cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Orientational ordering of short LC rods in an anisotropic liquid crystalline polymer glass

Abstract The orientational phase diagram and ordering of guest liquid crystalline (LC) rods in a host liquid crystalline polymer (LCP) matrix quenched below the glass transition is determined by field theory. Microscopic anisotropic interactions can align the LC rods to each other and also align LCP matrix side chains and the LC rods in the plane normal to the local LCP chain contour. Our numerical analysis suggest ways to exploit host entropy, anisotropy of microscopic interactions and manipulate properties of LC rods for modern applications. We predict a nematic–nematic discontinuous orientational transition from a guest stabilized to a guest–host stabilized region and a reentrant transition from a guest stabilized nematic region to a host only stabilized regime. A detailed analysis of phase boundaries transitions and ordering is presented.
Endoscopic ultrasound drainage of pancreatic pseudocyst: a prospective comparison with conventional endoscopic drainage.

Background and study aims Pancreatic pseudocysts are a complication in up to 20% of patients with pancreatitis. Endoscopic management of pseudocysts by a conventional transenteric technique, i. e. conventional transmural drainage (CTD), or by endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage (EUD), is well described. Our aim was to prospectively compare the short-term and long-term results of CTD and EUD in the management of pseudocysts. Patients and methods A total of 99 consecutive patients underwent endoscopic management of pancreatic pseudocysts according to this predetermined treatment algorithm: patients with bulging lesions without obvious portal hypertension underwent CTD; all remaining patients underwent EUD. Patients were followed prospectively, with cross-sectional imaging during clinic visits. We compared short-term and long-term results (effectiveness and complications) at 1 and 6 months post procedure. Results 46 patients (37 men) underwent EUD and 53 patients (39 men) had CTD. The mean age of the entire group was 50 +/- 13 years. There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding short-term success (93% vs. 94%) or long-term success (84% vs. 91%); 68 of the 99 patients completed 6 months of follow-up. Complications occurred in 19% of EUD vs. 18% of CTD patients, and consisted of bleeding in three, infection of the collection in eight, stent migration into the pseudocyst in three, and pneumoperitoneum in five. All complications but one could be managed conservatively. Conclusions No clear differences in efficacy or safety were observed between conventional and EUS-guided cystenterostomy. The choice of technique is likely best predicated by individual patient presentation and local expertise.
Torsion-inversion tunneling patterns in the CH-stretch vibrationally excited states of the G12 family of molecules including methylamine.

Two torsion-inversion tunneling models (models I and II) are reported for the CH-stretch vibrationally excited states in the G12 family of molecules. The torsion and inversion tunneling parameters, h2v and h3v, respectively, are combined with low-order coupling terms involving the CH-stretch vibrations. Model I is a group theoretical treatment starting from the symmetric rotor methyl CH-stretch vibrations; model II is an internal coordinate model including the local–local CH-stretch coupling. Each model yields predicted torsion–inversion tunneling patterns of the four symmetry species, A, B, E1, and E2, in the CH-stretch excited states. Although the predicted tunneling patterns for the symmetric CH-stretch excited state are the same as for the ground state, inverted tunneling patterns are predicted for the asymmetric CH-stretches. The qualitative tunneling patterns predicted are independent of the model type and of the particular coupling terms considered. In model I, the magnitudes of the tunneling split...
Presymptomatic Detection of Prions in Blood

Prions are thought to be the proteinaceous infectious agents responsible for transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs). PrP Sc , the main component of the infectious agent, is also the only validated surrogate marker for the disease, and its sensitive detection is critical for minimizing the spread of the disease. We detected PrP Sc biochemically in the blood of hamsters infected with scrapie during most of the presymptomatic phase of the disease. At early stages of the incubation period, PrP Sc detected in blood was likely to be from the peripheral replication of prions, whereas at the symptomatic phase, PrP Sc in blood was more likely to have leaked from the brain. The ability to detect prions biochemically in the blood of infected but not clinically sick animals offers a great promise for the noninvasive early diagnosis of TSEs.
The Topolotron: A High Beta Device with Topological Stability

The concept of topological or structural stability is introduced and its importance in the magnetic confinement of plasmas is discussed. Topological stability requires the presence of a pair of limit cycles in the magnetic field configuration. This paper deals with the design of an experimental device possessing limit cycles. The design includes a high beta (s ? 1), high density (~1016), hot (~100 eV) hygrogen plasma which is to be compressed by a factor of about 5 in a toroidal device of 25 cm average major radius with a capacitor bank rise time of less than 2 ?sec. Two shaped toroidal coils with opposing currents and the poloidal compression coils have been designed to give a pressure balance equilibrium and establish the limit cycles. This device could be used to determine the physical significance of topological stability in plasma confinement.
Intransitive indifference and incomparability

Abstract This paper presents the concept of an incomplete semiorder and the result that such a structure can be extended to a semiorder. Corresponding results exist for interval orders. An economic application is provided.
Serine, glycine and one-carbon units: cancer metabolism in full circle

One-carbon metabolism involving the folate and methionine cycles integrates nutritional status from amino acids, glucose and vitamins, and generates diverse outputs, such as the biosynthesis of lipids, nucleotides and proteins, the maintenance of redox status and the substrates for methylation reactions. Long considered a 'housekeeping' process, this pathway has recently been shown to have additional complexity. Genetic and functional evidence suggests that hyperactivation of this pathway is a driver of oncogenesis and establishes a link to cellular epigenetic status. Given the wealth of clinically available agents that target one-carbon metabolism, these new findings could present opportunities for translation into precision cancer medicine.
Three phase bone scan interpretation based upon vascular endothelial response.

Objectives: A new method of interpretation of Three Phase Bone Scan (TPBS) scan based upon the normal physiological vascular endothelial related response. Materials and Methods: Fifty cases of TPBS were evaluated. Thirteen were normal. In remaining 37 positive studies, 20 showed localized hyperemic response. All localized hyperemic responses except one with vascular endothelial dysfunction were without infection (95.0%). Infection could be ruled out in absence of generalized massive flow and pool response. All 17 cases with generalized massive hyperemic response had infection, consistent with infection or CRPS/RSD. Micro-bacterial or histological confirmation of infection was obtained in 11 cases. All 11 cases with confirmed infection showed generalized massive hyperemic response (100.0%). Two were CRPS/RSD and 2 cases were of cellulitis (100.0%). Among remaining 2, one refused surgery and other was lost to follow-up. Additionally, 20 published cases in the literature of osteomyelitis were also analyzed. Nineteen cases of bone and joint infection, (osteomyelitis/arthritis/cellulitis) except one with endothelial dysfunction showed generalized massive increased flow and pool response (95.0%). All published cases of osteomyelitis in the literature showed generalized massive hyperemic response (100.0%). Results: The data clearly indicated that 100% of the cases of bone infection (osteomyelitis/arthritis/cellulitis) and cases of CRPS/RSD showed generalized massive flow and pool pattern. Infection could be ruled out in absence of generalized massive flow and pool response. All 100% published cases of osteomyelitis in the literature showed positive vascular endothelial response. Conclusion: By incorporating the concept of vascular endothelial related response causing massive vasodilatation in infection, the interpretation of the TPBS can be more precised as it is based upon the normal physiology. Larger studies are recommended.
Fractal-based method for textured-image compression

Textured images are generally difficult to compress because they contain a large number of high frequency components which are difficult to capture with traditional compression schemes such as transform coding, especially at high compression ratios. Since many textures possess a high degree of self-similarity at different scales, the fractal compression technique can be applied to effectively encode such textured images by exploiting this self-similar property. The main drawback of fractal compression is that the fractal encoding procedure is very time consuming. In this research, we focus on the speed up of this procedure by introducing three schemes: dimensionality reduction, energy-based classification, and tree search. We have developed an algorithm that combines these three schemes together and achieves a speed-up factor of 177 at the expense of only 0.4 dB degradation in PSNR relative to the unmodified exhaustive search for a typical textured image encoded with 0.44 bpp.
Plant Floor Information Systems Via Programmable Controller/Computer Networks

Plant floor information systems are gaining popularity and importance in nearly every production environment. Current competitive and economic considerations demand that manufacturers be more concerned with obtaining the highest levels of efficiency and quality. In order to attain these goals, many manufacturers are implementing—or considering implementation of—computerized information systems. This paper examines the design of a plant floor information system for monitoring engine manufacture at the Cadillac engine plant.
A New Classification System for Free Electronic Resources

Libraries play a crucial role in identifying, organizing, classifying, and delivering access to useful information at the point of need including information that is otherwise freely available online. A new classification system for free electronic resources called Scholarship, Persistence, Entity, Compatibility, and Convenience (SPECC) can help library personnel determine whether specific free electronic resources should be made available through their libraries. SPECC is not intended to be used as the only means of evaluating free electronic resources for collection development purposes, but SPECC does broadly categorize most free electronic resources and can save time and money.
Safety of capsule endoscopy in the octogenarian as compared with younger patients.

Background There has been an increased use of capsule endoscopy for the evaluation of small-intestine pathology in very elderly patients, yet the safety profile of this procedure has not been well-established. Objective To estimate the adverse event rate of capsule endoscopy in patients aged ≥80 years and to compare this rate with that of capsule endoscopy patients aged Design Retrospective matched cohort study. Setting Single tertiary-care referral center. Patients All 195 patients aged ≥80 years who underwent capsule endoscopy between 2005 and 2011 were included, along with 585 capsule endoscopy patients aged Intervention All patients underwent capsule endoscopy and, in selected cases, double-balloon enteroscopy. Main Outcome Measurements Adverse event rate of capsule endoscopy, which was defined as capsule retention or aspiration. Results Adverse events occurred at a similar frequency in patients aged ≥80 years compared with those aged P = 1.00), resulting in a difference of 0.2% (95% confidence interval, −1.8% to 2.1%). All adverse events were related to capsule retention, with no study patients experiencing aspiration. Limitations This was a single-center, retrospective study. Conclusion Adverse events resulting from capsule endoscopy occur at a similar rate in patients aged ≥80 years compared with those aged
The contraction of DNA-myosin fibers.

Abstract Fibers formed of the DNA-myosin complex were tested for their ability to contract under the influence of ATP. At pH 7.6, no contraction was observed, in contrast to the actin-myosin fibers which contracted strongly. The DNA-myosin fibers were found to contract and relax reversibly with changes in pH, both in the presence of, and in the absence of ATP. Within the range tested (pH 7.6-4.0), the degree of contraction increased the more acid the medium, a measurable tension becoming apparent at about pH 5.6. It is concluded that the molecular basis of contraction of DNA-myosin is different from that of actin-myosin, and that DNA cannot substitute for actin in the mechanism of actomyosin contraction.
Association between air pollution and low birth weight: a community-based study.

The relationship between maternal exposure to air pollution during periods of pregnancy (entire and specific periods) and birth weight was investigated in a well-defined cohort. Between 1988 and 1991, all pregnant women living in four residential areas of Beijing were registered and followed from early pregnancy until delivery. Information on individual mothers and infants was collected. Daily air pollution data were obtained independently. The sample for analysis included 74,671 first-parity live births were gestational age 37-44 weeks. Multiple linear regression and logistic regression were used to estimate the effects of air pollution on birth weight and low birth weight (< 2,500 g), adjusting for gestational age, residence, year of birth, maternal age, and infant gender. There was a significant exposure-response relationship between maternal exposures to sulfur dioxide (SO2) and total suspended particles (TSP) during the third trimester of pregnancy and infant birth weight. The adjusted odds ratio for low birth weight was 1.11 (95% CI, 1.06-1.16) for each 100 micrograms/m3 increase in SO2 and 1.10 (95% CI, 1.05-1.14) for each 100 micrograms/m3 increase in TSP. The estimated reduction in birth weight was 7.3 g and 6.9 g for each 100 micrograms/m3 increase in SO2 and in TSP, respectively. The birth weight distribution of the high-exposure group was more skewed toward the left tail (i.e., with higher proportion of births < 2,500 g) than that of the low-exposure group. Although the effects of other unmeasured risk factors cannot be excluded with certainty, our data suggests that TSP and SO2, or a more complex pollution mixture associated with these pollutants, contribute to an excess risk of low birth weight in the Beijing population.
Flurbiprofen in Post-Partum Women: Plasma and Breast Milk Disposition

The plasma and milk disposition of flurbiprofen (FB) was assessed in healthy women during the early post-partum period after multiple doses of FB. The results confirmed that a pragmatic study design is an attainable requirement for definitive statements about the excretion of FB in transitional milk. Nine doses of FB (50 mg per dose) were administered during three days. Paired milk and plasma samples were obtained during this period of dosing as well as after the last dose. The plasma data were used to derive an equation, which was then used to simulate cumulative plasma profiles for multiple doses given at unequal time intervals. The observed data corresponded to the simulated cumulative profiles of FB in plasma. The plasma elimination half-life of FB during early lactation was slightly prolonged (mean 4.8 hrs) as compared to reported values for normal adult men. The peak plasma concentrations of FB were comparable to those reported for healthy volunteers. In 10 of 12 women (3-5 days post-partum) the FB concentration in breast milk was less than 0.050 micrograms/ml. In two women the milk concentrations of FB were 0.06, 0.07 and 0.07 micrograms/ml as found in only three samples. We conclude that, on the basis of dose found in milk, FB is safe for women breast feeding their infants in the early post-partum period.
Bioassay of radiopromethium

Abstract Promethium-147 may be analyzed in urine, feces, and waste products using a simplified coprecipitation technique. The method is applied to the excreta from former workers of a promethium processing plant.
Formation of Pt islets on facets of Ru nanoparticles : First-principles study

We have carried out density functional theory based calculations of the size dependent formation energy and geometry of Pt islands on Ru(0001), to model Pt-Ru nanocatalysts which have been recently proposed as fuel cell anode. The Pt islands are found to prefer two-dimensional structures. Furthermore, a monotonic decrease in the formation energy per Pt atom suggests a propensity of Pt atoms to wet the Ru(0001) surface. Calculated energy barriers for the diffusion of Pt monomers and dimers on the facets and through the edges of a superstructure modeling a Ru nanoparticle indicate that these edges help reduce considerably the diffusion rates across them such that the Pt atoms prefer to remain in the facet on which they were adsorbed originally and form 2D islands.
Accounting as discursive construction: The relationship between statement of financial accounting standards no. 106 and the dismantling of retiree health benefits

Abstract This study explores reductions in benefits that occurred coincident with the passage of Statement of Financial Accounting Standard 106 requiring companies to accrue a liability for unfunded retiree health benefits. Congressional hearings and the business press reveal two competing discursive constructions of the retiree health benefits crisis. The first portrayed them as moral obligations that firms were attempting to avoid, the second as unexpected liabilities threatening corporations. Drawing on the work of Skocpol (1992), Weber (1949, 1978) and Burawoy (1983, 1985), we argue that characterizing these benefits primarily as accounting liabilities reinforced the second construction, facilitating corporate efforts to roll back retiree health coverage.
Motor asymmetries in the human infant: Stepping movements

Stepping movements were investigated for evidence of early motor asymmetry in 24 familial right-handed infants and 14 familial left-handed infants at each of five ages: 2–3 days after birth, 14 days, and 1, 2, and 3 months of age. Results indicated a nonsignificant right leg advantage during the newborn period, with few significant lateral preferences evidenced in either direction at later testing ages. These results fail to indicate that a reliable leg preference persists beyond the newborn period, particularly among familial right-handed infants. Thus, it seems unlikely that an asymmetry in stepping movements during early infancy marks the beginning of a direct developmental path that culminates in a motor asymmetry in later childhood.
Ampicillin plus ciprofloxacin therapy of experimental endocarditis caused by multidrug-resistant Enterococcus faecium

The combination of ampicillin and ciprofloxacin displayed bactericidal in-vitro activity against two strains of Enterococcus faecium which were highly resistant to ampicillin, vancomycin, and aminoglycosides. This antibiotic combination was used to treat rabbits with experimental endocarditis caused by these strains. Although a significant decrease in vegetation bacterial counts occurred with one strain, the degree of killing did not approach that of penicillin with an aminoglycoside against susceptible enterococci.
Murine Spam1 mRNA: involvement of AU-rich elements in the 3'UTR and antisense RNA in its tight post-transcriptional regulation in spermatids.

Sperm adhesion molecule1 (SPAM1), the best characterized hyaluronidase gene, is abundantly expressed in the testis. We attempted to overexpress mouse Spam1 via transgenesis using either the endogenous promoter in a BAC or a heterologous Protamine1 promoter for a Spam1 cDNA transgene. Although transgene-copy numbers ranged from 2 to 15 and transgenic transcripts were expressed, there was a general failure of overexpression of the RNA and protein in the testis of all seven founders. Also, three transgenic lines showed a modest downregulation or co-suppression of the RNA for Spam1 and Hyal5, present on the BAC. We provide evidence for the potential involvement of two co-ordinating post-transcriptional regulatory processes in the failure of overexpression: abundant endogenous antisense RNA and adenosine-uridine (AU)-rich element-mediated regulation of RNA turnover. We demonstrate that AU-rich elements (AREs) in the 3′UTR of mRNAs, well-known to interact with trans-acting proteins to target the RNA for (in)stability, are present in Spam1 RNA and specifically bind to six testicular cytoplasmic proteins. These AU-binding proteins (AUBPs) were virtually absent from the kidney where transcripts are rare, and were shown to interact with the cytoskeleton, which modulates mRNA turnover. In addition to a role in the RNAi pathway, antisense RNA can also modulate ARE-mediated regulation of mRNA by hybridizing to the AREs and specifically silencing their function. This potentially links the two processes in the regulation of Spam1 expression. We hypothesize that testicular Spam1 RNA is regulated post-transcriptionally by cis-acting ARE(s) in the 3′UTR which recognize AUBPs and which are modulated by antisense transcripts. Mol. Reprod. Dev. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Gravitationally induced quantum interference effects on fermion antibunching

Abstract It is shown that a gravitational potential difference between the two components of a split fermion beam in a fermion interferometer modulates the cross-correlation in particle fluctuations and the variance in difference counts of the two output beams at two detectors. The proposed effects are fermionic analogues of the optical Hanbury Brown-Twiss experiments and differ substantially both in concept and in observational procedure from the Colella-Overhauser-Werner experiment with neutrons. The effects should be observable with present field-emission electron beams and future cold neutron beams of higher brightness.
Trauma, genes, and the neurobiology of personality disorders

A model for personality dysfunction posits an interaction between inherited susceptibility and environmental factors such as childhood trauma. Core biological vulnerabilities in personality include dimensions of affective instability, impulsive aggression, and cognition/perceptual domains. For the dimension of impulsive aggression, often seen in borderline personality disorder (BPD), the underlying neurobiology involves deficits in central serotonin function and alterations in specific brain regions in the cingulate and the medial and orbital prefrontal cortex. The role of trauma in the development of personality disorder and especially for BPD remains unclear. Although recent studies suggest that BPD is not a trauma-spectrum disorder and that it is biologically distinct from posttraumatic stress disorder, high rates of childhood abuse and neglect do exist for individuals with personality dysfunction. Personality symptom clusters seem to be unrelated to specific abuses, but they may relate to more enduring aspects of interpersonal and family environments in childhood. Whereas twin and family studies indicate a partially heritable basis for impulsive aggression, studies of serotonin-related genes to date suggest only modest contributions to behavior. Gene-environment interactions involving childhood maltreatment are demonstrated in recent studies on antisocial behaviors and aggressive rhesus monkeys and highlight the need for further research in this important area.
High- sensitivity interferometric schemes for ML2 micromirror calibrations

This paper presents an interferometric method with high sensitivity and good linearity for calibration of micromirror arrays used in maskless lithography. An analytic model based on electric-field perturbation is developed to quantify the influences of mirror configuration and defocus on calibration sensitivity. With the analytic model, two optimization strategies to achieve the highest sensitivity are developed. For a 5-by-5 sub-array with a pixel size of 0.5λ/NA, the sensitivity is improved from 0.0078 I /° when the surrounding pixels are not actuated, to 0.02286 I /° and 0.0347 I /° when the pixels are arranged in optimized schemes at defocus of 0.0RU and 1.5RU, respectively. The typical improvement is about 3X to 4X when the optimized calibration schemes are used.
Relationship between the degeneration of the cruciate ligaments and calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal deposition: anatomic, radiologic study with histologic correlation

To investigate the association of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) crystal deposition and cruciate ligament (CL) degeneration, 10 cadaveric knees were studied with 1.5-T magnetic resonance imaging and sectioned in three planes. The slices were evaluated with high-resolution Faxitron radiography. The images and specimens were evaluated by two radiologists. Histologic sections were obtained from eight that contained calcifications and from two without calcifications. Radiographs and histologic analysis demonstrated CPPD crystal deposition in 80% of specimens and 75% of CLs in these eight specimens. Degenerative changes were observed in 75% of them. Such analysis demonstrated no evidence of CPPD crystals or degeneration in the control specimens.
Limiting and achievable efficiencies for solar thermal hydrogen production

Abstract For reversible conversion, we derive theoretical Sun-to-H2 (STH2) efficiencies for water-splitting processes harnessing solar energy as heat predominantly. At solar concentration ratios (C) of 2,000–10,000, the derived STH2 efficiency limits are 72.4–80.1%. For real processes with irreversibilities, we conceptualize direct and two-stage thermal water-splitting processes to estimate the achievable STH2 efficiency, the favorable operating conditions and design challenges that must be overcome. For direct thermal water-splitting, achievable STH2 efficiencies between 35 and 50% are possible at reaction temperatures of 1300–2000 K, and C = 2,000–10,000. This STH2 efficiency range is greater than the estimates of achievable values available for low and high temperature water electrolysis or single bandgap methods for generating H2. The direct process requires efficient heat integration, and high temperature membranes for H2(g) and O2(g) separation to surpass reaction equilibrium limitations. Alternatively, for two-stage water-splitting using Fe3O4/FeO with solar heat recovered at 1600–2300 K, the calculated estimates for the achievable STH2 efficiency are 38–54%.
Consumers’ and Providers’ Perceptions of Utilizing a Computer-Assisted Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Childhood Anxiety

Background: Computer-assisted cognitive behavioral therapy (CCBT) programs for childhood anxiety are being developed, although research about factors that contribute to implementation of CCBT in community mental health centers (CMHC) is limited. Aim: The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to explore consumers’ and providers’ perceptions of utilizing a CCBT for childhood anxiety in CMHC in an effort to identify factors that may impact implementation of CCBT in CMHC. Method: Focus groups and interviews occurred with 7 parents, 6 children, 3 therapists, 3 project coordinators and 3 administrators who had participated in CCBT for childhood anxiety. Surveys of treatment satisfaction and treatment barriers were administered to consumers. Results: Results suggest that both consumers and providers were highly receptive to participation in and implementation of CCBT in CMHC. Implementation themes included positive receptiveness, factors related to therapists, treatment components, applicability of treatment, treatment content, initial implementation challenges, resources, dedicated staff, support, outreach, opportunities with the CMHC, payment, and treatment availability. Conclusion: As studies continue to demonstrate the effectiveness of CCBT for childhood anxiety, research needs to continue to examine factors that contribute to the successful implementation of such treatments in CMHC.
The role of audit technology and extension of audit procedures in strategic auditing

Abstract This article develops game-theoretic hidden action models for examining the role of noisy audit technology and the extension of audit procedures in deterring material irregularities. We model two different types of games: (1) a game in which the auditor makes the acceptlreject decision after the primary audit, by sometimes going contrary to the audit signal, and (2) a game in which the auditor makes the accept/reject decision after the primary audit or after extending the audit. Nash strategies are analyzed, and the equilibrium behavior involves mixed strategies on the part of the auditor and the auditee. The key results of this analyses are: (1) increasing precision in audit effectiveness may result in increasing material irregularities, and (2) the increase in material irregularities can be avoided if the audit technology, that is, audit effectiveness and audit efficiency, exceeds the required critical values.
Unblocking in a runway discrimination problem produced by a surprising reduction in S− reward magnitude at the beginning of compound stimulus training

The effects of a surprising reduction in S− reward magnitude on the blocking of the acquisition of stimulus control by brightness cues following prior acquisition of discriminative control by internal cues were investigated here in an instrumental discrimination problem in the runway. Blocking groups received large reward (L) in S+ and nonreward (N) in S− during Phase 1 and failed to learn about brightness when brightness cues were added as redundant, relevant discriminanda in Phase 2 and the reinforcement conditions remained the same as in Phase 1. Control groups received training with internal cues and brightness cues simultaneously and equally relevant either in Phases 1 and 2 or only in Phase 2. Brightness cues acquired substantial discriminative control in both control groups. Two unblocking groups received small reward (S) in S − in Phase 1, but otherwise were trained as the blocking groups were. The shift from S in S− to N in S− at the beginning of compound stimulus training attenuated the blocking effect in both unblocking groups.
Treponemal infection in Peru's Early Colonial period: A case of complex lesion patterning and unusual funerary treatment.

Abstract This study describes a series of skeletal lesions observed in a mid 16th century individual of an old adult female from the Early Colonial Period of northern coastal Peru. This fragmented skeleton revealed evidence of complex, active, and systemic chronic infection that included multiple pathological foci on the cranial vault, extensive pathological new bone formation in both arms, the sternum, ribs, left scapula, clavicles, femora, and fibulae, which was paralleled by extensive endosteal obliteration of affected long bone medullary cavities. Differential diagnosis included hematogenous osteomyelitis, Paget's disease, fluorosis, melorheostosis, endosteal hyperostosis, and hypertrophic osteoarthropathy. Simultaneous periosteal and endosteal bone deposition of the clavicles, in addition to patterns of florid bone deposition on long bones and superficial cavitation, point most directly to treponemal disease. Co-morbidity with a non-specified respiratory disease and well-healed fractures of the tibiae are also considered. We also relate this person's illness to the highly informal disposal of their body to underscore how social perceptions of disease may have shaped this unusual and informal funerary ritual. Ultimately, this research cautions against overly “tibia-centric” thinking regarding treponemal syndromes, raises questions regarding the history and nature of treponemal disease in Peru, and highlights cross-disciplinary connections between paleopathology and mortuary archaeology.
Proximodistal alignment of the canine patella: radiographic evaluation and association with medial and lateral patellar luxation.

Objectives— To evaluate the contribution of proximodistal alignment of the patella to patellar luxation, and to evaluate the structures contributing to proximodistal alignment of the patella relative to the femoral trochlea. Study Design— Retrospective study using a convenience sample. Animals— Medium to giant breed dogs (n=106). Methods— Medical records and stifle radiographs of 106 dogs were reviewed. Radiographic measurements evaluated the proximodistal alignment of the patella with respect to the femoral trochlea, distal aspect of the femur, and proximal aspect of the tibia. Measurements were compared between dogs with clinically normal stifles (controls; n=51 dogs, 66 stifles), and dogs with a clinical diagnosis of medial patellar luxation (MPL, n=46 dogs, 65 stifles) or lateral patellar luxation (LPL, n=9 dogs, 11 stifles) using ANOVA. Results— In dogs with MPL, the ratio of patellar ligament length (PLL) to patellar length (PL) was increased, as was the ratio of the distance from the proximal aspect of the patella to the femoral condyle (A) to PL (P<.0001). Dogs with LPL had a decreased A:PL (P=.003) and an increased ratio of the proximal tibial length (PTL) to distal tibial width (DTW; P=.009). Conclusions— MPL is associated with a relatively long patellar ligament and patella alta in medium to giant breed dogs. LPL is associated with a relatively long proximal tibia and patella baja. Values for PLL:PL>2.06 and A:PL>2.03 are suggestive of the presence of patella alta, whereas a value for A:PL<1.92 is suggestive of patella baja. Clinical Relevance— Measurements of both PLL:PL and A:PL are recommended in dogs with patellar luxation, and surgical correction should be considered in those with abnormal values.
Phase contrast microscopy for identifying epidermal margins in unstained cryosections for Mohs micrographic surgery.

BACKGROUND. Mohs fresh tissue micrographic surgery has been accepted as the most reliable therapeutic modality for the eradication of recurrent cutaneous malignancies or those skin cancers that are difficult to treat otherwise. OBJECTIVE. We have developed a method to ascertain the presence of the epidermis and other edges in the tissue sections before staining the cryosections and microscopically searching them for cancer cells. METHODS. Our method for screening the cryosections for the epidermis can be done quickly and easily using relatively inexpensive phase contrast optics. RESULTS. Use of this method allows easy visualization of freshly cut cryosections, especially the presence of the epidermis and other edges of the tissue, in just a matter of seconds instead of a half hour to stain and recut the sections. CONCLUSIONS. Phase contrast microscopy and/or dark field illumination are instrumental in screening unstained cryosections for the presence of the tissue borders, especially the epidermis, before they are stained with hematoxylin and eosin. This method saves a great deal of time and effort both for the surgeon and the patient.
Nucleotide sequence of a γ gliadin gene: Comparisons with other γ gliadin sequences show the structure of γ gliadin genes and the general primary structure of γ gliadins

Abstract A low stringency screening of a wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) genomic library produced three types of γ gliadin clones. The sequence of one clone, λ10–20, encoded a γ gliadin of 34.3 kDa. Comparisons of this protein with the proteins encoded by other γ gliadin DNA sequences revealed a general γ gliadin structure: a 19-residue signal peptide; 12-residue mature amino terminus; 12–16 copies of a proline- and glutamine-rich heptapeptide repeat; a 76-residue region high in glutamine containing most of the cyysteines and charged residues: a 6–16-residue polyglutamine region; and the 41-residue carboxyl terminus. Comparisons of the 5′ and 3′ flanking regions of several γ gliadins reveals the high homology and general structure of γ gliadin genes. A further comparison of the 5′ flanking regions with the 5′ flanking regions of other prolamin genes showed that γ gliadin genes contain three copies of a conserved sequence seen within approx. 600 b.p. upstream of the translation start sites of prolamin genes.
High-temperature complementary metal oxide semiconductors (CMOS)

The results of an investigation into the possibility of using complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology for high temperature electronics are presented. A CMOS test chip was specifically developed as the test bed. This test chip incorporates CMOS transistors that have no gate protection diodes; these diodes are the major cause of leakage in commercial devices.
Anxiety as a Predictor of Age at First Use of Substances and Progression to Substance Use Problems Among Boys

This study examined associations of generalized and social anxiety with (1) age at first use of tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana and (2) interval from first use to first problem use of each substance. Participants were 503 males who comprised the youngest cohort (first assessed in the first grade) of the Pittsburgh Youth Study, a longitudinal community-based study of boys. Annual assessments of generalized and social anxiety, delinquency, and substance use from first grade through high school were included. Both types of anxiety predicted earlier first use of alcohol and tobacco, and generalized anxiety predicted earlier first use of marijuana. Both types of anxiety predicted the progression from first use to problems related to marijuana. The effect of generalized anxiety tended to be significant above and beyond the effect of delinquency, while the effect of social anxiety on risk for first use of substances was not. Overall, the associations between anxiety and substance use and related problems depend on the class of substance and the type of anxiety.
Improved macrobend optical-fiber tapped delay line for high-speed signal processing

Tapped delay lines having large numbers of taps are useful in a variety of signal processing applications where large processing gains are required. Delay lines having variably spaced taps can also be useful In many applications such as Fourier trans- formation and pulse compression. The macrobend optical fiber tapped delay line has been used to demonstrate a variety of signal processing functions at gigahertz rates.1,2 Thus far, however, devices with only modest numbers of equally spaced taps have been constructed. In this presentation we report on the construction of macrobend tapped delay lines having large numbers of taps. We also discuss a proposal for a chirped macrobend delay line and the application of such a device to matched filtering
THz imaging with metamaterials

Metamaterials have demonstrated the ability to efficiently alter electromagnetic radiation in the terahertz range. The use of semiconductors as substrates, or as part of the metamaterial itself, has enabled real-time dynamic control providing spatial and frequency modulation of THz waves. We utilize metamaterial / semiconducting spatial light modulators to enable single pixel time-multiplexed THz imaging. Various encoding schemes are explored and we experimentally demonstrate high fidelity THz images using several orders of magnitude less power than conventional imaging techniques.
The Influence of Race on the Use of Surgical Procedures for Treatment of Peripheral Vascular Disease of the Lower Extremities

Objective: To assess whether rates of amputation and leg-sparing surgery for peripheral vascular disease of the lower extremities differ between African-American and white patients. Design: Retrospective cohort study using Medicare claims data for 1989 and 1990. Setting: A total of 3313 hospitals in the United States. Patients: Random sample of 19 236 Medicare Part A enrollees who underwent amputation and/or leg-sparing surgery for peripheral vascular disease. Main Outcome Measures: Adjusted odds of toe and/or foot amputation, below-knee amputation, above-knee amputation, lower extremity arterial vascularization, and percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for African Americans relative to whites, controlling for case-mix, region, and hospital characteristics. Results: African-American patients were significantly more likely than white patients to undergo above-knee, below-knee, and toe and/or foot amputation and significantly less likely to undergo lower-extremity arterial revascularization and percutaneous transluminal angioplasty. These associations occurred for diabetic patients and nondiabetic patients but were more pronounced among patients who did not have diabetes. Conclusions: Potential explanations include unmeasured factors such as severity of disease and the technical expertise available at hospitals or other factors such as lack of compliance with medical treatment and racespecific treatment decisions by providers. Whatever the cause, interventions aimed toward reducing the number of amputations among African Americans are needed. Further work is required to determine where such interventions should be targeted. (Arch Surg. 1995;130:381-386)
Use of Thermal Gravimetric Analysis in Sorption Studies II: Evaluation of Diffusivity and Solubility of a Series of Aliphatic Alcohols in Polyurethan

A thermogravimetric analysis method was used to evaluate the diffusion and solubility of a series of aliphatic alcohols in a specific polyurethan film at several different temperatures. The diffusion coefficients were calculated from desorption curves by the use of a specific equation applied to the early stages of desorption. In general, the diffusion coefficients of the straight-chain alcohols increased with temperature and decreased with molecular weights. The branched-chain alcohols had diffusion coefficients lower than the nonbranched isomers. Activation energies of diffusion were also calculated and fell into the range of 9.16–14.5 kcal./mole. By knowing the diffusion and the solubility coefficients, the permeability constants were estimated.
STRATEGIES FOR DEVELOPING UNDERSTANDING OF PROFESSIONAL ETHICAL BEHAVIOR IN CLINICAL AND FIELD SITUATIONS

(1999). STRATEGIES FOR DEVELOPING UNDERSTANDING OF PROFESSIONAL ETHICAL BEHAVIOR IN CLINICAL AND FIELD SITUATIONS. Journal of Early Childhood Teacher Education: Vol. 20, No. 2, pp. 189-192.
Robert P. Meyer

Robert P. Meyer, Professor of Geophysics at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, died on April 9, 1997 in Punta Gorda, FL. He had been living with leukemia for five years. Meyer, an internationally recognized geophysicist, was well known for his contributions to seismic studies of the Earth's crust and upper mantle and the development of innovative instrumentation. Bob was born on December 12, 1924, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He began his studies at Carleton College but these were interrupted for service in the Army Air Corps as a radar instructor during World War II. He returned to school at the University of Wisconsin in Madison where he obtained a B.S. in physics and a Ph.D. in geophysics. His studies were directed by George P. Woollard, a pioneer in the geophysical study of Earth's structure and Bob's long-time mentor and friend. Woollard encouraged Bob's taste for travel, adventure, and pioneering field...
Social-cognitive functioning and schizotypal characteristics.

The authors examined the relationship between social cognition and a feature of schizotypal personality referred to as magical ideation, defined broadly as the presence and intensity of illogical beliefs about causality and the nature of reality. The measures of social cognition used in this study were the Character Intention Task (CIT) and the adult version of the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test. Regression analyses indicated that understanding of character intentions, as measured by CIT scores, and ability to identify emotions on the Eyes test were related to non-realistic beliefs. Principal components analysis of the Magical Ideation Scale generated 3 factors: Occult Beliefs, Non-Realism, and New Age Ideas. Results indicated that impaired understanding of character intentions and ability to identify emotions on the Eyes test were related to non-realistic beliefs. Understanding the cognitive impairments associated with schizotypal characteristics can facilitate development of more targeted therapeutic...
Minimally invasive esophagectomy for malignant and premalignant diseases of the esophagus.

Minimally invasive approaches increasingly are used to treat esophageal cancer and Barrett's esophagitis with high-grade dysplasia. The goals of a minimally invasive esophageal resection are to provide sound oncologic therapy while minimizing morbidity. This article describes the technique the authors use for laparoscopic–thoracoscopic esophagectomy. Comparison data are presented for alternative endoscopic therapy primarily used in candidates not suitable for surgery.
Phosphorylation of the PEST Domain of IκBβ Regulates the Function of NF-κB/IκBβ Complexes

Activation of transcription factor NF-κB involves the signal-dependent degradation of basally phosphorylated inhibitors such as IκBα and IκBβ. The gene encoding IκBα is under NF-κB control, which provides a negative feedback loop to terminate the induced NF-κB response. However, recent studies have identified a hypophosphorylated pool of IκBβ that shields nuclear NF-κB from inhibition by newly synthesized IκBα. In the present work, we provide three lines of evidence indicating that this protection mechanism is regulated by the C-terminal PEST domain of IκBβ. First, disruption of two basal phosphoacceptors present in the IκBβ PEST domain (Ser-313 and Ser-315) yields a mutant that forms ternary complexes with NF-κB and its target DNA-binding site. Second, based on in vitromixing experiments, these ternary complexes are resistant to the inhibitory action of IκBα. Third, mutants of IκBβ that are defective for phosphorylation at Ser-313 and Ser-315 fail to efficiently block NF-κB-directed transcription in vivo, whereas replacement of these two IκBβ residues with a phosphoserine mimetic generates a fully functional repressor. Taken together, our findings suggest that the functional fate of NF-κB when bound to IκBβ is critically dependent on the phosphorylation status of the IκBβ PEST domain.
Depressive symptoms and life events in physically ill hospitalized adolescents

To study life events and depressive symptoms in adolescents hospitalized for physical illness, we administered the Coddington Life Events Survey and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) to 43 acutely ill adolescents, 42 chronically ill adolescents, and 140 adolescents from a general population. There were no differences between the three groups in total BDI, Psychological BDI, and Coddington Life Change Categories adjusted for hospitalization. The Somatic BDI was significantly greater in the acutely ill and chronically ill than in the general population sample ( p r =0.44, p r =0.44, p r =0.43, p
Some electrical properties of thin lipid films formed from cholesterol and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide

Abstract Bimolecular lipid membranes were formed from decane solutions of cholesterol in contact with an electrolyte of 1 mM NaCl and 20–100μM cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). At the extremes of CTA+ concentration in the range studied, films have stable high resistances exceeding 106 Ω cm2. At concentrations of CTA+ slightly above the minimum concentration required for film formation, the resistance falls rapidly with time and stabilizes at levels around 104 Ω cm2. The composition and properties of these films may be altered by the passage of currents of the order of 10−9 A cm−2. The electrical properties of this simple system are similar to those reported for more complex membranes of biologically derived material, and suggest possible interpretations of these effects.