cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Once is not enough: repeated exposure to and aesthetic evaluation of an automobile design prototype

Abstract In industry, design selection and refinement decisions are frequently based on consumers' one-time aesthetic impressions of a proposed design. This paper reports on a study in which the same group of people were asked to evaluate a design prototype on two separate occasions at a 3-month interval. The results reveal that their perceptions of a design concept appear to change with repeated exposure. This finding suggests that design evaluation protocols which rely on a one-time evaluation may provide misleading information to designers and design decision-makers about consumer enthusiasm for a given design over its production lifetime.
Temporal changes in TCDD levels in 1419 Air Force Vietnam-era veterans not occupationally exposed to herbicides

Temporal changes in TCDD levels in 1419 Air Force Vietnam-era veterans not occupationally exposed to herbicides
Forensic evaluations of battered women defendants: Relevant data to be applied to elements of self-defense

Abstract There has been no model of the relevant information that forensic experts should collect from battered women defendants for testifying in court in support of self-defense claims. This article proposes such a model, addressing the mental state of battered women at the time they killed their partners. Many killings of partners by battered women should be considered appropriate for self-defense claims, even when the fact situations do not appear to fit “classic” self-defense criteria. Forensic experts have an important role in bringing jurors to an understanding of how many battered womens' actions resulting in the death of a partner actually fit self-defense laws by explaining the fit between the facts of the case and the typical criteria of self-defense.
EFFECT OF AN ELECTRIC FIELD ON POSITRONIUM FORMATION IN GASES: EXPERIMENTAL

The increase in positronium formation due to a static electric field has been measured in various gases including He, Ne, A, ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$, ${\mathrm{D}}_{2}$, ${\mathrm{N}}_{2}$, and several more complex molecular gases by a study of the energy spectrum of the annihilation $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ radiation. For the rare gases the increase has a sigmoid dependence on the ratio of electric field to pressure. The fraction of the positrons that form positronium increases by a maximum factor of 1.5, 1.4, and 2.1 for He, Ne, and A, respectively. A similar increase was observed for ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$, ${\mathrm{D}}_{2}$, and ${\mathrm{N}}_{2}$. No effect of the electric field was found in the polyatomic gases C${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$, C${\mathrm{H}}_{4}$, ${\mathrm{C}}_{2}$${\mathrm{H}}_{6}$, and C${\mathrm{Cl}}_{2}$${\mathrm{F}}_{2}$, but a small anomalous decrease in positronium formation was seen in S${\mathrm{F}}_{6}$. Some data are given using a microwave field at 2460 Mc/sec. The detailed theory of the increase given in the following paper provides a basis for obtaining from the observed data values of the elastic scattering cross section of positrons by the rare gas atoms, which are $0.023\ensuremath{\pi}{{a}_{0}}^{2}$, $0.12\ensuremath{\pi}{{a}_{0}}^{2}$, and $1.2\ensuremath{\pi}{{a}_{0}}^{2}\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}25%$ for He, Ne, and A, respectively. Quantitative interpretation for the polyatomic gases is more difficult. At the high electric fields for which positronium formation has its maximum value, the fraction of positrons forming positronium is between 50% and 80% for the rare gases and for ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ and ${\mathrm{N}}_{2}$; the mode of decay of the remaining positrons is not understood.
Scanning the radiation field of a 25-MeV medical betatron using a new uniformity check system.

Radiation fields of high-energy machines can be readily scanned for beam flatness by means of a new mechanism. It is very useful in alignment of compensating filter and patient-dose uniformity checks. The scanner is carefully positioned in front of the machine in the treatment room and a remote-control console placed outside drives an upright probe and displays the relative position of the probe. The sensor in the probe consists of a semiconductor p-n junction detector made of 1-mm diameter silicon discs doped with phosphorus and boron with 0.1-mm “depletion layer” between the discs. The detector current is measured through, an external circuit with very low impedance. The short-circuit current is equal to the radiation-induced current at zero bias, i.e., proportional to exposure rate. The dosimeter has an output of 33.6 pA/rad/min. Amplifiers in the console provide an output voltage which is linear with field strength up to 10 V for 500 rads/min. Console output goes into anX-Y plotter with position signal in theX axis and dose signal in theY axis. The scanner method yields the tracings of the radiation field in about 10 min whereas alternate methods may take several hours. In addition to measuring field geometry the scanner is useful in the studies of wedge isodose curves; dosimetry of irregular fields and radiation treatment planning for cancer patients.
Locomotor hyperactivity and alterations in dopamine neurotransmission are associated with overexpression of A53T mutant human α-synuclein in mice

Genetic and biochemical abnormalities associated with alpha-synuclein are implicated in the etiology of Parkinson's disease (PD). In this study, altered locomotor behavior linked to the expression of mutant or wildtype human alpha-synuclein was investigated. A53T alpha-synuclein transgenic (A53T-tg) mice exhibited normal activity at 5 months of age; however, by 7 months, they developed marked hyperactivity that remained evident until 19 months. By contrast, mice expressing human wildtype or A30P mutant alpha-synuclein showed no locomotor alterations. Hyperactivity in A53T-tg mice was reversed by the D1 receptor antagonist SCH 23390. Furthermore, A53T-tg mice were supersensitive to the D1 receptor agonist SKF 81297 but not to the serotonin1B receptor agonist RU 24969. Hyperactivity in A53T-tg mice was also associated with increased D1 receptor expression in the substantia nigra and decreased dopamine transporter expression in the nucleus accumbens and striatum. Finally, striatal dopamine uptake measured by high-speed chronoamperometry was reduced by 40% in A53T-tg mice. Thus, expression of A53T mutant human alpha-synuclein in mice results in adult-onset hyperactivity associated with D1 receptor and dopamine transporter-mediated alterations in dopamine neurotransmission.
Optimal roadside units placement along highways

Roadside units (RSUs) are a critical component of Vehicular ad hoc network (VANET). Ideally, RSUs should be deployed pervasively to provide continuous coverage or connectivity. However, during the initial stages of VANET, it will not be possible to ensure such a pervasive RSU deployment due to the huge cost and/or the lack of market penetration of VANET enabled vehicles. Given a limited number of RSUs, in this paper, we address the issue of optimal placement of these RSUs along highways with the goal of minimizing the average time taken for a vehicle to report an event of interest to a nearby RSU. We present a so-called balloon optimization method ─ the optimal solution is found by using a dynamic process similar to the natural expansion of multiple balloons in a two-dimensional space where each balloon corresponds to the coverage area of one RSU. Our preliminary evaluation shows that the balloon method performs optimal or near optimal compared with the exhaustive method and it can be used for the optimal placement of RSUs along highways.
Shear wave velocities of Mississippi embayment soils from low frequency surface wave measurements

Abstract Deep unconsolidated sediments in the Mississippi embayment will influence ground motions from earthquakes in the New Madrid seismic zone. Shear wave velocity profiles of these sediments are important input parameters for modeling wave propagation and site response in this region. Low-frequency, active-source surface wave velocity measurements were performed to develop small-strain shear wave velocity ( V S ) profiles at eleven deep soil sites in the Mississippi embayment, from north of New Madrid, Missouri to Memphis, Tennessee. A servo-hydraulic, low-frequency source was used to excite surface wave energy to wavelengths of 600 m, resulting in V S profiles to depths of over 200 m. The average V S profile calculated from the eleven sites is in good agreement with common reference V S profiles that have been used in seismic hazard studies of this region. The variability in V S profiles is shown to be associated with changes in formation depth and thickness from site-to-site. Using lithologic information at each site, average formation velocities were developed and compared to previous studies. We found average V S values of about 193 m/s for alluvial deposits, 400 m/s for the Upper Claiborne formations, and 685 m/s for the Memphis Sand formation.
Image processing with digital radiology networks: Using computers to manage digitally formatted examinations

Radiology computer networks are being developed for the management of digitally formatted data. Each digitally formatted imaging device is interfaced into the radiology network through image acquisition and formatting nodes. The interactive diagnosis display stations. (IDDS) provide a means of visualizing single or multi-device digitally formatted pictures. The IDDS node is an image display workstation. The discussion covers current management of digitally formatted data, the functions of network nodes, and digital radiology network system parameters.
Mesoscale constitutive modeling of magnetic dispersions: material functions for shear flows

We recently developed a constitutive model for magnetic dispersions by modeling the magnetic particles as rigid dumbbells dispersed in a solvent. The theory yielded a constitutive equation in which the stress tensor could be expressed as a function of the velocity gradient, an orientational order tensor, S, an average alignment vector, J, and any imposed external magnetic field, H. The constitutive equation is used here to predict material functions for steady shear flow (shear-rate dependent viscosity and first normal stress coefficient) as well as those for unsteady shear flows (stress growth upon inception of steady shear and small-amplitude oscillatory shear). The importance of effects of concentration, equilibrium nematic ordering in the dispersion, and anisotropy in the hydrodynamic drag are emphasized. Comparisons with available experimental data on viscosity for magnetic inks under steady shear flow and inception of steady shear flow show reasonably good agreement.
Algebraic Techniques for Property Integration via Componentless Design

In many cases, design specifications are based on the satisfaction of a set of property constraints. Recently, the novel paradigm “componentless design” was introduced by Shelley and El-Halwagi (Comput. Chem. Eng. 2000, 24, 2081) to identify optimal graphical strategies for property-based problems. The essence of this approach is driven by tracking properties and not chemical components. Notwithstanding the usefulness of this graphical approach, it is limited to the simultaneous tracking of three properties. In this paper, we overcome this limitation by developing an algebraic approach for property integration through componentless design. Process constraints and stream characterization are described using bounds on intensive properties and flows. The problem of allocating streams is mapped into an equidimensional domain of dimensionless property operators. The specific mathematical structure of the set of operator constraints is exploited to develop a constraint-reduction algorithm, which provides rigoro...
Scenario building as an ergonomics method in consumer product design.

Abstract The role of human factors in design appears to have broadened from data analysis and interpretation into application of discovery and “user experience” design. The human factors practitioner is continually in search of ways to enhance and to better communicate their contributions, as well as to raise the prominence of the user at all stages of the design process. In work with design teams on the development of many consumer products, scenario building has proved to be a valuable addition to the repertoire of more traditional human factors methods. It is a powerful exploration, prototyping and communication tool, and is particularly useful early on in the product design process. This paper describes some advantages and potential pitfalls in using scenarios, and provides examples of how and where they can be usefully applied.
Implementation of the Good Behavior Game in Classrooms for Children with Delinquent Behavior

The good behavior game (GBG) is an interdependent group contingency procedure designed to reduce disruptive behavior in classroom settings. In the GBG, a class is divided into groups, simple rules are made, and contingencies are placed on the students’ rule-following behavior. This procedure has been proven effective across various student ages, and its simplicity and long-term effects have contributed to its popularity in school settings. Although it has been systematically evaluated across a wide range of student ages, research on the GBG is lacking in the area of population- and setting-specific assessments. In this evaluation, the GBG was implemented in three classrooms (student ages 7-12) at a school for children with severe problem behavior; in particular, these students had already displayed behavior that might be described as “delinquent” or “predelinquent.” Disruptive behavior substantially decreased across all three classrooms as a result of the intervention. This application extends the current literature by systematically replicating the results of the GBG with a different population. Implementation of the GBG, population-specific obstacles, results, and future directions are discussed.
A novel method for area frame stratification based on geospatial crop planting frequency data layers

This paper proposes a novel method for land cover area frame stratification based on corn planting frequency and percent cultivation. South Dakota U.S. geospatial crop frequency (2008–2013) and cultivation (2013) data layers created from NASS Cropland Data Layers are utilized to develop a novel area sampling frame (ASF) stratification design. Eight corn planting frequency strata are derived using a k-means clustering method based on mean corn planting frequency calculated at the NASS ASF primary sampling unit level. The corn planting frequency strata are then sub stratified based on percent cultivation, which, together, provide more crop specific information than the current NASS ASF based on percent cultivation alone. Using 2014 Farm Service Agency Common Land Unit Data as in situ validation, it is found that this novel ASF design predicts crop specific planting patterns well. These results indicate that the new stratification method has potential to improve ASF accuracy, efficiency and crop estimates.
Fine structure of acetal resins and its effect on mechanical properties

Stable, high molecular-weight polyoxymethylene resins show the room temperature x-ray crystalline patterns expected from early work on unstable or low molecular weight polyoxymethylene resins. High-temperature studies show the specific features of this resin to be: (1) disappearance of crystalline peaks at 180°C., and (2) a super-cooling of 15°C. (i.e., nucleation periods much greater than 15 minutes for temperatures above 165°C.). Studies utilizing optical birefringence show similar melting and freezing behavior. Birefringence studies show effect of quench temperature and melt time and temperature on the average spherulite size and appearance. Under suitable conditions, very large (1 mm. diameter) spherulites can be grown. The effect of variations in the fine structure (spherulite size, crystallite size, and degree of crystallinity) on mechanical properties of thin sections shows that: (1) an increase in crystallinity (by specific volume) gives higher moduli, higher yield strengths, and lower values of elongation to break; (2) smaller spherulites increase the ductility, or ability to retain ductility as the rate of strain of the test is increased; (3) changes in crystallite size over a twofold range have lesser effects on these properties.
Lorentz violation and Faddeev-Popov ghosts

We consider how Lorentz-violating interactions in the Faddeev-Popov ghost sector will affect scalar QED. The behavior depends sensitively on whether the gauge symmetry is spontaneously broken. If the symmetry is not broken, Lorentz violations in the ghost sector are unphysical, but if there is spontaneous breaking, radiative corrections will induce Lorentz-violating and gauge-dependent terms in other sectors of the theory.
SENSITIVITY OF NONCONTRAST HELICAL COMPUTERIZED TOMOGRAPHY AND PLAIN FILM RADIOGRAPHY COMPARED TO FLEXIBLE NEPHROSCOPY FOR DETECTING RESIDUAL FRAGMENTS AFTER PERCUTANEOUS NEPHROSTOLITHOTOMY

AbstractPurpose: We prospectively compared plain film radiography and noncontrast, thin cut helical computerized tomography (CT) to flexible nephroscopy for detecting residual stones after percutaneous nephrostolithotomy.Materials and Methods: We prospectively evaluated 36 patients (41 renal units) undergoing percutaneous nephrostolithotomy for large (greater than 3 cm., 23 renal units) or staghorn (18 renal units) calculi. All patients underwent postoperative imaging with plain film of the kidneys, ureters and bladder and noncontrast helical CT, and flexible nephroscopy on postoperative day 2 or 3. The size and location of residual fragments determined radiographically and identified by flexible nephroscopy were compared.Results: Plain film radiography and CT detected an average of 0.7 and 3.4 stones per renal unit, respectively. With a mean operating time plus or minus standard deviation of 77.3 +/- 35 minutes and a mean fluoroscopy time of 7.6 +/- 6.7 minutes, an average of 2.3 stones per renal unit we...
Treatment strength in rehabilitation

Abstract Objective: To propose treatment strength as central to an understanding of rehabilitation treatment, to delineate its features, to examine related research, and to suggest ways to improve the specification and conceptualization of treatment. Data Sources: Published literature. Study Selection: Definitions were proposed for treatment strength components: purity, specificity, dose, intensity, duration, timing, and treater characteristics and organization. Three measures of treatment exposure were selected as having the most research: length of inpatient stay, treatment intensity, and treatment specificity (using as example the stroke rehabilitation unit). Length of stay information was selected primarily from studies using multifacility data systems. All studies identified as using greater treatment intensity or augmented treatment were selected. Because of the large literature on stroke units, selected studies were chosen that used randomized controlled trials or community-based data. Results: Greater treatment exposure, as measured by length of stay, generally results in greater benefit, although there are wide variations for a given condition over time and across countries. Research on treatment intensity uses various definitions for intensity with mixed results. Specialization, in the form of the stroke rehabilitation unit, generally produces superior outcomes than other types of care, although there is little investigation of the reasons for benefit. Conclusions: Understanding of rehabilitation treatment would be improved by (1) routinely reporting hours of service by discipline, (2) using treatment strength concepts, (3) analyzing the relation of naturally occurring variations of treatment strength to outcomes, and (4) developing a taxonomy of treatment types.
Phenotypic Analysis of Mice Lacking the Highly Abundant Purkinje Cell- and Bipolar Neuron-Specific PCP2 Protein

Abstract ThePurkinje cell protein-2(Pcp2,also known as L7) gene is abundantly expressed only in Purkinje cells of the cerebellum and bipolar neurons of the retina. The spatiotemporal expression pattern of this gene suggests a role for PCP2 in Purkinje cell development or normal cell physiology. A PCP2-deficient mouse was created by gene targeting to test the hypothesis that it is required for Purkinje cell development or function. Although normally present in abundance, the absence of PCP2 in null animals caused no observable cerebellar abnormalities. Behavioral analysis reveals normal abilities for balance and coordination. Null cerebellum has normal Purkinje cell numbers, morphology, and ultrastructure. Retinal bipolar neurons appear similarly unaffected. Aged null animals (22 months) were also examined and no deficits were detected using the same behavioral and histologic analyses. Although the null animal does not reveal the function of PCP2, it does rule out an essential role for PCP2 in Purkinje cell development, in Purkinje cell survival, and in at least some aspects of cerebellar function.
Migraine, physical health and psychiatric disorder: A prospective epidemiologic study in young adults.

In a prospective study of a random sample of 1,007 young adults, we examined the association between migraine and psychiatric disorder, physical complaints, indicators of functional impairment, and use of mental health services. A history of migraine was associated with increased lifetime rates of major depression, anxiety disorders, illicit drug use disorders, nicotine dependence, and suicide attempts. Compared with subjects without a history of migraine, those with such a history had significantly more physical symptoms and were more likely to report job absenteeism, assess their general health as fair or poor, and use mental health services. Follow-up data, gathered 14 months after the baseline interview, revealed that subjects with a history of migraine at the baseline had significantly increased rates of first incidence major depression and panic disorder during the interval period (odds ratio (OR) for major depression = 4.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.0-9.2; and OR for panic disorder = 12.8, 95% CI 4.1-39.8). The risk for these psychiatric disorders in persons with prior history of migraine was unrelated to the recentness of their migraine attacks. These findings suggest that the link between migraine, major depression and anxiety might reflect a common predisposition.
Characterization of a Mg-Dependent, Na-Inositol Co-Transport Process in Cardiac Sarcolemmal Vesicles

Abstract [ 3 H]- myo -Inositol transport into cardiac sarcolemmal vesicles is both a time- and Na + -dependent process. Transport was stimulated 3-fold by 1 μM valinomycin suggesting the process is electrogenic. myo -Inositol transport was dependent upon the presence of Mn 2+ or Mg 2+ but not Ca 2+ . Kinetic analysis revealed a high affinity transport process that was saturable (V max , 650 ± 71 pmoles myo -inositol/mg protein/min; K m , 37.7 ± 1.3 μM) and a low affinity process that was unsaturable up to 1.0 mM substrate. Transport was not inhibited by 1.0 mM of either L-glucose, D- or L-galactose. However, D-glucose and L-fucose at 1.0 mM were inhibitory. Higher concentrations (30 mM) of each of the sugars inhibited transport. myo -Inositol transport was also inhibited by the inositol isomers (1.0 mM), D- chiro -inositol, epi -inositol and scyllo -inositol with scyllo -inositol being most effective. Kinetic analysis established sycllo -inisitol as a competitive inhibitor of cardiac myo -inositol transport, increasing the K m for substrate three-fold (122 ± 21 μM). These data indicate that inositol transport across cardiac sarcolemma is a Mg 2+ -dependent Na + co-transport process that is electrogenic and stereospecific.
Transfer of radioiodine from iodinated oncornavirus proteins to unlabeled protein carrier during routine procedures for peptide mapping

Abstract Denaturation of radioiodinated oncornavirus proteins by performic acid oxidation, a routine procedure in peptide mapping studies, results in the unexpected release of 60–80% of the iodine label. In addition, if unlabeled carrier protein is present during oxidation, the iodine label is efficiently transferred to the carrier protein. Radioiodine release and transfer was not detected when proteins were denatured by reduction and carboxymethylation. These results indicate that reduction and carboxymethylation are the preferred procedures for denaturing proteins prior to chemical or enzymatic cleavage and peptide analysis.
Reduction in atrial defibrillation threshold by a single linear ablation lesion.

Single Lesion Lowers ADFT.Introduction: This study investigated a hybrid approach to reduce the atrial defibrillation threshold (ADFT) by determining the effect of a single linear radiofrequency ablation (RFA) lesion on both the ADFT and activation patterns during atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods and Results: In 18 open chest sheep (45 to 57 kg), coil defibrillation electrodes were placed in a superior vena cava/right ventricular configuration. AF was induced by burst pacing and maintained with acetyl β-methylcholine (2 to 42 μL/min). ADFTs were obtained before and after a linear RFA lesion was created in the left atrium (LAL; n = 6), right atrium (RAL; n = 6), or neither atrium as a control (n = 6). In animals receiving an LAL, a 504-unipolar-electrode plaque was sutured to the LA. For animals receiving an RAL, two 504-electrode plaques were placed, one each on the LA and RA. From each plaque, activations were recorded before and after ADFT shocks, and organizational characteristics of activations were analyzed using algorithms that track individual wavefronts. In sham-treated controls, the ADFT did not change. In contrast, LAL reduced ADFT energy 29%, from 4.5 ± 2.3 J to 3.2 ± 2.0 J (P < 0.05). RAL reduced ADFT energy 25%, from 2.0 ± 0.9 J to 1.5 ± 0.7 J (P < 0.05). AF activation was substantially more organized after RFA than before RFA for both the RAL- and LAL-treated animals. Conclusion: A single RFA lesion in either the RA or LA reduces the ADFT in this sheep model. This decrease is associated with an increase in fibrillatory organization.
Stability and antecedents of coparenting quality: the role of parent personality and child temperament.

Abstract This investigation explored how parent personality and infant temperament were associated with the development and stability of coparenting over the first 3 years of life. We examined the stability of supportive and undermining coparenting from 13 months to 3 years and whether infant difficult temperament moderated the stability of coparenting. We also examined how two dimensions of parent personality, communion and negative emotionality, were directly associated with coparenting quality and how these personality variables interacted with infant difficult temperament in predicting subsequent coparenting quality. Both supportive and undermining coparenting demonstrated moderate stability; however, stability in undermining coparenting was present only for families with less difficult infants. Fathers’ communion and negative emotionality were associated with higher and lower coparenting quality, respectively, but only for families with an infant with a more challenging temperament. Mothers’ negative emotionality was associated with higher coparenting quality. The results of this study suggest that parents’ and children's characteristics are associated in direct and interactive ways with the development of the coparenting relationship across the first few years of a child's life.
Open-Tubular Capillary Electrochromatography with an On-Line Ion Trap Storage/Reflectron Time-of-Flight Mass Detector for Ultrafast Peptide Mixture Analysis

In this work, a novel open-tubular column (OTC) capillary electrochromatography (CEC) system has been coupled to an on-line ion trap storage/reflectron time-of-flight mass spectrometer for ultrafast peptide mixture analysis. Reversed-phase OTCs prepared by the sol−gel process were coated with an amine, which greatly enhanced the electroosmotic flow in an acidic buffer solution and considerably reduced nonspecific adsorption between the peptides and the column wall. A six-peptide mixture could be separated to baseline within 3 min on this system. A full mass range detection speed of 8 Hz was used in all these experiments, which was sufficiently rapid to maintain the high efficiency of ultrafast separations. Because of the high duty cycle of the mass spectrometer and the column path length-independent concentration-sensitive feature of the electrospray ionization process, high-quality total ion chromatograms could be obtained with injections of only 1−2 fmol of peptide samples. A concentration limit of dete...
Kappa opioid-mediated behavioral sensitization in the preweanling rat: relationship to Fos immunoreactivity.

When given acutely, drugs that stimulate kappa opioid receptors (e.g., U-50,488) enhance the locomotor activity of preweanling rats and induce regional increases in Fos immunoreactivity (IR). In contrast, the effects of chronic treatment with kappa opioid agonists are unknown. The purpose of the present study was two-fold: first, to determine whether repeated treatment with a kappa opioid agonist would sensitize the locomotor activity of preweanling rats and, second, to determine whether changes in Fos IR correspond with the occurrence of locomotor sensitization. To test these hypotheses, rats were injected with U-50,488 (5 mg/kg, s.c.) or saline on either postnatal days (PD) 5-9 or PD 11-15. For rats pretreated on PD 5-9, a test day injection of U-50,488 or saline was given after either 1 or 7 abstinence days (i.e., at PD 11 or PD 17). For rats pretreated on PD 11-15, a test day injection of U-50,488 or saline was given after 1 abstinence day (i.e., at PD 17). In two additional experiments, the acute and chronic effects of U-50,488 treatment were assessed in adult rats. As expected, repeated treatment with U-50,488 produced locomotor sensitization at both PD 11 and PD 17, but only when the test day occurred 1, and not 7, days after cessation of drug pretreatment. Thus, the persistence of the sensitized response was very brief. Test day treatment with U-50,488 stimulated Fos IR in various brain regions of the preweanling rat, including the medial striatum, nucleus accumbens, lateral habenula, and septal area. Chronic treatment with U-50,488 depressed Fos expression in a number of brain regions (relative to acutely treated rats); however, these changes in Fos IR did not necessarily coincide with the occurrence of behavioral sensitization. Repeated treatment with U-50,488 did not produce locomotor sensitization in adult rats, so Fos IR was not assessed in this age group. Therefore, while acute treatment with U-50,488 both increased locomotor activity and stimulated Fos IR in preweanling rats, chronic U-50,488 treatment produced behavioral changes that did not correspond with Fos expression.
Adsorption calorimetry of surfactant interaction with minerals

Abstract The equipment and techniques of adsorption calorimetry used at NIPER will be presented. A description of both flow adsorption calorimetry and titration calorimetry will be included. Examples of several applications such as surface area estimation as well as surfactant and cosurfactant adsorption on a variety of surfaces will be discussed.
The Use of Grit and its Effect upon Ascarid Infections

Abstract THE value of including grit in the diet of broilers has been investigated, but the results are contradictory. Bethke and Kennard (1926) and Buckner, Martin and Peter (1926) reported that growing chicks did not benefit from the addition of grit in a ration. That grit was not needed to obtain satisfactory growth records in chickens was indicated by Carrick, Hauge and Prange (1926) and Waite (1935). On the other hand Wheeler (1903) and Platt and Stephenson (1935) stated that a ration containing grit produced better growth than the same ration without grit. Bell and Simpson (1949) investigated the feed efficiency by including grit in the diet of broilers. They reported that grit-fed birds weighed more and consumed less feed during a 9-week experimental period than did control birds without grit. With respect to poultry diseases Bird et al. (1937) pointed out that the inclusion of grit in the diet may . . .
Peptide transport system-1 (PTS-1) for Tyr-MIF-1 and Met-enkephalin differs from the receptors for either

Abstract Tyr-MIF-1 (Tyr-Pro-Leu-Gly-NH2) and Met-enkephalin share a saturable transport system (peptide transport system-1, PTS-1) across the blood–brain barrier but do not readily bind to each other's receptors. This information allows the unique opportunity to differentiate the transport protein(s) from the receptors for either peptide in brain endothelial cells. PTS-1 was studied in vitro by allowing radiolabeled Tyr-MIF-1 ( 125 I -Tyr-MIF-1) to bind to the solubilized proteins of isolated murine brain microvessels in the presence or absence of potential inhibitors. Sephadex chromatography separated bound from free labeled peptide. The binding was saturable as shown by inhibition with increasing concentrations of unlabeled Tyr-MIF-1. 125 I -Tyr-MIF-1 binding was not inhibited by an unrelated peptide or iodo-tyrosine. d -Tyr-MIF-1 had no effect, demonstrating the stereospecificity of the system. Met-enkephalin decreased the binding of 125 I -Tyr-MIF-1 to 84.4% of total, whereas Leu-enkephalin was without effect. Agonists for the mu, delta, and kappa opiate receptors did not change the binding, indicating that the proteins which bound to 125 I -Tyr-MIF-1 were not endogenous opiate receptors. The results indicate that, in vitro, Tyr-MIF-1 binds to brain microvessel proteins with characteristics similar to PTS-1.
Pathways to effective teaching

Abstract Given the importance of effective teaching to children’s development in child care and the difficulty of keeping highly educated teachers in the field, we examined pathways to effective teaching within a group of primarily African-American and Latino teachers working in child care programs serving low-income children. We used classroom observations to assess effective teaching, and clinical interviews and participant observation to understand pathways. Less than one-quarter of the teachers had BA degrees or higher. Only 20% of the teachers had had preservice training, and almost all of the teachers with preservice experiences were the BA level teachers. Over half of the teachers had been mentored as they began teaching either as a mother volunteer or as a beginning teacher. About 40% of the participants talked of staying in the field because of feeling responsible to and for a community; the remainder talked of staying for the children. About 40% of the participants experienced reflective supervision. The participants in this study, even those with less formal education than a BA degree, were more responsive and more engaged with children than participants in two more representative studies. In this sample, after controlling for formal education, responsive involvement could be predicted by staying in the field for the community, being mentored and being supervised. Engaging children in language play could be predicted by formal education and being supervised. Providing language arts activities could be predicted by formal education, being mentored and being supervised.
Efficient quantization for overcomplete expansions in /spl Ropf//sup N/

We study construction of structured regular quantizers for overcomplete expansions in /spl Ropf//sup N/. Our goal is to design structured quantizers which allow simple reconstruction algorithms with low complexity and which have good performance in terms of accuracy. Most related work to date in quantized redundant expansions has assumed that the same uniform scalar quantizer was used on all the expansion coefficients. Several approaches have been proposed to improve the reconstruction accuracy, with some of these methods having significant complexity. Instead, we consider the joint design of the overcomplete expansion and the scalar quantizers (allowing different step sizes) in such a way as to produce an equivalent vector quantizer (EVQ) with periodic structure. The construction of a periodic quantizer is based on lattices in /spl Ropf//sup N/ and the concept of geometrically scaled- similar sublattices. The periodicity makes it possible to achieve good accuracy using simple reconstruction algorithms (e.g., linear reconstruction or a small lookup table).
The effect of frequency and power density on the ultrasonically-enhanced killing of biofilm-sequestered Escherichia coli

Infection on implanted medical devices is a critical concern because the bacteria are recalcitrant to antibiotic therapy; currently the only way to eliminate the infection is to remove the device. We have found that low-frequency ultrasound renders bacteria more susceptible to antibiotics. The effect of low-intensity ultrasound on the enhancement of antibiotic action against biofilm bacteria was measured by subjecting thick E. coli biofilms for 2 h at 37°C to one of four conditions: (1) incubation in nutrient broth; (2) incubation in nutrient broth with antibiotic; (3) ultrasonication in nutrient broth without antibiotic; and (4) ultrasonication in nutrient broth with antibiotic. Two frequencies (70 and 500 kHz) and several ultrasonic intensities were examined, ranging from 2 to 200 mW/cm2. It was determined that low-intensity ultrasound significantly enhanced killing of biofilm E. coli by gentamicin. This enhancement increased with increasing ultrasonic intensity and decreased with increasing frequency. A mathematical model of ultrasonically-enhanced transport in cylindrical pores and channels shows that gentamicin transport increases with ultrasonic intensity and decreases with increasing frequency. However, the magnitude of increased transport is so small that it is difficult to attribute enhanced killing of bacteria to enhanced antibiotic transport through the pores and channels of the biofilm; therefore, other mechanisms must play a role. The use of low-intensity ultrasound in conjunction with antibiotic treatment may prove to be a viable clinical method of eliminating biofilm infections from the surfaces of implanted medical devices.
Modeling Surrender and Lapse Rates With Economic Variables

Abstract This paper presents surrender rate models with explanatory variables such as the difference between reference and crediting rates, policy age since issue, financial crises, unemployment and economy growth rates, and seasonal effects. The logit function and the complementary log-log function are used in modeling surrender rates. This paper shows that the logit model and the complementary log-log model generally perform better than the existing surrender rate models such as the arctangent model. It also shows that the surrender rate models are different according to insurance policy types, and it finds proper surrender rate models for four insurance groups: protection plans, education plans, endowment, and annuities.
Prevalence of Non-Tuberculous Mycobacterial Infections among Tuberculosis Suspects in Nigeria

Background Nigeria is ranked in the top five countries for tuberculosis deaths worldwide. This study investigated the mycobacterial agents associated with presumptive clinical pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) in Nigeria and evaluated the pattern and frequency of mycobacterial infections over twelve calendar months period. Methods Sputum samples from 1,603 consecutive new cases with presumptive diagnosis of TB were collected from August 2010 to July 2011. All sputum samples were incubated for detection of mycobacterial growth and those with positive acid fast bacilli (AFB) growth were tested to detect mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) complex and characterized to differentiate between MTB complex species. Cultures suggestive of Non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections (NTM) were sub-cultured and characterized. Results Of the 1,603 patients screened, 444 (28%) culture-positive cases of pulmonary tuberculosis were identified. Of these, 375 (85%) were due to strains of MTB complex (354 cases of M. tuberculosis, 20 M. africanum and one case of M. bovis) and 69 (15%) were due to infection with NTM. In contrast to the MTB complex cases, the NTM cases were more likely to have been diagnosed during the calendar months of the Harmattan dust season (OR = 2.34, 1.28–4.29; p = 0.01), and aged older than 35 years (OR = 2.77, 1.52–5.02, p = 0.0007), but less likely to have AFB identified on their sputum smear (OR = 0.06, 0.02–0.14, p<0.0001). Among those with NTM infection, cases 35 years or younger were more likely to have co-infection with HIV (3.76, 1.72–8.22; p = 0.0009) compared to those older than 35 years. Interpretation The high proportion of younger patients with clinical pulmonary TB due to NTM and co-infection with HIV and the likely role of the seasonal dust exposure in the occurrence of the disease, present novel public health challenges for prevention and treatment.
Relationship between fasting plasma lipid levels and adipose tissue morphology

Although obesity is commonly regarded as an important contributor to the development of hypertriglyceridemia, epidemiologic studies have typically failed to observe high degrees of correlation between triglyceride levels and various indicators of obesity. Recent evidence has indicated that human obesity is heterogeneous with respect to fat cell enlargement and increased adipose tissue cellularity. It seemed possible, therefore, that differential metabolic effects of fat cell enlargement and adipose tissue cellularity might explain the lack of correlation between triglycerides and obesity encountered in epidemiologic studies. To explore this possibility we studied 32 subjects encompassing a range of obesity similar to that typically encountered in epidemiologic studies. Fat cell size was significantly correlated with both plasma triglyceride (r = 0.51, p < 0.01) and the logarithm of plasma triglyceride (r = 0.67, p < 0.01). In contrast, neither triglyceride concentration nor its logarithm were strongly correlated with either total body fat or total body fat cell number. Plasma cholesterol concentration was not correlated with any of the adipose tissue characteristics. Fat cell size and degree of obesity appeared to correlate well up to a relative weight of 1.5, after which further increases in relative weight were not accompanied by commensurate increases in fat cell size. When the analysis was confined to individuals in whom fat cell size was related to the degree of obesity, plasma triglyceride concentration was equally well correlated with both fat cell size and total body fat. Inclusion of individuals with marked obesity unaccompanied by commensurate increases in fat cell size, however, highlighted the fact that triglyceride levels were more closely related to fat cell size than to the overall degree of obesity.
Multichannel transfer function with dimensionality reduction

The design of transfer functions for volume rendering is a difficult task. This is particularly true for multi-channel data sets, where multiple data values exist for each voxel. In this paper, we propose a new method for transfer function design. Our new method provides a framework to combine multiple approaches and pushes the boundary of gradient-based transfer functions to multiple channels, while still keeping the dimensionality of transfer functions to a manageable level, i.e., a maximum of three dimensions, which can be displayed visually in a straightforward way. Our approach utilizes channel intensity, gradient, curvature and texture properties of each voxel. The high-dimensional data of the domain is reduced by applying recently developed nonlinear dimensionality reduction algorithms. In this paper, we used Isomap as well as a traditional algorithm, Principle Component Analysis (PCA). Our results show that these dimensionality reduction algorithms significantly improve the transfer function design process without compromising visualization accuracy. In this publication we report on the impact of the dimensionality reduction algorithms on transfer function design for confocal microscopy data.
Microscopic contact angle measurement of mercury on polymer thin films

Abstract Measurements have been made of the microscopic contact angle of mercury on collodion and formvar polymeric thin films on polished aluminium. It has been found that the contact angle becomes less as the number of monolayers is increased. This result, in the bulk limit of about 300A of polymer, is in reasonable agreement with data obtained by conventional techniques.
Characterization of a Primary Central Nervous System Atypical Teratoid/Rhabdoid Tumor and Derivative Cell Line: Immunophenotype and Neoplastic Properties

Primary central nervous system (CNS) atypical teratoid/malignant rhabdoid tumors (ATT/RhT) occur during early childhood and are almost invariably fatal. Expression of multiple phenotypes in ATT/RhT suggests the presence of an undifferentiated progenitor with the potential to differentiate along multiple lines. These properties have made it difficult to characterize the etiology and histogenesis of these tumors and complicate efforts to develop targeted therapies. This paper characterizes the immunophenotype of a human CNS ATT/RhT and describes the properties of a derivative cell line (Atrt95) which retained morphological and immunochemical characteristics of the parent tumor including diverse differentiation. Most tumor cells were strongly immunoreactive for glial fibrillary acidic protein, vimentin and A2B5. Scattered, large tumor cells that showed a rhabdoid phenotype were immunoreactive for synaptophysin. The morphology of cultured Atrt95 cells was heterogeneous, but often fit into 1 of 3 classes that appeared to correspond to cell populations observed within the parent tumor including: 1) tightly-packed small-cell colonies, 2) large, well-spread highly motile cells and 3) arrays of elongated cells. In vitro assays demonstrated that growth of the entire culture was anchorage-dependent but not serum-dependent. Transplantation of Atrt95 cells into the rat spinal cord resulted in tumor growth and CNS invasion. Preliminary cytogenetics study revealed complex aneuploidy but no apparent monosomy or deletions of chromosome 22. The immunophenotype of this neoplasm and derivative cell line is consistent with a primitive glioneuronal lineage and its in vitro characteristics are that of an invasive malignancy similar to the naturally occurring tumor. This unique cell line (Atrt95) provides a valuable model to study the biology and genetics of the CNS ATT/RhT.
Magnetic field dependence of the neutron scattering from ErRh4B4

Abstract Magnetism in the reentrant superconductor ErRh 4 B 4 has been studied by neutron scattering as a function of an applied magnetic field. For a temperature of 1.69 K long-range ferromagnetism is found in fields higher than 1 kOe. Considerable hysteresis is found in the neutron scattering intensity vs magnetic field curve and long-range order with a small Er moment remains when the field is reduced to small values.