinin antibody response, as well as characterizing the cross-reactivity, affinity, and molecular nature of the antibody response.
The Relevance of Species Concepts in Sustainable Forestry

Species concepts and the definition of a species are discussed in the context of sustainable forest management and the sustainability of biological systems in general. Sustainable forestry requires that the habitats created by silvicultural manipulation match the ecological niches of the species being managed, enabling them not only to grow but to reproduce themselves so they can persist on the landscape beyond the current rotation. For this to be possible, foresters must be able to identify species and understand how species are defined.
Body of knowledge for the practice of travel medicine.

The field of travel medicine has grown dramatically as greater numbers of people travel to exotic and remote destinations. Over 700 million travelers cross international borders annually. However, studies suggest that only a very small percent seek pretravel health advice and typically from practitioners who are ill equipped to provide current and accurate information. Travel medicine has become increasingly complex due to dynamic changes in global infectious disease epidemiology, changing patterns of drug resistance, and a rise in the number of travelers with chronic health conditions. This Body of Knowledge was created to guide the professional development of individuals practicing travel medicine and to shape curricula and training programs in travel medicine. It is also expected to serve as a vehicle for establishing the content validity of a credentialing process. It is the scope and extent of knowledge required for professionals working in the field of travel medicine. Major content areas include the global epidemiology of health risks to the traveler, vaccinology, malaria prevention, and pretravel counseling designed to maintain the health of the traveling public. In September 1999, the International Society of Travel Medicine (ISTM) Executive Board established a group of travel medicine experts from its membership to define the scope of knowledge in the field of travel medicine worldwide. The final draft of their report was converted to survey format and mailed to 110 ISTM members worldwide, who were representative of the diversity within the profession. The respondents provided further … Corresponding Author: Phyllis Kozarsky, MD, Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, PO Box 871089, Stone Mountain, GA 30087‐0028, USA. E‐mail: istm{at}istm.org
Phenotypic transitions and fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy.

The cause of renal fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy is widely believed to be phenotypic switching of fibroblasts to an activated state. However, emerging evidence suggests that diabetes also alters the phenotype of normal, non-fibroblast kidney cells, such as mesangial cells, tubular epithelial cells, and bone marrow-derived progenitors. Experiments have shown that cytokines, high glucose, and advanced glycation end products induce profibrotic changes in kidney cell phenotype by the processes of myofibroblast transdifferentiation and epithelial–mesenchymal transition. As a result, differentiated kidney cells become reprogrammed to secrete and accumulate extracellular matrix. This revised view implies that inhibiting phenotypic transitions in nonfibroblasts might limit fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy.
Adenosine modulation of synaptosomal dopamine release

Abstract The effects of adenosine and its analog 2-chloroadenosine on release of preloaded [ 3 H]-dopamine from striatal synaptosomes was explored. Both adenosine and 2-chloroadenosine were found to decrease the amount of dopamine released both by depolarization (with KCl) and by amphetamine. Addition of exogenous adenosine deaminase enhanced dopamine release above controls, and blockade of the endogenous adenosine deaminase activity with deoxycoformycin resulted in a decrease in dopamine release. The methylxanthines, believed to be adenosine antagonists, inhibited dopamine release by an unknown mechanism, and hence it was impossible to evaluate antagonism of the inhibitory effects of adenosine by these agents. The depolarization-induced release of dopamine appeared to be more sensitive to the actions of adenosine than was the amphetamine-induced release. The data obtained so far seem to indicate that adenosine is capable of modulating the release of transmitter substances in brain tissue in a manner analogous to that which has been observed in the peripheral nervous system.
Cervical surgery for ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament: One spine surgeon's perspective

BACKGROUND The selection, neurodiagnostic evaluation, and surgical management of patients with cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) remain controversial. Whether for prophylaxis or treatment, the decision to perform anterior vs. posterior vs. circumferential cervical OPLL surgery is complex. MR AND CT DOCUMENTATION OF OPLL Together, MR and CT cervical studies best document the full extent of OPLL. While MR provides the optimal soft-tissue overview (e.g. hyperintense signals reflecting edema/myelomalacia in the cord), CT's directly demonstrate the ossification of OPLL often "missed" by MR (e.g. documents the single or double layer signs of dural penetration. PATIENT SELECTION Patients with mild myelopathy/cord compression rarely require surgery, while those with moderate/severe myelopathy/cord compression often warrant anterior, posterior, or circumferential approaches. OPERATIVE APPROACHES Anterior corpectomies/fusions, warranted in patients with OPLL and kyphosis/loss of lordosis, also increase the risks of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks (e.g. single/double layer sign), and vascular injuries (e.g. carotid, vertebral). Alternatively, with an adequate lordosis, posterior procedures (e.g. often with fusions), may provide adequate multilevel decompression while minimizing risk of anterior surgery. Occasionally, combined pathologies may warrant circumferential approaches. ANESTHETIC AND INTRAOPERATIVE MONITORING PROTOCOLS The utility of awake nasotracheal fiberoptic intubation/awake positioning, intraoperative somatosensory/motor evoked potential, and electromyographic monitoring, and the requirement for total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) for OPLL surgery is also discussed. CONCLUSION Anterior, posterior, or circumferential surgery may be warranted to treat patients with cervical OPLL, and must be based on careful patient selection, and both MR and CT documentation of the full extent of OPLL.
A filamentous microorganism isolated from periodontal plaque in hamsters. II. Physiological and biochemical characteristics.

Results of extensive physiological and biochemical tests are described for a filamentous organism isolated from periodontal disease in hamsters. Direct comparisons made with strains of Nocardia dentocariosus (Onisi) Roth (Nocardia salivae Davis and Freer) indicate that the “hamster organism”, although closely related to N. dentocariosus, is distinct from the latter. Direct comparisons with Nocardia asteroides (Eppinger) Blanchard (the type of the genus) have revealed such striking differences that it is doubtful that the organism from the hamster and N. dentocariosus can be included in the genus Nocardia.
Propylene Glycol Vapor Contamination in Controlled Environment Growth Chambers: Toxicity to Corn and Soybean Plants

A major, often unrecognized variable regulating plant growth in semi-closed environment is air contaminant. The vapor of propylene glycol (PG), which was used as coolant in growth chambers, has been found to be toxic to corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean (Glycine max L.) plants. PG solution leaked from a valve packing system and volatilized to vapor, which was trapped in a semi-closed growth chamber. Symptoms of leaf edge chlorosis, later developing into necrosis, were observed on the third day of emergence or on the third day after moving healthy plants into the chamber. For young soybean plants, symptoms were slightly different from those observed in corn plants; the chlorosis symptoms were not uniformly distributed on all leaves. Some soybean leaves curled up and others had white spots. This problem was identified by using a portable photoionization detector to obtain instantaneous readings of total volatile organic compound concentrations inside the chambers. The presence of PG in selected chambers was verified using sample collection with solid phase microextraction (SPME) followed by analysis with multi-dimensional gas chromatography mass spectrometry (MD-GC-MS). This information is pertinent to researchers who use controlled environment to grow plants.
Coordination of cleavage of gag and env gene products of murine leukemia virus: Implications regarding the mechanism of processing

Mouse 3T6 cells infected with Murine Leukemia Virus (MuLV) were cloned to yield several sublines producing viruses distinct from one another with respect to the ratio of uncleaved to cleaved gag gene-coded polyprotein, Pr65gag. The virus produced by the cloned sublines also differed in the ratio of the env gene-coded protein, p15E, to its product, p12E. The two ratios, Pr65gag/p30 and p15E/p12E, were found to be highly correlated among the cloned cell lines. Velocity gradient separation of the virions produced by individual sublines, followed by polypeptide analysis, demonstrated that the particles were inhomogeneous with respect to extent of cleavage both of PR65gag and of p15E. The two cleavages were again highly correlated. These data indicate that the gag and env gene product cleavages are not independent events but are tightly coupled.
Computed tomographic scanning reduces cost and time of complete spine evaluation.

Background: We hypothesize that data collected from computed tomographic (CT) scans obtained for workup of chest or abdominal injuries provide data that are sufficient to screen for spinal fractures and will decrease the cost and time of spine evaluation after trauma. Methods: We reviewed plain radiographs from 55 selected trauma patients who also underwent CT scanning of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis. We also timed the radiologic workup of 50 consecutive trauma patients to determine the time required to complete radiographic spine evaluation. Results: Forty-seven patients had thoracolumbar fractures. Thirteen patients were found to have 33 thoracolumbar spine fractures identified by CT scan but not plain radiography. Fractures were found on initial trauma CT scans of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis obtained to evaluate for visceral injuries. No injuries seen on plain film were missed on CT scan. Conclusion: We recommend using the data acquired from CT scans to evaluate the spine, supplementing them with additional studies only when needed for further clarification.
Role of overconsolidation on sand-geomembrane interface response and material damage evolution

Abstract The behavior of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) reinforcement elements is critical to the overall performance of many geotechnical structures including landfills, retaining walls, embankments, and shallow foundations. The reinforcement elements, which may consist of manufactured sheets or strips, must be properly installed in order to transfer stresses from areas of concentrated loading to reinforcing zones. While attention is given during construction to avoid contact damage of reinforcement elements, the construction process exerts stresses on the reinforcement element that may substantially exceed the stresses acting throughout the structure's service life. This paper examines the influence of overconsolidation of HDPE reinforcement elements on interface performance through examination of its effect on sand–smooth geomembrane interfaces. A range of overconsolidation and operational normal stress values are selected based on conditions typically present in practice. Results show the peak friction coefficient to increase substantially with overconsolidation magnitude while the effect on the residual friction coefficient is minimal. The magnitude of the increase in peak friction coefficient is shown to be dependent on both the damage induced by the smooth geomembrane and the degree to which sand particles adjacent to the interface undergo damage in the form of breakage during shear. The damage induced by the smooth geomembrane and the sand particles are presented in terms of the level of overconsonsolidation, confinement stress during shear, and particle characteristics such as angularity and hardness.
Aflatoxin inactivation of undelinted cottonseed by ammoniation

The inactivation of aflatoxin in cottonseed products has been restricted principally to ammoniation of cottonseed meal. More recently, attention has been focused on the feasibility of ammoniating whole cottonseed as a feed for ruminants. Preliminary work is presented on treatment with gaseous ammonia of undelinted (fuzzy) cottonseed containing an average of 1,500 µg/kg total aflatoxins. These seed were treated with 4% anhydrous ammonia (w/w) for 30 min at temperatures ranging from 66 C to 82 C. The data obtained in this study indicate that inactivation of aflatoxins in undelinted whole cottonseed may be accomplished using processing conditions comparable to those proposed for cottonseed meal.
Extension of Goldstein's series for the Oseen drag of a sphere

Goldstein's expansion of the Oseen drag of a sphere in powers of Reynolds number is extended to 24 terms by computer. The convergence is found to be limited by a simple pole at R = − 4·18172. The series is recast using an Euler transformation and other devices to yield accurate results for large R.
A scoping study on the costs of indoor air quality illnesses: an insurance loss reduction perspective

Abstract The number of indoor air quality (IAQ)-related health complaints in commercial buildings, and the frequency of litigation over the effects of poor IAQ is increasing. These increases have ramifications for insurance carriers, which pay for many of the costs of health care and general commercial liability. However, little is known about the actual costs to insurance companies from poor IAQ in buildings. This paper reports on the results of a literature search of buildings-related, business and legal databases, and interviews with insurance and risk management representatives aimed at finding information on the direct costs to the insurance industry of poor building IAQ, as well as the costs of litigation. The literature search turned up little specific cost information, but indicated that there is a strong awareness and growing concern over the “silent crisis” of IAQ and its potential to cause large industry losses. The source of these losses includes both direct costs to insurers from paying health insurance and professional liability claims, as well as the cost of litigation. In spite of the lack of data on how IAQ-related health problems affect their business, the insurance industry has taken the anecdotal evidence about their reality seriously enough to alter their policies in ways that have lessened their exposure.
A Hermite interpolation algorithm for hypersingular boundary integrals

This paper presents a conforming C1 boundary integral algorithm based on Hermite interpolation. This work is motivated by the requirement that the surface function multiplying a hypersingular kernel be differentiable at the collocation nodes. The unknown surface derivatives utilized by the Hermite approximation are determined, consistent with other boundary values, by writing a tangential hypersingular equation. Hypersingular equations are primarily invoked for solving crack problems, and the focus herein is on developing a suitable approximation for this geometry. Test calculations for the Laplace equation in two dimensions indicate that the algorithm is a promising technique for three-dimensional problems.
Guidelines for using Estelle to specify OSI services and protocols

Abstract The Open Systems Interconnection Basic Reference Model describes basic structures and mechanisms which are a framework for the specification of computer communication protocols and services. Estelle is a formal description technique for specifying such protocols and services. A general design method is presented to specify protocol concepts using Estelle. Emphasis is put on a modular approach to the specification of protocols and services based on reusable descriptions of general service facilities and protocol functions in Estelle. Also stressed is the idea that protocols are implementations of services. A service description may be refined into a protocol specification, if a precise description of the service provided by lower layers is available. This approach is illustrated by example.
Planning new overhaul, heavy maintenance and spare part organisation within the airline industry

Possibilities for improved maintenance policies in the age of the Jumbo and the SST are discussed in this paper which suggests possible strategies for cost savings
Inflammatory cytokines augments TGF-β1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in A549 cells by up-regulating TβR-I

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is believed to play an important role in fibrosis and tumor invasion. EMT can be induced in vitro cell culture by various stimuli including growth factors and matrix metalloproteinases. In this study, we report that cytomix (a mixture of IL-1beta, TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma) significantly enhances TGF-beta1-induced EMT in A549 cells as evidenced by acquisition of fibroblast-like cell shape, loss of E-cadherin, and reorganization of F-actin. IL-1beta or TNF-alpha alone can also augment TGF-beta1-induced EMT. However, a combination of IL-1beta and TNF-alpha or the cytomix is more potent to induce EMT. Cytomix, but not individual cytokine of IL-1beta, TNF-alpha or IFN-gamma, significantly up-regulates expression of TGF-beta receptor type I (TbetaR-I). Suppression of TbetaR-I, Smad2 or Smad3 by siRNA partially blocks EMT induction by cytomix plus TGF-beta1, indicating cytomix augments TGF-beta1-induced EMT through enhancing TbetaR-I and Smad signaling. These results indicate that inflammatory cytokines together with TGF-beta1 may play an important role in the development of fibrosis and tumor progress via the mechanism of epithelial-mesenchymal transition.
Creating Avenues for Parent Partnership (CAPP): An intervention for parents of children with epilepsy and learning problems

Caregivers of children with both epilepsy and learning problems need assistance to manage their child's complex medical and mental health problems. We tested the cognitive behavioral intervention "Creating Avenues for Parent Partnership" (CAPP) which was designed to help caregivers develop knowledge as well as the confidence and skills to manage their child's condition. The CAPP intervention consisted of a one-day cognitive behavioral program and three follow-up group sessions. The sample comprised 31 primary caregivers. Caregivers reported that the program was useful (mean = 3.66 on a 4-point scale), acceptable (mean = 4.28 on a 5-point scale), and "pretty easy" (mean = 1.97 on a 4-point scale). Effect sizes were small to medium in paired t tests (comparison of intervention to control) and paired analysis of key variables in the pre- and post-tests. The CAPP program shows promise in helping caregivers build skills to manage their child's condition.
Film Thickness and Refractive Indices of Dielectric Films on Dielectric Substrates

Methods are described for determining the refractive indices of dielectric films and substrates and the thickness of the film. The determination makes use of a single measured distribution of monochromatic, specular reflectance as a function of incidence angle. The methods are based on certain properties of the reflectance maxima and minima, which properties are deduced from electromagnetic theory. Either perpendicular-polarized or parallel-polarized light may be employed; the latter has some advantage, in that it provides a cross check on one of the results and also facilitates the treatment of very thin films.
The electron-phonon interaction and melting of metals

Abstract The minimum uncertainty product form of Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle is applied to the electron-phonon interaction in metals in the free-electron and Debye approximations. Twice the Debye frequency follows as an upper limit to the electron-phonon scattering rate. This is an extension of an earlier application to the 3-phonon anharmonic scattering rate, and Lindemann's law of melting follows in both cases. Corrections and clarifications of the earlier work are included. It is shown that the electron-phonon relaxation time, the Debye zoneboundary phonon relaxation time, the ion-ion collision time on the liquid side of melting, and the inverse of twice the Debye frequency are all approximately equal at the melting point.
Extensive congenital erosions and vesicles healing with reticulate scarring

We describe two children with extensive erosions and vesicles at birth that healed with reticulate scarring. These add to the three other cases reported previously. Our two patients also have extensive neurologic deficits, which may represent another feature of this syndrome. Possible causes are discussed.
Global definition and physical interpretation of the cosmological constant

Defined as a global physical entity, the cosmological constant ? appears here as a stationary functional of the metric, the matter (dark as well as visible) and the radiation fields. Subject to compact-support variations of the fields, ??=0 gives the metric, matter and radiation field equations. With this rigorous physical formulation, the empirical relation ? 2.7?? 0, where ?0 is the average energy-density of matter and radiation, follows from the spacetime average of ? (L?g?? ?L/?g??) through the observable four-volume of the Universe on the homogeneity scale (~100?Mpc), where L is the Lagrangian of the matter and radiation fields. Hence, the notion of negative-pressure dark energy is obviated in favor of an energy-density relationship for the cosmological constant that derives from the physical principle ??=0. Moreover, this formulation can be employed practically to rule out certain common-suspect free fields as the dominant component of dark matter. In particular, it is readily shown that a massive spin-zero scalar free field or a massive spin-one vector free field are precluded as the dominant component of dark matter.
Radiation Damage Induced Time Delay in GaAs Lasers

Fast-neutron irradiation induced time delays in the turn-on of the optical output pulse of diffused GaAs laser diodes have been observed. The results are explained using a double-acceptor model that predicts the delay's functional dependence on fluence and that also accounts qualitatively for the observed temperature dependence of the delay. Little neutron damage induced change occurs at LN2 temperature, where the delay is thought to be a result of the time required to establish the population inversion, the double-acceptor traps being inactive. At high temperature the increase in delay with fluence appears to be caused by introducing more traps at a rate proportional to the number already existing. A "pivot" operating point can be found at which the diode time delay is almost unaffected by damage to > 1014 n/cm2 (> 10 keV).
Minimal clinically important differences (MCID) and patient acceptable symptomatic state (PASS) for visual analog scales (VAS) measuring pain in patients treated for rotator cuff disease

Background The MCID is the smallest difference in an outcome score which a patient perceives as beneficial. The PASS is the score below which patients consider themselves well. The purpose of this study was to determine the MCID and PASS for a visual analog scale (VAS) measuring pain in patients treated for rotator cuff disease. Material and methods 81 patients with rotator cuff disease were evaluated after 6 weeks of non-operative treatment with a VAS measuring pain and two transition questions utilized in determining the MCID and PASS. Results The MCID and PASS were estimated to be 1.4 cm ( P = .0255) and 3 cm (95% CI – 22.69, 37.31) on a 10 cm VAS measuring pain, respectively. Age ( P = .0492) and hand-dominance ( P = .0325) affected the MCID while age ( P = .0376) and duration of follow-up ( P = .0131) affected the PASS. Discussion The MCID and PASS estimates provide the basis to determine if statistically significant changes in VAS pain scores after treatment are clinically important and if the treatment allowed patients to achieve a satisfactory state. Level of evidence Level 3; Nonconsecutive series of patients, diagnostic study.
The significance of biogenic element cycling in ancient tropical soils

Many lateritic tropical soils on stable cratonic areas have developed over millions to 10's of millions of years. Some elements (e.g., alkalies, alkaline earths, Si) are extremely depleted by leaching, and others (A1, Fe, Ti) are greatly enriched. Commonly this enrichment is regarded as merely the accumulation of insoluble constituents, but inspection of the soil shows development of pisolites, nodules and other features indicating extensive dissolution/precipitation of Feand Al-oxides and -hydroxides. This paper suggests that cycling of elements through vegetation is an important part of soil development in these ancient soils. This project was initiated to investigate the processes forming "lateritic" gold deposits, in which a relatively small primary vein or similar Au deposit in bedrock mushrooms in the soil to become a significant Au enrichment in the laterite zone (Davy and E1-Ansary, 1986; Lecomte and Colin, 1989). The site of our investigation is the gold deposit of Igarape Bahia in the Serra Carajas mining region, Para Province, Brazil. In this region, a very ancient plateau surface furnishes the environment for major Fe, Mn and A1 deposits of the Carajas district (Beisiegel, 1982; Machamer et al., 1991 ) as well as a lateritic gold deposit at Igarape Bahia. The plateau surface is interpreted to have been developed in Cretaceous or early Tertiary (Beisiegel, 1982; Kotschoubey and Lemos, 1985 ). The entire region is covered by dense tropical rain forest. At the Igarape Bahia Au deposit, a narrow primary zone of Au-Cu mineralization at depth gives rise to a relatively rich Au deposit in lateritic soil. The deposit appears analogous to other lateritic Au accumulations in which the initial primary Agbearing gold grains are etched and become smaller, and new grains of Ag-poor gold grow in the laterite (Lecomte and Colin, 1989). A preliminary study indicated that considerable Au was present in vegetation over the deposit, so in a later sampling expedition an extensive group of vegetation samples was collected, along with soils and waters (Andrade et al., 1991; Bliss, 1991; Machesky et al., 1993). Vegetation sampling was concentrated along a traverse across the unmined F30 deposit, a satellite Au deposit --~ 1 km from the main Igarape Bahia deposit. Additional samples were collected at three background sites ~ 1, ~ 10 and ~ 30 km from the deposit. At the F30 deposit and at the 1 km background site, all species of tree and shrub were collected, with leaves, twigs and bark being collected from most species. Five specific species (a large tree, two bamboo species, and two bushes) were sampled along the traverse and at the background sites. Samples were washed, dried, chopped, homogenized and analyzed for ~ 40 elements by neutron activation (Activation laboratories Ltd., Ancaster, Ontario) and Xray fluorescence (Materials Characterization Lab, Penn State University).
The status of marketing information systems, decision support systems and expert systems in the marketing function of U.S. firms

Abstract A survey of the current status of Marketing Information Systems, Decision Support Systems, and Expert Systems was made in a group of U.S. firms. A questionnaire was first developed from an extensive review of the marketing and information systems literature. Major issues addressed were: (1) the level of use of marketing information systems, decision support systems, or expert systems in the marketing function, and (2) the level of use of the various systems in specific marketing activities. The study identifies the development, use, and possible future applications of these systems in marketing.
A Low-Cost Solar Disinfection Indicator for Safe Water

We present the design and context of a simple electronic indicator which aids in the disinfection of drinking water. The indicator provides visual feedback of the solar disinfection process, which is otherwise unobservable to the user. We discuss the competitions, hosting institutions, partner organizations, and novel internet-based social technologies which fostered and shaped this product development process. We emphasize the importance of user acceptance and scalable business model in our continuing design process.
Autologous penile corpora cavernosa replacement using tissue engineering techniques.

ABSTRACTPurpose: The availability of engineered tissues would be beneficial to patients undergoing penile reconstruction. We explored the possibility of replacing an entire cross-sectional segment of both corporal bodies with autologous engineered tissues in rabbits, and investigated the structural and functional integrity of the neo-corpora.Materials and Methods: Acellular corporal collagen matrices were obtained from donor rabbit penis. Autologous corpus cavernosal smooth muscle and endothelial cells were harvested, expanded and seeded on the matrices. An entire cross-sectional segment of protruding rabbit phallus was excised, leaving the urethra intact. A total of 26 matrices, including 18 seeded with cells and 8 without cells, were interposed into the excised corporal space. An additional 4 rabbits that did not undergo surgical intervention served as normal controls. Functional and structural parameters (cavernosography, cavernosometry, mating behavior and sperm ejaculation) were followed for 6 months...
Non-linear interferometric vibrational imaging

A method of examining a sample, which includes: exposing a reference to a first set of electromagnetic radiation, to form a second set of electromagnetic radiation scattered from the reference; exposing a sample to a third set of electromagnetic radiation to form a fourth set of electromagnetic radiation scattered from the sample; and interfering the second set of electromagnetic radiation and the fourth set of electromagnetic radiation. The first set and the third set of electromagnetic radiation are generated from a source; at least a portion of the second set of electromagnetic radiation is of a frequency different from that of the first set of electromagnetic radiation; and at least a portion of the fourth set of electromagnetic radiation is of a frequency different from that of the third set of electromagnetic radiation.
Regulation of Op18 during Spindle Assembly in Xenopus Egg Extracts

Oncoprotein 18 (Op18) is a microtubule-destabilizing protein that is negatively regulated by phosphorylation. To evaluate the role of the three Op18 phosphorylation sites in Xenopus (Ser 16, 25, and 39), we added wild-type Op18, a nonphosphorylatable triple Ser to Ala mutant (Op18-AAA), and to mimic phosphorylation, a triple Ser to Glu mutant (Op18-EEE) to egg extracts and monitored spindle assembly. Op18-AAA dramatically decreased microtubule length and density, while Op18-EEE did not significantly affect spindle microtubules. Affinity chromatography with these proteins revealed that the microtubule-destabilizing activity correlated with the ability of Op18 to bind tubulin. Since hyperphosphorylation of Op18 is observed upon addition of mitotic chromatin to extracts, we reasoned that chromatin-associated proteins might play a role in Op18 regulation. We have performed a preliminary characterization of the chromatin proteins recruited to DNA beads, and identified the Xenopus polo-like kinase Plx1 as a chromatin-associated kinase that regulates Op18 phosphorylation. Depletion of Plx1 inhibits chromatin-induced Op18 hyperphosphorylation and spindle assembly in extracts. Therefore, Plx1 may promote microtubule stabilization and spindle assembly by inhibiting Op18.
Intravenous immunoglobulin treatment of children with autism.

Since autism has been associated with immunologic abnormalities suggesting an autoimmune cause of autistic symptoms in a subset of patients, this study was undertaken to investigate whether intravenous immunoglobulin (i.v.Ig) would improve autistic symptoms. Ten autistic children with immunologic abnormalities, demonstrated on blood tests, were enrolled in this study. Their ages ranged from 4 to 17 years, with two girls and eight boys. Eight children (1 female and 7 male) historically had undergone autistic regression. Intravenous immunoglobulin, 200 to 400 mg/kg, was administered every 6 weeks for an intended treatment program of four infusions. In five children, there was no detectable change in behavior during the treatment program. In four children, there was a mild improvement noted in attention span and hyperactivity. In none of these children did the parents feel that the improvement was sufficient to warrant further continuation of the infusions beyond the termination of the program. Only in one child was there a very significant improvement, with almost total amelioration of autistic symptoms over the time period of the four infusions. Once the treatment program was completed, this child gradually deteriorated over a 5-month time period and fully reverted to his previous autistic state. In this treatment program, five children had no response to intravenous immunoglobulin. In the four children who showed mild improvements, those improvements may simply have been due to nonspecific effects of physician intervention and parental expectation (ie, placebo effect). However, in one child there was a very significant amelioration of autistic symptoms. There were no distinguishing historic or laboratory features in this child who improved. Given a positive response rate of only 10% in this study, along with the high economic costs of the immunologic evaluations and the intravenous immunoglobulin treatments, the use of intravenous immunoglobulin to treat autistic children should be undertaken only with great caution, and only under formal research protocols.
Antifibrillatory action of bretylium: role of the sympathetic nervous system.

This study was performed to assess the role of cardiac sympathetic nerves in the in vivo antifibrillatory action of bretylium using the technique of electrically induced ventricular fibrillation. An initial study determined that 3 mg/kg of nortriptyline, an adrenergic amine uptake inhibitor, was sufficient to prevent the adrenergic neuron blockade produced by 5 mg/kg of bretylium in pentobarbital anesthetized dogs. Electrical ventricular fibrillation threshold (VFT) was then determined in two groups of pentobarbital anesthetized dogs using gated trains of increasing current applied to the epicardial surface of the right ventricle during atrial pacing. After determination of an initial VFT in both groups, one group of dogs (n = 8) received 3 mg/kg nortriptyline, the other group received saline (n = 9). The VFT was redetermined in both groups, after wich all dogs received 5 mg/kg of bretylium, intravenously, and VFT was then measured at 15 and 90 min after bretylium. In saline-treated dogs, bretylium produced a significant increase in VFT from a control value of 6.9 ± 1.6 mA (X ± SEM) to 31.0 ± 0.5 mA at 15 min (p