cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
46 – Estrogen Regulation of Neurotransmitter and Growth Factor Signaling in the Brain

Publisher Summary The data reviewed in this chapter leads one to conclude that estrogen acts throughout the central nervous system (CNS) to modulate neuronal excitability and synaptic efficacy, suggesting that this is a fundamental mechanism of steroid-hormone action in the brain. Modification of specific neural circuits by estradiol is likely to underlie the well-described actions of this ovarian steroid on the female reproductive axis. Given the importance of successful reproduction to the survival of species, it is not surprising that estradiol modifies the release of and cellular responses to a host of classical neurotransmitters and neuropeptides in the brain regions that govern reproductive physiology. However, the accumulating evidence that estrogen has similar actions in other brain regions indicates that modulation of synaptic efficacy represents a candidate mechanism for the regulation of nonreproductive behaviors and neuronal functions known to be estrogen sensitive.
Frantz Fanon in the Era of Black Lives Matter

This chapter reads Black Lives Matter together with Frantz Fanon’s work on the struggle for the dignity of Black people around the world. It demonstrates how, in addition to the work of Negritude thinkers (Aime Cesaire, Leopold Sedar Senghor, Leon Damas, and W.E.B. Du Bois), Fanon’s writing offers the historical background necessary for understanding the Black Lives Matter movement and, more broadly, the Black American experience during the second decade of the twenty-first century. Fanon was among the first to articulate enduring questions about the Black condition in the world and his theoretical insights establish why there is no peace, as long as the dignity of Black men, women, and children are ignored.
Real-time fiber-bundle based multispectral imaging of cardiac tissue structure and monitoring of radiofrequency ablation therapy (Conference Presentation)

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) therapy is commonly used to treat cardiac arrythmias. To restore sinus rhythm, areas of myocardium that triggers abnormal electrical activity are ablated. However, patients require multiple procedures for treatment. Clinicians currently lack the intraoperative surgical tools to visualize and assess tissue during ablation. Real-time visualization of myocardial tissue and lesion formation in vivo could potentially help reduce relapses. In this work, a combined multispectral fiber bundle-RFA catheter is introduced to assess contact and directly visualize lesion formation during and after ablation.
A taxonomical review on recent artificial intelligence applications to PV integration into power grids

Abstract The exponential growth of solar power has been witnessed in the past decade and is projected by the ambitious policy targets. Nevertheless, the proliferation of solar energy poses challenges to power system operations, mostly due to its uncertainty, locational specificity, and variability. The prevalence of smart grids enables artificial intelligence (AI) techniques to mitigate solar integration problems with massive amounts of solar energy data. Different AI subfields (e.g., machine learning, deep learning, ensemble learning, and metaheuristic learning) have brought breakthroughs in solar energy, especially in its grid integration. However, AI research in solar integration is still at the preliminary stage, and is lagging behind the AI mainstream. Aiming to inspire deep AI involvement in the solar energy domain, this paper presents a taxonomical overview of AI applications in solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. Text mining techniques are first used as an assistive tool to collect, analyze, and categorize a large volume of literature in this field. Then, based on the constructed literature infrastructure, recent advancements in AI applications to solar forecasting, PV array detection, PV system fault detection, design optimization, and maximum power point tracking control problems are comprehensively reviewed. Current challenges and future trends of AI applications in solar integration are also discussed for each application theme.
Experimental Evaluation of Slenderness Ratio of Composite Column Reinforced by Multi-skin Steel Tubes

Concrete-filled steel tube (CFST) is a composite section which has more ultimate strength than concrete or steel section alone. This experimental study was conducted to estimate the slenderness ratio of composite concrete-filled multi-steel tubes (CFMST) columns. In this study, 55 composite columns with various heights were fabricated and tested under axial load. They were divided into two main groups depending on the shape of the cross section (circular and square cross section). Both sections have the same external dimensions. Each group includes five subgroups; solid and hollow columns with various numbers of steel layers of different heights. The mode of column failure was used to categorize the columns into non-slender (short) or slender (long) columns. The experimental results exhibited two types of failure modes: local buckling for non-slender columns and global buckling for slender columns. The slenderness ratio (λ) of all samples was calculated mathematically whereby the suggested equation is dependent on the cross-section geometry to specify the slenderness limit of CFST with various numbers of steel tubes. The results show the new proposed equations can be used to predict the slenderness limit of CFST with various numbers of steel tubes, and thus whether the column will behave as slender or non-slender. The results showed that the CFMST with solid section and multiple skins has higher slenderness limit where it increased from (26.12 to 66.12) mm and (53.62 to 129.4) mm for circular and square section for one to three layers, respectively. The proposed equations of slenderness ratio of CFST depend on the ratio of steel area to concrete area in composite cross section. Also, the ultimate strength of the composite section is increased with the increase in the number of skins due to increased confinement of concrete.
High-Intensity Interval Training for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Pilot Study.

Objective To assess the feasibility and changes in outcomes of a 12-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program in individuals with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (OA). Methods The single-arm trial included 29 participants (mean ± SD age 63 ± 7 years; 66% women; 66% obese). Measures of participant flow, adherence, and tolerability were collected. Pain, function, and balance were assessed at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, 20-m fast-paced walk test, 30-second chair-stand test, stair-climb test, timed up and go test, and single leg stance. Cardiorespiratory fitness, strength, and body composition were evaluated using peak oxygen consumption (VO2 peak), isometric knee extensor/flexor strength, and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, respectively. HIIT was completed two times/week (cycling or treadmill) and consisted of 10 repetitions of 1-minute bouts at 90% VO2 peak, with 1-minute rest periods. Separate multivariable-adjusted linear mixed models were fit for each outcome with fixed effects of time, age, sex, body mass index, and random effects of baseline values to estimate mean changes and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) between baseline and 12-week assessments. Results Recruitment aligned with the anticipated enrollment rate, adherence was 70%, and no adverse events were reported. At 12 weeks, improvements were observed for most outcomes, with notable mean changes for the 20-m fast-paced walk (-1.13 [95% CI -1.61 to -0.64] seconds), 30-second chair-stand (2.6 [1.8-3.4] stands), and VO2 peak (0.14 [0.03-0.24] liters/minute). Conclusion In this 12-week pilot study, HIIT improved multiple aspects of health in individuals with knee OA; larger studies are needed.
Document Image Processing and Classification

This chapter contains sections titled: Block Segmentation and Classification Rule-Based Character Recognition System Logo Identification Fuzzy Typographical Analysis for Character Preclassification Fuzzy Model for Character Classification References ]]>
Has the WTO Dispute Settlement System Exceeded Its Authority

A systematic study of 38 adopted decision of the Appellate Body and Panels since the inception of the WTO Dispute Settlement System leads to the conclusion that the WTO Dispute Settlement System remains generally within the boundaries of its authority. With a few limited exceptions, the system has shown appropriate deference to legitimate policy decisions made by WTO Member Governments. Further, US and international law rules on techniques used to dispose of cases (or issues within cases) where a decision seem unnecessary or inappropriate could be used more frequently with regard to the timing of consideration of issues (mootness and ripeness) as well as the exercise of judicial economy.
The Protein Data Bank, 1999–

In 1998, members of the Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics became the managers of the Protein Data Bank archive. This chapter details the systems used for the deposition, annotation and distribution of the data in the archive. Keywords: databases; nuclear magnetic resonance; NMR; Protein Data Bank; structure validation
2007 Donald E. Cummings Memorial Award Lecture. The industrial hygiene profession: current and future issues.

The Donald E. Cummings Memorial Award was established in 1943 as a tribute to AIHA's third president. It is given for outstanding contributions to the knowledge and practice of the industrial hygie...
Nitric oxide regulates migrating motor complex cycling and its postprandial disruption

We investigated the role of nitric oxide (NO) in the regulation of migrating motor complex (MMC) cycling during the fasting state and its postprandial disruption. Intravenous infusion of N omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) first produced a premature MMC and then disrupted MMC cycling for the rest of the day. The cycle length of the MMCs was significantly shorter than the control on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th day after L-NAME infusion. The gastric cyclic motor activity (CMA) did not usually exhibit a premature cycle on the day of L-NAME infusion but was disrupted by L-NAME infusion; the duration of CMA disruption in the stomach was significantly longer than that of MMC disruption in the small intestine. Infusion of N omega-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA) exhibited similar effects. The intravenous infusion of L-NAME also significantly shortened the duration of MMC disruption by a meal. L-Arginine alone had no significant effect on gastrointestinal motor activity during the fasting or the fed state, but when infused with L-NAME, it blocked the effects of NO synthase inhibition. Angiotensin II increased the mean arterial pressure to a level similar to that produced by L-NAME but had no significant effect on the fasting or the fed pattern of gastrointestinal motor activity. We conclude that NO containing nonadrenergic noncholinergic (NANC) neurons play a significant role in regulating MMC and CMA cycling during the fasting state and their disruption by a meal. However, NO may not be the only NANC neurotransmitter to inhibit contractions in the gut; phase I activity in the small intestine persisted during NO synthase inhibition by L-NAME or L-NNA.
Mesoscale Vortex Development during Extreme Precipitation: Colorado, September 2013

AbstractOn 11–12 September 2013, portions of northern Colorado experienced flash flooding as a result of high rain rates accumulating over 180 mm of rain in 6 h. From 0400 to 0700 UTC 12 September a mesovortex was observed traveling northwestward toward the city of Boulder, Colorado, with enhanced upslope flow on its north side and localized deep convection. Although the mesovortex was observed in an area common for lee vortex formation, namely that associated with the Denver Cyclone, it is shown via ARW model simulations that the mesovortex intensified through the release of latent heat, similar to the processes leading to mesoscale convective vortices, rather than by dry topographic-flow dynamics. High rates of cloud water condensation at relatively low altitudes led to a strong vertical gradient in latent heating, resulting in a near-surface positive potential vorticity anomaly. Reducing the contribution of cloud water condensation to latent heating by 50% resulted in no mesovortex development in the m...
Is diastolic heart failuresynonymous with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

In his excellent Editorial Comment, Dr. Zile states that “heart failure with a preserved ejection fraction” and “diastolic heart failure” are synonymous [(1)][1]. Respectfully, I must disagree. Not all patients with diastolic heart failure have left ventricular hypertrophy. Therefore, the
Cost‐effectiveness of nonprofit telemarketing campaigns

Professional fundraisers get a lot of bad press. This chapter documents the expenses, yields, and other characteristics of charitable telemarketing campaigns.
Interaction of slow electrons with methyl phosphate esters

We report computed cross sections for low-energy elastic collisions of electrons with the methyl esters of phosphoric acid, monomethyl, dimethyl, and trimethyl phosphate, and with phosphoric acid itself. For phosporic acid and monomethyl phosphate, polarization effects are included in the calculation, while the two larger molecules are treated in the static-exchange approximation, that is, with polarization neglected. The integral elastic cross sections exhibit broad shape resonances above 5 eV that give rise to strong variations in the differential cross section with energy. However, no shape resonances are evident below 5 eV. We compare our results to previous calculations and measurements and discuss their relevance to electron-induced damage to the DNA backbone.
A Method of Producing Sturdy Specimens of Pressed Powders for Use in X-ray Spectrochemical Analysis:

Many investigators have been confronted with the problem of preparing sturdy pressed powder specimens for use in x-ray spectrochemical analysis. Some have ground or otherwise mixed the powdered material with a binder, such as boric acid1 or cellulose powder prior to pressing in a mold. This dilutes the sample and causes some added uncertainty. One never knows whether the binder is evenly dispersed throughout the sample. Some investigators have pressed powders on a backing of boric acid,1 cellulose powder,2 or Boraxo.3
Mem: Mechanisms of recollection

The MEM framework (Johnson, 1991a, b; Johnson & Hirst, 1992; Johnson & Multhaup, 1992) consists of a relatively small set of component cognitive processes configured into memory subsystems. Here MEM is used to discuss “recollection,” particularly the mechanisms by which aspects of experience become bound together to yield the phenomenal experience of contextually specific, event-like memories. I consider how central aspects of complex events are bound to each other and propose that these same cognitive activities operate to bind central and contextual elements into “episodic” memories. Attention is particularly focused on the role of reactivation in establishing complex memories and in strengthening or consolidating them over time.
Effect of cortisol infusions on endogenous cortisol secretion in man.

ABSTRACT On 4 separate occasions 17–20 mg of cortisol was given intravenously for 4.5 to 6.5 hr at different times of the day to an adult male. Endogenous cortisol secretion was suppressed for 4.5–5.5 hr following cessation of the infusion, and was reinitiated after this period of suppression of secretory activity in a pattern similar to that observed during the same portions of the control days. The study supports the concept that the episodic 24-hr ACTH-cortisol secretory pattern is not directly determined by a sequence of high or low plasma cortisol concentrations, but rather regulated or “programmed” for recurrent shorter time periods linked to the 24-hr sleep-wake cycle.
Glass fiber reinforced ROMP-based bio-renewable polymers: Enhancement of the interface with silane coupling agents

Abstract In this study, the influence of silane coupling agents on interfacial adhesion in glass fiber reinforced polymers from the ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) of a linseed oil-based monomer and dicyclopentadiene is investigated experimentally. Two types of silane coupling agents, norbornenylethyldimethylchlorosilane (MCS) and norbornenylethyltrichlorosilane (TCS), are examined. Interfacial shear strength (IFSS) is evaluated by the microbond technique. The IFSS increases by about 150% for the MCS-treated fibers and by about 50% for the TCS-treated fibers compared to untreated fibers. Dynamic mechanical analysis of composite panels made with untreated and silane-treated fibers reveals that MCS-treated fiber composites have the highest storage modulus and glass transition temperature, indicating strong interfacial interactions at the glass/matrix interface. Short beam shear tests and scanning electron microscopy of fracture surfaces also confirm that MCS is more effective than TCS at improving interfacial adhesion.
Aeolian bedforms, yardangs, and indurated surfaces in the Tharsis Montes as seen by the HiRISE Camera: Evidence for dust aggregates

Abstract HiRISE images of Mars with ground sampling down to 25 cm/pixel show that the dust-rich mantle covering the surfaces of the Tharsis Montes is organized into ridges whose form and distribution are consistent with formation by aeolian saltation. Other dusty areas near the volcanoes and elsewhere on the planet exhibit a similar morphology. The material composing these “reticulate” bedforms is constrained by their remote sensing properties and the threshold curve combined with the saltation/suspension boundary, both of which vary as a function of elevation (atmospheric pressure), particle size, and particle composition. Considering all of these factors, dust aggregates are the most likely material composing these bedforms. We propose that airfall dust on and near the volcanoes aggregates in situ over time, maybe due to electrostatic charging followed by cementation by salts. The aggregates eventually reach a particle size at which saltation is possible. Aggregates on the flanks are transported downslope by katabatic winds and form linear and “accordion” morphologies. Materials within the calderas and other depressions remain trapped and are subjected to multidirectional winds, forming an interlinked “honeycomb” texture. In many places on and near the volcanoes, light-toned, low thermal inertia yardangs and indurated surfaces are present. These may represent “duststone” formed when aggregates reach a particle size below the threshold curve, such that they become stabilized and subsequently undergo cementation.
The use of midazolam for prehospital rapid-sequence intubation may be associated with a dose-related increase in hypotension.

Objective. To investigate the incidence of hypotension associated with the use of midazolam for prehospital rapid-sequence intubation (RSI). Methods. A retrospective review was performed using charts from the two aeromedical agencies servicing the authors' region. The RSI protocols used by crews from the northern (north) and the southern (south) parts of the region were identical, with the exception of midazolam dosing. The north crews used 0.1 mg/kg for all patients, while the south crews used 0.1 mg/kg up to a maximum of 5 mg. All patients receiving midazolam for prehospital RSI were pooled, with multiple linear regression used to investigate the relationship between midazolam dose and both hypotension and a decrease in systolic blood pressure (SBP) following RSI. Patients weighing >50 kg and patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) were evaluated separately to determine differences between north and south with regard to midazolam dosing and incidence of hypotension. Multivariate logistical regression...
Spain's “Conde Claros”: From Popular Song to Harmonic Formula

One of the earliest melodico-harmonic themes for variation appears in Spain in 1538 under the title “Conde Claros.” Wildly popular, it inspired variation sets by at least six composers in three countries during the sixteenth century. At the same time, “Conde Claros” was the subject matter of numerous popular ballads. These vocal and instrumental works are related by head motives that served as a point of departure for improvisations; together, they demonstrate how a formulaic ballad could evolve into a melodico-harmonic theme for instrumental variations.
The magnocellular and parvocellular divisions of the monkey subthalamic nucleus as revealed by cluster analysis of neuronal sizes

Cluster analysis of neuronal somal sizes in the subthalamic nucleus of rhesus monkeys from newborn to adult age allows the segregation of two territories with predominance of small and large cells, respectively. The topographic distribution of the 'parvocellular' and 'magnocellular' segments is similar when samples are obtained from coronal, horizontal and sagittal series of sections. The parvocellular component occupies the rostral pole, the entire rostrocaudal extent of the medial tip and dorsomedial border, and probably also the caudal cap. The magnocellular segment is in the central core extending to the ventrolateral border except for the medial tip. These findings and their correlation with the results of other morphologic and physiologic studies allow the following conclusions. (1) The monkey subthalamic nucleus contains at least two differentially distributed cell subpopulations. (2) The magnocellular division is more related to the pallido-subthalamic-pallidal loop involving the lateral pallidal segment. (3) The parvocellular division appears strategically located to control the pallidal output to diencephalic and mesencephalic targets. (4) Cluster analysis can reveal the existence of more than one neuronal population in a particular brain structure where an overall unimodal distribution of cell sizes may suggest the presence of a single type.
HYDROGEN-INDUCED CRACKING IN PURE IRON

The modulus and internal friction of Armco iron were continuously measured during cathodic charging with hydrogen to investigate crack initiation and growth. The observed modulus decrease was attributed to crack initiation and growth. The internal friction increase during cathodic charging was attributed to plastic deformation accompanying the crack formation. Both the modulus and internal friction behavior were found to be a sum of two parallel exponential processes. The two exponential processes were consistent with different sources of carbon for the crack-producing hydrogen bubble nucleation.
A New Fur Mite, Lavoimyobia Hughesi N.G., N.Sp. (Acarina: Myobiidae) From A North American Rodent

A description is given of a myobiid, Lavoimyobia hughesi n.g., n.sp., taken from Merriam's Kangaroo Rat, Dipodomys merriami Mearns, in Nevada, U.S.A. The new myobiid is interesting in that it shows both advanced and primitive features, and appears to be the first myobiid to be described from Kangaroo Rats.
Incidence of clinically evident deep venous thrombosis after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

Background Advanced age, major orthopedic surgery, neoplastic disease, prolonged operations, varicose veins, immobilization, estrogen-containing medications, and obesity are known risk factors for the development of postoperative thromboembolic complications. Perioperative heparin is useful for reducing the incidence of deep venous thrombosis (DVT), but it is associated with a discrete bleeding rate. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of clinically evident DVT in morbidly obese patients after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass when a pneumatic compression hose is used as the only prophylaxis against DVT instead of anticoagulants.
Dolomite for determining atmosphere control in thermal analysis

Abstract A generally applicable test using dolomite to detect effects of atmosphere self- generation and to determine atmosphere control in thermal analysis is demonstrated. Either differential thermal analysis (DTA) or thermogravimetry (TG) can be used. In a CO2 atmosphere dolomite produces two separate thermal decompositions, but in a CO2-free atmosphere dolomite decomposes in a single reaction. If two peaks or a shoulder appear on the decomposition response in air, effects of self-generated CO2 are proven. If the reaction in air is not complete by 800°C, self-generated CO2 around the sample is strongly indicated. The dolomite decomposition at lower temperature in CO2 essentially independent of CO2 pressure, can be used to establish a temperature reference point for this atmosphere testing. Thin layers of sample and a gas stream flowing over the sample are shown to be necessary for atmosphere control in thermal analysis.
Spectral measures corresponding to orthogonal polynomials with unbounded recurrence coefficients

Sufficient conditions are presented for the existence of an absolutely continuous part for the measure of orthogonality for a system of polynomials with unbounded recurrence coefficients. Results are obtained by analyzing the spectral measure of a related self-adjoint operator.
Electrochemical polymerization of poly(hydroxymethylated-3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT-MeOH) on multichannel neural probes

Electrochemical polymerization of a derivative of 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT), specifically hydroxymethylated EDOT (EDOT- MeOH) which exhibits higher solubility in water than EDOT, was used to modify the surface of gold microfabricated neural probes. Films of varied thickness of the conducting form of PEDOT-MeOH doped with poly(styrene sulfonate) (PSS) were deposited on the surface of the electrodes using different electropolymerization times. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images revealed that the surface of PEDOT-MeOH/PSS had a rough and nodular morphology which lowered the impedance of the coated electrode over a wide range of frequencies from 10 0 to 10 5 Hz. At the biologically relevant frequency of 1 kHz, the lowest impedance magnitude was 10 k� . Cyclic voltammetry (CV) demonstrated the intrinsic redox reaction and the increased charge capacity of PEDOT-MeOH/PSS coated electrodes relative to the bare gold electrodes. PEDOT-MeOH doped with the biologically active nonapeptide CDPGYIGSR was also successfully deposited onto the electrodes to attain adherent and uniform coatings. © 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
High-Pressure Gaseous Injection: A Comprehensive Analysis of Gas Dynamics and Mixing Effects

While the transportation field is mostly characterized by the use of liquid fuels, gaseous fuels like hydrogen and natural gas have shown high thermal efficiency and low exhaust emissions when used in internal combustion engines (ICEs). In particular, high-pressure direct injection of a gaseous fuel within the cylinder overcomes the loss of volumetric efficiency and allows stratifying the mixture around the spark plug at the ignition time. Direct injection and mixture stratification can extend the lean flammability limit and improve efficiency and emissions of ICEs.Compared to liquid sprays, the phenomena involved in the evolution of gaseous jets are less complex to understand and model. Nevertheless, the numerical simulation of a high-pressure gas jet is not a simple task. At high injection pressure, immediately downstream of the nozzle exit the flow is supersonic, the gas is under-expanded, and a large series of shocks occurs due to the effect of compressibility. To simulate and capture these phenomena, grid resolution, computational time-step, discretization scheme, and turbulence model need to be properly set.The research group on hydrogen ICEs at Argonne National Laboratory has been extensively working on validating numerical results on gaseous direct injection and mixture formation against PIV and PLIF data from an optically accessible engine. While a good general agreement was observed, simulations still could not perfectly predict the mixing of fuel with the surrounding air, which sometimes led to significant under-prediction of fuel dispersion. The challenge is to correctly describe the gas dynamic phenomena of under-expanded gas jets. To this aim, x-ray radiography was performed at the Advanced Photon Source (APS) at Argonne to provide high-detail data of the mass distribution within a high-pressure gas jet, with the main focus on the under-expanded region.In this paper, the numerical simulation of high-pressure (100 bar) injection of argon in a cylindrical chamber is performed using the computational fluid dynamic (CFD) solver Fluent. Numerical results of jet penetration and mass distribution are compared with x-ray data. The simplest nozzle geometry, consisting of one hole with a diameter of 1 mm directed along the injector axis, is chosen as a canonical case for modeling validation. A sector (90°) mesh, with high resolution in the under-expanded region, is used and the assumption of symmetry is made. Results show good agreement between CFD and x-ray data. Gas dynamics and mass distribution within the jet are well predicted by numerical simulations.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Preliminary studies of 6β-hydroxydexamethasone and its importance in the DST

Abstract The role of the metabolites of dexamethasone (DEX) in the dexamethasone suppression test (DST) has never been fully elucidated. We report here our preliminary studies of 6β-hydroxydexamethasone (6 OH-Dex), a known metabolite of DEX, on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis of the rat; its activity in the most commonly used radioimmunoassay for plasma DEX; and its plasma concentrations in a normal human subject during the standard 1.0 mg DST. Six OH-Dex administered subcutaneously to rats at a dose of 1 mg/kg was able to completely suppress corticosterone production for at least 3 hr. In the IgG Corp. radioimmunoassay for plasma DEX, 6 OH-Dex was moderately cross-reactive yielding a 50% cross-reactivity of 10%. Gas chromatographic coupled mass spectroscopic analysis of human plasma samples, obtained 12 to 20 hr after the oral ingestion of 1.0 mg DEX, demonstrated similar plasma concentrations for both the parent compound and the 6-hydroxyl metabolite. The relevance of these findings, particularly to pharmacokinetic studies of the DST, is discussed.
m‐Synephrine: Normal Occurrence in Adrenal Gland

: Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-selected ion monitoring has been used to identify m-synephrine (phenylephrine) in bovine adrenal gland. After ion exchange chromatography, m-synephrine was converted to its N-trifluoroacetyl-O-trifluoroacetoxy derivative and identified by retention time and relative intensities of the two characteristic ions at m/e 140 and m/e 455. Deuterated m-synephrine was synthesized and used as an internal standard for quantitative analysis. Bovine adrenal gland contains 83 ng g-1 (range, 33-131) of endogenous m-synephrine.
Child Protection Practices in Mennonite Church USA Congregations

An online survey was conducted to determine the characteristics, practices, and experiences of Mennonite Church USA congregations with and without written child protection policies. In June 2010, 2...
Effects of Eye Color on the Accuracy of Ball Throwing of Elementary School Children

Light-eyed individuals generally perform better at self-paced activities while dark-eyed individuals perform better at reactive activities. In throwing a ball at a target there were no differences between light- and dark-eyed elementary school-age children. Boys hit the target more times than did girls, and older children in upper grades hit the target more often than did younger children in lower grades.
Prostate-specific antigen 'velocity' as a diagnostic test for prostate cancer.

Background Prostate-specific antigen “velocity” (slope) is promoted as a diagnostic test for prostate cancer, but its clinical usefulness is uncertain. Accordingly, we evaluated the sensitivity of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) velocity among men who are diagnosed subsequently with prostate cancer. Methods Among 64,545 men receiving primary care at any of nine Veterans Affairs Medical Centers during 1989-1990, 1,313 men at least 50 years old had an incident diagnosis of prostate cancer during 1991-1995. PSA velocity values obtained prior to diagnosis (“test”) were compared with results from prostate biopsies (“truth”). Results Among men (n = 493) with at least two tests before diagnosis, the sensitivity of PSA velocity ≥ 0.75 ng/mL/yr was 75.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] 71.7-79.3) overall and 48.1% (95% CI 34.8-61.5) among men with normal values of PSA ( Conclusion PSA velocity may have limited usefulness as a diagnostic test for prostate cancer.
Reactions of uranium carbides with aqueous sodium hydroxide solutions

Abstract Reactions of the uranium carbides with 2–18 M NaOH solutions resulted in oxidation of part of the uranium to the hexavalent state, with the accompanying evolution of hydrogen. The hydrocarbons produced in reactions with uranium monocarbide and sesquicarbide were the same as those produced with water. With the dicarbide, some of the hydrogen resulting from oxidation of the uranium reacted with the carbide carbon, forming more gaseous hydrocarbons (and presumably less wax) than were obtained with water; the relative concentrations of the various C 2 - to C 8 -hydrocarbons were independent of the NaOH concentration.
Do storybooks really break children's gender stereotypes?

Gender stereotypes—the features andcharacteristics assigned to men andwomen in a particular society—are preva-lent in children as young as the preschoolyears(MartinandRuble,2004).Forexam-ple, preschoolers can categorize toys asappropriate for either girls (e.g., dish-set) or boys (e.g., toolset), and play withthem according to gender expectations(Raag and Rackliff, 1998). Many fac-tors have been linked to the display anddevelopmentofgenderstereotypesinchil-dren, including the role of storybooksin shaping children’s gender stereotypes(Jennings, 1975; Ashton, 1983; Trepanier-Street et al., 1990; Green et al., 2004).Storybooks are believed to help childrenunderstand the roles of men and womenin society by reinforcing children’s ideasabout gender roles (i.e., what is typi-cally appropriate for men and women) or,alternatively, by
After Westgate: opportunities and challenges in the war against Al-Shabaab

The attack on the Westgate Mall in Nairobi, Kenya, in September 2013 intensified international scrutiny of the war against Harakat Al-Shabaab Mujahideen (Movement of the Warrior Youth). This article analyses the current state of affairs with reference to the three principal sets of actors in this war: Al-Shabaab, the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and its international partners, and the various actors currently involved in building the Somali Federal Government's security forces. It argues that although the newly reconfigured Al-Shabaab poses a major tactical threat in Somalia and across the wider Horn of Africa, the movement is becoming a less important actor in Somalia's national politics. As Al-Shabaab loses territory and its popularity among Somalis continues to dwindle, other clan- and region-based actors will become more salient as national debates over federalism, the decentralization of governance mechanisms beyond Mogadishu and the place of clannism will occupy centre stage. As a consequence, AMISOM's principal roles should gradually shift from degrading Al-Shabaab towards a broader stabilization agenda: encouraging a national consensus over how to build effective governance structures; developing an effective set of Somali National Security Forces; and ensuring that the Federal Government delivers services and effective governance to its citizens, especially beyond Mogadishu in the settlements recently captured from Al-Shabaab. As it stands, however, AMISOM is not prepared to carry out these activities. More worryingly, nor is the Somali Federal Government.
Racial/ethnic socialization and parental involvement in education as predictors of cognitive ability and achievement in African American children.

Racial/ethnic socialization has not been studied in the context of other parenting behaviors such as parental involvement in education and its relationship to children’s cognitive outcomes. The present study tested the impact of racial/ethnic socialization and parental involvement in education on cognitive ability and achievement in a sample of African American youth. Two dimensions of racial/ethnic socialization, cultural exposure (i.e., exposure to diverse cultures) and cultural socialization (i.e., in-group pride), were examined in a sample of 92 African American mother–child dyads, of which 50% were female. Maternal reports of involvement during their child’s 5th grade year were examined as a moderator in the relationship between racial/ethnic socialization and cognitive ability and achievement. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that mothers’ reports of cultural exposure messages measured in 4th grade predicted children’s scores on 5th grade assessments of passage comprehension. There was also a significant interaction indicating that greater cultural exposure and more parental involvement in education predicted better reading passage comprehension scores over time. The implications for assessing dimensions relevant to cognitive ability and achievement in African American children are discussed.
Polychlorinated Biphenyl Reductive Dechlorination by Vitamin B12s: Thermodynamics and Regiospecificity

Microbial reductive dechlorination reactions play an important role in determining the environmental fate of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), especially for PCB congeners with more than four chlorines. Powerful chemical catalysts such as vitamin B{sub 12s} provide an effective tool for the study of reductive dechlorination reactions. The reductive dechlorination of PCBs by titanium(III) citrate-reduced vitamin B{sub 12s} was studied in batch reactors. Long-term experiments demonstrated reductive dechlorination of aqueous and sediment-sorbed 2,3,4,5,6-pentachlorobiphenyl (2,3,4,5,6-PeCB) to tetra-, tri-, di-, and monochlorobiphenyl products. Approximately 10% chlorine removal was observed in 36 days in aqueous experiments at 20 C; the sediment experiment showed 40% chlorine removal in 42 days at 30 C. Nearly all possible intermediates were produced and reductively dechlorinated, with no apparent accumulation of individual congeners. Short-term experiments were conducted to determine the pathway for vitamin B{sub 12s}-catalyzed reductive dechlorination of aqueous 2,3,4,5,6-PeCB and its dechlorinated products; relative product distributions were measured for all possible tetra- and trichlorobiphenyl reductive dechlorination reactions. Theoretical product distributions based on free energies of formation agreed with observed product distributions for short- and long-term experiments. Reductive dechlorination was favored at positions with adjacent chlorines; on average, chlorines were removed equally from ortho, meta, and para positions.
Influence of fat and carbohydrate content of diet on food intake and growth of male infants.

. Two groups of normal fullterm infants were studied from 8 to 112 days of age while receiving formulas of the same caloric density and prepared from the same ingredients. A limited selection of strained foods was permitted. From the combination of formula and strained foods, one group received 29% of calories from fat and 62% from carbohydrate whereas the other received 57% from fat and 34% from carbohydrate. Fifteen infants in each group completed the study as planned. Energy intakes per kilogram and rates of gain in length and weight were similar in the two feeding groups.
Impact of body mass index and tumor location on the incidence of benign histology at the time of nephron-sparing surgery

Purpose Gender, smoking history, patient age, and tumor size have been found to impact the likelihood of benign histology at the time of nephron-sparing surgery (NSS). Providing external validation of these variables and evaluating the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and tumor location on the likelihood of benign histology during NSS for T1 tumors were the objectives of this study.
Prospective Study of Protozoa Associated Diarrhea Among Children Attending Child Care Centers † 746

Aim To assess the role of Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium parvum as causes of diarrhea outbreaks among children attending child care centers (CCC) during one year of prospective observation. Methods From 11/93 to 11/94, children attending 8 CCCs in the Norfolk, VA, area were monitored daily for occurrence of diarrhea. Stool specimens were collected whenever diarrhea occurred and tested by EIA for giardia and cryptosporidium antigens (LMD Laboratories, Carlsbad, CA) and viral enteropathogens (astrovirus, enteric adenovirus, MX virus, and rotavirus). A diarrhea episode was defined as the occurrence of watery stools at twice a child's daily frequency for at least 2 consecutive days. A diarrhea outbreak was defined as at least 2 diarrhea episodes in the same week in a CCC. An enteropathogen outbreak was defined as a diarrhea outbreak with ≥ 2 children with the same enteropathogen during the outbreak. Results 234 children, 2-31 months of age, were monitored for 4564 child-weeks (mean 20 child-weeks/child). 16 diarrhea outbreaks occurred in 6 of the CCCs; 2 CCCs had no outbreaks. 946 diarrheal stool specimens from 179 children were tested for protozoa. 44 (25%) of the children were infected with protozoa during the study period; 3 children had concurrent infections. 23 (13%) of the children had cryptosporidiosis and 7 of 16 outbreaks included cryptosporidium as a co-pathogen with one or more viral enteropathogens. 27 (15%) of the children had giardiasis. Giardia was the sole cause of 2 diarrhea outbreaks, and a co-pathogen in 9 outbreaks with one or more viral enteropathogens. Giardia more commonly infected children less than 15 months of age than did cryptosporidium (P=.02). Cryptosporidiosis occurred more commonly in Fall/Winter than in Spring/Summer (RR 2.94, 95% CI; 1.19, 7.28), but giardiasis did not have a seasonal predominance. Conclusions During one year of observation, 12% of outbreaks were associated with giardia, and 56% of outbreaks had a protozoal co-pathogen. Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium parvum were frequent co-pathogens in CCCs. Giardia infects younger children than cryptosporidium. Cryptosporidium, but not giardia, demonstrated a Fall/Winter predominance in these CCCs.Supported by NIH-AI28544 and 13021, and LMD Laboratories, Carlsbad, CA
The Effect of Instrumental Music Participation and Socioeconomic Status on Ohio Fourth-, Sixth-, and Ninth-Grade Proficiency Test Performance

This study is a comparison of the Ohio Proficiency Test (OPT) results of instrumental music students and their noninstrumental classmates according to socioeconomic status (SES) over time. Subjects (N= 15,431) were students in the Columbus Public Schools in Ohio, whose fourth-, sixth-, and ninth-grade OPT results were compared with others of like SES on the subjects of citizenship, math, science, and reading. Results show that instrumental students outperformed noninstrumental students in every subject and at every grade level. Instrumental students at both levels of SES held higher scores than their noninstrumental classmates from the fourth grade, suggesting that instrumental music programs attract higher scorers from the outset of instruction. Results also show a pattern of increased achievement by lower SES instrumental students, who surpassed their higher SES noninstrumental classmates by the ninth grade in all subjects.September 15, 2005March 20, 2006
Effects of NHE-1 inhibition on cardioprotection and impact on protection by K/Mg cardioplegia

Abstract Background . Cardiac sodium hydrogen exchanger isoform-1 (NHE-1) activity during ischemia/reperfusion contributes to myocardial injury. The effects of NHE-1 inhibition during ischemia or reperfusion and on the protection afforded by K/Mg cardioplegia was unknown. Methods . Rabbit hearts were used for Langendorff perfusion. Control hearts were perfused for 180 minutes. Global ischemia (GI) hearts received 30 minutes normothermic global ischemia and 120 minutes reperfusion. K/Mg hearts received cardioplegia 5 minutes before ischemia. Separate groups of GI and K/Mg hearts received the NHE-1 inhibitor, HOE-642, before ischemia (HOE-642-I), at the immediate start of reperfusion (HOE-642-R), or both before ischemia and at the immediate start of reperfusion (HOE-642-IR). Results . Left ventricular peak developed pressure was significantly increased in HOE-I, HOE-R, and HOE-IR throughout reperfusion ( p p p p Conclusions . NHE-1 inhibition used alone provides cardioprotection with optimal effects being observed with HOE-IR. NHE-1 inhibition with K/Mg cardioplegia decreases postischemic functional recovery during late reperfusion.
Fusion of detection probabilities and comparison of multisensor systems

A Bayesian detection model is formulated for a distributed system of sensors, wherein each sensor provides the central processor with a detection probability rather than an observation vector or a detection decision. Sufficiency relations are developed for comparing alternative sensor systems in terms of their likelihood functions. The sufficiency relations, characteristic Bayes risks, and receiver operating characteristics provide equivalent criteria for establishing a dominance order of sensor systems. Parametric likelihood functions drawn from the beta family of densities are presented, and analytic solutions for the decision model and dominance conditions are derived. The theory is illustrated with numerical examples highlighting the behavior of the model and benefits of fusing the detection probabilities. >
Spherical Stochastic Neighbor Embedding of Hyperspectral Data

In hyperspectral imagery, low-dimensional representations are sought in order to explain well the nonlinear characteristics that are hidden in high-dimensional spectral channels. While many algorithms have been proposed for dimension reduction and manifold learning in Euclidean spaces, very few attempts have focused on non-Euclidean spaces. Here, we propose a novel approach that embeds hyperspectral data, transformed into bilateral probability similarities, onto a nonlinear unit norm coordinate system. By seeking a unit l2-norm nonlinear manifold, we encode similarity representations onto a space in which important regularities in data are easily captured. In its general application, the technique addresses problems related to dimension reduction and visualization of hyperspectral images. Unlike methods such as multidimensional scaling and spherical embeddings, which are based on the notion of pairwise distance computations, our approach is based on a stochastic objective function of spherical coordinates. This allows the use of an Exit probability distribution to discover the nonlinear characteristics that are inherent in hyperspectral data. In addition, the method directly learns the probability distribution over neighboring pixel maps while computing for the optimal embedding coordinates. As part of evaluation, classification experiments were conducted on the manifold spaces for hyperspectral data acquired by multiple sensors at various spatial resolutions over different types of land cover. Various visualization and classification comparisons to five existing techniques demonstrated the strength of the proposed approach while its algorithmic nature is guaranteed to converge to meaningful factors underlying the data.
Polycyclic aryloxiranes: A new class of carcinogens

Summary Metabolism of carcinogenic hydrocarbons is known to afford K-region and non-K-region oxides, both of which exhibit significant biological activity. Synthesis of a new class of oxide derivatives of polycyclic hydrocarbons, the aryloxiranes, is now described. A series of aryloxiranes and a related series of vinyl analogs were synthesized from the corresponding aldehydes via the Corey and Wittig reactions, respectively. Preliminary tests indicate the oxirane, formyl, and vinyl derivatives of benzo(a)pyrene and benz(a)anthracene to be moderately active carcinogens, while the related derivatives of the naphthalene and anthracene ring systems are inactive.