cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interactions of stimulus materials, age, and SES in the assessment of cognitive abilities

Abstract Performance on cognitive tasks was compared for children of three age levels—6–10, 7–10, and 8–10—and three socioeconomic status (SES) levels—lower, middle, and upper—using two different kinds of stimulus material in assessment. The two stimulus materials were school-like materials, which are traditionally usedd in the assessment of cognitive abilities, and food, which is a common material familiar to children of all ages and SES levels. Tests of three cognitive competencies—classification, conservation of substance, and conservation of number—were evaluated. For each of the tests, significant interactions indicated that the kind of stimulus material used in assessing cognitive competence affected children's performance. On classification and conservation of substance, children at the lowest age level and at the lowest SES level performed better when food was used in the assessment than when school-like material was used. However, kind of material used in the test did not substantially affect the performance of the upper SES children nor that of the oldest children, except for the oldest lower SES group. On conservation of number, the upper SES group of all age levels and the oldest middle SES group performed equally well with both materials. All other groups tended to perform better with school-like materials.
Resonance scattering by atmospheric sodium—VI The analytic solution for the twilight intensity

Abstract With the method outlined by Brandt and Chamberlain (1958) in Part V of this series, the analytic solution for the twilight intensity is obtained in terms of rapidly converging series expressions. All of the necessary functions for the solution are tabulated, and it is found that three terms of the series give an error less than 0.5 per cent for the range 0 ⩽ τ0 ⩽ 0.20. A sample computation is made for a angle of solar depression, β, of 6δ.5 and the values are in excellent agreement with the numerical work published previously.
The costs, air quality, and human health effects of meeting peak electricity demand with installed backup generators

Existing generators installed for backup during blackouts could be operated during periods of peak electricity demand, increasing grid reliability and supporting electricity delivery. Many generators, however, have non-negligible air emissions and may potentially damage air quality and harm human health. To evaluate using these generators, we compare the levelized private and social (health) costs of diesel internal combustion engines (ICE) with and without diesel particulate filters (DPF), natural gas ICEs, and microturbines to a new peaking plant in New York, NY. To estimate the social cost, first we calculate the upper range emissions for each generator option from producing 36 000 megawatt-hours (MWh) of electricity over 3 days. We then convert the emissions into ambient concentrations with a 3-D chemical transport model, PMCAMx, and Gaussian dispersion plumes. Using a Monte Carlo approach to incorporate the uncertainties, we calculate the health endpoints using concentration−response functions and mu...
Tandem mass spectrometry: A new method for acylcarnitine profiling with potential for neonatal screening for inborn errors of metabolism

A method for analysis of acylcarnitines in blood at physiological concentrations has been developed. Preliminary results from umbilical cord blood and neonatal blood spotted onto Guthrie cards are encouraging. This method will detect up to at least eight inherited metabolic disorders which exhibit diagnostic acylcarnitine profiles, including medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency. The speed and simplicity of the method permit automation with existing technology, and could enable routine neonatal screening to be carried out in an efficient and cost-effective manner.
The “New Curriculum” Challenges the Modern Foreign Language Teacher†

Author's Summary— Sympathizers with foreign language study should understand the trends manifest in the “new curriculum.” Six of these trends are discussed, together with modifications already made in some courses of study, and criticisms against much of the present teaching explained. A broadly cultural presentation, emphasizing the social aspects of language, with provision for giving the pupil of lesser linguistic ability a workable concept of national backgrounds, is suggested.
Computational models for synthetic marine infrared clutter

The next generation of ship defense missiles will need to engage stealthy, passive, sea-skimming missiles. Detection and guidance will occur against a background of sea surface and horizon which can present significant clutter problems for infrared seekers, particularly when targets are comparatively dim. We need a variety of sea clutter models: statistical image models for signal processing algorithm design, clutter occurrence models for systems effectiveness assessment, and constructive image models for synthesizing very large field-of-view (FOV) images with high spatial and temporal resolution. We have implemented and tested such a constructive model. First principle models of water waves and light transport provide a computationally intensive clutter model implemented as a raytracer. Our models include sea, sky, and solar radiance; reflectance; attenuating atmospheres; constructive solid geometry targets; target and water wave dynamics; and simple sensor image formation.
Facilitation by pyrimidine deoxyribonucleosides and hypoxanthine of mutagenic and cytotoxic effects of monofunctional alkylating agents in Chinese hamster cells.

Abstract Hypoxanthine (Hx), thymidine (TdR) and deoxycytidine (CdR), at concentrations of 10 −5 M increased the yield of 8-azaguanine-resistant (AzG r ) mutants induced by N -methyl- N ′-nitro- N -nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) in cultured Chinese hamster V79 cells. The cytotoxicity of MNNG was increased 2-fold in the presence of Hx, and more than 10-fold in the presence of TdR. This cytotoxic effect of TdR was abolished by equal concentrations of CdR, which by itself did not increase the cytotoxicity of MNNG. However, the yield of MNNG-induced AzG r colonies was increased 2–10-fold in the presence of both CdR and TdR. The AzG r colonies displayed phenotypes characteristic of hypoxanthine: guaninephosphoribosyltransferase-deficient (HGPRT − ) mutants, or indicative of mutant HGPRT with altered substrate affinities. The nucleotides did not affect the growth or expression time of the HGPRT − mutants; the same extent of alkali-labile DNA occurred in cells treated with alkylating agents in the presence and absence of TdR and CdR; and the increase in mutation frequency in the presence of these nucleosides occurred not only with MNNG, but also with ethylating agents. Nucleosides treated with MNNG were not mutagenic, and treatment of the cells with TdR and CdR only prior to treatment with MNNG or only during selection with AzG did not increase the induced mutation frequency. Therefore, the interpretation is proposed that CdR, TdR and Hx produce nucleotide-pool imbalances that increase lethal and mutagenic errors of replication of alkylated DNA.
Effect of hypoxia on the uptake of [methyl-3H]choline, [1-14C] acetate and [18F]FDG in cultured prostate cancer cells.

Abstract Introduction Choline, acetate and glucose ([2- 18 F]fluoro-2-deoxyglucose, [ 18 F]FDG) analogs are under investigation as positron emission tomography (PET) tracers for the imaging of prostate cancer; however, their response to tumor hypoxia has not been clarified. Methods The uptake of [ methyl - 3 H]choline, [1- 14 C]acetate and [ 18 F]FDG was monitored in androgen-independent PC-3 cells and androgen-sensitive LNCaP cells under aerobic or anoxic conditions. The effect of androgen depletion was also examined. Results PC-3 cells exhibited aerobic choline and acetate uptake five to six times higher than FDG uptake, whereas LNCaP cells showed choline uptake 2.2-fold higher than acetate uptake and 10-fold higher than FDG uptake. After 4 h of anoxia, PC-3 cells showed an 85% increase in FDG uptake, a 15% decrease in choline uptake and a 36% increase in acetate uptake, whereas LNCaP cells showed a 212% increase in FDG uptake, a 28% decrease in choline uptake and no change in acetate uptake. Androgen depletion resulted in a marked decrease in the uptake of all tracers in LNCaP cells but no changes in PC-3 cells. Conclusion In aerobic conditions, both PC-3 and LNCaP cells exhibited an order of uptake preference as follows: choline>acetate>FDG. In hypoxic cells, the order is reversed, reflecting diverse biochemical responses to hypoxia. These findings may help to explain PET imaging findings of the diverse responses of these tracers in different stages and locations of prostate cancer. Androgen depletion markedly suppressed the uptake of all three tracers in LNCaP cells, which suggests the potential for underestimation of the disease state when PET imaging is performed subsequent to antiandrogen therapy.
In vivo electroporation of morpholinos into the adult zebrafish retina.

Many devastating inherited eye diseases result in progressive and irreversible blindness because humans cannot regenerate dying or diseased retinal neurons. In contrast, the adult zebrafish retina possesses the robust ability to spontaneously regenerate any neuronal class that is lost in a variety of different retinal damage models, including retinal puncture, chemical ablation, concentrated high temperature, and intense light treatment 1-8. Our lab extensively characterized regeneration of photoreceptors following constant intense light treatment and inner retinal neurons after intravitreal ouabain injection 2, 5, 9. In all cases, resident Muller glia re-enter the cell cycle to produce neuronal progenitors, which continue to proliferate and migrate to the proper retinal layer, where they differentiate into the deficient neurons. We characterized five different stages during regeneration of the light-damaged retina that were highlighted by specific cellular responses. We identified several differentially expressed genes at each stage of retinal regeneration by mRNA microarray analysis 10. Many of these genes are also critical for ocular development. To test the role of each candidate gene/protein during retinal regeneration, we needed to develop a method to conditionally limit the expression of a candidate protein only at times during regeneration of the adult retina. Morpholino oligos are widely used to study loss of function of specific proteins during the development of zebrafish, Xenopus, chick, mouse, and tumors in human xenografts 11-14. These modified oligos basepair with complementary RNA sequence to either block the splicing or translation of the target RNA. Morpholinos are stable in the cell and can eliminate or "knockdown" protein expression for three to five days 12. Here, we describe a method to efficiently knockdown target protein expression in the adult zebrafish retina. This method employs lissamine-tagged antisense morpholinos that are injected into the vitreous of the adult zebrafish eye. Using electrode forceps, the morpholino is then electroporated into all the cell types of the dorsal and central retina. Lissamine provides the charge on the morpholino for electroporation and can be visualized to assess the presence of the morpholino in the retinal cells. Conditional knockdown in the retina can be used to examine the role of specific proteins at different times during regeneration. Additionally, this approach can be used to study the role of specific proteins in the undamaged retina, in such processes as visual transduction and visual processing in second order neurons.
Surface ozone in Joshua Tree National Park

Abstract Surface ozone concentrations are high throughout Joshua Tree National Park (JOTR), as demonstrated by direct monitoring at multiple sites within JOTR. Multiple years of data from continuous ozone monitors and passive samplers indicate that the highest ozone concentrations occur in the northwest corner of JOTR, and decrease as one moves to the south and east. Analysis of long-term (1994–2010) hourly data from the Black Rock monitoring station indicates that average summertime ozone concentrations have remained essentially constant, with a concurrent decrease in the number, and magnitude, of high ozone events. Calculation of ozone exposure indices suggests that ozone concentrations may be high enough to adversely affect local flora, especially in the northwestern region of the park. Back-trajectory analysis using the HYSPLIT model suggests that most of the ozone measured in JOTR is transported into the park from a high source area (Los Angeles and surrounding suburbs) to the west.
Exiled Hungarians in Argentina 1948-1968: The Formation of a Community

This paper presents the cultural activism of a group of Hungarian emigres who fled their homeland following Soviet occupation at the end of World War II and arrived in Argentina around 1948. It deals with the intellectual activity of these exiles, especially through their cultural and educational institutions. Within five years of their arrival as dispossessed “D.P.’s,” they founded a Hungarian Center (“Centro Hungaro”) that housed, among others, a theater group, a free university, a cultural and scientific academy, a weekend school, and scout troops. At the same time, new periodicals appeared, and a substantive number of books banned in Hungary were published. I argue that it is due to the work of these institutions that the community flourished and is vital to date, in spite of its isolation and lack of reinforcement through new emigrant waves, and in spite of its hostile relationship with the government of the People’s Republic of Hungary and of a series of Argentine economic crises that forced many of its members to re-emigrate. I also discuss the impact the exiles had on their descendants, contending that as a result of the strong cultural foundations laid by them during their first twenty years of emigration, third- and fourth-generation Hungarian-Argentines have maintained to this day a strong cultural and ethnic identity, while fully integrating into Argentine society at large.
Differetial sensitivity of spontaneously hypertensive rats to the hypothermic effect of dopaminergic drugs

Abstract The dopaminergic agonist apomorphine produces dose-related hypothermia in naive rats as does L-DOPA in carbidopa-pretreated rats. The hypothermic responses to these two dopaminergic drugs were significantly more pronounced and prolonged in the spontaneously hypertensive rat than in normotensive Wistar control rats. The greater sensitivity of the SHR to these drugs was reflected as a leftward shift of the dose-response curves for apomorphine- and L-DOPA-induced hypothermias.
035 Evaluation of BiLayered Cell Therapy for Full Thickness Excision Wounds: A MultiCenter, Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Trial

Management of surgical defects following excisional and Mohs micrographic surgery for malignant skin lesions consists of autografting, skin flaps, primary closure, and healing by secondary intention. A fully differentiated bilayered cell-based therapy (BLCT/Apligraf), expresses multiple growth factors, provides a biologically active matrix, and appears to be immunologically inert. BLCT is FDA approved for venous leg ulcers and diabetic foot ulcers. BLCT is effective in hard-to-heal venous ulcers and, in diabetic foot ulcers, it is significantly associated with less amputations and osteomyelitis. A previous open-label trial showed BLCT to be safe and effective in surgical excision wounds. However, we have been interested in rigorously identifying differences in chronic compared to acute wounds when using BLCT or other skin substitutes. In this report of a multicenter randomized study, we enrolled and treated 181 patients eligible for secondary intention healing after Mohs or excisional surgery for skin cancer, with 172 completing the study. Face wounds were excluded. In total, 84 patients were treated with BLCT and 88 with dressings alone. The primary efficacy endpoint was the quality of the healed wound using the Vancouver Burn Scar Assessment Scale (VBSAS). Pigmentation, vascularity, pliability, and scar heights were assessed by the investigator and an independent observer as 0 (no scar) to 15 (worst scar). Scores of ≤ 4 were assigned to 57 (65%) of BLCT-treated patients by both the investigator and observer, and to 60 (65%) and 54 (58%) of control patients according to the investigator and observer, respectively. There was no difference in healing time, and no severe adverse events or rapid cancer recurrence were observed in either group. In this randomized controlled trial of full thickness excision wounds after skin cancer removal, BLCT/Apligraf was safe and well tolerated.
Expression of DNA topoisomerase IIalpha in thyroid neoplasia.

Topoisomerase II (topo II) is an enzyme that affects replication, transcription, and chromosome segregation. It serves as a target for several useful antichemotherapeutic agents, such as etoposide (VP-16) and teniposide (VM26). Monoclonal antibody topo IIalpha (Clone JH2.7; Neomarkers, Union City, CA) specifically identifies the alpha isoform of topo II. Using this antibody in an immunohistochemical analysis, we studied differential expression of topo II in a variety of thyroid lesions. The topo II labeling index is defined as the number of topo II staining positive nuclei divided by the total number of tumor cells counted multiplied by 100. An average of 1,000 cells were counted in each case. The average labeling indexes for anaplastic carcinoma (7.8), tall cell variant of papillary carcinoma (4.8), follicular carcinoma (2.6), Hurthle cell carcinoma (3.4), and medullary carcinoma (2.4) were much higher than for papillary carcinoma (0.76), follicular adenoma (0.65), Hurthle cell adenoma (0.32), and normal thyroid (0.1). This study suggests that immunohistochemical analysis of topo II correlates with thyroid tumor histology; it is more frequently expressed in tumors that are associated with aggressive clinical behavior. It may help to define a role for anti-topoisomerase drugs in treatment of aggressive thyroid neoplasms.
Scrambling for Africa Again

This article is meant to be a critical look at the African presence in the Western mass media. Since the time of Joseph Conrad's The Heart of Darkness, Africa has almost always been painted in dark colors in movies, newspaper articles, and all sorts of literature throughout the Western world. This article demonstrates that Africa is still being treated quite unfairly, and behind her blurred and distorted picture, there are a number of shocking truths that need to be revealed. To support his claim, the writer provides a good deal of evidence from Blaine Harden's Africa: Dispatches From a Fragile Continent. More specifically, the essay focuses on the civil war in Rwanda and the subsequent crisis in Zaire. When they are carefully and thoroughly cross-examined, various articles in newspapers and magazines unravel the mystery as to whom is to blame. That is what this article shows thanks to Chicago Sun Times, The New York Times, Time magazine, the British The Weekly Telegraph, and the French Le Monde. In paraphrasing the biblical words of the Book of Genesis, I am simply trying to point to a tragic historical fact: the colonization of Africa. It has been 36 years since most African countries became independent territories and politically sovereign states. But, looking at the way the W~estern press interprets major events in Africa,
The Cuban endemic genera Ariadne, Mazaea, Acunaeanthus, Phyllomelia (Rondeletieae), and Eosanthe (Rubiaceae)

After detailed morphological comparison, the generaMazaea (incl.Neomazaea) andAriadne are considered to be synonymous, for which a new combination,M. shaferi, is provided.Acunaeanthus is maintained as a separate monotypic genus.Phyllomelia, previously treated asgenus incertae sedis, is here transferred to the Rondeletieae, and believed to be closely related toMazaea. The systematic position ofEosanthe remains dubious until fertile collections become available. Complete descriptions, synonymies, typifications, and distributions ofMazaea, Acunaeanthus, Phyllomelia, andEosanthe are presented, andMazaea andPhyllomelia are illustrated.
Environmental fate and properties of pyriproxyfen

Pyriproxyfen is a broad-spectrum insect growth regulator (IGR) with insecticidal activity against public health insect pests such as houseflies, mosquitoes and cockroaches. In agriculture and horticulture, pyriproxyfen has registered uses for the control of scale, whitefly, aphids and fire ants. It is used extensively worldwide, particularly in developing countries, although it has no significant uses in California. Pyriproxyfen acts on the endocrine system of insects by mimicking the juvenile hormone, thereby hindering molting and subsequently inhibiting reproduction. IGRs are unique in that they are specific for insects and have very low mammalian toxicity. As such, pyriproxyfen has received U.S. EPA status as a Reduced Risk insecticide and an organophosphate alternative and is the only pesticide approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) for treatment of potable water against mosquito. However, concerns about its environmental persistence and latent toxicity to nontarget organisms have been recently raised and discussed. In this context, a detailed review of the environmental fate and physicochemical properties of pyriproxyfen from the available scientific literature and from data gathered in its development and testing is needed. This paper gathers, combines, and abridges important environmental fate and property data on pyriproxyfen for academics, environmental scientists and agricultural professionals needing ready access to this information.
The antimicrobial possibilities of green tea

Green tea is a popular drink, especially in Asian countries, although its popularity continues to spread across the globe. The health benefits of green tea, derived from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, have been studied for many years. Fairly recently, researchers have begun to look at the possibility of using green tea in antimicrobial therapy, and the potential prevention of infections. The particular properties of catechins found in the tea have shown promise for having antimicrobial effects. There are four main catechins (polyphenols) found in green tea: (-)-epicatechin (EC), (-)-epicatechin-3-gallate (ECG), (-)-epigallocatechin (EGC), and (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). Three of these, ECG, EGC, and EGCG have been shown to have antimicrobial effects against a variety of organisms. These catechins have exhibited a variety of antimicrobial mechanisms. The results of studies on the antimicrobial effects of green tea have shown that the potential for preventive and therapeutic purposes is present. Further data collection on studies performed with human consumption during the course of infections, and studies on the occurrence of infections in populations that consume regular amounts of green tea will be necessary to complete the picture of its antimicrobial possibilities.
Generalization of Tychonov's theorem with applications to adaptive control of SISO delay systems

Abstract This paper deals with single-input single-output delay systems with unknown transfer function parameters, including unknown, non-commensurate, real delays. A generalization of Tychonov's Theorem is obtained. This generalization is used to show the stability of a smooth adaptive controller when applied to a large class of delay systems. This paper generalizes the results in [1,2].
Naloxone-induced hypodipsia: A CNS mapping study

Opiate antagonists have been shown to reliably attenuate drinking behavior. Recent research points to a central site of action for this antidipsogenic effect. To pursue this issue of site specificity, naloxone, a specific opiate antagonist, was delivered into a number of discrete subcortical areas in 23 hour water-deprived rats. Water intake was measured at 5, 15, 30 and 60 minutes post drug injection. Compared to saline control injections, naloxone reliably depressed water intake, in a dose-related manner, in lateral hypothalamus, preoptic area and zona incerta. Previous research has repeatedly implicated these areas in drinking behavior. Placements which were not generally effective included lateral ventricle, nucleus accumbens, substantia nigra and cortex/corpus callosum. Latency to drink was never affected by any dose of naloxone injected into any site, suggesting an opioid influence on mechanisms involved in termination and/or maintenance rather than on initiation of drinking.
In vitro embryonic axis and seedling shoot tip culture of Juglans nigra L.

Embryonic axes and seedling shoot tips of Juglans nitra L., Black walnut, were cultured in vitro. Significant variation existed among progeny from individual trees for growth of radicles and epicotyls and production of callus and axillary shoots from embryonic axes. The concentration of 6-benzyladenine influenced the growth of the radicle and epicotyl and production of callus and axillary shoots of axes. Axes generally initiated growth quicker on solidified woody plant medium than on Driver and Kuniyuki's walnut medium, but axillary shoot proliferation and elongation were eventually better on liquid Driver and Kuniyuki's walnut medium than on woody plant medium which required an etiolation treatment for microshoot elongation. The concentration of BA also influenced both callus growth and axillary shoot proliferation from seedling shoot tips. Axillary shoots which formed in Driver and Kuniyuki's walnut medium rooted best in sterile vermiculite following a 15 s dip in 10 mM indole-3-butyric acid. Micropropagated plants are growing in the greenhouse.
Chylomicron- and VLDL-derived Lipids Enter the Heart through Different Pathways IN VIVO EVIDENCE FOR RECEPTOR- AND NON-RECEPTOR-MEDIATED FATTY ACID UPTAKE

Lipids circulate in the blood in association with plasma lipoproteins and enter the tissues either after hydrolysis or as non-hydrolyzable lipid esters. We studied cardiac lipids, lipoprotein lipid uptake, and gene expression in heart-specific lipoprotein lipase (LpL) knock-out (hLpL0), CD36 knock-out (Cd36−/−), and double knock-out (hLpL0/Cd36−/−-DKO) mice. Loss of either LpL or CD36 led to a significant reduction in heart total fatty acyl-CoA (control, 99.5 ± 3.8; hLpL0, 36.2 ± 3.5; Cd36−/−, 57.7 ± 5.5 nmol/g, p 10-fold and reduced HDL by >50%. After injection of these labeled chylomicrons in the different mice, chylomicron TG uptake was reduced by ∼70% and retinyl ester by ∼50% in hLpL0 hearts. Loss of CD36 did not alter either chylomicron TG or retinyl ester uptake. LpL loss did not affect uptake of remnant lipoproteins from ApoE knock-out mice. Our data are consistent with two pathways for fatty acid uptake; a CD36 process for VLDL-derived fatty acid and a non-CD36 process for chylomicron-derived fatty acid uptake. In addition, our data show that lipolysis is involved in uptake of core lipids from TG-rich lipoproteins.
K-alpha conversion efficiency measurements for X-ray scattering in inertial confinement fusion plasmas

Abstract The conversion efficiency of ultra short-pulse laser radiation to K-α X-rays has been measured for various chlorine-containing targets to be used as X-ray scattering probes of dense plasmas. The spectral and temporal properties of these sources will allow spectrally-resolved X-ray scattering probing with picosecond temporal resolution required for measuring the plasma conditions in inertial confinement fusion experiments. Simulations of X-ray scattering spectra from these plasmas show that fuel capsule density, capsule ablator density, and shock timing information may be inferred.
Exposing parallelism and locality in a runtime parallel optimization framework

Runtime parallel optimization has been suggested as a means to overcome the difficulties of parallel programming. For runtime parallel optimization to be effective, parallelism and locality that are expressed in the programming model need to be communicated to the runtime system. We suggest that the compiler should expose this information to the runtime using a representation that is independent of the programming model. Such a representation allows a single runtime environment to support many different models and architectures and to perform automatic parallelization optimization.
Fundamentals of interactive computer graphics

Fundamentals of interactive computer graphics , Fundamentals of interactive computer graphics , مرکز فناوری اطلاعات و اطلاع رسانی کشاورزی
Sustaining evidence-based interventions under real-world conditions: results from a large-scale diffusion project.

This study examined factors associated with the predicted and actual post-funding sustainability of evidence-based interventions implemented as part of the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency’s Research-Based Delinquency and Violence Prevention Initiative. Correlates of predicted post-funding sustainability included program staff, overall school support, and school administrator support. Additionally, predicted post-funding sustainability was strongly associated with actual post-funding sustainability. Other correlates of actual post-funding sustainability included financial sustainability planning and aligning the intervention with the goals of the agency/school. Five years post-funding 33% of the interventions were no longer operating, 22% were operating at a reduced level, and 45% were operating at the same level or a higher level than the final year of funding. These findings are discussed in terms of implications for increasing intervention sustainability, as well as implications for future research on intervention sustainability.
Sensation seeking and bipolar affective disorder

Abstract Sensation seeking is a stable trait which is reflected in certain behavioral characteristics, such as risk-taking activities of many kinds. Several lines of research have suggested a relationship between sensation seeking and bipolar affective disorder. The Hypomania scale of the MMPI correlates with the Sensation Seeking Scale. Additionally, both bipolar affective disorder patients and high sensation seekers tend to show the augmenting pattern in average evoked response experiments and low levels of the enzyme monoamine oxidase. The current study tested a hospitalized bipolar affective disorder population on the Sensation Seeking Scale. Bipolar patients scored higher than the control group on the Disinhibition and Boredom Susceptibility subscales of the Sensation Seeking Scale even though about half of the group was currently in a depressive phase of the illness. Research using the Sensation Seeking Scale to identify high-risks groups is discussed.
In search of biomarkers in psychiatry: EEG-based measures of brain function

Current clinical parameters used for diagnosis and phenotypic definitions of psychopathology are both highly variable and subjective. Intensive research efforts for specific and sensitive biological markers, or biomarkers, for psychopathology as objective alternatives to the current paradigm are ongoing. While biomarker research in psychiatry has focused largely on functional neuroimaging methods for identifying the neural functions that associate with psychopathology, scalp electroencephalography (EEG) has been viewed, historically, as offering little specific brain source information, as scalp appearance is only loosely correlated to its brain source dynamics. However, ongoing advances in signal processing of EEG data can now deliver functional EEG brain-imaging with distinctly improved spatial, as well as fine temporal, resolution. One computational approach proving particularly useful for EEG cortical brain imaging is independent component analysis (ICA). ICA decomposition can be used to identify distinct cortical source activities that are sensitive and specific to the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders. Given its practical research advantages, relatively low cost, and ease of use, EEG-imaging is now both feasible and attractive, in particular for studies involving the large samples required by genetically informative designs to characterize causal pathways to psychopathology. The completely non-invasive nature of EEG data acquisition, coupled with ongoing advances in dry, wireless, and wearable EEG technology, makes EEG-imaging increasingly attractive and appropriate for psychiatric research, including the study of developmentally young samples. Applied to large genetically and developmentally informative samples, EEG imaging can advance the search for robust diagnostic biomarkers and phenotypes in psychiatry.
Causes and consequences of interrupted enteral nutrition: a prospective observational study in critically ill surgical patients.

Background: Malnutrition and underfeeding are major challenges in caring for critically ill patients. Our goal was to characterize interruptions in enteral nutrition (EN) delivery and their impact on caloric debt in the surgical intensive care unit (ICU). Materials and Methods: We performed a prospective, observational study of adults admitted to surgical ICUs at a Boston teaching hospital (March–December 2012). We categorized EN interruptions as “unavoidable” vs “avoidable” and compared caloric deficit between patients with ≥1 EN interruption (group 1) vs those without interruptions (group 2). Multivariable logistic regression was used to investigate the association of EN interruption with the risk of underfeeding. Poisson regression was used to investigate the association of EN interruption with length of stay (LOS) and mortality. Results: Ninety-four patients comprised the analytic cohort. Twenty-six percent of interruptions were deemed “avoidable.” Group 1 (n = 64) had a significantly higher mean dail...
Doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity: direct correlation of cardiac fibroblast and H9c2 cell survival and aconitase activity with heat shock protein 27.

The use of doxorubicin (Dox) and its derivatives as chemotherapeutic drugs to treat patients with cancer causes dilated cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure due to Dox-induced cardiotoxicity...
Self-Assembled Monolayer-Immobilized Gold Nanoparticles as Durable, Anti-Stiction Coatings for MEMS

Self-assembled monolayer (SAM) films of p-aminophenyl trimethoxysilane (APhTS) and 3-mercaptopropyl trimethoxysilane (MPTS) were used to immobilize gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on silicon substrates and silicon-based microdevices, which created robust nanoparticle coatings that reduced microstructure adhesion. The terminal groups of APhTS and MPTS have both been previously shown to strongly interact and/or bind with metals and metallic nanoparticles. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis indicated that APhTS and MPTS monolayers improved the adhesion of gold nanoparticles deposited on silicon substrates and microstructures. SEM analysis also showed that the gold nanoparticle/organic monolayer (AuNP/APhTS or AuNP/MPTS) films were more robust than non-immobilized AuNP coatings toward both cantilever beam mechanical contact and water erosion testing. The combination of the rough, lower-energy surfaces of AuNP/APhTS and AuNP/MPTS films also effectively reduced the adhesion exhibited between microstructured surfaces by nearly two orders of magnitude as measured by the apparent work of adhesion. Smooth native oxide-coated Si(100) in-plane surfaces typically have an adhesion energy in excess of 30 mJ/m2 while AuNP/APhTS and AuNP/MPTS coatings reduced the adhesion energy to 0.655 and 1.66 mJ/m2, respectively.
Power semiconductor device figure of merit for high-frequency applications

A figure of merit (the Baliga high-frequency figure of merit) is derived for power semiconductor devices operating in high-frequency circuits. Using this figure of merit, it is predicted that the power losses incurred in the power device will increase as the square root of the operating frequency and approximately in proportion to the output power. By relating the device power dissipation to the intrinsic material parameters, it is shown that the power loss can be reduced by using semiconductors with larger mobility and critical electric field for breakdown. Examination of data in the literature indicates that significant performance improvement can be achieved by replacing silicon with gallium arsenide, silicon carbide, or semiconducting diamond. >
Discovering Discovery: How Faraday Found the First Metallic Colloid

In 1856, Michael Faraday (1791–1867) conducted nearly a year's worth of research on the optical properties of gold, in the course of which he discovered the first metallic colloids. Following our own discovery of hundreds of the specimens prepared by Faraday for this research, the present paper describes the cognitive role of these “epistemic artifacts” in the dynamics of Faraday's research practices. Analysis of the specimens, Faraday's Diary records, and replications of selected procedures (partly to replace missing kinds of specimens and partly to understand the “tacit knowledge” implicated in Faraday's research) are outlined, and a reconstruction of the events surrounding the initial discovery of metallic colloids is presented.
Differentiating Behavioral Disturbances of Dementia From Symptoms of Delirium

Delirium is a recognized cause of behavioral disturbances of dementia. Yet the proportion of cases of behavioral disturbances resulting from delirium is difficult to determine. In many epidemiologic studies, delirium is excluded as a causal factor. In the few studies that describe delirium as an underlying cause of behavioral disturbances, the mechanism by which delirium is diagnosed and the extent of the diagnostic workup are rarely delineated.
Electrochemical synthesis and characterization of transparent nanocrystalline Cu2O films and their conversion to CuO films

Transparent nanocrystalline Cu2O films (Eg = 2.6 eV) were electrodeposited from a dimethyl sulfoxide medium; these films exhibit interesting optical and photoelectrochemical properties, and can be converted to transparent CuO films.
Surface coating and leakage of dentin-bonded resin composite restorations.

Abstract Objectives: To compare the marginal leakage of dentin-bonded resin composite restorations in tooth sections coated with nail varnish and similarly restored sections coated with cyanoacrylate cement. Methods: MO and DO cavities were prepared with the gingival floor below the CEJ in 11 non-carious extracted human molars. Each cavity was restored with a dentin adhesive and resin composite. Sectioning yielded four specimens per tooth (N=44). One specimen from each restoration was coated with varnish. The other specimen was coated with cyanoacrylate cement. The coatings were applied to all surfaces except that a 1 mm window on either side of the interproximal gingival margin was left uncoated. Specimens were thermocycled and stained with silver nitrate. Silver penetration into the gingival margin of each section was measured with a measuring microscope. The predominant leakage path for each coating type was determined by scanning electron microscopy. Results: There was no significant difference between the leakage of the varnish-coated and cyanoacrylate-coated specimens. No marginal gaps were observed either by optical or by electron microscopy. However, the both optical and electron microscopy revealed leakage in nearly all specimens. This leakage was confined to either the dentin/hybrid layer interface or the adhesive resin/hybrid layer interface. Conclusions: The results suggest that these coating materials are not confounding factors in laboratory investigations of marginal leakage along dentin-bonded interfaces of resin composite restorations. Although marginal gaps were undetectable even at high magnification, leakage was observed along the gingival margin of almost all of these Class II resin composite restorations.
Variability of isotope and major ion chemistry in the Allequash Basin, Wisconsin

As part of ongoing research conducted at one of the U.S. Geological Survey’s Water, Energy, and Biogeochemical Budgets sites, work was undertaken to describe the spatial and temporal variability of stream and ground water isotopic composition and cation chemistry in the Trout Lake watershed, to relate the variability to the watershed flow system, and to identify the linkages of geochemical evolution and source of water in the watershed. The results are based on periodic sampling of sites at two scales along Allequash Creek, a small headwater stream in northern Wisconsin. Based on this sampling, there are distinct water isotopic and geochemical differences observed at a smaller hillslope scale and the larger Allequash Creek scale. The variability was larger than expected for this simple watershed, and is likely to be seen in more complex basins. Based on evidence from multiple isotopes and stream chemistry, the flow system arises from three main source waters (terrestrial-, lake-, or wetland-derived recharge) that can be identified along any flowpath using water isotopes together with geochemical characteristics such as iron concentrations. The ground water chemistry demonstrates considerable spatial variability that depends mainly on the flowpath length and water mobility through the aquifer. Calcium concentrations increase with increasing flowpath length, whereas strontium isotope ratios increase with increasing extent of stagnation in either the unsaturated or saturated zones as waters move from source to sink. The flowpath distribution we identify provides important constraints on the calibration of ground water flow models such as that undertaken by Pint et al. (this issue).
Metabolic engineering for stress tolerance: installing osmoprotectant synthesis pathways.

Abiotic environmental stresses such as drought, salinity and low temperature are major limitations for plant growth and crop productivity. Certain plants, marine algae and bacteria have evolved a number of adaptations to such abiotic stresses: some of these adaptations are metabolic and others structural. Accumulation of certain organic solutes (known as osmoprotectants) is a common metabolic adaptation found in diverse taxa. These solutes protect proteins and membranes against damage by high concentrations of inorganic ions. Some osmoprotectants also protect the metabolic machinery against oxidative damage. Many major crops lack the ability to synthesize the special osmoprotectants that are naturally accumulated by stress-tolerant organisms. Therefore, it was hypothesized that installing osmoprotectant synthesis pathways is a potential route to breed stress-tolerant crops. Proving this, recent engineering efforts in model species led to modest but significant improvements in stress tolerance of transgenic plants. Synthetic pathways to two kinds of osmoprotectants—polyols and quaternary ammonium compounds—are discussed here. Results from the metabolic engineering experiments emphasize the need for a greater understanding of primary metabolic pathways from which osmoprotectant synthesis pathways branch. Future research avenues include the identification and exploitation of diverse osmoprotectants in naturally stress-tolerant organisms, and the use of multiple genes and reiterative engineering to increase osmoprotectant flux in response to stress. High-throughput genomic technologies offer a number of tools to refine this by rapidly identifying genes, pathways, and regulatory controls.
Effect of the Proline Analogue Baikiain on Proline Metabolism in Salmonella typhimurium

A proline analogue, 4,5-dehydro-l-pipecolic acid (baikiain) induces the formation in Salmonella typhimurium of the two enzymes catalyzing the degradation of proline, proline oxidase and Δ1-pyrroline-5-carboxylic acid (P5C) dehydrogenase. The level of induction by 20 mm baikiain is about 10% of the maximum level induced by proline. Since the analogue is a substrate of proline oxidase the first enzyme of the proline catabolic pathway, the oxidation derivative rather than baikiain itself might be the actual effector. Baikiain is also an inducer of proline oxidase in Escherichia coli K-12 and E. coli W. An additional effect of this analogue on proline degradation in S. typhimurium is inhibition of P5C dehydrogenase. At a concentration of 5 × 10−4m, baikiain inhibits completely the growth of strains constitutive for proline oxidase. This inhibition, which can be overcome by proline, occurs in the presence or absence of P5C dehydrogenase activity. Three spontaneously occurring mutants resistant to baikiain were isolated from constitutive strains. All are pleiotropic-negative for the proline-degrading enzymes. The sites of these mutations are linked to the put region. Although the mechanism of toxicity has not been determined, baikiain provides a simple and direct selection for obtaining mutants unable to degrade proline. In addition, it allows selection for strains with an inducible rather than constitutive phenotype.
Radiation MHD simulations of High Energy Density plasmas created at pulse power generators

Plasma study at university level pulse power facilities as well as at the world's largest z-pinch machines serves as one of the major drivers in the emerging topic of High Energy Density Physics. Plasmas created by 1 MA discharge at the university laboratories are very interesting and unique XUV and x-ray radiation sources that have extreme densities (nearing the solid state densities) and temperatures (in some cases exceeding 1 keV level). At such parameter range the dynamics and radiation performance features of these plasma objects are strongly dominated by the radiation effects such as the radiative cooling and radiation transport. Considering as an example wire array z-pinch, one can estimate that near the current pulse maximum the radiation energy density becomes comparable with the specific internal energy of the precursor plasma column. At the same time the total radiation yield from z-pinch is several times higher than the plasma thermal energy. The main focus of this presentation is the study of radiation effects on the dynamics of high energy density plasma with the radiation MHD modeling. Dynamics of the precursor plasma column in imploding compact cylindrical wire arrays is discussed in greater details, while the simulation results are verified versus the experimental data. Particularly, the radiation MHD simulations demonstrate the transformation of precursor structure from uniform to heterogeneous as the precursor mass increases and radiation effects intensify. Novel Wire Ablation Dynamics Model has been used to account for wire material properties, such as the mass ablation rate. It is shown that by changing the wire materials one can control the parameters and radiation performance of the precursor column plasma. It is demonstrated that the flexibility of wire array load configuration provides the unique opportunities for a wide range of High Energy Density Physics experiments, particularly in the area of laboratory astrophysics.
Substance Use Problems, Treatment Engagement, and Outcomes in Partner Violent Men

Objectives: This study examined predictive associations of substance abuse with treatment engagement variables and partner abuse outcomes and explored the extent to which treatment engagement and ongoing alcohol consumption mediated the association between pretreatment substance use and posttreatment abuse. Method: Data were collected from 145 partner abusive men in treatment and partners using standardized measures of violence, alcohol and drug use at baseline, posttreatment, and follow-up assessments. Results: Men who screened positive for alcohol or drug problems at baseline had significantly lower treatment engagement and higher self-reports of partner abuse before and during treatment. Partial support was found for the mediation model. Conclusions: The implications for social work practitioners who work in interdisciplinary settings with intimate partner violence perpetrators and survivors are discussed.