cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Alteration of expected hemispheric asymmetries: Valence and arousal effects in neuropsychological models of emotion

The relative advantage of the left (LH) over the right hemisphere (RH) in processing of verbal material for most individuals is well established. Nevertheless, several studies have reported the ability of positively and negatively valenced stimuli to enhance and reverse, respectively, the usual LH > RH asymmetry. These studies, however, have used baseline stimuli that differed from emotional stimuli on two dimensions (i.e., valence and verbal/nonverbal nature), creating interpretive difficulties as to whether differences across these conditions are due to differences in valence or the verbal/nonverbal nature of the primes used in the baseline condition. In addition, these studies, along with many others in the literature, have failed to control for potential confounding effects of arousal. Emotional stimuli vary on dimensions of valence as well as arousal and arousal may be asymmetrically presented in the brain therefore contributing to observed asymmetries. Taken together, these considerations underscore the importance of controlling for both valence as well as arousal in any investigation of the effects of emotional stimuli. The objectives of the present study were twofold: (1) to employ an appropriate baseline condition to render emotional stimuli vs. baseline stimuli comparisons meaningful and (2) to examine the extent to which emotional verbal stimuli, equated for arousal level, alter the expected LH > RH asymmetry in a consonant trigram task. Results demonstrated that when LH lateralized consonant trigram presentations were preceded by a positive prime, an enhancement of the expected LH > RH asymmetry was observed. In contrast, when trigram presentations lateralized to the RH were preceded by a negative prime, a complete reversal of the typical asymmetry was found with RH > LH performance. These results are analogous to the pattern of relative hemispheric activations observed for various mood states. Controlling for arousal in studies investigating asymmetries associated with emotional processing may allow more clear interpretation of data intended to test predictions of neuropsychological models of emotion. Moreover, equating stimuli on the dimension of arousal as well as valence may shed more light on conflicting findings with regard to perception vs. expression of emotion.
Challenges for receptor theory as a tool for drug and drug receptor classification

Increased understanding in the field of receptor pharmacology, born of the sophisticated techniques now available to us, has confounded rather than simplified the problem of receptor classification. The International Union of Pharmacology (IUPHAR) is currently sponsoring a Receptor Nomenclature Committee whose aims are to recommend a rational system of classification, a formidable task given the complexity and volume of data in the literature (agonist/antagonist potencies, coupling mechanisms, primary structures, etc.) that will need to be incorporated. The Committee's chairman, Terry Kenakin, outlines here the limitations of classical receptor theory for drug receptor classification and suggests that any functional classification system must take into account not only affinity and intrinsic efficacy but also, at the very least, parameters relating to the transducing properties of receptors. If this is not done, then receptor classification data obtained from studies with agonists and antagonists may be different and lead to confusion.
A REVIEW OF AUTOMATICALLY SCORABLE CONSTRUCTED‐RESPONSE ITEM TYPES FOR LARGE‐SCALE ASSESSMENT

The use of automated scanning of test sheets, beginning in the 1930s, led to widespread use of the multiple-choice format in standardized testing. New forms of automated scoring now hold out the possibility of making a wide range of constructed-response item formats feasible for use on a large-scale basis. We describe new developments in five domains: mathematical reasoning, algebra problem solving, computer science, architecture, and natural language. For each one, we describe the task as presented to the examinee, the methods used to score the response, and the psychometric properties of the item responses. We then highlight general challenges and issues spanning these technologies. We conclude by offering our views on the ways in which such technologies are likely to shape the future of testing.
A Method for Monitoring Movements of Small Fishes in Urban Streams

Abstract The Front Range region of Colorado is an ecological transition zone between the Rocky Mountains and the western Great Plains. Changes to streams resulting from urban and agricultural land uses have contributed to the decline of many plains and transition zone fishes. The fragmentation of stream systems by dams, weirs, and diversions is among the most detrimental of these changes. These structures can inhibit fish spawning migrations, the search for sporadic resources, and recolonization of empty habitats. To assess the magnitude of the problem, there is a distinct need to determine whether existing instream structures are barriers to migration. A relatively simple method of doing so involves giving fish a unique mark and tracking their movements in the vicinity of a suspected barrier. We individually marked fish (15 species; 2,724 individuals) with visual implant elastomer (VIE) marks and tracked their movements across a grade control structure in Spring Creek in Fort Collins, Colorado. Results f...
Tumor growth and audiometric change in vestibular schwannomas managed conservatively.

Objective To prospectively define the correlation between changes in tumor volume and audiometric function in vestibular schwannomas managed conservatively. Study Design Prospective longitudinal study. Methods Twenty-one patients (age range, 15–84 y; mean age, 63.3 y) with newly diagnosed vestibular schwannomas were enrolled between 1994 and 1999 in a protocol at The Ohio State University Hospital (Columbus, OH) to evaluate the correlation between tumor volume and audiometric change during a period of observation. Patients were evaluated yearly by clinical examination, a standardized internal auditory canal magnetic resonance imaging scan with gadolinium contrast for volumetric analysis, and audiometric function testing. Demographic data, historical features, neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) status, initial testing results, and serial testing results were recorded. Results An increase in tumor volume occurred in 14 of the 21 patients (66%). The pattern of volumetric change was found to be e-tremely variable. Multiple regression analysis revealed significant correlations of changes in tumor volume with changes in pure-tone average and speech discrimination score (P < .0001 and P = .0021, respectively). Change in tumor volume had greater effect on pure-tone average and speech discrimination score in patients initially with class D audiometric function when compared with those initially in class A (P = .0083 and P = .0245, respectively). The presence of NF2 had an independent protective effect against deterioration of the pure-tone average when compared with patients without NF2 (P = .0125). Conclusions This study demonstrated a significant correlation between a change in volume and auditory deterioration in vestibular schwannomas being managed with a trial of observation. A given change in tumor volume appeared to have a greater effect on pure-tone average and speech discrimination score as initial auditory classification declined.
Disulfide bonds in Sendai virus glycoproteins.

The precursor of fusion protein (Fo) in Sendai virus grown in Vero cells can be cleaved by trypsin to forms Fi and F2, which can be resolved on SDS-polyacrylamide gels. However, if disulfide bonds are
A racial difference in the prevalence of the Arg506->Gln mutation

Abstract Several recent studies have reported that the factor V Arg506→Gln mutation is present in 3–10% of adults of European descent. To determine if the prevalence is comparable among Blacks, we have initiated a casecontrol study in a large urban hospital in Atlanta which serves a substantial black population. We have evaluated 131 black subjects with confirmed venous or arterial thrombosis and 61 black subjects without a history of thrombosis. Only one case and one control were positive for the Arg506→Gln mutation. We conclude that the mutation is more common among Whites than Blacks.
Modeling of a High-Temperature Latent Heat Thermal Storage Module for Brayton Cycle Applications

Concentrating solar power (CSP) plants with thermal energy storage offer several advantages to plants without storage. Thermal energy storage (TES) allows CSP plants to produce power for longer periods of time each day, making them produce energy more like traditional, fossil fuel power plants. TES also gives the ability to time shift production of energy to times of peak demand, allowing the plant to sell the energy when prices are highest. A CSP plant with storage can increase turbine performance and reach higher levels of efficiency by load leveling production and can remain productive through cloud transients.Power tower CSP plants are capable of producing extremely high temperatures, as they have the ability to oversize their solar field and achieve a greater concentration ratio. Studies have been conducted on variable working fluids, leading to higher working temperatures. This theoretically allows power towers to use more efficient, higher temperature cycles including the recuperated air Brayton cycle, although none currently exist on a commercial scale. This research focuses on developing a model of a high temperature TES system for use with an air Brayton cycle for a power tower CSP plant.In this research we model one module of a latent heat TES system designed to meet the thermal needs of a recuperated Brayton engine of 4.6 MWe capacity for six hours. A metal alloy, aluminum-silicide (AlSi), is considered as the phase change medium. The storage tank is approximately 161 m3, or a cylinder with a 5 m diameter that is 8 m tall filled with AlSi with several air pipes throughout the volume. We model the volume around a single pipe in a 2-D cylindrical coordinate system, for a module size of 0.2 m in diameter and 8 m long. The advantages of using AlSi alloys is that they have variable melting temperatures depending on the relative concentration of the two metals, from 577 C for the eutectic composition of 12.6% silicon to 1411 C for 100% silicon. This attribute is taken advantage of by the TES model as the composition of the AlSi alloy will vary axially. This will allow a cascaded type storage system within one tank and with one material. The use of FLUENT to model this problem is first validated by several analytical solutions including Neumann’s exact solution for a one-dimensional Cartesian geometry and the Quasi-Steady Approximation in a 1-D cylindrical geometry. The model developed will establish charge/discharge times for the storage system, round-trip efficiency of the system, ability of the system to meet the demand of the Brayton cycle, and the validity of using off-eutectic metal alloys in a cascade as a latent heat TES medium.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
SU-E-T-263: Point Dose Variation Using a Single Ir-192 HDR Brachytherapy Plan for Two Treatments with a Single Tandem-Ovoid Insertion for Cervical Cancer

Purpose: To evaluate the point dose variations between Ir-192 HDR treatments on two consecutive days using a single tandem-ovoid insertion without replanning in cervical cancer patients. Methods: This study includes eleven cervical cancer patients undergoing HDR brachytherapy with a prescribed dose of 28 Gy in 4 fractions. Each patient had two tandemovoid insertions one week apart. Each insertion was treated on consecutive days with rescanning and replanning prior to each treatment. To study the effect of no replanning for day 2 treatments, the day 1 plan dwell position and dwell time with decay were applied to the day 2 CT dataset. The point dose variations on the prescription point H (defined according to American Brachytherapy Society), and normal tissue doses at point B, bladder, rectum and vaginal mucosa (based on ICRU Report 38) were obtained. Results: Without replanning, the mean point H dose variation was 4.6 ± 10.7% on the left; 2.3 ± 2.9% on the right. The mean B point variation was 3.8 ± 4.9% on the left; 3.6 ± 4.7% on the right. The variation in the left vaginal mucosal point was 12.2 ± 10.7%; 9.5 ± 12.5% on the right; the bladder point 5.5 ± 7.4%; andmore » the rectal point 7.9 ± 9.1%. Conclusion: Without replanning, there are variations both in the prescription point and the normal tissue point doses. The latter can vary as much as 10% or more. This is likely due to the steep dose gradient from brachytherapy compounded by shifts in the positions of the applicator in relationship to the patients anatomy. Imaging prior to each treatment and replanning ensure effective and safe brachytherapy are recommended.« less
Perfumed the axe that laid it low: The endangerment of sandalwood in southern India:

Between 1950 and 1970, on average over 480,000 Indian sandalwood (Santalum album) trees were harvested annually in the state of Karnataka in southern India. Then, in 1974, it was suddenly discovere...
Dynamic Savings Decisions in Agricultural Environments With Incomplete Markets

We develop a methodology for examining savings behavior in rural areas of developing countries that explicitly incorporates the sequential decision process in agriculture. The approach is used to examine the relative importance of alternative forms of savings in the presence and absence of formal financial intermediaries. Our results, based on stage-specific panel data from Pakistan, provide evidence that the presence of financial intermediaries importantly influences the use of formal savings and transfers for income smoothing. We also find that there are significant biases in evaluations of the savings-income relationship that are inattentive to the within-year dynamics of agricultural production.
Optimal schedules for special structure flowshops

This paper considers the problem of scheduling a given number of jobs on a specified number of machines in a flowshop where the objective function is to minimize the total throughput time in which all jobs complete processing on all machines. Based on the combinatorial analysis of the problem, several simple algorithms are developed for solving special structure flowshop scheduling problems where the process times are not completely random, but bear a well-defined relationship to one another. The proposed algorithms are both simple and computationally efficient and can optimally solve large-sized problems even with manual computational devices.
Hematozoa and A New Haemoproteid Species from Cathartidae (New World Vulture) In South Carolina

A survey of turkey vultures (Cathartes aura) in South Carolina revealed the presence of a novel haemoproteid. Haemoproteus catharti n. sp. is described from the slides developed from the blood of this vulture. The new species is a thick, halteridial form with complete margins, and is considered distinct from the other recognized haemoproteids from the diurnal raptors in shape, pigment number, parasite outline, and host-family specificity. While reviewing blood films, a series of unusual immature schizonts of Plasmodium sp. were also observed, and these are illustrated, along with another distinct haemoproteid from old slides of poor quality produced from turkey vulture blood.
Micturition in the unanesthetized rat: effects of intrathecal capsaicin, N-vanillylnonanamide, 6-hydroxydopamine and 5,6-dihydroxytryptamine.

Abstract Unanesthetized rats chronically implanted with vesical and intrathecal catheters were injected intrathecally (i.t.) with either capsaicin (CAP), N -vanillylnonanamide (VN), 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA), or 5,6-dihydroxytryptamine (5,6-DHT). The volume-evoked micturition reflex was assessed by cystometrography before, and 2 h, 1 day and 7 days after injection. In control and vehicle-injected rats, the infusion of saline into the bladder resulted in a periodic contraction of the bladder with synergic sphincter relaxation. One day after i.t. CAP and VN (70 μg each), 50% and 30% of the animals displayed a blockade of the micturition reflex, respectively. In these animals, the infusion of saline resulted in a gradual rise in bladder pressure up to a plateau (overflow pressure) equivalent to the predrug bladder opening pressure. When the plateau was reached, continuous dribbling of urine with no bladder contractions was observed. Most of the affected rats displayed some micturition responses by day 7. Following i.t. injection of 5,6-DHT (20 μg) or 6-OHDA (20 μg), the micturition reflex displayed small but significant increases in bladder volume with no changes in pressure profile. Small primary afferents, sensitive to the neurotoxic effects of CAP and VN appear to play a major tonic role in the regulation of the micturition reflex in unanesthetized rats. Serotonergic and adrenergic descending pathways might play a role in the maintenance of resting bladder tone.
Comparison of fecal culture and Danish Mix-ELISA for determination of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica prevalence in growing swine.

Abstract In the USA, control of food-borne salmonellosis associated with meat consumption has been predominantly focused at slaughter and processing. It is expected that standards at slaughter and processing will become more stringent, creating pressure to reduce prevalence of Salmonella -positive food animals through on-farm interventions. The aim of this study was to compare traditional fecal culture and the Danish Mix-ELISA (DME) for determination of Salmonella prevalence pre-harvest in swine. In Trial 1, five cohorts of individually identified pigs were longitudinally sampled during the growing period to compare the kinetics of prevalence as estimated by fecal culture and the DME. In Trial 2, the correlation between fecal prevalence and seroprevalence was estimated pre-marketing in 49 groups of pigs. In Trial 1, fecal prevalence and seroprevalence showed similar kinetics, with a tendency of a higher OD% cut-off to more closely approximate fecal prevalence. In Trial 2, correlations between fecal culture and the DME were 0.40, 0.36, 0.43, and 0.43 ( p Salmonella reduction whether utilizing fecal culture or the DME. Further evaluation of the impact of Salmonella serovar present on farms on seroprevalence and the relationship of on-farm seroprevalence with food safety risk are needed prior to utilizing the DME for pre-harvest Salmonella diagnostics in the US swine herd.
Antarctic sea ice thickness affects algae populations

In the waters off Antarctica, algae grow and live in the sea ice that surrounds the southern continent—a floating habitat sure to change as the planet warms. As with most aquatic ecosystems, microscopic algae form the base of the Southern Ocean food web. Distinct algae populations reside in the sea ice surface layers, on the ice's underside, and within the floating ice itself. The algae that reside on the floating ice's underside are particularly important for the region's krill population, while those on the interior or surface layers are less accessible. Understanding how changing sea ice properties will affect the regional biology, then, depends on understanding how algae populations interact with the ice.
High-efficiency headspace sampling of volatile organic compounds in explosives using capillary microextraction of volatiles (CMV) coupled to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).

A novel geometry configuration based on sorbent-coated glass microfibers packed within a glass capillary is used to sample volatile organic compounds, dynamically, in the headspace of an open system or in a partially open system to achieve quantitative extraction of the available volatiles of explosives with negligible breakthrough. Air is sampled through the newly developed sorbent-packed 2 cm long, 2 mm diameter capillary microextraction of volatiles (CMV) and subsequently introduced into a commercially available thermal desorption probe fitted directly into a GC injection port. A sorbent coating surface area of ∼5 × 10−2 m2 or 5,000 times greater than that of a single solid-phase microextraction (SPME) fiber allows for fast (30 s), flow-through sampling of relatively large volumes using sampling flow rates of ∼1.5 L/min. A direct comparison of the new CMV extraction to a static (equilibrium) SPME extraction of the same headspace sample yields a 30 times improvement in sensitivity for the CMV when sampling nitroglycerine (NG), 2,4-dinitrotoluene (2,4-DNT), and diphenylamine (DPA) in a mixture containing a total mass of 500 ng of each analyte, when spiked into a liter-volume container. Calibration curves were established for all compounds studied, and the recovery was determined to be ∼1 % or better after only 1 min of sampling time. Quantitative analysis is also possible using this extraction technique when the sampling temperature, flow rate, and time are kept constant between calibration curves and the sample.
Fluoxetine inhibition of CYP3A4 potentiating adrenal suppression and peptic ulcer disease from intra-articular triamcinolone injections.

Dear Editor: The cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) system metabolizes nearly half of all hepatically cleared drugs, and can result in clinically relevant drug interactions including elevating serum levels of exogenous steroids ⇓. Fluoxetine is an example of a CYP3A4 inhibitor in common use, and has been associated with elevated serum concentrations of antipsychotics and warfarin, but has no prior documentation of effecting metabolism of glucocorticoids ⇓. While metabolism of glucocorticoids and their long-term side effects may be managed in patients with a clear history of glucocorticoid use, persistent elevation of injectable steroids as a result of the CYP3A4 system may be overlooked and result in complications ⇓. We report a case of a 35-year-old White female presenting to the hospital with a 6-month history of burning epigastric abdominal pain unchanged by meals, with one episode of nonbloody emesis prior to presentation. Past medical history included major depressive disorder, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and chronic hip and knee pain. The patient's home medication included fluoxetine 60 mg, lactulose 10 mg/15 mL, zolpidem 5 mg, and potassium …
Voiced stop spiratization in the ESL speech of native speakers of Spanish

This study examines the role that voiced stop spirantization plays in the acquisition of English/b d g/ and /dgr;/ by native Spanish speakers. The results of a data-based experiment show that accuracy in English pronunciation is hindered by native language transfer, including the transfer of spirantization and LI syllable structure constraints. Furthermore, the suppression of spirantization is not achieved at an equal rate for all voiced stops: /d/ is spirantized the least often. It is proposed that the phonemic value of /δ/ in English contributes to this disparity. An examination of the L2 pronunciation of /δ/ further reveals that learners do not assign phonemic status to /δ/ in all contexts; it is acquired in postvocalic position first and only more gradually acquired elsewhere.
High-speed X-ray video demonstrates significant skin movement errors with standard optical kinematics during rat locomotion

The sophistication of current rodent injury and disease models outpaces that of the most commonly used behavioral assays. The first objective of this study was to measure rat locomotion using high-speed X-ray video to establish an accurate baseline for rat hindlimb kinematics. The second objective was to quantify the kinematics errors due to skin movement artefacts by simultaneously recording and comparing hindlimb kinematics derived from skin markers and from direct visualization of skeletal landmarks. Joint angle calculations from skin-derived kinematics yielded errors as high as 39° in the knee and 31° in the hip around paw contact with respect to the X-ray data. Triangulation of knee position from the ankle and hip skin markers provided closer, albeit still inaccurate, approximations of bone-derived, X-ray kinematics. We found that soft tissue movement errors are the result of multiple factors, the most impressive of which is overall limb posture. Treadmill speed had surprisingly little effect on kinematics errors. These findings illustrate the significance and context of skin movement error in rodent kinematics.
Dacetine Ants in Southeastern North America (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Abstract Ants of the tribe Dacetini are especially diverse in Southeastern North America, with 40 known species, all in the genera Pyramica and Strumigenys. The 30 native Pyramica may represent a remnant Arctotertiary forest ant fauna. The 9 introduced species of Pyramica and Strumigenys come from both Old and New World tropics. Surveys of the southeastern fauna appear incomplete, and there may be additional undescribed species. All species are predatory, capturing small arthropods, especially Collembola, by means of a specialized jaw-snapping mechanism. The notable diversity in mandibular structure among species is unexplained in a functional sense. Arrays of specialized clypeal hairs, usually species-specific, may possibly lure prey. Specialized “spongiform bodies” in the petiolar area may be defensive. Local populations may be threatened by habitat loss, invasive exotic species, and climate change.
The temperature sensitivity of the residential load and commercial building load

This paper presents a building modeling approach to quickly quantify climate change impacts on energy consumption, peak load, and load composition of residential and commercial buildings. This research focuses on addressing the impact of temperature changes on the building heating and cooling load in 10 major cities across the Western United States and Canada. A building simulation software is first used to quantify the hourly energy consumption of different building types by end-use and by vintage. Then, the temperature sensitivities are derived based on the climate data inputs.
Test of two 1.8 m SSC model magnets with iterated design

The authors report results from two 1.8 m long dipoles built as part of the Superconducting Super Collider (SSC) R&D program. These images contain design changes made on both the 1.8 m and the full-length 17 m dipoles to improve quench performance, magnetic field uniformity, and manufacturability. The magnets reach 8 T with little training. The magnet design and construction-including cable, coil, coil assembly and collaring, and yoke and shell-are described. Test results given include quench data, stress measurements, and field strength and multipoles. >
The Frontal Lobes, Epilepsy, and Behavior

The frontal lobes have been overshadowed by the temporal lobes in the vast literature addressing the neurobehavioral and psychological perspectives of epilepsy. The purpose of this review is to summarize contemporary anatomicobehavioral correlations and to highlight the frontal lobe contributions to the neurology, neuropsychology, and neuropsychiatry of epilepsy, in general, and to temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) and frontal lobe epilepsy (FLE), in particular. Much evidence has accumulated suggesting that focal epileptogenic tissue may have effects on distant neural systems. Data supporting the case that the frontal regions are preferentially affected in TLE are presented. Emphasis is placed on the results of numerous functional imaging studies demonstrating correlations between frontal hypoperfusion and cognitive or mood impairments in patients with TLE.
Modular Habitat Refugia Enhance Generalist Predators and Lower Plant Damage in Soybeans

Promoting generalist predators in agriculture via habitat manipulation has gained much interest in biocontrol research. Straw shelters have been used by Chinese farmers for .2,000 yr to provide temporary spider refugia during cyclic farming disturbances. This method, however, has not been systematically investigated on larger scales in western-style agriculture. Our prelim- inary observations indicated a significant decrease in the abundance of spiders (76%) and their egg sacs (75%), after conventional tillage of soybeans (Glycine max (L.) Merr.). We hypothesized that providing alternative habitats in tilled fields could conserve predatory assemblages following this major disturbance. We used modular habitat refugia constructed of chicken wire loosely filled with bedding straw to provide temporary habitats for epigeic predators in a soybean field. Refugia held 5—36 times the spider density compared with open field, and the production of spider egg sacs was enhanced 18—87 times. Almost 60% more spider species were found in refugia than in open field. Abundance of harvestmen, carabids, and staphylinid beetles also significantly increased in habitat refugia. Increased habitat cover and provision of alternative prey in habitat refugia may have caused this dramatic predator increase. Soybean seedlings grown withi n1mo fhabitat refugia suffered 33% less insect damage compared with plants at control locations. Decrease in seedling damage, however, did not significantly increase soybean seed production. Applications of discrete habitat refugia may provide an alternative to habitat manipulation techniques to conserve and augment arthropod predators in agroecosystems.
Ionic Resistivity in Fused Silica: I, Conduction‐History Effects

La resistivite electrique du silicate fondu Ge-124 est mesuree par un mode non bloquant utilisant un tube en U. Les ions alcalins sont electrolyses dans de la silice a partir d'un bain de sels fondus de nitrate
Socrates and the Laws of Athens

The claim that the citizen's duty is to “persuade or obey” the laws, expressed by the personified Laws of Athens in Plato's Crito, continues to receive intense scholarly attention. In this article, we provide a general review of the debates over this doctrine, and how the various positions taken may or may not fit with the rest of what we know about Socratic philosophy. We ultimately argue that the problems scholars have found in attributing the doctrine to Socrates derive from an anachronistic and erroneous understanding of Socrates as a kind of libertarian.
Influence of caregivers' experiences on service use among children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Objective:This study examined how prior experiences of caregivers of children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) leading up to treatment related to later service use. Methods:The investigators interviewed caregivers of 48 children with ADHD recruited from outpatient clinic settings and recorded the children's medication use and clinic attendance six and 12 months later. Interview transcripts were analyzed to identify characteristic experiences, or themes, felt by the caregivers before seeking treatment. The investigators also looked for patterns in the way themes were endorsed. Results:Caregivers' experiences with the children's ADHD were characterized by six main themes—caregiver strain, attribution of meaning, perception of responsibility, problem-solving approach, beliefs about ADHD treatment, and response to societal influences. Based on distinct patterns in which they endorsed the six themes, caregivers were classified as motivated by observation (high on theme of perception of resp...
OBSERVATIONS ON NITROGEN AND CALCIUM BALANCES AS AFFECTED BY GROWTH AND GONADOTROPIC HORMONES ADMINISTERED FOR SHORT PERIODS TO GROWING CHILDREN

RETENTION of nitrogen and of minerals is accepted as a metabolic charac teristic of growth. Under normal circumstances, there is a definitelimit to the quantity of each that can be retained, and increasing retentionswill parallel increasing intakes only within definitely fixed limits, so thatexperimentally there can be readily produced the paradox of diminished retention following increasing intake when this limit has been reached (i). A preliminary period of withdrawal of these items results in an increase in retention. A second factor conditioning retention in man is age. Not only does theability to retain cease with the completion of growth, but within the growthspan there are marked quantitative variations in retention. Notably highstorage marks the periods of early infancy and pre-puberty, and an abruptfalling off in retention is evident almost synchronously with the menarche.
Skeletal Muscle Sterol Regulatory Element Binding Protein-1c Decreases with Food Deprivation and Increases with Feeding in Rats

Sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) is a transcription factor that responds to nutritional status and regulates metabolic gene expression in liver and adipose tissue. Although SREBP-1c RNA is expressed in skeletal muscle, little is known about its regulation in this tissue. To determine whether SREBP-1c is regulated by nutritional status in muscle, rats were food deprived for 48 h and then given access to a semipurified high cornstarch diet for 0, 6, 12 or 24 h. At each time point, blood was drawn for measurement of glucose and insulin concentrations, and the soleus, gastrocnemius and the white portion of the quadriceps muscle were removed for measurement of SREBP-1c RNA and protein. SREBP-1c RNA was increased (P < 0.05) by 6 h of refeeding and peaked at 12 h (fivefold in soleus and gastrocnemius, fourfold in white vastus) in all muscles studied. SREBP-1a RNA was not altered by refeeding. In accordance with the RNA data, the 125-kDa SREBP-1 protein increased with refeeding. To determine whether food deprivation decreased SREBP-1c RNA, rats were fed a high cornstarch diet during their normal diurnal cycle. Food was withdrawn at the beginning of the light cycle and muscles collected at 0, 6, 12 and 24 h after food was removed. SREBP-1c RNA decreased at all time points and was approximately 60% lower in the soleus and gastrocnemius and approximately 75% lower in the white quadriceps after 24 h. Additional refeeding experiments were conducted using a high fat diet in place of a high cornstarch diet. This diet diminished the increase in SREBP-1c RNA at all time points and in all muscles. This effect could not be explained by plasma glucose or insulin concentration. In conclusion, SREBP-1c RNA and SREBP-1 protein levels respond to nutritional status in skeletal muscle.
Effect of wind and solar radiation on metabolic heat production in a small desert rodent, Spermophilus tereticaudus.

To understand better how complex interactions between environmental variables affect the energy balance of small diurnal animals, we studied the effects of the absence and presence of 950 W m(-)(2) simulated solar radiation combined with wind speeds ranging from 0. 25 to 1.00 m s(-)(1) on the metabolic rate and body temperature of the round-tailed ground squirrel Spermophilus tereticaudus. As wind speed increased from 0.25 to 1.00 m s(-)(1), metabolic heat production increased by 0.94 W in the absence of solar radiation and by 0.98 W in the presence of 950 W m(-)(2) simulated solar radiation. Exposure to simulated solar radiation reduced metabolic heat production by 0.68 W at a wind speed of 0.25 m s(-)(1), by 0.64 W at 0.50 m s(-)(1) and by 0.64 W at 1.00 m s(-)(1). Body temperature was significantly affected by environmental conditions, ranging from 32. 5 degrees C at a wind speed of 1.0 m s(-)(1) and no irradiance to 35. 6 degrees C at a wind speed of 0.50 m s(-)(1) with 950 W m(-)(2 )short-wave irradiance. In addition, several unusual findings resulted from this study. The coat of S. tereticaudus is very sparse, and the observed heat transfer of 5.68+/-0.37 W m(-)(2 ) degrees C(-)(1) (mean +/- s.e.m., N=11) is much higher than expected from either allometric equations or comparative studies with other rodents of similar mass. Solar heat gain was remarkably low, equalling only 10 % of intercepted radiation and suggesting a remarkably high regional thermal resistance at the tissue level. Animals remained normally active and alert at body temperatures as low as 32.5 degrees C. These findings suggest a unique combination of adaptations that allow S. tereticaudus to exploit a harsh desert environment.
Low Input Voltage Switching Amplifiers for Piezoelectric Actuators

The Inertially Stabilized Rifle is a new stabilized rifle system that can eliminate the disturbances induced by the shooter. Recurve actuator is used in this system to provide the precise movement of the rifle barrel. In such a portable device, only low voltage electrical sources are available yet the piezoelectric actuator needs high voltage to drive the actuator. The actuators consume little real power but a large amount of reactive power. Furthermore, the piezoelectric actuators are present an almost purely capacitive load. In this paper, we describe the development of a low input voltage amplifier for a high voltage piezoelectric actuator. This amplifier is based on switching technology so it efficiently handles the regenerative energy from the piezoelectric actuator. This amplifier consists of two stages. The first stage is a flyback converter which boosts the (low) input voltage to the maximum voltage required by the piezoelectric actuator. The second stage is a half-bridge amplifier which delivers the output voltage to the actuator as commanded by the reference signal. The basic structure of the amplifier is described, and its performance is characterized in terms of bandwidth, distortion, and efficiency.
Oblique Multicategory Decision Trees Using Nonlinear Programming

Induction of decision trees is a popular and effective method for solving classification problems in data-mining applications. This paper presents a new algorithm for multi-category decision tree induction based on nonlinear programming. This algorithm, termed OC-SEP (Oblique Category SEParation), combines the advantages of several other methods and shows improved generalization performance on a collection of real-world data sets.
Modeling Reservoir System With Pumped Storage

The Richard B. Russell Dam and Lake Project is presently under construction and is being placed in tandem between Hartwell and Clark Hill, two existing multipurpose hydropower plants on the Savannah River. System operational simulations were performed in support of a feasibility study for the installation of pump turbines at Russell, using a version of the Corps of Engineers HEC-5C computer program modified for system power and pumped storage. Information developed from the simulations include system hydropower production, pumping energy requirements, daily reservoir pool fluctuations, and reservoir elevation statistics. This information was useful in judging the effects of the addition of pumped storage on system hydropower production and reservoir recreation useability, as well as in ascertaining efficient system operational methods.
Long term degradation of resin for high temperature composites

The durability of polymer matrix composites exposed to harsh environments is a major concern. Surface degradation and damage are observed in polyimide composites used in air at 125 to 300 C. It is believed that diffusion of oxygen into the material and oxidative chemical reactions in the matrix are responsible. Previous work has characterized and modeled diffusion behavior, and thermogravimetric analyses (TGAs) have been carried out in nitrogen, air, and oxygen to provide quantitative information on thermal and oxidative reactions. However, the model developed using these data was not able to capture behavior seen in isothermal tests, especially those of long duration. A test program that focuses on lower temperatures and makes use of isothermal tests was undertaken to achieve a better understanding of the degradation reactions under use conditions. A new low-cost technique was developed to collect chemical degradation data for isothermal tests lasting over 200 hr in the temperature range 125 to 300 C. Results indicate complex behavior not captured by the previous TGA tests, including the presence of weight-adding reactions. Weight gain reactions dominated in the 125 to 225 C temperature range, while weight loss reactions dominated beyond 225 C. The data obtained from isothermal tests was used to develop a new model of the material behavior. This model was able to fully capture the behavior seen in the tests up to 275 C. Correlation of the current model with both isothermal data at 300 C and high rate TGA test data is mediocre. At 300 C and above, the reaction mechanisms appear to change. Attempts (which failed) to measure non-oxidative degradation indicate that oxidative reactions dominate the degradation at low temperatures. Based on this work, long term isothermal testing in an oxidative atmosphere is recommended for studying the degradation behavior of this class of materials.
FDA as a catalyst for translation

Biomedicine has entered a transformative era, one in which advances in mechanistic biology, bioengineering, data management, and health policy promise to deliver unprecedented benefits for public health, such as precision and preventive medicine, theranostic imaging techniques, and mobile health.
Photoemission Study of Low-Fluence, Non-Thermal Laser Damage of UHV-Cleaved Gallium Arsenide (110)

The pulsed-laser induced photochemical production of metallic Ga islands on the surface of GaAs cleaved, irradiated, and studied in ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) is documented through photoelectron spectroscopy and subsequent scanning electron microscopy. Ga islands are detected for laser fluences as low as 1 mJ/cm2, far below those previously reported for modification of GaAs, and for which the temperature rise is negligible.
Abstract A13: African American breast cancer survivors in the digital age

The information needs of breast cancer survivors are varied and complex. How African American breast cancer survivors (AABCS) access cancer-related information and the extent to which they find the information helpful is not well understood. We conducted a statewide survey with 297 female AABCS and led 8 in-depth focus groups with 60 female AABCS to understand where AABCS look for health information and their preferred format of materials. We were also interested in the extent to which AABCS used social media services to look for information or to bolster their supportive networks. The average age of those who completed the survey was 57.5 years, and almost all (95%) received surgical treatment for their breast cancer; 77% received radiotherapy and 53% chemotherapy. Almost all (95%) reported at least one co-morbid health condition such as hypertension or diabetes; 22% reported five or more co-morbid conditions. The majority of AABCS (85%) reported using informational books or brochures, followed by in-person talks or lectures by experts (56%). AABCS also found these two formats to be the most helpful. Not surprisingly, most AABCS preferred to receive information in written form (59%) or in-person (60%). Although most of the AABCS in our sample (70%) had access to the Internet in their home and many (61%) were on Facebook, the majority (63%) reported that they are not members of social networking sites such as Twitter or Google Plus, and few ( Citation Format: Amy Leader, Melissa DiCarlo, Patricia Bradley, Sarah Hagerty, Andrea Barsevick. African American breast cancer survivors in the digital age. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eighth AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 13-16, 2015; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2016;25(3 Suppl):Abstract nr A13.
Studies of lymphocyte kinetics in man.

Abstract Suppression of erythropoiesis by transfusion of animals of genotype W/Wv was found to prevent the development of macroscopic spleen colonies following injection of normal coisogenic marrow cells. This inhibition of colony-formation was not due to a failure of colony-forming cells to proliferate in the absence of erythropoietic stimulation, since the growth rate of normal colony-forming cells in plethoric animals did not differ significantly from that seen in anemic hosts. It is likely that, in plethoric hosts, insufficient differentiated erythroblasts were produced to permit the development of macroscopically visible spleen colonies. Evidence was obtained that granulocytic differentiation proceeded during the growth of the transplanted colony-forming cells, and that this mode of differentiation was not affected by the suppression of erythropoiesis. These results indicate that both granulocytic differentiation and the process of selfrenewal by which colony-forming cells increase in numbers are controlled independently of the control of erythropoiesis. These experiments provide additional support for the view that colony-forming cells differ from erythropoietin-sensitive cells.
Smoking cessation and weight gain in the military.

Many studies of civilian populations have found a significant relationship between smoking cessation and weight gain. However, the effect of voluntary smoking cessation on weight for military personnel has not been studied. The present study evaluated 70 active duty military members (55 males and 15 females) who quit smoking after participating in an 8-week smoking cessation program. The results indicated that 88% of the participants gained weight and that the average weight gain was 6.4 1b (males, 5.5 1b; females, 9.8 1b). These results are particularly noteworthy because weight gain in military members may result in administrative actions for individuals exceeding weight standards. The authors recommend that military officials consider adopting a one-time temporary weight waiver for active duty military members who successfully quit smoking to help prevent any negative administrative consequences of post-cessation weight gain.
Validation of the Night Eating Diagnostic Questionnaire (NEDQ) and its relationship with depression, sleep quality, "food addiction", and body mass index.

Night eating syndrome (NES) is commonly assessed using the Night Eating Questionnaire (NEQ), a validated scale of symptom severity, which does not assess all diagnostic criteria. The Night Eating Diagnostic Questionnaire (NEDQ) assesses all diagnostic criteria, but has not been fully validated. The study purpose was to establish convergent validity for the NEDQ with the NEQ. It was also expected that higher NEDQ scores would be associated with elevated depression, poorer sleep quality, "food addiction," and BMI as in other studies of NES. Students (n = 254) and community members (n = 468) were administered the NEQ, NEDQ, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Zung Self-report Depression Scale (SDS), and the Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS). Convergent validity between the NEDQ and the NEQ was demonstrated; the scores were significantly positively correlated. There was good agreement between the NEDQ and the NEQ in diagnosis of NES; 56% of those diagnosed by the NEDQ met the threshold score on the NEQ, while the other 44% did not. Only 5 participants out of 33 who met the NEQ threshold score for NES did not meet the NEDQ diagnostic criteria. MANOVA revealed that higher NEDQ was associated with higher SDS and YFAS scores and poorer sleep quality. Full-syndrome NES by the NEDQ was associated with higher BMI in the community group unlike the student group. Scores on all the other questionnaires were higher in the community group. The discrepancies between NEDQ and NEQ diagnosis may be due to differences in construction of the questionnaires and specifically due to the NEDQ being designed for diagnosis. The NEQ provides a convenient global score for NES severity, whereas the NEDQ, which shows convergent validity with the NEQ, provides clinically useful diagnostic categories.