cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
True Absorption and Retention of Supplemental Iron is More Efficient when Iron is Administered every Three Days rather than Daily to Iron-Normal and Iron-Deficient Rats

Absorption of daily iron supplements is inefficient. Detailed absorption patterns of FeSO4 supplements simulating World Health Organization-recommended doses were studied in iron-deficient and iron-normal male Sprague-Dawley rats. For 12 d after weaning, the rats were fed a premeal containing < 20 (iron-deficient group) or 400 micrograms Fe (iron-normal group) twice daily followed by iron-free AIN-76 diet for 1 h. Then, both groups (iron-deficient and -normal) were divided in three groups, one continuing without change and two receiving 4000 micrograms of premeal Fe either daily or every 3 d to match intestinal mucosa renewal time. Food intake, growth, hemoglobin concentration and periodic 59Fe-labeled iron absorption and rate of loss were determined. Iron-deficient rats became anemic, and ate and grew less. Iron absorption was stable in normal (34.2%), deficient (89.7%) and normal, intermittently supplemented (9.5%) groups. Absorption decreased logarithmically in daily supplemented rats, whereas in iron-deficient, intermittently supplemented rats absorption decreased slowly and linearly. Rates of iron loss were significantly accelerated in daily supplemented rats. Thirteen-day total iron retention in intermittently supplemented normal and deficient rats was 62 and 86%, respectively, of that of daily supplemented rats. Iron supplementation timed to match mucosal renewal is more efficient.
Differential expression of cSmad1 and cSmad5 in the primitive streak during chick embryo gastrulation.

Whole mount in situ hybridization was performed to determine the expression patterns of cSmad1 and cSmad5 during gastrulation stages (Hamburger-Hamilton 2-6) of chicken embryogenesis. It was revealed that cSmads 1 and 5 mRNAs are prominently expressed in the developing primitive streak. As determined from cross-sectional analysis of stage 4 embryos, most transcripts were associated with the ingressing mesoderm. However, whereas cSmad5 was expressed throughout the streak at all stages examined, the strongest expression of cSmad1 was confined to the posterior half of the streak.
Enabling Technology for Minimally Invasive Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

Over the past 8 years, new techniques and perhaps more significantly new technology have expanded the possibilities for minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting. In this section, we review 3 important and potentially enabling technologies: (1) robotics, (2) anastomotic connectors, and (3) the expanding role of imaging in the context of combined operating room/catheterization laboratories (hybrid suites).
Are Blacks and Hispanics Disproportionately Incarcerated Relative to Their Arrests? Racial and Ethnic Disproportionality Between Arrest and Incarceration.

Do large racial and ethnic disparities in prison populations reflect systematic racial and policy discrimination in the criminal justice system, or do they reflect disproportionate involvement of blacks and Hispanics in “serious” or street crime? Our investigation of this question keys off the approach initiated by Alfred Blumstein is his pioneering studies on the topic. While yielding important findings, there are, however, substantial gaps in the empirical literature on the racial disproportionality issue. We attempt to fill those gaps by (1) using both data on prison admission as well as in-stock prison populations, (2) presenting more recent racially and ethnically disaggregated arrest and incarceration data from Pennsylvania for 2003–2007, and (3) including Hispanic offenders in our racial and ethnic disproportionality comparisons. Our results indicate, first, that the representation of blacks, whites, and Hispanics among offenders admitted to state prison and in the prison population corresponds closely to their representation in arrest statistics. Second, using arrests as a marker of violent offending, the overrepresentation of blacks among offenders admitted to state prisons occurs because they commit a disproportionate number of frequently imprisoned (i.e., violent) crimes. Third, for those offenses where there is a within-race difference between arrest and incarceration representation, Hispanics experience the greatest disadvantage. Fourth, failing to account for Hispanics in white and black estimates tends to inflate white proportions and deflate black proportions of arrests, admissions, and prison population estimates, masking the “true” black and white racial disproportionality. We conclude that while there is a need for continued concern with possible racial discrimination in justice system processing, this concern should not distract attention from what arguably is the more important matter—ameliorating the social environmental conditions that foster disproportionate minority (especially black) involvement in violent crime.
Iloperidone reduces sensorimotor gating deficits in pharmacological models, but not a developmental model, of disrupted prepulse inhibition in rats.

Abstract Iloperidone is a novel atypical antipsychotic which acts as a broad spectrum dopamine/serotonin/norepinephrine receptor antagonist. To compare iloperidone behaviorally to other known antipsychotics, we evaluated the drug in three pharmacological models and one developmental model of disrupted prepulse inhibition (PPI) in rats. Firstly, 0.5 mg/kg apomorphine induced PPI deficits that were prevented by pretreatment with iloperidone (1 and 3 mg/kg). Secondly, treatment with the N-methyl- d -aspartate (NMDA)-receptor antagonist phencyclidine (PCP) produced robust deficits in PPI. Both doses of iloperidone (1 and 3 mg/kg) prevented the PPI-disruptive effects of treatment with 1 mg/kg PCP. Thirdly, treatment with the α1-adrenoceptor agonist cirazoline (0.6 mg/kg) disrupted PPI, and produced a concurrent large increase in startle magnitude. A relatively low dose of iloperidone (0.3 mg/kg) prevented cirazoline-induced PPI deficits, independent of its effects on startle magnitude. Finally, iloperidone (1 mg/kg) did not reverse PPI deficits in the isolation-rearing model of schizophrenia. These results indicate that iloperidone exerts behavioral effects in pharmacological models of disrupted sensorimotor gating consistent with “atypical” antipsychotics, mediated by antagonism of dopaminergic and noradrenergic receptors. The absence of effect in isolation-reared rats may be due to the relatively small effect size of isolation rearing on PPI or dose of iloperidone.
Patient positioning in prostate radiotherapy: is prone better than supine?

Abstract Purpose: To assess potential dose reductions to the rectum and to the bladder with three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) to the prostate in the prone as compared with the supine position; and to retrospectively evaluate treatment position reproducibility without immobilization devices. Methods and Materials: Eighteen patients with localized prostate cancer underwent pelvic CT scans and 3D treatment planning in prone and supine positions. Dose-volume histograms (DVHs) were constructed for the clinical target volume, the rectum and the bladder for every patient in both treatment positions. “Comparative DVHs” (cDVHs) were defined for the rectum and for the bladder: cDVH was obtained by subtracting the organ volume receiving a given dose increment in the prone position from the corresponding value in the supine position. These values were then integrated over the entire dose range. The prescribed dose to the planning target volume (PTV) was 74 Gy using a 6-field technique. To evaluate reproducibility, portal films were subsequently reviewed in 12 patients treated prone and 10 contemporary patients treated supine (controls). No immobilization devices were used. Deviations in the anterio-posterior (X) and cranio-caudal (Y) axes were measured. Mean treatment position variation, total setup variation, systematic setup variation, and random setup variation were obtained. Results: Prone position was associated with a higher dose to the rectum or to the bladder in 6 (33%) and 7 (39%) patients, respectively. A simultaneously higher dose to rectum and bladder was noted in 2 (11%) patients in prone and in 7 (39%) patients in supine. Rectal and bladder volumes were frequently larger in prone than in supine: mean prone/supine volume ratios were 1.21 (SD, 0.68) and 1.03 (SD, 1.32), respectively. In these cases cDVH analysis more often favored the prone position. Mean treatment position variation and total setup variation were similar for both prone and supine plans. A higher systematic setup variation was observed in prone positioning: 2.7 mm vs. 1.9 mm (X axis) and 4.1 mm vs. 2.2 mm (Y axis). The random variation was similar for both prone and supine: 4.0 mm vs. 3.6 mm (X axis) and 3.7 mm vs. 3.6 mm (Y axis). Conclusions: Prone position 3D-CRT is frequently, but not always, associated with an apparent dose reduction to the rectum and/or to the bladder for prostate cancer patients. As suggested by the increased mean prone/supine rectal volume ratio, the advantage of prone positioning for the rectum may be artifactual, at least partly reflecting a position-dependent rectal air volume, which may significantly vary from treatment to treatment. In the absence of immobilization devices, daily setup reproducibility appears less accurate for the prone position, primarily due to systematic setup variations.
Eddies southwest of the Denmark Strait

Abstract Numerous cold cyclonic eddies (20–40 km diameter) have been observed in satellite IR imagery (NOAA-11, Ch 3 and 4) along the edge of the East Greenland Shelf to the southwest of the Denmark Strait. The eddies move southwestward along the southeast edge of the East Greenland Current. The path of the eddies is coincident with the location of numerous deep current meter observations from previous surveys during which the strong pulses of overflow water (recorded speeds of over 150 cm s −1 ) had spectra peaked at periods of 1.5−2.5 days. It is suggested that the pulses are the signal observed from energetic, propagating cyclonic vortices extending up to the surface layer and formed by vortex stretching associated with the sinking of dense overflow water downstream from the sill of the Denmark Strait and along the shelf slope. The signature of the vortices at the sea surface appears in the IR imagery as a cold cyclonic eddy often exhibiting a pronounced spiral configuration. Because the entire water column in the slope region would be subjected to strong mixing by the vortices, considerable modification of not only the cold overflow water but also the intermediate and surface layers would occur.
Rapid Uplift of the Altiplano Revealed Through 13C-18O Bonds in Paleosol Carbonates

The elevation of Earth's surface is among the most difficult environmental variables to reconstruct from the geological record. Here we describe an approach to paleoaltimetry based on independent and simultaneous determinations of soil temperatures and the oxygen isotope compositions of soil waters, constrained by measurements of abundances of ^(13)C-^(18)O bonds in soil carbonates. We use this approach to show that the Altiplano plateau in the Bolivian Andes rose at an average rate of 1.03 ± 0.12 millimeters per year between ~10.3 and ~6.7 million years ago. This rate is consistent with the removal of dense lower crust and/or lithospheric mantle as the cause of elevation gain.
Pressure-Induced Cubic to Monoclinic Phase Transformation in Erbium Sesquioxide Er2O3

Cubic Er2O3 was compressed in a symmetric diamond anvil cell at room temperature and studied in situ using energy-dispersive X-ray diffraction. A transition to a monoclinic phase began at 9.9 GPa and was complete at 16.3 GPa and was accompanied by a ∼9% volume decrease. The monoclinic phase was stable up to at least 30 GPa and could be quenched to ambient conditions. The normalized lattice parameter compression data for both phases were fit to linear equations, and the volume compression data were fit to third-order Birch−Murnaghan equations of state. The zero-pressure isothermal bulk moduli (B0) and the first-pressure derivatives (B0‘) for the cubic and monoclinic phases were 200(6) GPa and 8.4 and also 202(2) GPa and 1.0, respectively. Ab initio density functional theory calculations were performed to determine optimized lattice parameters and atom positions for the cubic, monoclinic, and hexagonal phases of Er2O3. The calculated X-ray spectra and predicted transition pressure are in good qualitative ag...
Is there a learning curve for subureteric injection of dextranomer/hyaluronic acid in the treatment of vesicoureteral reflux?

Abstract Objective To answer the question: ‘Is there a learning curve associated with a subureteric injection of Deflux ® ?’ Materials and Methods We retrospectively reviewed charts of patients who received subureteric injection of dextranomer/hyaluronic acid (Deflux ® {AQ2}) (225 procedures) for treatment of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) by four surgeons. The study included 55 patients, 82 ureters, who had postoperative follow-up with a voiding cystogram or nuclear medicine cystogram. Exclusion criteria were prior anti-refluxing procedures, duplicated collecting systems, and non-achievement of a negative intraoperative cystogram. Patients were divided into two groups based on whether or not they received an intraoperative cystogram after the injection. The two groups were compared for VUR resolution rates on follow-up imaging. Results Twenty patients underwent an intraoperative cystogram (Group 1, 33 ureters) and 35 did not (Group 2, 49 ureters). The two groups were similar in age, preoperative reflux grade, amount of Deflux injected into each ureter, and time to postoperative studies. In Group 1, 11 ureters (33.3%) and also, in Group 2, 11 ureters (22.4%) had reflux on follow-up imaging. Conclusions There was no improvement in VUR resolution rate following subureteric injection of Deflux ® when an intraoperative cystogram demonstrated no reflux to be present immediately after injection. Of ureters that did not reflux on intraoperative cystograms, one-third displayed return of reflux on follow-up imaging, which suggests no learning curve and that failures are not likely to be caused by poor surgical technique.
A FORTRAN Computer Program for Converting Among Atom, Weight, and Oxide Percentages for Use in Analytical Electron Microscopy

A FORTRAN program is given which will (1) calculate atom and weight percentages from a given chemical formula: (2) calculate atom percentages from given weight percentages; (3) calculate oxide percentages from given weight percentages; and (4) calculate weight percentages from given oxide percentages. The program is interactive, easy to use, and very convenient for use in electron beam microanalytical work.
The Anomalous Spectral Density Function for Diffusive Motion of Hydrogen in LaNi5H7

Measurements of T 1 (B o = 0.94T), and T 1r as a function of temperature have been carried out on a LaNi 5 H 7 sample at 4 different rotating magnetic field values. The T 1 and T 1r data are consistent with earlier data by Karlicek and Lowe [3,4], in which an asymmetry in the slopes of the log T 1r vs. T −1 plot was found. The new data has been analyzed assuming a spectral density function J(ω,τ c ) of form J(ω, τ c ) = A(τ c )B(Ω)F(ωτ c ), with τ c = τ c∞ exp(E a /kT). This assumption leads to a spectral density function that fits all our data well, with E a = 39 KJ/gm-Atom H, and J(ω)∼ Wω −1.35 in the high frequency limit. This E a agrees well with the E a obtained from diffusion constant measurements.
Viral Paratransgenesis in the Malaria Vector Anopheles gambiae

Paratransgenesis, the genetic manipulation of insect symbiotic microorganisms, is being considered as a potential method to control vector-borne diseases such as malaria. The feasibility of paratransgenic malaria control has been hampered by the lack of candidate symbiotic microorganisms for the major vector Anopheles gambiae. In other systems, densonucleosis viruses (DNVs) are attractive agents for viral paratransgenesis because they infect important vector insects, can be genetically manipulated and are transmitted to subsequent generations. However, An. gambiae has been shown to be refractory to DNV dissemination. We discovered, cloned and characterized the first known DNV (AgDNV) capable of infection and dissemination in An. gambiae. We developed a flexible AgDNV-based expression vector to express any gene of interest in An. gambiae using a two-plasmid helper-transducer system. To demonstrate proof-of-concept of the viral paratransgenesis strategy, we used this system to transduce expression of an exogenous gene (enhanced green fluorescent protein; EGFP) in An. gambiae mosquitoes. Wild-type and EGFP-transducing AgDNV virions were highly infectious to An. gambiae larvae, disseminated to and expressed EGFP in epidemiologically relevant adult tissues such as midgut, fat body and ovaries and were transmitted to subsequent mosquito generations. These proof-of-principle data suggest that AgDNV could be used as part of a paratransgenic malaria control strategy by transduction of anti-Plasmodium peptides or insect-specific toxins in Anopheles mosquitoes. AgDNV will also be extremely valuable as an effective and easy-to-use laboratory tool for transient gene expression or RNAi in An. gambiae.
Whole-Cell Electrical Activity Under Direct Mechanical Stimulus by AFM Cantilever Using Planar Patch Clamp Chip Approach

Patch clamp is a powerful tool for studying the properties of ion-channels and cellular membrane. In recent years, planar patch clamp chips have been fabricated from various materials including glass, quartz, silicon, silicon nitride, polydimethyl-siloxane (PDMS), and silicon dioxide. Planar patch clamps have made automation of patch clamp recordings possible. However, most planar patch clamp chips have limitations when used in combination with other techniques. Furthermore, the fabrication methods used are often expensive and require specialized equipments. An improved design as well as fabrication and characterization of a silicon-based planar patch clamp chip are described in this report. Fabrication involves true batch fabrication processes that can be performed in most common microfabrication facilities using well established MEMS techniques. Our planar patch clamp chips can form giga-ohm seals with the cell plasma membrane with success rate comparable to existing patch clamp techniques. The chip permits whole-cell voltage clamp recordings on variety of cell types including Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells and pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells, for times longer than most available patch clamp chips. When combined with a custom microfluidics chamber, we demonstrate that it is possible to perfuse the extra-cellular as well as intra-cellular buffers. The chamber design allows integration of planar patch clamp with atomic force microscope (AFM). Using our planar patch clamp chip and microfluidics chamber, we have recorded whole-cell mechanosensitive (MS) currents produced by directly stimulating human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells using an AFM cantilever. Our results reveal the spatial distribution of MS ion channels and temporal details of the responses from MS channels. The results show that planar patch clamp chips have great potential for multi-parametric high throughput studies of ion channel proteins.
Demonstration of interferometer sensitivity varying as the inverse of the group index

We have shown experimentally that dispersion due to an intra-cavity electromagnetically induced transparency or gain medium reduces the sensitivity of the cavity resonance frequency to a change in its length by a factor which is inversely proportional to the group index. Since the group index under atomic coherence can be made extremely large, the sensitivity of a long path length optical cavity can be reduced significantly. This can help in constructing highly frequency-stable cavities for various potential applications without taking additional measures for mechanical stability. The results also establish indirectly the opposite effect of increased sensitivity that can be realized for a negative dispersion corresponding to a group index close to a null value. These effects are discussed in the context of potential sensitivity enhancement of a rotation sensor.
Enzyme histochemistry of embryonic nasal mucosa.

The prenatal development of rodent nasal mucous membrane has been examined histochemically (lactate dehydrogenase, succinate dehydrogenase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, PAS and PAS with diastase digestion). Localization and intensity of the enzyme systems studied were distinctly different in respiratory and olfactory areas. These differences were demonstrable by at least the second half of gestation in the animals studied. Findings in Jacobson's organs were parallel to those in olfactory areas. Each of the pathways of carbohydrate metabolism examined was present in respiratory epithelium. However, intensity was less, appeared later and was more variable in intracellular localization than that found in olfactory areas. Based on enzyme staining olfactory epithelium seemed metabolically more active than respiratory mucosa. Apical portions of olfactory epithelium stained most intensely for oxidative enzyme systems, particularly the glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase system. These areas of high activity were thought to represent apices of supporting cells rather than receptor cells. This localization of a pentose phosphate shunt enzyme system was related speculatively to ion transport in these cells. Alkaline phosphatase was relatively slight in respiratory areas during the ages studied. The basal portions of olfactory epithelium stained positively for alkaline phosphatase. Since hydrolytic enzymes have been thought to be important in the mechanism of olfaction, its demonstration in these tissues suggests that this portion of the olfactory mechanism is present by midgestation in the rodents studied.
Intra-annual Variability in Benthic Foraminiferal Abundance in Sediments of Disenchantment Bay, an Alaskan Glacial Fjord

Abstract Sediment deposited from turbid meltwater from Hubbard Glacier dominates the benthic environment in Disenchantment Bay, a glacial fjord in southern Alaska. Sedimentation rates during the meltwater season average 22 cm yr−1 at a station 12 km from the glacier. Samples were collected for foraminiferal analyses from multicores and a piston core. Samples from multicores show annual trends in abundance of Elphidium spp. and Textularia earlandi. Lithofacies consist of couplets of laminated mud deposited by meltwater discharge in summer and diamicton beds deposited as ice-rafted debris during winter. Within mud layers, counts of Elphidium spp. and T. earlandi increase upcore until the winter diamicton layer, where they are absent to rare. Evidence for this variation in abundance can be seen at depth in the piston core. High C∶N ratios (30–90) indicate that carbon flux is from refractory, terrestrial sources rather than labile organic matter. We hypothesize that the pattern of seasonal variation is relate...
Augmentative and alternative communication decision making for children with severely unintelligible speech

Decision making in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is particularly difficult for children who have some functional speech. This is in part because there is no measure of speech intelligibility in children that is sensitive to partner familiarity and semantic context, factors that have been shown to greatly impact the comprehensibility of severely impaired speech. This paper describes the development and clinical use of a measure of functional speech comprehensibility for children. The author presents four case studies of children with severe speech impairments who were referred for AAC evaluation. These case studies demonstrate the role of such a measurement tool in AAC decision making for the following purposes: (1) to resolve team conflicts about speech versus alternative strategies, (2) to demonstrate the benefit of speech supplementation strategies for some children for whom AAC equipment may be inappropriate at this time, and (3) to demonstrate the limitations of speech supplementati...
The effect of azospirilluh brasilense on iron absorption and translocation by sorghum

Abstract Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] displays Fe chlorosis when grown in alkaline soils where iron is insoluble and unavailable as a plant nutrient. We were interested in evaluating the role of naturally produced Fe chelators of rhizospheric bacteria in the utilization of insoluble Fe by sorghum. Seedlings of sorghum were grown under hydroponlc conditions in a nutrient solution containing FeHEDTA or without Fe. All seedlings were transferred after two.weeks into fresh nutrient solution containing FeCl3 with CaCO3 added to adjust the pH to 7.4 and to precipitate Fe. Azospirillum brasilense, a nitrogen fixing bacterium often associated with roots of grasses, was introduced into several of the hydroponic cultures to determine if the siderophore produced by the bacterium would enable sorghum to use the precipitated inorganic Fe. Utilization of added 59FeCl3 was indicated by measurement of radiolabeled Fe in the roots and shoots or by determination of the chlorophyll content of the leaf blades. Addit...
The Micro-Politics of Strategy Formulation1

The business policy literature traditionally has emphasized the rational and normative aspects of strategy formulation in organizations. This paper develops a framework to explicate strategic decision making from a political perspective, with particular reference to the evolution of coalitions around issues. The content of a strategic decision is posited as emerging from internal dynamics. The utility of the framework is demonstrated by its comparison with the rational model of strategic decision making.
Scatter!: a mobile non-parallel multiplayer exertion game

Mobile exertion games offer potential to increase physical activity levels by combining exercise with play. Yet, studies indicate that engagement and use of these games wane over time, reducing their effectiveness for promoting healthy physical activity and long-term behavior change. In this paper, we discuss the importance of non-parallel and multiplayer play modes as mechanisms to increase teen motivation to engage in non-exercise forms of physical activity. We conclude with an introduction to Scatter, a new mobile exertion game emphasizing non-parallel gameplay.
The effects of performance expectation and question difficulty on text study time, response certitude, and correct responding

On the basis of a premise that persons modify studying behavior in order to maintain response certitude at acceptable levels, performance expectations and question difficulty were varied factorially in two studies, and their effects on study time, correct responding, and response certitude were evaluated. The manipulations did not affect study time, but correct responding was in the anticipated direction in both studies, significantly so in Experiment 2. For response certitude, an expected interaction of performance expectation × question difficulty × trial was in the anticipated direction in both studies, significantly so in Experiment 1.
Hypothalamic regulation of the adenohypophyseal-testicular axis in the male chick embryo.

An antibody against luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) as well as naloxone, an opioid antagonist, were added to the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) of 11.5- and 14.5-day-old male chick embryos and plasma testosterone (T) concentrations were determined. This protocol was designed to demonstrate: (1) Whether LHRH is essential in the regulation of the adenohypophyseal-testicular axis in the male embryo and (2) if LHRH is operative in this unit's function, are opiatergic pathways involved in the secretion of LHRH by the hypothalamus. Both anti-LHRH and naloxone lowered plasma T levels in 14.5-day-old embryos, but not 11.5-day-old embryos. This indicates that the hypothalamus, via LHRH, begins to regulate the pituitary-testicular unit at some time between Days 11.5 and 14.5, i.e., the hypothalamo-adenohypophyseal-testicular axis is established. The results also strongly suggest that the normal secretory pattern of LHRH is dependent upon opiatergic innervation of the hypothalamus at the same embryonic time.
Time-resolved picosecond absorption spectroscopy of the layered compound gallium selenide

The picosecond excite-and-probe absorption technique was used to study the relaxation process of photogenerated hot carriers in $\ensuremath{\epsilon}$-GaSe at room temperature. The time dependence of the carrier temperature to relax to the lattice temperature was calculated from the absorption kinetic data. The carriers cooled at the rate of 30 K/ps. The dominant relaxation mechanism of the photogenerated hot carriers in GaSe is attributed to the emission of nonpolar optical phonons ${A}_{1}^{\ensuremath{'}(1)}$. A smaller value for the deformation potential extracted from the measurements is attributed to the screening of hole-phonon interaction by the photogenerated carrier density.
Colloid cyst of the third ventricle: Cytomorphologic features on stereotactic fine‐needle aspiration

Stereotactic brain fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is a valuable diagnostic modality for evaluating space-occupying central nervous system disorders. Colloid cyst (CC) is a rare nonneoplastic lesion thought to arise from misplaced endodermal tissue in the anterosuperior portion of the third ventricle. This study summarizes cytomorphologic features of CC on FNA along with clinical, radiologic, and histopathologic correlation. Ten cases of CC of the third ventricle diagnosed on FNA were retrospectively reviewed for a period of 12 yr (1989–2000). Material was obtained under stereotactic radiologic guidance. Smears were stained with Diff-Quik and Papanicolaou stains and cell block sections with hematoxylin and eosin. The aspirates showed a characteristic sticky and viscous quality on gross examination. Smears showed abundant, amorphous, proteinaceous material with staining qualities similar to colloid aspirated from thyroid. This included a purplish, filmlike coating of the slide with occasional “cracking” artifact; thick, globular, eosinophilic fragments; and granular, ropelike, and somewhat viscous, mucinous material. Pathognomonic radiating hyphae-like structures were not seen. The cellular components varied from isolated cuboidal/columnar cells to large tissue fragments of glandular-type epithelium with focal ciliated border. Goblet cells were frequently identifiable, as were fragments of collagenous cyst wall. Stereotactic FNA of the CC of the third ventricle is an accurate and cost-effective diagnostic modality. Cytomorphology coupled with the radiologic features is sufficiently unique for the diagnosis of this rare pathologic entity. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2002;27:27–31. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Predicting laboratory aggression against female and male targets: Implications for sexual aggression☆

Abstract This study assessed the ability of several variables to predict men's laboratory aggression against female and male victims. The predictors were chosen on the basis of their associations with sexual aggression against women in naturalistic settings. On the whole, these variables successfully predicted laboratory aggression against the female target but were not similarly related to aggression against the male. The data supported the view that specific factors uniquely contribute to aggression against women. It is suggested that, at least in part, such aggression needs to be examined within the larger context of sexist relations.
Framework for measuring complexity of aerospace systems

We propose a framework for measuring the complexity of aerospace systems and demonstrate its application. A measure that incorporates size, coupling, and modularity aspects of complexity is developed that emphasizes the importance of indirect coupling and feedback loops in the system. We demonstrate how hierarchical modular structure in the system reduces complexity and present an algorithm to decompose the system into modules. The measure is tested and found to be scalable for large-scale systems involving thousands of components and interactions (typical in modern aerospace systems). We investigate the sensitivity of the measure and demonstrate the ability of the framework to identify incorrectness in system representation. The merits of the framework are exemplified through a case study comparing three spacecraft. The framework provides the designer with three key capabilities that can positively influence the aerospace (or other) design process: the ability to identify complex subsystems, the ability to classify misrepresentations, and the ability to trade-off commercially of the shelf (COTS) and non-COTS components.
Multivariate Typology of Adolescents with Alcohol Use Disorder

Adolescent patients qualifying for a DSM-II-R diagnosis of alcohol use disorder were studied to determine whether a multidimensional schema could classify subjects into subgroups. The Drug Use Screening Inventory was administered to 151 subjects. To test the concurrent validity of the subtypes, subjects also received a structured diagnostic psychiatric evaluation along with measures of personality, academic achievement, and drinking behavior. Two clusters were identified for each gender. Differences between clusters were reflected primarily on indicators of severity of disorder. Young women were more inclined toward affective disturbances, whereas conduct disorder was the most frequent disorder in young men. This study underscores the heterogeneity of the adolescent population qualifying for a diagnosis of alcohol use disorder. The differential pattern of alcohol involvement and comorbid psychopathology within clusters and between genders demonstrates the need for interventions tailored to specific clinical presentation.
Morphogen gradients: new insights from DPP

Abstract The Drosophila TGFβ family member Decapentaplegic (DPP) has been proposed to function as a morphogen to pattern cell fields in a number of developmental contexts. A series of recent reports add significantly to our knowledge of the mechanisms of DPP-gradient formation and interpretation. These reports identity additional genes and genetic circuitry necessary for this patterning system, and they highlight variations that might reflect developmental constraints within individual target cell fields.
Foreign Trade Zones: The Mid‐American Experience

Foreign trade zone (FTZ) usage in the United States has increased substantially in this decade. This paper discusses the major reasons for that increase, which include a favourable regulatory climate, growing awareness of the competitive benefits of operating within a zone, and community interest in promoting zones as an incentive to attract investment. Examined here are developments in the Mid‐American region, which reflect national trends. In Indiana, illinois, Ohio and Michigan there is considerable interest in general purpose zones, but so far business use has been limited. The major activity is occuring in subzones in individual manufacturing plants, and this is likely to continue in the region as well as nationally.
Work in progress: Enhancement of student learning via recorded worked-out examples and in-class team based problem solving

This paper describes our continued work in creating a set of narrated dynamically worked-out problems and the team based in-class problem solving for the Electric Circuits students to improve their problem-solving skills by understanding the key concepts and the way that they should be utilized in solving circuits' problems. The dynamically worked out problems, consists of problem solution annotated with auditory explanations, which students can watch and listen to. The in-class team based problem solving includes students working together, in teams of two, to solve problems that are presented during the lecture and are related to the recorded worked-out problems. The preliminary evaluations of the proposed approach by a group of students and faculty have been very encouraging.
Hydrogen-bond networks in the mono- and diprotonated cyclic diamine [9]aneN2S

The hydrogen-bond networks in the mono- and diprotonated cyclic diamine, 1-thia-4,7-diazacyclononane, [9]aneN2S, have been examined. Crystals of the monoprotonated, form [9]aneN2S ⋅ HCl, contain a ribbon-like network of alternating strong and weak intermolecular N\(---\)H ⋅⋅⋅ Cl hydrogen bonds and weak intramolecular N\(---\)H ⋅⋅⋅ N hydrogen bonds. Crystal data for [9]aneN2S ⋅ HCl: monoclinic, a = 6.6640(6) A, b = 10.3493(9) A, c = 6.9807(6) A, β = 108.847(1)°, V = 455.63(7) A3, space group P21, Z = 2. In the di-protonated form, [9]aneN2S ⋅ 2HBr, the ribbon-like network comprises strong intermolecular and weak intramolecular N\(---\)H ⋅⋅⋅ Br hydrogen bonds. Crystal data for [9]aneN2S ⋅ 2HBr: orthorhombic, a = 12.5918(13) A, b = 8.0753(9) A, c = 10.6856(11) A, V = 1086.5(2) A3, space group Pnma, Z = 4. The chloride anions of [9]aneN2S ⋅ HCl align in interlocking columns in the a- and c-direction whereas the bromide anions in [9]aneN2S ⋅ 2HBr occupy channels in the b-direction.
Altruism and emotions

If altruism requires self-control, people must consider altruistic acts as costly, the benefits of which will only be recouped in the future. By contrast, I shall present evidence that altruism is dictated by emotions: Altruists secure an immediate payoff from performing altruistic acts, so no element of self-control is present, and no future reward is required or expected.
The Appearance of Persian on Islamic Art

The Appearance of Persian on Islamic Art, Bernard O'Kane, New York: Persian Heritage Foundation (Biennial Ehsan Yarshater Lecture Series on Iranian Art and Archaeology, no. 4), 2009. ISBN 978-1-934...
Frequency spectrum of optokinetic nystagmus in the normal monkey.

Abstract The frequency of optokinetic nystagmus was determined in four monkeys at two luminance levels utilizing middle ranges of stimulus temporal frequency. Results conformed to an equation of logarithmic nature which allowed the prediction of the entire spectrum. Empirical testing in two additional monkeys confirmed the properties of such a function. Nystagmus frequency increased linearly with the logarithm of stimulus frequency to a peak and declined thereafter. An increase in luminance resulted in increases of the peak response magnitude and location, and in the widening of the effective stimulus range. The relative contribution of visual and oculomotor factors as well as the interaction between them is discussed.
AAV1/2-mediated CNS Gene Delivery of Dominant-negative CCL2 Mutant Suppresses Gliosis, β-amyloidosis, and Learning Impairment of APP/PS1 Mice

Accumulation of aggregated amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide was studied as an initial step for Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis. Following amyloid plaque formation, reactive microglia and astrocytes accumulate around plaques and cause neuroinflammation. Here brain chemokines play a major role for the glial accumulation. We have previously shown that transgenic overexpression of chemokine CCL2 in the brain results in increased microglial accumulation and diffuse amyloid plaque deposition in a transgenic mouse model of AD expressing Swedish amyloid precursor protein (APP) mutant. Here, we report that adeno-associated virus (AAV) serotype 1 and 2 hybrid efficiently deliver 7ND gene, a dominant-negative CCL2 mutant, in a dose–response manner and express >1,000-fold higher recombinant CCL2 than basal levels after a single administration. AAV1/2 hybrid virus principally infected neurons without neuroinflammation with sustained expression for 6-months. 7ND expressed in APP/presenilin-1 (APP/PS1) bigenic mice reduced astro/microgliosis, β-amyloidosis, including suppression of both fibrillar and oligomer Aβ accumulation, and improved spatial learning. Our data support the idea that the AAV1/2 system is a useful tool for CNS gene delivery, and suppression of CCL2 may be a therapeutic target for the amelioration of AD-related neuroinflammation.
PHOSPHATIDIC ACID : A LIPID MESSENGER INVOLVED IN INTRACELLULAR AND EXTRACELLULAR SIGNALLING

Abstract Generated during the initial phases of cell signalling, phosphatidic acid has been implicated as a messenger involved in the activation of cellular kinases and phospholipases as well as certain proto-oncogene products and low-molecular-weight G-proteins. Although many of the reported effects of phosphatidic acid can be attributed to metabolites generated by cellular hydrolases, the parent compound clearly possesses important biological activities. However, instead of acting as a ubiquitous second messenger mediating signalling events shared by a wide variety of cells, in many systems the phospholipid seems to function specifically, regulating unique functions confined to specialized groupings of cells. One such function is neutrophil superoxide generation, which is induced when phosphatidic acid, generated by activated phospholipase D (PLD), facilitates the interaction of a cytoplasmic low-molecular-weight G-protein with dormant, membrane-bound reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase. Positioned on the outer surface of the plasma membrane of triggering cells, phosphatidic acid potentially mediates the “juxtacrine” stimulation of cells in direct contact. This review critically evaluates the known biological effects of phosphatidic acid as opposed to functions induced by its metabolites and addresses the mechanisms by which these effects are specifically induced by this phospholipid.
A Study of Asymmetrical Gating for Phase-Controlled Converters

The low power factor of phase-controlled converters when the output voltage is less than the maximum is of-concern in high-power equipment. In a converter consisting of two commutating groups in cascade, the usually low power factor can be improved by firing or gating the thyristors in the two groups asymmetrically. One of the groups is fully advanced (or retarded) to minimize its reactive power, while the other group is controlled to give the desired dc Output. The technique is not recommended for single three-phase bridge converters because of third-hannonic output ripple, second-harmonic line current distortion, and danger of commutation failure. These objections are overcome by combining pairs of three-phase bridges. When regeneration is not required, half of the thyristors can be replaced by diodes, reducing the cost. The method should offer substantial improvement in the power factor of cycloconverter ac motor drives as well as dc motor drives.
Effect of Effort versus Volume on Forced Expiratory Flow Measurement

Recently, the validity of the American Thoracic Society (ATS) standards for selection of spirometric test results has been questioned based on the finding of inverse dependence of FEV1 on effort. I carried out a study to determine how the test results of FEV1 and FEF25-75 are affected by use of effort-based criteria (highest PEFR) as compared with the volume-based criteria (largest FVC, largest sum of FVC and FEV1-ATS criteria). Randomly sampled routine pulmonary function test results obtained from 10 normal subjects and 12 patients with COPD were analyzed. Although selection based on the largest FVC yielded test results identical to that obtained by the ATS criteria, selection based on the highest PEFR resulted in a decline of mean FEV1. The latter, however, was accompanied by an even more significant decrease of FVC, suggesting bias of this criterion toward selecting the maneuvers with lower FVC. Furthermore, the individual values of FEV1 were often found to decrease with effort only when the accompanying FVC were also lower. In contrast, FEF25-75 were more prominently affected by the negative effect of effort regardless of the values of accompanying FVC. It appears that fully inflated lungs (the largest FVC) favorably shift the balance of two opposing influences of effort, one of which positively acts on the effort-dependent portion of the flow-volume curve. FEV1 thus is little affected by effort once the lungs are fully inflated. Accordingly, the volume-based selection criteria remain valid. This argument does not apply to FEF25-75, which is prominently affected by the negative effect of effort.
Relationships between breeding soundness and sex drive classifications in beef bulls.

Prior to use in single-sire mating trials, ninety-two beef bulls were evaluated to determine the relationships between. Breeding Soundness Examination (BSE) and sex drive assessment categories. A BSE score was given to each bull based on scrotal circumference, spermatozoal motility and morphology. Eighty bulls were classified as satisfactory potential breeders, while 12 were classified as questionable potential breeders. Each bull was exposed to two, 10 min modified libido/serving capacity tests. Sixty-nine bulls were classified as high libido and 23 were classified as medium libido. Differences in scrotal circumference and spermatozoal motility did not influence (P > 0.05) the BSE classifications. However, differences in primary, secondary and total spermatozoal abnormalities were the major factors affecting the BSE classification. Bulls classified as high libido serviced three times more (P 0.05) in semen quality or scrotal circumference. There was no relationship (P > 0.05) between BSE and sex drive traits (r = -0.16 to 0.24).
Impact of Obesity and Body Fat Distribution on Survival After Pancreaticoduodenectomy for Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma

Epidemiologic studies have reported a positive correlation between body mass index (BMI) and pancreatic cancer risk, but clinical relevance of obesity and/or body fat distribution on tumor characteristics and cancer-related outcome remain controversial. We sought to assess the influence of obesity and body fat distribution on pathologic characteristics and survival after pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Demographic and biometric data were collected on 328 patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. In a subset of patients, pancreatic fatty infiltration and fibrosis were assessed pathologically, and visceral fat area (VFA) was evaluated. Influence of BMI and body fat distribution on tumor characteristics and survival were evaluated. A significant positive correlation between BMI and VFA was observed, with a wide range of VFA value within each BMI class. According to BMI or VFA distribution, there were no significant differences in patient characteristics, intraoperative or perioperative outcome, or pathologic characteristics, with the exception of significantly higher blood loss in patients with an increased body weight or VFA. Unadjusted overall and disease-free survival between BMI class and VFA quartile were not significantly different. In this study, obesity and body fat distribution were not correlated with specific tumor characteristics or cancer-related outcome.