cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and properties of poly(arylene ether benzimidazole)s

Abstract Poly(arylene ether benzimidazole)s were prepared by the aromatic nucleophilic displacement reaction of three new bis[(4-hydroxyphenyl)benzimidazole] compounds with activated aromatic difluoro compounds in N , N -dimethylacetamide at 155°C in the presence of anhydrous potassium carbonate. The polymers exhibited glass transition temperatures ranging from 264 to 352°C and inherent viscosities from 0.79 to 1.99 dl g −1 . Unoriented thin films exhibited tensile strengths, moduli and elongations at break at 23°C of 121–157 MPa, 3.7–4.5 GPa and 6–18%, respectively. In most cases the films exhibited 50–60% retention of 23°C tensile properties when tested at 232°C. Based on preliminary evaluation, one polymer was prepared at several different controlled molecular weights and end-capped with a monofunctional benzimidazole compound. The polymer with a calculated number-average molecular weight of ∼9700 g mol −1 exhibited improved processability without significantly reducing thin-film properties. Composite specimens fabricated at 360°C under 1.4 MPa for 1 h exhibited good flexural and compressive propeties at 23°C and excellent retention of flexural strength and modulus at 232°C.
A review of important contributions of surgery for cancer of the gastrointestinal tract

Although many of the surgical procedures and methods used today in the treatment of cancer of the gastrointestinal tract are not new, they are being used with far better results than were previously obtained because of the introduction of chemotherapeutics and antibiotics late in the 1930's. Safe blood transfusions, better anesthesia, and understanding of fluid and electrolyte balance have also been major contributing factors to surgical progress. Various important procedures and contributions can still be made in the surgeon's everlasting struggle with inflammatory and malignant disease of the intestinal tract.
Validation of a flow-structure-interaction computation model of phonation

Computational models of vocal fold (VF) vibration are becoming increasingly sophisticated, their utility currently transiting from exploratory research to predictive research. However, validation of such models has remained largely qualitative, raising questions over their applicability to interpret clinical situations. In this paper, a computational model with a segregated implementation is detailed. The model is used to predict the fluid–structure interaction (FSI) observed in a physical replica of the VFs when it is excited by airflow. Detailed quantitative comparisons are provided between the computational model and the corresponding experiment. First, the flow model is separately validated in the absence of VF motion. Then, in the presence of flow-induced VF motion, comparisons are made of the flow pressure on the VF walls and of the resulting VF displacements. Self-similarity of spatial distributions of flow pressure and VF displacements is highlighted. The self-similarity leads to normalized pressure and displacement profiles. It is shown that by using linear superposition of average and fluctuation components of normalized computed displacements, it is possible to determine displacements in the physical VF replica over a range of VF vibration conditions. Mechanical stresses in the VF interior are related to the VF displacements, thereby the computational model can also determine VF stresses over a range of phonation conditions.
Validation of the Drinking Context Scale (DCS-9) for use with non-adjudicated first-year college students

The Drinking Context Scale (DCS-9) has been used to measure the impact of drinking during social, emotional, and situational contexts. Psychometric properties remain unevaluated in a population of non-adjudicated first-year college students in the southeast. Liseral 8.8 was used to test the factorial validity of the DCS, using Confirmatory Factor Analysis. The original three factor model for the DCS represented acceptable fit to the data (chi(2)=36.72, df=24, p=0.047, CFI=0.991, SRMR=.0406) supporting its use with first-year college students. Invariance between gender, ethnic group, and geographical regions should be examined by future researchers.
Sinking or Swimming in the Sea of Data

Editor in Chief Fred Douglis briefly discusses two presentations given at IC's recent editorial board meeting. He then describes situations in which too much data is a good thing, and when it's a bad thing.
848 LOSS OF HELPER CELL FUNCTION IN AELASTIC ANEMIA

Ficoll-Hypaque separated marrow cells from 16 patients and normal volunteers were cultured in soft agar for CFU-c (colony forming units). Marrow cells were further fractionated by velocity sedimentation at unit gravity. Fast sedimenting marrow fractions were cocultured with slowly sedimenting autologous and allogeneic lymphoid cell fractions for 24 hrs, and then plated in soft agar culture. Unfractionated marrow cells from AA patients failed to grow in soft agar. Findings suggestive of a loss of helper cell function were observed in 3 patients; results of one such patient are presented here. The myeloid fraction (sedimentation velocity 5-6.4 mm/hr) of the patient's marrow grew 6.5 colonies/105 cells. Coculture of this fast sedimenting fraction with slowly sedimenting normal allogeneic marrow cells (sedimentation velocity < 3mm/hr, morphologically small lymphocytes, no growth in soft agar) resulted in 42.5 colonies/105 cells, (i.e. 653% enhancement). In contrast, slowly sedimenting lymphoid cells from the patient's marrow failed to enhance colony formation of autologous myeloid marrow fractions. Thus, in addition to the previously described abnormalities in AA, helper cell defects may also exist in this disorder. Recovery of some patients following treatment with anti-thymocyte globulin and hemi-allogeneic marrow transplantation may be mediated by interaction of helper cells in the transplanted marrow with patient's own stem cells.
Reactivity of tyrosine residues in the constant portion of type K Bence Jones protein.

Abstract Tyrosine 173 of the constant portion of a human type K Bence Jones protein (Col) appears to be on the surface of the protein since it is the most reactive tyrosine toward iodination. This surface position for tyrosine 173 may be the case in general for type K Bence Jones proteins and L chains since it seems to be highly reactive in another type K Bence Jones protein (Koo) and the κ type L chain from a human myeloma IgG. Tyrosine 192, next to the valine characteristic of InV (b+) allotype, and tyrosine 186 and 140 appear to be less exposed. Tyrosine 140 is much less reactive than any of the other three of the constant portion and thus appears to be least exposed.
Substantial Variation Exists Between SVS VQI Regions in Patient Selection and Treatment of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

Substantial Variation Exists Between SVS VQI Regions in Patient Selection and Treatment of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysmsy Dominique B. Buck, Jeremy Darling, Jack L. Cronenwett, Philip P. Goodney, Frans L. Moll, Jason T. Lee, Marc L. Schermerhorn. Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Mass; Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH; UMCU, Utrecht, Netherlands; Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, Calif
Challenges and opportunities in evaluating diagnostic tests

Abstract The field of clinical research conducted to evaluate diagnostic tests has evolved substantially over the last 25 years. This article discusses three current challenges and opportunities in conducting such research: the limitations of the “traditional focus” of clinical epidemiology in evaluating tests; how different decision makers use data produced by clinical epidemiology research, and what those uses mean for future research; and special challenges and opportunities in evaluating molecular-based tests.
Nonlinear optics with quantum cascade lasers

We discuss new approaches to monolithic integration of quantum cascade lasers with resonant intersubband nonlinearities. We show that the proposed approaches can greatly enhance the performance of quantum cascade lasers and give rise to new functionalities. Examples considered include extreme frequency up-or down-conversion and wide-range electric tuning.
Combining disparate surgical residencies into one: lessons learned

Abstract Background Attitudes, career goals, and educational experiences of general surgery residents are profiled during the acquisition of a community residency program by an academic residency program. Materials and methods The study population included all general surgery residents postgraduate years 2–5 in a tertiary academic medical center divided into community program matriculants (CPM) or academic program matriculants (APM). A survey compared perceptions before and after residency amalgamation in seven training categories as follows: relationships among residents, relationships with faculty, systems interactions, clinical training, surgical training, scholarship, and career plans. Responses were recorded on a Likert scale. Fisher exact test and one-sided t -test were applied. Results Thirty-five trainees (83%) participated, 23 APM (66%) and 12 CPM (34%). Neither cohort reported significant negative perceptions regarding surgical training, career planning, or scholarship ( P > 0.05). There was a greater likelihood of significant negative perceptions regarding inter-resident relationships among CPM ( P P P Conclusions Acquisition of a community surgery residency by an academic program does not seem to negatively affect trainees' perceptions regarding training. The effect of such acquisition on CPMs' decision to pursue competitive fellowships remains ill defined, but CPM perceived improved research opportunities, faculty networking, and programmatic support to pursue a career in academic surgery.
ASYMMETRY OF HELICITY INJECTION FLUX IN EMERGING ACTIVE REGIONS

Observational and modeling results indicate that typically the leading magnetic field of bipolar active regions (ARs) is often spatially more compact, while more dispersed and fragmented in following polarity. In this paper, we address the origin of this morphological asymmetry, which is not well understood. Although it may be assumed that, in an emerging Ω-shaped flux tube, those portions of the flux tube in which the magnetic field has a higher twist may maintain its coherence more readily, this has not been tested observationally. To assess this possibility, it is important to characterize the nature of the fragmentation and asymmetry in solar ARs and this provides the motivation for this paper. We separately calculate the distribution of the helicity flux injected in the leading and following polarities of 15 emerging bipolar ARs, using the Michelson Doppler Image 96 minute line-of-sight magnetograms and a local correlation tracking technique. We find from this statistical study that the leading (compact) polarity injects several times more helicity flux than the following (fragmented) one (typically 3-10 times). This result suggests that the leading polarity of the Ω-shaped flux tube possesses a much larger amount of twist than the following field prior to emergence. We argue that the helicity asymmetry between the leading and following magnetic field for the ARs studied here results in the observed magnetic field asymmetry of the two polarities due to an imbalance in the magnetic tension of the emerging flux tube. We suggest that the observed imbalance in the helicity distribution results from a difference in the speed of emergence between the leading and following legs of an inclined Ω-shaped flux tube. In addition, there is also the effect of magnetic flux imbalance between the two polarities with the fragmented following polarity displaying spatial fluctuation in both the magnitude and sign of helicity measured.
The complex interplay of palm oil fatty acids on blood lipids

The cholesterol-raising potential of saturated fats has been noted for 50 years, but how they function and which among the saturated fats are most to blame is only now becoming apparent. The focus has shifted from saturated fats to individual fatty acids and the total composite of fatty acids (SFA, MUFA, PUFA) that comprise our daily fat intake. An adequate intake of both PUFA and SFA may be needed for the ideal LDL/ HDL ratio in blood, as both contribute to the regulatory balance in lipoprotein metabolism. Palm oil, by virtue of its fatty acid composition equally balanced between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, impacts blood lipids in different ways, depending on an individual’s lipid profile. Recently, the realization that partially hydrogenated fats (containing trans fatty acids) have adverse health effects has necessitated finding alternative fat sources that provide specific functional characteristics without compromising health. The immediate solution would seem to be blending appropriate natural saturated and polyunsaturated fats to meet the combined requirements for food technology and energy metabolism. In technical situations where a higher-melting point fat is needed, as in margarines, shortenings, and frying oil, palm oil – or more specifically palm olein – would appear to be the fat of choice for blending with unsaturated oils.
The preselection value of the Doppler LP test for shunt-therapy in patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus.

The results of this study confirm the hypothesis that the simple innocuous Doppler LP test may be useful in obtaining information about CSFP-CBF (cerebrospinal fluid pressure-cerebral blood flow) relationships. The value of this test in predicting the clinical outcome of CSF shunting in patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) was studied. Fourteen patients with NPH were examined; eight patients showed a positive and six patients a negative Doppler LP test. Seven of the eight patients with a positive test improved following the shunting procedure, but none of the six patients with a negative test improved after operation. This study suggests that the Doppler LP test is a useful preoperative selection test in patients with NPH. In addition this study supports the hypothesis that CBF autoregulation may be impaired with NPH.
The Long Reach: A Report on Harvard Today

(1963). The Long Reach: A Report on Harvard Today. The Journal of Higher Education: Vol. 34, No. 2, pp. 113-114.
Characterization of silver nanoparticles using flow-field flow fractionation interfaced to inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

The ability to detect and identify the physiochemical form of contaminants in the environment is important for degradation, fate and transport, and toxicity studies. This is particularly true of nanomaterials that exist as discrete particles rather than dissolved or sorbed contaminant molecules in the environment. Nanoparticles will tend to agglomerate or dissolve, based on solution chemistry, which will drastically affect their environmental properties. The current study investigates the use of field flow fractionation (FFF) interfaced to inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) as a sensitive and selective method for detection and characterization of silver nanoparticles. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is used to verify the morphology and primary particle size and size distribution of precisely engineered silver nanoparticles. Subsequently, the hydrodynamic size measurements by FFF are compared to dynamic light scattering (DLS) to verify the accuracy of the size determination. Additionally, the sensitivity of the ICP-MS detector is demonstrated by fractionation of g/L concentrations of mixed silver nanoparticle standards. The technique has been applied to nanoparticle suspensions prior to use in toxicity studies, and post-exposure biological tissue analysis. Silver nanoparticles extracted from tissues of the sediment-dwelling, freshwater oligochaete Lumbriculus variegatus increased in size from approximately 31–46 nm, indicating a significant change in the nanoparticle characteristics during exposure. Published by Elsevier B.V.
COLLECTIVE MOTION OF BROWNIAN PARTICLES WITH HYDRODYNAMIC INTERACTIONS

Biological motion and human traffic require energy supply from external sources. We develop here a model for the dynamics of driven entities which includes hydrodynamic interactions in order to adapt the model to the dynamics of swarms moving in dense fluids. Our entities have the ability to use the energy contained in an internal energy depot or an external energy inflow for the acceleration of motion. As a prototype of such entities we study Brownian particles having the ability to take up energy from their environment, to store it in an internal energy depot and to convert internal energy into kinetic energy. The motion of the particles is described by Langevin equations which include a dissipative force term resulting from the driving and equations for the dynamics of the depot. The hydrodynamic interactions are modeled by an Oseen-type tensorial force. It is shown that hydrodynamic interactions lead to the synchronization of the directions of motion leading to several new collective modes of the dynamics, including spontaneous rotations of the swarm.
REDUCTION OF POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYLS IN SHRIRAP AND EGGS BY FREEZE‐DRYING TECHNIQUES

Considering the toxicity of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), which poses threats to environment and human health, this project was designed to develop food processing techniques which can eliminate and/ or reduce these compounds. The potential of freeze-drying methods in reducing PCB levels was evaluated using a precontaminated egg and shrimp homogenate. PCBs were recovered and identified by extraction, florisil column-cleanup, gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. Results indicated 40.3% and 25.2% reduction in shrimp homogenate containing Aroclor 1254 and 1260 respectively. The parallel experiment conducted on whole eggs showed 26.8% and 26.6% reduction respectively, for both the Ardclors. Several factors predicted to be responsible for increased PCB losses in shrimp homogenate compared to whole egg samples are outlined. Since freeze-drying techniques can be used for these products, they can prove to be of added advantage by reducing toxic PCBs.
Effects of Varenicline on Ethanol-Induced Conditioned Place Preference, Locomotor Stimulation, and Sensitization

Background Varenicline, a partial nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) agonist, is a promising new drug for the treatment of alcohol (ethanol [EtOH]) dependence. Varenicline has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration as a smoking cessation therapeutic and has also been found to reduce EtOH consumption in humans and animal models of alcohol use. These studies examined the hypotheses that varenicline attenuates the stimulant and sensitizing effects of EtOH and reduces the motivational effects of EtOH-associated cues. The goal was to determine whether these effects of varenicline contribute to its pharmacotherapeutic effects for alcohol dependence. In addition, effects of varenicline on acute stimulation and/or on the acquisition of sensitization would suggest a role for nAChR involvement in these effects of EtOH. Methods Dose-dependent effects of varenicline on the expression of EtOH-induced conditioned place preference (CPP), locomotor activation, and behavioral sensitization were examined. These measures model motivational effects of EtOH-associated cues, euphoric or stimulatory effects of EtOH, and EtOH-induced neuroadaptation. All studies used DBA/2J mice, an inbred strain with high sensitivity to these EtOH-related effects. Results Varenicline did not significantly attenuate the expression of EtOH-induced CPP. Varenicline reduced locomotor activity and had the most pronounced effect in the presence of EtOH, with the largest effect on acute EtOH-induced locomotor stimulation and a trend for varenicline to attenuate the expression of EtOH-induced sensitization. Conclusions Because varenicline did not attenuate the expression of EtOH-induced CPP, it may not be effective at reducing the motivational effects of EtOH-associated cues. This outcome suggests that reductions in the motivational effects of EtOH-associated cues may not be involved in how varenicline reduces EtOH consumption. However, varenicline did have effects on locomotor behavior and significantly attenuated acute EtOH-induced locomotor stimulation. In humans who drink while taking varenicline, it might similarly reduce stimulant responses and have an impact on continued drinking. General sedative effects in such individuals should be carefully considered.
Cellular immunity to acetylcholine receptor in myasthenia gravis: relationship to histocompatibility type and antigenic site.

To debermine the nature of the cellular immune response directed against acetylcholine receptor in myasthenia gravis, we compared lymphocyte stimulation by eel receptor with clinical factors. The mean (k SEM) stimulation index wa.s 4.5 ± 0.9 for 39 myasthenic patients and 0.97 ± 0.18 for 48 controls ( p
Experimental investigation of void distribution in Suppression Pool during the initial blowdown period of a Loss of Coolant Accident using air–water two-phase mixture

Abstract During the initial blowdown period of a Loss of Coolant Accident (LOCA), the non-condensable gas initially contained in the BWR containment is discharged to the pressure suppression chamber through the blowdown pipes. The performance of Emergency Core Cooling System (ECCS) can be degraded due to the released gas ingestion into the suction intakes of the ECCS pumps. The understanding of the relevant phenomena in the pressure suppression chamber is important in analyzing potential gas intrusion into the suction intakes of ECCS pumps. To obtain the basic understanding of the relevant phenomena and the generic data of void distribution in the pressure suppression chamber during the initial blowdown period of a LOCA, tests with various blowdown conditions were conducted using the existing Suppression Pool (SP) tank of the integral test facility, called Purdue University Multi-Dimensional Integral Test Assembly for ESBWR applications (PUMA-E) facility, a scaled downcomer pipe installed in the PUMA-E SP, and air discharge pipe system. Two different diameter sizes of air injection pipe (0.076 and 0.102 m), a range of air volumetric flux (7.9–24.7 m/s), initial void conditions in an air injection pipe (fully void, partially void, and fully filled with water) and different air velocity ramp rates (1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 s) are used to investigate the impact of the blowdown conditions to the void distribution in the SP. Two distinct phases of experiments, namely, an initial and a quasi-steady phase were observed. The maximum void penetration depth was experienced during the initial phase. The quasi-steady phase provided less void penetration depth and was categorized by oscillations in the void penetration. The initial void conditions in an air injection pipe and air volumetric fluxes were only found to significantly impact on the void distribution in the SP.
Direct Robust Matrix Factorizatoin for Anomaly Detection

Matrix factorization methods are extremely useful in many data mining tasks, yet their performances are often degraded by outliers. In this paper, we propose a novel robust matrix factorization algorithm that is insensitive to outliers. We directly formulate robust factorization as a matrix approximation problem with constraints on the rank of the matrix and the cardinality of the outlier set. Then, unlike existing methods that resort to convex relaxations, we solve this problem directly and efficiently. In addition, structural knowledge about the outliers can be incorporated to find outliers more effectively. We applied this method in anomaly detection tasks on various data sets. Empirical results show that this new algorithm is effective in robust modeling and anomaly detection, and our direct solution achieves superior performance over the state-of-the-art methods based on the L1-norm and the nuclear norm of matrices.
Biochemical Engineering of Surface α2–8 Polysialic Acid for Immunotargeting Tumor Cells

To target tumor cells for immunotherapy, we evaluated the feasibility of altering the epitopes on the surface polysialic acid of tumor cells. A precursor (N-propionylmannosamine), when incubated with leukemic cells, RBL-2H3 and RMA, resulted in substitution of the N-acetyl groups of surface alpha2-8 polysialic acid with N-propionyl groups. Expression of the altered alpha2-8 N-propionylpolysialic acid on the surface of tumor cells induced their susceptibility to cell death mediated by monoclonal antibody 13D9 (mAb 13D9), which specifically recognizes alpha2-8 N-propionylated polysialic acid. The expression of alpha2-8 N-propionylated polysialic acid and the lysis of tumor cells by antibody-dependent cytotoxicity depended on the time and dose of incorporation of N-propionylated mannosamine. In vivo, mAb 13D9 effectively controlled metastasis of leukemic cells RMA when mice were administered the precursor N-propionylated mannosamine.
Comparative responsiveness of euthyroid and hypothyroid rat pituitary tissue to thyrotropin releasing hormone in vitro.

Die Kapazitat von Rattenhypophysen, auf eine TRH-Stimulation in vitro TSH auszuschutten, zeigt bei hohen TRH-Konzentrationen keine Differenz zwischen eu- und hypothyreoten Tieren, wahrend eine niedrige TRH-Konzentration eine hohrere TSH-Ausschuttung bei Hypophysen euthyreoter Tiere verursacht.
M-government, from rhetoric to reality: learning from leading countries

Mobile Government (m-government) is a strategy and its implementation by the government to provide information, deliver services, engage citizens and improve efficiency through mobile devices. M-government is regarded both as a subset and a supplement of the broader Electronic Government (e-government). With a high penetration rate of mobile devices, m-government initiatives will play an increasingly important role. This paper presents a survey of m-government practices in leading countries, based on a framework of m-government development. Built upon the review, this paper discusses the state-of-the-art, benefits, risks and future directions of m-government.
Analysis of the native murine bone morphogenetic protein serine threonine kinase type I receptor (ALK‐3)

The bone morphogenetic proteins, members of the transforming growth factor-β cytokine family, induce the osteoblast phenotype and promote osteogenesis in the bone marrow stroma. Simultaneously, these cytokines inhibit other mesodermal differentiation pathways, such as adipogenesis and myogenesis. The receptors for the bone morphogenetic proteins belong to a family of transmembrane serine/threonine kinase TGFβ type I and type II receptor proteins. In man, these include the activin receptor like kinase-3 (ALK-3), a type I receptor protein. We have used a polyclonal antibody to examine the expression of the native murine ALK-3 protein in murine tissues and bone morphogenetic protein-responsive cell lines. On Western blot analyses, we found that the native 85 kDa native ALK-3 protein was expressed in a number of murine tissues; protein and mRNA levels did not necessarily correlate. Two bone morphogenetic protein-responsive cell lines, BMS2 bone marrow stromal cells and C2C12 myoblasts, expressed the ALK-3 protein constitutively. Cell differentiation was accompanied by modest changes in ALK-3 protein levels. Immunoprecipitation of the ALK-3 protein cross linked to [125I] BMP-4 revealed two major receptor complexes of approximately 90 kDa and 170 kDa in size. Biotin surface-labeling experiments revealed that the 85 kDa ALK-3 protein was constitutively associated with a novel 140 kDa surface glycoprotein. Deglycosylation reduced the protein's size to 116 kDa, comparable in size to that of the recently described BMP type II receptor. These findings support the current model that BMP interacts with a pre-existing complex consisting of a type I and type II receptor protein. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Effect of triton X-100 on the conjugation of tetrahydrocortisone, in vitro☆

Abstract The detergent, Triton X-100, increased the conjugation of estrone, estradiol and tetrahydrocortisone (THE) by uridine diphosphate glucuronyl transferase (UDPGT) in rat liver microsomes; the maximal increase of the conjugation of these substrates was measured when the concentration of Triton in the incubation mixtures was 0.05 per cent. However, the magnitude of the increase and the effect seen with varying Triton concentration were substrate dependent, which is consistent with the hypothesis that multiple forms of UDPGT may be present in hepatic microsomes. The effects of various compounds which had previously been shown to either increase or decrease the conjugation of THE in non-activated enzyme preparations were re-examined in Triton-activated preparations. Compounds such as β-diethylaminoethyldiphenylpropylacetate (SKF-525A) and 7-hydroxychlorpromazine which inhibited conjugation in non-activated preparations also inhibited conjugation in Triton-activated preparations. Alternatively, the demethylated metabolites of chlorpromazine, which increased activity in non-treated preparations, decreased activity slightly in preparations maximally stimulated by Triton. Bisubstrate kinetic analysis of the THE conjugation of UDPGT also revealed differences between the properties of the non-treated and Triton-activated enzyme preparations. Triton activation caused an increase in the V max of the reaction in the forward direction while having an insignificant effect on the dissociation constant for THE.
Epidemiology of substance use in reproductive-age women.

A significant number of women of reproductive age in the U.S. use addictive substances. In 2012 more than 50% reported current use of alcohol, 20% used tobacco products, and approximately 13% used other drugs. Among women, use of these substances is associated with a number of significant medical, psychiatric, and social consequences, and the course of illness may progress more rapidly in women than men. The lifetime prevalence of alcohol and drug use disorders in women is 19.5% and 7.1%, respectively. In addition, as most addictive substances cross the placenta and have deleterious effects on fetal development, substance use has additional potential adverse consequences for women of reproductive age who may become pregnant. Specific barriers to accessing effective substance use treatment exist for women. The prevalence of substance use and evidence of accelerated illness progression in women highlight the importance of universal substance use screening in women in primary care settings.
A survey of process migration mechanisms

We define process migration as the transfer of a sufficient amount of a process's state from one machine to another for the process to execute on the target machine.This paper surveys proposed and implemented mechanisms for process migration. We pay particular attention to the designer's goals, such as performance, load-balancing, and reliability. The effect of operating system design upon the ease of implementation is discussed in some detail; we conclude that message-passing systems simplify designs for migration.
A Description of the Male of Centropages Caribbeanensis Park (Copepoda, Calanoida)

Description du mâle, jusqu'ici inconnu, de Centropages caribbeanensis Park, 1970. Les differences entre cette espece et des formes proches du meme genre de la region caraibe sont discutees.
Boundary Representation Model Rectification

Defects in boundary representation models often lead to system errors in modeling software and associated applications. This paper analyzes the model rectification problem of manifold boundary models, and argues that a rectify-by-reconstruction approach is needed in order to reach the global optimal solution. The restricted face boundary reconstruction problem is shown to be NP-hard. Based on this, the solid boundary reconstruction problem is also shown to be NP-hard.
Uncanny Excavations: Khodasevich, Pompeii, and Remains of the Past

On Easter Monday in 1925, shortly before leaving Sorrento for Paris, the Russian emigre writer Vladislav Khodasevich made a day trip to Pompeii, which provided him with the inspiration for his travel sketch, “Pompeiskii uzhas” (“Pompeian Horror”, 1925). In undertaking the trip, he followed in the footsteps of a long line of Russian artists and writers, including, most notably, Pavel Muratov, who had included a sketch of Pompeii in his Obrazy Italii (Images of Italy, 1911–12, 1924). Taking Muratov's account of Pompeii as a point of departure, this article argues that, for Khodasevich, Pompeii is not the museum city of Roman art and culture that it is for Muratov. Instead, it is a site of uncanny excavations of the past—a past that is embodied in skeletons, plaster casts, and other forms of remains and that calls forth a disturbing memory from his childhood. In its merging of the past and the present and the strange and the familiar, “Pompeian Horror” also evokes comparison with another work by Khodasevich inspired by the Easter he spent in Sorrento: the poem “Sorrentinskie fotografii” (“Sorrento Photographs,” 1925–26), which envisions memory as a series of double-exposed snapshots. “Sorrento Photographs” recalls the earlier text not just in the general way in which images from the poet's past blend with those of his more recent experiences in southern Italy, but also in its repetition of key scenes and motifs from “Pompeian Horror.” However, in “Sorrento Photographs,” whose central tableau focuses on a religious procession in Sorrento on Good Friday, recollection of the past produces not horror but a sense of wonder, and remains of the past are miraculously transformed consonant with the Paschal themes of resurrection and renewal.
A program for calculation of solar energy collection by fixed and tracking collectors

Abstract socol , a realistic and versatile fortran program, has been developed to estimate net solar energy collected by a solar collector per unit collection area. This program was developed to study the properties of various solar collectors. It is made useful to a wide spectrum of users by allowing them to choose any or all of 15 possible solar collector types for calculation and comparison. Additional collectors can be included without undue labor. Either or both of two selective absorbers can be selected for energy collection calculations. socol allows input for a third selective absorber. socol is programmed to use solar radiation and surface meteorological data taken from The National Solar Radiation Data Base (NSRDB) for 239 stations over the USA. It can be adjusted to read other data sets. It takes 20 s on a Compaq Presario 2700 1.13 GHz computer to calculate net solar energy collection per unit area for one solar collector design using each of two selective absorbers at five fixed absorber temperatures for all the daylight hours of 1 year at one location. The program output includes sums of solar energy collection for each day, month and year along with averages and distributions. Averages and distributions for the solar radiation and surface meteorological data are also obtained so solar energy collection can be related to these data. socol can be downloaded from the website: www.sci.sdsu.edu/SOCOL/ .
The costs of arthritis

Introduction Arthritis and rheumatic conditions (i.e., arthritis) are responsible for major health care expenditures and disability burdens. The impact of arthritis is not restrained by national boundaries. It is one of the most prevalent chronic conditions and is a leading cause of disability in Australia (1), Canada (2,3), Europe (4), the United Kingdom (5), and the United States (6,7), affecting an estimated 3 million Australians, 6 million Canadians, 8 million in the UK, almost 43 million people in the US, and 103 million across Europe. With the aging of the baby boomers, these numbers and the associated disabilities will quickly escalate. By 2020 in the US alone, arthritis is projected to affect 60 million people, and the activities of 12 million people may be limited by arthritis (6). The growing magnitude of people affected by arthritis motivates the need to review what is known about its national costs to identify areas where current information is lacking. In addition, it is important to determine targets for public health efforts that will reduce the costs of and burden from arthritis. This knowledge will facilitate planning research agendas that support informed public policy decisions.
Chronic cannabinoid administration alters cannabinoid receptor binding in rat brain: a quantitative autoradiographic study.

The active ingredient of marijuana is (-)-delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta 9-THC). delta 9-THC and other natural and synthetic cannabinoids such as CP-55,940 inhibit spontaneous activity and produce catalepsy in animals in a receptor-mediated fashion. Tolerance develops to the motor effects of delta 9-THC after repeated administration. To test the hypothesis that tolerance is mediated by changes in cannabinoid receptor binding characteristics, we used quantitative in vitro autoradiography of [3H]CP-55,940 binding to striatal brain sections from rats treated either chronically or acutely with delta 9-THC, CP-55,940, or the inactive natural cannabinoid cannabidiol. In the chronic conditions, rats were given daily i.p. injections of delta 9-THC (10 mg/kg), cannabidiol (10 mg/kg), or CP-55,940 (1, 3, or 10 mg/kg) for 2 weeks and sacrificed 30 min after the last injection. In the acute condition, animals received a single dose (10 mg/kg) prior to sacrifice. Rats developed tolerance to the inhibitory effects of delta 9-THC and CP-55,940, assayed in an open field on days 1, 7, and 14. Cannabidiol had no effect on behavior. Densitometry of [3H]CP-55,940 binding to brain sections showed that delta 9-THC- and CP-55,940-treated animals had homogeneous decreases in binding in all structures measured at the selected striatal levels. Cannabidiol had no effect on binding. Analysis of binding parameters showed that alterations in the acute condition were attributed to changes in affinity (KD), whereas the major changes in the chronic condition were attributed to a lowering of capacity (Bmax). The effects in the 1, 3, and 10 mg/kg CP-55,940 conditions were dose-dependent and paralleled the behavioral data showing that the animals given the highest dose developed the greatest degree of tolerance. The data suggest that tolerance to cannabinoids results at least in part from agonist-induced receptor down-regulation.
On the numerical solution of the Orr-Sommerfeld problem: Asymptotic initial conditions for shooting methods

Abstract A method, based on the use of certain asymptotic initial conditions together with the compound matrix method, is presented for the numerical solution of the Orr-Sommerfeld equation on infinite intervals. The asymptotic initial conditions require the numerical integration of a first-order nonlinear equation which is related to the “inviscid” solution and the use of a modified Liouville-Green approximation for the “viscous” solution. The method is applied to both the Blasius and the asymptotic suction boundary-layer profiles and it is shown that use of the asymptotic initial conditions requires a smaller interval of integration than the usual constant tail conditions. A discussion of a third-order eigenvalue problem is also given to illustrate how problems with a nonconstant tail can be treated by the compound matrix method.
Edge-assisted upper-bands coding techniques

This paper introduces a series of techniques aimed at facilitating the encoding of the upper bands of a subband decomposition. The fundamental idea behind these techniques is that the energy in the upper bands is concentrated around the discontinuities of the lower band. Therefore, for image compression the output of an edge detector applied on the lower band can be employed to locate the upper band pels with the largest amplitudes. Moreover, the percentage of pels declared as edges in each one of the upper bands can be interpreted as an additional degree of freedom in the definition of a subband compression scheme, in a similar way to the bit allocation between bands. The performance of the proposed techniques for various edge detectors and different filter banks is studied. We introduce an algorithm to distribute a given number of edge pels between the different upper bands in order to minimize the total distortion. A morphological operator is presented as a method to further increase the efficiency of the edge-based approach. The influence of the baseband distortion in the performance of the proposed techniques is also analyzed. Finally, we estimate the savings in transmitted bit rate of an edge based compression system with respect to traditional schemes.
The 14C distribution in West Atlantic abyssal waters

14C specific activities in the western Atlantic show aging of about 160 years between 42°N and 30°S for southward-moving North Atlantic Deep Water. Most of the aging occurs in the North Atlantic, with a small increase in14C level for abyssal water near the equator. The northward-flowing Antarctic Bottom Water component ages about 80 years between 50°S and the equator. The rate of Atlantic bottom water formation is estimated at 18 Sverdrups; the rate of flow for northward-moving Antarctic Bottom Water at about 6 Sverdrups.
Histone deacetylase activity is required for human oligodendrocyte progenitor differentiation.

The molecular mechanisms controlling human oligodendrocyte development are poorly characterized. Microarray analysis of human oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) and immature oligodendrocytes revealed that specific-class I histone deacetylase (HDAC) target genes were actively repressed during oligodendrocyte commitment. Although epigenetic regulation of oligodendrocyte differentiation has been established in rodent development, the role of HDACs in human OPCs remains undefined. We used HDAC inhibitors (HDACi) trichostatin A (TSA) and sodium butyrate to determine the importance of HDAC activity in human primary OPC differentiation. Treatment with either drug resulted in significant dose-dependent inhibition of O4+ oligodendrocyte cell differentiation, reduction of oligodendrocyte morphological maturation, and downregulation of myelin basic protein mRNA. High dose TSA treatment was also associated with reduction in OPC proliferation. HDACi treatment prevented downregulation of SOX2, ID4, and TCF7L2 mRNAs but did not regulate HES5, suggesting that targets of HDAC repression may differ between species. These results predict that HDACi treatment would impair proliferation and differentiation by parenchymal oligodendrocyte progenitors, and thereby degrade their potential for endogenous repair in human demyelinating disease. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Efficient execution of joins in a star schema

A star schema is very popular for modeling data warehouses and data marts. Therefore, it is important that a database system which is used for implementing such a data warehouse or data mart is able to efficiently handle operations on such a schema. In this paper we will describe how one of these operations, the join operation --- probably the most important operation --- is implemented in the IBM Informix Extended Parallel Server (XPS).
Competition between thermal decomposition and hydrolysis of 2,2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane) in aqueous solution

The thermal decomposition and hydrolysis of 2,2′-azobis(2-amidinopropane) were examined as functions of pH. The rate of decomposition decreased with increasing pH. The specific rates at 60°C were 3.85 × 10−5 1/sec at pH 0.90 and 2.5 × 10−5 1 see at pH ≥ 8.5. The hydrolysis in alkaline solution yielded 2,2′-azobis(2-carbamylpropane) which was stable to thermal decomposition. The relation between the specific rate of hydrolysis kh′ and the concentration of hydroxyl ion was obtained as kh′ = 4.0 × 10−2 [OH]0.50 1/sec at 60°C. In alkaline solution, the rate of hydrolysis was considerably larger than that of thermal decomposition. A mechanism for this hydrolysis is propesed.
SKIN INFECTION OF RABBITS WITH HEMOLYTIC STREPTOCOCCI ISOLATED FROM A PATIENT WITH ERYSIPELAS : I. METHOD OF DEMONSTRATING PROTECTIVE ACTION OF IMMUNE SERA.

Cultures of a hemolytic streptococcus isolated from a human case of erysipelas were tested for ability to produce lesions by injecting various amounts intradermally in shaved rabbits. Severe lesions could be developed at will in this way despite the fact that intravenous or intraperitoneal inoculations of large doses of the cultures failed to kill. The lesions were of two sorts, phlegmonous and erysipelas-like. A serum capable of warding off the injurious action of the streptococcus on the skin was procured from animals receiving repeated intracutaneous inoculations of the organism. Normal serum by contrast had no protective effect. By intradermal injections at several points in the same normal rabbit of small quantities of mixtures of equal parts of serum and various dilutions of a suspension of streptococci it proved possible to test sera for the presence of substances protective against the streptococcus.
Micro-scale energy harvesting: a system design perspective

Harvesting electrical power from environmental energy sources is an attractive and increasingly feasible option for several micro-scale electronic systems such as biomedical implants and wireless sensor nodes that need to operate autonomously for long periods of time (months to years). However, designing highly efficient micro-scale energy harvesting systems requires an in-depth understanding of various design considerations and tradeoffs. This paper provides an overview of the area of micro-scale energy harvesting and discusses the various challenges and considerations involved from a system-design perspective.
The influence of acidic gas absorption on certain metabolic processes occurring in anaerobically incubated soils

CH4 accumulation was markedly reduced and acetate accumulation was enhanced by the presence of a vial of alkali in flasks containing soils incubated anaerobically at a moisture content of 80% of saturation. The presence of the vial of alkali had little effect on acetate accumulation until after the commencement of CH4 formation. No hydrogen was found to accumulate in the soils studied regardless of whether acidic gases were absorbed during incubation. The effect of acidic gas absorption on other metabolic processes in two of the soils was studied. The absorption of acidic gases reduced the amounts of extractable Fe and S2− (or volatile mercaptans), the soil pH, and in the more acid soil (Tetonka) net ammonification during anaerobic incubation. In a further experiment the effect of the presence of a vial of alkali on gas, acetate, NH 4 + and S2− accumulation as well as pH changes during anaerobic incubation of the Tetonka soil treated with CaCO3 was studied. CH4, acetate and S2− accumulation were suppressed, net ammonification was little affected, and the soil pH values were higher as a result of the absorption of acidic gases. The rates of CO2, CH4, acetate and S2− accumulation were increased as a result of the addition of CaCO3 to the Tetonka soil.
The Utility of Plumage Coloration for Taxonomic and Ecological Studies

Plumage coloration in birds serve multiple purposes, including species recognition, sexual selection cues, and camouflage. Differences in plumage coloration can be used to infer evolutionary relationships, identify distinct taxonomic units, and characterize geographic variation. With the advent of electronic devices to quantify plumage coloration quickly and reliably, taxonomic or geographic differences can be exploited for ecological studies. To evaluate the utility of plum- age coloration for taxonomic and ecological studies, I review the basis of plumage coloration and sources of variation. I then review how different studies have used plumage coloration to better understand taxonomic relationships and provide insights into ecological problems.