cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Parent-child communication: influences of maternal sexual experiences as a teenager on the occurrence of sexuality communication with their adolescent

Although teen pregnancy rates are declining, nearly half of high school teenagers had sexual intercourse in 2005 and one in four sexually active teens contracted a sexually transmitted disease (Centers for Disease Control, n.d.; Kaiser Family Foundation, 2005). Teens obtain their information on sexuality from different sources including parents, peers, media, and educational programs. Parents are teens’ preferred source of sexuality education, yet parents aren’t providing the majority of the talking (Fitzharris & WernerWilson, 2004). When parents do talk about sexuality, studies show that parent and child gender, and child age influence the occurrence of these types of discussions. There is a lack of evidence on what other parental factors influence parent communication on sexual topics with their adolescent children. This study investigated factors that influence parent-child communication on sexual topics, and specifically sought to determine if maternal teenage sexual experiences influence mothers’ discussions with their adolescent children. The target sample of 500 randomly selected mothers or maternal guardians of children ages 10-14 years were mailed questionnaires. Using a list of 22 sexual topics, 69 respondents reported the frequency of discussions with their adolescent and completed a checklist of their own teenage sexual experiences. There was no follow up of non-respondents. Correlational research design was used to rank and list sexual topics by frequency. Data was examined in aggregate and in subgroups by gender of the adolescent. Although a majority of the respondents reported that their own teenage sexual experiences influenced the discussions they had with their adolescents, no
Polymer-loaded hydrogels serve as depots for lactate and mimic "cold" tumor microenvironments.

The burgeoning field of biomaterials for immunotherapy has aided in the understanding of foundational mechanisms of cancer immunology. In particular, implantable biomaterials can be engineered to investigate specific aspects of the tumor microenvironment either singularly or in combination. Of note, the metabolite – lactate, a byproduct of anaerobic glycolysis, is known to reprogram immune cells, resulting in increased tumor survival. An adequate model that can recapitulate intratumoral lactate concentrations does not exist. In this study, we demonstrate that a simple biomaterial platform could be developed as an instructive tool to decipher the effects of lactate in vivo. Briefly, we demonstrate that a peptide hydrogel loaded with granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor and poly-(lactic-co-glycolic acid)/(lactic acid) microparticles can generate the localized lactate concentrations (∼2–22 mM) and cellular makeup of the tumor microenvironment, following subcutaneous implantation in mice. Furthermore, infiltrating immune cells adopt phenotypes similar to those seen in other in vitro and in vivo cancer models, including immunosupressive dendritic cells. This hydrogel system is a framework to interrogate immune cell modulation in cancer-like environments using safe and degradable biomaterials. Moreover, this system can be multifaceted, as incorporation of other cancer tumor environmental factors or chemotherapeutic drugs is facile and could be insightful in developing or improving immunotherapies.
Abstract P803: Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide via Cyclic-AMP Inhibits Nogo-A by Internalizing Its Receptor NgR1

Introduction: After a stroke, axonal regeneration is inhibited by diverse axonal growth inhibitors, such as Nogo-A. They bind to the Nogo-A receptor 1 (NgR1) and induce the collapse of growth cones...
Safety and Efficacy of First-Line Pembrolizumab in Black Patients with Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

INTRODUCTION Pembrolizumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI), has become an integral part of front-line treatment of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, pivotal trials had significant underrepresentation of Black patients (pts). Lack of sufficient evidence regarding safety and efficacy of ICIs among minority racial groups poses a challenge in delivery of optimal cancer directed care. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed pts with stage IV NSCLC treated with first-line pembrolizumab across three MedStar facilities between January 1, 2014, and May 3, 2019. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were primary endpoints and were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Immune-related adverse events (irAEs) were assessed according to Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events Version 5.0 (CTCAE v5.0). RESULTS In total, 136 pts were identified, with 74 (54.4%) White, 53 (39%) Black, 2 (1.5%) Asian, and 7 (5.1%) other racial groups. Median age was 70 years in White pts and 65 years in Black pts (p < .01). There was no difference in median PFS (5.7 vs. 5.9 months; p = .651) or OS (11.8 vs. 12.4 months; p = .949) between White and Black pts. In the subset of patients whose tumors had high programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression (≥50%), there was still no difference in efficacy by race. Median PFS (8.7 vs. 3.9 months; p = .843) and OS (14.7 vs. 11.3 months; p = .581) in White versus Black pts were not different. Incidence of irAEs in White versus Black pts was 24.3% and 22.6%, respectively (p = .83). CONCLUSION We found no major differences in either safety or efficacy of first-line pembrolizumab between White and Black pts. Use of first-line pembrolizumab-based treatment in Black pts with stage IV NSCLC is safe and efficacious, based on these real-world data. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Immunotherapy has revolutionized treatment of solid and hematological malignancies. There are certain populations of patients underrepresented in the original trials including minority racial groups, patients with autoimmune diseases, and those with chronic viral illnesses. Our study focuses on Black patients with metastatic lung cancer who received pembrolizumab and concludes similar safety and response to treatment when compared with White patients. Black patients are an important demographic group in clinical practice often facing systemic health care disparities. This study paves a path for future studies in underrepresented populations receiving immunotherapy across various malignancies.
Aic-Replacements for Some Multivariate Tests of Homogeneity with Applications in Multisample Clustering and Variable Selection

Many practical situations require the presentation of multivariate data from several structured samples for comparative inference and the grouping of the heterogeneous samples into homogeneous sets of samples. While many multiple comparison procedures (MCP’s) have been proposed in the literature in the univariate case, in the multivariate case there are few MCP’s available in practice. Little or no work has been done under covariance heterogeneity for comparative simultaneous inference and on variable selection.
Mining databases for cytochrome P450 genes

Publisher Summary Data from P450 protein sequences may be derived are growing at a pace that is faster than it can be effectively searched. The process of systematically finding and assembling all P450 sequences for a given species is slow and tedious. The P450 family has reached complete status in several eukaryotic species. Results from Arabidopsis, Dictyostelium, and three animals suggest that the evolutionary history of P450s in the crown group of eukaryotes is largely independent. The main lines starting from a billion or more years ago have been diverging from very few (two or three) P450 genes shared in the crown group common ancestor. The finding that diatoms have a CYP97 in common with plants points to CYP51 and CYP97 being in the last ancestor of plants and Stramenopiles. CYP524 in Dictyostelium may have a common ancestor with CYP710 in plants. Aside from these similarities across kingdoms, most P450s in different kingdoms seem to be derived independently. More complete data sets will clarify this and identify the precursor P450s present in the earliest eukaryotes. Deeper sampling of animals such as the sea urchin, Ciona intestinalis—the most primitive creature known with a notochord—proposed by the Department of Energy, a radial animal like a jellyfish, and a sponge would make the evolutionary history of P450s in animals apparent.
46Ti(p, p′γ)46Ti angular correlation measurements

Abstract Angular correlation measurements in the 180° geometry for the 46 Ti(p, p′γ) reaction were used to determine spins and the γ-branching ratios for states at 2.962, 3.059, 3.168 and 3.236 MeV excitation. Gamma-ray spectra observed with a Ge(Li) spectrometer were used to obtain accurate excitation energies and served as an independent check on the branching ratios. Using the available information, these states were assigned spins and parities J π = 2 2 , 3 1 − , 1 1 + and 2 3 + , respectively. The 2.96, 3.17 and 3.24 MeV states were found to decay to the ground and 2 1 + states with ground-state branchings of 4.3±0.8%, 44±3% and 20±2%, respectively. The corresponding (L+1)/L mixing ratios for transitions to the 2 1 + state give δ = −1.15 −0.5 +0.4 , −0.4 −11 +0.7 and 0.0±0.1, respectively. The sign convention is that of Litherland and Ferguson. The 3 1 − state was found to have a 90±3% branch ( δ = 0.0±0.1) to the 4 1 + state, a possible branch of ≦ 3% to the 2 1 + state, and indirect evidence was found for an unusual 10±3% branch to the 2 2 + state. The reduced E1 transition rates for the 3 1 − state show a highly preferred decay to the 2 2 + state, which is in a qualitative agreement with the calculations of Soga.
Anti-CD3 antibody treatment induces hypoglycemia and super tolerance to glucose challenge in mice through enhancing glucose consumption by activated lymphocytes (IRC8P.474)

Anti-CD3 antibody has been employed in several clinical settings. However, its effect on glucose metablolism has not been well investigated. In the current study, we investigated how anti-CD3 treatment affected blood glucose levels in mice. We found that anti-CD3 treatment induced immediate reduction of blood glucose as early as 3-4 hours post-treatment. Furthermore, we observed that a single dose of anti-CD3 treatment was able to correct hyperglycemia in all diabetic NOD mice. This glucose-lowering effect was not attributable to major T cell cytokines secreted by anti-CD3 activated T cells. Of interest, when tested in a normal strain of mice (C57BL/6), the C-peptide levels in anti-CD3-treated animals were significantly lower than those of control mice. Paradoxically, the anti-CD3-treated animals were highly tolerant to the exogenous glucose challenge. In addition, we found anti-CD3 treatment significantly induced activation of T and B cells in vitro and in vivo. Our further studies showed that anti-CD3 treatment lowered the glucose levels in T cell culture media, and increased the intracellular transportation of 2-NBDG particularly in activated T and B cells. In addition, injection of anti-CD3 antibodies upregulated Glut1 expression in spleen cells. The present study suggests that anti-CD3 therapy-induced hypoglycemia likely results from increased glucose transportation and consumption by the activated lymphocytes.
Fractionation of Transformable Bacteria from Competent Cultures of Bacillus subtilis on Renografin Gradients

A population of Bacillus subtilis can be fractionated into at least two components on the basis of their buoyant densities on a Renografin gradient. In competent cultures, most, and perhaps all, of the competent bacteria appear in the lighter fraction which composes 2 to 10% of the bulk population. These “lighter” bacteria are the only bacteria capable of incorporating transforming deoxyribonucleic acid. Images
What’s Cookin’?

Comment on Palmie, Stephan. 2013. The cooking of history: How not to study Afro-Cuban religion . Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
Hybrid time series-bayesian neural network short-term load forecasting with a new input selection method

This paper proposes a hybrid short-term load forecasting (STLF) framework with a new, more efficient, input selection method. Correlation analysis and l2-norm are used in combination to select suitable inputs to individual Bayesian neural networks (BNNs), which are used to forecast the load. Forecast outputs are then weighted using calculated weighting coefficients and summed to obtain the final forecast for a particular day. New England load data is used to assess the accuracy and performance of the proposed framework; furthermore, a comparison of the proposed STLF with classic time-series methods shows a significant improvement in the accuracy of the load forecast.
A Review of “Semantic Web Technologies and Social Searching For Librarians”

The subject of the Semantic web—very briefly, an up-and-coming iteration of the World Wide Web in which data are contextualized using metadata and linked data to make it more “understandable” by co...
Productivity Enhancement Through Managing the Service Encounter

As economies become increasingly dependent on their service sector, service productivity becomes more important to understand and improve. This article argues that quality service is the key to ser...
Seventeen-colour flow cytometry: unravelling the immune system

The increasing need for polychromatic approaches to flow cytometry, coupled with rapid technological advances, has pushed the frontiers of flow cytometry beyond 12-colour systems. Recent breakthroughs have allowed the design and implementation of instruments that measure 19 parameters (17 fluorescent colours and 2 physical parameters). This article describes the instrumentation and considers the reagents, analysis and applications for this powerful, new extension of flow-cytometric technology.
Transit-time limited response from low capacitance CMOS photodetectors

Efficient GHz silicon detectors in unmodified CMOS processes are attractive for dense optical interconnection to electronics. Using blue short pulses we demonstrate 50 ps rise time lateral P-I-N detectors in a commercial silicon-on-sapphire CMOS process.
Multiple Poles in the Scattering Green's Function

A general theory of multiple poles in the scattering Green's function is developed. It is shown that their residues are determined by certain generalized Bethe-Salpeter equations apart from an over-all multiplicative factor. As an example of multiple poles, the zero-energy case is considered in the Wick-Cutkosky model. By means of an integral representation, the generalized Bethe-Salpeter equations are converted into simultaneous one-dimensional integral equations. Exact solutions are obtained to these equations of the first order. The results are compared with Heisenberg's dipole-ghost theory and with the quantum electrodynamics of Gupta and Bleuler.
Tuning a Bacterial Chemoreceptor with Protein−Membrane Interactions†

Chemoreceptors in Escherichia coli are homodimeric transmembrane proteins that convert environmental stimuli into intracellular signals controlling flagellar motion. Chemoeffectors bind to the extracellular (periplasmic) domain of the receptors, whereas their cytoplasmic domain mediates signaling and adaptation. The second transmembrane helix (TM2) connects these two domains. TM2 contains an aliphatic core flanked by amphipathic aromatic residues that have specific affinity for polar-hydrophobic membrane interfaces. We previously showed that Trp-209, near the cytoplasmic end of TM2, helps maintain the normal baseline-signaling state of the aspartate chemoreceptor (Tar) and that Tyr-210 plays an auxiliary role in this control. We have now repositioned the Trp-209/Tyr-210 pair in single-residue increments about the cytoplasmic polar-hydrophobic interface. Changes from WY-2 to WY+1 modulate the baseline-signaling state of the receptor in predictable and incremental steps that can be compensated by adaptive methylation/demethylation. Greater displacements, as in WY-3, WY+2, and WY+3, bias the receptor to the off kinase-inhibiting state or the on kinase-stimulating state, respectively, to a degree that cannot be fully compensated by the adaptation system. Aromatic residues analogous to Trp-209/Tyr-210 are present in other chemoreceptors and many transmembrane sensor kinases, where they may serve a similar function.
Postnatal dexamethasone and long term learning and memory functions in developing rats: Effect of postnatal age and gender.

Abstract In this study, we investigated the effect of dexamethasone on the long-term learning and memory functions in developing rats. In Sprague-Dawley rat pups, we administered a daily dose of dexamethasone (0.5 mg/kg/day) for three consecutive days in three groups of animals: the “ultra-early” group received steroids on postnatal days (PND) 1–3; the “early” group received the drug on PNDs 8–10, and the “late” group received the drug on PNDs 28–30. The control group was not given any medication. All animals underwent structured CNS examinations beginning on PND 15, and continued through PND 20. The pups were tested for spatial learning and memory functions using the Morris Water Maze (MWM) on PNDs 31 through 35, 45 through 49, and 59 through 63. They were also tested for reward-based learning and memory functions using Radial Arm Maze (RAM) on PNDs 70 through 72. We analyzed the effect of dexamethasone, postnatal age, and sex on neurological milestones, and learning and memory functions. We found that neurological examination findings were similar in all groups, as were the results of the reward-based learning using RAM. However, in the MWM, the total distance of swimming and the total time to find the hidden platform showed considerable difference among the groups. Although these functions improved with postnatal age, the female pups in all three steroid groups, and the male pups in the late-steroid group lagged significantly in learning and memory functions compared to the controls, and such lags were transient. However, the interaction terms between dexamethasone, age, and sex were also significant in MWM test results. Steroids administered postnatally may have transient, retarding effect on learning and memory functions, and that animal age and sex may modify such effects. Such lags are not global, but specific to the types of memory tests used, implicating different neural circuitries in the pathogenesis of such abnormalities. Although transient, if such adverse effects occur at critical phases during brain maturation, the implications for poor, long-term outcomes may be more significant. The mechanisms underlying such changes need to be explored.
An instructive case of CNS histoplasmosis in an immunocompetent host

Histoplasma capsulatum is a dimorphic endemic fungus which infects both immunocompetent and immunocompromised hosts. Isolated CNS histoplasmosis is a rare presentation with increased risk in individuals with impaired cellular immunity, however not all patients with this condition are immunocompromised. We report a case of isolated CNS histoplasmosis in an otherwise healthy immunocompetent patient who was initially treated with Liposomal Amphotericin B followed by oral Voriconazole and later Itraconazole with significant improvement in clinical status.
Some Verses of Henry and Mary Dudley Sidney and Prince Edward's “Little School”

In a 1548 copy of Hall and Grafton's Chronicle in the Folger library, there are several holograph verses signed by Philip Sidney's parents, Mary (nee Dudley) and Henry (Hall and Grafton fols. 2R8r,...
A Decomposition Method for Solving Nonlinear Systems of Compartment Models

Abstract In this paper we consider a two-compartment model and analyze the underlying nonlinear system of differential equations that arises from studying such models. In particular, we apply a decomposition method to solve the system numerically and then compare the results with other well-known methods such as the fourth-order Runge–Kutta method.
Crystal growth under nonuniform conditions

Abstract The tendency of crystals to maintain uniform growth despite spatial fluid mechanical variations is a characteristic feature of crystals, distinguishing them from ordinary mass transport processes. Due to this feature there exists a non-uniform supersaturation over the surface. A general crystal growth theory which allows for both uniform growth and supersaturation variation, predicts a minimum supersaturation below which uniform growth is not possible. A crystal growth experiment employing an impinging jet is suggested for the study of the effect upon growth quality of supersaturation variation. It is pointed out that it is possible in principle to determine the adsorption coefficient, a fundamental growth parameter, independently, without resorting to multiparameter fitting.
Malaysia's border relations

Borderlands scholars in the United States have all too often in the past concentrated their research efforts on the United States-Mexico and United States-Canada borders (Stoddard, et al. 1983). More recently efforts have been made to expand those efforts to include borderlands in Europe, including Eastern Europe, and Africa (Martinez 1986). By and large, border problems in Southeast Asia, with the exception of Hong Kong's border problems with the People's Republic of China (Sklair 1986), have not been of primary concern to borderlands scholars. Not that the borders themselves have been ignored, since recent invasions and military actions have brought the whole question of borders for Vietnam, Laos, Kampuchea, and Thailand to global attention. But rarely have the issues and problems of Southeast Asia's borders been the chief focus of research. This article will examine the borders of Malaysia. Because of research commitments of the writer, implicitly a comparison will be made with the United States-Mexico border, although at this juncture no formal comparative analysis will be carried out. Hopefully such a comparative analysis will be made in the near future. Basically this article is a descriptive analysis of Malaysia's border problems.
Snorkel Breathing in the Elephant Explains the Unique Anatomy of Its Pleura

It has been known for over 300 years that the anatomy of the elephant lung is unique among mammals in that the pleural cavity is obliterated by connective tissue. However no satisfactory explanation has been advanced. Recent studies suggest that the elephant has an aquatic ancestry and the trunk may have developed for snorkeling. In addition, the modern day elephant is the only mammal that can remain submerged far below the surface of the water while snorkeling. The resulting differences of pressures within the thorax mean that the small blood vessels of the pleura are in great danger of rupturing or causing severe edema. The same distribution of pressures occurs when the animal raises water inside its trunk prior to drinking although in this case the pressure differences are relatively short-lived. Evolution has provided a remarkable solution to this problem by replacing the normally delicate parietal and visceral pleurae by dense connective tissue, and separating the two pleurae by loose connective tissue to allow some sliding movement.
An Investigation of the Relationships Among Music Audiation, Musical Creativity, and Cognitive Style.

The purpose of this study was to investigate achievement in convergent and divergent musical tasks as a function of the cognitive style dimension of reflectionlimpulsivity. The effect of gender and...
Wide-field two-photon microscopy: features and advantages for biomedical applications

We describe a simple fluorescence microscope based on wide-field two-photon excitation. While still taking advantage of some inherent properties of non-linear (two-photon) microscopy, such as increased penetration depth through tissue and reduced phototoxicity, this approach provides video frame rate imaging, can be easily coupled to fluorescence spectral and lifetime detection modules, and makes efficient use of the high average power currently available from ultrashort pulsed lasers. For a standard histopathology specimen, we were able to identify different structures based on spectral and fluorescence lifetime detection and analysis. We examined the use of 200fs and 2ps pulses from Spectra Physics MaiTai and Tsunami lasers, respectively, with average power ranging from 50mW to 500mW.
Autologous blood procurement in the surgical setting: lessons learned in the last 10 years.

The percentage of blood transfused yearly that is autologous has increased substantially over the last 10 years. While autologous blood is regarded as a standard of care in many elective surgical settings, the increasing safety of allogeneic blood and the expense of autologous blood procurement have raised questions regarding the appropriate roles of autologous blood in blood conservation strategies. We therefore review current activities and emerging questions that arise from this maturing arena.
Stereotypic and Self-Injurious Behavior in Rhesus Macaques: A Survey and Retrospective Analysis of Environment and Early Experience

Abnormal behavior in captive rhesus monkeys can range from active whole-body and self-directed stereotypies to self-injurious behavior (SIB). Although abnormal behaviors are common in singly-housed rhesus monkeys, the type and frequency of these behaviors are highly variable across individual animals, and the factors influencing them are equally varied. The purpose of this investigation was to survey abnormal behavior in a large population of rhesus macaques, to characterize the relationship between stereotypies and self-injury, and to identify potential risk factors for these aberrant behaviors. Behavioral assessments of 362 individually housed rhesus monkeys were collected at the New England Regional Primate Research Center (NERPRC) and combined with colony records. Of the 362 animals surveyed, 321 exhibited at least one abnormal behavior (mean: 2.3, range: 1-8). The most common behavior was pacing. Sex differences were apparent, with males showing more abnormal behavior than females. SIB was also associated with stereotypies. Animals with a veterinary record of self-injury exhibited a greater number of self-directed stereotypies than those that did not self-injure. Housing and protocol conditions, such as individual housing at an early age, longer time housed individually, greater number of blood draws, and nursery rearing, were shown to be risk factors for abnormal behavior. Thus, many factors may influence the development and maintenance of abnormal behavior in captive primates. Some of these factors are intrinsic to the individual (e.g., sex effects), whereas others are related to colony management practices, rearing conditions, and research protocols.
Surface plasmon resonance studies of complex formation between cytochrome c and bovine cytochrome c oxidase incorporated into a supported planar lipid bilayer. I. Binding of cytochrome c to cardiolipin/phosphatidylcholine membranes in the absence of oxidase

The mechanism of interaction between cytochrome c and a solid-supported planar phosphatidylcholine membrane containing varying amounts of cardiolipin (0–20 mol%) has been studied over a wide range of protein concentrations (0–450 microM) and ionic strength conditions (10–150 mM), by direct measurement of protein binding using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopy. The results demonstrate that cytochrome c binds to such phospholipid membranes in two distinct phases characterized by very different (approximately one order of magnitude) affinity constants. The second phase is dependent upon the prior occurrence of the first binding process. Although the binding affinities for both modes of binding are highly sensitive to both the cardiolipin concentration and the ionic strength of the buffer solution, indicating that electrostatic forces are involved in these processes, binding cannot be reversed by salt addition or by dilution. Furthermore, the final saturation levels of adsorbed protein are independent of ionic strength and cardiolipin concentration. These observations suggest that binding involves more than a simple electrostatic interaction. Invariance in the shapes of the SPR spectra indicates that no major structural transitions occur in the proteolipid membrane due to cytochrome c binding, i.e., the bilayer character of the lipid phase appears to be preserved during these interactions. Based on these results, a model of the lipid membrane-cytochrome c interaction is proposed that involves varying degrees of protein unfolding and subsequent binding to the membrane interior via hydrophobic forces.
Evaluation of Pre‐ and Posttreatment Pulse Oximetry in Acute Childhood Asthma

Objectives: To evaluate the utility of pre- and posttreatment O2 saturation (SpO2) for prediction of admission or relapse after ED release in acute asthma exacerbations using a standardized treatment protocol. Design: A prospective, double-blind, observational study was performed at a pediatric ED. Children with acute asthma were enrolled upon ED presentation. SpO2 was measured prior to treatment and after disposition decision. Two experienced physicians determined disposition based on history and physical examination alone, while blinded to SpO2. Relapse of released patients was determined by telephone follow-up. Results: A pretreatment room-air SpO2 of ≤91% had a sensitivity of 0.24, a specificity of 0.86, and a likelihood ratio of 1.77 to predict admission/relapse. A posttreatment room-air SpO2 of ≤91% had a sensitivity of 0.34, a specificity of 0.98, and a likelihood ratio of 16.43 to predict admission/relapse. Conclusions: As opposed to some previous studies, this study found pretreatment SpO2 to be a relatively poor predictor of admission. A posttreatment SpO2 of ≤91% occurred in a minority (32%) of patients, but increased the odds of admission 16-fold and may be used as an adjunct to objectively confirm the need for admission.
The Impact of Airport Deicing Runoff on Water Quality and Aquatic Life in a Pennsylvania Stream

ABSTRACT The impacts of a large airport on the water quality and aquatic life of a small (94.8 km2 drainage area) western Pennsylvania stream were examined. The principal adverse effects of airport runoff were related to runway deicing operations. Microbial metabolism of glycols and urea utilized as deicing reagents exerted a strong biochemical oxygen demand in receiving waters. Similarly, the breakdown of urea led to elevated concentrations of ammonia. The use of alkaline mill slag as a fill material in the construction of the runways was probably responsible for some elevated alkalinity and pH values from runway leachates. The organic waste load stimulated the growth of dense biological slimes on streambeds. Invertebrate communities in waters influenced by airport runoff were severely stressed and dominated by pollution tolerant Chironomidae and Oligochaeta. The fishery of the watershed was also impaired, although transient fishes from the nearby Ohio River apparently reinvaded the stream at certain tim...
Simple and effective procedure for complete urine collection from infant macaques (Macaca nemestrina)

A diaper method, used in pediatric medicine, has been adapted and validated for total urine collection from infant macaques (Macaca nemestrina). The device consists of cellulose sponges and polyethylene sheets. The method proposed is non-invasive, simple, and does not significantly hinder the movement of the infant. The method should be useful when one is conducting pharmacokinetic studies in which total urine collection is required.
A distributed architecture for medical instrumentation: an electric current computed tomograph

Advances in electric-current computed tomography (ECCT) have resulted in reconstruction algorithms that far exceed the capabilities of the minicomputer-based architectures historically used in medical imaging devices. Further, computers optimized for reconstruction and software development tasks are not well suited to the real-time hardware control required in ECCT. The authors report their efforts to overcome these conflicting computational requirements through the use of a distributed medical-instrument architecture. >
An integrated tax-subsidy policy for carbon emission reduction

Abstract A carbon tax is often cited by economists as an effective instrument to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, but there is little political interest in the United States. In light of this political unpopularity, we develop and examine a net-revenue constrained carbon tax and subsidy program. The optimal revenue constrained tax and subsidy schedule based on our utility maximization model taxes energy sources with high emissions to energy price ratio, and subsidizes sources with low emissions to energy price ratios. This approach may be more palatable than a traditional carbon tax because it can change the relative price of low and high emissions energy sources while providing a mechanism to limit net tax increases and energy price increases. We find that a constrained tax/subsidy program provides welfare gains relative to a no-tax scenario. Welfare gains are estimated to be 1% and 36% of the welfare gains from a Pigouvian tax for the motor fuels industry and electric power industry, respectively. In contrast, subsidies for low-emitting energy sources funded from general tax funds rather than from high-emission energy tax revenues lead to welfare decreases substantially below our proposed tax/subsidy policy approach.
An Analysis of an Interactive Videodisc System for Teaching Language Skills to Deaf Students

An interactive videodisc system designed to teach language concepts to deaf students was evaluated in a classroom trial. An experimental group of 18 students spent 60 twenty‐minute sessions over a five‐month period learning language concepts by interacting with the system while a control group of 16 students learned the same concepts in their regular classroom setting. Both groups made significant progress from pre‐ to post‐test on two criterion‐referenced testsdeveloped by project staff. Experimental students were enthusiastic about the videodisc, felt that their language skills had improved, and were anxious to continue working with the system.
Enhanced levels of glutathione and protein glutathiolation in rat tongue epithelium during 4-NQO-induced carcinogenesis.

High glutathione (GSH) levels are commonly found in oral tumors and are thought to play an important role in tumorigenesis. While posttranslational binding of GSH to cellular proteins (protein glutathiolation) has recently been recognized as an important redox-sensitive regulatory mechanism, no data currently exist on this process during carcinogenesis. Our goal was to determine the effects of 4-nitroquinoline-N-oxide (4-NQO)-induced carcinogenesis on tongue levels of protein-bound and free GSH and related thiols in the rat. Male F-344 rats (6 weeks of age) were administered either 4-NQO (20 ppm) in drinking water or tap water alone (controls) for 8 weeks. Twenty-four weeks after cessation of 4-NQO, squamous cell carcinomas of the tongue were observed in all rats. The levels of both free and bound GSH in tumors, as well as in adjacent tissues, were 2- to 3-fold greater than in tongue epithelium from control rats (p < 0.05). Prior to tumor formation, at 8 weeks after cessation of 4-NQO, hyperplasia, dysplasia and carcinoma in situ were observed in 100%, 25% and 12.5% of 4-NQO-treated rats, respectively. At this early stage of carcinogenesis, levels of free and bound GSH were increased 50% compared with tongue tissues from control rats (p < 0.05). Glutathione disulfide (GSSG) levels were also 2-fold greater in tongue tissues from 4-NQO treated vs. control rats (p < 0.05). Altogether, these results suggest that protein glutathiolation, together with GSH and GSSG levels, are induced during oral carcinogenesis in the rat possibly as a result of enhanced levels of oxidative stress. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
In-reactor stress relaxation of Inconel X75O springs

Abstract In 1965 eight surveillance subassemblies were placed in row 12 of the EBR-II sodium-cooled fast breeder reactor with an irradiation temperature near the sodium-inlet temperature of 371°C. At the same time, two other surveillance subassemblies were placed in the primary storage basket, which receives minimal neutron exposure but is immersed in primary sodium and experiences a temperature of 371°C. Each of the subassemblies contained 18 preloaded springs made of Inconel X750. Springs from four of the in-core subassemblies and one subassembly from the storage basket have been evaluated to determine irradiation-enhanced deformation rates to neutron exposures of 4.2 dpa. It was found that the creep coefficient derived from the stress relaxation measurements on Inconel X750 springs was 1.0 × 10 −12 (Pa-dpa) −1 for springs irradiated up to 4.2 dpa (3751 d) at an in-reactor temperature of 371°C. The relaxation behavior was adequately described by a creep law that was linear in neutron fluence and applied stress. Springs encapsulated in helium showed identical in-reactor relaxation rates to springs exposed to the flowing primary sodium. The creep coefficient derived from the present work on Inconel X750 springs was shown to be the same as the creep coefficients determined from various austenitic stainless steel alloys.
Finite element analysis of mass transport through a viscous fluid with reaction

Abstract A finite element analysis is developed for transport of a chemical species through a viscous fluid with reaction at a solid boundary. In particular, we examine the relative effect of diffusion, convection and reaction on the quantity of mass transported through the fluid and reacting at the boundary. Numerical comparison studies with a global collocation approximation for a convection-dominated transport problem are given and mesh refinement studies performed to assess the effect of an entry singularity. A quantitative measure of the effectiveness of the reaction is derived using the asymptotic downstream solution. Finally, we consider the influence of a non-uniform fluid-solid interface on the transport process, examining the enhancement or depression of the reaction rate at corners.
The reactivity of sulfhydryl groups in bovine lenses.

Abstract The reactivity of the SH groups in lens homogenates was studied by the amperometric titration procedure and by the rate of oxidation of these groups. The glutathione in the lens homogenates seems to be much more reactive than the protein SH groups. Apparently there exist varying degrees of reactivity of protein SH groups. There are those which are only observable when measured in the presence of 8 M urea. The age of the lens also influences the state of reactivity of these groups. In the mature cattle lens almost all of the protein SH groups are masked in some manner, while in the younger calf lens they appear much more reactive.
Behavioral Objectives: Caveat Emptor.

Statements repeated often enough we may come to regard as axioms. Educational discourse has not been immune to this logical fallacy we may term truth by repetition. Yet, the validity of a statement is clearly not a function of the number of times we assert it. One dictum now axiomatic in education deserves analysis in light of this fallacy. Teachers, we frequently hear, should plan their instruction by stating objectives in terms of learner behavior or performance. In condensed form, the argument for behavioral objectives reads something like this: Schools exist not so that teachers can teach, but rather so that learners can achieve certain outcomes. Therefore, it remains critical for teachers to identify objectives sought in ways permitting observation of the extent to which they and learners have achieved these objectives. Schools can then render an accounting of how well they have done their jobs. This argument is powerful. School boards, administrators, and citizens, lectured on the complexity and uncertainty of the educational process, welcome opportunity to know what they can expect from their school systems. Why, they ask, should taxpayers be required to buy a product no one can define clearly? Behavioral objectives provide a basis for a contract between those furnishing a service and those paying for or using the service. Through behavioral objectives, we can know (and it's about time!) what we receive from our educational system. Through behavioral objectives, we can improve education by changing ineffectual procedures or personnel. To examine the benefits and limitations of behavioral objectives, we must recognize that advocates are not, necessarily, hard-headed persons seeking to dehumanize and mechanize education. Also, we must realize that opposition to this position is not based necessarily, on self-serving attempts to maintain mediocrity. Imputation of motives distracts us from rational consideration of the usefulness of this approach. In any proposed educational reform, we face the dangers of inordinately high optimism and precipitous rejection. The rhetoric accompanying a new educational
An Infra‐Red Photoplethysmograph Coupler

The use of miniature infra-red transducers for plethysmography has proven superior to previous methods. This article describes a coupling circuit, specifically designed for the Beckman Type R polygraph but adaptable to any high gain differential input instrumentation recorder, which provides balancing and input termination suitable for these transducers.
Index structures for structured documents

Much research has been carried out in order to manage structured documents such as SGML documents and to provide powerful query facilities which exploit document structures as well as document contents. In order to perform structure queries efficiently in a structured document management system, an index structure which supports fast document element access must be provided. However, there has been little research on the index structures for structured documents. In this paper, we propose various kinds of new inverted indexing schemes and signature file schemes for efficient structure query processing. We evaluate the storage requirements and disk access time of our schemes and present the analytical and experimental results.
A study of steam reforming of hydrocarbon fuels on Pd/ceria

Abstract Differential steam-reforming rates were measured for methane, ethane, n -butane, n -hexane, 2,4-dimethylhexane, n -octane, cyclohexane, benzene, and toluene over 1 wt.% Pd/ceria between 620 and 770 K and were compared to rates observed on 1 wt.% Pd/alumina and 1 wt.% Pt/ceria. The H 2 O:C ratios at which stable rates were observed on Pd/ceria depended on the hydrocarbon, varying from less than 1:1 for methane to 3:1 for 2,4-dimethylhexane. In the series of alkanes from methane to n -hexane, for a H 2 O:C ratio of 2:1, the only products were CO, CO 2 , and H 2 O and the rate of formation of CO 2 and CO increased with carbon number. Benzene was also selectively converted to CO x and H 2 , but at lower rates than the alkanes with the exception of methane. For 2,4-dimethylhexane and n -octane, a significant amount of cyclohexane was observed in the initial products and cyclohexane was selectively converted to benzene at low conversions. Steam reforming of toluene also gave benzene as the initial product. FTIR measurements of Pd/ceria under methane-steam-reforming conditions indicate the formation of carbonates on the ceria. Pd/alumina showed significantly lower rates than Pd/ceria and much lower CO 2 :CO ratios in the initial products, implying ceria plays an important role in the reaction. Pt/ceria gave rates and selectivities that were essentially identical to that of Pd/ceria. The implications of these results for hydrocarbon fuel processing are discussed.
Methods for Evaluating Interlimb Coordination for Bimanual Robotic Therapy after Stroke

Deficits in interlimb coordination(IC) contribute to the functional disability in stroke patients. Addressing IC deficits after stroke has been somewhat overlooked in the realm of robotic bilateral stroke interventions. Our goal is to develop a robotic therapy protocol to improve IC for bimanual tasks and to assess changes in IC due to therapy. We evaluated the metrics of phase difference (PD), goal synchronization (GS), task completion time (TCT), % movement overlap (%MO) to determine which are most sensitive to IC on both symmetric and asymmetric bimanual functional tasks (e.g., drink and feed). We assessed IC for able-bodied and strokes. We showed PD, TCT, and %MO to be sensitive to differences in IC across subject groups. PD was more sensitive in the symmetrical task while TCT and %MO were more sensitive in the asymmetrical task. Creating a robotic intervention with these metrics will enable us to explore the efficacy of addressing coordination deficits after stroke.
Dissociation of hippocampal serotonin release and locomotor activity following pharmacological manipulations of the median raphe nucleus

In vivo microdialysis was used to investigate the role of serotonin in the locomotor hyperactivity produced by injections of 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OHDPAT), muscimol and baclofen into the median raphe nucleus (MR) of unanesthetized rats. Intra-MR injections of the GABA(A) agonist muscimol (25 ng) resulted in a pronounced increase in locomotor activity which was accompanied by a 42% decrease in hippocampal serotonin release during the first hour following injection. Intra-MR injections of the GABA(B) agonist baclofen (125 ng) induced hyperactivity of a similar magnitude, but failed to affect hippocampal serotonin release. In contrast, the serotonin (5-HT1A) agonist 8-OHDPAT (5 microg) produced only a small effect on locomotor activity but reduced hippocampal serotonin output by 51%. These findings demonstrate that it is possible to dissociate the effects of intra-MR drug injections on locomotor activity and hippocampal 5-HT release and strongly support the view that nonserotonergic neurons in the paramedian tegmentum are importantly involved in the control of behavioral arousal.