cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rearranging naturally occurring contingencies to increase desirable behavior in a toddler classroom

Toddlers often display problem behavior during transitions. We rearranged naturally occurring events in a toddler classroom to promote more desirable classroom behavior during transitions to meals. In the intervention condition, teachers transitioned each child to meals only when that child was seated on a play mat (a requisite for engagement in teacher-led play activities). In the reversal condition, teachers selected each child to transition when that child was by the barrier to the meal area (a practice commonly observed under natural conditions). The intervention increased the mean percentage of intervals when children were on the play mat and decreased the percentage of intervals when children were by the barrier. Individual child data show positive outcomes for five of six children. Results are discussed in terms of the positive effects of small manipulations to existing contingencies on classroom behavior as well as their potential influence on the adoptability of classroom interventions. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Disordered Eating Precursors in Pre- and Early Adolescent Girls and Boys

First- and second-year findings from a study of the development of disordered eating in pre- and early adolescents are presented. Fifth- and sixth-grade girls (n = 80) and boys (n = 85) were assessed on depression, body image, self-esteem, and eating behaviors and attitudes in Year 1 and again one year later. Weight, height, and pubertal development were also evaluated in Year 1 and Year 2. Gender differences existed on all measures in Year 2 and indicated consistently poorer scores for girls compared to boys. For girls, Year 1 Body Mass Index and pubertal development predicted Year 2 disordered eating. For boys, poor body image in Year 1 predicted Year 2 disordered eating. The importance of identifying early risk factors for eating disorders is discussed.
A high power K/Ka-band monolithic T/R switch

A high-power K/Ka-band MESFET switch monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) has been developed for use in transmit/receive (T/R) modules. The switch demonstrates 0.2 dB insertion loss compression with 30 dBm input power, 12 dB higher than previously reported for K/Ka-band MESFET switches. Also, no isolation degradation was apparent with up to 28 dBm input power, a 13 dB improvement over the same previously demonstrated switches. A combination of techniques was used to yield higher power handling while preserving low loss and high isolation. These circuit techniques include the use of stacked MESFETs with large peripheries to improve power handling and transmission line transformers to minimize loss and maintain high isolation. >
Cell cycle progression in gentamicin-damaged avian cochleas

Hair cells, the sensory receptors of the auditory, vestibular, and lateral-line organs, may be damaged by a number of agents including aminoglycoside antibiotics and severe overstimulation. In the avian cochlea, lost hair cells can be replaced by regeneration. These new hair cells appear to be derived from a support cell precursor which is stimulated to divide by events associated with hair cell loss. Little is known about the timing and sequencing of events leading to new hair cell production. In this study cell cycle-associated events in the avian cochlea were analyzed at early and late time intervals following a single high dose of gentamicin. This single dose protocol has been shown to consistently result in extensive morphological damage and hair cell loss in the proximal region of the cochlea while sparing a morphologically undamaged distal cochlear region. This allowed for the differential analysis of the underlying support cell populations with respect to local hair cell loss. Three cell cycle associated markers were used to evaluate which cells entered and progressed through the cell cycle: statin, a G0 associated nuclear marker; proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), a G1, S and G2 associated marker; and 5-bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU), an S phase associated marker. Using these markers we found evidence for reversible changes in cell cycle status throughout the cochlea, while progression through S phase and mitosis was restricted to the region of the cochlea which sustained hair cell loss.
The Sacramental Consummation of the Moral Life According to St. Thomas Aquinas

This paper shows the theological vision of Aquinas’ moral theology by exploring the intimate connectedness of his moral thought in the prima secundae of the Summa theologiae with his sacramental theology and Christology in the tertia pars. While some have disputed the theological and Christological character of Aquinas’ moral thought, both the structural presentation of the Summa and the key role grace plays in his treatment of the moral life point to the importance of the sacraments, which, empowered by the Holy Spirit, communicate the grace of Christ's Passion to men, who by themselves cannot act to attain their end in God because of God's infinity and man's sinfulness. The paper proceeds by exploring Aquinas’ moral writings on man's end, habits and human action, and law and grace to a discussion of why man needs a savior. The paper then discusses the Passion of Christ the savior and its function in forgiving sin and opening the way to the infinite God in heaven for finite men, and concludes with a discussion of the importance of the Sacraments in the moral life as the instruments through which the effects of Christ's Passion are transmitted to men.
The role of the dispersed-phase remnant magnetization on the redispersibility of magnetorheological fluids

The influence of the remnant magnetization of the soft magnetic particulates, used as a dispersed phase, on the redispersibility of magnetorheological (MR) fluids is discussed. Calculations of the magnetic interaction energy showed that for 33-vol% MR fluids based on particles of iron (∼6 μm), manganese zinc ferrite (∼2.3 μm), and nickel zinc ferrite (∼2.1 μm), the ratios of the magnetic interaction energy to the thermal energy were 161,000, 6400, and 3900, respectively. These calculations showed that even the seemingly small levels of remnant magnetization, associated with particulates employed in MR fluids, introduced significant dipole–dipole interparticle interactions. It is proposed that this interaction causes most MR fluids to show a tendency for “cake formation,” which makes it difficult to redisperse these fluids. Our modeling presented here also suggests practical strategies to enhance the redispersibility of MR fluids.
SU‐E‐T‐474: Long Term Variation of ExacTrac Image Isocenter and Evaluation of Congruence between EXACTRAC KV‐Image Isocenter and Radiation Isocenter

Purpose: Long term variation of ExacTrac image isocenter‐to‐room lasers on a Novalis machine were analyzed and the congruence between radiation isocenter and ExacTrac kV‐image isocenter was evaluated by using an in‐ house Winston‐Lutz (WL) based MatLab program as well as ExacTrac WL‐ images. Methods: Over 100 daily verification data of ExacTrac isocenter phantom as well as of WL phantom were analyzed to find out the long term trend of ExacTrac image isocenter‐to‐room lasers. Radiation isocenter was also evaluated using the pre‐radiosurgery WL Test performed with ten angle combinations of gantry/couch. The GafChromic film was analyzed with an in‐house MatLab program to compute the vertical‐, longitudinal‐, and lateral‐coordinates of the radiation isocenter‐to‐room lasers by combining the isocenter displacement of every angle combination. By comparing the WL radiation isocenter‐to‐room lasers with ExacTrac kV‐image isocenter‐ to‐room lasers, the 3D displacement between radiation isocenter and ExacTrac WL‐image isocenter was determined. Results: The vertical‐, longitudinal‐, and lateral‐displacements of the ExacTrac image isocenter‐to‐ room lasers for the isocenter phantom were 0.35±0.16mm, 0.07±0.15mm, and −0.03±0.10mm, respectively. The displacements for the WL phantom were 0.43±0.18mm, 0.28±0.20mm, and −0.12±0.25mm, respectively. The average displacements of WL phantom from the radiation isocenter in the vertical‐, longitudinal‐, and lateral‐coordinates were 0.51±0.19mm, 0.12±0.33mm, and −0.11±0.24mm, respectively. Conclusions: We evaluated the congruence between radiation isocenter and ExacTrac kV‐image isocenter using an in‐house WL‐based MatLab program. The average discrepancy was well within 0.6 mm in all directions.
Glutamatergic phenotype of glucagon-like peptide 1 neurons in the caudal nucleus of the solitary tract in rats

The expression of a vesicular glutamate transporter (VGLUT) suffices to assign a glutamatergic phenotype to neurons and other secretory cells. For example, intestinal L cells express VGLUT2 and secrete glutamate along with glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP1). We hypothesized that GLP1-positive neurons within the caudal (visceral) nucleus of the solitary tract (cNST) also are glutamatergic. To test this, the axonal projections of GLP1 and other neurons within the cNST were labeled in rats via iontophoretic delivery of anterograde tracer. Dual immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy was used to visualize tracer-, GLP1-, and VGLUT2-positive fibers within brainstem, hypothalamic, and limbic forebrain nuclei that receive input from the cNST. Electron microscopy was used to confirm GLP1 and VGLUT2 immunolabeling within the same axon varicosities, and fluorescent in situ hybridization was used to examine VGLUT2 mRNA expression by GLP1-positive neurons. Most anterograde tracer-labeled fibers displayed VGLUT2-positive varicosities, providing new evidence that ascending axonal projections from the cNST are primarily glutamatergic. Virtually all GLP1-positive varicosities also were VGLUT2-positive. Electron microscopy confirmed the colocalization of GLP1 and VGLUT2 immunolabeling in axon terminals that formed asymmetric (excitatory-type) synapses with unlabeled dendrites in the hypothalamus. Finally, in situ hybridization confirmed that GLP1-positive cNST neurons express VGLUT2 mRNA. Thus, hindbrain GLP1 neurons in rats are equipped to store glutamate in synaptic vesicles, and likely co-release both glutamate and GLP1 from axon varicosities and terminals in the hypothalamus and other brain regions.
Synthesis of Substituted Chromanones: An Organocatalytic Aldol/oxa-Michael Reaction

A diastereoselective organocatalytic aldol/oxa-Michael reaction has been developed to efficiently deliver medicinally relevant 2,3-ring-substituted chromanones. Development of this synthetic strategy revealed an unexpected kinetic anti-Saytzeff elimination; an origin for the observed selectivity is suggested on the basis of the results of quantum chemical calculations. This unusual kinetic selectivity necessitated an isomerization protocol that in turn led to the discovery of an intriguing Pd-mediated isomerization/intramolecular Friedel-Crafts-type alkylation.
Climate change and biodiversity conservation in Great Plains agroecosystems

Abstract Global change and habitat fragmentation are critical issues in our society. While considerable progress has been made in these issues worldwide, the unique features of the agroecosystems in the Great Plains have not been given enough attention. In this region, croplands occupy the majority of the landscape, forming the mosaics with linear riparian zones and shelterbelts. These three elements play different roles in the maintenance of biodiversity, and their continued effectiveness under a changing climate is critical to maintaining a healthy and productive agricultural ecosystem. This article evaluates current research and discusses future directions. The goal is to provide a scientific base for future conservation biology and wildlife management.
Genetic and physical mapping of a high recombination region on chromosome 7H(1) in barley

Approaches utilizing microlinearity between related species allow for the identification of syntenous regions and orthologous genes. Within the barley Chromosome 7H(1) is a region of high recombination flanked by molecular markers cMWG703 and MWG836. We present the constructed physical contigs linked to molecular markers across this region using bacterial artificial chromosomes (BAC) from the cultivar Morex. Barley expressed sequence tags (EST), identified by homology to rice chromosome 6 between the rice molecular markers C425A and S1434, corresponded to the barley syntenous region of Chromosome 7H(1) Bins 2–5 between molecular markers cMWG703-MWG836. Two hundred and thirteen ESTs were genetically mapped yielding 267 loci of which 101 were within the target high recombination region while 166 loci mapped elsewhere. The 101 loci were joined by 43 other genetic markers resulting in a highly saturated genetic map. In order to develop a physical map of the region, ESTs and all other molecular markers were used to identify Morex BAC clones. Seventy-four BAC contigs were formed containing 2–102 clones each with an average of 19 and a median of 13 BAC clones per contig. Comparison of the BAC contigs, generated here, with the Barley Physical Mapping Database contigs, resulted in additional overlaps and a reduction of the contig number to 56. Within cMWG703-MWG836 are 24 agriculturally important traits including the seedling spot blotch resistance locus, Rcs5. Genetic and physical analysis of this region and comparison to rice indicated an inversion distal of the Rcs5 locus. Three BAC clone contigs spanning the Rcs5 locus were identified.
The Effects of a Sensory Extinction Procedure on Stereotypic Sounds of Two Autistic Children.

A reversal design was used to investigate the effects of a sensory extinction procedure on stereotypic sounds produced by two autistic children. White noise programmed through earphones was used to mask auditory stimuli resulting from aberrant vocalizations (termed “slurring,” “snorts,” and “arias”) and from clapping hands and dropping objects. This sensory extinction procedure substantially reduced the stereotypic vocalizations but had little practical effect on the clapping and object-dropping responses. The discussion addresses some of the limitations and potential uses of sensory extinction procedures.
Treating Adolescents with Social Anxiety Disorder in Schools

As is evident from the topic of this issue, schools can play an important role in addressing the unmet mental health needs of youth. Social anxiety disorder is particularly suited to being treated in the school setting. This article describes an empirically supported school-based intervention for social anxiety disorder, skills for academic and social success, and provides specific strategies to school counselors, teachers and community practitioners for implementing these methods. This article focuses on practical approaches for working with socially anxious adolescents in the school setting and how to increase awareness of social anxiety with parents and school personnel.
Problems associated with long-term feeding of purified diets in rhesus monkeys

Although non-human primates are widely used models of human diseases, often studied for long periods of time, their dietary requirements are not well defined. Over a two—three-year time period, female rhesus macaques were fed either a marginally zinc-deprived diet or a comparable zinc replete purified diet. The purified diets were based on current NRC recommendations. Interestingly poor pregnancy outcome was noted in both the zinc-deprived as well as in the control group. Twenty-eight percent of controls (N=16) and 20% of zinc-deprived animals (N=15) failed to conceive after at least seven matings. Pregnancy loss was also high in both groups of animals including 31% of conceptions in controls (N=11) and 33% of conceptions in zinc deficient animals (N=12). The majority of pregnancy losses occurred after animals had been fed purified diet for over two years. In contrast, normal colony pregnancy loss is estimated at 11%. Furthermore, 3 of 18 live-born infants died prior to 7 months of age and one third of surviving offspring were growth-retarded during the 1st year of life compared to established colony norms. Our data demonstrate the difficulty of constructing adequate purified diets for long-term studies in primates even when based upon available and recommended nutritional information.
A Liquid Chromatographic Study of Stability of the Minor Determinants of Penicillin Allergy: A Stable Minor Determinant Mixture Skin Test Preparation

Various skin test reagents supplying minor determinants for detecting penicillin hypersensitivity have been examined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for composition and stability. HPLC systems capable of separating and determining the four diastereoisomers of benzyl-D-penicilloic acid and the two benzyl-D-penilloic acids were developed for this purpose. The “simple skin test reagent,” consisting of an aged partial alkaline hydrolysate of penicillin, is possibly an adequate source of (5R,6R)-benzyl-D-penicilloate whereas the “simple skin test reagent,” consisting of aged aqueous solution of penicillin, is a questionable source of this compound. A modified Levine, Voss, Redmond, and Zolov minor determinant mixture (MDM) reagent and the components (5R,6R)-benzyl-D-penicilloate and (5R)-benzyl-D-penilloate have been found to be highly labile in aqueous solution, giving rise to a mixture of diastereoisomers. The tendency to epimerize at C-5 was a prominent feature of (5R,6R)- and (5R,6R)- as well as (5R,6R)-benzyl-D-penicilloic acids. The MDM reagent has been prepared in single-dose ampules as a dried, lyophilized powder that can be stored without change and used as needed. Lyophilized MDM has served as a satisfactory substitute for freshly prepared MDM in several individuals with MDM-positive history and, in a recent clinical study, evaluating the question of penicillin skin test sensitization. This convenient, stable, single-dose form of the MDM reagent should facilitate skin testing for penicillin sensitivity.
Incidence of Vocal Fold Immobility in Patients with Dysphagia

This study prospectively investigated the incidence of vocal fold immobility, unilateral and bilateral, and its influence on aspiration status in a referred population of 1452 patients for a dysphagia evaluation from a large, urban, tertiary-care, teaching hospital. Main outcome measures included overall incidence of vocal fold immobility and aspiration status, with specific emphasis on age, etiology, and side of vocal fold immobility, i.e., right, left, or bilateral. Overall incidence of vocal fold immobility was 5.6% (81 of 1452 patients), including 47 males (mean age 55.7 yr) and 34 females (mean age 59.7 yr). In the subgroup of patients with vocal fold immobility, 31% (25 of 81) exhibited unilateral right, 60% (49 of 81) unilateral left, and 9% (7 of 81) bilateral impairment. Overall incidence of aspiration was found to be 29% (426 of 1452) of all patients referred for a swallow evaluation. Aspiration was observed in 44% (36 of 81) of patients presenting with vocal fold immobility, i.e., 44% (11 of 25) unilateral right, 43% (21 of 49) unilateral left, and 57% (4 of 7) bilateral vocal fold immobility. Left vocal fold immobility occurred most frequently due to surgical trauma. A liquid bolus was aspirated more often than a puree bolus. Side of vocal fold immobility and age were not factors that increased incidence of aspiration. In conclusion, vocal fold immobility, with an incidence of 5.6%, is not an uncommon finding in patients referred for a dysphagia evaluation in the acute-care setting, and vocal fold immobility, when present, was associated with a 15% increased incidence of aspiration when compared with a population already being evaluated for dysphagia.
Study of Laminar Forced Convection Heat Transfer for Dimpled Heat Sinks

An investigation was conducted to determine whether dimpled surfaces could improve the heat transfer in a heat sink under laminar airflows. This was accomplished by performing experimental and numerical investigations using two different dimple geometries: 1) circular (spherical) and 2) oval (elliptical or trenched) dimples. Dimples with a relative pitch of S/D = 1.21 and relative depth of δ/D = 0.2 (e.g., circular dimples) were machined on both sides of copper plates, then placed into a channel with airflow impinging over the leading edge of the plate. For oval dimples, similar ratios with the same total depth and circular edge-to-edge distance as the circular dimples were used. For those configurations the average heat transfer coefficient and Nusselt number ratio were determined experimentally. Heat transfer enhancements up to a 6% relative to a flat plate were consistently observed for Reynolds number (based on channel height) in the range of 500 to 1650 on both circular and oval dimples. Additionally, pressure drop, thermal performance, and flow characteristic were simulated numerically. The heat transfer coefficients in our numerical experiment were close to those of the experimental investigation for Reynolds number up to 750. The pressure drop over the dimpled plates was either equivalent to or less than that of the flat plate with no dimples.
Colonization of a shell resource by calyptraeid Gastropods: Tests of habitat selection and preemption models

Abstract The influence of patch size, habitat selection, and preemption on the colonization of a patchy resource by three sympatric gastropod species ( Crepidula L.) was evaluated. These species are common epifaunal associates of hermit crabs. Although adult populations exhibit strongly divergent resource utilization patterns, these patterns are not generally the result of divergent colonization processes. All three Crepidula species selectively colonize small shells rather than large shells, are strongly inhibited from colonizing shells dominated by the colonial hydroid Hydractinia echinata Fleming (but not by the colonial bryozoan Alcyonidium polyoum Hassall), and co-occur on individual shells in the absence of other epifauna. The field distribution patterns of Crepidula species are not wholly the result of divergent colonization patterns. These results suggest that significant post-colonization biological interactions also affect Crepidula distribution patterns.
The edge nucleus of a point-determining graph

Abstract In this paper we investigate the edge nucleus E 0 ( G ) of a point-determining graph G . We observe several relationships between E 0 ( G ) and the nucleus G 0 = { v ∈ V ( G )∣ G − v is point determining} and use these relationships to prove several properties of E 0 ( G ). In particular, we show that there are only a finite number of graphs with a given edge nucleus and we determine those graphs G for which | E 0 ( G )| ≤ 2. We also show that an n -clique of a point-determining graph G contains at least n −2 edges of E 0 ( G ) and if G is totally point determining, then every odd cycle of G meets E 0 ( G ).
State-dependent and environmental modulation of brain hyperthermic effects of psychoactive drugs of abuse.

Hyperthermia is a known effect induced by psychomotor stimulants and pathological hyperthermia is a prominent symptom of acute intoxication with these drugs in humans. In this manuscript, I will review our recent work concerning the brain hyperthermic effects of several known and recently appeared psychostimulant drugs of abuse (cocaine, methamphetamine, MDMA, methylone, and MDPV). Specifically, I will consider the role of activity state and environmental conditions in modulating the brain temperature effects of these drugs and their acute toxicity. Although some of these drugs are structurally similar and interact with the same brain substrates, there are important differences in their temperature effects in quiet resting conditions and the type of modulation of these temperature effects under conditions that mimic basic aspects of human drug use (social interaction, moderately warm environments). These data could be important for understanding the potential dangers of each drug and ultimately preventing...
Knowledge of Stroke Risk, Signs of Stroke, and the Need for Stroke Education among Children with Sickle Cell Disease and their Caregivers

Objectives : This study assessed stroke knowledge and the need for stroke education among children with sickle cell disease (SCD) and their caregivers. Methods : A cross-sectional study was conducted and includes: (1) structured interviews of 44 children with SCD and their 50 caregivers, and (2) a self-administered survey completed by medical directors of 22 SCD centers. The participants were interviewed regarding stroke knowledge and stroke educational materials. Results : Among the caregivers, only 34% named stroke as a complication associated with SCD, 36% were aware that their children were at higher risk, and 46% were not able to identify any warning signs of stroke. Only 11% of the children could accurately describe a stroke. Although 82% of the medical directors provided stroke information to caregivers, only 50% provided stroke educational materials to children. Caregivers and children were interested in receiving information about stroke. The preferred format for the educational material was a pa...
Does the gut microbiota have a role in type 1 diabetes? Early evidence from humans and animal models of the disease

Despite years of appreciating the potential role of environment to influence the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes, specific agents or mechanisms serving in such a capacity remain ill defined. This is exceedingly disappointing as the identification of factors capable of modulating the disease, either as triggers or regulators of the autoimmune response underlying type 1 diabetes, would not only provide clues as to why the disorder develops but, in addition, afford opportunities for improved biomarkers of disease activity and the potential to design novel therapeutics capable of disease abatement. Recent improvements in sequencing technologies, combined with increasing appreciation of the role of innate and mucosal immunity in human disease, have stirred strong interest in what is commonly referred to as the ‘gut microbiota’. The gut (or intestinal) microbiota is an exceedingly complex microenvironment that is intimately linked with the immune system, including the regulation of immune responses. After evaluating evidence supporting a role for environment in type 1 diabetes, this review will convey current notions for contributions of the gut microbiota to human health and disease, including information gleaned from studies of humans and animal models for this autoimmune disorder.
A generalization of the concept of equivalent linearization

Abstract A method is presented whereby a non-linear second order dynamical system is replaced by a linear system in such a way that an average of the difference between the two systems is minimized. Provided the averaging operator possesses certain properties, it is shown that the replacement is unique and can be accomplished in a straightforward manner. The parameters of the replacement linear system are expressed in terms of averages of functions of the linearized solution.
Feasibility of using template-based and object-based automated detection methods for quantifying black and hybrid imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta and S. invicta × richteri) mounds in aerial digital imagery

Imported fire ants construct earthen nests (mounds) that exhibit many characteristics which make them potentially good targets for remote sensing programs, including geographical orientation, topography, and bare soil surrounded by actively growing vegetation. Template-based features and object-based features extracted from aerial multispectral imagery of fire ant infested pastures were used to construct classifiers for automated fire ant mound detection. A classifier constructed using template-based features alone yielded a 79% probability of detection with a corresponding false positive rate of 9%. Addition of object-based features (compactness and symmetry) to the classifier yielded a 79% probability of detection with a corresponding false positive rate of 4%. Maintaining a 79% detection rate when applying the classifier to a second, unique pasture dataset with different seasonal and other environmental factors resulted in a false positive rate of 17.5%. Data demonstrate that automated detection of mounds with classifiers incorporating template- and object-based features is feasible, but it may be necessary to construct unique classifiers on a site-specific basis.
A comparison between scalp and needle electrodes for the EEG.

Abstract Needle and disc electrodes are compared with respect to their fidelity in recording either spontaneous EEG potentials or applied sinusoidal current fields. The impedances of the two electrode types are measured at frequencies throughout the EEG range. The effect of the comnination of electrode impedance and amplifier input resistance on the characteristics of two different EEG equipments is reported. There is no significant difference between the two electrode types when the amplifier input resistance is above 1 Mμ. With an input resistance below 1 Mμ, needle electrodes can cause an attenuation of response to signals of 1 c/sec or less.
On the deuteron as a free nucleon target at 145 Mev

Abstract The quasielastic p-p scattering in the deuteron has been studied at 145 Mev. Cross sections and asymmetries in a polarized beam have been measured. No deviation has been found from the simple impulse approximation predictions for the asymmetries. For the cross section, deviations of up to a factor of two have been found for cases where the struck particle had a large momentum before collision. It is shown that the extrapolation procedure suggested by Chew and Low can be qualitatively used to relate the results. The use of the extrapolation procedure in other similar cases is discussed.
Effects of photon noise on speckle image reconstruction with the Knox-Thompson algorithm

An analysis of the effects of photon noise on astronomical speckle image reconstruction using the Knox-Thompson algorithm is presented. It is shown that the quantities resulting from the speckle average arre biased, but that the biases are easily estimated and compensated. Calculations are also made of the convergence rate for the speckle average as a function of the source brightness. An illustration of the effects of photon noise on the image recovery process is included.
Mating of Schistosoma mansoni in Vitro

Abstract Sexually mature female Schistosoma mansoni maintained in vitro without males laid eggs, a small percentage of which matured as evidenced by production of viable miracidia. The rates of oviposition and maturation of eggs were significantly increased by mating. Males made anorchid by X-ray, by prolonged in vitro maintenance, or by surgical transection mated and stimulated the rate of egg-laying and egg maturation as much as did intact males. Thus, neither mating, nor stimulation of the rate of oviposition depended on intact testes, viable sperm, or something secreted with sperm. Since anorchid males could not have donated sperm for the fertilization of eggs in females maintained in vitro , the feat must have been achieved by the sperm present in the female at the time of in vitro isolation. The decay rate of sperm in females maintained in vitro was found by allowing eggs laid on each day of days 1 through 5 of in vitro life to mature separately. This decay rate was exponential with time beginning on Day 2 of in vitro life. Stimulation of the rate of egg maturation by anorchid males was shown to be exponentially related to the rate of egg-laying. Therefore, the increase in the percentage of eggs which matured in vitro when females were mated to anorchid males, was due only to stimulation of the rate of oviposition by these anorchid males. The normal mating position of schistosomes is anterior end to anterior end, and posterior end to posterior end. Worms were transected into equal halves. When halves of worms were allowed to mate in vitro , like halves almost always mated normally and unlike halves almost always abnormally (more than 90% of the time for each type of mating). These observations were therefore not due to chance and require an explanation. From these results, and matings of halves of worms with whole worms of the opposite sex, and transections of males smaller and larger than halves with intact females, it was postulated that both sexes of worms have linear receptors which are used to determine mating and mating position. The receptors run at least throughout the posterior two-thirds of the male. They may be highly differentiated at their anterior and posterior ends, the anterior ending of the receptor in one sex being an inverse image of the posterior ending of the receptor in the same sex. When complementary receptors meet, mating position is normal; when noncomplementary receptors meet, mating position is abnormal. Attempts to determine the nature of these receptors by exposing living worms to enzymes were unsuccessful.
Pituitary Apoplexy: Large Surgical Series with Grading System

Background Pituitary apoplexy is an infrequent occurrence that can require timely treatment. The term “pituitary apoplexy” as used in the literature describes a heterogeneous spectrum. There is controversy about which subsets require urgent as opposed to elective surgical treatment or even medical treatment alone. We present a retrospective series of 109 consecutive cases of pituitary apoplexy from a single institution from 1992–2012 and develop a comprehensive classification system to analyze outcome. Methods Surgical and endocrine consult databases were reviewed to analyze patterns of presentation, imaging, treatment, and outcomes. Results Most of the patients in this series presented clinically with “classic” pituitary apoplexy (97%), had magnetic resonance imaging for evaluation (99%), underwent transsphenoidal surgery as their primary treatment (93%), and were found to have pituitary adenomas on histopathology (90%). We categorized patients into 5 grades based on clinical presentation. Tumor volume, cavernous sinus involvement, suprasellar extension, and need for ongoing endocrine replacement correlated with grade. Long-term endocrine replacement at follow-up was required in 62%–68% of patients with a higher grade compared with 0–23% of patients with a lower grade. Higher grade patients tended to undergo earlier surgery after symptom onset. Symptoms resolved or improved with treatment in 92%–100% of patients across all grades with good general outcomes for visual deficits and ocular motility problems, validating management decisions overall. Conclusions We offer a simple yet comprehensive grading system to classify the clinical spectrum of pituitary apoplexy, which has implications for management, outcomes, and categorization for future studies.
Photodetachment of negative halogen ions.

Results of relativistic random-phase approximation calculations of photodetachment cross sections and angular-distribution asymmetry parameters are presented for the outer shells of the negative ions ${\mathrm{F}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$, ${\mathrm{Cl}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$, ${\mathrm{Br}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$, and ${\mathrm{I}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$ in the photon-energy region from the threshold to about 100 eV. These results are compared with available theoretical calculations and with experimental data.
Murine epidermal label-retaining cells isolated by flow cytometry do not express the stem cell markers CD34, Sca-1, or Flk-1.

Keratinocyte stem cells are present in the murine epidermis, based on both in vitro and in vivo evidence, and better characterization of these cells remains an active goal. Because keratinocyte stem cells are believed to cycle slowly, a good method for identification is based on their ability to retain nucleoside analog, such as bromodeoxyuridine. Adult stem cells have been identified in other tissues, including hematopoietic, neural, and skeletal muscle, and stem cell surface markers have been characterized. We wanted to determine if cell-surface markers present on both hematopoietic and skeletal muscle stem cells (CD34, Sca-1, and Flk-1) were also present on keratinocyte stem cells, and could be used to identify them. The cell-surface expression of cells that retained bromodeoxyuridine label for at least 21 d was compared with that of nonlabel-retaining cells. Double-labeling for flow cytometric analysis was employed, and label-retaining cells were found to lack expression of the tested markers. β1 integrin levels were also evaluated, and although high expression was found on label-retaining cells, it was not specific for these cells.
Visually significant haze after retreatment with photorefractive keratectomy with mitomycin-C following laser in situ keratomileusis.

Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) with the adjunctive use of mitomycin-C (MMC) for the treatment of residual refractive error after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) has been shown to be safe and effective, with no occurrences of visually significant postoperative haze reported. We report a case of visually significant haze after PRK with MMC for residual myopia following LASIK. Financial Disclosure Neither author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.
Validation of the Urgency, Weak stream, Incomplete emptying, and Nocturia (UWIN) score compared with the American Urological Association Symptoms Score in assessing lower urinary tract symptoms in the clinical setting.

Objective To validate the Urgency, Weak stream, Incomplete emptying, and Nocturia (UWIN) survey for patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) by comparison with the American Urological Association Symptoms Score (AUA-SS). The hypothesis is that the UWIN will perform as well as the AUA-SS in assessing LUTS symptoms and quality of life. The AUA-SS is complex for many patients and can be misunderstood. The UWIN questionnaire was developed to serve as a simpler and shorter version of the AUA-SS, with the intent of improving accuracy and minimizing error in assessing LUTS. The UWIN consists of 4 questions scored 0-3 to give a maximum score of 12. Methods We screened 700 patients in the urology clinic between 2011 and 2012. We enrolled 593 patients who completed the AUA-SS survey and UWIN in the same clinic visit. The AUA-SS and UWIN responses were evaluated using Spearman correlation coefficients and Bland-Altman graphs. Results Correlation coefficients were calculated between the corresponding AUA-SS and UWIN items on 593 matched surveys, demonstrating a strong correlation coefficient of 0.81 or greater for each question, which was statistically significant ( P P Conclusion The UWIN appears to provide results comparable to the AUA-SS, while using a simpler format and taking less time to complete.
Identification of Interferon Regulatory Factor (IRF)-5 Tumor Suppressor Function in Human Breast Cancer.

Background: Transcription factors of the IRF family participate in the early host response to pathogens, hematopoietic differentiation and immunomodulation. IRFs can regulate cell growth and apoptosis thereby affecting the susceptibility to and progression of cancer. IRF-1 was recently identified as a tumor suppressor in breast cancer. Early evidence from our lab and others suggests that IRF-5 may also have tumor suppressor activities. Although loss of IRF-5 expression has recently been shown to enhance transformation by Ha-ras, very little is known of IRF-5 tumor suppressor function(s).Material and Methods: Using paraffin-embedded formalin-fixed human breast tissue specimens from 64 patients with varying stages of ductal carcinoma, we analyzed and compared the expression of IRF-1 and IRF-5 by immunofluorescence (IF). Clinical data, such as histological subtype, stage, and receptor expression (ER, PR Her-2) were available for clinicopathological correlations. Protein levels were also determined in normal human breast epithelial MCF-10A, and -12A cells, and in cancer cell lines MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, -468, and T47D by immunoblot and IF. By retroviral infection, we overexpressed IRF-5 in breast cancer cell lines or knocked-down IRF-5 in normal MCF-10A and -12A cells and examined cell growth, apoptosis, metastasis and sensitivity to cytotoxic stress. In vivo tumor suppressor function was determined in NCr nu/nu mice inoculated with MCF-7 or MDA-MB-231 cells expressing or lacking IRF-5.Results: We confirmed recent data on IRF-1 revealing that it is expressed less frequently in tumor tissue of high-grade ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) or invasive DC compared with normal breast tissue. Data from patient samples indicate a significant difference between IRF-1 and IRF-5 expression that was distinctly associated with breast cancer disease stages, including early-to-late stage DCIS, suggesting their utilization as prognostic indicators.Similar findings were made in breast cancer cell lines. We demonstrate that forced expression of IRF-5 in breast cancer cells inhibits colony formation, sensitizes cells to cytotoxic stress-induced apoptosis, inhibits metastasis, and tumor formation in nude mice. Conversely, knockdown of IRF-5 in MCF-10A and -12A cells resulted in resistance to stress-induced cell death.Discussion: Data from this study strongly support a tumor suppressor function for IRF-5 in breast cancer. Ultimately, the study is expected to lead us to the identification of new prognostic indicators and therapeutic approaches for the treatment of breast cancer. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(24 Suppl):Abstract nr 3160.
Infantile Fibrosarcoma—a Misnomer?

Two cases of congenital or infantile fibrosarcoma are described that were incompletely excised at the time of primary excision and have not recurred or metastasized after 3 years. The tumors were composed of densely cellular spindle cells with a high mitotic index. Immunohistochemical stains were positive for vimentin but negative for desmin and S-100. The tumor cells were grown in vitro, and a karyotype was obtained. Both tumors had normal diploid modal karyotypes. In addition, fragments of the primary tumor from both cases were injected subcutaneously into nude mice; neither tumor could be heterotransplanted. The clinical course and biologic features of these two tumors suggest that congenital or infantile sarcoma does not have the properties of a malignant neoplasm, and thus the designation of these tumors as a sarcoma may be a misnomer.
Analysis of power type singularities using finite elements

A finite element formulation is described for problems with solution functions known to have local rλ variation (s), 0<λ<1, and thus singular gradients. Special 3-node triangular elements encircle the singularity and focus to share a common node at the singular point. The shape function of each triangle has the appropriate r λ mode and a smooth angular mode expressed in element natural co-ordinates. As with standard elements, the unknowns are the nodal values of the function. Even if the precise angular form of the asymptotic solution is known, the formulation makes no attempt to embed it, but instead piecewise approximates it. This allows assembly of the element coefficient matrix using standard procedures without nodeless variables and bandwidth complications. The conditions of continuity, low order solution capability, and accurate numerical integration of the singularity element are discussed with a view towards establishing the general range of applicability of the formulation. Numerical applications to the elastic fracture mechanics problems of composite bondline cracking and crack branching are discussed.
Risk factors associated with peritoneal dialysis catheter survival: a 9-year single-center study in 315 patients.

Purpose To review the peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter outcomes at our center and assess factors affecting catheter survival. Methods We carried out a retrospective study on 315 patients who had their first PD catheter placed between January 2001 and September 2009 at the UT Southwestern/DaVita Peritoneal Dialysis Clinic at Dallas, Texas. Medical records were reviewed for demographic and clinical information of the patients. The primary end point of the study was PD catheter failure, defined as removal of a dysfunctional PD catheter due to catheter-related complications. Catheter survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to identify factors that are independently associated with catheter survival. Results The mean age of the patients was 49.7 ± 29 yrs. The study population included 54.6% females, 42.5% African American, 27.9% Caucasian and 22.9% Hispanic patients. Diabetes was the primary etiology of end-stage renal disease in 43.2% of patients. More than 90% of patients had one or more co-morbidities, and 57.5% had previous abdominal surgery. The mean BMI for the group was 28.6 ± 13.8 kg/m2. Less than a quarter of the patients (24.1%) had non-infectious/mechanical catheter problems. Overall PD catheter survival rates over 12, 24 and 36 months were 92.9%, 91.9% and 91.1%, respectively. PD catheter-related non-infectious problem was the only independent variable that was significantly associated with catheter survival (hazard ratio 22.467; 95% CI 6.665-75.732). No significant association was observed between the PD catheter survival and other risk factors including age, body mass index (BMI), diabetic status, co-morbidities, previous abdominal surgeries or infections. Conclusions Our study shows an excellent 3-yr PD catheter survival (91.1%). Only PD catheter-related non-infectious problems are significantly associated with catheter failure. Other factors such as age, gender, race, BMI, diabetic status, co-morbidities, previous abdominal surgeries, peritoneal infections or exit site/tunnel infections were not found to affect the PD catheter survival and should not be considered barriers to PD initiation.
Transport and Retention Behavior of ZnO Nanoparticles in Two Natural Soils: Effect of Surface Coating and Soil Composition

The widespread use of nanoparticles (NPs) in consumer goods could put these materials in the waste stream, potentially to soil and sediments. However, little is known about their transport in water and soils. In this study, transport behavior and attachment of ZnO NPs in soil components were studied through column experiments and sequential extraction, respectively. Bare and sodium citrate coated ZnO NP suspended in CaCl2 solutions at different ionic strengths, were passed through glass columns packed with sandy soils (SS) and sandy loam soils (SLS) and the effluents were analyzed by ICP-OES. The distribution of Zn in soil particles was studied by electron microprobe (EMP). Results showed that 99% of Zn/ZnO NPs was retained in SLS and 68% ~ 99% was retained in SS, for ionic strengths varying from 0 to 1 mM. Travel distances (cm) for bare ZnO NPs in SS and SLS were 19.2 and 5.3, respectively, while for coated NPs the distances were 21.4 and 6.9 cm, respectively. The surface coating reduced deposition rates from 0.73 to 0.65 and from 2.28 to 1.74 for SS and SLS, respectively. In both soils the amounts of uncoated NPs in the exchangeable fraction were less than 1%; however, 30% of coated NPs remained in the exchangeable fraction. EMP mapping showed that Zn/ZnO NPs associated with silica and aluminum, which are indicators of soil clay minerals. Long term observations are still needed to evaluate the bioavailability to plants of Zn released from coated and uncoated ZnO NPs.
Proton retention in the γ-elimination reaction catalysed by cystathionine γ-synthase

Abstract The ability of cystathionine γ-synthase to catalyze both γ-elimination and γ-replacement reactions with the substrate O -succinylhomoserine makes it unique among pyridoxal enzymes. The results of carrying out the γ-elimination reaction in 99.5% 2 H 2 O show that 80% of the hydrogen which replaces succinate in the γ position originates not in the solvent but in some part of the substrate molecule. The enzyme catalyzes a rapid exchange of hydrogen between cystathionine and water, a finding which precluded studies of the fate of hydrogen during the γ-replacement of succinate by cysteine.
Guiding deidentification forward.

The Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act (Division A, Title XIII of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act [ARRA] 2009, §§ 13101–13424, 123 Stat. 115, 228...