cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
582 ETHNIC DIFFERENCE IN PERINATAL OUTCOME: BLACKS, HIS PANICS AND WHITES

Although urban Hispanics (H), share many socioeconomic disadvantage with the blacks (B), Hispanic perinatal and neonatal mortalities rates (PMR and NMR) are superior to black, and similar to white (W) rates. To delineate contributing factors for these differences between ethnic groups, we compared prenatal, socio-economic, and health status of 6211 H, 8381 B and 17,084 W mothers delivering in our network in 1982-83. RESULTS: Some variables of significantly different distribution (P<0.0001) were: Medicaid and selfpayment; H=64%, B=81%, W=22%, Teenage pregnancy (<19 yrs), H-14%, B=25%, W=6%, Smoking, H=12%, B=34%, W=26%, Anemia, H=4%, B=13%, W=2%. NMR and PMR (per 1000) were similar between H and W: H=6.05 and 14.2, W=5.2 and 11.7: but higher in black: 11.9 and 22.7 (P<0.0001). Low and very low B.Wt rates (<2500 and <1500 gr), were: H=6.3 and 1.1%, White=6.7 and 1.2%, and B=13.7 and 2.7% (P<0.0001). Since weight specific death rates were similar between groups, we determined the source of NMR, PMR variation using a logit chi-square, which revealed that when all adverse factors, including socio-economic and ethnicity were held constant, the single most influencing factor on NMR was the birthweight distribution (Chi-square 1402, P<0.0001). Conclusion: Although health and socio-economic status varied widely between ethnic groups their influence on NMR and PMR are indirect; through their influence on birthweight distribution. A better birthweight distribution in H. favored better NMR, and a two fold increase in low and very low b. wt. rates in blacks increased their NMR by two fold.
Multifrequency Pulsed EPR Studies of Biologically Relevant Manganese(II) Complexes

Electron paramagnetic resonance studies at multiple frequencies (MF EPR) can provide detailed electronic structure descriptions of unpaired electrons in organic radicals, inorganic complexes, and metalloenzymes. Analysis of these properties aids in the assignment of the chemical environment surrounding the paramagnet and provides mechanistic insight into the chemical reactions in which these systems take part. Herein, we present results from pulsed EPR studies performed at three different frequencies (9, 31, and 130 GHz) on [Mn(II)(H2O)6]2+, Mn(II) adducts with the nucleotides ATP and GMP, and the Mn(II)-bound form of the hammerhead ribozyme (MnHH). Through line shape analysis and interpretation of the zero-field splitting values derived from successful simulations of the corresponding continuous-wave and field-swept echo-detected spectra, these data are used to exemplify the ability of the MF EPR approach in distinguishing the nature of the first ligand sphere. A survey of recent results from pulsed EPR, as well as pulsed electron-nuclear double resonance and electron spin echo envelope modulation spectroscopic studies applied to Mn(II)-dependent systems, is also presented.
Linear combinations of biomarkers to improve diagnostic accuracy with three ordinal diagnostic categories

Many researchers have addressed the problem of finding the optimal linear combination of biomarkers to maximize the area under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for scenarios with binary disease status. In practice, many disease processes such as Alzheimer can be naturally classified into three diagnostic categories such as normal, mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease (AD), and for such diseases the volume under the ROC surface (VUS) is the most commonly used index of diagnostic accuracy. In this article, we propose a few parametric and nonparametric approaches to address the problem of finding the optimal linear combination to maximize the VUS. We carried out simulation studies to investigate the performance of the proposed methods. We apply all of the investigated approaches to a real data set from a cohort study in early stage AD. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Superconducting gap symmetry from repulsive interactions in the spin-singlet state

We obtained the superconducting gap equation in terms of the effective T-scattering matrix. We considered the gap symmetry in both singlet and triplet states as well as in charge and spin channels. We show that the superconducting gap for the repulsive interactions in the spin-singlet state exists in the charge channel only, and the gap has s-wave symmetry ( = 0, where is the orbital quantum number of a pair) or d-wave ( = 2) symmetry. We also show that in the 2D case, the strongly anisotropic s-wave gap might have nodes in the direction of the nesting wave vector and may resemble the d x 2 -y 2 gap symmetry. We show that there is a gap for the attractive interactions in the spin channel only. Such a gap indicates the phase transition into superfluid state which is similar to liquid 3 He. The gap due to pairing instability for the attractive interactions in the spin channel has p-wave symmetry ( = 1) for the spin-triplet state with m s = ±1 or p-wave symmetry ( = 1) for the spin-triplet state with m s = 0.
Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance in liquid-based cytologic specimens: results of reflex human papillomavirus testing and histologic follow-up in routine practice with comparison of interpretive and probabilistic reporting methods.

BACKGROUND Human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA testing for high-risk types after Papanicolaou (Pap) smear interpretations of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) is a sensitive method for identifying women who harbor underlying high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL). To the authors' knowledge, the application of HPV testing to ASCUS smears in routine practice with comparison of probabilistic and interpretive models of cytologic reporting has not been reported. METHODS HPV DNA testing was performed reflexively on 216 liquid-based Pap smears that initially were interpreted as ASCUS. According to the interpretive model, ASCUS interpretations were modified and reported as either low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL) or squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL) when HPV positive and as reactive when HPV negative. Using the probabilistic model, ASCUS interpretations were maintained and simply reported with the HPV test result. Histologic follow-up data were obtained. RESULTS Of the 216 women with ASCUS cytology, 142 (65.7%) were positive for high-risk HPV types. Of the 142 HPV-positive ASCUS smears, 101 (71.1%) were modified to an interpretation of LSIL (96 cases) or SIL (5 cases). Histologic follow-up of 55 of the 101 HPV-positive smears in the interpretive group and 26 of the 41 HPV-positive smears in the probabilistic group yielded similar percentages of lesions (18 lesions [32.7%] and 9 lesions [34.6%], respectively). However, there was a preponderance of low-grade lesions in the interpretive group (89%) but a nearly equal distribution of low-grade and high-grade lesions in the probabilistic group (56% and 44%, respectively); overall, 22% of the lesions were high-grade. Of the 74 HPV-negative ASCUS smears, 71 (96%) were modified to reactive and all 5 with histologic follow-up were judged as negative. CONCLUSIONS Colposcopy with tissue studies was virtually restricted to HPV-positive cases, regardless of the reporting model used, suggesting that clinicians are basing colposcopy triage on the HPV test result rather than the definitiveness of the cytologic interpretation. This observation, the similar yield of lesions in both groups, and the significant risk of high-grade lesions argue against application of the interpretive model to HPV-tested ASCUS cases. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2003;99:191–7. © 2003 American Cancer Society.
The corrosion of PEM fuel cell catalyst supports and its implications for developing durable catalysts

Studying the corrosion behavior of catalyst support materials is significant for understanding the degradation of polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell performance and developing durable electrocatalysts. The oxidation of Vulcan carbon black (the most widely used catalyst support for PEM fuel cells) was investigated using various electrochemical stressing methods (fixed-potential holding vs. potential-step cycling), among which the potential-step cycling was considered to mimic more closely the real drive-cycle operation of vehicle PEM fuel cells. The oxidation of carbon was accelerated under potential-step conditions as compared with the fixed-potential holding condition. Increasing the potential-step frequency or decreasing the lower potential limit in the potential-step can further accelerate the corrosion of carbon. The accelerated corrosion of carbon black was tentatively attributed to the cycle of consumption/regeneration of some easily oxidized species. These findings are being employed to develop a test protocol for fast-screening durable catalyst support.
Is the hippocampus necessary for contextual fear conditioning

The hippocampus is widely believed to be essential for learning about the context in which conditioning occurs. This view is based primarily on evidence that lesions of the dorsal hippocampus disrupt freezing to contextual cues after fear conditioning. However, lesions that disrupt freezing produce no effect on fear-potentiated startle, a second measure of contextual fear. Moreover, hippocampal lesions also do not disrupt the contextual 'blocking' phenomenon, which provides an indirect measure of contextual fear. In these paradigms, at least, it appears that hippocampal lesions disrupt the expression of freezing, rather than contextual fear itself. This interpretation is supported by the finding that rats showing preserved contextual blocking after hippocampal lesions show deficits not only in contextual freezing, but also in unconditioned freezing. These findings are consistent with a growing body of data from other conditioning paradigms that contextual learning is spared after lesions of the dorsal hippocampus. Nonetheless, there remain some reports of impaired contextual fear conditioning after hippocampal lesions that cannot be attributed easily to a disruption of freezing. Thus, it is concluded that the hippocampus may be involved in contextual learning under certain--as yet, unspecified--circumstances, but is not critical for contextual learning in general.
Curvilinear calcifications in four uncommon benign renal lesions.

Four uncommon benign renal mass lesions with ringlike peripheral calcifications are presented. These include a sclerosing lipogranuloma, a renal adenoma, an arteriovenous fistula and an intrarenal aneurysm. Ringlike calcifications are usually seen in benign simple cysts though about 20 per cent are associated with malignant lesions. Angiography was useful in the differential diagnosis of the two vascular lesions but did not confirm the benign nature of the two solid lesions.
Heat engineering tests on high-temperature tunnel kilns with setting heights of 700 and 1100 mm

Roof refractories can be fired in a setting 600–700 mm high; increased height of the setting leads to the development of substantial loss of products (fusion and deformation) in the lower courses. High-grade firing of roof products is achieved in a high-temperature tunnel kiln with a working space 0.75 m high. The low tunnel kiln designed by the All-Union Institute of Refractories compared with the standard tunnel kiln for firing single-grade settings of roof refractories gives better uniformity of product firing, close control of the process of improved cooling of the products, and lower loss. The specific consumption of heat for firing the goods in the low kiln is higher than in the standard. Improvements in the low tunnel kiln should be continued so as to permit the injector devices for feeding low-pressure air to the burners and intermediate burners to be cut off and to develop a lining for the cars and the kiln roof with higher thermal shock resistance, as well as improved systems of sealing the kiln.
Does convectively‐detrained cloud ice enhance water vapor feedback?

[1] We demonstrate that coupled Global Climate Models (GCMs) can reproduce observed correlations among ice water path (IWP), upper tropospheric water vapor (UTWV), and sea surface temperature (SST), and that the presence/strength of this correlation has no direct bearing on the strength of water vapor feedback in the model. The models can accurately reproduce a strong positive correlation between IWP and UTWV, a rapid increase of IWP with increasing SST and a 2–3 times increase in the slope of UTWV versus SST for SSTs warmer than ∼300 K. We argue that the relative concentrations of IWP to UTWV in both observations and models is too small to significantly influence the observed moistening of the upper troposphere (UT).
Quantitative determination of disaccharide content in digested unfragmented heparin and low molecular weight heparin by direct-infusion electrospray mass spectrometry.

Abstract Heparins and low molecular weight heparins (LMWHs) are heterogeneous glycosaminoglycans derived from natural sources that are prescribed as anticoagulants. In this work, a direct-infusion electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) method was applied to the quantitative analysis of known disaccharides in various native heparins and LMWHs after digestion with heparinase enzymes. Disaccharide ΔUA2S → GlcNS6S was found to compose the majority of all samples analyzed (81–88%). The values were significantly higher than those reported by previously published methods. The disaccharide isomer pair ΔUA → GlcNS6S/ΔUA2S → GlcNS was also detected in all samples at lower levels (11–19%). While digestion with heparinases I and II revealed a limited number of disaccharides, the addition of heparinase III to digests led to the detection of disaccharide ΔUA2S → GlcNAc6S in native porcine heparin. This result indicated the importance of utilizing all three heparinases to gain maximum information when analyzing heparin and LMWH digests. This method displayed good between-day (4–6%) and between-digest (1–2%) reproducibility in separate experiments. To determine if the digestion matrix was suppressing the signal of low-abundance disaccharides, several disaccharides were exogenously added at low levels (1–10 pmol/mg) to a quenched digest reaction. Analysis revealed that low level disaccharides were detectable in this matrix above the limits of detection (0.1–0.2 pmol/mg) and quantitation (0.2–0.7 pmol/mg). While this method was unable to distinguish between disaccharide isomers, it utilized simple mass spectrometry instrumentation to provide useful quantitative data for characterizing preparations of native heparin and LMWH, which could be used to compare various marketed preparations of these popular anticoagulants.
Fine needle aspiration: a changing paradigm

Abstract Fine needle aspiration (FNA) is used routinely for detection, diagnosis, therapeutics and follow-up of various tumours. This practice is recognized as an accurate, rapid and economical diagnostic procedure. In the rapidly changing healthcare paradigm, however, there are new challenges being imposed on the practice of fine needle aspiration cytopathology. The diagnosis of FNA specimens must not only be accurate it should be precise. This puts additional demands on the clinicians, the cytopathologists and the laboratory; slide preparations and reporting must meet not only the diagnostic but also the therapeutic challenges. This requires a multimodal approach and interaction among the various parties including the patient, the primary care, the radiology, molecular and cytopathology laboratory personnel. 2 Recent developments in personalized medicine and pharmacogenomics necessitate the availability in adequate quantities of well preserved and uncontaminated, fresh representative material. The value of onsite, accurate interpretation of cellular samples in procurement and handling of such specimens cannot be over emphasized. This paper summarizes the present practices and recommendations for improvements both in the quality of specimens and delivery of FNA services.
Bioethics as social philosophy

When many people think of bioethics, they think of gripping issues in clinical medicine such as end-of-life decision-making, controversies in biomedical research such as that over work with stem cells, or issues in allocating scarce health-care resources such as organs or money. The term “bioethics” may evoke images of moral controversies being discussed on news programs and talk shows. But this “controversy of the day” focus often treats ethical issues in medicine superficially, for it addresses them as if they could be examined and discussed in isolation from the context in which they are situated. Such a focus on the latest controversies fails to take into account that medicine is a social institution and that the controversies in bioethics often reflect deeper social and moral issues that transcend the boundaries of medicine and ethics. If one moves beyond the issue-of-the-day approach to bioethics, one can see that the field must address these deeper issues.
Action of potassium on neurochemical transmission at the cardiac adrenergic neuroeffector junction with aging.

Abstract The effect of age on potassium (K + )-induced norepinephrine release in the heart was studied in 6- and 24-month-old male Fischer-344 rats. Isolated hearts were perfused with Krebs-Ringer solution according to Langendorff method. K + was employed as 2 ml bolus at the concentrtions of 70, 90, 100 and 120 μM. Norepinephrine content was measured by high pressure liquid-chromatography/electrochemical detection methodology. At each of the K − concentrations, the amount of norepinephrine released from preparations of 6-month-old animals was significantly greater than observed from preparations of 24-month-old animals. Since K + -induced release of norepinephrine is associated with calcium influx, the decrease in the capacity of K + to cause norepinephrine release with age supports the hypothesis that diminution in transmitter release is due to altered calcium function.
Defining the surface adsorption and internalization of copper and cadmium in a soil bacterium, Pseudomonas putida

The distribution of cadmium (Cd) and copper (Cu) ions onto and within two soil pseudomonads, Pseudomonas putida strains KT2440 and Corvallis, was investigated using selective extraction procedures and modeled using Langmuir isotherms. Cadmium and Cu associated differently with the surface, periplasm and cytoplasm of the two strains. Both of these pseudomonad cells allowed more Cu to pass into the periplasmic space and to the cytoplasm than Cd. The distribution of Cu among the cellular spaces was solution concentration dependent, with limited amounts of Cu entering the cell at higher exposure concentrations. The Langmuir isotherm with a single binding site fit well to the observed data for Cu cell association. Cadmium was mainly found on the surface of the cells. The capacity of surface exchange sites for Cd increased with solution concentration, possibly indicating a modification of surface functional groups with ion concentration. This surface sorption behavior of Cd was best described using a two-site Langmuir model, whereas all other Cu and Cd associations were described using a one-site model. Although potentiometric titration identified differences in site densities for proton binding to the two strains, these differences were not consistently displayed with Cu and Cd surface interactions.
Self-Reported Behavioral Disturbances in Older Adults with Hoarding Disorder

Composited International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI). All determinants of interest were assessed with questionnaires that have proven adequate psychometric properties among Dutch older persons. Differences between depressed participants with or without a comorbid ADwere analysed by independent t-tests or chisquare statistics. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the association between previously identified determinants of comorbid AD. Subsequently, recent life-events, early traumatisation, the big five personality characteristics, and sense of mastery were added in separate models. These models were adjusted for the determinants found to be significantly associated with comorbid AD in any of the previous models. Results: More than one third of the patients suffered from any comorbid AD. The most frequent comorbid AD was social phobia (n1⁄462, 17.7%), followed by panic disorder with and without agoraphobia (n1⁄452, 14.9%), agoraphobia (n1⁄436, 10.3%) and finally generalized anxiety disorder (n1⁄433, 9.4%). Having a comorbid AD was consistently associated with a lower age and being female. Nonetheless, other determinants differed across the individual AD. The severity of depressive symptoms was only associated with the presence of a comorbid panic disorder, as was early traumatization. Finally, personality characteristics were associated with comorbid social phobia but not any of the other anxiety disorders. Conclusions: In line with previous studies we found that a fair percentage of depressed older patients suffer from a comorbid AD. Important determinants differ across the individual AD disorders and some determinants are even masked when lumping all AD together as often done. These findings point to the importance of acknowledging the individual comorbid AD. The findings stress the need to examine determinants of individual comorbid AD and by age groups. Knowledge of determinants of comorbid AD in depression may guide development of more specific interventions.
Should Teachers Permit or Discourage Violent Play Themes

(1994). Teaching Strategies: Should Teachers Permit or Discourage Violent Play Themes?. Childhood Education: Vol. 70, No. 5, pp. 300-301.
A Divergent Strategy for Attaching Polypyridyl Ligands to Peptides

A divergent method for incorporating polypyridyl ligands into peptides is reported. Three N-Fmoc unnatural amino acids (1−3) that contain varying linkers between the α-carbon and a 2-(hydroxymethyl)pyridyl group were synthesized in enantioenriched form. These amino acids were used as anchors for incorporating multidentate ligands onto a peptide chain in a site-specific fashion. Multiple peptide−ligand conjugates were synthesized from single precursors by solution- or solid-phase methods. Peptides containing more than one metal-binding unit can be produced by this method.
REFLUXING URETERAL REIMPLANT AS TEMPORARY TREATMENT OF OBSTRUCTIVE MEGAURETER IN NEONATE AND INFANT

Purpose: An obstructive megaureter identified in the neonatal period can be managed using a number of techniques, with the primary goal being to minimize the potential for further injury to the affected kidney. We describe our experience with refluxing ureteral reimplantation as a novel method for temporizing the obstructive megaureter. Materials and Methods: Three patients identified prenatally with severe hydroureteronephrosis were confirmed following delivery to have an obstructive ectopic ureter. Unilateral obstruction was identified in 2 patients (1 female, 1 male). The third patient was a female with bilateral single system ectopic ureters. Treatment consisted of anastomosing the ureter proximal to the obstruction to the dome of the bladder in a freely high grade refluxing fashion. All of the patients were placed on antibiotic suppression after surgery. Results: All patients demonstrated improved drainage of the affected kidney(s) following surgery. One female patient with unilateral obstruction had a poorly functioning kidney that showed no improvement of renal function 6 months following refluxing reimplantation, and laparoscopic nephrectomy was performed. The male patient with unilateral obstruction had adequate function with a significantly decreased ureteral diameter 1 year following refluxing ureteral reimplant, and a ureteral reimplantation without tapering was performed. The female patient with bilateral obstruction had 1 breakthrough urinary tract infection 6 months after surgery and now awaits second stage repair. Conclusions: Refluxing ureteral reimplantation is a safe, easy, beneficial and well tolerated means of temporizing the obstructive megaureter. This technique allows time for the child to mature, while accurately establishing renal function and preparing for a definitive surgical solution.
Biomaterials for Use in Frontal Sinus Obliteration

Although fractures of the frontal sinus are infrequent (2-15% of victims of facial trauma), because of their proximity to the brain and eyes, the consequences of their management may have a significant impact on the patient. For frontal sinus injuries that affect the nasofrontal ducts or posterior wall, obliteration is indicated. Although frontal sinus surgery has been documented since 1750, a consensus as to the best material for obliteration has not been achieved. The particular autogenous and alloplastic materials for use in frontal sinus obliteration will be the focus of this review, with particular attention paid to assessing their physical properties, advantages, disadvantages, and complications. While numerous new alloplastic materials show promise for frontal sinus obliteration, autogenous fat remains the most popular and most frequently used material with the longest history of use, and it is versatile and reliable.
Cardiac Arrhythmias in a Healthy Elderly Population: Detection by 24-hour Ambulatory Electrocardiography

Twenty-four hour ambulatory electrocardiographic examination was performed in 98 healthy active subjects, ages 60 to 85 years, who were participants in a longitudinal study on aging. Normal health was confirmed by noninvasive testing, including maximal treadmill exercise (98/98) and thallium scintigraphy (38/98). Our studies indicated that a healthy population of elderly subjects shows a substantial prevalence of supraventricular ectopic beats and ventricular ectopic beats, both isolated and complex. High degree AV block, profound sinus bradycardia, abnormal sinus pauses and sinus arrest are rare in normal elderly subjects.
Climate change and human health: NASA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) collaboration

At an ever-increasing rate, evidence is accumulating that the earth’s climate system is warming and that the health consequences of this warming are already impacting our communities. From the dire...
Electrical conductivity induced in MgO by relativistic electron bombardment

Abstract Observations have been made, by three different techniques, of the conductivity induced in single crystals of MgO when they are irradiated by relativistic electrons that traverse the targets with small energy loss. Investigation of the relationship of the crystal current, immediately following cessation of the bombardment, to the total dosage showed that the initial post-bombardment conductivity builds up to a temperature-dependent saturation value. A model that ascribes the post-bombardment conductivity to charge carriers thermally emitted from a single trapping level, which predominates in a given temperature range, has been formulated. Measurements of the decay of post-bombardment conductivity in the range 70°C–130°C were in accord with theoretical predictions based upon an analysis of the kinetics of this process, taking into account both retrapping and monomolecular recombination processes. It was determined that the activation energy for the centers is 0.96 eV, and the attempt to escape frequency is 10 10 sec −1 . The initial trap occupation for a constant bombardment was found to be not strongly dependent upon temperature over the range considered. It was also established that neither radiation-induced defects nor iron, a major impurity in MgO crystals, constitute the trapping centers and that their concentration could be increased by annealing the crystal. The post-bombardment thermally-stimulated conductivity was studied by a method similar to that utilized heretofore in photoconductivity experiments, and traps were detected at 0.96, 1.20, 1.32 and 1.69 eV. The density of the first is of the order 10 17 cm 3 , but the trap concentrations were observed to vary appreciably among different specimens. Theoretical considerations predicting a dependence of yield (crystal current/primary current) on trap occupation, which is a function of temperature and bombardment, were confirmed by bombardment-induced conductivity measurements. The true mobility variation with temperature was determined under conditions of constant trap occupation (empty traps). The data, extending up to 600°K, agreed with theoretical calculations in which the mean scattering time is ( 1 τ 0 + 1 τ a + 1 τ i ) −1 where τ 0 is the relaxation time of the scattering of the carrier for the optical modes, τ a for the acoustica modes, and τ i for ionized imperfections. The temperature variations of mobility determined by post-bombardment and bombardment-induced conductivity measurements over the range 80°C–120°C were consistent. The mobility of charge carriers in MgO is about 10 cm 2 ⧸volt sec.
Gender differences in police officers' attitudes: Assessing current empirical evidence

Research on attitudinal differences between female and male police officers has burgeoned since the 1980s, producing a rich albeit at times contradictory legacy. Focusing on quantitative studies published after 1990, this current study reviewed empirical results regarding attitudinal differences between female and male police officers. A comprehensive search of the literature yielded thirty-three articles where gender was used either as an independent or control variable in multivariate regression analysis. A general finding was that officer gender has only a weak effect on officers' attitudes toward community policing, the community and neighborhood residents, job satisfaction, and domestic violence. There was some limited evidence showing that male and female officers differ in their attitudes toward the police role and stress. The limitations of this research are pointed out, and the directions for future research are identified.
SENSORY PROFILING AND CHARACTERIZATION OF CHOCOLATE PEANUT SPREAD USING RESPONSE SURFACE METHODOLOGY

Response surface methodology was used to profile and characterize formulations of chocolate peanut spread. A constrained mixture design for 36 different formulations with varying peanut (P), chocolate (C) and sugar (S) was used. A processing variable, roast (R), was included where peanuts were roasted to light, medium and dark levels. A descriptive panel (n = 10) identified and rated 24 attributes, using 150-mm unstructured line scales. Regression analysis was performed and models were reduced. Models having R 2 > 0.70 were selected for prediction. Contour maps were constructed to: (1) visualise the effects of mixture components and roasting level and (2) characterise optimum formulations at light, medium and dark, which were determined as (30-49% P, 23-40% C and 21-31% S); (29-65% P, 0.9-41% C and 17-36% S) and (27-56% P, 19-45% C and 18-35% S), respectively, adding up to 100% of the mixture. Analyses of optimum and nonoptimum formulations and significant differences were not found between predicted and observed values for most attributes.
PRETERM CONTRACTIONS IN COMMUNITY SETTINGS : I. TREATMENT OF PRETERM CONTRACTIONS

Abstract Objective: To explore how physicians in community hospitals (non–level III nursery facilities) diagnose preterm labor and treat women with preterm contractions. Methods: Chart audits were performed for women presenting with preterm contractions at a network of 11 Wisconsin non–level III hospitals. Results: Ninety percent (239 of 266) of the women presenting with premature contractions agreed to participate. The average gestational age was 31.6 weeks’ gestation. Only 44 (17%) of these women had any cervical change with their contractions. However, tocolytic agents were used frequently, regardless of whether cervical changed occurred (61%) or not (76%, P = .10), and tocolytics were prescribed frequently upon discharge for those patients who left the hospital (54% of those with cervical change versus 62% in those without changes, P = .57). Examining the use of appropriate treatments for women who did deliver prematurely, we found that only 26% of women who delivered prematurely received antenatal antibiotics to prevent group B streptococcal disease in the newborn, and only 33% of those who delivered at 34 weeks’ gestation or earlier received corticosteroids to accelerate fetal lung maturity. Conclusion: Women presenting at community hospitals with preterm contractions but no evidence of labor are overtreated frequently with agents of equivocal benefit, whereas those who have active labors and deliver are not receiving agents such as steroids or antibiotics that have been shown to benefit outcomes.
One in four individuals of African-American ancestry harbors a 5.5kb deletion at chromosome 11q13.1.

Abstract Cloning and sequencing of 5.5 kb deletion at chromosome 11q13.1 from the HeLa cells, tumorigenic hybrids and two fibroblast cell lines have revealed homologous recombination between Alu Sx and Alu Y resulting in the deletion of intervening sequences. Long-range PCR of the 5.5 kb sequence in 494 normal lymphocyte samples showed heterozygous deletion in 28.3% of African-American ancestry samples but only in 4.8% of Caucasian samples (p
Dibenzothiazoles as novel amyloid-imaging agents

Novel dibenzothiazole derivatives were synthesized and evaluated as amyloid-imaging agents. In vitro quantitative binding studies using AD brain tissue homogenates showed that the dibenzothiazole derivatives displayed high binding affinities with K(i) values in the nanomolar range (6.8-36 nM). These derivatives are relatively lipophilic with partition coefficients (logP oct) in the range of 1.25-3.05. Preliminary structure-activity relationship studies indicated dibenzothiazole derivatives bearing electron-donating groups exhibited higher binding affinities than those bearing electron-withdrawing groups. A lead compound was selected for its high binding affinity and radiolabeled with [(125)I] through direct radioiodination using sodium [(125)I] iodide in the presence of Chloramine T. The radioligand (4-[2,6']dibenzothiazolyl-2'-yl-2-[(125)I]-phenylamine) displayed moderate lipophilicity (logP oct, 2.70), very good brain uptake (3.71+/-0.63% ID/g at 2 min after iv injection in mice), and rapid washout from normal brains (0.78% and 0.43% ID/g at 30 and 60 min, respectively). These studies indicated that lipophilic dibenzothiazole derivatives represent a promising pharmacophore for the development of novel amyloid-imaging agents for potential application in Alzheimer's disease and related neurodegenerative disorders.
A review of sexual initiating behavior by male and female cynomolgus monkeys and some species comparisons

The sexual initiating behavior of male and female cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) observed during standard laboratory tests is reviewed and compared with that of rhesus monkeys (M. mulatta) observed under identical conditions. Species differences in sexual behavior are related here to differences in habitat, sexual dimorphism, and the dominance gradient between the sexes. Compared with rhesus monkeys, cynomolgus monkeys appear to be more arboreal, less sexually dimorphic, and have a smaller dominance gradient between the sexes. They exhibit a facultative single-mount copulatory pattern rather than the serial mount pattern of the rhesus monkey. Female cynomolgus monkeys are less dominated than rhesus females by their male partners. Direct aggression between mates is more frequent and redirected aggression occurs less often than in rhesus monkeys. These behavioral differences affect the interpretation of changes in initiation rates that occur (1) during the menstrual cycle, (2) when females are ovariectomized and given hormone replacement treatments, and (3) when males are castrated and treated with androgens. We conclude that estradiol in the female and testosterone in the male increase the sexual motivation of both the treated and the untreated partner. Valid interpretations of changes in initiation rates depend on accurate and exclusive definitions of behavior and on a consideration of the behavioral context in which they are made.
A comparison of the microphysical and kinematic characteristics of mid-latitude and tropical convective updrafts and downdrafts

Abstract Airborne measurements of updraft speeds, liquid water content and other microphysical parameters were measured in convective storms during two mid-latitude summers in North Dakota, USA, and in two tropical locations (the continental Amazon region in tropical South America and Kwajalein in the tropical central Pacific Ocean). Data representing 0.5 km averages of data collected from a large number of clouds sampled during the field seasons are examined. In the North Dakota clouds, updraft values of a given magnitude were found about as often as downdrafts of similar magnitude in midlevels of the clouds, while lower levels favored downdrafts and upper levels favored updrafts. Drafts in tropical clouds were much weaker and favored updrafts in mid to upper regions of the clouds (the lower levels were not sampled). In two temperature regions (− 5 to − 12 °C and − 12 to − 20 °C), there was little difference in the frequency of occurrence of liquid water content values in the North Dakota clouds, while in the tropical clouds, higher liquid water contents were less likely to be found in the colder temperature intervals. The particle concentrations measured by FSSP instruments were similar in lower and midlevels of the North Dakota clouds, and decreased in upper levels. In the tropical clouds, the concentrations were similar in the mid and upper regions of the clouds. These results are discussed in terms of previous measurements of midlatitude and tropical clouds.
Andreev reflection spectroscopy of the pure and Cd-doped heavy-fermion superconductor CeCoIn5: Detecting order parameter symmetry and competing phases

Abstract Andreev reflection conductance spectra are obtained on nanoscale ballistic junctions between Au tips and single crystals of the pure and Cd-doped heavy-fermion superconductor CeCoIn5. Background conductance asymmetry starting at the heavy-fermion coherence temperature T* (∼45 K) and increasing with decreasing temperature down to Tc (2.3 K) signifies the emerging heavy-fermion liquid in CeCoIn5. Below Tc, enhancement of the sub-gap conductance arises from Andreev reflection, but the Blonder–Tinkham–Klapwijk theory dictates that the Fermi velocity mismatch should yield no Andreev reflection. The signal we do observe is several times weaker than that observed in conventional superconductors, but consistent with other heavy-fermion superconductor data reported. Data taken in the (0 0 1), (1 1 0), and (1 0 0) orientations provide consistent and reliable spectroscopic evidence for d x 2 - y 2 symmetry of the superconducting order parameter. Conductance spectra on the (1 0 0) surface of 10% Cd-doped CeCoIn5 show intriguing behaviors following antiferromagnetic and subsequent superconducting transitions.
Somatization and terrorism

Few systematic data pertaining to somatization following terrorism are available to guide intervention workers and policymakers in response to terrorist events. Somatization is a well-known but poorly understood phenomenon presenting enormous difficulties in clinical management as well as research investigation. It is a heterogeneous concept that is inconsistently defined in research on traumatic events. This article summarizes the somatization field and applies the principles to recommendations for disasters and terrorism research and interventions related to somatization in the postdisaster setting.
Affect recognition deficits in schizophrenia: neural substrates and psychopharmacological implications

Impaired emotional functioning is a prominent feature of schizophrenia that includes significant deficits in the ability to accurately recognize facial expressions of emotion. Recent work demonstrates that deficits in affect perception are related to functional outcome and negative symptoms, suggesting that remediation of these deficits may contribute to symptomatic and functional improvements. Thus far, antipsychotic drug treatments appear to be relatively ineffective as a remedial tool. However, investigations into the neurobiology of affective dysfunction show abnormal amygdala activation in schizophrenia during affect recognition tasks. Such findings indicate that regulation of amygdala responses may aid in more accurate emotion processing. Both serotonergic and anxiolytic GABAergic agents that modulate activation of the limbic system offer promising avenues for remediation efforts.
Prolonged preoperative hospitalization correlates with worse outcomes after colectomy for acute fulminant ulcerative colitis

Background Although total abdominal colectomy has long been considered definitive treatment for fulminant ulcerative colitis refractory to medical management, the optimal timing of surgery remains controversial. Early surgical intervention may be beneficial to patients with acute ulcerative colitis. Our goal was to compare outcomes after colectomy for fulminant ulcerative colitis and to identify preoperative factors that are predictive of poor outcome. Methods The charts of 107 patients treated by total abdominal colectomy with ileostomy for fulminant ulcerative colitis between 2004 and 2009 were retrospectively reviewed. Twenty-nine patients sustained a major postoperative complication; 78 patients recovered uneventfully. Perioperative statistics, 30-day readmission/reoperation rates, and perioperative morbidity and mortality were compared using the Student t and Fisher exact tests and χ2 analysis where appropriate. Results White blood cell count at admission was significantly higher among patients who developed postoperative complications, but there were no differences in patient characteristics, other acute illness measures, or disease extent. Univariate analysis revealed that patients who developed postoperative complications underwent colectomy significantly later (3.6 vs 7.4 days; P = .01) than those who recovered uneventfully. Laparoscopic colectomy took significantly longer than open surgery, but did not affect postoperative morbidity. Multivariate analysis revealed duration of preoperative medical treatment to be the only significant predictor of increased risk of postoperative morbidity. Follow-up data revealed that similar percentages of patients in both groups eventually underwent ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA; 68% vs 77%; P = .5). Conclusion Prolonged duration of preoperative medical treatment correlates with poor postoperative outcomes after total abdominal colectomy for fulminant ulcerative colitis. In addition, sustaining postoperative complications did not prevent patients from eventually undergoing IPAA.
Temporal variability in California grasslands: Soil type and species functional traits mediate response to precipitation

Plant communities on infertile soils may be relatively resistant to climatic variation if species in these communities have “stress-tolerant” functional traits that limit their ability to respond to climate. Alternatively, such communities may be more sensitive to climatic variation if their relatively sparse vegetative cover exposes species to more extreme changes in factors such as temperature or wind. We compared temporal variability in species richness and composition over 10 years between grasslands on infertile serpentine and “normal” sedimentary soils. Variability in species richness and species composition tracked mean annual precipitation on both soils, but variability was lower in serpentine grasslands. Communities on serpentine had lower functional diversity and had species with more “stress-tolerant” traits than non-serpentine communities (i.e., shorter stature, lower specific leaf area, and lower leaf area). Within and between soils, variability in species richness and temporal turnover were ...
An investigation of procedures for computerized adaptive testing using the successive intervals rasch model

The major objective of the present study was to evaluate basic procedures for performing computerized adaptive testing (CAT) based on the successive intervals (SI) Rasch model. The SI model is designed for measuring attitudes based on Thurstone's successive intervals concept. The SI model was applied to both simulated and real attitude data sets for which the item response data were polytomous. Using simulated data, such variables as item pool size, method of item selection, and sizes of item dispersion parameters were studied. The results indicated that the CAT procedures performed very well using item pools of either 30 or 61 items; there was excellent recovery of the known attitude trait levels of the simulees, with only about 17 items administered on average during the CATs. For the real data set, the CAT procedures also performed very well in terms of number of items administered and accuracy of trait estimation.
A model for analyzing corrosion data from pulsed proton beam irradiation experiments

Abstract A model for analyzing corrosion data from pulsed proton beam irradiation experiments was developed from time-averaged corrosion rate measurements taken as a function of beam duty cycle and peak (instantaneous) beam current. The model assumes that there are two separate processes that control corrosion kinetics at the solution–metal interface: one during proton pulses and one between pulses. The model was evaluated using two techniques: a simulation program with integrated circuit emphasis (an integrated circuit analysis routine) and a numerical method. The model found that the corrosion rate between proton pulses was two orders of magnitude lower than the corrosion rate during a proton pulse. In addition, the model predicts that the corrosion rate during a pulse of protons correlates with peak current and that the time-average corrosion rate is weighted more heavily for duty cycle (repetition rate and gate length) than peak current. These findings explain apparent anomalies in time-averaged corrosion data; it was observed that for a fixed average beam current that the time-averaged corrosion rate for a 16 mA peak current was lower than the time-averaged corrosion rate at a peak current of 1.6 mA. This apparent anomaly is explained in the model by the higher duty cycle for the 1.6 mA case.
Near‐optimal heuristics and managerial insights for the storage constrained, inbound inventory routing problem

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop efficient heuristics for determining the route design and inventory management of inbound parts which are delivered for manufacturing, assembly, or distribution operations and for which there is limited storage space. The shipment frequencies and quantities are coordinated with the available storage space and the vehicle capacities.Design/methodology/approach – Two heuristics that generate near optimal solutions are proposed. The first heuristic has an iterative routing phase that maximizes the savings realized by grouping suppliers together into routes without considering the storage constraint and then calculates the pickup frequencies in the second phase to accommodate the storage constraint. The second heuristic iteratively executes a routing and a pickup frequency phase that both account for the storage constraint. A lower bound is also developed as a benchmark for the heuristic solutions.Findings – Near optimal solutions can be obtained in a reasonab...