cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sex Differences in the Flexibility of Sexual Orientation: A Multidimensional Retrospective Assessment

The flexibility of sexual orientation in men and women was examined by assessing self-reported change over time for three dimensions of sexual orientation (sexual fantasy, romantic attraction, and sexual behavior) across three categorical classifications of current sexual orientation (heterosexual, bisexual, and gay). The primary purpose of the study was to determine if there were sex differences in the flexibility (i.e., change over time) of sexual orientation and how such differences were manifested across different dimensions of orientation over the lifespan. Retrospective, life-long ratings of sexual orientation were made by 762 currently self-identified heterosexual, bisexual, and gay men and women, aged 36 to 60, via a self-report questionnaire. Cumulative change scores were derived for each of the three dimensions (fantasy, romantic attraction, and sexual behavior) of orientation by summing the differences between ratings over consecutive 5-year historical time periods (from age 16 to the present). Sex differences were observed for most, but not all, classification groups. There were significant sex differences in reported change in orientation over time for gays and heterosexuals, with women reporting greater change in orientation over time than did men. Bisexual men and women did not differ with respect to self-reported change in orientation.
Encyclopedia of Clinical Toxicology: A Comprehensive Guide and Reference. Irving S. Rossoff. New York, NY: The Parthenon Publishing Group. A CRC Co., 2002, 1528 pp., $299.95. ISBN 1-84214-101-5.

Beginning with an entry on an experimental antibiotic, A-649, and continuing on to the plant zygophyllum, this extensive volume reportedly contains information for 6000 potential toxins. I will admit that I have neither counted nor read every entry contained within the 1154 double-columned pages of information. According to the preface, the contents of this encyclopedia represent a small portion of the author’s extensive collection of files that were accumulated over a 50-year career in toxicology and veterinary medicine. It is not clear how entries were selected for inclusion, but they cover a broad range of categories: prescription and nonprescription drugs, chemicals, herbals, plants, fungi, marine life, venoms, food ingredients, clothing, and environmental toxins. The entries are arranged alphabetically without further classification into the aforementioned categories. The book is not, however, your typical encyclopedia of toxicology. To begin with, this volume contains numerous entries not often found elsewhere, as most toxicology encyclopedias focus on intoxicants that are either commonly encountered or that are considered extremely toxic. Thus, I suspect that true toxicologists will enjoy perusing the volume and will delight at the multitude of examples of “everything is toxic”—if the exposure is sufficient. Therefore, along with arsenic, digitalis, methanol, and sarin, one will find A-649, water boatman, paper, Worcestershire sauce, and Fuller’s earth. There are many listings for plants that I have not …
Toward International Comparative Research on Associational Activity: Variation in the Form and Focus of Voluntary Associations in Four Nations

This article describes the scope and composition of national associational populations in four similar countries (Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and United States), by way of introducing an...
Patient-Specific MRI-Based 3D FSI RV/LV/Patch Models for Pulmonary Valve Replacement Surgery and Patch Optimization

A patient-specific right/left ventricle and patch (RV/LV/patch) combination model with fluid-structure interactions (FSIs) was introduced to evaluate and optimize human pulmonary valve replacement/insertion (PVR) surgical procedure and patch design. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging studies were performed to acquire ventricle geometry, flow velocity, and flow rate for healthy volunteers and patients needing RV remodeling and PVR before and after scheduled surgeries. CMR-based RV/LV/patch FSI models were constructed to perform mechanical analysis and assess RV cardiac functions. Both pre- and postoperation CMR data were used to adjust and validate the model so that predicted RV volumes reached good agreement with CMR measurements (error <3%). Two RV/LV/patch models were made based on preoperation data to evaluate and compare two PVR surgical procedures: (i) conventional patch with little or no scar tissue trimming, and (ii) small patch with aggressive scar trimming and RV volume reduction. Our modeling results indicated that (a) patient-specific CMR-based computational modeling can provide accurate assessment of RV cardiac functions, and (b) PVR with a smaller patch and more aggressive scar removal led to reduced stress/strain conditions in the patch area and may lead to improved recovery of RV functions. More patient studies are needed to validate our findings.
The estimation of M4 processes with geometric moving patterns

There are many parameters in multivariate maxima of moving maxima processes—or M4 processes. However, the more parameters there are, the more difficult it is to estimate them. It is not just an issue of numerical stability, of course. The statistical precision of the estimates will be poor if the number of parameters is too large. We consider asymmetric geometric structures which correspond to special moving patterns of extreme observations in observed time series. We study the model identifiability and propose parameter estimators. All proposed estimators are shown to be consistent and asymptotically joint normal. Simulation study and real data modeling of North Sea wave height data are illustrated.
The Affordance Utilization Model: Communication Technology Use as Relationships Develop

This essay proposes an affordance utilization model (AUM) that aims to understand the role of relationship development in communication technology use. The AUM draws from research regarding (1) social penetration theory and (2) the communication technology affordances of asynchronicity (i.e., a time lag between when a message is constructed and received) and reduced cues (i.e., the lack of visual and/or vocal cues). It proposes that these affordances are positively associated with communication competence and self-disclosure but that relationship development affects these associations. The AUM proposes that as relationships become more developed, communication technology affordances are less likely to be associated with communication competence and self-disclosure in relationships. The AUM also proposes that as relationships become more developed, relational partners will see affordances as less important and will use them less. Potential implications of the AUM for research on communication technologies ...
Equilibrium characterization of dynamical neural networks for synthesis of associative memories

Several new results concerning the characterization of the equilibrium conditions of a continuous-time dynamical neural network model and a systematic procedure for synthesizing associative memory networks with nonsymmetrical interconnection matrices are presented. The equilibrium characterization focuses on the exponential stability, and instability properties of the network equilibria and on equilibrium confinement, namely, ensuring the uniqueness of an equilibrium in a specific region of the state space. The present synthesis procedure not only expands the scope of memory storage by removing the restrictions of symmetry on the interconnection matrix but also constructively exploits the roles of the various network parameters in identifying a scheme for systematically tailoring these parameters. >
A Note of Clarification on Economic Surplus1

all certain. (2) When the term is used in ex post facto analysis of some unobserved change, or to explain some complex social structure, surplus becomes a definitional identity and its role as inducer of socio-economic organizational change is incapable of empirical proof or refutation: it is a logical construct which need not have any connection with actual events. (3) Lastly, as it is used in a market-organized economy, the term surplus has special meaning wholely unlike that in non market economies. The first two sections will refer
Surgical management of common atrioventricular canal

Abstract Surgical management of common atrioventricular (AV) canal has evolved significantly since original descriptions of repairs in 1955. Currently, complete repair is performed in infancy in most forms of complete AV canal with low mortality and morbidity. Various modifications to the original surgical techniques have been proposed and are utilized to close the inter-atrial and inter-ventricular communications, and achieve a competent AV valve. The two most commonly used techniques (single and double patch) are described in detail along with our approach to the management of the AV valves. Associated defects such as coarctation of the aorta, tetralogy of Fallot, transposition of the great arteries, and unusual left AV valve anatomy are discussed. Management of unbalanced forms of AV canal and criteria for deciding adequacy of cavity size for two-ventricle repair remains an area of some controversy and is still evolving. Our experience with common AV canal from 1990 to the end of 1998 covers 365 patients who underwent two-ventricle repair at a median age of 4.6 months. Early mortality for complete AV canal patients was 1.5%, and 10% of these had at least moderate left AV valve regurgitation post-operatively. Eighteen patients have required re-operation for severe mitral valve regurgitation at a mean of 20 months after the original repair and three others for sub-aortic obstruction. Our current management of children with complete common AV canal is to perform corrective surgery electively early in infancy, within the first 4–6 months of life. Symptomatic infants with signs of congestive heart failure should undergo repair as soon as symptoms are apparent.
TONNEAU2/FASS Regulates the Geometry of Microtubule Nucleation and Cortical Array Organization in Interphase Arabidopsis Cells

Organization of microtubules into ordered arrays involves spatial and temporal regulation of microtubule nucleation. Here, we show that acentrosomal microtubule nucleation in plant cells involves a previously unknown regulatory step that determines the geometry of microtubule nucleation. Dynamic imaging of interphase cortical microtubules revealed that the ratio of branching to in-bundle microtubule nucleation on cortical microtubules is regulated by the Arabidopsis thaliana B′′ subunit of protein phosphatase 2A, which is encoded by the TONNEAU2/FASS (TON2) gene. The probability of nucleation from γ-tubulin complexes localized at the cell cortex was not affected by a loss of TON2 function, suggesting a specific role of TON2 in regulating the nucleation geometry. Both loss of TON2 function and ectopic targeting of TON2 to the plasma membrane resulted in defects in cell shape, suggesting the importance of TON2-mediated regulation of the microtubule cytoskeleton in cell morphogenesis. Loss of TON2 function also resulted in an inability for cortical arrays to reorient in response to light stimulus, suggesting an essential role for TON2 and microtubule branching nucleation in reorganization of microtubule arrays. Our data establish TON2 as a regulator of interphase microtubule nucleation and provide experimental evidence for a novel regulatory step in the process of microtubule-dependent nucleation.
Electrodeposition of minerals in sea water: Experiments and applications

By establishing a direct electrical current between electrodes in an electrolyte like sea water, calcium carbonates, magnesium hydroxides, and hydrogen are precipitated at the cathode, while the anode produces oxygen and chlorine. Recent experiments have demonstrated in part the feasibility of using the electrodeposited minerals as building materials for a wide variety of purposes, including the construction of artificial reefs. Several of these experiments are described and some implications for marine building technology are discussed.
On the simulation of Fraunhofer radiation patterns in the Fresnel region

Physical limitations on the size of obstacle-free test sites give rise to the need of making radiation-pattern measurements on high-gain antennas at a reduced distance. The general practice is to defocus the primary source along the principal axis of the antenna reflector by a small distance so that Fraunhofer patterns may be simulated in the Fresnel region. This note summarizes and compares three different approaches with which the proper amount of defocus may be determined.
On the origin of mathematical concepts

This paper analyses the origin and meaning of mathematical concepts from a phenomenological viewpoint.
Reduced density matrix approach for gas-solid scattering

Abstract A short time propagation algorithm for the reduced density matrix is derived which describes the interaction between a particle hitting a surface and the thermal vibrations of the lattice. The algorithm, including the dissipative terms, is derived directly from the full particle-bath density matrix and Hamiltonian. The model is used to examine the scattering of He, Ne and Ar from a model Cu surface over a wide range of energy and temperature. The method provides a good description of particle behavior for weak, intermediate and strong coupling cases.
Surveillance and State Violence in Stroessner's Paraguay: Itaipú Hydroelectric Dam, Archive of Terror

ABSTRACT Like other dictators, Paraguay's Alfredo Stroessner staked his regime's claims to modernity on a massive hydroelectric project, Itaipu Dam. Critiques of dams tend to focus on environmental degradation caused by flooding, forced displacement of communities, and fiscal malfeasance. But Itaipu, the world's largest dam, also participated in the Stroessner regime's secret police terror apparatus. A series of formerly classified documents about Itaipu Dam show how the secret police used the dam in its security and intelligence apparatus to violently suppress any opposition. They also reveal how the opposition to the Stronato grew and mobilized around the dam. By interlacing these two threads, this historical ethnography explores “hydroelectric statecraft” in Itaipu Dam—that is, how the harnessing of the dam's resources has given rise to particular political practices and structures within Paraguay.
Comprehensive evaluation of algal biofuel production: Experimental and target results

Worldwide, algal biofuel research and development efforts have focused on increasing the competitiveness of algal biofuels by increasing the energy and financial return on investments, reducing water intensity and resource requirements, and increasing algal productivity. In this study, analyses are presented in each of these areas—costs, resource needs, and productivity—for two cases: (1) an Experimental Case, using mostly measured data for a lab-scale system, and (2) a theorized Highly Productive Case that represents an optimized commercial-scale production system, albeit one that relies on full-price water, nutrients, and carbon dioxide. For both cases, the analysis described herein concludes that the energy and financial return on investments are less than 1, the water intensity is greater than that for conventional fuels, and the amounts of required resources
Retention in treatment of drug users: 1971-1972 DARP admissions.

In this brief summary of results, the “holding power” of different approaches to treatment and how certain patient characteristics are involved were examined. In all treatments, rate of termination prior to completion of treatment was high, particularly for the treatments not involving methadone maintenance. Almost three-fourths of the patients in these treatments terminated prior to treatment completion, and most of the terminations were due to quitting. Furthermore it was found that of the patients who terminated, a large number left within a month after admission and over half were gone within 3 months.In terms of patient characteristics which were related to retention, older patients in all types of treatment were less likely to terminate than younger patients. Even among patients who terminated during the first 12 months after admission, older ones tended to stay longer before leaving. Thus, age was related in a consistent manner with maintenance as well as drug-free oriented programs. Other more tre...
Saphris: Does a unique delivery system equal a unique drug?

Asenapine was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2009. This article reviews clinically significant aspects of this new drug including: the FDA-approved indications, mechanism of action, administration, drug interactions, adverse effects, clinical trial evidence, innovative properties and place in therapy.
Type inference and type containment.

Type inference, the process of assigning types to untyped expressions, may be motivated by the design of a typed language or semantical considerations on the meanings of types and expressions. A typed language GR with polymorphic functions leads to the GR inference rules. With the addition of an "oracle" rule for equations between expressions, the GR rules become complete for a general class of semantic models of type inference. These inference models are models of untyped lambda calculus with extra structure similar to models of the typed language GR. A more specialized set of type inference rules, the GRS rules, characterize semantic typing when the functional type σ → τ is interpreted as all elements of the model that map σ to τ and the polymorphic type ∀t.σ(t) is interpreted as the intersection of all σ(τ). Both inference systems may be reformulated using rules for deducing containments between types. The advantage of the type inference rules based on containments is that proofs correspond more closely to the structure of terms.
A Recursive Kalman Filter Forecasting Approach

This paper examines the forecasting accuracy and the cost effectiveness of time series models with time-varying coefficients. A simulation study investigates the potential forecasting benefits of a proposed Kalman filter type adaptive estimation and forecasting approach. It is found that: When appropriate, the time-varying coefficient approach leads to better forecasts than the constant coefficient procedures. A simple decision rule, which indicates whether time-varying coefficient models are in fact needed, increases the computational efficiency.
Public health and church-based constructions of HIV prevention: black Baptist perspective

The black church is influential in shaping health behaviors within African-American communities, yet few use evidence-based strategies for HIV prevention (abstinence, monogamy, condoms, voluntary counseling and testing, and prevention with positives). Using principles of grounded theory and interpretive description, we explored the social construction of HIV prevention within black Baptist churches in North Carolina. Data collection included interviews with church leaders (n = 12) and focus groups with congregants (n = 7; 36 participants). Analytic tools included open coding and case-level comparisons. Social constructions of HIV/AIDS prevention were influenced by two worldviews: public health and church-based. Areas of compatibility and incompatibility exist between the two worldviews that inform acceptability and adaptability of current evidence-based strategies. These findings offer insight into ways to increase the compatibility of evidence-based HIV prevention strategies within the black Baptist church context.
Dopamine Decreases the Excitability of Layer V Pyramidal Cells in the Rat Prefrontal Cortex

In both primates and rodents, the prefrontal cortex (PFC) is highly innervated by dopaminergic fibers originating from the ventral tegmental area, and activation of this mesocortical dopaminergic system decreases spontaneous and evoked activity in the PFC in vivo. We have examined the effects of dopamine (DA), over a range of concentrations, on the passive and active membrane properties of layer V pyramidal cells from the rat medial PFC (mPFC). Whole-cell and perforated-patch recordings were made from neurons in rat mPFC. As a measure of cell excitability, trains of action potentials were evoked with 1-sec-long depolarizing current steps. Bath application of DA (0.05-30 microM) produced a reversible decrease in the number of action potentials evoked by a given current step. In addition, DA reversibly decreased the input resistance (RN) of these cells. In a subset of experiments, a transient increase in excitability was observed after the washout of DA. Control experiments suggest that these results are not attributable to changes in spontaneous synaptic activity, age-dependent processes, or strain-specific differences in dopaminergic innervation and physiology. Pharmacological analyses, using D1 agonists (SKF 38393 and SKF 81297), a D1 antagonist (SCH 23390), a D2 receptor agonist (quinpirole), and a D2 antagonist (sulpiride) suggest that decreases in spiking and RN are mediated by D2 receptor activation. Together, these results demonstrate that DA, over a range of concentrations, has an inhibitory effect on layer V pyramidal neurons in the rat mPFC, possibly through D2 receptor activation.
Markov choice processes in simultaneous matching-to-sample at different levels of discriminability

Decision and choice processes by pigeons were studied in a simultaneous matching-to-sample task. In order to view the recessed stimuli, the pigeons had to move in front of the pecking keys. They frequently moved back and forth between the comparison stimuli before choosing one of them as the match to the sample stimulus. These looking and choice responses were studied and recorded for five different discriminability levels, from near perfect (92%) to near chance (56%) performance, by changing the wavelength difference of the stimuli to be discriminated. The decision process was shown to be Markovian throughout the discriminability range, and the decision strategy based upon a Markov process is contrasted with other potential decision strategies.
Overlapping Roles of CXCL13, Interleukin 7 Receptor α, and CCR7 Ligands in Lymph Node Development

Lymphoid tissue development is associated with local accumulation of CD4+ CD3- IL-7R alpha hi hematopoietic cells that deliver lymphotoxin (LT)alpha 1 beta 2 signals to resident stromal cells. Previous studies have established an important role for CXCL13 (BLC) in the development of Peyer's patches (PP) and some peripheral lymph nodes (LNs), but the chemokine requirements for several LN types, including mesenteric LNs, remain undefined. Using CXCL13-/- mice that additionally carry the paucity of LN T cell mutation (plt/plt), we discovered that CCR7 ligands function in peripheral LN development. We also tested for a genetic interaction during LN development between CXCL13 and a cytokine receptor required in PP development, IL-7R alpha. Mice deficient for both CXCL13 and IL-7R alpha displayed a striking absence of LNs, including mesenteric LNs. These data extend the role of CXCL13 to the development of all LNs and establish a previously unappreciated role for IL-7R alpha in this process. Both circulating and LN CD4+ CD3- IL-7R alpha hi cells are shown to express LT alpha 1 beta 2 in an IL-7R alpha-dependent manner. Furthermore, CXCL13 was found to be sufficient to mediate CD4+ CD3- IL-7R alpha hi cell recruitment in vivo to an ectopic site. These findings indicate that CXCL13 and CCR7 ligands promote accumulation of CD4+ CD3- IL-7R alpha hi cells, delivering IL-7R alpha-dependent LT alpha 1 beta 2 signals critical for LN development.
An Accurate Fourth Order Equation for Circular Cylindrical Shells.

A pair of complex conjugate fourth-order partial differential equations which govern the deformation of circular cylindrical shells is presented. This pair of equations has at least the same accuracy as the Flugge equation and is as accurate as an equation can be within the scope of the Kirchhoff assumptions. Because they are complex conjugates, only one of the equations need be considered. The advantage in using the present pair of equations, besides their accuracy, is that the solutions of these equations can be readily found in simple closed forms as shown in the paper. This simplifies the calculations considerably in solving problems of cylindrical shells. Unlike the accurate Flugge equation and other equally accurate equations for cylindrical shells, their solutions can only be found approximately by trial and error.
Evaluation of adrenal masses in patients with bronchogenic carcinoma using 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography.

The purpose of this study was to assess the usefulness of positron emission tomography (PET) with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) when differentiating benign from metastatic adrenal masses in patients with bronchogenic carcinoma.For our prospective study, any patient presenting to our institution with pathologically proven bronchogenic carcinoma and an adrenal mass was eligible. Thirty-three adrenal masses (mean size, 3 cm; range, 1-9 cm) in 27 patients were revealed by CT. PET was performed in all 27 patients and interpreted as positive when FDG uptake in the adrenal mass was greater than background activity or negative when FDG uptake in the adrenal mass was equal to or less than background activity. In addition, semiquantitative analysis was performed by computing a standardized uptake ratio. All studies were reviewed independently by three radiologists and then correlated with biopsy and CT findings. Specificity and sensitivity for determining metastatic disease to the adrenal gland were calculated.FDG u...
CHANGES IN LOCUS-SPECIFIC V(D)J RECOMBINASE ACTIVITY INDUCED BY IMMUNOGLOBULIN GENE PRODUCTS DURING B CELL DEVELOPMENT

The process of V(D)J recombination is crucial for regulating the development of B cells and for determining their eventual antigen specificity. Here we assess the developmental regulation of the V(D)J recombinase directly, by monitoring the double-stranded DNA breaks produced in the process of V(D)J recombination. This analysis provides a measure of recombinase activity at immunoglobulin heavy and light chain loci across defined developmental stages spanning the process of B cell development. We find that expression of a complete immunoglobulin heavy chain protein is accompanied by a drastic change in the targeting of V(D)J recombinase activity, from being predominantly active at the heavy chain locus in pro-B cells to being exclusively restricted to the light chain loci in pre-B cells. This switch in locus-specific recombinase activity results in allelic exclusion at the immunoglobulin heavy chain locus. Allelic exclusion is maintained by a different mechanism at the light chain locus. We find that immature, but not mature, B cells that already express a functional light chain protein can undergo continued light chain gene rearrangement, by replacement of the original rearrangement on the same allele. Finally, we find that the developmentally regulated targeting of V(D)J recombination is unaffected by enforced rapid transit through the cell cycle induced by an E mu-myc transgene.
Marketing the 21st Century Library: The Time Is Now

A review of Debra Lucas-Alfieri's book, "Marketing the 21 st Century Library: The time is Now".
Diagnostic Accuracy of Ultrasound to Predict the Location of Solitary Hepatic Masses in Dogs

Objective To determine the sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value of ultrasonography for localizing hepatic masses in dogs and to identify patient factors associated with diagnostic accuracy. Study Design Retrospective cross-sectional study. Animals Client-owned dogs (n = 137). Methods Medical records of dogs diagnosed with a solitary hepatic mass on abdominal ultrasound and confirmed by laparotomy or laparoscopy were reviewed. Location of the mass predicted by ultrasound was compared to mass location identified at surgery. Ultrasound exams were performed by or under the supervision of a board certified radiologist. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive values were calculated. Patient factors associated with accurate localization were identified using logistic regression. Results Ultrasound correctly localized liver masses in 71/137 dogs (51.8%). The sensitivity of ultrasound localization was 55% for left and right division masses and 29% for central division masses. The specificity was 98% for left division masses, 87% for central division masses, and 89% for right division masses. Correct localization was 3.2 times more likely when the mass arose from the right or left division compared to the central division (odds ratio [OR] 3.2; 95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.1, 9.0; P = .030). Correct localization was significantly less likely when diffuse or multifocal hepatic disease was present (OR 0.32; 95% CI 0.15, 0.70; P = .004). Conclusion Ultrasound was specific but not sensitive for localizing hepatic masses, and localization accuracy was influenced by mass location and the presence of concurrent liver pathology. These findings should be taken into consideration by veterinary surgeons using ultrasound examination to guide patient treatment and surgical planning.
Canonical Duality in Nonsmooth, Constrained Concave Minimization

This paper presents a perfect duality theory for solving nonsmooth, concave minimization problems subjected to inequality constraints. By use of the canonical dual transformation developed recently, a canonical dual problem is formulated, which is perfectly dual to the primal problem with zero duality gap. It is shown that the global minimizer and local extrema of the nonconvex problem can be identified by the triality theory discovered recently (Gao, 2000). This canonical dual form and the triality theory can be used to develop certain powerful algorithms for solving nonsmooth concave minimization problems.
A CHARACTERISTIC BONE MARROW FINDING IN THE HURLER SYNDROME.

Seventeen of eighteen patients with the Hurler syndrome demomstrated a characteristic, perhaps pathognomonic, accumulation of mucopolysaccharide granules in their bone marrow. These can be easily recognized by conventional hematologic techniques for preparation and staining of bone marrow. Since large amounts of bone marrow material can be obtained, bone marrow aspirates could conceivably provide an accessible source of tissue mucopolysaccharide for analysis and study. Reilly bodies are so infrequently found that we feel their importance as a diagnostic feature has been overemphasized.
Pyrolysis Reactions of 3-Oxetanone

The pyrolysis products of gas-phase 3-oxetanone were identified via matrix-isolation Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and photoionization mass spectrometry. Pyrolysis was conducted in a hyperthermal nozzle at temperatures from 100 to 1200 °C with the dissociation onset observed at ∼600 °C. The ring strain in the cyclic structure of 3-oxetanone causes the molecule to decompose at relatively low temperatures. Previously, only one dissociation channel, producing formaldehyde and ketene, was considered as significant in photolysis. This study presents the first experimental measurements of the thermal decomposition of 3-oxetanone demonstrating an additional dissociation channel that forms ethylene oxide and carbon monoxide. Major products include formaldehyde, ketene, carbon monoxide, ethylene oxide, ethylene, and methyl radical. The first four products stem from initial decomposition of 3-oxetanone, while the additional products, ethylene and methyl radical, are believed to be due to further reactions involving ethylene oxide.
Synthesis and Search for Design Principles of New Electron Accepting Polymers for All-Polymer Solar Cells

New electron withdrawing monomers, thieno[2′,3′:5′,6′]pyrido[3,4-g]thieno[3,2-c]isoquinoline-5,11(4H,10H)-dione (TPTI) and fluorenedicyclopentathiophene dimalononitrile (CN), have been developed and used to form 12 alternating polymers having different monomer combinations: (a) weak donating monomer–strong accepting monomer, (b) weak accepting monomer–strong accepting monomer, (c) weak accepting monomer–weak accepting monomer, and (d) strong donating monomer–strong accepting monomer. It was found that lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy levels of polymers are significantly determined by stronger electron accepting monomers and highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energy levels by the weak electron accepting monomers. In addition, fluorescent quantum yields of the TPTI-based polymers in chloroform solution are significantly decreased as the LUMO energy levels of the TPTI series of polymers become deeper. The quantum yield was found to be closely related with the photovoltaic properties, ...
Auswirkungen moderner Antipsychotika auf den Verlauf der Schizophrenie

Although there were multiple initiatives to modify course and outcome of schizophrenia by optimizing present psychopharmacologic strategies many unsolved problems still exist. There is no doubt that first generation antipsychotics reduce positive symptoms of psychosis but the impact on negative symptoms or disturbances of affect or cognition remains very poor. In contrast second generation antipsychotics show significantly a better tolerability, especially less extrapyramidal side effects. However, they may initiate strong individual side effects. This article reflects advantages and disadvantages of modern antipsychotics on the course of schizophrenia.
Agarose infiltration improves morphology of cryostat sections of lung

Background Optimal morphology and immunohistochemistry of the lung requires the organ to remain fully distended. When the lung is prepared for frozen sections, especially during the stage of cryoprotection, liquid fixatives leak out and the lung tends to collapse. We sought to develop a new technique to improve the morphology of frozen sections of the lung while facilitating tissue handling and immunoreactivity. Experimental design Human, fetal sheep and adult rat lungs were distended with 1% low temperature melting agarose and vessels were perfused with a 1% paraformaldehyde solution. Results The agarose infiltration permitted easy handling of the lung tissue, and maintained lung architecture during cryoprotection. Agarose infiltration and paraformaldehyde fixation provided excellent morphology, that was comparable to paraffin-embedded tissue. The structural preservation was especially noticeable with human lung that remained well distended with the agarose technique. Because of the mild fixation and good morphology, precise localization of antigenic sites was possible for the surfactant proteins SP-A, SP-C and SP-D, cytokeratin, and alveolar macrophage markers. Conclusions This procedure can improve special fixation and embedding protocols for lung immunocytochemistry and immunofluorescence.
Application of Latent Variable Methods to the Study of Cognitive Decline When Tests Change over Time.

Background:The way a construct is measured can differ across cohort study visits, complicating longitudinal comparisons. We demonstrated the use of factor analysis to link differing cognitive test batteries over visits to common metrics representing general cognitive performance, memory, executive f
A Standardized Measure of Sex Role Prescriptions

An instrument to mensure sex role specificity (SRS) was composed and Rtanrlarrlized on 1,200 adults from the gneral West Coast population. The SRS scales proved to be reliable and internally consistent, and two dominant factors underlie prescriptions for each sex. Role specificity differed systematically by demographic status.
Colorectal Cancer: Management of Stage IV Disease

Despite screening protocols, approximately 20 % of colorectal cancer patients present with established distant metastasis (Siegel et al. CA Cancer J Clin., 65(1), 5–29, 2015). Computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) generally detects this metastasis at the time of the initial staging of the cancer. Once the diagnosis of stage IV disease is made, a multidisciplinary team should plan appropriate curative or palliative therapy. Unfortunately for the clinician, there is enormous heterogeneity with respect to sites of disease, extent of disease and symptoms, performance status, and comorbidities in these patients. Stage IV patients have a range of presentation from the asymptomatic patient with a single metastatic lesion to the rapidly deteriorating patient with colon obstruction and advanced multiorgan metastases. While treatment algorithms may exist for some forms of metastatic disease such as a solitary liver lesion, others, especially for those with multiple sites of metastases, are still being defined. This chapter aims to provide a reference source for colorectal surgeons managing patients who present with metastatic stage IV colorectal cancer.
Fine needle aspiration cytology of cervical lymph node involvement by ovarian serous borderline tumor

Serous borderline tumor (SBT) involving a cervical lymph node is extremely rare. In addition, fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology of the involved cervical lymph node shares tremendous morphologic similarity with other low-grade papillary carcinomas. Thus, it can be easily misdiagnosed as metastatic carcinoma. A 42-year-old female had a history of bilateral SBT and postbilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. She presented with left cervical lymphadenopathy 6 months later. FNA cytology showed a low-grade papillary neoplasm with psammoma bodies. Needle core biopsy along with immunostains was diagnostic of cervical lymph node involvement (LNI) of SBT. although extremely rare, cervical LNI can be found in patients with SBTs. FNA cytology, sometimes, is indistinguishable from metastatic papillary adenocarcinoma. Cell block or needle core biopsy is essential to make the correct diagnosis.
Identifying Soybean Rust-resistant and Susceptible Populations of Kudzu to Increase Disease Monitoring Efficiency in Alabama

Soybean rust (SBR), caused by Phakopsora pachyrhizi, is considered to be one of the most damaging diseases of soybean worldwide. Monitoring for the disease in Alabama relies heavily on scouting kudzu on a biweekly basis in south and central portions of the state from late January through the end of July in areas where soybean production is minimal and is critical to help growers avoid significant yield losses from SBR. Previous studies have reported that some kudzu populations are naturally resistant or immune to infection from the pathogen which can complicate early disease detection. This study will apply that knowledge to determine locations of kudzu populations that are either resistant or susceptible to P. pachyrhizi in order to increase monitoring efficiency and reduce costs associated with the scouting program. Results show that approximately 34% of the 162 kudzu sites tested in Alabama were resistant to P. pachyrhizi. By focusing scouting efforts on SBR-susceptible kudzu sites, we will reduce costs associated with the monitoring program by approximately 25% which is critical at a time when funding for such efforts is decreasing.
WINE RESEARCH AT THE NEW YORK STATE AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION1

The New York State Agricultural Experiment Station is uniquely qualified for an effective wine research program by its departmentmental structure and facilities. Cooperative research carried out by geneticists, viticulturists, entomologists, pathologists, and enologists is directed toward developing and selecting grape varieties for New York that will be suitable to the climate, resistant to pests, productive, and yield a high quality wine. The relation of vineyard site selection, cultural practices, and wine making techniques to wine quality are also under study. Enological research is the responsibility of chemists, microbiologists, and engineers who are studying the relation of wine composition, fermentaton, and processing methods to wine quality. An outstanding variety for white wine was introduced in 1972. Under the selection number GW-3, the new variety, named Geneva White, has gained wide acceptance in preliminary tests by growers and wine makers. Promising new red varieties for New York are also u...
A novel pre-fusion conformation-specific neutralizing epitope on the respiratory syncytial virus fusion protein

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) remains a major human pathogen, infecting the majority of infants before age two and causing re-infection throughout life. Despite decades of RSV research, there is no licensed RSV vaccine. Most candidate vaccines studied to date have incorporated the RSV fusion (F) surface glycoprotein, because the sequence of F is highly conserved among strains of RSV. To better define the human B cell response to RSV F, we isolated from a single donor 13 new neutralizing human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that recognize the RSV F protein in the pre-fusion conformation. Epitope binning studies showed that the majority of neutralizing mAbs targeted a new antigenic site on the globular head domain of F, designated here antigenic site VIII, which occupies an intermediate position between the previously defined major antigenic sites II and site O. Antibodies to site VIII competed for binding with antibodies to both of those adjacent neutralizing sites. The new mAbs exhibited unusual breadth for pre-fusion F-specific antibodies, cross-reacting with F proteins from both RSV subgroups A and B viruses. We solved the X-ray crystal structure of one site VIII mAb, hRSV90, in complex with pre-fusion RSV F protein. The structure revealed a large footprint of interaction for hRSV90 on RSV F, in which the heavy chain and light chain both have specific interactions mediating binding to site VIII, the heavy chain overlaps with site O, and the light chain interacts partially with site II.
Striking age differences of multiple myeloma (MM) diagnosis in patients of Indian and Pakistani descent in the United States compared to native countries.

e13070Background: Several studies from India and Pakistan have reported a median younger age of MM diagnosis as compared that of western population. The exact reason for the younger age of myeloma diagnosis in this population is not well understood. Methods: We used the SEER database to analyze age of MM diagnosis in subjects of Indian and Pakistani descent in the United States and compared it to the published data of MM diagnosis in India and Pakistan. Patients with ICD—O-3 morphologic codes (9732/3) and race code 15/16/17 identifying Asian Indians and Pakistanis were identified in the SEER registry data (1973-2013). Data on year of diagnosis, race, sex and age were collected. Four published retrospective studies involving local Indians or Pakistanis patients identified using PUBMED. Average Median age and male to female ratio (M: F) was calculated in both groups and compared for any difference Results: 146 myeloma patients of either Indian or Pakistani descent were identified from the SEER registry. The...
Running Mechanics and Metabolic Responses With Water Bottles and Bottle Belt Holders.

Purpose: To determine whether differential kinematics, kinetics, rates of energy use, and cardiopulmonary responses occur during running with water bottles and bottle belt holders compared with running only. Methods: Trained runners (N = 42; age 27.2 [6.4] y) ran on an instrumented treadmill for 4 conditions in a randomized order: control run (CON), handheld full water bottle (FULL; 16.9 fluid oz; 454 g), handheld half-full water bottle (HALF; 8.4 fluid oz; 227 g), and waist-worn bottle belt holder (BELT; hydration belt; 676 g). Gas exchange was measured using a portable gas analyzer. Kinetic and kinematic responses were determined by standard 3-dimensional videographic techniques. Interactions of limb side (right and left) by study condition (CON, FULL, HALF, and BELT) were tested for rates of oxygen use and energy expenditure and kinematic and kinetic parameters. Results: No significant limb-side × condition interactions existed for rates of oxygen use or energy expenditure. A significant interaction oc...
Using an approximate streamline upwind/Petrov-Galerkin stabilization matrix for the solution of Maxwell's equations in dispersive materials

The use of a full stabilization matrix in a Streamline Upwind Petrov Galerkin for the solution of Maxwell's equations when applied to dispersive materials tends to be an expensive computation. Here, an approximate diagonal-based stabilization matrix is used for dispersive material models and their solution is verified by comparing the Radar Cross Sections for two-pole Debye and Lorentz materials.
Evaluation of Hypotension

Identification of the etiology of hypotension is essential to early appropriate management of these critically ill patients. In these patients, point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) makes diagnostic information rapidly available. One advantage of POCUS is that it is fast. It can be performed at the bedside as soon as shock or hypotension is identified. Hemodynamically unstable patients do not have to leave the clinical setting for diagnostic testing, allowing them to be monitored appropriately. Beyond its diagnostic utility, POCUS may be used dynamically to guide treatment such as fluid administration and to guide procedures like pericardiocentesis and central access.
Rewriting Terms and Simplifying Clauses

This chapter discusses the way to put various ideas together to rewrite terms. When a term is rewritten, it is done so in the context specified by two lists of assumptions. The first list, called the type set alist , is an alist of assumptions about the type sets of certain terms. The second list, called the variable alist , is an alist associating terms with variables and is used to avoid carrying out explicit substitutions. For example, when the definition of APPEND is explored while trying to expand (APPEND (CONS AB) C), the variable alist is used to remember that the first argument is (CONS A B) and the second is C, by associating (CONS A B) with the first formal parameter of APPEND, X, and associating C with the second formal parameter, Y. If the pair (v, t) is on the variable alist, it is said that v is bound and that t is the binding of v . If v is bound to t, then v is assumed to be equal to t.
Plasticity, and Activity-Dependent Regulation of Gene Expression

Neuronal activity induces the expression of specific genes that are required for the long-term stabilization of synaptic and behavioral plasticity. This article examines the current understanding of the signaling mechanisms for activity-induced gene expression. It involves the integration of multiple calcium-activated pathways that converge on the transcription factor CREB, which serves as a primary mediator of activity-induced gene transcription. The critical components of this pathway have been linked to both synaptic and behavioral plasticity in a variety of genetic experiments. The core components of the pathway seem to be conserved across species.
Les revenants : l’Algérie et le retour du refoulé dans le cinéma français

Cette etude comparative du film de Robin Campillo intitule Les revenants (2004) et de Cache (2005) de Michael Haneke porte sur le refoulement dans la conscience collective francaise des meurtres, tortures et diverses formes de discrimination perpetres en metropole lors des evenements de la guerre d’Algerie (1954-1962) et dans les annees ayant suivi l’independance de l’ancienne colonie francaise. Dans ces deux longs metrages, le refoule est incarne par le personnage du revenant, c’est-a-dire celui que l’on croyait mort et qui revient hanter cette conscience collective nationale tel un spectre jetant une ombre sur la soi-disant impeccabilite de l’identite republicaine francaise. Les themes abordes par ces deux realisateurs sont analyses en fonction du contexte socio-culturel de l’immigration algerienne en France metropolitaine.