cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Corticotropin-releasing factor receptor blockade enhances conditioned aversive properties of cocaine in rats.

The behavioral profile of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) in mediating anxiogenic-like and aversive responses to stressors may be particularly relevant for dependence and withdrawal in drug-experienced organisms. Moreover, stressful aspects of drug exposure in the drug naive organism may also induce CRF system activation. In the present studies, the dependence of aversive properties of cocaine on activation of endogenous CRF systems has been evaluated in rats using taste conditioning and runway self-administration paradigms. Systemic cocaine administration (20 mg/kg IP) produced a conditioned saccharin aversion which was dose-dependently potentiated by central administration of the CRF receptor antagonist, D-phe CRF (12–41). In addition, IV cocaine administration (0.75 mg/kg per injection IV) produced runway goal-box avoidance and conditioned place avoidance responses which were significantly accelerated by CRF antagonist treatment. In contrast, CRF receptor stimulation using CRF itself abolished cocaine-induced increases in goal latency in the runway paradigm. This generalized involvement of CRF systems in cocaine-related motivational/associative states is consistent with the comprehensive role of CRF in mediating emotional responses to non-drug stressors.
How to represent continuous piecewise linear functions in closed form

This paper presents a simple approach to representing continuous piecewise linear functions in closed form for arbitrary dimensions. The absolute value function is used to embed non-linearity, its usage increasingly nested as the dimension is increased. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Differential control of 17 alpha-hydroxylase and 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase expression in human adrenocortical H295R cells.

Previous studies of human adrenocortical cells have given inconsistent findings concerning the effects of angiotensin II (AII) alone or in combination with activators of the protein kinase A-signaling pathway on expression of cholesterol side-chain cleavage cytochrome P450 (P450scc), 17 alpha-hydroxylase cytochrome P450 (P450c17), and 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3 beta-HSD), as well as the corresponding effects on adrenocortical cell steroid secretory products. We have used the human adrenocortical carcinoma H295R cell to evaluate further this question and determine the role of protein kinase C in each of these responses to AII. Treatment with AII alone (10 nmol/L, 48 h) resulted in a significant increase in cortisol production (1.8-fold), as well as a much greater effect on aldosterone production. This increased formation of 17 alpha-hydroxysteroids was accompanied by increased expression of P450c17 as determined at the level of messenger RNA (mRNA) and enzyme activity. Similar increases in expr...
The effect of removal of the warning stimulus from a schedule of free operant avoidance

Three rhesus monkeys were run to a steady-state criterion on a schedule of free operant discriminated avoidance, after which the warning stimulus was removed from the schedule and the animals were stabilized on the nondiscriminated schedule. The effects of the removal of the warning stimulus included increased response rate, a shift to shorter IRTs, and increased shock rate.
Decomposition of volatile organic compounds by a novel electrode system integrating ceramic filter and SPCP method

Abstract We developed a new efficient apparatus for gas treatment in which a ceramic filter and SPCP (surface corona discharge induced plasma chemical process) were integrated. In this study, the feasibility of the reactor to decompose volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and performance were evaluated. The efficiency was examined against various conditions of initial concentration of VOCs, as trichloroethylene (TCE), toluene and benzene, and by using variable flow rates of carrier gases (air, nitrogen, and mixture of nitrogen and oxygen or water vapor). TCE was decomposed effectively within the reactor system, especially when the carrier gas contains oxygen or water as an oxygen source, whilst the decomposition efficiency was low with the nitrogen carrier. With a sufficient oxygen source, no organic by-products were detected in the treated gas, and TCE was oxidized to inorganic substances. Toluene and benzene were efficiently decomposed as well. For performance evaluation of such non-thermal plasma reactors for VOC treatment, we proposed a new parameter which is derived with substance based energy density, mSED (J/mol). The new parameter has merit to express the performance with a single parameter for a range of discharge power, flow rates, and initial concentrations of the gas to be treated. With the parameter proposed, the evaluation resulted in a new reactor in this study that has as high a performance as a conventional packed-bed reactor, and their performances are higher than pulse corona (PC), and dielectric barrier discharge reactors.
Selectively Enhanced Procollagen Gene Expression in Sclerosing (Morphea-Like) Basal Cell Carcinoma as Reflected by Elevated Proα1(I) and Proα1(III) Procollagen Messenger RNA Steady-State Levels

Abstract Sclerosing or morphea-like variant of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is characterized by an extensive connective tissue stroma, and histopathology has suggested that the extracellular matrix is largely composed of collagen. In addition, fibronectin deposition has been proposed to modulate tumor growth in BCC. In this study, we examined the expression of genes coding for type I, III, and IV procollagens, as well as for fibronectin, in tissue from 10 patients with sclerosing BCC. For comparison, tissues from 5 patients with nodular BCC and 4 controls were examined. Total RNA was isolated by CsCl density gradient centrifugation, and messenger RNA (mRNA) steady-state levels were determined by slot-blot hybridizations with human sequence specific complementary DNAs (cDNAs). The abundance of type I procollagen mRNA in sclerosing BCC tissue was increased to 233.6 ± 36.7% of the controls (mean ± SEM). The corresponding value for type III procollagen mRNA in sclerosing BCC was 281.8 ± 54.8% of the controls. Consequently, the steady-state ratio of type I/III procollagen mRNAs in sclerosing BCCs (5.0 ± 1.2; mean ± SD) was within the control range. Thus, there is a coordinate increase in type I and type III procollagen mRNA levels in sclerosing BCC. In contrast, the values for type I and type III procollagen mRNAs in nodular BCC were not different from the controls. In addition, type IV procollagen and fibronectin mRNA levels were not different from the controls either in sclerosing or nodular BCCs, attesting to the selectivity of the increase in type I and III procollagen mRNA levels in sclerosing BCC. These observations may relate to the excessive deposition of the extracellular matrix stroma surrounding the tumor cells in sclerosing BCC.
Input substitution and technical change in U.S. high tech industries

Abstract The paper shows that in U.S. high-tech industry sector, capital and non-production worker are complementary to each other. Capital and production worker, however, are substitutes. Also, technical change in the sector concerned is material using and capital and labor saving. The major saving is in production worker.
Some applications of the thermal single-determinant approximation

A new extension of Hartree–Fock theory to non-zero temperature, T, namely the Thermal Single-Determinant Approximation (TSDA)—based on the variational principle of statistical mechanics—has been applied to a model of a crystal of widely separated hydrogen atoms. It is found that, in this TSDA, solutions to the equations of stationarity of the free energy consist of one-electron functions which are either spatially extended (like Bloch functions), or localized. Whereas it appears that in the standard thermal Hartree–Fock approximation (THFA) only extended solutions are possible (at finite atomic separation). Furthermore, in the TSDA at T ≠ 0 the localized solutions give a lower free energy than that corresponding to the extended solutions, and the latter is less than or equal to the free energy in the THFA. As far as we know, this is the first calculation in which a strictly variational requirement has rejected extended one-electron functions in favor of localized functions for a crystal.
Fracto-emission from filled and unfilled polybutadiene

We further examine the mechanisms involved in the emission of electrons and positive ions from polybutadiene accompanying fracture. Experimental evidence is given in support of a previously presented model involving a microdischarge accompanying fracture which excites the fracture surfaces by particle bombardment. Calculations of the time dependence for the emission from such excitations for both isothermal and thermal stimulation from a simple trap model are presented. We conclude that both filled and unfilled polybutadiene are experiencing the same excitations except at a considerably reduced intensity for the unfilled material.
Disruption of peripheral target contact influences the development of identified central dendritic branches in a leech motor neuron in vivo.

Retrograde signaling from target tissues has been shown to influence many aspects of neuronal development in a number of developmental systems. In these experiments using embryonic leeches (Hirudo medicinalis), we examined how depriving a neuron of contact with its peripheral target affects the development of the cell's central arborization. We focused our attention on the motor neuron cell 3, which normally stimulates dorsal longitudinal muscle fibers to contract. At different locations in the periphery and in embryos of several different stages, we cut the nerve containing the growing axon of cell 3. This surgery led to dramatic overgrowth of cell 3's central dendritic branches, which normally accept synaptic contacts from other neurons, including the inhibitory motor neuron cell 1. When cell 3's peripheral axon was cut relatively early in development, its overgrown central branches eventually retracted. However, cells that were disrupted later in development retained their overextended branches into adulthood. In addition, if the axon was cut close to the ganglion early in development, depriving the cell of contact with any dorsal tissues, the central branches failed to retract and were instead retained into adulthood. Unlike cell 3, the central branches of cell 1, which has the same peripheral target muscles as cell 3, remained unchanged following all axotomy protocols. These results suggest that in at least some neurons contact with peripheral targets can influence development of the central processes that normally mediate synaptic contacts.
1 Personal over‐view

The present article by the Director of Edge Hill College of Higher Education presents the view of a participant who undertook to sample and survey the whole scene of the conference. Thus, although it is undoubtedly a very personal account it nevertheless conveys an authentic flavour of the occasion.
Malocclusion in the Kwaio, a Melanesian group on Malaita, Solomon Islands

In the present investigation, a number of occlusal variables which contribute to malocclusion were quantified among the Kwaio people of Malaita, Solomon Islands. Angle classification, overjet, overbite, openbite, crossbite, rotation, crowding, and spacing were assessed from dental casts of 180 persons (94 males, 86 females) who had complete permanent dentitions anterior to the first molar. Males had significantly more overjet and mandibular incisor crowding than females, and significantly less posterior openbite and mandibular canine-premolar spacing. The frequency of openbite, rotation of maxillary teeth, and crowding of anterior teeth increased with advancing age. The frequency of posterior crowding decreased after age 30. Spacing, in general, increased with advancing age. In the distribution of the Angle classes of occlusion, the Kwaio resembled Australian aborigines living in technologically primitive circumstances.
Survival after complete surgical resection of multiple metastases from renal cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND: Although a role for resection of solitary metastases from renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has been described, the utility of surgery in patients with multiple sites of disease has been less well defined. The authors report the survival of patients who underwent complete metastasectomy for multiple RCC metastases. METHODS: The authors identified 887 patients who underwent nephrectomy for RCC between 1976 and 2006 who developed multiple metastatic lesions. The impact of complete metastasectomy on survival was evaluated controlling for the timing, location, and number of metastases and for patient performance status. RESULTS: Of 887 patients, 125 (14%) underwent complete surgical resection of all metastases. Complete metastasectomy was associated with a significant prolongation of median cancer-specific survival (CSS) (4.8 years vs 1.3 years; P < .001). Patients who had lung-only metastases had a 5-year CSS rate of 73.6% with complete resection versus 19% without complete resection (P < .001). A survival advantage from complete metastasectomy also was observed among patients with multiple, nonlung-only metastases, who had a 5-year CSS rate of 32.5% with complete resection versus 12.4% without complete resection (P < .001). Complete resection remained predictive of improved CSS for patients who had ≥3 metastatic lesions (P < .001) and for patients who had synchronous (P < .001) and asynchronous (P = .002) multiple metastases. Moreover, on multivariate analysis, the absence of complete metastasectomy was associated significantly with an increased risk of death from RCC (hazard ratio, 2.91; 95% confidence interval, 2.17-3.90; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The current results indicated that complete resection of multiple RCC metastases may be associated with long-term survival and should be considered when technically feasible in appropriate surgical candidates. Cancer 2011. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Finding Good Telemarketing Sales and Service People

ABSTRACT This paper compares the ability of two self-report measures of adaptability and their relationship with sales success. Adaptability has been hailed as a critical trait for sales success. The test with the stronger correlation with sales success could be used as a preselection tool in the hiring process for telemarketers. Telemarketing has become an integral part of services marketing and any tool that can help find good telemarketers deserves to be added to the company personnel selection arsenal.
An Analysis of Rubber Supply in Sri Lanka

An analysis of the supply response for perennial crops is undertaken for rubber in Sir Lanka, focusing on the uprooting-replanting decision and disaggregating the typical reduced-form supply response equation into several structural relationships. This approach is compared and contrasted with Dowling's analysis of supply response for rubber in Thailand, which is based upon a sophisticated reduced-form supply function developed by Wickens and Greenfield for Brazilian coffee. Because the uprooting-replanting decision is central to understanding rubber supply response in Sri Lanka and for other perennial crops where replanting activities dominate new planting, the standard approaches do not adequately capture supply response.
The relationship of external and internal sidewall dimensions in the adult Caucasian nose

Objectives/hypotheses: Nasal bone length is commonly referenced in the rhinoplasty literature. It has been suggested that short nasal bone length may predispose one to a greater risk of middle vault collapse after rhinoplasty. However, there are limited data available on what constitutes the normal dimensions of these pertinent structures of the nasal sidewall. In addition, no data exist on the gender and ethnic variability of such dimensions. This article reports on measurements of nasal bones and associated structures in adult Caucasian cadavers and their relationships to the nasal sidewall. Furthermore, this study assesses the validity of using surface measurements to approximate the true dimensions of the nasal sidewall structures. Methods: Using 37 adult cadavers, stable, external, nasal landmarks were identified and measured to approximate the dimensions of the nasal bones and upper lateral cartilages. These clinically relevant surface landmarks were then evaluated relative to the direct measurements of dissected nasal bones and upper lateral cartilages in a subgroup of 14 cadavers. Results: For the subgroup, the average length Ainternal (nasal bone) was 24.57 mm; the average measured length Binternal (upper lateral cartilage) was 12.43 mm. Measurements for the subgroup obtained via external landmarks were 20.21 mm (Aexternal) and 15.67 mm (Bexternal), respectively. The relationship of the nasal bone internal length to the external measurement (A) was a ratio of 1.22:1, whereas the internal length of the upper lateral cartilage to the corresponding external measurement (B) was 0.79:1. Average external measurements for the total group were 20.43 mm for the nasal bone and 14.30 mm for the upper lateral cartilage. Conclusions: These data provide useful information to guide the surgeon in avoiding middle vault collapse postoperatively and when evaluating those patients with presurgical middle vault concerns. With less ability to support the upper lateral cartilages, short nasal bones can predispose an individual to middle vault collapse postoperatively.
JULIET: a distributed fault tolerant load balancer for .NET Web services

The execution time of computationally-intensive applications such as protein folding and fractal generation can be reduced by implementing these applications as Web services that run in parallel. Additionally, some of these Web services may save state periodically to resume execution later on. However, currently, there is no solution to load balance this class of Web services, and to replicate the saved state for the purposes of resumption. This paper describes the architecture of JULIET, a system that load balances .NET Web services across a Windows cluster in a distributed fashion. The system is also fault tolerant since it supports failovers and replication of data generated by the Web services at the application level. The system is designed to be minimally-visible to the Web service and the client that consumes it.
Utilization of carbonate and ammonia‐based treatments to eliminate Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella Typhimurium DT104 from cattle manure

Aims: The objective of this study was to investigate alkaline treatments of cattle manure to kill coliforms, Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella Typhimurium DT104 based on their inhibition by carbonate ion and ammonia. Methods and Results: Pure cultures of S. Typhimurium DT104 and E. coli O157:H7 strains were treated with sodium carbonate and ammonia to determine threshold inhibitory concentrations. Fresh cattle manure samples were inoculated with the same strains and their survival was determined after addition of sodium hydroxide, ammonium sulphate, sodium carbonate and/or urea. Control of CO -2 3 and NH 3 concentrations in manure by pH adjustment to 9.5 with sodium hydroxide to more than 5 and 30 mmol l -1 , respectively, killed more than 106 cells g -1 in 7 days. Addition of sodium carbonate enhanced the killing effect of NaOH by increasing the CO -2 3 and NH 3 concentrations. Addition of 100 mmol l -1 urea, produced high levels of CO -2 3 and NH 3 and decreased all bacterial counts by at least 10 6 cells g -1 after 7 days. Conclusions: Reduction of food-borne pathogens in manure can be achieved by a combination of high concentrations of CO -2 3 and NH 3 which are pH-dependent parameters. Significance and Impact of Study: Addition of urea could provide a simple manure treatment by combining both antimicrobial factors.
Student Effort and Performance over the Semester

The authors extend the standard education production function and student time allocation analysis to focus on the interactions between student effort and performance over the semester. The purged instrumental variable technique is used to obtain consistent estimators of the structural parameters of the model using data from intermediate macroeconomics. The results of their study suggest that (1) students respond to higher midterm scores by reducing the number of hours they subsequently allocate to studying for the course; (2) contrary to results based on semester totals, class attendance is not related to examination scores throughout the semester; (3) study time has a small, but statistically significant, negative effect on student performance; and (4) although men outperform women on examinations, the difference may diminish over the course of the semester.
Potential role of glutamine supplementation in nutrition support

Summary Enteral and parenteral feedings supplemented with GLN or GLN precursors have been well tolerated in the studies published to date, and beneficial effects have been documented in a number of patient groups. The mechanisms of GLN actions in nutrition are yet unclear. It is likely that GLN supplementation exerts a number of potentially beneficial effects which may be interrelated. Thus, a combination of enhanced protein synthesis and reduced protein-catabolic responses improve nitrogen retention. The important role of GLN in DNA and RNA synthesis and its ability to be utilized as a metabolic fuel may explain, in part, its effect on skeletal muscle protein metabolism. Improved protein sparing combined with enhanced function of immune cells, maintenance of mucosal barrier defenses, and/or maintenance of tissue antioxidant stores may contribute to improved resistance to infection and microbial clearance (58). Further studies on the clinical efficacy and the molecular basis for GLN effects are necessary, as are additional controlled, blinded trials to determine the clinical efficacy and cost effectiveness of enteral or parenteral GLN supplementation in catabolic patients (68). However, based on the available data in experimental animals and in humans GLN should be considered a potentially important dietary amino acid in a number of clinical settings (Table 4).
Role of Parenteral Agents in Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Stable Patients

Despite significant improvements, it remains important to carefully select anticoagulant agents in the percutaneous treatment of coronary disease with the dual goal of decreasing ischemic events and minimizing bleeding complications. In the “elective” population, glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors tend to be reserved for higherrisk patients, for those not adequately pretreated with thienopyridines, or for those with a suboptimal procedural outcome. Unfractionated heparin continues to be a mainstay in the elective PCI population because of its ease of use, simple monitoring, and reversibility. Enoxaparin has been shown to have reduced bleeding outcomes, with ischemic events comparable with those in unfractionated heparin in patients undergoing PCI. Bivalirudin has become a popular agent across the spectrum of coronary disease, having demonstrated consistent reductions in bleeding and comparable ischemic events when compared with a heparin plus glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitor strategy.
Subduction zone stresses: Constraints from mechanics and from topographic and geoid anomalies

Abstract There are, in principle, direct relations between several important phenomena associated with subduction zones: the depth of oceanic trenches, the magnitude of the net force from trenches acting on subducting plates, the distribution and fault plane orientations of earthquakes, the magnitude of stresses on subduction faults, the bathymetry of back-arc regions, and the magnitudes of gravity and geoid anomalies. These phenomena are related through the stresses transmitted through surface and subducted lithosphere, and are associated with the mass anomaly of the subducted lithosphere. Quantitative estimates suggest that observed trench depths imply a trench pull force on subducting plates which is comparable to the ridge push force but much less than the excess weight of the subducted lithospheric slab. It is further suggested that either the mass anomaly of subducted lithosphere is much less than would be expected on the basis of conventional thermal and compositional models or that (a) a large resistance acts on the upper part of slabs due to high-stress corner flow, and (b) the mass anomaly of the slab is 70–90% compensated either by a broad 1 km-deep back-arc depression or a low density mantle wedge above the slab or both.
Sternal fractures — The natural history

A five-year retrospective study was undertaken to analyze the natural history of sternal fractures and to scrutinize the current method of management. Sixty-six patients with documented sternal fractures were evaluated. The most common mechanism of injury was motor vehicle accidents (59%). Most of these victims did not wear seat belts. Thirty-five patients (53%) had associated injuries, of which rib fractures were the most common. Thirty-one patients (47%) had sternal fractures with no associated injury. The incidence of myocardial contusion in our study was 18%. Of the patients without associated injuries, the incidence of myocardial contusion was 6%. There were no mortalities in our study population, and there was no significant morbidity necessitating mechanical or pharmacologic support. The majority of these patients were managed by admission, observation, IV therapy, and placement of monitored beds. Our findings of no life-threatening sequelae suggest that we might question the necessity of current management criteria. This proves to be of special interest in view of the economic restraints imposed on health care today.
Initiation and growth of salt-based thrust belts on passive margins: results from physical models

Scaled sandbox models simulated primary controls on the kinematics of the early structural evolution of salt-detached, gravity-driven thrust belts on passive margins. Models had a neutral-density, brittle overburden overlying a viscous decollement layer. Deformation created linked extension-translation- shortening systems. The location of initial brittle failure of the overburden was sensitive to perturbations at the base of the salt. Salt pinch-out determined the seaward limit of the thrust belt. The thrust belts were dominated by pop-up structures or detachment folds cut by break thrusts. Pop-ups were separated by flat-bottomed synclines that were partially overthrust. Above a uniformly dipping basement, thrusts initiated at the salt pinch-out then consistently broke landward. In contrast, thrust belts above a seaward- flattening hinged basement nucleated above the hinge and then spread both seaward and landward. The seaward-dipping taper of these thrust belts was much lower than typical, frictional, Coulomb-wedge models. Towards the salt pinch-out, frictional resistance increased, thrusts verged strongly seawards and the dip of the taper reversed as the leading thrust overrode this pinch-out. We attribute the geometry of these thrust belts to several causes. (1) Low friction of the basal de¤collement favours near- symmetric pop-ups. (2)Mobile salt migrates away from local loads created by overthrusting, which reduces the seaward taper of the thrust belt. (3) In this gravity-driven system, shortening quickly spreads to formwide thrust belts, in which most of the strain overlapped in time.
The Grant Application Process.

(1995). The Grant Application Process. Community & Junior College Libraries: Vol. 8, No. 1, pp. 69-73.
Strategies for the reversible immobilization of enzymes by use of biotin-bound anti-enzyme antibodies

Glucose oxidase (E.C. 1.1.3.4) is reversibly immobilized in a reactor coupled to a flow-injection analysis system using an immunological reaction. The antibody used is irreversibly immobilized on the reactor support by an avidin—biotin linkage. The bond between avidin and biotin is nearly irreversible under normal elution conditions for antibody—antigen reactions. The reactor is packed with a support on which avidin is covalently attached and a biotin-bound second antibody is passed over the reactor packing, which immobilizes this antibody. An immune complex of the enzyme, or first anti-enzyme antibody followed separately by enzyme, is introduced into the flow system, resulting in enzyme immobilization. The reactor produced can be used in the determination of 1 × 10−11 −1 × 10−6 mole of glucose with a sample size of 20 μl and a sample throughput of 20–30/hr. These results are comparable to or better than those obtained with glucose oxidase directly immobilized on the same support. The enzyme can be removed by elution with low-pH buffers, and the reactor regenerated by injection of the anti-enzyme antibody and the enzyme.
Impact of Alewife Introduction on Walleye and White Bass Condition in Lake McConaughy, Nebraska, 1980-1995

Abstract We examined relative weight (W r) relationships of walleye Stizostedion vitreum and white bass Morone chrysops before and after the addition of alewife Alosa pseudoharengus in Lake McConaughy, Nebraska, where gizzard shad Dorosoma cepedianum had been the primary prey. Walleyes and white bass were collected in fall gillnetting surveys from 1980 to 1995. A general linear model was constructed to determine the least-squares means of walleye and white bass W rs by length category and year. Contrast statements were used to test for significant differences in the annual W rs of walleye and white bass population length categories before and after the establishment of alewives. The annual mean W rs of walleyes of stock to quality (S-Q), quality to preferred (Q-P), and preferred to memorable (P-M) lengths and Q-P-length white bass increased significantly, whereas that of S-Q-length and P-M-length white bass decreased significantly after 1988. The introduction of alewives changed the body condition of wall...
The Making and Unmaking of Body Problems in Seventeen Magazine, 1992–2003

This interpretive study explored body-related content Seventeen magazine, a fashion and beauty magazine for adolescent girls, from 1992 to 2003 (inclusive). The authors' work was guided by symbolic convergence theory, which illuminates how rhetorical visions within media can contribute to audience perceptions of reality. Analyses revealed two main rhetorical visions within Seventeen: (1) the making of body problems and (2) the unmaking of body problems. Content related to Rhetorical Vision 1 simultaneously constructed a narrow constellation of body characteristics as ideal and problematized bodies that deviated from this ideal. Content related to Rhetorical Vision 2 provided three different mechanisms for “dealing with” body problems: (a) controlling the body through bodywork regimens, (b) controlling the body through consumption, and (c) staging resistance against dominant cultural discourses about the body (e.g., the thin ideal). Findings suggest that rhetorical visions presented within Seventeen may send mixed messages to adolescents about their bodies.
Optimized out-of-order parallel discrete event simulation using predictions

Parallel Discrete Event Simulation (PDES) enables efficient validation of ESL models on multi-core simulation hosts. Out-of-order PDES is an advanced scheduling technique which allows multiple threads to run in parallel even in different simulation cycles. To maintain simulation semantics and timing accuracy, the compiler performs complex static conflict analysis so that the scheduler can make quick and safe decisions at run time and issue threads early. Often, however, out-of-order scheduling is prevented because of the unknown future behavior of the threads. In this paper, we extend the analysis in order to predict the future of candidate threads. Looking ahead of the current simulation state allows the scheduler to issue more threads in parallel, resulting in significantly reduced simulator run time. Our experimental results show simulation speedup up to 1.92x with only negligible increase in compile time.
Variation Assimilating of Synthetic Radar Data into a Pseudo-spectral Wave Model

Abstract In this paper, a computationally-efficient scheme is developed to assimilate radar images into a pseudo-spectral wave evolution model. The nonlinear wave model uses a fourth-order Runge-Kutta scheme to integrate in time a coupled set of equations for the evolution of the free surface elevation and velocity potential at the free surface. An asymptotic expansion of the model variables in terms of wave steepness parameter is used to close the system of equations and determine the vertical velocity at the free surface from the velocity potential at the free surface. A variational data assimilation scheme is then developed to find an optimal initial wave field that minimizes a cost function defined as the squared difference between model predictions and radar observations over an assimilation interval. The conjugate gradient method is used for the minimization scheme with the adjoint technique used to calculate the gradient of the cost function with respect to the initial condition. Numerical experime...
Coagulation rates of particles produced in air by thoron

Abstract Thoron produces large concentrations of nuclei in either filtered or unfiltered room air. The coagulation constants K of these nuclei and their effective diffusion coefficients, both for number and for activity concentrations, have been determined as functions of time. Values of K ranged from 10.6 to 78.2 × 10 −10 cm 3 /sec, generally supporting the view that the Smoluchowski relationship, with slip factor included, applies to particles having diameters down to about 0.01 μm. For nuclei size distributions having geometric standard deviations between 1.25 and 2.2, the simple assumption that the aerosols were monodisperse, having a diffusion coefficient equal to that determined from diffusion battery measurements, led to calculated values of K in good agreement with the experimental values.
Replacing the office intern: An autonomous coffee run with a mobile manipulator

We describe our development of an autonomous robotic system that safely navigates through an unmodified campus environment to purchase and deliver a cup of coffee. To accomplish this task, the robot navigates through indoor and outdoor environments, opens heavy spring-loaded doors, calls, enters, and exits an elevator, waits in line with other customers, interacts with coffee shop employees to purchase beverages, and returns to its original location to deliver the beverages. This paper makes four contributions: a robust infrastructure for unifying multiple 2D navigation maps; a process for detecting and opening transparent, heavy spring-loaded doors; algorithms for operating elevators; and software that enables the intuitive passing of objects to and from untrained humans.
Modification of epoxy-reinforced glass-cloth composites with a perfluorinated alkyl ether elastomer

A perfluorinated alkyl ether diacyl fluoride prepolymer (molecular weight about 1500) was coreacted with Epon 828 epoxy resin and diamino diphenyl sulfone to obtain an elastomer-toughened, glass-cloth composite. Improvements in flexural toughness, impact resistance, and water resistance, without loss of strength, modulus of elasticity or a lowering of the glass-transition temperature, were realized over those of the unmodified composite. Factors concerning optimization of the process are discussed. Results suggest that a simultaneously interpenetrating polymer network may be formed which gives rise to a measured improvement in composite mechanical properties.
Abstract 4569: Amplicon-targeted ultra-deep sequencing for the detection of KRAS, BRAF, and PIK3CA actionable mutations

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Background: Next-generation deep sequencing techniques have the potential to revolutionize clinical testing, especially in the arena of mutation detection. Molecular diagnostic testing for KRAS, BRAF, and PIK3CA mutations has become an integral part of clinical practice for the determination of treatment eligibility for anti-EGFR therapy. Purpose: Here we investigate the feasibility of ultra-deep advanced sequencing with the 454 GS Junior instrument (454 Life Sciences/Roche, Branford CT) for the simultaneous detection of actionable mutations in KRAS, BRAF, and PIK3CA in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) colorectal cancer tissue. Methods: Advanced sequencing with a 4-amplicon panel was performed on 17 de-identified residual FFPE colorectal cancer biopsy specimens originally submitted for mutation analysis of one or more genes by standard sequencing. The 4-amplicon panel was multiplexed for up to 4 samples through “barcoding” with molecular identifier (MID) sequences, for a total of 16 amplicons per run. Results: Sequence analysis with ultra-deep coverage of 3000-5000 reads detected KRAS mutations in 5 (29%) tumor specimens, BRAF mutations in 3 (18%), and PIK3CA mutations in 4 (24%). Ten cases had a single mutation and one had two: PIK3CA E545K and BRAF D594G. Coverage was equivalent for each of the four amplicons, and in both the forward and reverse directions, providing a high level of confidence for each mutation detected. Sequencing data was obtained for each sample tested. When sample quantity allowed, Sanger sequencing and/or castPCR (Life Technologies, Grand Island, NY) were performed as method comparisons, and results were concordant. Conclusions: The use of MIDs with ultra-deep advanced sequencing allowed the simultaneous detection of mutations in multiple amplicons from multiple patients in a single sequencing run. This proof-of-concept study confirmed that using advanced sequencing to simultaneously test for multiple biomarkers in one FFPE sample is feasible, and that amplicon-based advanced sequencing is a robust and high-throughput platform for the detection of clinically actionable mutations. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4569. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-4569
The effect of cortisone upon the release of histamine during in vitro hemolytic reactions in rabbit blood.

Abstract 1.1. The in vitro addition of cortisone to the blood of rabbits previously sensitized to sheep erythrocytes had no effect upon the release of histamine into the plasma which uniformly accompanied the hemolytic reaction produced by mixing the blood with the sheep cells. 2.2. Incubation of the blood with the cortisone for 1 hour prior to addition of the sheep cells did not alter the result.
Channel Shoaling with Deepening of Houma Navigation Channel at Cat Island Pass, Louisiana

ROSATI, J.D. and LAWTON, C., 2011. Channel Shoaling with Deepening of Houma Navigation Channel at Cat Island Pass, Louisiana. In: Roberts, T.M., Rosati, J.D., and Wang, P. (eds.), Proceedings, Symposium to Honor Dr. Nicholas C. Kraus, Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 59, pp. 256-265. West Palm Beach (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. This study evaluated the potential increase in shoaling and associated sources of sediment as a result of proposed channel improvements for the Houma Navigation Channel in the vicinity of Cat Island Pass, Louisiana. Using morphologic change data and historical maintenance dredging rates, historical and forecasted with-deepening sediment budgets were developed. Conclusions from this study were that deepening the channel from 5.5 m to 6.1 m relative to Mean Low Gulf, a local low water datum, would increase the shoaling rate from the present 191,000 m 3 /year to 220,000 m 3 /year, and the likely source of shoaling would be sediment that is presently bypassed naturally. It was recommended that all environmentally-acceptable sediment dredged from Cat Island Pass be placed on the downdrift barrier island, East Island, part of the Isle Dernieres barrier island system. Clays and silts should be placed on the bayside of the island and sand similar to or coarser than the existing beach sand should be placed downdrift of the nodal zone on the Gulf side of East Island. Historically, sediment dredged from Cat Island Pass has been placed in designated dredged material disposal sites located 760 m west of the channel. Based on morphologic change in the region from 1980 to 2006, it appears that sediment may be transported from this placement site to deposit back into the channel. It is recommended that, if sediment cannot be placed on either East Island or Timbalier Island, that the dredged material disposal site be moved further to the west, away from the channel. Finally, based on movement of Timbalier Island and Cat Island Pass over the past 100 years, it is recommended that the channel be moved further to the west to avoid future impingement by Timbalier Island. Based on the results of this and other studies of the Houma Navigation Channel, channel realignment was approved in 2009, and authorization of the deepened channel is being requested during 2010.
Developing Multiplexed Assays for Troponin I and Interleukin-33 in Plasma by Peptide Immunoaffinity Enrichment and Targeted Mass Spectrometry

Background: Protein biomarker candidates from discovery proteomics must be quantitatively verified in patient samples before they can progress to clinical validation. Here we demonstrate that peptide immunoaffinity enrichment coupled with stable isotope dilution mass spectrometry (SISCAPA-MRM) can be used to configure assays with performance suitable for candidate biomarker verification. As proof of principle, we configured SISCAPA assays for troponin I (cTnI), an established biomarker of cardiac injury, and interleukin 33 (IL-33), an emerging immunological and cardiovascular marker for which robust immunoassays are currently not available. Methods: We configured individual and multiplexed assays in which peptides were enriched from digested human plasma using antipeptide antibodies. Assay performance was established using response curves for peptides and proteins spiked into normal plasma. We quantified proteins using labeled peptides as internal standards, and we measured levels of cTnI in patients who underwent a planned myocardial infarction for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. Results: Measurement of cTnI and IL-33 proteins from trypsin-digested plasma was linear from 1.5 to 5000 μg/L, with imprecision <13% for both proteins, processed individually or multiplexed. Results correlated well ( R = 0.89) with a commercial immunoassay. Conclusions: We used an established biomarker of cardiac injury and an emerging biomarker to demonstrate how SISCAPA can detect and quantify changes in concentration of proteins present at 1–10 μg/L in plasma. Our results demonstrate that these assays can be multiplexed and retain the necessary precision, reproducibility, and sensitivity to be applied to new and uncharacterized candidate biomarkers for verification of low-abundance proteins in blood. .
Probabilistic combination of content and links

Previous research has shown that citations and hypertext links can be usefully combined with document content to improve retrieval. Links can be used in many ways, e.g., link topology can be used to identify important pages, anchor text can be used to augment the text of cited pages, and activation can be spread to linked pages. This paper introduces a probabilistic model that integrates content matching and these three uses of link information in a single unified framework. Experiments with a web collection show benefits for link information especially for general queries.
A microbial source of phosphonates in oligotrophic marine systems

Phosphonates, compounds with a carbon–phosphorus bond, are a key component of the marine-dissolved organic phosphorus pool. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy measurements suggest that the cyanobacteria Trichodesmium is a significant source of phosphonates in nutrient-poor regions of the ocean. Phosphonates, compounds with a carbon–phosphorus bond, are a key component of the marine dissolved organic phosphorus pool1. These compounds serve as a phosphorus source for primary producers, including the nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria Trichodesmium2. Phosphonates can therefore support marine primary production, as well as climate-driven increases in marine nitrogen fixation3, carbon sequestration4 and possibly methane production, through the breakdown of methylphosphonate5. Despite their importance, the source of phosphonates to the open ocean has remained uncertain. Here, we use solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to screen for the presence of phosphonates in cultured strains of Trichodesmium erythraeum. We show that phosphonates comprise an average of 10% of the cellular particulate phosphorus pool in this species. We therefore suggest that these cyanobacteria produce phosphonates, and might be a significant source of these compounds in the ocean, particularly in nutrient-poor regions, where Trichodesmium blooms occur. Given that Trichodesmium also thrives in a warm, carbon-dioxide-rich environment3, phosphonate production may increase in the future. This, in turn, might select for a microbial community that can use phosphonate, and could have implications for nitrogen fixation, carbon sequestration and greenhouse-gas production.
Progesterone for Preterm Birth Prevention

Preterm birth—delivery before 37 weeks of gestation—is the second leading cause of infant mortality in the United States after congenital malformations. Spontaneous preterm birth, due to either preterm labor or preterm premature membrane rupture, encompasses approximately 75% of all preterm births, almost 400,000 births per year. Since the 1960s, different formulations of progesterone have been investigated for preterm birth prevention. This article addresses the use of progesterone for the prevention of preterm birth, including selection of candidates for progesterone, pharmacokinetics, dosing, and formulations. This article aims to provide a practical guide for using progesterone in clinical practice.
Platelet PlA2 Polymorphism and the risk for thrombosis in heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.

Platelet glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa has an important role in platelet aggregation. A polymorphism of platelet GPIIIa (Pl A2 , also called HPA1b) has been
Silicon-Based Long Wavelength Infrared Detectors Fabricated by Molecular Beam Epitaxy

SiGe/Si heterojunction internal photoemission (HIP) long wavelength infrared (LWIR) detectors have been fabricated by molecular beam epitaxial (MBE) growth of p+ SiGe layers on p-type Si substrates. The SiGe/Si HIP detector offers a tailorable spectral response in the long wavelength infrared regime by varying the SiGe/Si heterojunction barrier. Degenerately doped p+ SiGe layers were grown by MBE using either HBO2 or elemental boron as the dopant source. Improved crystalline quality and lower growth temperatures were achieved for boron-doped SiGe layers as compared with the HBO2-doped layers. The dark current density of the boron-doped HIP detectors was found to be thermionic emission limited and was drastically reduced as compared with that of HBO2-doped HIP detectors. The heterojunction barrier was determined to be 0.066 eV from activation energy analysis of the HIP detectors, corresponding to a 18 μm cutoff wavelength. Photoresponse of the detectors at wavelengths ranging from 2 to 12 μm has been characterized with corresponding quantum efficiencies of 5–0.1%.
The Reliability of Detection Limits in Analytical Chemistry

Abstract Five guidelines were elucidated to be of importance in improving the reliability of detection limits in analytical chemistry. The necessity of following rigid statistical rules and documentation of the experimental system, the experimental parameters and the entire analytical procedure, is stressed, in order for the detection limits to have any reliability.