cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
In Vivo Transfection of Melanoma Cells by Lithotripter Shock Waves

Abstract The potential for gene transfection during shock wave tumor therapy was evaluated by searching for shock wave-induced DNA transfer in mouse tumor cells. B16 mouse melanoma cells were cultured by standard methods and implanted s.c. in female C57BL/6 mice 10–14 days before treatment. A luciferase reporter vector was used as the DNA plasmid for intratumoral injection at 0.2 mg/ml tumor. Air at 10% of tumor volume was injected after the DNA in some tumors to enhance acoustic cavitation activity. The shock wave generation system was similar to a Dornier HM-3 lithotripter with pressure amplitudes of 24.4 MPa peak positive and 5.2 MPa peak negative. Luciferase production in isolated tumor cells was measured with a luminometer 1 day after treatment to assess gene transfer and expression. Exposure to 800 shock waves, followed by immediate isolation and culture of tumor cells for 1 day, yielded 1.1 (0.43 SE) pg/106 cells for plasmid injection only and 7.5 (2.5 SE) pg/106 cells for plasmid plus air injection. Significantly increased luciferase production, relative to shams, occurred for 200-, 400-, 800-, and 1200-shock wave treatments with plasmid and air injection. Exposure with the isolation of tumor cells delayed for a day to allow gene expression within the growing tumors gave increased luciferase production for 100- and 400-shock wave exposures without and with air injection. Gene transfer therefore can be induced during lithotripter shock wave treatment in vivo, particularly with enhanced acoustic cavitation, which supports the concept that gene and shock wave therapy might be advantageously merged.
Global Optimization for Value Function Approximation

Existing value function approximation methods have been successfully used in many applications, but they often lack useful a priori error bounds. We propose a new approximate bilinear programming formulation of value function approximation, which employs global optimization. The formulation provides strong a priori guarantees on both robust and expected policy loss by minimizing specic norms of the Bellman residual. Solving a bilinear program optimally is NP-hard, but this is unavoidable because the Bellman-residual minimization itself is NP-hard. We describe and analyze both optimal and approximate algorithms for solving bilinear programs. The analysis shows that this algorithm oers a convergent generalization of approximate policy iteration. We also briey analyze the behavior of bilinear programming algorithms under incomplete samples. Finally, we demonstrate that the proposed approach can consistently minimize the Bellman residual on simple benchmark problems.
Robust global localization using clustered particle filtering

Global mobile robot localization is the problem of determining a robot's pose in an environment, using sensor data, when the starting position is unknown. A family of probabilistic algorithms known as Monte Carlo Localization (MCL) is currently among the most popular methods for solving this problem. MCL algorithms represent a robot's belief by a set of weighted samples, which approximate the posterior probability of where the robot is located by using a Bayesian formulation of the localization problem. This article presents an extension to the MCL algorithm, which addresses its problems when localizing in highly symmetrical environments; a situation where MCL is often unable to correctly track equally probable poses for the robot. The problem arises from the fact that sample sets in MCL often become impoverished, when samples are generated according to their posterior likelihood. Our approach incorporates the idea of clusters of samples and modifies the proposal distribution considering the probability mass of those clusters. Experimental results are presented that show that this new extension to the MCL algorithm successfully localizes in symmetric environments where ordinary MCL often fails.
Hepatitis B surface antigen carriers — To biopsy or not to biopsy

Abstract In order to assess the frequency of significant liver disease in hepatitis B surface antigen carriers with normal liver tests, 54 such individuals were identified and prospectively followed for 4 to 48 months with monthly liver tests. Upon testing, 4 were found to carry e antigen and 14 carried e antibody (anti-e). During follow-up, only 4 patients, none of whom were e antigen-positive, developed persisting abnormalities in liver tests. Of the 23 patients who underwent percutaneous liver biopsies, normal histologies were found in 2, nonspecific changes (ground glass hepatocytes, focal necrosis, fatty changes, etc.) in 18, and chronic persistent hepatitis (with or without other nonspecific changes) in 3. Chronic active hepatitis and/or cirrhosis, lesions which may carry more serious prognostic implications, were not seen in any biopsies. Two of the 4 e antigen-positive patients consented to biopsy, both of whom had chronic persistent hepatitis. All 6 patients with anti-e who underwent biopsy had ground glass hepatocytes, which were found in only about 50% of the remaining patients. It is concluded that hepatitis B surface antigen carriers should be followed with serial liver tests, and those whose tests remain normal should not be considered for liver biopsy.
Comparison of SE measurements between MIL-STD-285 and the ASTM Standard E1851

The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) published a standard test method (E1851) for electromagnetic shielding effectiveness (SE) of a room-size transportable shielded enclosure. A baseline set of data has been collected to compare both SE measurement results and the length of testing time for the modified MIL-STD-285 and the ASTM Standard E1851.
Social Exclusion and the Desire to Reconnect

People have a fundamental need to belong that, when satisfied, is linked to a variety of indicators of well-being. The current article discusses what happens when social relationships go awry, namely through social exclusion. It seeks to resolve discrepancies in the literature by proposing that responses to social exclusion depend primarily on the prospect of social acceptance. When people feel socially excluded, they want to regain acceptance and thus may respond in ways that can help them do so. When the possibility of acceptance is not forthcoming, however, socially excluded people become selfish and antisocial. Evidence for this pattern was found at behavioral, cognitive, and biological levels. The motivation to gain acceptance may drive people to engage in negative health behaviors, such as smoking. Thus, excluded people demonstrate sensitivity to possible social acceptance, but they can exude an air of selfishness and hostility when there is no possibility of satisfying their need to belong.
Formalin Penetration of Extracted Teeth

SYNOPSIS IN INTERLINGUA LE PENETRATION DE FORMALINA IN DENTES EXTEAHITE.—Le penetration de extrahite dentes human per radioactive neutre formalina de 10 pro cento esseva studiate a base de autoradiogrammas preparate ab sectiones dental.Le cameras de pulpa ab dentes "rasate" al longo de lor total superficie mesial o distal e retenente solmente un tenue strato de dentina supra le pulpa monstrava un complete penetration post solmente 10 minutas de immersion in le solution fixative. Cameras de pulpa in dentes intacte e in dentes accurtate per le absection del apices del radices monstrava un penetration incomplete mesmo post 3 horas de immersion.Le penetration de cemento, de dentina, e de adamante esseva variabile.
Assembly and intracellular delivery of quantum dot-fluorescent protein bioconjugates

We have previously assembled semiconductor quantum dot (QD)-based fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) sensors that can specifically detect nutrients, explosives or enzymatic activity. These sensors utilized the inherent benefits of QDs as FRET donors to optimize signal transduction. In this report we functionalize QDs with the multi-subunit multi-chromophore b-phycoerythrin (b-PE) light harvesting complex using biotin-Streptavidin binding. FRET and gel electrophoretic analyses were used to characterize and confirm the QD-b-PE self-assembly. We found that immobilizing additional cell-penetrating peptides on the nanocrystal surface along with the b-PE was the key factor allowing the mixed surface QD-cargos to undergo endocytosis and intracellular delivery. Our findings on the intracellular uptake promoted by CPP were compared to those collected using microinjection technique, where QD-assemblies were delivered directly into the cytoplasm; this strategy allows bypassing of the endocytic uptake pathway. Intracellular delivery of multifunctional QD-fluorescent protein assemblies has potential applications for use in protein tracking, sensing and diagnostics.
EFFECTS OF GAMMA RADIATION ON THE TOBACCO BUDWORM. II. IRRADIATION OF MOTHS.

Observations were made concerning the effects of gamma irradiation of Heliothis virescens (F.) moths on longevity, Opposition, egg viability, mating frequency, competitiveness of sterilized males, and survival of progeny. Males or females exposed to dosages of gamma radioation ranging from 35 to 50 krad produced only a few viable eggs when mated to unexposed moths. Conclusions as to mating frequency and longevity of irradiated males and females could not be made because of insufficient data. However, it appeared that sterilizing dosages did not seriously reduce longevity or mating frequency. Irradiation of females at 35-40 krad resulted in a reduction in oviposition. When both sexes were irradiated and allowed to mate, the egg viability was considerably less than when either sex was irradiated and crossed with unexposed moths. Considerable mortality occurred in the larval and pupal stages of the tobacco bud worms that hatched from eggs oviposited by irradiated parents. Death subsequent to hatching increased as the radiation dose increased and was greater when both parents were irradiated than when only one was exposed. Males exposed to 30 krad appeared to be competitive with normal males for virgin females in laboratory studies. The 72-hr LD50 values for male and female moths exposed to gamma radiation were 192.6 and 190.9 krad, respectively.
Low level mobile liquid droplet mechanism allowing development of large platelets of high-Tc “Bi-2223” phase within a ceramic

Abstract A VLS-like mechanism is illustrated of how 3-Cu-layer Bi-HTSC (high temperature superconductor) is slowly formed from precursors by small, Bi/Pb rich, liquid droplets migrating over growing platelets, depositing ledges (steps) of product in their wakes. The difficulty of obtaining a pure 3-layer, i.e. without syntactic intergrowths, is explained.
Soil microbial biomass, activity and nitrogen transformations in a turfgrass chronosequence.

Abstract Understanding the chronological changes in soil microbial properties of turfgrass ecosystems is important from both the ecological and management perspectives. We examined soil microbial biomass, activity and N transformations in a chronosequence of turfgrass systems (i.e. 1, 6, 23 and 95 yr golf courses) and assessed soil microbial properties in turfgrass systems against those in adjacent native pines. We observed age-associated changes in soil microbial biomass, CO 2 respiration, net and gross N mineralization, and nitrification potential. Changes were more evident in soil samples collected from 0 to 5 cm than the 5 to 15 cm soil depth. While microbial biomass, activity and N transformations per unit soil weight were similar between the youngest turfgrass system and the adjacent native pines, microbial biomass C and N were approximately six times greater in the oldest turfgrass system compared to the adjacent native pines. Potential C and N mineralization also increased with turfgrass age and were three to four times greater in the oldest vs. the youngest turfgrass system. However, microbial biomass and potential mineralization per unit soil C or N decreased with turfgrass age. These reductions were accompanied by increases in microbial C and N use efficiency, as indicated by the significant reduction in microbial C quotient ( q CO 2 ) and N quotient ( q N) in older turfgrass systems. Independent of turfgrass age, microbial biomass N turnover was rapid, averaging approximately 3 weeks. Similarly, net N mineralization was ∼12% of gross mineralization regardless of turfgrass age. Our results indicate that soil microbial properties are not negatively affected by long-term management practices in turfgrass systems. A tight coupling between N mineralization and immobilization could be sustained in mature turfgrass systems due to its increased microbial C and N use efficiency.
Bilateral Frontal Plane Mechanics After Unilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty

Abstract Milner CE, O'Bryan ME. Bilateral frontal plane mechanics after unilateral total knee arthroplasty. Objective To compare frontal plane knee mechanics among the operated and nonoperated limbs after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and a healthy control limb. Design A cross-sectional analysis with age-matched control group. Setting A biomechanics and sports medicine laboratory. Participants Subjects (n=16; 8 men, 8 women; mean age, 61±7y; height, 1.71±0.10m; weight, 87.5±15.1kg) and age-matched healthy controls (n=16; 8 men, 8 women; mean age, 63±7y; height, 1.7±.09m; weight 72.5±13.9kg). Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Peak knee adduction angle, first peak knee adduction moment, and the frontal plane knee angle and moment at loading peak during the stance phase of walking. Results Peak knee adduction angle ( P =.176), and the frontal plane knee angle ( P =.116) and moment ( P =.260) at loading peak were similar across the operated, nonoperated, and healthy control limbs. The first peak knee adduction moment was higher in the nonoperated limb when compared with the operated limb and with the healthy control ( P =.003). First peak knee adduction moment was similar in the operated knee and the healthy control. Conclusions The greater first peak knee adduction moment in the nonoperated knee indicates a possible mechanism for the predictable deterioration of this knee after unilateral TKA of the contralateral knee.
Affinity chromatographic sorting of carboxypeptidase A and its chemically modified derivatives.

Abstract Carboxypeptidase A and derivatives obtained by chemical modification of various active center components were subjected to affinity chromatography on a p -aminobenzylsuccinic acid-Sepharose 4B conjugate. Tetardation of the enzyme on the column was dependent on the residue modified when elution was carried out with 0.3 m NaCl at pH 7.0. Both the functional zinc atom and the active site residue Glu-270 are essential for effective adsorption while alteration of residues involved in hydrophobic interaction with substrate or in recognition of its terminal carboxyl group decreased retention on the affinity matrix. Elution of native carboxypeptidase with competing soluble benzylsuccinic acid indicated that only active center binding of the immobilized inhibitor accounts for retardation of the enzyme on the column. Hence, affinity chromatography on this biospecific adsorbent using mild elution conditions (which do not distort protein structure) provides an excellent tool for the rapid isolation and purification of active center modified enzyme even from a complex mixture of reaction products.
Mechanical stretching of human saphenous vein grafts induces expression and activation of matrix-degrading enzymes associated with vascular tissue injury and repair.

Abstract After coronary artery bypass surgery, saphenous vein graft occlusion occurs through tissue remodeling. Although a likely trigger, the role of preparative mechanical injury incurred by the graft is not yet understood. We studied the early effects of simple mechanical injury on human saphenous vein grafts by exposing them to longitudinal stretch, a deformation which potentially occurs during surgery. We then maintained ex vivo for up to 7 days matched pairs of experimentally stretched and nonstretched (control) vein segments and examined the expression and activation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and integrin αv, molecules implicated in vascular remodeling. At peak expression on day 3, stretched vein secreted 177 ± 16% active MMP-2 ( P P P In situ gelatinase activity was present in the intima and adventitia of stretched veins, but not of control, and correlated spatially with expression of αv. Stretch also increased severalfold cell proliferation (1.27 ± 0.4 vs. 0.23 ± 0.05% in control, P
Heritage tourism and community outreach: public archaeology at the Thaddeus Stevens and Lydia Hamilton Smith site in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA.

Historic sites serve as windows into the past that rely on material culture to narrate the past to the public. This narration serves as a dialogue between archaeologists and the public, creating a relationship that shapes community and individual awareness of heritage. However, heritage is a mediated and constructed concept that expresses particular histories to support specific agendas, ranging from scholarly archaeological research to urban renewal and redevelopment. The Thaddeus Stevens and Lydia Hamilton Smith Historic Site in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA, provides an opportunity to examine how the creation and interpretation of a heritage tourism destination combine to create a form of public archaeology.
Characterization of the Calcium Binding Domain of NADPH Oxidase 5 (NOX5)

Superoxide generated by non-phagocyte NADPH oxidases (NOXs), such as NOX5, is of growing importance for vascular physiology and pathology. NOX5 enzyme consists of a transmembrane heme domain that is linked to a flavoprotein domain that contains FAD and binds NADPH. It appears to be regulated by self-contained Ca2+ binding domains (CaBD), which contains four EF-hands motifs. Previously we demonstrated that this calcium binding gates the heme reduction in NOX5, possibly thorough the CaBD-flavorprotein interaction. To better understand its structure and function, here we characterized the metal binding properties of the recombinant CaBD by fluorescent spectroscopy. Our data revealed that CaBD binds to Ca2+, Mg2+, terbium (Tb3+) in the range of μM to mM. The data are further supported by the studies using the site-directed labeled CaBD. The rate of calcium association was too fast to be determined by a stopped-flow device, but the dissociation rate constant was determined to be 5 s−1 at 20 °C. The ANS titration and Stern-Volmer plots suggested that there was a significant conformational change upon the metal bindings. Interestingly, the spectra of circular dichorism indicated otherwise no change on the context of its secondary structure. However, this conformational change can be observed using the Surface Plasmon Resonance with the CaBD immobilized in the sensor chip. Because our data and other studies suggest there are two different types of calcium bindings in CaBD, currently we are performing the similar studies using N- and C-terminal halves of CaBD (aa 1-78 and 79-184), and mutants. We also are investigating the metal bindings in the CaBD of Dual Oxidase (DUOX), in which its hydrogen peroxide activity is controlled by calcium binding.
The deterioration of relationship quality for gay and lesbian cohabiting couples: A five‐year prospective longitudinal study

Data are reported from both partners of 60 gay and 46 lesbian couples, a subset of whom annually completed mailed surveys over a S-year period. At Year I, relationship quality was found to be comprised of three factors: positivity, relationship conflict, and personal autonomy. Compared to stable couples, couples who eventually separated reported a decrease in positivity, an increase in relationship conflict, and an increase in personal autonomy in the preseparation period. When the three dimensions of change in relationship quality were considered together, relationship dissolution was predicted by an interaction between change in positivity and change id personal autonomy such that decreases in positivity were linked to dissolution, especially when personal autonomy increased. Year 1 personal risk factors (inexpressiveness, dysfunctional relationship beliefs, and social anxiety) were unsuccessful in predicting relationship dissolution and linear change in either positivity or personal autonomy. Findings were not moderated by type of couple. It is concluded that change is a core relationship process.
Large effective fresnel number confocal unstable resonators: an experimental study.

An experimental study was performed on the beam quality of large equivalent Fresnel number positive confocal unstable square resonators in a CO2 electron-beam ionized laser. Near diffraction limited output was observed for a range of geometric output coupling from 34% to 85%, with a sensitivity to the particular value of equivalent Fresnel number being found only for the lowest output coupling.
THE CASE AGAINST SPACE DRAGGING

Abstract Schiff in 1960 and many others since then have used “space-dragging” Machian explanations for such general-relativistic phenomena as the Lense-Thirring precession of gyroscopes in the space outside massive rotating objects. But an examination of what the dragging patterns could be, shows these explanations to be unsatisfactory.
Skill-assessments of statistical and Ensemble Kalman Filter data assimilative analyses using surface and deep observations in the Gulf of Mexico

A new data assimilation algorithm (Quasi-EnKF) in ocean modeling, based on the Ensemble Kalman Filter scheme, is proposed in this paper. This algorithm assimilates not only surface measurements (sea surface height), but also deep (∼2000 m) temperature observations from the Gulf of Mexico into regional ocean models. With the use of the Princeton Ocean Model (POM), integrated for approximately two years by assimilating both surface and deep observations, this new algorithm was compared to an existing assimilation algorithm (Mellor-Ezer Scheme) at different resolutions. The results show that, by comparing the observations, the new algorithm outperforms the existing one.
Seasonal diet of the northern river otter (Lontra canadensis): what drives prey selection?

Diet of the northern river otter (Lontra canadensis (Schreber, 1777)) has been examined throughout much of its range and across many habitat types. Few studies have examined prey selection based on...
Effect of Therapeutic Modalities on Patients With Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: A Systematic Review

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is one of the most common orthopaedic conditions in adolescents and young adults.26 It is the most common overuse injury in adolescent girls.26 It affects approximately 26% of young athletes14 and 7% of young active adults.14,29 PFPS is so common in runners and other endurance athletes that it is often referred to as runner’s knee.15 PFPS is generally characterized by diffuse anterior knee pain, aggravated with specific activities that heighten the compressive loading forces across the patellofemoral joint,6,9,24,28 including ascending and descending stairs, squatting, and prolonged sitting.6,24,28 Altered lower extremity kinematics28 and knee and hip muscle weakness29 contribute to the pain and dysfunction associated with PFPS. Both operative and nonoperative approaches are used in the treatment of PFPS, and many patients improve with nonoperative rehabilitation care.17,26 The principal goals of a rehabilitation program for PFPS are to decrease pain and edema, correct biomechanical deficiencies, increase strength and endurance, and restore motion and function.10,23 Among the nonoperative treatment approaches that are recommended in a rehabilitation program for PFPS are the therapeutic modalities.3,4,10,15,16,20,27 In addition, the American Physical Therapy Association’s Guide for Physical Therapist Practice2 recommends the use of therapeutic modalities for a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, including PFPS. Recommended modalities for use in patients with PFPS include cryotherapy for reducing pain and edema10,20,27; thermotherapy (therapeutic heat) for local vasodilation to reduce pain and stimulate healing, in the forms of ultrasound,20,27 moist hot packs,20 and warm whirlpool27; phonophoresis20,27 and iontophoresis20 to reduce inflammation and pain; monophasic pulsed stimulation for edema20,27; transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for pain20,27; neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) to facilitate quadriceps muscle activity, which may be helpful in muscle reeducation in those who have acute pain, edema, or significant weakness and are unable to properly activate their vastus medialis9,10,20,27; and electromyographic (EMG) biofeedback to promote selective activation of the vastus medialis for selective strengthening or to restore muscle balance in knee extension.3,16,21,31 Despite the incorporation of these therapeutic modalities into the recommended treatment of PFPS patients, there has not been a systematic review of evidence for such practice. The purpose of this review is to examine the evidence basis for the use of therapeutic modalities in the rehabilitation of the PFPS patient.
Mid-Infrared Visibility Measurements of Evolved Stars

We have used Denver University's Ten-and-Twenty Micron Camera at the Wyoming Infrared Observatory to image 12 evolved stars at 11.5 μm. We have obtained both visibility data and photometric magnitudes from these images. We have partially resolved the circumstellar dust shell for eight of these 12 stars: α Ori, VY CMa, IRC +10216, χ Cyg, IK Tau, NML Cyg, μ Cep, and IRC +10420. We compare our data to published data and to visibility curves predicted by radiative transfer models in the literature.
Reflex vs behavioral responses to tooth pulp stimulation in the cat

Abstract The reflexive and escape response thresholds elicited using various parameters of tooth pulp stimulation were studied in awake cats. In three different escape tasks, a significant difference was found between stimulus amplitudes which evoked reflex and escape responses. The escape/reflex ratio was independent of stimulus duration, however, increased stimulus frequency reduced the ratio.
The prediction of hue and saturation for non-spectral lights

Abstract The Jameson and Hurvich opponent-colors model of hue and saturation was tested for spectral and non-spectral lights. Four observers described the color of lights by scaling hue and saturation. The lights ranged from 440 to 640 nm and consisted of five purities: 1.0, 0.80, 0.60, 0.40 and 0.20. Admixtures of monochromatic and a xenon-white light yielded the different colorimetric purities. For each subject, chromatic response functions were measured by the method of hue cancellation at each purity, and an achromatic response function was measured by the method of heterochromatic flicker photometry for spectral lights. Chromatic response functions measured for a particular purity and the achromatic response function were used to predict hue and saturation for that purity. The model successfully predicted hue at each level of purity, but failed to predict precisely the Abney effect. The model made relatively poor predictions of saturation, tending to overstimate short-wave lights and underestimate long-wave lights. An additional experiment found that stimulus parameters that favor rod contribution weaken the model's predictions of saturation, while stimulus parameters that do not favor rod contribution improve the model's predictions of saturation.
Ecdysteroid conjugates in pupal and pharate adult haemolymph of the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hubner)

Abstract Hydrolysis of a polar ecdysteroid HPLC fraction by treatment with glucuronidase revealed the presence of at least six ecdysteroid conjugates in haemolymph from pupal and pharate adult European corn borers. Conjugates of ecdysone, an ecdysteroid more polar than ecdysone, 26-hydroxyecdysone, 20-hydroxyecdysone and two ecdysteroids more polar than 20-hydroxyecdysone were detected. Titres of conjugates were maximal on day 2, 3 or 4 post-pupation and fell to lower levels on day 5. This pattern is similar to that for the corresponding free haemolymph ecdysteroids.
Estimation of the Parameters of the Gamma Distribution by Sample Quantiles

This paper deals with large sample estimation of the location parameter (α1 and the scale parameter α2 in the gamma distribution with known shape parameter. Best linear unbiased estimates based on k sample quantiles are used. For a given k, the optimum spacings of the sample quantiles can be replaced by simpler “nearly optimum” spacings at virtually no loss of asymptotic efficiency. The theory behind the nearly optimum spacings is briefly reviewed. The major part of the paper concerns estimation of α2 when α2 is known. Nearly optimum spacings together with the coefficients to be used in computing the estimates are presented in a number of tables for k = 1(1) 10, and various values of the shape parameter. The paper also contains brief discussions of estimation of α1, when α2 is known, and simultaneous estimation of α1 and α2.
Case management: ongoing evaluation of patients' needs in an opioid treatment program.

Purpose/objective Case management has been widely used in mental health and substance abuse services. There have been only a few studies that have examined the use of case management in opioid-treatment programs. In a project funded by the Centers of Substance Abuse Treatment, we looked at the use of case managers and specifically at the treatment needs of this unique population. Our case managers, with the aid of research assistants, surveyed the treatment needs of 189 patients entering an opioid-treatment program over a 3-year period. Patients completed the Needs Assessment Instrument at intake, 6 months, and 12 months. Primary practice setting(s) The use of case managers to assess the needs of opioid-dependent patients is applicable to substance abuse treatment setting especially in opioid-treatment programs that provide methadone or buprenorphine maintenance. Findings/conclusions The critical services most requested were vocational, employment, transportation, dental, emotional, and smoking cessation. There were changes over the 12-month follow-up period in the types and priority of services requested. IMPLICATION FOR CASE MANAGEMENT PRACTICE: The Needs Assessment Instrument is a useful tool for case mangers to assess treatment needs of patients and the overall clinic population. Once sufficient patients have been surveyed, the opioid-treatment program can plan needed services for the clinic. Specific social agencies can be contacted to provide key services. Service needs are not static and as patients improve they may need a different mix of services to support their continued abstinence.
On the permeability of membranes with parallel, but interconnected, pathways

Abstract When diffusion through a membrane can take place by alternative parallel pathways between which there is exchange, the permeability is not simply the sum of the permeabilities due to the pathways but has an interaction term due to the exchange. Such is the case in a limiting model of carrier diffusion, in diffusion through porous solids, and in media with double diffusivity. The case of two pathways is developed in detail, and the general case of n pathways is solved.
Anatomical factors relative to the racial selectivity of femoral neck fracture

A comparative racial study of 200 femora from 50 American White and 50 American Negro female skeletons was carried out to determine whether any anatomical differences in femoral from exist between these groups which might account for the racial selectivity of hip fracture, Significant racial differences were found in neck-shaft angle, angle of inclination and oblique length. Negro females have longer femora, larger neck-shaft angles and a smaller angle of inclination than have White females. These differences in femoral morphology may, in some measure, contribute to the greater incidence of hip fracture in female Whites.
UV-induced loss mechanisms in a Ce3+:YLiF4 laser

Abstract The optical pumping of Ce 3+ :YLiF 4 at 308nm leads to the formation of transient and stable color centers due to an excited-state absorption which photoionizes the cerium ions. Measurements of the temperature dependence of the transient center lifetime and the dependence of the single-pass gain on pump repetition rate are presented.
A comparison of rain-related phosphorus and nitrogen loading from urban, wetland, and agricultural sources

Abstract Comprehensive watershed studies have been conducted for two lakes located in the Lake Michigan drainage system. Studies were conducted from March through October of 1979. During that interval, large differences in storm-related nutrient loading were measured from urban, wetland, and agricultural sources. Eliminating runoff due to melt of the snow pack, it was found that rain-related discharge from the urban area studied was 0.578 kg total-P and 3.688 kg total-N ha −1 of watershed. Rain induced runoff from marshes in the same drainage basin transported 0.023 kg total-P and 0.585 kg total-N ha −1 of catchment. Rainfall of approximately the same amount caused runoff from agricultural land of 0.180 kg total-P and 5.965 kg total-N ha −1 . Algae of both lakes were phosphorus limited; nitrogen was present in excess. Using constants from Nichols-Dillon relationships in the literature regarding phosphorus, phytoplankton biomass, and secchi disc transparencies, the urban input of phosphorus ha −1 of drainage was sufficient to bring 0.96 ha-m of lake water to undesirable algal bloom status. Similarly, march input ha −1 would bring an estimated 0.04 ha-m into bloom. By the same calculation, storm-related agricultural runoff would result in 0.30 ha-m of lake water becoming undesirably rich in algae. Knowing the number of hectares in these types of catchment and the volume available in a particular lake for phytoplankton production, decisions regarding cost-effective treatment of rain-related discharge can be made.
Air medical transport: what the family wants to know.

Introduction: The needs of family members of intensive care unit patients are well-documented, but there is little published about the specific needs of family members of air medical patients. Purpose: This study was devised to identify family member's information needs regarding air medical transport. Methods: Using a descriptive correlational design, 100 family members of air medical patients completed a 14-item Likert-format questionnaire. Each item addressed an information need and asked how important the information was to the family member and how much of this information they received. Results: The information needs most frequently ranked as very important related to the patient's condition, the patient's admitting unit at the receiving hospital, and being able to see the patient prior to flight. Information most frequently received by the family related to the patient's condition. Conclusion: Flight crews need to be cognizant of families' needs and develop ways to improve communication with the family to meet those needs.
A Multistate Asian-Language Tobacco Quitline: Addressing a Disparity in Access to Care.

Objectives. We conducted a dissemination and implementation study to translate an intervention protocol for Asian-language smokers from an efficacy trial into an effective and sustainable multistate service.Methods. Three state tobacco programs (in California, Colorado, and Hawaii) promoted a multistate cessation quitline to 3 Asian-language-speaking communities: Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese. The California quitline provided counseling centrally to facilitate implementation. Three more states joined the program during the study period (January 2010–July 2012). We assessed the provision of counseling, quitting outcomes, and dissemination of the program.Results. A total of 2004 smokers called for the service, with 88.3% opting for counseling. Among those opting for counseling, the 6-month abstinence rate (18.8%) was similar to results of the earlier efficacy trial (16.4%).Conclusions. The intervention protocol, based on an efficacy trial, was successfully translated into a multistate service and further ...
STUDIES ON THE CONTROL OF ANTIBODY SYNTHESIS : INTERACTION OF ANTIGENIC COMPETITION AND SUPPRESSION OF ANTIBODY FORMATION BY PASSIVE ANTIBODY ON THE IMMUNE RESPONSE

In the system studied, antigenic competition between two haptenic determinants was found to be of the same extent whether the haptens were on the same or on separate carrier molecules. Suppression of antibody formation to one determinant by administration of passive antibody partially eliminated the depressive effects of antigenic competition when the two haptens were located on separate carrier molecules but had no effect on antibody production to the second hapten when the two determinants were present on the same molecule. The results are discussed in terms of the mechanisms of suppression, antigenic competition, and control of antibody formation.
Development of graphene-based optical detectors for infrared sensing applications

We investigate the development of optical detectors using multilayer graphene for infrared (IR) sensing. Under a zero-bias operation, the graphene-based devices are capable to generate photocurrents in the presences of IR signals with two different wavelengths (830 nm and 1064 nm). The photocurrents induced by electron-hole pair generation are measured in the exfoliated multilayer graphene at room temperature. Moreover, we found that the electron-photon interactions of the devices are significant for multilayer graphene-based devices, and the magnitudes of the photoresponses are higher than that of another well-known nanomaterial - carbon nanotube. These results suggest graphene is suitable for infrared sensing. Here, we demonstrate the design, the fabrication and the experimental results of the graphene-based IR detectors. The structure of the devices consists of a multilayer graphene flake connected with a pair of metal electrodes, which were fabricated using two nanomanipulation techniques: dielectrophoretic manipulation and atomic force microscopic based nanomanipulation. The development of the fabrication process can helps us to make use of graphene for the optoelectronic application.
Probing the three-dimensional structure of human calreticulin.

Calreticulin (CRT) is an abundant soluble protein of the endoplasmic reticulum lumen that functions as a molecular chaperone for nascent glycoproteins. We have probed the three-dimensional structur...
Sexuality in sexagenarian women

Sexual behavior was examined in 59 healthy, post-menopausal women between 60 and 70 years of age. Subjects were interviewed by a psychologist, completed medical and sexual questionnaires and had a gynecologic exam and blood drawn for determination of estradiol, luteinizing hormone and total and free testosterone. Partners filled out a mail-back sexual questionnaire. Thirty-nine (66%) of the group were coitally active and twenty (34%) were abstinent. The coitally active group reported higher levels of sexual desire (P less than 0.03), greater sexual satisfaction (P less than 0.007), more comfort in expressing sexual preferences (P less than 0.009) and greater pre-menopausal sexual satisfaction (P less than 0.01) and on pelvic examination were noted to have less genital atrophy (P less than 0.0005) than the abstinent group. For the entire sample sexual complaints such as decreased desire and vaginal lubrication in the female and erectile difficulties in the male were reported frequently. Of the hormones studied, higher serum levels of free testosterone were associated with reports of increased sexual desire.
Quasielastic Neutron-Scattering Study of the Local Dynamics of Poly(ethylene glycol) Dimethyl Ether in Aqueous Solution

Neutron quasielastic scattering experiments were carried out on aqueous solutions of 500 u molecular weight poly(ethylene glycol) dimethyl ether (PEG-DME) in deuterated water. The intermediate scattering functions extracted from the measured neutron scattering can be fitted by a combination of a fast second-order exponential decay (t < 2 ps) and a slower first-order exponential decay. The analysis of the momentum transfer (Q) dependence of the decay constant for the slower component shows that it has an approximately constant value at Q's less than 13 nm-1 and then increases linearly up to the highest momentum transfer (25 nm-1). Both the slope of the higher-Q linear region and the individual Q-dependent decay constants show a minimum in the PEG-DME weight fraction range of 0.6−0.9. Further analysis of the neutron-scattering data to check the effect of multiple scattering in the sample shows that only the shape of the fast decay (t < 2 ps) is affected by this correction. A direct quantitative comparison i...
Weight loss decreases progressive left ventricular remodeling: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

Background Obesity (body mass index, BMI > 30 kg/m2) is an independent risk factor for incident heart failure (HF). Effects of weight change on cardiac structure have not been extensively investigated in large community-based populations. We hypothesized that weight loss and gain in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) would coincide with changes in left ventricular (LV) mass – key features in the progression to obesity-related HF.
Spring-primary mapping: a fast color mapping method for primary adjustment and gamut mapping

A gamut mapping method, spring-primary gamut mapping, was developed for device to device color mapping. Instead of performing gamut mapping point-wisely, it selects a small number of points for gamut mapping and determines the color mapping of other points by interpolation using color similarity information. It incorporates primary adjustment and gamut mapping into a single step. Using the color similarity information of neighbor colors for color mapping, it well preserves the color to color relationship. Applying interpolation instead of gamut mapping for majority of colors, it tremendously increases the speed of gamut mapping process.
Utilizing Google Earth to Teach Students about Global Oil Spill Disasters

ABSTRACT The United States is currently experiencing its worst man-made environmental disaster, the BP Deepwater Horizon oil leak. The Gulf of Mexico oil spill is severe in its impact, but it is only one of several global oil spill disasters in history. Students can utilize the technology of Google Earth to explore the spatial and temporal distribution of oil spills. In addition to increasing content knowledge of oil spills, Google Earth assists in developing student geographic and technologic literacy. Designed for a middle school science class, this activity may also be used in English, history, math, art, and poster-making.
Coronary Embolism in Patients with Mitral Valve Prosthesis

Abstract Coronary embolus resulting in acute myocardial infarction in three patients with mitral valve prosthesis is reported. These episodes occurred despite adequate anticoagulation in all three cases, and one patient had regular sinus rhythm. The clinical importance of this complication is discussed since one patient subsequently died in intractable heart failure as a direct result of this complication.
Reconstruction of the phylogeny of the genus Triticum from variation in repeated nucleotide sequences.

The potential of variation in repeated nucleotide sequences as a tool for phylogenetic studies was examined by investigating the phylogeny of 13 diploid species of the genus Triticum L. sensu Bowden. Low intraspecific variation in repeated nucleotide sequence families in Triticum indicated that restriction fragment profiles of repeated nucleotide sequences in Southern blots are reliable and uniform characteristics of each species. Cloned repeated nucleotide sequences were hybridized with Southern blots of DNAs of the Triticum species and the outgroup, Lophopyrum elongatum (Host) A. Love. The presence or absence of bands in the Southern blot autoradiograms was considered to be a character for phylogenetic analysis. A most parsimonious tree was resolved with the PAUP version 3.0L computer package. The tree was consistent with cytotaxonomic and evolutionary data available on the species.
THE PROSTATIC UTRICLE IS NOT A MÜLLERIAN DUCT REMNANT: IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL EVIDENCE FOR A DISTINCT UROGENITAL SINUS ORIGIN

ABSTRACTPurpose: The embryological origin of the utricle is thought to be a remnant of the fused caudal ends of the mullerian ducts (MDs). Others propose that the urogenital sinus (UGS) contributes...
ATTITUDES OF COMMUNITY COLLEGE FACULTY AND STUDENTS TOWARD THE USE OF VIDEODISC TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM

Students and faculty were surveyed concerning their attitudes toward the use of interactive videodisc technology in the classroom. Results are presented in three sections: faculty perceptions of the technology, level of student interest in different instructional strategies, and reaction to a videodisc presentation in the humanities. Results indicate that students and faculty who viewed interactive videodisc presentations were quite impressed with the technology. Survey responses documented that demonstrations were highly effective and that students would like to see more presentations based on videodisc libraries. Future studies, however, should focus more on the potential the system has for generating discussion and for providing flexibility in presentations.
Application and evaluation of the alamarblue assay for cell growth and survival of fibroblasts

Cell proliferation assays are essential to developing an understanding of the molecular mechanisms that modulate cell growth and differentiation. In this paper, we describe the application of alamarBlue, a new and versatile metabolic dye, for the detection of Swiss 3T3 fibroblast proliferation and/or survival. As a redox indicator, alamarBlue is reduced by reactions innate to cellular metabolism and, therefore, provides an indirect measure of viable cell number. Various assay parameters were optimized for a 96-well format to achieve a detectable range of fibroblast cell number from 100 to 20 000 cells/well, which is similar to that obtained with traditional (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and [3H]thymidine assay techniques. Standard (reference) curves generated with a known fibroblast stimulator were used to facilitate quantitation and comparison of unknown test substances. The alamarBlue assay offers the advantages of technical simplicity, freedom from radioisotopes, versatility in detection, no extraction, and excellent reproducibility and sensitivity. We anticipate that this simple and versatile alamarBlue assay, when used alone or in conjunction with other bioassays, will be a useful tool for investigating the complex mechanisms of cellular proliferation.
Global genomic analysis of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas reveals significant molecular differences compared to ductal adenocarcinoma

Objective:To determine whether intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas (IPMNs) have a different genetic background compared with ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).Summary Background Data:The biologic and clinical behavior of IPMNs and IPMN-associated adenocarcinomas is different from PDA
Lift Force of Delta Wings

On a delta wing, the separation vortices can be stationary due to the balance of the vorticity surface flux and the axial convection along the swept leading edge. These stationary vortices keep the wing from losing lift. A highly swept delta wing reaches the maximum lift at an angle of attack of about 40, which is more than twice as high as that of a two-dimensional airfoil. In this paper, the experimental results of lift forces for delta wings are reviewed from the perspective of fundamental vorticity balance. The effects of different operational and geometrical parameters on the performance of delta wings are surveyed.