cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization of ethiofos absorption in the rat small intestine.

The absorption characteristics of ethiofos were studied using the rat in situ intestine circulating perfusion technique. Slow absorption kinetics were observed for ethiofos with varying rates of absorption and metabolism/degradation in situ as a function of buffer and absorption enhancers. In most cases less than 10 per cent of the radiolabeled compound is lost from the circulating perfusate in 90 min. In addition, over the same time period greater than 40 per cent of the intact parent compound was lost by degradation. Much of the difference can be accounted for in the formation of the free thiol metabolite, WR-1065, suggesting ester hydrolysis or metabolic activity. Good stability was observed in all perfusate systems ex vivo indicating that the degradation occurs in situ. The disodium salt of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) was shown to be an effective absorption enhancer of ethiofos. The enhancement of intestinal absorption by EDTA was dose-dependent resulting in a 20-fold increase in blood levels of ethiofos in the portal blood. Follow-up studies in the rhesus monkey confirm this observation. Salicylate and dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) also resulted in absorption enhancement although to a lesser degree than that seen after EDTA treatment. Addition of several alkaline phosphatase inhibitors did not significantly improve absorption of ethiofos in the rat small intestine. Proposed mechanism(s) for intestinal absorption and absorption enhancement of ethiofos are discussed.
Effect of selenium and reducing agents on in vitro immunoglobulin M synthesis by bovine lymphocytes.

Abstract A series of experiments was conducted to evaluate the effects of inorganic and organic forms of Se with or without reducing agents on in vitro IgM production by bovine lymphocytes. Peripheral mononuclear cells were isolated from nonlactating Jersey cows fed a diet with adequate Se. Cells were stimulated with pokeweed mitogen and, in addition, were cultured with various Se compounds at a concentration of 100ng Se/ml. Mercaptoethanol (50 µ M ) and glutathione (1m M ) were included in cultures of cells stimulated by pokeweed mitogen with and without inorganic Se. Sodium selenite was less effective than selenomethionine and selenocystine in augmenting pokeweed mitogen-induced Ig synthesis. The addition of mercaptoethanol to pokeweed mitogen-stimulated control cultures enhanced in vitro IgM production, whereas the addition of glutathione had a negligible effect, but addition of either in combination with sodium selenite dramatically depressed IgM production. These results suggest that Se in inorganic or organic forms enhances B-cell function in vitro.
Impact of a future H 2 -based road transportation sector on the composition and chemistry of the atmosphere – Part 1: Tropospheric composition and air quality

Abstract. Vehicles burning fossil fuel emit a number of substances that change the composition and chemistry of the atmosphere, and contribute to global air and water pollution and climate change. For example, nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted as byproducts of fossil fuel combustion are key precursors to ground-level ozone and aerosol formation. In addition, on-road vehicles are major CO 2 emitters. In order to tackle these problems, molecular hydrogen (H 2 ) has been proposed as an energy carrier to substitute for fossil fuels in the future. However, before implementing any such strategy it is crucial to evaluate its potential impacts on air quality and climate. Here, we evaluate the impact of a future (2050) H 2 -based road transportation sector on tropospheric chemistry and air quality for several possible growth and technology adoption scenarios. The growth scenarios are based on the high and low emissions Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Special Report on Emissions Scenarios, A1FI and B1, respectively. The technological adoption scenarios include H 2 fuel cell and H 2 internal combustion engine options. The impacts are evaluated with the Community Atmospheric Model Chemistry global chemistry transport model (CAM-Chem). Higher resolution simulations focusing on the contiguous United States are also carried out with the Community Multiscale Air Quality Modeling System (CMAQ) regional chemistry transport model. For all scenarios future air quality improves with the adoption of a H 2 -based road transportation sector; however, the magnitude and type of improvement depend on the scenario. Model results show that the adoption of H 2 fuel cells would decrease tropospheric burdens of ozone (7%), CO (14%), NO x (16%), soot (17%), sulfate aerosol (4%), and ammonium nitrate aerosol (12%) in the A1FI scenario, and would decrease those of ozone (5%), CO (4%), NO x (11%), soot (7%), sulfate aerosol (4%), and ammonium nitrate aerosol (9%) in the B1 scenario. The adoption of H 2 internal combustion engines would decrease tropospheric burdens of ozone (1%), CO (18%), soot (17%), and sulfate aerosol (3%) in the A1FI scenario, and would decrease those of ozone (1%), CO (7%), soot (7%), and sulfate aerosol (3%) in the B1 scenario. In the future, people residing in the contiguous United States could expect to experience significantly fewer days of elevated levels of pollution if a H 2 fuel cell road transportation sector were to be adopted. Health benefits of transitioning to a H 2 economy for citizens in developing nations, like China and India, will be much more dramatic, particularly in megacities with severe, intensifying air-quality problems.
International best practices for financing emerging enterprises: Lessons for South Africa

Microenterprises are crucial to the survival of many poor households and ease unemployment in many countries, but they are constrained by their lack of access to formal financial services. The costs of serving such enterprises are simply too high for most financial institutions. Nevertheless, certain banks, such as the Grameen Bank in Bangladesh, the Bank Rakyat Indonesia, and Accion International in Latin America, have shown that lending to microenterprises can be profitable. This article explains why lending to microenterprises is prohibitively expensive using normal banking methods. It also discusses the standards of performance that twelve best‐practice institutions in the developing world have set and the methods they use to widen outreach, improve efficiency, and reduce costs and risks. The article describes the challenges facing similar institutions in South Africa and points to the lessons that can be learned from the experience in other developing countries. This experience shows that bringing th...
Minimally invasive technology for mitral valve surgery via left thoracotomy: experience with forty cases

Abstract Background Recent evolution of minimally invasive technology has expanded the application of the right thoracotomy approach for mitral valve surgery. These same technological advances have also made the left posterior minithoracotomy approach attractive in complex mitral procedures. Methods From 1996 to 2003, 921 isolated mitral valve procedures were performed without sternotomy; 40 (4.3%) of these were performed via left posterior minithoracotomy. In the left posterior minithoracotomy group, ages ranged from 18 to 84 years; 36 patients had had previous cardiac surgery (9 on ≥2 occasions). Other factors precluding right thoracotomy included mastectomy/radiation and pectus excavatum. Results Arterial perfusion was via femoral artery (n = 26) or descending aorta (n = 14); long femoral venous cannulas with vacuum-assisted drainage were used in 39 procedures. Two patients had direct aortic crossclamping, 18 had hypothermic fibrillation, and 20 had balloon endoaortic occlusion. The mean crossclamp and bypass times were 81.9 and 117.2 minutes, respectively. Hospital mortality was 5.0% (2/40); both deaths occurred in octogenarians. There were no injuries to bypass grafts or conversions to sternotomy. Complications included perioperative stroke (2/40; 5.0%), bleeding (2/40; 5.0%), and respiratory failure (1/40; 2.5%); 28 patients (70%) had no postoperative complications. There was no incidence of perioperative myocardial infarction, renal failure, sepsis, or wound infection. The median length of stay was 7 days. Conclusions Advances in minimally invasive cardiac surgery technology are readily adaptable to a left-sided minithoracotomy approach to the mitral valve. The left posterior minithoracotomy approach is a valuable option in complicated reoperative mitral procedures with acceptable perioperative morbidity and mortality.
Remote Access Issues: Pros and Cons.

Cet article traite des avantages et des inconvenients de l'acces a l'information dans les biblitoheques. Il peut etre difficile de s'imaginer un bibliothecaire qui soit contre l'acces aux documents seulement il faut savoir que, pour les bibliothecaires, il y a deux types d'acces aux doucments : l'acces local ou l'acces a distance. De plus le bibliothecaire doit gerer quand, comment et ou l'information a ete obtenue. Cette article discute donc les aspects politiques, sociaux et economiques de l'acces a distance.
Pilot-Plant Proof-of-Concept for Integrated, Countercurrent, Two-Stage, Enzyme-Assisted Aqueous Extraction of Soybeans

Proof-of-concept for integrated, countercurrent, two-stage, enzyme-assisted aqueous extraction processing of soybeans was demonstrated on a pilot-plant scale (75 kg extruded flaked soybeans) where the protease used to demulsify the cream was recycled into upstream extraction stages. Oil, protein, and solids extraction yields of 98.0 ± 0.5%, 96.5 ± 0.4%, and 86.8 ± 0.5% were achieved by using the integrated countercurrent process. A three-phase horizontal decanter centrifuge efficiently separated the solids from the two liquid fractions (skim and cream). Fine separation between the two liquid fractions was important to reducing the volume of skim contaminating the cream fraction, thereby reducing the amount of enzyme used for cream demulsification and subsequent extraction. We were able to reduce enzyme use when moving from the laboratory to the pilot-plant scale, which reduced the degree of protein hydrolysis and improved cream demulsification. Enzyme-catalyzed cream demulsification was 91.6% efficient and 93.0% free oil recovery from cream was achieved by using the integrated approach.
Formation and characterization of SnO2 nanobaskets

Abstract This work describes the formation and characterization of a novel nanostructured SnO 2 film. We have found that RF-magnetron sputtering of SnO 2 onto a porous alumina substrate leads to the formation of short, capped nanotubes, termed “nanobaskets”. They have been characterized using scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and a.c. impedance spectroscopy. Raman spectroscopy shows that vibrational modes associated with this nanostructured SnO 2 are considerably different than crystalline SnO 2 and indicate that the nanobaskets are composed of smaller nanoparticles less than 4 nm in size. AC impedance data confirm these results by showing a very large grain boundary component that almost completely obscures the contribution of the bulk grains. The nanobaskets can be made with a variety of materials and size ranges, and may be formed in layers of more than one material.
Developing a physiological-based, on-demand irrigation system for container production

Abstract A demand-based irrigation system was developed for Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ‘Cashmere Wind’ based on the relationship between photosynthesis and substrate moisture level (moisture response curve). An experiment was conducted to evaluate the premise that biomass would decrease only when substrate moisture levels caused a significant reduction in photosynthetic rate. Irrigation set points were based on the moisture response curve and corresponded to 49, 41, 30, and 22 m 3 m −3 volumetric water content (89–61% container capacity). Gas exchange and leaf water potential were greater for plants in the three wettest irrigation treatments. Plants under these treatments used 1.4, 1.2, and 1.05 times more water during the experiment than plants in the driest treatment. Biomass metrics were generally unaffected by treatments or were greater for one or both intermediate treatments. This research demonstrates that a demand-based irrigation system with a physiological basis (predicated on the relationship between photosynthesis and substrate moisture potential) could be an effective biorational approach for scheduling irrigation and reducing water consumption in container-grown nursery crops.
Intracellular Ca2+ Homeostasis in Trypomastigotes of Trypanosoma cruzi

Trypomastigotes of Trypanosoma cruzi maintain an intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) of 64 +/- 30 nM. Equilibration of trypomastigotes in an extracellular buffer containing 0.5 mM [Ca2+]o (preloaded cells) increased [Ca2+]i 10 microM suggesting active sequestration of Ca2+. We tested the hypothesis that maintenance of [Ca2+]i involved both the sequestration into intracellular storage sites and extrusion into the extracellular space. Pharmacological probes known to influence [Ca2+]i through well characterized pathways in higher eukaryotic cells were employed. [Ca2+]i responses in the presence or absence of [Ca2+]o were measured to asses the relative contribution of sequestration or extrusion processes in [Ca2+]i homeostasis. In the presence of 0.5 mM [Ca2+]o, the ability of several agents to increase [Ca2+]i was magnified in the order ionomycin >>> nigericin > thapsigargin > monensin > valinomycin. In contrast, preloading markedly enhanced the increase in [Ca2+]i observed only in response to monensin. Manoalide, an inhibitor of phospholipase A2, enhanced the accumulation of [Ca2+]i due to all agents tested, particularly ionomycin and thapsigargin. Our results suggest that sequestration of [Ca2+]i involved storage sites sensitive to monensin and ionomycin whereas extrusion of Ca2+ may involve phospholipase A2 activity. A Na+/Ca2+ exchange mechanism did not appear to contribute to Ca2+ homeostasis.
An Integrated Low-Speed Performance and Noise Prediction Methodology for Subsonic Aircraft

An integrated methodology has been assembled to compute the engine performance, takeoff and landing trajectories, and community noise levels for a subsonic commercial aircraft. Where feasible, physics-based noise analysis methods have been used to make the results more applicable to newer, revolutionary designs and to allow for a more direct evaluation of new technologies. The methodology is intended to be used with approximation methods and risk analysis techniques to allow for the analysis of a greater number of variable combinations while retaining the advantages of physics-based analysis. Details of the methodology are described and limited results are presented for a representative subsonic commercial aircraft.
General Factor and Uniqueness Characteristics of the Kaufman Adolescent and Adult Intelligence Test (KAIT)

When new or revised intelligence batteries are published, it is important to know the general factor loading and uniqueness information of the individual subtests prior to using them for clinical interpretation. Recently, Kaufman and Kaufman (1993) presented this information for 8 of the 10 subtests at 6 broad age groups for the new Kaufman Adolescent and Adult Intelligence Test (KAIT). This study investigated the general factor and uniqueness characteristics of all 10 individual KAIT subtests for all 13 KAIT technical age groups. Findings showed that all but one (Auditory Delayed Recall) of the 10 KAIT subtests consistently had “good” average general factor loading characteristics. Similarly, the KAIT subtests had either “adequate” or “ample” average uniqueness classifications for all ages. Only one (Auditory Delayed Recall) of the 10 KAIT subtests had “inadequate” uniqueness at all ages. Comparisons to the test authors' reported values revealed a number of differences, particularly for the KAIT subtest ...
Homocysteine-induced biochemical stress predisposes to cytoskeletal remodeling in stretched endothelial cells

Cellular cytoskeletal remodeling reflects alterations in local biochemical and mechanical changes in terms of stress that manifests relocation of signaling molecules within and across the cell. Although stretching due to load and chemical changes by high homocysteine (HHcy) causes cytoskeletal re-arrangement, the synergism between stretch and HHcy is unclear. We investigated the contribution of HHcy in cyclic stretch-induced focal adhesion (FA) protein redistribution leading to cytoskeletal re-arrangement in mouse aortic endothelial cells (MAEC). MAEC were subjected to cyclic stretch (CS) and HHcy alone or in combination. The redistribution of FA protein, and small GTPases were determined by Confocal microscopy and Western blot techniques in membrane and cytosolic compartments. We found that each treatment induces focal adhesion kinase (FAK) phosphorylation and cytoskeletal actin polymerization. In addition, CS activates and membrane translocates small GTPases RhoA with minimal effect on Rac1, whereas HHcy alone is ineffective in both GTPases translocation. However, the combined effect of CS and HHcy activates and membrane translocates both GTPases. Free radical scavenger NAC (N-Acetyl-Cysteine) inhibits CS and HHcy-mediated FAK phosphorylation and actin stress fiber formation. Interestingly, CS also activates and membrane translocates another FA protein, paxillin in HHcy condition. Cytochalasin D, an actin polymerization blocker and PI3-kinase inhibitor Wortmannin inhibited FAK phosphorylation and membrane translocation of paxillin suggesting the involvement of PI3K pathway. Together our results suggest that CS- and HHcy-induced oxidative stress synergistically contribute to small GTPase membrane translocation and focal adhesion protein redistribution leading to endothelial remodeling.
Risk Adjustment Effect on Stroke Clinical Trials

Background and Purpose— The ischemic stroke population is heterogeneous. Even in balanced randomized trials, patient heterogeneity biases estimates of the treatment effect toward no effect when dichotomous end points are used. Risk adjustment statistically addresses some of the heterogeneity and can reduce bias in the treatment effect estimate. The purpose of this study was to estimate the treatment effect of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) in the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) tPA data set with and without adjustment for baseline differences. Methods— Using a prespecified predictive model, we calculated unadjusted and risk-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for favorable outcome for the Barthel Index, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, and Glasgow Outcome Scale for the patients in the NINDS tPA stroke trial. To assess the importance of the difference, a new sample size was calculated through the use of the risk-adjusted analysis. Results— We analyzed 615 subjects. The...
Intrauterine Growth Retardation (IUGR) Alters Muscle Gene Expression of L-3-Hydroxy-CoA Dehydrogenase (L3HD): A Pivotal Enzyme of β Oxidation • 398

Uteroplacental insufficiency leading to IUGR is associated with an increased risk for the development of insulin resistance and NIDDM. Because increased lipid oxidation is associated with insulin resistance, we hypothesized that gene expression of mitochondrial enzymes involved in fatty acid oxidation would be altered in muscle of IUGR juvenile rats. We performed bilateral uterine artery ligation to induce IUGR and sham surgery (C) in pregnant rats on day 19 of gestation. Muscle was harvested on day 14(J14) and day 21(J21) of neonatal life. Using RT-PCR with an internal control, we measured mRNA levels of carnitine palmitoyl-transferase II (CPTII)(transports fatty acids across the inner mitochondrial membrane), L3HD (a component of the beta-oxidation complex), electron transfer flavoprotein (ETF)(a soluble matrix protein which participates in transfer of electrons to the respiratory chain at complex II), and succinate dehydrogenase (SD) (a component of complex II). Gene expression of all four enzymes were not significantly different in IUGR J14 muscle (C=1.0, CPTII=1.03, L3HD=0.95, ETF=0.74, SD=1.1). In J21 muscle, gene expression of CPTII, ETF, and SD were not significantly altered in IUGR muscle; however, in contrast, gene expression of L3HD was increased almost two fold (C=1.0, CPTII=1.24, L3AD=1.94*, ETF-1.08, SD=1.12; *p<0.05). L3HD is a unique component of the beta oxidation enzyme complex because it alone competes with three NAD-dependent dehydrogenases of the Krebs cycle. As a result, L3HD may play an important role in determining the dynamic balance between glucose and lipid oxidation. Our findings are consistent with our previous observation of an increased mitochondrial NADH/NAD ratio in J21 IUGR muscle which also favors beta oxidation. We conclude that the altered metabolic milieu associated with IUGR leads to increased gene expression of L3HD. We speculate that the phenomena of metabolic imprinting may eventually lead to the development of insulin resistance in IUGR offspring.
The effectiveness of jewelweed, Impatiens capensis, the related cultivar I. balsamina and the component, lawsone in preventing post poison ivy exposure contact dermatitis

Abstract Ethnopharmacological relevance Impatiens capensis (jewelweed) is native to the Eastern and Midwestern US and Canada. Many Native American tribes used I. capensis and its close relatives to treat/prevent rash from plant sources particularly Toxicodendron radicans and Urtica dioica. I. balsamina (garden balsam) a native of China was used by the indigenous people of Asia for similar purposes. Aim of study This study aims to validate ethnopharmacological use of jewelweed in poison ivy (PI) dermatitis prevention and to refute scientific papers denying this efficacy. Additionally, the content of lawsone, the purported effective agent in jewelweed preparations, was measured to see if its concentration correlated with jewelweed preparation efficacy. Material and methods Poison ivy was brushed onto forearms of volunteers in 6 locations and exposed areas were treated with jewelweed extracts, fresh plant mashes, soaps made of plant extracts, water and Dawn® dish soap. Rash development was scored on a scale of 0–14. Results Jewelweed mash was effective in reducing poison ivy dermatitis, supporting ethnobotanical use. However, jewelweed extracts were not effective; and soaps made of these extracts were effective but no more so than jewelweed-free soaps. Lawsone content varied with harvest season and did not appear to affect rash development. Conclusion Jewelweed is an efficacious plant for preventing development of dermatitis following poison ivy contact, but soap is more effective. Lawsone content does not correlate with PI rash prevention. Perhaps saponins, the soapy component of jewelweed are the effective agents.
Korean-Immigrant Parents’ Support of Their American-Born Children’s Development and Maintenance of the Home Language

This study explores Korean-immigrant parents’ language ideologies and practices with respect to their American-born children’s language development. Participants were seven ethnic Korean families composed of immigrant parents and their American-born children, aged between five and seven, in Midwestern America. Interviews in the medium of Korean with the parents, and naturally-occurring family conversations during a meal time, reading time, and play time were audio-recorded and analyzed. The findings suggest that Korean-immigrant parents have a strong desire to pass on their mother tongue to their American-born children, largely derived from their language barrier, and perception of language as an identity marker and socio-economic capital in case they return to Korea for familial obligations and economic opportunities, which represent the context-specific nature of family language policy. Language strategies, such as parental feedback and language-mixing, serve as a catalyst for the implementation of family language policy on the levels of functions, forms, and teaching of the Korean language for Korean-American children’s bilingual development.
Cygnus A—John Bolton's first cosmic source

Using a sea interferometer, Bolton and Stanley isolated Cygnus A as a discrete source in 1948. It is a prime example of a powerful radio galaxy and, in the last decade, has also been studied extensively in X-rays. In this paper I summarize the results from a ROSAT X-ray image.
Clinical Studies of Dental Cements: IV. A Preliminary Study of a Zinc Oxide-Eugenol Cement for Final Cementation

An experimental reinforced zinc oxide-eugenol cement of compressive strength 8,000 to 9,200 psi (562 to 647 kg/sq cm) was studied clinically for the final cementation of all types of inlays, crowns, and bridges. Patients were recalled and their teeth were examined for loose restorations and symptoms of leakage. Success rates of 94.4% for single restorations and 93.6% for bridge retainers justify further clinical use of the cement.
An inductively coupled plasma—time-of-flight mass spectrometer for elemental analysis. Part I: Optimization and characteristics

An inductively coupled plasma-time-of-flight mass spectrometer (ICP-TOFMS) has been constructed and evaluated for elemental analysis. The instrument produces analog spectra similar to those from quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometers. The large abundance of Ar ions is deflected away from the microchannel plate detector to reduce detector dead time and space-charge complications. The ICP-TOFMS, operated in a linear (nonreflecting) mode, currently has a resolving power of 500 (full width at half maximum). Present ion optics employed in the instrument require a trade-off between signal-to-noise ratio and resolving power. In addition, mass-dependent kinetic energies in the supersonic beam created in the ICP mass spectrometer interface cause a mass bias in the right-angle TOFMS because the ions must be steered to the detector to compensate for their velocity in the supersonic beam direction. In the current design the sampling duty cycle is only approximately 3%, thereby limiting sensitivity. However, positive potentials applied to the right-angle extraction region can increase sensitivity by a factor of 2–4 by slowing down the ions that enter the extraction zone. The transmission efficiency of the TOFMS is approximately 20% and is limited by divergence of the ion packet in the drift tube.
Ultra-low level plutonium isotopes in the NIST SRM 4355A (Peruvian Soil-1).

For more than 20 years, countries and their agencies which monitor discharge sites and storage facilities have relied on the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Standard Reference Material (SRM) 4355 Peruvian Soil reference material. Its low fallout contamination makes it an ideal soil blank for measurements associated with terrestrial pathway to man studies. Presently, SRM 4355 is out of stock, and a new batch of the Peruvian soil is currently under development as future NIST SRM 4355A. Both environmental radioanalytical laboratories and mass spectrometry communities will benefit from this SRM. The former must assess their laboratory contamination and measurement detection limits by measurement of blank sample material. The Peruvian Soil is so low in anthropogenic radionuclides that it is a suitable virtual blank. On the other hand, mass spectrometric laboratories have high sensitivity instruments that are capable of quantitative isotopic measurements at low plutonium levels of the SRM 4355 (first Peruvian Soil SRM) that provided the mass spectrometric community with the calibration, quality control, and testing material needed for methods development, and legal defensibility. The quantification of the ultra-low plutonium content in the SRM 4355A was a considerable challenge for the mass spectrometric laboratories. Careful blank control andmore » correction, isobaric interferences, instrument stability, peak assessment, and detection assessment were necessary. Furthermore, a systematic statistical evaluation of the measurement results and considerable discussions with the mass spectroscopy metrologists were needed to derive the certified values and uncertainties. SRM 4355A will provide the mass spectrometric community with the quality control and testing material needed for higher sensitivity methods development, and legal defensibility.« less
The Relationship between Trait and Precompetitive State Anxiety among High School Athletes

A sample of 270 tennis players representing 56 high school programs were assessed on competitive trait and state anxiety during the active season. A series of multivariate analyses of variance indicated that highly trait-anxious athletes reported greater cognitive A-state, greater somatic A-state, and lower state self-confidence than low trait-anxious athletes.
Academic Potential Among African American Adolescents in Juvenile Detention Centers: Implications for Reentry to School

The study explores Black adolescent detainees' academic potential and motivation to return to school, to inform best practices and policies for juvenile reentry to educational settings. Adolescent detainees (N = 1,576) who were recruited from 1 male and 1 female youth detention facility, responded to surveys that assessed postdetention educational plans, as well as social and emotional characteristics, and criminal history. Multivariate analysis techniques were used to compare factors across race and gender, and plot linear relationships between key indicators of academic potential with associate factors. Findings revealed that youth were more likely to evince academic potential when they had a healthy level of self-esteem, adequate future goal orientation, positive mood, family and community involvement, fewer traumatic events, and less delinquent activity.
SLAM family markers are conserved among hematopoietic stem cells from old and reconstituted mice and markedly increase their purity

Recent advances have increased the purity of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) isolated from young mouse bone marrow. However, little attention has been paid to the purity of HSCs from other contexts. Although Thy-1lowSca-1+Lineage-c-kit+ cells from young bone marrow are highly enriched for HSCs (1 in 5 cells gives long-term multilineage reconstitution after transplantation into irradiated mice), the same population from old, reconstituted, or cytokine-mobilized mice engrafts much less efficiently (1 in 78 to 1 in 185 cells gives long-term multilineage reconstitution). To test whether we could increase the purity of HSCs isolated from these contexts, we examined the SLAM family markers CD150 and CD48. All detectable HSCs from old, reconstituted, and cyclophosphamide/G-CSF-mobilized mice were CD150+CD48-, just as in normal young bone marrow. Thy-1lowSca-1+Lineage-c-kit+ cells from old, reconstituted, or mobilized mice included mainly CD48+ and/or CD150- cells that lacked reconstituting ability. CD150+CD48-Sca-1+Lineage-c-kit+ cells from old, reconstituted, or mobilized mice were much more highly enriched for HSCs, with 1 in 3 to 1 in 7 cells giving long-term multilineage reconstitution. SLAM family receptor expression is conserved among HSCs from diverse contexts, and HSCs from old, reconstituted, and mobilized mice engraft relatively efficiently after transplantation when contaminating cells are eliminated.
The effect of monitoring by cameras and robots on the privacy enhancing behaviors of older adults

This paper describes the results of an experimental study in which older adult participants interacted with three monitoring technologies designed to support their ability to age in place in their own home - a camera, a stationary robot, and a mobile robot. The aim of our study was to evaluate users' perceptions of privacy and their tendencies to engage in privacy enhancing behaviors (PEBs) by comparing the three conditions. We found that privacy concerns lead older adults to change their behavior in a home environment while being monitored by cameras or embodied robots. We expected participants to engage in more PEBs when they interacted with a mobile robot, which provided embodied cues of ongoing monitoring; surprisingly, we found the opposite to be true - the camera was the condition in which participants performed more PEBs. We describe the results of quantitative and qualitative analyses of our survey, interview, and observational data and discuss the implications of our study for human-robot interaction, the study of privacy and technology, and the design of assistive robots for monitoring older adults.
A psychological pattern of anxiety in public speaking

In previous research, a physiological pattern of speech anxiety has been established for the periods before, during, and after delivering a public speech. However, no corresponding psychological pattern has been reported. Although strong correlations between psychological and physiological measures have not been found, it seemed reasonable to expect public speakers to exhibit a psychological pattern of speech anxiety similar to the physiological pattern. The results of this study support that hypothesis. The observed pattern is a monotonic function decreasing from the beginning of the speech through the post speech period.
Kinetic Model for Assessing the Effect of pH-Dependent Nonphotochemical Quenching of Chlorophyll Excitations on the Energetic Output of Chloroplasts

The controlled dissipation of chlorophyll excitations protects photosynthetic organisms from inhibition of photosystem II. This dissipation, commonly known as nonphotochemical quenching (NPQ), enhances plants' fitness in natural conditions where sunlight intensity fluctuates. To identify the properties of feedback loop(s) controlling NPQ that enable it to effectively balance light harvesting and photoprotection, we have developed a mathematical model of photosystem II that incorporates molecular mechanisms for nonphotochemical quenching containing the PsbS protein and the xanthophyll cycle. The model accurately reproduces measurements of chlorophyll fluorescence over several minutes in intact leaves of the plant Arabidopsis thaliana. The model enables calculation of the effect of NPQ on both photoinhibition and energy consumption by the carbon reactions. This calculation provides a framework for quantifying the role of feedback-regulated photoprotection in enhancing the ability of plants to thrive in variable light conditions. Because the model incorporates mechanistic details, it has the potential to inform on modifications to improve the feedback loop controlling rapid nonphotochemical quenching to optimize the role of PSII regulation in maximizing biomass production.
Nonparametric tests for the median from a size-biased sample

Abstract This study explores issues related to one-sample nonparametric tests for the median of a continuous distribution when the sample is collected via size-bias of a known order. A general principle on how to construct the reference distribution of a given test statistic is presented. Following this principle, we create new bias-corrected nonparametric testing procedures. Computationally intensive, exact P-values are available for a small sample. When the sample size is large, P-values can be easily estimated by the asymptotic approximation developed here. Power functions of these tests are investigated in both small- and large-sample cases and consistency is shown to hold under fairly general conditions. The tests’ performances are then compared via asymptotic relative efficiency under four theoretical distributions.
Behavior-Linked FoxP2 Regulation Enables Zebra Finch Vocal Learning

Mutations in the FOXP2 transcription factor cause an inherited speech and language disorder, but how FoxP2 contributes to learning of these vocal communication signals remains unclear. FoxP2 is enriched in corticostriatal circuits of both human and songbird brains. Experimental knockdown of this enrichment in song control neurons of the zebra finch basal ganglia impairs tutor song imitation, indicating that adequate FoxP2 levels are necessary for normal vocal learning. In unmanipulated birds, vocal practice acutely downregulates FoxP2, leading to increased vocal variability and dynamic regulation of FoxP2 target genes. To determine whether this behavioral regulation is important for song learning, here, we used viral-driven overexpression of FoxP2 to counteract its downregulation. This manipulation disrupted the acute effects of song practice on vocal variability and caused inaccurate song imitation. Together, these findings indicate that dynamic behavior-linked regulation of FoxP2, rather than absolute levels, is critical for vocal learning.
Human directed local autonomy for motion guidance and coordination in an intelligent manufacturing system

This paper discusses the problem of integrating human intelligence and skills into an intelligent manufacturing system. Our center has jointed the Holonic Manufacturing Systems (HMS) Project, an international consortium dedicated to developing holonic systems technologies. One of our contributions to this effort is in Work Package 6: flexible human integration. This paper focuses on one activity, namely, human integration into motion guidance and coordination. Much research on intelligent systems focuses on creating totally autonomous agents. At the Center for Intelligent Systems (CIS), we design robots that interact directly with a human user. We focus on using the natural intelligence of the user to simplify the design of a robotic system. The problem is finding ways for the user to interact with the robot that are efficient and comfortable for the user. Manufacturing applications impose the additional constraint that the manufacturing process should not be disturbed; that is, frequent interacting with the user could degrade real-time performance. Our research in human-robot interaction is based on a concept called human directed local autonomy (HuDL). Under this paradigm, the intelligent agent selects and executes a behavior or skill, based upon directions from a human user. The user interacts with the robot via speech, gestures, or other media. Our control software is based on the intelligent machine architecture (IMA), an object-oriented architecture which facilitates cooperation and communication among intelligent agents. In this paper we describe our research testbed, a dual-arm humanoid robot and human user, and the use of this testbed for a human directed sorting task. We also discuss some proposed experiments for evaluating the integration of the human into the robot system. At the time of this writing, the experiments have not been completed.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A cubic interpolation pipeline for fast computation of 3D deformation fields modeled using B-splines

Fast computation of 3D deformation fields is critical to bringing the application of automated elastic image registration algorithms to routine clinical practice. However, it lies beyond the computational power of current microprocessors; therefore requiring implementations using either massively parallel computers or application-specific hardware accelerators. The use of massively parallel computers in a clinical setting is not practical or cost-effective, therefore making the use of hardware accelerators necessary. We present a hardware pipeline that allows accelerating the computation of 3D deformation fields to speeds up to two orders of magnitude faster than software implementations on current workstations and about 64 times faster than other previously reported architectures. The pipeline implements a version of the free-form deformation calculation algorithm, which is optimized to minimize the number of arithmetic operations required to calculate the transformation of a given set of neighboring voxels, thereby achieving an efficient and compact implementation in hardware which allows its use as part of a larger system.
Translating systolic arrays into instruction systolic arrays

An instruction systolic array is a programmable systolic array. Instructions and mask bits are pumped through the array as well as data. It offers cost-benefit advantages over systolic arrays because one array can be used for multiple applications. This paper describes a method of translating systolic array programs into programs for instruction systolic arrays. The method is quite straightforward and can easily be automated. Two lemmas for optimizing instruction systolic array programs and three example programs are presented. We conclude with a description of future work.
Dichotomous vs. Interval Rating of Headache Symptomatology: An Investigation in the Reliability of Headache Assessment

SYNOPSIS The present study compared reported frequencies of headache symptoms assessed by dichotomous and interval rating scales. Reliability estimates, measured by per cent agreement, were obtained between the two scales for 26 common symptoms. Ninety-eight undergraduate students and 25 chronic headache patients completed the symptom checklist using both rating procedures. Results suggested very low agreement between scales. In addition, a curvilinear relationship was discovered between per cent agreement and subjects' ratings of degree of headache problem. Severe and non-problem headache groups were more reliable across scales than slight or moderate headache sufferers. Data also suggested wide variability in reliabilities for specific symptoms although symptom classes (vascular, autonomic, musculoskeletal) were similar in per cent agreement with a slight tendency for autonomic symptoms to be more reliable. Migraine patients were more reliable than chronic muscle contraction (CMC) individuals and these differences were consistent across symptom classes. Overall, the data support the hypothesis that an interval scale is a more sensitive index of headache symptomatology characteristics than dichotomous ratings. Results are discussed with regard to the role of reliability in questionnaire research and its facilitative effect in reducing error variance across headache investigations.
Calibrated Membranes with Coated Pore Walls

Extremely uniform small-radius pores, formed in thin mica membranes, have been coated with monoand multimolecular layers of fatty acids. Stearate monolayers orient themselves on the pore walls in layers 25 to 28 angstroms thick. The resulting membranes, with radii of the order 100 angstroms or less, may have applications in simulating certain features of biological membranes and in fabricating highly selective membranes for differential dialysis or ultrafiltration.
Measurement of cyclooxygenase inhibition using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

Because cyclooxygenases (COX) convert arachidonic acid into pro-inflammatory cyclic endoperoxides, inhibition of these enzymes and especially the inducible COX-2 form is an important therapeutic approach to manage inflammatory diseases and possibly prevent cancer. Due to side effects of existing non-selective and COX-2 selective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, the discovery of new COX inhibitors continues to be an area of active investigation. Since existing assays are slow or lack specificity, a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) based COX inhibition assay was developed and validated for the rapid and accurate quantitative analysis of the COX product prostaglandin E(2). The assay was validated using four COX inhibitors, celecoxib, indomethacin, resveratrol, and diclofenac that exhibit different selectivities towards COX-1 and COX-2. The IC(50) values of celecoxib and resveratrol for ovine and human COX-2 were compared, and the K(m) values were determined. Since considerable inter-species variation was observed, human COX-2 should be used for the discovery of COX inhibitors intended for human use. This sensitive and accurate LC-MS-MS based assay is suitable for the rapid screening of ligands for COX-1 and COX-2 inhibition and for IC(50) determinations.
Differentiation of the Causes of Pulmonary Hypertension in Rheumatic Heart Disease by Simultaneous Right and Left Heart Catheterization

Pulmonary vascular disease, mitral valve block, left heart failure, or any combination of these factors may cause pulmonary hypertension. Right heart catheterization alone, in rheumatic heart disease, cannot differentiate among these possibilities. Right and left heart catheterization is of great aid, however, in resolution of the problem. Five cases are discussed to illustrate the value of combined heart catheterization.
Dynamic optical properties of CW Nd:YAlG lasers

The thermal and optical properties of CW Nd:YAlG laser rods have been measured before and during optical pumping with tungsten lamps. Instabilities in the optical properties during pumping were found to correlate reasonably well with the fluid flow characteristics of the coolant used. The importance of stable optical properties to the attainment of maximum laser radiance and amplitude stability is emphasized. Estimates of the mean temperature rise and profile in the rod during pumping are given.
The anhydrous solvolyses of 5β-cholestan-3β, 5-diol-6-ones 3-p-touensesulfonate

Abstract Solvolyses of 5β-cholestan-3β, 5-diol-6-one 3-toslylate (Ic) in several solvents lead to 3β,5-oxido-5β-cholestan-6-one (II) as the major product. The possibility of a mechanism involving hydrogen bonding from the C 5 hydroxyl to the C 3 tosylate is discussed by reference to pertinent infrared spectra. Treatment of 5β-cholestan-3α, 5-diol-6-one (IVa) with thionyl chloride in chloroform solution leads to the same epoxy ketone II, indicating possible possible participation of the 5β-hydroxyl group. Reactions of II and some derivatives are discussed.
Theoretical study of the gauche–trans equilibrium with and without an intramolecular hydrogen bond for +H3NCH2CH2X systems (X = OH, NH2, COO−) in solution

The gauche–trans conformational equilibrium has been studied for +H3NCH2CH2X systems (X = OH, NH2, COO−) and for the neutral model of the simplest β-amino acid in aqueous solution and chloroform. Each structure exhibits an intramolecular hydrogen bond in the NCCX gauche conformation, which is necessarily disrupted in the local energy minimum trans form. Geometries were optimized at the IEF-PCM/B97D/aug-cc-pvtz level of theory and indicated that the solvent effect of chloroform vs. water is moderate when the geometries for the corresponding gauche and trans conformers are compared. The only remarkable difference was found for β-alanine, which can exist in gauche, zwitterionic form in aqueous solution but not in chloroform. Total relative free energies were obtained as the sum of the relative IEF-PCM/B97D/aug-cc-pvtz internal free energy and ΔG(solv). The latter was calculated both by means of IEF-PCM and the explicit solvent FEP/Monte Carlo methods. The resulting ΔGtot values could differ by 1–2 kcal mol−1 depending on the accepted ΔG(solv) value, but any calculation indicated that the internally bound gauche conformers are far more populated than the corresponding trans species. A difference of 2.6 kcal mol−1 for ΔG(solv) by the two methods resulted in the preference of the zwitterionic gauche β-alanine structure by FEP/MC in contrast to IEF-PCM favoring the neutral form in aqueous solution. Monte Carlo characterization of the solution structure in the first solvation shell of polar groups indicates that solvation of a N–H+ bond is sensitive to its involvement in an intramolecular hydrogen bond. For the zwitterionic, gauche β-alanine, almost no water oxygen can reach that N–H+ bond, which is in strong interaction with the –COO− group by forming a six-membered ring and favorable local geometry for the hydrogen bond.