cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mental retardation and adult women's perceptions of adolescent sexual abuse

This study examined the effect of mental retardation and an adolescent girl's behavior on adult women's perceptions of sexual abuse and the girl's responsibility. Subjects were 288 women, age 18 to 33, who were randomly assigned a vignette describing a sexual encounter between an adolescent girl and boy. Girl's diagnosis (mentally retarded or nonretarded), boy's diagnosis (mentally retarded or nonretarded) and girl's behavior (encouraging, passive, or resisting) were experimentally manipulated. Factor analysis of responses yielded three factors: girl's responsibility, boy's abusiveness, and parents' responsibility. Results indicate that subjects perceive the girl's responsibility differently among girls with and without mental retardation. Regardless of her behavior, subjects perceive the girl as bearing little responsibility when she is retarded. However, when she is nonretarded, she bears more responsibility when she is encouraging than when she is passive or resisting, and she bears greater responsibility when she is passive than when she is resisting. Also, when the girl is encouraging, the boy's perceived sexual abusiveness is less when he is mentally retarded than when he is nonretarded. Finally, parents are assigned greatest responsibility when the girl is passive, regardless of her diagnosis.
Bone-retinaculum-bone reconstruction of scapholunate ligament injuries

This article describes the indications for the use of a bone-retinaculum-bone autograft in soft tissue reconstruction of the torn scapholunate ligament. Specific surgical technique and postoperative management are highlighted. Initial results of a primary cohort of patients undergoing this technique are described. The technique is mainly indicated for patients with scapholunate ligament tears that are moderately easy to reduce by open methods.
Four considerations in using imagery techniques with children

Abstract Behavior therapists have generaly used overt techniques when treating children. However, imagery offers a promising set of techniques which have generally been overlooked. Based on the available information, therapists should, when using imagery techniques with children: (1) tailor imagery scenes to fit the age of the child, (2) incorporate existing fantasies and cognitions into treatment, (3) use non-verbal cues to supply important information about the treatment process, and (4) utilize verbal reports of images in treatment.
Pulmonary Expression of Leukemia Inhibitory Factor Induces B Cell Hyperplasia and Confers Protection in Hyperoxia

Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is produced by a large number of pulmonary cells in response to diverse stimuli. Exaggerated levels of LIF have also been detected in the adult respiratory distress syndrome and other disorders. The biologic effects of LIF in the lung, however, have not been elucidated. To define the respiratory effects of LIF, we generated transgenic mice in which human LIF was selectively targeted to the mature lung. In these mice, transgene activation caused an impressive increase in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cellularity with a significant increase in BAL and tissue B lymphocytes. LIF also conferred protection in 100% O2 where it decreased alveolar-capillary protein leak and enhanced survival. This protective effect was associated with the induction of interleukin (IL)-6 mRNA and protein. LIF transgenic mice with a null mutation in IL-6 were more sensitive to the toxic effects of 100% O2 than LIF-transgenic animals with a wild-type IL-6 locus. These studies demonstrate that LIF induces B cell hyperplasia and confers protection in hyperoxic acute lung injury. They also demonstrate that LIF induces IL-6 and that the protective effects of LIF are mediated, in part, via this inductive event. LIF may be an important regulator of B cell-mediated responses and oxidant injury in the lung.
Effect of Server's “Thank You” and Personalization on Restaurant Tipping1

Servers in restaurants frequently use the tactic of writing “thank you” on the backs of checks before delivering them to dining parties. Servers also frequently personalize their interaction with dining parties by signing their first name below the gratitude message. The effectiveness of these tactics in increasing tips was examined. In a field experiment conducted in an upscale restaurant in a large Northeastern city, a server wrote on the backs of the checks either nothing, “thank you,” or “thank you” plus her first name. The addition of “thank you” increased tip percentages, although personalization by adding her first name had no effect. It was concluded that the commonly employed low-cost tactic of expressing gratitude to customers by writing “thank you” on the check can produce a worthwhile return.
Modulation of ubiquitin dynamics and suppression of DALIS formation by the Legionella pneumophila Dot/Icm system

Summary Legionella pneumophila is an intracellular pathogen that uses effector proteins translocated by the Dot/Icm type IV secretion system to modulate host cellular processes. Here we investigate the dynamics of subcellular structures containing ubiquitin during L. pneumophila infection of phagocytic host cells. The Dot/Icm system mediated the formation of K48 and K63 poly-ubiquitin conjugates to proteins associated with L. pneumophila-containing vacuoles in macrophages and dendritic cells, suggesting that regulatory events and degradative events involving ubiquitin are regulated by bacterial effectors during infection. Stimulation of TLR2 on the surface of macrophages and dendritic cells by L. pneumophila-derived molecules resulted in the production of ubiquitin-rich dendritic cell aggresome-like structures (DALIS). Cells infected by L. pneumophila with a functional Dot/Icm system, however, failed to produce DALIS. Suppression of DALIS formation did not affect the accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins on vacuoles containing L. pneumophila. Examining other species of Legionella revealed that Legionella jordanis was unable to suppress DALIS formation after creating a ubiquitin-decorated vacuole. Thus, the L. pneumophila Dot/Icm system has the ability to modulate host processes to promote K48 and K63 ubiquitin conjugates on proteins at the vacuole membrane, and independently suppress cellular events required for the formation of DALIS.
The chemokine CCL2 activates p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway in cultured rat hippocampal cells.

Emerging evidence indicates that chemokines can regulate both the physiology and biochemistry of CNS neurons and glia. In the current study, Western blot analysis showed that in rat hippocampal neuronal/glial cultures the signal transduction pathway activated by CCL2, a chemokine expressed in the normal brain and at elevated levels during neuroinflammation, involves a G-protein coupled receptor, p38 MAPK as well as its immediate upstream kinase MKK3/6, and the downstream transcription factor CREB. ERK 1/2 and the transcription factors STAT1 and STAT3 do not play a prominent role. CCL2 also altered Ca2+ influx and synaptic network activity in the hippocampal neurons. These results suggest an important role for p38 MAPK and CREB in hippocampal actions of CCL2.
SWIRL Program Expanded for 2013 Meetings to Promote Interdisciplinary Collaboration

At the 2012 Fall Meeting, AGU implemented a new path for interdisciplinary collaboration through SWIRL sessions. This concept was initiated by the AGU Council and first developed by the AGU Fall Meeting Program Committee as a mechanism to identify, link, and organize select sessions from various sections into themes. The SWIRL themes provided attendees with the opportunity to explore an interdisciplinary experience at the Fall Meeting.
Ring curettes for transsphenoidal pituitary operations

Abstract A set of blunt-ring curettes has been designed for transsphenoidal pituitary surgery. The bluntness of the curette edges and the ring shape have the advantage of reducing the likelihood of inadvertent vascular or neural injury or unexpected perforation of the arachnoid membrane, dura mater, walls of the cavernous sinus, or capsule of the tumor. The curettes have small circular loops on the dissecting tip in three different diameters: 3, 5, and 9 mm. They are used in nearly all the stages of transsphenoidal operations, from opening the sella turcica and exploring the gland to the final steps of removing large and small tumors and hypophysectomy.
Absorption Spectrum of Iodine Bromide

It is shown by means of a vibrational analysis that the absorption spectrum of iodine bromide is analogous to that of iodine chloride and that an interpretation similar to that recently proposed by the writer and Gibson for ICl is applicable. The infrared bands of IBr discovered by Badger and Yost are classified as a $^{3}\ensuremath{\Pi}_{1}\ensuremath{\leftarrow}^{\ensuremath{'}}\ensuremath{\Sigma}$ transition. The $^{3}\ensuremath{\Pi}_{{0}^{+}}\ensuremath{\leftarrow}^{\ensuremath{'}}\ensuremath{\Sigma}$ system is observed as a faint set of bands in the red, not hitherto reported, which exhibit the same type of predissociation as the corresponding bands of ICl. Transitions to a state which originates at the maximum of the $^{3}\ensuremath{\Pi}_{{0}^{+}}$ state and which dissociates to yield normal iodine and excited bromine atoms are observed as a strong system of partially diffuse bands. Cordes' assignment of these bands to two systems is not confirmed. In the present work the vibrational quantum numbering for each system is deduced from measurements of the isotope effect due to bromine. The heat of dissociation of IBr is 1.808\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.001 volts. For the four molecules ${\mathrm{I}}_{2}$, IBr, ICl, and ${\mathrm{Br}}_{2}$ it is shown that the separation of the $^{3}\ensuremath{\Pi}_{{0}^{+}}$ and $^{3}\ensuremath{\Pi}_{1}$ states is roughly equal to two-thirds of the mean $^{2}P$ multiplet widths of the constituent atoms. The total $^{3}\ensuremath{\Pi}$ widths are then probably greater and the $^{3}\ensuremath{\Pi}_{2}$ state somewhat lower than has been supposed.
Ultrasensitive online SERS detection of structural isomers separated by capillary zone electrophoresis

A mixture of structural isomers was separated and identified at nanomolar concentrations (∼100 000 molecules) by incorporating capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) with a sheath flow surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) detector. Baseline resolution was obtained from three structural isomers of rhodamine using a planar silver SERS substrate, demonstrating the utility of this approach for trace chemical analysis.
Semaphorin 3E–Plexin-D1 signaling controls pathway-specific synapse formation in the striatum

The proper formation of synaptic connectivity in the mammalian brain is critical for complex behavior. In the striatum, balanced excitatory synaptic transmission from multiple sources onto two classes of principal neurons is required for coordinated and voluntary motor control. Here we show that the interaction between the secreted semaphorin 3E (Sema3E) and its receptor Plexin-D1 is a critical determinant of synaptic specificity in cortico-thalamo-striatal circuits in mice. We find that Sema3e (encoding Sema3E) is highly expressed in thalamostriatal projection neurons, whereas in the striatum Plxnd1 (encoding Plexin-D1) is selectively expressed in direct-pathway medium spiny neurons (MSNs). Despite physical intermingling of the MSNs, genetic ablation of Plxnd1 or Sema3e results in functional and anatomical rearrangement of thalamostriatal synapses specifically in direct-pathway MSNs without effects on corticostriatal synapses. Thus, our results demonstrate that Sema3E and Plexin-D1 specify the degree of glutamatergic connectivity between a specific source and target in the complex circuitry of the basal ganglia.
Alteration of the Cytochrome C Folding Pathway in Solution and Within Sol-Gel Glasses by Addition of Hofmeister Salts

The ferric cytochrome c (un)folding mechanism in the presence of steric constraints and salts is examined. Unfolding was initiated both thermally and with chemical denaturants. Sol-gel encapsulation was used to constrain the protein to a volume close to the “molten globule state.” Hofmeister salts were added singly and in pairs to alter protein stability. UV/VIS absorption spectroscopy and a basis spectra fitting analysis were used to determine the populations of each protein conformation along the folding pathway. These species can be differentiated by their axial heme ligands. Four species exist in solution: the native HM state (His18/Met80), the partially folded HW (His18/water) and HH (His18/His33) intermediates, and the 5C (water) unfolded state. An additional unfolded state found only within the sol-gel contains an unligated four-coordinate heme sequestered from aqueous solution. Solution results indicate that the thermal and chemical denaturization pathways are not the same, but that both involve significant backbone rearrangement. Further, while every species observed in solution is also observed in the sol-gel, their relative populations are different, indicating that backbone motions are hindered by encapsulation within the sol-gel matrix. The ranking of salts in the Hofmeister series (from stabilizing to destabilizing protein structure) was found to persist in the sol-gel samples, and in some cases a larger effect on protein stability was found in the sol-gels. Additionally, it was found that addition of multiple salts changed the protein's stability in an additive manner. Both the (un)folding kinetics and the accessible conformations were found to depend on the identity of ions present. These results are discussed in terms of the hydrophobic effect and an altered water structure within the confines of the gel pores.
Compliance with recommendations for tympanostomy tube follow-up: patient characteristics.

Objectives(1) To determine the percentage of otherwise healthy patients achieving “graduation,” or postoperative compliance achieving complete problem resolution and discharge from the otolaryngolo...
Strength assessment of existing deck slab of a jetty berth by using finite element analysis

Abstract It is proposed to install a single loading arm on an existing jetty berth with a provision for two more additional arms in the future. As an alternative to major modifications to the existing deck slab, strength assessment of the slab has been performed. Steel grillage spreader has been used to spread the loading arm loads. The applied force/moment distribution in the slab has been determined by using finite element analysis. The results thus obtained have been compared with the strength of the existing slab obtained by using BS 8110. This comparison indicated that the existing deck slab has reserve capacity to carry the loads from a single loading arm and may require minor modification for three (3) loading arms, thus saving considerable construction time and cost as opposed to major modifications.
Faculty Grading of Quantitative Problems: A Mismatch between Values and Practice

Grading practices can send a powerful message to students about course expectations. A study by Henderson et al. (American Journal of Physics 72:164–169, 2004) in physics education has identified a misalignment between what college instructors say they value and their actual scoring of quantitative student solutions. This work identified three values that guide grading decisions: (1) a desire to see students’ reasoning, (2) a readiness to deduct points from solutions with obvious errors and a reluctance to deduct points from solutions that might be correct, and (3) a tendency to assume correct reasoning when solutions are ambiguous. These authors propose that when values are in conflict, the conflict is resolved by placing the burden of proof on either the instructor or the student. Here, we extend the results of the physics study to earth science (n = 7) and chemistry (n = 10) instructors in a think-aloud interview study. Our results suggest that both the previously identified three values and the misalignment between values and grading practices exist among science faculty more generally. Furthermore, we identified a fourth value not previously recognized. Although all of the faculty across both studies stated that they valued seeing student reasoning, the combined effect suggests that only 49% of faculty across the three disciplines graded work in such a way that would actually encourage students to show their reasoning, and 34% of instructors could be viewed as penalizing students for showing their work. This research may contribute toward a better alignment between values and practice in faculty development.
Endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation combined with phacoemulsification versus phacoemulsification alone in medically controlled glaucoma.

Purpose To compare the outcomes of combined endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation (ECP) and phacoemulsification cataract extraction versus cataract extraction alone in eyes with medically controlled open-angle glaucoma (OAG) and visually significant cataract. Setting Clinical practices of glaucoma specialists and comprehensive ophthalmologists. Design Prospective nonrandomized matched-control study. Methods Consecutive patients with medically controlled OAG and visually significant cataracts were treated with ECP and cataract extraction (study group) or cataract extraction alone (control group). The groups were matched in age and baseline intraocular pressure (IOP). The main outcome measures were the change in IOP and number of glaucoma medications. Secondary measures included visual acuity and postoperative complications. Results In the study group (n = 80) the mean IOP decreased (baseline: 18.1 mm Hg ± 3.0 [SD]; 1 year: 16.0 ± 2.8 mm Hg; 2 years: 16.0 ± 3.3 mm Hg). The number of glaucoma medications decreased from 1.5 ± 0.8 to 0.4 ± 0.7 (1 year and 2 years). In the control group (n = 80), the mean IOP was 18.1 ± 3.0 mm Hg (baseline), 17.5 ± 3.6 mm Hg (1 year), and 17.3 ± 3.2 mm Hg (2 years). The mean number of glaucoma medications was 2.4 ± 1.0, 1.8 ± 1.2, and 2.0 ± 1.0, respectively. The difference in IOP and medication reduction between the 2 groups was statistically significant at all timepoints. Visual acuity outcomes and complication rates were similar between the 2 groups. Conclusion Combined ECP and cataract extraction resulted in lower IOP and a greater reduction in glaucoma medications than cataract extraction alone in medically controlled OAG patients with visually significant cataract. Financial Disclosures Proprietary or commercial disclosures are listed after the references.
Impairment of type III group B Streptococcus-stimulated superoxide production and opsonophagocytosis by neutrophils in diabetes.

The effect of hyperglycemia upon susceptibility to bacterial infection in diabetes mellitus is incompletely elucidated. The present experiments assessed the effect of hyperglycemia upon neutrophil-mediated phagocytosis of type III group B Streptococcus (GBS). Type III GBS was chosen for study because the incidence of invasive GBS disease is substantially increased in type 2 diabetic compared with nondiabetic subjects. The hypothesis tested was that severe hyperglycemia would alter neutrophil metabolism by diverting NADPH from superoxide production into the aldose reductase-dependent polyol pathway that converts glucose into sorbitol and thus would impair opsonophagocytosis (OP) of type III GBS. Neutrophils from 10 adults with type 2 diabetes had no intrinsic phagocytic defect under baseline glycemic conditions. After equilibration in 60 or 120 mM glucose or in 60 mM choline chloride, OP activity was reduced significantly (P < or = 0.03). Neutrophil superoxide production correlated with glucose concentration and also was significantly reduced during hyperglycemia (P < 0.05). Addition of III GBS capsular polysaccharide-specific IgG in a sufficient concentration supported efficient OP, even during hyperglycemia. Alrestatin, an aldose reductase inhibitor, increased superoxide production and significantly improved OP of type III GBS (P = 0.03). Thus, diversion of NADPH into the polyol pathway is one mechanism by which OP of GBS III is impaired during hyperglycemia, and this effect is mitigated when levels of capsular polysaccharide-specific IgG are sufficient.
Outcome of singleton pregnancies with severe oligohydramnios in the second and third trimesters

We evaluated the significance of severe oligohydramnios, or anhydramnios, in the second and third trimesters, by determining the range of etiologies as well as the differences in fetal and neonatal outcome. All prenatal ultrasound results on pregnancies found to have severe oligohydramnios over a 7.5-year period at 13-42 weeks' gestation were retrospectively collected. Follow-up results were obtained from review of medical records, autopsies and pathology reports. A total of 250 singleton pregnancies met the criteria of having severe oligohydramnios. A bimodal distribution in gestational age at diagnosis was seen, with more cases diagnosed at 13-21 weeks and at 34-42 weeks. Fetal abnormalities were present in 50.7% of those diagnosed with severe oligohydramnios in the second trimester and in 22.1% of those in the third trimester. There were 10.2% and 85.3% survivors when severe oligohydramnios was diagnosed in the second and third trimesters, respectively. The rate of aneuploidy was at least 4.4% for the entire singleton population. A bimodal distribution of pregnancies presenting with severe oligohydramnios represents two different naturally occurring populations in terms of both etiology and prognosis.
Analysis of nitride films on silicon substrates by ion beam methods

The simultaneous determination of light element contamination levels and accurate nitrogen-to-metal ratios in nitride thin films deposited on silicon substrates is demonstrated by using α-particle beam energies in the range 3–4 MeV. In this energy range, significant light element sensitivity enhancements are observed, while the heavy elements show classical Rutherford behavior. The use of resonance scattering at different resonance energies is shown to be the method of choice for analyzing BN films on silicon. Also, a technique is suggested for analyzing very thin films in which an aluminum foil substrate and buffer layer are used to enhance sensitivities.
Assembly focuses on volcanism and societal impacts

With a theme of “Volcanism and Its Impact on Society,” the November 2004 meeting of the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior (IAVCEI) held in Pucon, Chile, brought together experts to discuss many aspects of volcanology The five-day IAVCEI meeting was the association's largest, attracting 940 participants from 44 countries. U.S. participants constituted one third. The meeting consisted of over 1100 abstracts presented in 12 theme sessions, and reflected a diversity of disciplines and techniques encompassed by volcanic studies.
Using proper orthogonal decomposition to model off-reference flow conditions

Abstract Proper orthogonal decomposition results from subsonic and transonic flow regimes are presented, and the full-order model is compared with the reduced-order models. The reduced-order models use basis functions generated for on- and off-reference flow conditions. For on-reference flow conditions, proper orthogonal decomposition of the full-order model is performed to generate the basis functions. For off-reference flow conditions, basis functions are obtained through interpolating among basis functions corresponding to bracketing flow conditions. Interpolation is performed on a tangent space to a Grassmann manifold. This paper evaluates the accuracy of POD at off-reference flow conditions for subsonic and transonic flow regimes. The results show that interpolation yields good results for the subsonic cases, but the accuracy of the transonic cases is considerably lower. Furthermore, the energy spectrum is used to assess the necessary number of basis functions. It is demonstrated that in order to determine the number of basis functions, it is better to assess the variation of individual energy values, as opposed to the cumulative energy values.
Structures of the Clusters Produced by Laser Desorption of Fullerenes: [2+2] Cycloadducts of Preshrunk Cages

The laser desorption of C60 or C70 fullerenes yields a distribution of ions with masses corresponding to an even number of carbon atoms around integer multiples of 60 or 70. Clusters with 120 or 140 atoms have been characterized as large coalesced fullerenes and fullerene dimers joined by a [2+2] cycloaddition. Several structures had been proposed for the species with less than an integer multiple of 60 or 70 atoms, but none of them has been validated experimentally. We have examined Cn (n = 112, 114, 116, 118, 136, and 138) cations and anions using high resolution ion mobility measurements and compared the results with trajectory calculations for a number of candidate geometries. We find that these species exist as near-spherical cages and [2+2] cycloadducts of smaller fullerenes derived from C60 or C70. Quadruply bound C116, C118, C136, and C138 isomers that would result from the stepwise elimination of C2 from the preformed [2+2] C60 or C70 dimers were not observed. Hence the fullerene dimers lacking a...
Nonparametrics: The Early Years—Impressions and Recollections

Abstract In 1942 Wolfowitz introduced the term nonparametric into the statistical literature to call attention to the need for extending then-existing statistical theory beyond the customary parametric framework. Subsequently, statistical methods that did not depend on a strictly parametric setup became known as nonparametric methods. This article surveys developments in nonparametrics roughly up to 1960. The suggestion is made that statistics might be better served by eliminating the term nonparametric altogether from the statistical vocabulary.
Synaptic protein degradation by the ubiquitin proteasome system.

Synaptic plasticity — the modulation of synaptic strength between a presynaptic terminal and a postsynaptic dendrite — is thought to be a mechanism that underlies learning and memory. It has become increasingly clear that regulated protein synthesis is an important mechanism used to regulate the protein content of synapses that results in changes in synaptic strength. Recent experiments have highlighted a role for the opposing process, that is, regulated protein degradation via the ubiquitin–proteasome system, in synaptic plasticity. These recent findings raise exciting questions as to how proteasomal activity can regulate synapses over different temporal and spatial scales.
Simulating vesicle-substrate adhesion using two phase field functions

A phase field model for simulating the adhesion of a cell membrane to a substrate is constructed. The model features two phase field functions which are used to simulate the membrane and the substrate. An energy model is defined which accounts for the elastic bending energy and the contact potential energy as well as, through a penalty method, vesicle volume and surface area constraints. Numerical results are provided to verify our model and to provide visual illustrations of the interactions between a lipid vesicle and substrates having complex shapes. Examples are also provided for the adhesion process in the presence of gravitational and point pulling forces. A comparison with experimental results demonstrates the effectiveness of the two phase field approach.
Wave interaction with a semi-porous cylindrical breakwater mounted on a storage tank

The interaction of linear water waves with a semi-porous cylindrical breakwater surrounding a rigid vertical circular cylinder mounted on a storage tank is investigated theoretically. The cylindrical breakwater structure is porous in the vicinity of the free-surface, while at some distance below the water surface it becomes impermeable. Under the assumptions of linearized potential flow, the coupled problem of flow in the interior and exterior fluid regions is solved by an eigenfunction expansion approach. Analytical expressions are obtained for the wave motion in both the interior and exterior flow regions. Numerical results are presented which illustrate the effects of the various wave and structural parameters on the hydrodynamic loads and interior and exterior wave fields. It is found that for certain parameter combinations the semi-porous, cylindrical breakwater may result in a significant reduction in the wave field and hydrodynamic forces experienced by the interior structure.
Supersensitivity of spinal opioid receptors to antagonists in intrathecal butorphanol and morphine dependence

Abstract The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate changes in the sensitivity of spinal opioid receptors to selective antagonists in rats rendered dependent on intrathecal (i.t.) butorphanol and morphine. Using quantitative autoradiography, competitive binding assays with selective opioid antagonists were performed in the spinal cord sections of i.t. Butorphanol- and morphine-dependent rats in which withdrawal was precipitated by i.t. Naloxone. In butorphanol-dependent rats, the spinal κ-opioid receptor developed a greater degree of antagonist supersensitivity than the spinal δ- and μ-opioid receptors did. In contrast, the spinal μ-opioid receptor became more sensitive than the δ-opioid receptor in morphine-dependent rats. These results indicate that differential supersensitivity of spinal opioid receptors was induced after chronic i.t. infusions of butorphanol and morphine.
Ifosfamide-induced neurotoxicity

Ifosfamide is an active chemotherapeutic agent in a wide range of gynecologic tumors; favorable response rates have been reported in ovarian (epithelial and germ cell), uterine, and cervical neoplasms. Central neurotoxicity is a known, but poorly described side effect. We report 23 patients who received a total of 75 cycles of ifosfamide, either as a single agent or in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents. Six of twenty-three (26%) experienced grade 4 neurotoxicity; clinical presentation included confusion, aphasia, hallucinations, and coma. All patients exhibited the first evidence of neurotoxicity by the end of the 24-hr infusion. Three of six patients with grade 4 neurotoxicity expired within 14 days of receiving ifosfamide. The neurotoxicity resolved over 2 to 4 days in the remaining patients. Serum albumin was normal (greater than 3.5 g/dl) in 63 cycles of ifosfamide not associated with neurotoxicity. When serum albumin was less than 3.5 g/dl, 6 of 12 cycles were associated with severe neurotoxicity (P less than 0.001). Low serum albumin (less than 3.5 g/dl) appears to be associated with a high risk of severe neurotoxicity in patients receiving single-dose ifosfamide therapy.
Facies control on sandstone composition (and influence of statistical methods on interpretations) in the John Henry Member, Straight Cliffs Formation, Southern Utah, USA

Abstract The Upper Cretaceous John Henry Member of the Straight Cliffs Formation preserves regressive shoreface and channel facies, and transgressive lagoonal tidal inlet facies that suggest distinct modal sandstone compositions. Detrital modes from six sandstone facies (upper shoreface, lower shoreface, deflected mouth bars, fluvial channels, tidal inlets and washover fans), and their spatial and temporal variations, provide additional data regarding the depositional environments and setting of the John Henry Member. Three statistical methods were utilized: univariate standard deviation and confidence interval and multivariate logratio transformations to assess the compositional difference between facies using estimation of means. Both univariate statistical methods have some inherent problems. Standard deviation does not account for sample size, while the confidence interval method incorporates a t-test to account for only some of the uncertainty of small sample size. The results of the univariate methods differ slightly and both indicate statistically distinct sandstone compositions based on facies. Multivariate statistics are much more robust and suggest similar trends, yet display different compositional means and have inconclusive confidence fields as they incorporate all of the uncertainty associated with small sampling sizes. In general, sandstone compositions become more quartz-rich and compositionally mature as sediment is transported from proximal fluvial environments to distal upper shoreface environments. This trend reflects the degree of preferential reworking or winnowing of unstable grains prior to lithification. More complicated relationships are observed as facies distributions shift through space and time. Sandstone compositions support a deflected wave-dominated deltaic interpretation for the John Henry Member in this area. Sandstone compositions become more lithic-rich from north to south, corresponding to the facies distribution of upper shoreface and deflected mouth bars, respectively. Mouth bars occur at the intersection of the fluvial channel and the coastline where sand is deflected via longshore drift to the southern portion of the field area. Upper shoreface facies located further away from mouth bar facies are heavily reworked by wave processes and contain more mature quartz-rich modal compositions. Additionally, high feldspathic and lithic concentrations in tidal inlet facies suggest that this facies was sourced closer to mouth bars rather than updrift upper shoreface sediments. A shift in sandstone composition occurs at the end of the second transgressive–regressive cycle of the John Henry Member throughout the Rogers Canyon area. This compositional change is concurrent with a relatively large basinward shift in facies, which suggests that it reflects the transition from regressive to transgressive facies associated with the relative sea level fall rather than a change in the main sediment source area.
Application of new technology to future celestial trackers

New developments in image sensors and optical materials have opened the door to dramatic mass and power reductions in celestial tracker design. The rapid development of active pixel sensors (APS) has provided a new detector choice offering high on-chip integration of support circuitry at reduced power consumption. Silicon-carbide optics are one of the new developments in low-mass optical components. We describe the celestial tracker needs of an Autonomous Feature and Star Tracking (AFAST) system designed for autonomous spacecraft control. Details of a low-mass celestial tracker based on a low-power APS array and optimized for an AFAST system are discussed.
Characterization and development of an evolutionary yield function for the superconducting niobium sheet

Abstract Superconducting radio frequency (SRF) niobium cavities are widely used in high-energy physics to accelerate particle beams in particle accelerators. The performance of SRF cavities is affected by the microstructure and purity of the niobium sheet, surface quality, geometry, etc. Following optimum strain paths in the forming of these cavities can significantly control these parameters. To select these strain paths, however, information about the mechanical behavior, microstructure, and formability of the niobium sheet is required. Due to the lack of information, first an extensive experimental study was carried out to characterize the formability of the niobium sheet, followed by examining the suitability of Hill’s anisotropic yield function to model its plastic behavior. Results from this study showed that, due to intrinsic behavior, it is necessary to evolve the anisotropic coefficients of Hill’s yield function in order to properly model the plastic behavior of the niobium sheet. The accuracy of the newly developed evolutionary yield function was verified by applying it to the modeling of the hydrostatic bulging of the niobium sheet.
Inhibition of Amino Acid Transport by Sphingoid Long Chain Bases in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Sphingoid long chain bases have many effects on cells including inhibition or stimulation of growth. The physiological significance of these effects is unknown in most cases. To begin to understand how these compounds inhibit growth, we have studied Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells. Growth of tryptophan (Trp−) auxotrophs was more strongly inhibited by phytosphingosine (PHS) than was growth of Trp+ strains, suggesting that PHS diminishes tryptophan uptake and starves cells for this amino acid. This hypothesis is supported by data showing that growth inhibition is relieved by increasing concentrations of tryptophan in the culture medium and by multiple copies of the TAT2 gene, encoding a high affinity tryptophan transporter. Measurement of tryptophan uptake shows that it is inhibited by PHS. Finally, PHS treatment induces the general control response, indicating starvation for amino acids. Multiple copies of TAT2 do not protect cells against two other cationic lipids, stearylamine, and sphingosine, indicating that the effect of PHS on tryptophan utilization is specific. Other data demonstrate that PHS reduces uptake of leucine, histidine, and proline by specific transporters. Our data suggest that PHS targets proteins in the amino acid transporter family but not other distantly related membrane transporters, including those necessary for uptake of adenine and uracil.
Light focusing microprobes for biomedical and photonics applications based on integrated microsphere arrays

The task of development of compact light-focusing tools for biomedical and photonics applications is challenging due to the multimodal structure of beams propagating in flexible delivery systems of such devices. In this study it is shown that integration of microspheres inside hollow waveguides or capillaries permits compact focusing of light from multimodal sources. Experimental studies were performed for variety of spheres with sizes from 10 to 300 µm with refraction indices ranging from 1.47 to 1.9. It is shown that for high index (1.9) spheres the smallest focused spots can be obtained in chains containing odd number of spheres. It is also demonstrated that increasing the length of such chains generally provides smaller focused spot sizes at the expense of the transmitted power. The underlying optical properties are shown to be based on the filtering of the modes with the best focusing properties in such structures. It is demonstrated that under contact with tissue such structures allow obtaining focused beams with high throughput and wavelength-scale dimensions that can be used for developing novel ultra-precise laser surgical tools.
A Sex-Specific Test of Selection in Utero

We find support for the hypothesis that changes in the monthly odds of a twin among live-born males predict subsequent and opposite changes in the odds of a twin among live-born females. The hypothesis arises from the long standing argument that natural selection has conserved mechanisms by which pregnant women in stressed populations spontaneously abort fetuses least likely to yield grandchildren. Previous attempts to empirically test this argument focus almost entirely on males. We contribute to the literature by showing that, consistent with the logic of natural selection, maternal adaptations to environmental changes likely have effects on the survival of both male and female conceptuses and fetuses.
Suppression of the rate of hydrolysis of t-amylchloride at the consolute composition of isobutyric acid+water

Abstract We have measured the rate of hydrolysis of t -amylchloride in the solvent, isobutyric acid+water, prepared at its consolute composition. The consolute temperature of the mixture depends upon the initial amount of t -amylchloride, being 32.3°C when 100 μl are added to 25 ml of the solvent and 36.46°C when 150 μl are added. In both cases, however, we found that the specific rate of reaction is suppressed over a temperature range of about 0.2°C on either side of the local consolute temperature, T c . These observations serve to demonstrate the concept of `critical slowing down' in chemical kinetics. The decrease in specific rate with temperature, T , could be fitted by | T − T c | − x with x =0.63±0.28. Within the experimental error, this value of the exponent is consistent with the value ( x =0.80) predicted theoretically on the basis of the principle of universality.
Biochemical and physiological properties of a purified snake venom neurotoxin which acts presynaptically.

A highly toxic protein has been isolated from the venom of the snake Bungarus multicinctus. No major contaminants were detected on isoelectric focusing, gel filtration, or gel electrophoresis. The molecular weight calculated from its amino acid composition (21,800) agreed well with that calculated from gel filtration and equilibrium sedimentation data. Gel electrophoresis showed that the toxin consisted of two subunits of molecular weight 8,800 and 12,400 held together by disulfide bonds. Both the structure, determined by circular dichroism, and the biological activity, determined by toxicity assay, were remarkably resistant to heating. In the rat phrenic nerve-diaphragm preparation, the toxin caused a failure of neuromuscular transmission, after which subthreshold endplate potentials could be detected. The frequency of spontaneous miniature potentials was altered only to a very slight extent. The toxin appeared to have no postsynaptic activity. Similarities between the properties of this neurotoxin and that described by Lee and Chang (1966) suggest that it is identical to β-bungarotoxin.
Nitric oxide synthase inhibition blocks tolerance to the analgesic action of K-opiate receptor agonist in the rat

The effect of NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (NMMA), an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, on the development of tolerance to the analgesic and hypothermic actions of U-50,488H, a highly selecti
Specificity of protein synthesis by bacterial ribosomes and initiation factors: Absence of change after phage T4 infection☆

Abstract Using several natural messenger RNA's—f2 RNA, Qβ RNA, T7 RNA, T4 early mRNA, T4 late mRNA and Escherichia coli RNA—ribosomes isolated from cells either 5 or 12 minutes after T4 infection direct synthesis of only 35 to 70% as much protein as do ribosomes from uninfected cells. However, with poly(U) or formaldehyde-treated f2 RNA message, both types of ribosomes work equally well. Experiments mixing salt-washed ribosomes and initiation factors from these cells show, in agreement with work of others, that the reduction with natural messages is due only to changes in the initiation factors. As shown by peptide mapping of protein made in vitro and labeled with N -formyl [ 35 S]methionyl-transfer RNA, T4 and control ribosomes direct initiation, using f2 RNA, Qβ RNA, early and late T4 mRNA and T7 RNA, of the same polypeptides, in about the same relative proportions. We conclude that there is no change in the specificity of initiation factors after T4 infection; alterations in the amounts of factors are probably not essential either for shut-off of host protein synthesis or for the transition from early to late T4 protein synthesis.
Identification of preschool children with asthma from low-income families in Los Angeles, CA.

Background Few studies have addressed asthma screening in the preschool age group. Early asthma recognition and intervention in preschool children may reduce costs related to unscheduled medical care and missed school and work. Objective To facilitate an early recognition and referral process for asthma in a preschool education program in Los Angeles, CA. Methods We administered a 7-question survey to parents and guardians of children aged 12 months to 6 years in the prekindergarten program of a large school district in Southern California. English and Spanish survey questions addressed health care use, school absenteeism, and asthma symptoms. Postsurvey reports to parents recommended clinical evaluation of children who had probable asthma. Results Of the 609 surveys returned from 8 centers (≥80% survey return rate), 12% were positive for probable asthma and only 5.4% of these cases had been previously diagnosed. Of the 12% found to have a high probability of asthma, 3 independent factors were associated with a lower likelihood of prior asthma diagnosis: Hispanic descent; Spanish speaking; and medicine use 2 or more times per week for symptoms such as cough, chest tightness, trouble breathing, or wheezing. Symptoms at play, during the day, and at night were noted in 35% to 44% of the preschoolers. Cough was the most frequently reported symptom (71.9%, n=424). Conclusions A school-based screening process in an early education program can help identify preschool children with a high probability of asthma and offer a basis for early recognition and intervention.
Cryptic species of deep-sea clams (Mollusca: Bivalvia: Vesicomyidae) from hydrothermal vent and cold-water seep environments

A protein-electrophoretic analysis of six putative morphospecies in the bivalve family Vesicomyidae from eight deep-sea hydrothermal vent sites in the eastern Pacific, three cold-water seep sites in the eastern Pacific and the Gulf of Mexico, and one whale-carcass site off Southern California revealed electromorph patterns diagnostic of 10 vesicomyid species. Electrophoretic patterns for 14 enzymes encoded by 17 presumptive gene loci were scored in all 10 species. The pairwise genetic distances (Nei's D) for these 10 species ranged from 0.857 to 2.792, values within the range expected for distinct species and genera. However, the degree of genetic divergence among these taxa could not be used for phylogenetic inferences because allozyme differences had in many cases reached evolutionary saturation. Notwithstanding, the present results revealed a significant problem with current morphospecies identifications of these clams and with applications of the current generic names Calyptogena and Vesicomya. Given the cryptic nature of these taxa, we suggest that subsequent studies simply refer to these clams as “vesicomyids” until careful morphological analyses and molecular studies are completed and systematic relationships are clarified.
Risk factors for nephrolithiasis in patients with ileal pouches

Background and aims: Restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) has become a standard of care in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). Nephrolithiasis is common in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but has never been studied as a complication of IPAA. We aimed to assess the risk factors for nephrolithiasis in patients with IPAA. Methods: Using an IRB-approved, prospectively maintained pouch registry, we identified 1221 patients between 2000 and 2010. Those with post-IPAA nephrolithiasis served as the study group whereas IPAA patients without nephrolithiasis served as the controls. Demographic and clinical variables were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression to identify risk factors. Results: There were a total of 218 IPAA patients: 81 with nephrolithiasis (37%) and 137 without (63%). Of the 81 patients in the study group, 17 were excluded due to limited clinical data. Three risk factors were found to be associated with nephrolithiasis: the presence of extra-intestinal manifestations (odd's ratio [OR] = 2.9, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.4, 5.8, p = 0.003), no use of antibiotics (OR = 3.2, 95% CI: 1.5, 6.5, p = 0.002) and low serum bicarbonate level (OR = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.77, 0.99, p = 0.038). Conclusion: Nephrolithiasis was a common finding in our patients with IPAA. As pouch patients with nephrolithiasis can develop adverse clinical complications, those with at least one of the risk factors we identified may need to be monitored more closely and possibly receive prophylactic treatment with oral bicarbonate. * Abbreviations: : 5-ASA : 5-acetylsalicylic acid 6-MP : 6-mercaptopurine ALT : alanine transaminase AST : aspartate transaminase BMD : bone mineral density BUN : blood urea nitrogen CD : Crohn's disease CI : confidence interval CT : computed tomography EIM : extra-intestinal manifestations GFR : glomerular filtration rate Hb : hemoglobin IPAA : ileal pouch-anal anastomosis IPS : Irritable pouch syndrome IRB : Institutional review board IBD : Inflammatory bowel disease MRI : Magnetic resonance imaging MTX : methotrexate NSAID : non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs OR : odds ratio mPDAI : modified Pouchitis Disease Activity Index UC : ulcerative colitis US : ultrasound TNF : tumor necrosis factor UTI : urinary tract infection