cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pain Management in Children: NSAID Use in the Perioperative and Emergency Department Settings.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often used for pediatric pain management in the emergency setting and postoperatively. This narrative literature review evaluates pain relief, opioid requirements, and adverse effects associated with NSAID use. A PubMed search was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials evaluating the use of conventional systemic NSAIDs as pain management for children in the perioperative or emergency department (traumatic injury) setting. Trials of cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors (“coxibs”) were excluded. Search results included studies of ibuprofen (n = 12), ketoprofen (n = 5), ketorolac (n = 6), and diclofenac (n = 4). NSAIDs reduced the opioid requirement in 10 of 13 studies in which this outcome was measured. NSAID use did not compromise pain relief; NSAIDs provided improved or similar pain scores compared with opioids (or other control) in 24 of 27 studies. Adverse event frequencies were reported in 26 studies; adverse event frequencies with NSAIDs were lower than with opioids (or other control) in three of 26 studies, similar in 21 of 26 studies, and more frequent in two of 26 studies. Perioperative and emergency department use of NSAIDs may reduce opioid requirements while maintaining pain control, with similar or reduced frequencies of opioid-associated adverse events.
Modeling Microbial Virulence in a Genomic Era: Impact of Shared Genomic Tools and Data Sets

This chapter discusses the relevance of model host pathogenesis as a third general approach to studying microbial virulence, in which infections are studied in the context of nonvertebrate whole animal hosts. The chapter explains the combination of four key steps: (i) the development of the model host-pathogen system, (ii) the development of genomic tools in both the pathogen and host, (iii) the distribution and use of these tools by the greater research community beyond the laboratories involved in their initial development, and (iv) the collection and ultimate integration of experimental data from a wide variety of research groups made possible by the widespread use of a common resource and its accompanying Web-accessible public database. Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA14 was chosen for the construction of a non-redundant mutant library because it is remarkably virulent in the greatest number of model hosts tested, as well as in a number of murine systems of infection. There are four major advantages to construction of a non-redundant mutant library approach as opposed to the traditional approach of screening a random collection of strains for avirulent or attenuated mutants. A microarray experiment in a Caenhorhabidits elegans mutant defective in a newly defined host defense response gene identified candidate downstream genes important in the response to pathogens.
Influenza: Advances in Knowledge of Impact and Approaches to Control

Epidemic influenza has been a plague of societies since ancient times. The burden of disease in both developed and developing societies currently is impressive and constitutes a strong basis for efforts toward achieving reductions. This report will summarize data describing that burden and the status of approaches to control of infection and disease.
Psychology and Philosophy

Concerns that are now typically part of contemporary psychology—What is the nature of the mind? What causes human happiness? How do humans come to believe or know?—were, until the end of the nineteenth century, the concerns only of philosophers. In the latter part of the nineteenth century, investigators such as Wilhelm Wundt took an experimental approach to these questions, or at least certain aspects of these questions, and contemporary scientific psychology was born. Although empirical and experimental methods allow psychologists to address questions commonly outside the scope of philosophy (e.g., What is the incidence of depression?), philosophical concerns continue to influence these empirical pursuits. One clear example of such influence is the general agreement among psychologists that research takes place within a context of philosophical assumptions: What is science? What counts as evidence? What inferences are legitimate to make given the data? What are morally permissible research or clinical methodologies? Relatedly, analytic philosophers often engage in conceptual explication, and psychologists are often still puzzled by their concepts, for example, What is intelligence? What is clinical depression? Ludwig Wittgenstein (1953), in his Philosophical Investigations, famously wrote the following: The confusion and barrenness of psychology is not to be explained by calling it a “young science”; its state is not comparable with that of physics, for instance, in its beginnings. (Rather with that of certain branches of mathematics. Set theory.) For in psychology there are experimental methods and conceptual confusion…. The existence of the experimental method makes us think we have the means of solving the problems which trouble us; though problem and method pass one another by. Keywords: ethical issues; moral issues; philosophy in psychology; psychology in philosophy; values
Predictors of Immediate and 6‐Month Outcomes in Hospitalized Elderly Patients

This article presents results of a prospective multivariate study of hospitalized elderly patients at an acute-care Veterans Administration (VA) hospital to identify factors on hospital admission predictive of several short- and long-term outcomes: in-hospital and 6-month mortality, immediate and delayed nursing home admission, length of hospital stay, and 6-month rehospitalization. All patients aged 70 years and over admitted to acute-care beds on the medical service wards during a 1-year period were included in the study (N = 396). Factors most predictive of 6-month mortality (using logistic regression) were decreased functional status, admitting diagnosis, and de creased mental status. Factors most predictive of nursing home admission were decreased functional status, living location, and decreased mental status. Functional status was a stronger predictor of length of stay, mortality, and nursing home placement than was principal admitting diagnosis — of relevance to the current emphasis on diagnosis-related groups (DRGs). These data may be helpful in improving discharge planning, in resource allocation, and in targeting patients for different specialized geriatric programs.
Echocardiography. Clinical application in mitral regurgitation.

Abstract The mitral valve echocardiogram in patients with solitary mitral regurgitation is, in general, characteristically different from normal healthy subjects. The amplitude of motion of the anterior leaflet echo and the slope of the E wave are conspicuously increased in most patients. Our experience indicates that echocardiography is a reliable and harmless procedure for the diagnosis of mitral reflux of different causation. Mitral regurgitation studied by cineradiography was most often attributed to rheumatic valvular disease, but regurgitation was sometimes secondary to ruptured chordae tendineae, papillary muscle dysfunction with and without cardiac failure, ventricular aneurysm and a redundant flail leaflet in Marfan's syndrome. The echocardiogram is frequently abnormal in the patient with the late systolic murmur of modest mitral regurgitation and is useful in the differentiation of this murmur. It appears that the increased velocity and range of motion of the anterior leaflet in patients with mitral regurgitation are related to an increase in mitral valve flow during diastole and also to structural deformities of the valve. Alterations of the echocardiogram are noted after Aramine infusion, amyl nitrite inhalation and after surgical repair.
Electron microscopic identification of actin associated with isolated amoeba plasma membranes.

Abstract Plasma membranes isolated from Acanthamoeba castellanii are associated with filaments that have been identified as actin by the width of the filaments, their specific interaction with heavy meromyosin to form polarized arrowhead structures, and their removal by conditions that dissociate actin. Some evidence was obtained that the co-isolation of plasma membranes and actin might be a consequence of specific attachment of the filaments to the cytoplasmic surface of the membrane in vitro and, by inference, in vivo.
Fire on the Right

Many Americans believed that the 2008 election of Barack Obama would usher in a new era in race relations. Instead, the increased competition represented by his victory, combined with the economic stagnation of the Great Recession, gave rise to the Tea Party Movement. The Tea Party is the latest in a long line of radical conservative revolts to be fueled by White nationalism. Tea Partiers—the overwhelming majority of whom are White, male, and staunchly conservative—are dissatisfied with government and categorically reject Obama, as they believe him to be both un-American and dangerously foreign.
Use of highly active pozzolans for reducing Expansion in concretes containing reactive aggregates

Since it takes only a small amount of reactive aggregate to cause deterioration of concrete due to the alkali-silicate reaction, vast deposits of aggregates throughout the world are in danger of being rejected as undesirable for use in concrete unless acceptable corrective measures are found. Although addition of commonly available pozzolans can effectively reduce the expansion associated with the alkali-silicate reaction, the quantity of pozzolan needed for this purpose is generally large enough to influence adversely the water demand and thereby the concrete quality. In this study the use of a highly active pozzolan, namely, rice hull ash, is compared with a normal pozzolan for reducing the alkali-silicate expansion. Whereas 25 percent of the latter by weight of the cementing material was required to reduce the expansion in the ASTM Test for Effectiveness of Mineral Admixtures in Preventing Excessive Expansion of Concrete Due to the Alkali-Aggregate Reaction (C 441-69) mortar by 90 percent, only 10 percent of the former was sufficient to obtain the same degree of effectiveness in reducing the expansion. Laboratory tests on concrete mixes containing the corresponding proportions of the pozzolans showed that, when compared with the control concrete, the mix containing the rice hull ash did not show strength loss at three and seven days whereas the mix containing the normal pozzolan showed severe strength loss at early ages.
Using multiple methods to assess learning and outcomes in an online degree-granting dental hygiene program.

Program evaluation is a necessary component of curricular change and innovation. It ascertains whether an innovation has met benchmarks and contributes to the body of knowledge about educational methodologies and supports the use of evidence-based practice in teaching. Education researchers argue that rigorous program evaluation should utilize a mixed-method approach, triangulating both qualitative and quantitative methods to understand program effectiveness. This approach was used to evaluate the University of Michigan Dental Hygiene Degree Completion E-Learning (online) Program. Quantitative data included time spent on coursework, grades, publications, course evaluation results, and survey responses. Qualitative data included student and faculty responses in focus groups and on surveys as well as students’ portfolio reflections. The results showed the program was academically rigorous, fostering students’ ability to connect theory with practice and apply evidence-based practice principles. These results also demonstrated that the students had learned to critically reflect on their practice and develop expanded professional identities; going beyond the role of clinician, they began to see themselves as educators, advocates, and researchers. This evaluation model is easily adaptable and is applicable to any health science or other professional degree program. This study also raised important questions regarding the effect of meta-reflection on student confidence and professional behavior.
Notch signaling: control of cell communication and cell fate

Notch is a transmembrane receptor that mediates local cell-cell communication and coordinates a signaling cascade present in all animal species studied to date. Notch signaling is used widely to determine cell fates and to regulate pattern formation; its dysfunction results in a tremendous variety of developmental defects and adult pathologies. This primer describes the mechanism of Notch signal transduction and how it is used to control the formation of biological patterns.
Back to parallel computation: Proposal for a completely new on-line simulation system using standard minicomputers for low-cost multiprocessing:

This proposal suggests a novel and different system for fast on-line solution of the differential equa tions or difference equations describing a dynamical system (aerospace vehicle, ship, plant, p...
Numerical performance of non-canonic block state digital filters

Several noncanonic block structures of IIR (infinite impulse response) digital filters are analyzed for numerical performance. Roundoff noise of fixed point noncanonic block structures is compared with that of canonic structures. Proper scaling of nonstate as well as state variables is considered, and explicit expressions for noise gains are derived. It is shown that the output noise due to additional noise sources in these structures cancels out most of the gain obtained from blocking algorithms and may dominate that due to static variables in canonic structures. >
The Benefits of Keeping Print Journal Usage Statistics in an Electronic World

Abstract In this day and age when most hospital libraries are doing their utmost to provide as much electronic full-text as possible, it may seem anachronistic to propose developing a system to track print journal usage. It is this librarian's opinion, however, that such statistics can serve several purposes, including insight as to what electronic resources should be purchased and/or promoted.
REPETITIVE PSYCHOMETRIC MEASURES: HANDEDNESS AND PERFORMANCE

Many investigators have reported that right-handed people perform most motor tasks better, faster, and with relatively fewer errors than do the left-handed. We found slight differences in performan...
The relationship between retinal ganglion cell function and retinal nerve fiber thickness in early glaucoma.

Purpose To compare relative reduction of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) function and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in early glaucoma by means of steady-state pattern electroretinogram (PERG) and optical coherence tomography (OCT), respectively. Methods Eighty-four persons with suspected glaucoma due to disc abnormalities (GS: mean age 56.6 +/- 13.8 years, standard automated perimetry [SAP] mean deviation [MD] -0.58 +/- 1.34 dB) and 34 patients with early manifest glaucoma (EMG, mean age 65.9 +/- 10.7 years, SAP MD -2.7 +/- 4.5 dB) were tested with PERG and OCT. Both GS and EMG patients had small refractive errors, corrected visual acuity > or =20/25, and no systemic or retinal disease other than glaucoma. Results MDs from age-predicted normal values were larger for PERG amplitude (GS: -1.113 dB; EMG: -2.352 dB) compared with the PERG-matched RNFL thickness (GS: -0.217 dB; EMG: -0.725 dB). Deviations exceeding the lower 95% tolerance intervals of the normal population were more frequent for PERG amplitude (GS: 26%; EMG: 56%) than PERG-matched RNFL thickness (GS: 6%; EMG: 29%). Conclusions In early glaucoma, reduction in RGC electrical activity exceeds the proportion expected from lost RGC axons, suggesting that a population of viable RGCs in the central retina is dysfunctional. By combining PERG and OCT it is, in principle, possible to obtain unique information on reduced responsiveness of viable RGCs.
1.8.3 Military Value of Spectrum (MVOS): A Case Study in Resource Risk Assessment

The Military Value of Spectrum (MVOS) initiative was begun in late FY01 by the Defense Spectrum Office (DSO) to explore the potential for applying military operations research disciplines and principles to the challenges in spectrum access and use facing the DoD. In this paper we define MVOS as a decisive military advantage gained through the use of spectrum-dependent technology. We have developed a logical framework to aid the Department of Defense in evaluating the impacts of various spectrum access strategies. Our initial studies demonstrate significant quantifiable connections between spectrum access and traditional measures of military success. We encourage broad participation in the further development of MVOS.
Requirement for nitric oxide activation of p21ras/extracellular regulated kinase in neuronal ischemic preconditioning

The mechanisms underlying neuronal ischemic preconditioning, a phenomenon in which brief episodes of ischemia protect against the lethal effects of subsequent periods of prolonged ischemia, are poorly understood. Ischemia can be modeled in vitro by oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD). We report here that OGD preconditioning induces p21ras (Ras) activation in an N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor- and NO-dependent, but cGMP-independent, manner. We demonstrate that Ras activity is necessary and sufficient for OGD tolerance in neurons. Pharmacological inhibition of Ras, as well as a dominant negative mutant Ras, block OGD preconditioning whereas a constitutively active form of Ras promotes neuroprotection against lethal OGD insults. In contrast, the activity of phosphatidyl inositol 3-kinase is not required for OGD preconditioning because inhibition of phosphatidyl inositol 3-kinase with a chemical inhibitor or with a dominant negative mutant does not have any effect on the development of OGD tolerance. Furthermore, using recombinant adenoviruses and pharmacological inhibitors, we show that downstream of Ras the extracellular regulated kinase cascade is required for OGD preconditioning. Our observations indicate that activation of the Ras/extracellular regulated kinase cascade by NO is a critical mechanism for the development of OGD tolerance in cortical neurons, which may also play an important role in ischemic preconditioning in vivo.
Weak coupling of monolayer lead sulfide quantum dots to silicon photonic crystal cavities at near-infrared wavelengths

We present experimental analysis of weak coupling for monolayer lead sulfide quantum dots coupled to silicon photonic crystal cavities between 4K and room temperature, as well as power-saturation measurements of dots at 4K.
PINKER AND PROGRESS

Condorcet's classical Enlightenment statement of human progress became an essential element of nineteenth- and twentieth-century consciousness, but by the millennium grand narratives had fallen victim to a disillusioned cultural climate. Now Steven Pinker, like Condorcet drawing on a wide range of contemporary “knowledges,” has reasserted a sweeping narrative of human progress in The Better Angels of Our Nature: Why Violence Has Declined. Mapping a spectacular long-term decline in person-on-person violence and reduction in deaths due to war, Pinker celebrates the spread of a cultural pattern of self-restraint, sensitivity to human suffering, and recent regard for human rights, due to the modern state and gentle commerce capitalism. For Pinker the human condition has gotten steadily better, the decline of violence is an accomplishment we can savor and an impetus to cherish the forces of civilization and enlightenment that made it possible. Why then are so many so negative about modernity? Citing the psychology of temporal proximity to horrific events and the bad-news predilection of the media, Pinker ignores the specifically modern and less directly brutal institutionalized forms of violence as well as the profound ambivalence of progress. He decisively demonstrates the drop in certain kinds of violence, but his account becomes strangely ideological, recapitulating key Cold-War themes—the individual against totalitarianism, the Enlightenment against the counter-Enlightenment, rationalism and freedom against murderous utopianism—distorting his study in the name of gentle commerce, Marxism, and anti-Communism.
Studies on permeability. IX. Replacement of potassium in erythrocytes during cholinesterase activity.

Abstract It has been shown that potassium can be replaced in both dog and human erythrocytes against a concentration gradient when cells are incubated with acetylcholine and cholinesterase activity is maintained, provided the cell has previously lost a part of its normal complement of potassium. This process is inhibited by physostigmine. Replacement of potassium in human cells during metabolism of glucose is similarly blocked by physostigmine, which is considered to be a specific inhibitor of cholinesterase activity. These results point to a single mechanism for potassium replacement regardless of whether the substrate added is glucose or acetylcholine, and that mechanism depends on an active cholinesterase.
Emergency department visits for sledding injuries in children in the United States in 2001/2002.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the characteristics of nonfatal sledding-related injuries in U.S. children resulting in emergency department (ED) visits in 2001/2002 and to explore the implications of these findings for injury prevention efforts. METHODS: A stratified probability sample of U.S. hospitals providing emergency services in the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System-All Injury Program was utilized for 2001/2002. ED visits resulting from injuries involving sleds, snow discs, snow tubes, and toboggans were analyzed for patients 19 years of age or younger. RESULTS: In 2001/2002, there were an estimated 57,866 ED visits for sledding-related injuries in the United States for all age groups. Of these, 41,272 (71%) occurred in patients 19 years of age or younger, 58% of whom were male. The highest number of injuries occurred in children between five and 14 years of age (74%), and the injuries were most often caused by falls or collisions (75%). The head or neck was the most frequently injured body region among those 0-9 years of age, while the extremities were injured most commonly among those 10-19 years of age. Head and neck injuries occurred in 56% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 32% to 81%) of children 0-4 years of age versus 19% (95% CI = 9% to 29%) of patients 15-19 years of age. Nine percent (95% CI = 6% to 12%) of patients sustained a traumatic brain injury. Three percent (95% CI = 1% to 5%) of patients required admission to the hospital. CONCLUSIONS: Sledding injuries resulting in ED visits predominantly affect children and are a source of measurable morbidity in this population. An increase in injury prevention efforts for this activity is warranted.
Measurement of stark width of some Ar I transitions in A d.c. argon plasma jet at atmospheric pressure

Abstract The Stark widths of seven Ar I transitions are reported. Axial line shape data from an atmospheric d.c. argon plasma jet were Abel-inverted to obtain radial line shapes. The electron density was determined from Stark-width measurements of the hydrogen H β transition. In the electron-density region of ⩽6 × 10 22 m -3 , the experimental Ar I Stark widths are fitted to a linear dependence on the electron density. Values of Stark widths extrapolated to other electron densities are compared with measurements reported in the literature on the 4 s -4 p array. Experimental values are up to 45% smaller than those predicted by Griem's theory of Stark broadening. We report experimental values of the electron-impact parameter W . Uncertainties in our results are ⩽ 10%.
Tau neutrino as dark matter

Abstract A stable ντ with mass m ν ⋍1−35 MeV and magnetic moment μ⋍10 −6 Bohr magnetons is a viable cold dark matter candidate. Such a large value of μ, which is responsible for depleting the ντ relic abundance, is consistent with present laboratory data, astrophysical observations, and cosmological information.
Effect of Term Limits on the Election of Minority State Legislators

of minority candidates. Those who support term limits vigorously contend that restricting legislators' tenure in office creates new oppor? tunities for minorities (Jacobs 1991), whereas opponents assert that term limits erode the potential for minority advancement (Bositis 1992). However, these conflicting views have been based primarily on conjecture because of a lack of reliable empirical data on limit? ing tenure and electoral outcomes (Mondak 1995), even though limitations on tenure in state legislatures began after the 1990 elec? tion. An extensive body of empirically vali? dated data necessary for in-depth analysis has been slow to develop because the effect of legislative term limits in most states has yet to be fully manifested and recorded (Carey, Niemi, and Powell 2000). Since the 2000 election, however, credible empirical data on the influence of term limits on the electoral
Children's attitudes toward mental illness as assessed by the Opinions About Mental Illness Scale.

Research on attitudes toward mental illness held by the public, by mental health professionals and personnel, and by psychiatric patients and their families is substantial. Little attention has bee...
A shift in the role of glutamatergic signaling in the nucleus accumbens core with the development of an addicted phenotype.

Background While dopamine signaling in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) plays a well-established role in motivating cocaine use in early nonaddicted stages, recent evidence suggests that other signaling pathways may be critical once addiction has developed. Given the importance of glutamatergic signaling in the NAc for drug seeking and relapse, here we examined its role in motivating cocaine self-administration under conditions known to produce either a nonaddicted or an addicted phenotype. Methods Following acquisition, male and female Sprague Dawley rats were given either short access (three fixed-ratio 1 sessions, 20 infusions/day) or extended 24-hour access (10 days; 4 trials/hour; up to 96 infusions/day) to cocaine. Following a 14-day abstinence period, motivation for cocaine was assessed under a progressive-ratio schedule, and once stable, the effects of intra-NAc infusions of the glutamate alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionate/kainate receptor antagonist CNQX (0, .01, .03, .1 μg/side) were determined. As an additional measure for the development of an addicted phenotype, separate groups of rats were screened under an extinction/cue-induced reinstatement procedure following abstinence from short-access versus extended-access self-administration. Results Motivation for cocaine and levels of extinction and reinstatement responding were markedly higher following extended-access versus short-access self-administration, confirming the development of an addicted phenotype in the extended-access group. CNQX dose-dependently reduced motivation for cocaine in the extended-access group but was without effect in the short-access group. Conclusions These results suggest that the role of glutamatergic signaling in the NAc, though not essential for motivating cocaine use in nonaddicted stages, becomes critical once addiction has developed.
Systematic analysis of fusion and affinity tags using human aspartyl-tRNA synthetase expressed in E. coli

Fusion and affinity tags are popular tools for the expression of mammalian proteins in bacteria. To facilitate the selection of expression approaches, a systematic comparison was performed. We cloned, sequenced, and expressed in Escherichia coli ubiquitin- and SUMO-hDRS fusion proteins with biotin- or 6xHis-tags. The tagging of hDRS with ubiquitin or SUMO was necessary to express properly folded and biologically active enzyme. Similar enhancement of hDRS activity was obtained by fusion to ubiquitin or SUMO. Ubiquitin, SUMO, biotin, and hexahistidine tags did not appreciably interfere with hDRS activity. Fusion proteins were specifically cleaved without altering the N-terminal of hDRS. After cleavage hDRS remained soluble and active with a specific activity comparable to that of the fused protein. Similar activity was observed with biotin- and 6xHis-tagging of hDRS. Higher purity but significantly lower yields of hDRS were obtained using biotin-tagging. Overall we demonstrated ubiquitin and SUMO fusion proteins similarly enhanced the proper folding of hDRS expressed in E. coli. In comparison to previous expressions of hDRS as a GST fusion, ubiquitin, and SUMO fusions provided higher yields and easier purification and cleavage.
Overhead and ACK-induced jitter in Modbus TCP communication

The Modbus protocol is widely used at the field level, such as building automation and industrial automation. Among existing implementations of the protocol over different communication infrastructures, Modbus TCP offers better scalability and interoperability than Modbus RTU and Modbus CAN, while at the same time, its real-time performance suffers, which limits its adoption in time-critical application domains. In this paper, the overhead and jitter of Modbus TCP communication are thoroughly evaluated by means of theoretical analysis and experimental campaigns. The results show that, the TCP acknowledgment mechanism is mainly responsible for the round trip time jitter, which in turn may affect the system reliability as well as safety. Instead, its overhead is much more affordable for typical embedded applications.
Nanotribology of lubricated and unlubricated carbon overcoats on magnetic disks studied by friction force microscopy

Abstract Friction force microscopy is used to study the frictional properties of lubricated and unlubricated hydrogenated amorphous carbon overcoats deposited on magnetic disks used in hard disk drives. For carbon overcoats deposited on smooth disks, a strong correlation is found between topography and friction, with the peaks on the surface having low friction and the valleys having high friction. The correlation between friction and topography is attributed to the variation in van der Waals adhesive forces with topography. For carbon overcoats on strongly textured magnetic disks, the correlation between topography and friction is substantially reduced. For both types of disk, the addition of a perflouropolyether lubricant film substantially reduces the magnitude and variation of the frictional forces.
Moving from the ESL Classroom into the Mainstream: An Investigation of English Language Anxiety in Mexican Girls.

Abstract Using a recently developed instrument, the ELAS (English Language Anxiety Scale) based on the Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale, this study examines English language anxiety in Mexican middle school girls. Of 178 middle school students (91 boys and 87 girls), it was shown that while there is no gender difference in ESL classes, girls are significantly more anxious about using English in their mainstream classes. This difference is partially explained by the different types of English language anxiety that manifest in ESL and mainstream classes. Various statistical procedures including ANCOVA and factor analysis support the conclusion that as ESL students move from ESL to mainstream classes their English language anxieties shift from academic types of worry to peer interactional concerns in which female students seem to feel more stress. Recommendations for teachers include the use of affective assessments, such as the ELAS, prior to complete mainstreaming and the development of safer group...
The 1.8-Å resolution crystal structure of YDR533Cp from Saccharomyces cerevisiae: A member of the DJ-1/ThiJ/PfpI superfamily

The yeast gene YDR533C encodes a protein belonging to the DJ-1/ThiJ/PfpI superfamily. This family includes the human protein DJ-1, which is mutated in autosomal recessive early-onset Parkinson's disease. The function of DJ-1 and its yeast homologue YDR533Cp is unknown. We report here the crystal structure of YDR533Cp at 1.8-A resolution. The structure indicates that the closest relative to YDR533Cp is the Escherichia coli heat shock protein Hsp31 (YedU), which has both chaperone and protease activity. As expected, the overall fold of the core domain of YDR533Cp is also similar to that of DJ-1 and the bacterial protease PfpI. YDR533Cp contains a possible catalytic triad analogous to that of Hsp31 and an additional domain that is present in Hsp31 but is not seen in DJ-1 and other members of the family. The cysteine in this triad (Cys-138) is oxidized in this crystal structure, similar to modifications seen in the corresponding cysteine in the crystal structure of DJ-1. YDR533Cp appears to be a dimer both in solution and the crystal, but this dimer is formed by a different interface than that found in Hsp31 or other members of the superfamily.
Effect of temperature and ph on the effective maximum specific growth rate of nitrifying bacteria

For modeling nitrification in wastewater treatment processes it is necessary to determine the dependence of the maximum specific growth rate (μA) of nitrifying bacteria on temperature and pH. A functional relationship for the simultaneous dependence of the effective maximum specific growth rate (μA) minus the decay coefficient, bA) on temperature and pH, obtained from theoretical arguments, was verified via batch experiments with sludge from a local wastewater treatment plant. The parameters for the functional relationship were determined from the experimental data using a nonlinear regression scheme. An optimum pH of approx. 7.8 was determined and the effective maximum specific growth rate was found to be a monotonically increasing function of temperature in the range of 15–25°C.
SU‐E‐T‐860: Developing a Fast‐Monotonic Descent (FMD) Algorithm for RapidArc Radiotherapy

Purpose: To develop a fast‐monotonic descent (FMD) algorithm for optimization of VMAT treatment planning, and investigate the impacts of arc numbers and beam interval on the plan dose quality. Methods: Fast‐monotonic descent (FMD) algorithm, proved to be one of the fastest convergent methods for optimizing conventional IMRT plans, was used to enhance the aperture optimization in VMAT. The principle consideration in this new algorithm is that the intensities of the to‐be‐delivered apertures will be re‐optimized to take the contribution of the delivered apertures into account. Leaf segmentation algorithm based on power of 2 was implemented to generate deliverable apertures based on power of 2 and a simplified primary beam only pencil beam model was employed. Several typical clinical sites (prostate, spine, lung, and brain) were tested and the effects of various parameter settings on plan dose quality were investigated. For each case, plans using both conventional IMRT and VMAT techniques were created, and their dosimetric metrics were assessed. Results: The mean value of beam intensity per beam varies drastically as beam interval falling into the range [6° ∼ 20°]. It is less obvious as beam interval outside this range. With limited aperture number per beam, the plan dose quality is affected significantly by the beam interval. It is hard to achieve a decent plan with comparable dose to the conventional IMRT one using only one arc and with beam interval less than 3°. Conclusions: To achieve a decent plan dose comparable to the conventional IMRT plan, a VMAT plan needs at least 2 arcs and the minimum beam interval 6°. Highly modulated intensity maps may require more arcs.
Developing a reliability, availability and maintainability process

The Department of Defense (DoD) has put an increased focus on reliability during system acquisition and development. This is due to historically poor reliability performance which has significantly increased sustainment costs for systems that have been built over the last 25 years. The Director of the Department of Operational Test and Evaluation has written a memorandum, dated June 30, 2010 with subject “State of Reliability” discussing these concerns. Training time for a new reliability engineer can be reduced by providing the engineer with a documented process guide for reliability engineering activities. This process guide provides guidance for each reliability task, and relates the task to the DoD acquisition life cycle phase, which enhances the training for new graduates as well as experienced reliability engineers that lack exposure to DoD programs. Maintaining a standard set of modeling and simulation tools produces consistent analytical products and improves the efficiency within the organization by eliminating redundant modeling packages. Documenting the Reliability, Availability and Maintainability (RAM) process in a guide allows the reliability group to provide consistent and sound technical guidance to any DoD project. This process guide also reduces the transition time for RAM Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) when entering a new project that may be in a different phase of the DoD life cycle. The process guide also improves the awareness, at the program level, of the RAM efforts that are required to ensure reliability is integrated into product development.
VIP receptor 1 (VPAC1) promoter targets the expression of a reporter gene to cerebellum and adrenal medulla in transgenic mice.

Abstract Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is a neurotransmitter with neurotropic effects. VIP functions through two distinct G-protein-coupled receptor subtypes (VPAC1 and VPAC2). We have demonstrated expression of VPAC1 in pediatric nervous system tumors, including medulloblastoma arising in the cerebellum and neuroblastoma arising in the adrenal medulla. More recently, we have reported the differentiation of neuroblastoma cells by upregulation of VIP type 1 receptor suggesting a role for VPAC1 in neuronal development. To understand the molecular mechanisms regulating VPAC1 expression in both cerebellum and adrenal medulla, we have cloned the human VPAC1 gene and sequenced 2.6-kb of the 5′-flanking sequence. Expression of the luciferase reporter gene under the control of this 2.6-kb human VPAC1 promoter was induced 35-fold in a human medulloblastoma cell line (DAOY) and 36-fold in a human neuroblastoma cell line (SKNSH). Analysis of 5′-unidirectional deletion derivatives of the 2.6-kb fragment demonstrated that a 241-bp sequence immediately upstream of the VPAC1 coding region retains high activity, suggesting that it contains the core promoter region. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis demonstrated that VPAC1 is expressed in mouse cerebellar and adrenal tissues. The VPAC1 promoter also directed expression of a reporter gene in cerebellum and adrenal medulla in transgenic mice. Along with our previous findings, these results suggest that VPAC1 may play a functional role in development of both cerebellum and adrenal medulla.
Effects of Castration, Testosterone, Estradiol, and Prolactin on Specific Prolactin-Binding Activity in Ventral Prostate of Male Rats

Lactoperoxidase-catalyzed 125I-labeled ovine prolactin (PRL) was found to bind specificallyto participate membrane fractions of rat ventral prostate. Unlabeled PRL readily displaced thelabeled PRL, whereas ovine GH, LH, FSH, or TSH showed no such competition. Castration reduced the binding of 125I-labeled PRL to about 1⁄6 of that in intact rats, and injections of testosterone propionate (TP) increased PRL binding to values as great or greater than those in intact controls. Injections of TP into intact immature and mature rats also increasedPRL binding. In vitro binding of labeled PRL was inhibited in prostatic tissue removed from intact immature rats 2 h after injecting unlabeled PRL, but not in ventral prostates from rats killed 26 or 74 h after injecting unlabeled prolactin. PRL injected together with TP in castrated rats produced no greater increase in prolactin binding than TP alone, while estrogen appeared to decrease PRL binding beyond that produced by castration alone. (Endocrinology98:373, 1976)
Early changes in brush border disaccharidase kinetics in rat jejunum following subcutaneous administration of tetraiodothyronine: a quantitative histochemical study on villi revealing normal morphology.

In order to test the influence of thyroid hormones on small intestine function, adult female Wistar rats were injected daily with either 100 μg/100 g body weight tetraiodothyronine or placebo. After 12 days, jejunal segments were removed and processed for morphometric analysis of mucosal architecture and quantitative histochemical determinations of the apparent Km- and Vmax-values of lactase/β-glucosidase and neutral α-glucosidase at constant basal and apical measuring positions along the villi. The villus-crypt-architecture was the same in both experimental groups. At the cellular levels, however, application of tetraiodothyronine resulted in a marked decrease in the apparent Vmax of lactase/β-glucosidase at both villus positions, maintaining the normal activity gradient along the villi. In comparison with the controls, a less pronounced but significant reduction in activity was also demonstrated for the neutral α-glucosidase. Substrate affinity, however, was only increased for this enzyme, the apparent Km of lactase/β-glucosidase not being affected by the hormone. The results indicate a direct effect of tetraiodothyronine on jejunal brush border disaccharidases of the rat. The alternative mechanism, an effect mediated by an altered enterocyte turnover is unlikely to occur.
Application of Palladium-Mediated 18F-Fluorination to PET Radiotracer Development: Overcoming Hurdles to Translation

New chemistry methods for the synthesis of radiolabeled small molecules have the potential to impact clinical positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, if they can be successfully translated. However, progression of modern reactions from the stage of synthetic chemistry development to the preparation of radiotracer doses ready for use in human PET imaging is challenging and rare. Here we describe the process of and the successful translation of a modern palladium-mediated fluorination reaction to non-human primate (NHP) baboon PET imaging–an important milestone on the path to human PET imaging. The method, which transforms [18F]fluoride into an electrophilic fluorination reagent, provides access to aryl–18F bonds that would be challenging to synthesize via conventional radiochemistry methods.
Origami Fabrication of SU-8 Supercapacitors

The Nanostructured Origami™ 3D Fabrication and Assembly Process was developed as a novel method of creating three-dimensional (3D) nanostructured devices using two-dimensional micro- and nanopatterning tools and techniques. The origami method of fabrication is a two-part process in which two-dimensional (2D) membranes are first patterned and then folded into the desired 3D configuration. This paper reports on the use of the Nanostructured Origami™ process to create a functional electrochemical energy storage device. An electrochemical capacitor, or a supercapacitor, is selected because its performance can be readily improved by the addition of 3D geometry and nanoarchitecture. In addition to improved performance, the origami fabrication method allows such devices to be integrated into preexisting MEMS and IC processes, thus enabling the fabrication of complete micro- and nanosystems with an integrated power supply. The supercapacitors were created by selectively depositing carbon-based electrode materials on the SU-8 membrane and then folding the structure so that oppositely-charged electrode regions face each other in a 3D arrangement. The fabrication process, electrochemical testing procedure, and analysis of the results are presented.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
High resolution distribution of mRNA within the cytoskeleton

It has been well documented that mRNA is associated with the cytoskeleton, and that this relationship is involved in translation and mRNA sorting. The molecular components involved in the attachment of mRNA to the cytoskeleton are only poorly understood. The objective of this research was to directly visualize the interaction of mRNA with the cytoskeleton, with sufficient resolution to identify the filament systems involved. This work required the development of novel in situ hybridization methods for use with electron microscopy.
HUMAN MILK FAT GLOBULE (MFG) GLYCOPROTEINS ARE PRESENT IN GASTRIC ASPIRATES OF HUMAN MILK-FED PRETERM INFANTS. ▴ 739

Human MFG glycoproteins have protective functions in the newborn that could be most important in preemies. We have therefore quantitated three glycoproteins of the human MFG, milk mucin, butyrophilin, and lactadherin(formally BA46), in 105 gastric aspirates of 21 human milk-fed and 12 formula-fed preterm infants (24-30 weeks), collected after 2 hours of fasting. Mucin and lactadherin were found in almost all gastric aspirates (57/57 and 40/57, respectively) in the milk-fed infants, in contrast to butyrophilin(6/57). The levels correlated positively with the degree of milk feeding and with the levels in the milk of the infants' mothers. Early milks ( 4. No lactadherin or butyrophilin were detected in the gastric aspirates of formula-fed infants or of infants with no oral feeding. The mucin assay detected low levels of crossreacting material, probably a gastric MUC1 mucin, in the latter two control groups: 9.1 ± 1.6 μg/ml (1-24) and 48 ± 14 μg/ml(9-159), respectively. We conclude that mucin (which binds to S-fimbriatedE. coli) and lactadherin (which inhibits rotavirus replication) survive in the stomach and can protect preemies against invasive microorganisms. Supported in part by NIH grant No. HD30444 and CA39932.Table
The fine structure and intracellular localization of potato yellow dwarf virus

Abstract Electron microscopy of tissues of Nicotiana rustica and Trifolium incarnatum infected with potato yellow dwarf virus indicated that the virus particles were bacilliform with average dimensions of 380 mμ by 75 mμ. A striking association of virus particles with the nuclei of infected cells was apparent from sections which showed numerous virus particles at the nuclear periphery and in what appeared to be intranuclear virus inclusions. Careful examination of these apparent inclusions revealed the presence of the nuclear envelope surrounding them in addition to cytoplasmic organelles within them. Such profiles were interpreted as having arisen when the sections passed through invaginations of the cytoplasm into the nucleus. In all the sections showing virus particles associated with the nucleus, large numbers of virus particles were found to be present in expanded areas between the two lamellae of the nuclear envelope. This location is suggested as a possible site of virus assembly. Several micrographs of particles found in this location suggested incorporation of the inner lamella of the nuclear envelope into the viral envelope. The viral envelope was seen to be composed of three lamellae, approximately 35 A in thickness and spaced about 50 A apart. The individual lamellae had the appearance of being constructed of laterally united subunits, about 35 A in diameter. Various micrographs indicated a possible helical arrangement of certain components present in the virus core. The significance of these findings in elucidating relationships between potato yellow dwarf virus and some other plant and animal viruses is discussed.
Effects of darkening processes on surfaces of airless bodies

We find the lunar darkening process could be due neither to simple addition of impact-melted glass nor to addition of devitrified glass to crushed lunar rock. There is evidence that lunar soil grains have thin, very light-absorbing coatings that mask absorption bands, seen in the reflection spectra of freshly crushed lunar rock, in the same manner as they are masked in the spectra of lunar soils. We believe the processes that produce these coatings are (1) deposition of atoms sputtered from lunar soil grains by solar wind particles and (2) deposition of vapor species vaporized from lunar soil grains by micrometeoritic impacts. We describe an apparent new type of fractionation that occurs during deposition of sputtered atoms. This fractionation favors retention of higher mass atoms over lower mass atoms, and appears to be a linear function of mass.
Space and the Structuring of Disciplinary Power: An Interpretive Review

This paper is an attempt to provide an organizing framework for understanding geographic (and related) research that deals with modern social control. The basic panoptic logic of what Foucault term...