cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
IGFBP-3 Nuclear Localization Predicts Human Prostate Cancer Recurrence

Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) is a pro-apoptotic, anti-metastasic, and anti-angiogenic protein. Low serum IGFBP-3 has been associated with risk of more aggressive prostate cancer (PCa). We investigated the impact of nuclear and cytoplasmic IGFBP-3 protein expression levels in PCa by examining their in situ expression across a wide spectrum of primary tumors by immunohistochemical analysis of tissue microarrays. Immunohistochemistry was performed on PCa microarrays constructed from 226 hormone naive patients who underwent radical prostatectomy. Both cytoplasmic and nuclear IGFBP-3 expressions were scored in a semi-quantitative fashion using an integrated measure of intensity and positivity. The distribution of IGFBP-3 protein expression was examined across the spectrum of epithelial tissues, and its association with standard clinicopathological covariates and tumor recurrence was examined. There was a broad range of IGFBP-3 staining across all histologies examined. Tumor had higher IGFBP-3 cytoplasmic and nuclear staining than benign histologies. For IGFBP-3 nuclear staining, PCa was significantly different than benign prostatic hyperplasia, normal prostate, and prostate intraepithelial neoplasia. As both a continuous and dichotomized variable, higher nuclear IGFBP-3 expression had statistically significant associations with PCa recurrence. The cytoplasmic staining had no significance in any patient subgroup. In patients with low-grade cancer, IGFBP-3 nuclear positivity was a better predictor of recurrence than baseline PSA, tumor margin status, TNM tumor stage, or presence of capsular invasion. High nuclear IGFBP-3 is amongst the strongest predictors of cancer recurrence in patients with low-grade prostate cancers and may therefore play an important role in risk stratification.
Incorporating self-efficacy and interpersonal support in an intervention to increase physical activity in older women

ABSTRACT Purpose: To compare the efficacy of five versus one session of Behavioral Counseling in a 12-week intervention to increase self-efficacy and family and friend support for activity, and examine self-efficacy and support as mediators of activity among 46 urban women. Methods: A randomized, controlled trial conducted during 2004 in Omaha, Nebraska. Outcomes were analyzed with Repeated Measures-ANOVA and path analysis. Findings: No significant change was observed in self-efficacy in the five-session group, but a significant decrease was observed in the one-session group (p = .005). Family and friend support increased significantly in the five-session group (p < .001, p = .019). The intervention effect on activity was mediated through change in self-efficacy and family support. Conclusions: Five behavioral counseling sessions maintained self-efficacy and increased family and friend support although the intervention did not directly affect activity. Implications: The intervention can be replicated with...
A simple method for determining water‐induced gelling times of isocyanate prepolymers

A spectral assay has been developed that permits reliable determination of polymer gelling times. Water-soluble, isocyanate-containing polyether prepolymers initiate chain extension on contact with water and after some period of time form a semisolid hydrogel matrix. Techniques based on visual observations used to determine the end point for this process generally produce erratic results. By following scattered transmittance of visible light by an aqueous solution of prepolymer during the gelation process, it is possible to obtain a more objective determination of the gelation time. It was empirically demonstrated that the minimum of the first derivative of the scattered transmittance versus time spectrum correlated with the observed gel time over a wide time scale. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Crasiella fonseci, a new species of Gastrotricha (Macrodasyida, Planodasyidae) from São Paulo, Brazil

A new gastrotrich species of the genus Crasiella (Macrodasyida: Planodasyidae) is described from sublittoral sands of Ilha do Tamandua (Caraguatatuba, Sao Paulo), Brazil. Crasiella fonseci n. sp. is up to 560 μm long and differs from its congeners in its unique trilobed head shape, distinct indentation at the pharyngeal pores, and the presence of reinforcing rods in the caudal pedicles. Adhesive tubes are only present in ventrolateral and posterior series. The ventrolateral adhesive tubes are of multiple sizes and form two slightly-staggered columns down the length of the body. Tubes of the pharyngeal region are short, stout, and protrude laterally, while most tubes of the trunk region are distinctly thinner, more flaccid, and project posteriorly. Caudally, the tubes are again stouter and project laterally. Seven posterior adhesive tubes are borne on a pair of small caudal pedicles that are reinforced internally with rods. Animals are simultaneous hermaphrodites with a small frontal organ and large, apparently non-muscular caudal organ. This is the first report of the genus from South American waters.
On the oxidation resistance of carbon-carbon composites obtained by chemical vapor infiltration of different carbon cloths

Abstract Materials of widely differing properties were used as substrates for the preparation of carbon-carbon composites by chemical vapor deposition of carbon from a propylene-nitrogen mixture at atmospheric pressure and 750°–850°C. The pyrolytic carbon yields were found to be independent of the surface area of the carbon-fabric substrate. The oxidation behavior of the composites and their individual components was studied over the entire burn-off range (0%–100%). The structure of the starting and partially reacted composites was investigated by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. No synergistic effects were observed when the reactivities of the individual components were significantly different. It is thus concluded that a straightforward analysis of the complete burn-off profile of a composite, together with the knowledge of the structure and reactivity of the individual components, is necessary and can be sufficient for a fundamental understanding of its oxidation resistance.
Nurses' Perceptions of Children's Pain: A Pilot Study of Cognitive Representations

Despite advances in pain assessment and management, hospitalized children continue to report high levels of pain intensity. Untreated pain can have deleterious effects on multiple body functions, resulting in delayed recovery, prolonged hospitalization, and worsening illness. Prior research demonstrates that nurses administered analgesia that was less than amounts recommended by standards and less than that available by physician order. This study was conducted to better understand how nurses think about and respond to children's pain by examining pediatric nurses' cognitive representations (CRs) and comparing the contents of CRs with standards of practice and with management decisions in case studies. Kaplan's theory of CR guided the research. Twenty registered nurses' CRs were measured by the Conceptual Content Cognitive Map open-ended technique. Descriptive and content analyses revealed that participants have rich and diverse CRs of children's pain. Cognitive map content items (294) were coded by investigators as belonging to an assessment (63%) or management (37%) domain. Items were further coded into multiple subgroups in each domain. For assessment, 65% of participants included the use of children's self-report of pain in their maps while 80% included behavioral manifestations; 50% included both. For management, 75% of participants identified pharmacological approaches, 60% identified nonpharmacological approaches, and 35% identified family involvement; 25% identified all three approaches. Indicators in participants' cognitive maps suggest there may be a relationship between nurses' CRs and choice of analgesic administration. Findings provide the direction for future education and research to improve children's pain relief.
RAFT polymerization and associated reactivity ratios of methacrylate-functionalized mixed bio-oil constituents

This work features a new suite of correlations for estimating kinetic parameters from multicomponent reversible addition–fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) polymerizations and an improved methodology for determining reactivity ratios in the pursuit of cost-effective and renewable plastics prepared from moderately processed bio-oils. Select monomers representing possible derivatives of compounds found in renewable bio-oils, such as pyrolyzed Kraft lignin and vegetable oils, were polymerized to investigate the consequences of structural diversity on the kinetics of RAFT polymerization. To facilitate predictions of heteropolymer dispersities and molecular weights, apparent chain-transfer coefficients (Capptr's) and propagation rate constants (kappp's) from homopolymerizations were correlated to kinetic parameters associated with the polymerization of bio-oil mixtures. Capptr depended on the reactivity ratios of the bio-oil components and the composition of the bio-oil feed, whereas kappp was related to only the composition of the bio-oil feed. A modified approach for analyzing Mayo–Lewis plots resulted in more accurate reactivity ratios and with greater precision in comparison to conventional nonlinear fitting procedures and traditional linearization fitting methods, respectively. The measured compositional data readily mapped onto the predicted monomer distribution profiles in multicomponent polymers, confirming the validity of the improved method described herein to determine reactivity ratios. Altogether, this manuscript offers a strategy for improving the viability of biobased polymers, addressing two key factors: minimizing separations costs by polymerizing bio-oil mixtures and preventing batch-to-batch inconsistencies in polymer properties by applying a priori knowledge about the bio-oil constituents’ individual kinetic parameters.
Is It Worthwhile to Add Dipivefrin HCl 0.1 % to Topical β1-, β2-blocker Theraphy?+

Abstract In a prospective study, the addition of dipivefrin hydrochloride 0.1 twice daily to one eye of 32 patients with early primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension, maintained on a bilateral β 1 -, β 2 -blocker twice daily, resulted in a significant decrease of mean intraocular pressure (IOP) from 22.7 ± 3.9 to 20.2 ± 3.4 mmHg at 1 week ( P = 0.0001) and to 21.0 ± 3.8 mmHg at 12 weeks ( P 1 -, β 2 -blocker regimen.
The role of MEKK1 in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

MEKK1 is a ubiquitously expressed mitogen activated protein kinase that is involved in tissue remodeling in a variety of settings including carotid artery blood flow cessation, wound healing, and breast adenocarcinoma intravasation. Here, we have tested the function of MEKK1 in genetic hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). MEKK1 was genetically deleted in C57Bl6/J mice expressing a mutant α-myosin heavy chain (HCM-MEKK1-/-). The absence of MEKK1 in HCM resulted in a more pronounced hypertrophy when compared to HCM mice with the MEKK1 gene intact without further increases in atrial natriuretic factor and β-myosin heavy chain (MyHC) expression and fibrosis. Since MEKK1 is required for the induction of several tissue proteases, we tested the hypothesis that cardiac enlargement of HCM- MEKK1-/- mice was due to altered expression of urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA), JunB, matrix-metalloproteinase (MMP), and tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs). Because of its role in preventing apoptosis, we also tested the loss of MEKK1 on apoptotic mediators Bcl-2, cytochrome C, caspase-9, and caspase-3. uPA expression was decreased while JunB, MMP-9, caspase-9, and caspase-3 activities were elevated in HCM- MEKK1-/- hearts when compared to MEKK1-/-, wild-type (WT), and HCM mice. Bcl-2 and Cyt C expression was elevated only in HCM mice. We conclude that the absence of MEKK1 induces a more pronounced cardiac hypertrophy to HCM through altered expression of proteases implicated in cardiac remodeling and increased apoptosis.
Cytokine expression due to Helicobacter pylori in a tissue culture model

Helicobacter pylori, in recent years, has been recognized as the major causative agent in chronic gastritis and peptic ulcer disease in humans. H. pylori is a ubiquitous organism, with at least half of the world’s population infected. Of those individuals with peptic ulcer disease, it is estimated that 90% of cases are caused by H. pylori. Currently, the efficacy of therapies is starting to decline due to increasing resistance rates, especially towards clarithromycin. Due to this, new therapies are needed to combat this bacterium. It is hypothesized that cytokine release (especially interleukin-1β, -6, -8, and TNF-α) due to H. pylori infection and the subsequent influx of inflammatory cells causes a massive release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during the inflammatory reaction. The ROS then cause the pathologic changes seen in the infected tissues. In this study, human gastric adenocarcinoma cell line ATCC 1739 (a cell line not previously evaluated) was examined for its production of interleukin-1β, -6, -8, and TNF-α when cocultured in a ratio of 10:1 H. pylori to adenocarcinoma cells, to determine its value as a model to demonstrate the inflammatory response. Results from this study indicated that ATCC 1739 cells only reliably produced IL-8 when cocultured with H. pylori and stimulated with TNF-α. The production of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α by the ATCC 1739 cells was no different in H. pylori-exposed cells than non-exposed cells. It was concluded that the ATCC 1739 cell line is not suitable to study the effects of coculture with H. pylori on cytokine production.
Indirect reacting hyperbilirubinemia in cirrhosis: its relation to red cell survival.

The clinical, biochemical, and hematologic findings in 16 patients with Laennec's cirrhosis and predominantly indirect hyperbilirubinemia are presented. Three patients had previously undergone a portacaval shunt. The mean51Cr-labeled red-cell halflife obtained in 12 of the cirrhotics with indirect hyperbilirubinemia was 17.9 days, compared to a mean of 23.6 days in the control group of 12 cirrhotics with direct hyperbilirubinemia. This difference was statistically significant (p<0.01).
AC Corona Charging of Particles

Measurements of the mobility statistics of dioctyl-phthalate (DOP) particles leaving an ac corona charger with various electrode configurations are reported. Mobilities are determined using a laser-Doppler velocimeter (LDV) to measure particle migration velocities in response to a transverse electric field imposed downstream of the charger. Charging models, which do not include effects of finite ion transit times, nonuniform fields, or differences between the distributions of positive and negative wire coronas, predict some of the mobility statistics, especially below 100 Hz, but cannot explain the high-frequency charging. In the turbulent flow with significant corona wind effects the disparate corona current distributions are shown to have a significant effect on the ac corona charging processes.
From Tennessee to California in 1849: Letters of the Reeve Family of Medford, New Jersey

These letters written in journal form by Clayton and Robert Reeve, brothers, and their sister, Rebecca Foster Reeve tell the story of their travels westward to seek out gold and other treasure in California.
PARTICIPATORY PLANNING: THE P.C.I.'S NEW APPROACH TO MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT

The thesis of this paper is that the Italian Communists are attempting to implement a top-initiated response to increasing societal demands for government services and the crisis of confidence in local politics in blending together technocratic-efficiency elements in the management of public affairs along with sustained grassroots participation. We will attempt to analyze this response by looking at the structural aspects of the urban problem, national legislation on neighborhood government passed in 1976, and an evaluation of the Bologna experiment with urban decentralization. The purpose will be to assess the impact that the PCI's new approach has had on citizen participation in local government as well as part successes at the local and national level.
Mechanism of IL-1 induced inhibition of protein synthesis in skeletal muscle.

ABSTRACTChronic interleukin (IL)-1 administration is associated with negative nitrogen balance and the loss of lean body mass. To elucidate the molecular mechanism(s) by which IL-1 modulates protein metabolism in muscle, we investigated the effects of chronic (6 day) IL-1α infusion on protein synthe
Measurement and Modeling of Microwave Emission from Forested Snowfields in Michigan

Forest cover was found to confuse the normally inverse relationship between microwave brightness temperature ( T B ) and snow depth in dry snowpacks in the lower peninsula of Michigan during February of 1979 and 1980. However, even in the presence of forest cover, consisting of a mixture of hardwoods and softwoods, the average Nimbus-7 SMMR 37 GHz vertically and horizontally polarized T B s were 11° and 19° K lower during the study period in February of 1979 versus February of 1980. This is attributed to deeper average snowcover for the study period in 1979 (43.8 cm) as compared to 1980 (9.9 cm) since lower T B s accompany deeper snow under dry snowpack conditions. 37 GHz brightness temperature was correlated with snow depth for the study periods in 1979 and 1980, resulting in positive relationships instead of the expected inverse relationships. Because the snow depth increased with increasing forest cover in the lower peninsula of Michigan, it was assumed that the emissivity of the forest cover overwhelmed that of the snow - both in 1979 and 1980 causing higher T B s in more heavily forested areas. Using a simple model, we removed the effects of the trees from the T B /snow depth relationship. A new value, T BR , residual brightness temperature, derived from the 37 GHz data, was correlated with snow depth for selected time periods in February 1979 and 1980 resulting in inverse relationships of R ≡ .82 and .77 respectively. In addition, SMMR data of August 1979 were correlated with percent forest cover to determine the T B of the study area in the absence of snow. The lower SMMR frequencies (10.69 and 6.6 GHz) showed statistically significant inverse relationships with forest cover during the August study period. These inverse relationships were probably due to increased soil moisture in the more heavily forested areas in the northern half of lower peninsula of Michigan thus causing lower T B s.
Organelle flux in intact and transected crayfish giant axons

The flux of organelles moving by fast axonal transport in distal segments of severed crayfish medial giant axons (MGAs) and lateral giant axons (LGAs) was measured for survival times of up to 35 days (MGAs) or 60 days (LGAs). The response to transection occurred in 4 phases: (1) Organelle fluxes remained nearly normal for the first 24 h. (2) Fluxes then declined continuously until day 6 or 7. (3) A rebound toward normal levels lasted until day 21 (MGAs) or longer (LGAs). (4) During the final phase, fluxes declined either to zero (MGAs) or plateaued at a level which was a significant percentage of normal flux (LGAs). Changes in anterograde and retrograde flux were identical. The distribution of various size classes of translocating vesicles in distal segments of these axons was normal until day 4, with small and medium size, rapidly moving vesicles predominating. Afterwards, larger, slower vesicles predominated. During long-term survival, the axons remained physiologically intact, and cytoskeletons appeared to be normal, retaining intact microtubules which remained normally oriented with positive ends pointing distally. The evidence suggests that the two initial phases of the response to transection represent clearance from distal segments of organelle traffic which normally moves between axon and cell body. The rebound phase may be trauma induced, possibly a transient phase of cytoplasmic degeneration resulting from the loss of trophic support from the cell body. Differences between LGAs and MGAs with respect to organelle flux during prolonged survival, i.e. during the 4th phase of the response to transection, are consistent with different mechanisms of long-term survival which have been proposed for these axons.
On the role of methyl torsional modes in the intersystem crossing dynamics of isolated molecules.

Rotationally resolved fluorescence excitation spectra of the bands of the S1 ← S0 electronic transitions of 2- and 5-methylpyrimidine (2MP and 5MP, respectively) have been observed and assigned. Both spectra were found to contain two sets of rotational lines, one associated with the σ = 0 torsional level and the other associated with the σ = ±1 torsional level of the attached methyl group. Analyses of their structure using the appropriate torsion−rotation Hamiltonian yields the methyl group torsional barriers of V6‘ ‘ = 1.56 and V6‘ = 8.28 cm-1 in 2MP and V6‘ ‘ = 4.11 and V6‘ = 58.88 cm-1 in 5MP. Many of the lines in both spectra are fragmented by couplings with lower lying triplet states. Analyses of some of these perturbations yield approximate values of the intersystem crossing matrix elements, from which it is concluded that the σ = ±1 torsional levels of the S1 state are significantly more strongly coupled to the T1 state than the σ = 0 torsional levels.
Co-reference and the identity of propositions

To the believer in propositions no problem is more acute than that of specifying the conditions under which two sentences may be said to express the same proposition. As with any general problem, some enlightenment may be expected from the scrutiny of special cases. And where propositions are concerned, the most natural place to begin the search for a criterion of their identity is with sentences of particularly "simple" kinds. One especially interesting variety of sentence is that in which the logical subject is a uniquely referring expression. In his recent paper, 'Reference and Propositional Identity '1 , Edgar Page attempt s to settle the question of when two sentences of this variety express the same proposition insofar as the answer hinges merely on consideration of the uniquely referring expressions involved. In what follows I shall be concerned with Page's proposed identity-criterion exclusively from the standpoint of evaluating its alleged consequences. Section II offers a brief summary and explanation of the identity-criterion itself. Section III discusses a putative corollary to the criterion and indicates its highly counterintuitive character. Section IV explores Page's argument for accepting this corollary. Finally, Sections V and VI present arguments from two different perspectives to demonstrate that Page's defense of the alleged corollary is unsound and self-defeating.
Idiopathic Adult Growth Hormone Deficiency

GH secretion is controlled by hypothalamic as well as intrapituitary and peripheral signals, all of which converge upon the somatotroph, resulting in integrated GH synthesis and secretion. Enabling an accurate diagnosis of idiopathic adult GH deficiency (IAGHD) is challenged by the pulsatility of GH secretion, provocative test result variability, and suboptimal GH assay standardization. The spectrum between attenuated GH secretion associated with the normal aging process and with obesity and truly well-defined IAGHD is not distinct and may mislead the diagnosis. Adult-onset GHD is mainly caused by an acquired pituitary deficiency, commonly including prior head/neck irradiation, or an expanding pituitary mass causing functional somatotroph compression. To what extent rare cryptic causes account for those patients seemingly classified as IAGHD is unclear. About 15% of patients with adult GHD and receiving GH replacement in open-label surveillance studies are reported as being due to an idiopathic cause. These patients may also reflect a pool of subjects with an as yet to be determined occult defect, or those with unclear or incomplete medical histories (including forgotten past sports head injury or motor vehicle accident). Therefore, submaximal diagnostic evaluation likely leads to an inadvertent diagnosis of IAGHD. In these latter cases, adherence to rigorous biochemical diagnostic criteria and etiology exclusion may result in reclassification of a subset of these patients to a distinct known acquired etiology, or as GH-replete. Accordingly, rigorously verified IAGHD likely comprises less than 10% of adult GHD patients, an already rare disorder. Regardless of etiology, patients with adult GHD, including those with IAGHD, exhibit a well-defined clinical phenotype including increased fat mass, loss of lean muscle mass, decreased bone mass, and enhanced cardiac morbidity. Definition of unique efficacy and dosing parameters for GH replacement and resultant therapeutic efficacy markers in true IAGHD requires prospective study.
Sorption of chloroanisole vapors by raisin packaging material

Abstract The behavior and concentration of 2,4,6-trichloroanisole (TCA) vapors migrating into low-density polyethylene film (PE) of 0.39 μm at various temperatures and desorption of TCA from PE were determined. After 12 h exposure, 1642 μg g −1 TCA was sorbed at 30 °C compared with 675 μg g −1 at 20 °C. For PE to reach equilibrium of 4200 μg g −1 at 30 °C took 48 h, but 120 h at 20 °C. The transmission of TCA through PE occurred after 12 h at 30 °C (8.9 μg kg −1 m −2 h −1 ) and after 36 h at 20 °C (5.0 μg kg −1 m −2 h −1 ). Desorption of TCA from PE increased with temperature. At 80 °C, 99% TCA was desorbed in 1 h compared to 51% at 40 °C, 31% at 30 °C and 17% at 20 °C. The rate of sorption, desorption and transmission of TCA vapors by PE is highly temperature-dependent.
A Study of Retention in Thermal Field-Flow Fractionation

Abstract A broad theoretical and experimental investigation of retention in thermal field-flow fractionation is reported here. Equations connecting retention parameters with underlying thermal diffusion constants are reviewed, and new equations are developed to account for the distortion of the flow profile caused by a variable viscosity. Parameters investigated experimentally include channel width, solute molecular weight, channel temperature drop, cold-wall temperature, sample size, and solvent effects. All but the last two of these experimental studies showed good conformity with theoretical predictions. No theory exists for the prediction of sample-size or solvent effects. With regard to the latter, experimental results show that a variety of organic solvents are very effective, at roughly equal levels, in providing retention, while aqueous solvents are generally ineffective.
SCF Calculations on excited states

Abstract The formalism recently developed by Pople and co-workers for restricted Hartree—Fock calculations on high spin open shells is extended to a general treatment of singly excited states. The limitations of the method and possible alternative approaches are briefly discussed.
Differential diagnosis of chest discomfort and general approach to myocardial ischemia decision making.

Heberden’s initial description of angina in 1772 characterized a strangling, substernal chest discomfort associated with exertion and mortal anxiety.‘.’ Particularly challenging to the emergency physician is differentiating angina1 chest discomfort from esophageal disorders which approximate Heberden’s description. Esophageal disease coexists with myocardial ischemia in 50% of patients with coronary artery disease.3 Similarly of concern is musculoskeletal chest discomfort which may occasionally be exertional or relieved by nitroglycerin.4.5 Approximately 2% of adult emergency department (ED) patients complain of chest discomfort6.’ Approximately 5% of ED patients with myocardial infarction are released unintentionally,6.8 and 20% of total dollar losses in medical malpractice suits are related to myocardial infarction.’ Hence, the accurate, timely distinction between myocardial ischemia and other causes of chest discomfort is important not only to patient prognosis, but to the overall cost of medical care. Further, hospital admission decision making in this area hinges primarily upon clinical evaluation, not laboratory tests, electrocardiograms, and chest radiographs. A thorough understanding of differential diagnosis facilitates the process of patient evaluation. This review describes the pathophysiology and clinical presentations of myocardial ischemia and many nonischemic causes of chest discomfort, and provides a practical approach to clinical disposition decision making. An understanding of the different entities and their presentations facilitates clinical patient evaluation. While ancillary tests (ie, cardiac enzymes, electrocardiograms, and chest radiographs) will not be reviewed in detail, the role of these studies in supporting clinical decision making are discussed.
On the equation of pulsating flame fronts in solid fuel combustion

Abstract A strongly nonlinear equation describing the dynamics of pulsations in solid fuel combustion is obtained. The method consists of extending the problem via introduction of an artificial parameter into boundary conditions leading to a separation of the spatial and the temporal scales within a low-frequency region. The interface dynamics equation obtained through an asymptotic expansion is then extrapolated toward the original values of parameters. The key point in the derivation is to restore the unexpected form of the principal nonlinearity generating a strongly dissipative region near a stagnation point of the front which is responsible for the stability of pulsations. The results of a numerical simulation of the equation demonstrate strongly relaxational stable oscillations of the flame front velocity.
Linking Parental Socialization to Interpersonal Protective Processes, Academic Self-Presentation, and Expectations among Rural African American Youth

Data obtained from two waves of a longitudinal study of 671 rural African American families, with an 11-year-old preadolescent, were examined to test pathways through which racial and ethnic socialization influence youth's self-presentation and academic expectation and anticipation through the enhancement of youth self-pride. Structural equation modeling analyses indicated that racial and ethnic socialization was linked with youth's expectation and anticipation for academic success, through youth self-pride, including racial identity and self-esteem, and academic self-presentation. The results highlight the need to disaggregate racial and ethnic socialization in order to better understand how these parenting domains uniquely forecast youth self-pride, as well as their orientation to education and academic success.
Permeation resistance of poly(ether ether ketone) to hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen gases

We studied the gas permeation properties of poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) and compared it with two other polymers commonly used in the construction of semiconductor microenvironments, polycarbonate (PC), and poly(ether imide) (PEI). The PEEK specimens consisted of extruded films as well as compression- and injection-molded specimens. The compression-molded specimens were prepared to achieve the highest crystallinity. Injection-molded disks, representing products, were milled to a prescribed thickness. Permeation, diffusion, and solubility coefficients were measured on these various PEEK specimens for hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen gases. It was found that PEEK generally has better permeation resistance than PC or PEI; showing up to five times lower permeation rates than PC or PEI, depending on grade, crystallinity, and gas. The superior permeation resistance of injection-molded or extruded PEEK, when compared with similarly processed PC or PEI, comes from its crystallinity. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Magnetosomes Are Cell Membrane Invaginations Organized by the Actin-Like Protein MamK

Magnetosomes are membranous bacterial organelles sharing many features of eukaryotic organelles. Using electron cryotomography, we found that magnetosomes are invaginations of the cell membrane flanked by a network of cytoskeletal filaments. The filaments appeared to be composed of MamK, a homolog of the bacterial actin-like protein MreB, which formed filaments in vivo. In a mamK deletion strain, the magnetosome-associated cytoskeleton was absent and individual magnetosomes were no longer organized into chains. Thus, it seems that prokaryotes can use cytoskeletal filaments to position organelles within the cell.
The lasso technique for posterior C1-C2 fusion.

Objective Posterior atlantoaxial arthrodesis requires placement of a bone graft in a properly prepared environment that includes decorticated bony surfaces, compressive forces between graft and native bone, and limited motion. To achieve posterior atlantoaxial arthrodesis, various cable-and-graft constructs have been used, all of which require an intact posterior arch of C1. For patients who lack an intact arch owing to congenital, iatrogenic, or traumatic causes, we have devised the "lasso technique," which uses the remnants of the posterior arch of C1 for placement of the graft to achieve fusion isolated to C1-C2 or to be part of an occipitocervical construct. Methods A retrospective record review was conducted of all patients who underwent the lasso technique. Clinical and radiographic history, perioperative course, and time to fusion were recorded. We describe the technique in detail. Results During the last 13 years, we have used this technique successfully in five female and four male patients. The absent or incompetent posterior arch was a congenital defect in one patient, a result of prior surgical removal in four patients, and caused by fracture associated with prior failed fusion attempts in four other patients. All patients experienced successful fusion after an average of 6.8 months. Conclusion Securing a bone graft in the absence of an intact C1 lamina is a challenge when a patient presents with atlantoaxial instability. We have devised the lasso technique to secure an interpositional C1-C2 graft using the remnants of the posterior atlantal arch. Although this technique has been required relatively infrequently, we have found it to be valuable and effective in our practice.
Nonanalytic twist maps and Frenkel-Kontorova models

We give a review of our recent works on a class of twist maps and Frenkel-Kontorova (FK) models in which the external potential function is nonanalytic (C1) and endowed with a variable degree of inflection z. When z > 3, recurrence of invariant curves has been observed. An “inverse residue criterion” for the reappearance of an invariant curve — complementary to the “residue criterion” for the disappearance of an invariant curve — is introduced to make a precise determination of the reappearance point. We have also studied the local and global scaling behaviors of these curves. The critical exponents, the singularity spectrum, and the generalized dimensions are found to vary with z when 2 ⩽ z < 3, but remain the same for z ⩾ 3. The degree of inflection thus plays a role reminiscent of that of dimensionality in phase transitions with z = 2 and 3 corresponding respectively to the lower and upper critical dimensions. When the same nonanalytic function is substituted for the sinusoidal external potential in the standard FK model, the same conclusions are reached: there exists a sequence of pinning-depinning transitions, and the critical exponents of the phonon gap, the coherence length, and the Peierls-Nabarro barrier all show the same dependence on z.
Variation in amino acid composition of legumin from Pisum

Abstract Pisum; Leguminosae: pea: amino acid composition: seed storage proteins: legumin.
Highly Conductive Films of Layered Ternary Transition‐Metal Nitrides

Film studies: Epitaxial films of BaZrN(2) (see TEM image) and BaHfN(2) are grown by polymer-assisted deposition on SrTiO(3) (STO) substrates. The films are phase-pure, allowing the intrinsic physical properties of the ternary nitrides to be studied. From 5 to 300 K, the films exhibit metallic-like resistivity-temperature behavior, with large residual resistivity ratios.
Ionic conductivity of Na4Zr2Si3O12 dispersed with PZT

Abstract The conductivity of Na 4 Zr 2 Si 3 O 12 (NZS) has been measured containing a ferroelectric dispersant, PZT, to form a composite electrolyte. The variation of conductivity with preparation method, dispersant content and sintering regime has been investigated. NZS made by sol-gel had a lower conductivity than that made by mechanical mixing. At 300°C the maximum conductivities were 4×10 −5 and 4×10 −4 S cm −1 respectively. Adding PZT did not enhance the conductivity at all. Thermal history is the most important factor determining the conductivity.
Physiologic effects of simultaneous carbon dioxide insufflation by laparoscopy and colonoscopy: prospective evaluation

The use of intraoperative carbon dioxide (CO2) colonoscopy during a laparoscopic colon operation is becoming more common. Simultaneous intracolonic and intraabdominal CO2 insufflation may result in significant physiologic changes, but in-depth physiologic effects have not been studied to date. This study aimed to evaluate the physiologic changes and the overall safety of simultaneous CO2 laparoscopy and colonoscopy. A prospective pilot study was performed with 26 subjects (17 men and 9 women) undergoing laparoscopic surgical treatment for colorectal conditions adjunctively managed with CO2 intraoperative colonoscopy. Surgery proceeded with CO2 insufflation to a maximum pressure of 12 mmHg by laparoscopy and with a maximum CO2 flow of 5 l/min via colonoscopy. Serial intra- and postoperative arterial blood gases, end-tidal CO2, and minute ventilation were recorded during predetermined periods: during initial laparoscopy, during simultaneous colonoscopy and laparoscopy, during laparoscopy after colonoscopy, and after desufflation. No significant morbidity resulted from simultaneous CO2 insufflation. Three patients had a CO2 partial pressure (PaCO2) greater than 50, and one patient with a body mass index (BMI) higher than 42 kg/m2 had a PaCO2 greater than 50 for more than 30 min and was compensated by increasing minute ventilation. The mean pH was 7.36 in the recovery room. Postoperatively, no patient had a pH lower than 7.3, prolonged intubation, or reintubation. Simultaneous CO2 colonoscopy and laparoscopy lead only to transient alterations in respiratory parameters that can be compensated. Based on these findings, simultaneous insufflation of CO2 into the peritoneal cavity and the large bowel lumen during complex endoscopic procedures may be considered safe for most patients.
Gas-source MBE growth of freestanding Si nano-wires on Au/Si substrate

Abstract Freestanding Si nano-wires were grown by gas source molecular beam epitaxy on Au/Si (100), (111), (110), and (113) substrates. The morphology of Si nano-wires is investigated using scanning electron microscopy. This method provides a possible way to fabricate silicon quantum wires.
Food Rx: A Community–University Partnership to Prescribe Healthy Eating on the South Side of Chicago

Patients living with diabetes in underserved communities face significant challenges to healthy eating. To support them, we need interventions that integrate community resources into the healthcare setting. A "prescription" for healthy food may be a promising platform for such a community-linked intervention: it can promote behavior change, provide nutrition education, include financial incentives, and connect patients to local resources. We describe Food Rx, a food prescription collaboratively developed by a university research team, Walgreens, a local farmers market, and six health centers on the South Side of Chicago. We share preliminary lessons learned from implementation, highlighting how each stakeholder (university, community partners, and clinics) contributed to this multifaceted effort while meeting research standards, organizational priorities, and clinic workflow demands. Although implementation is in early stages, Food Rx shows promise as a model for integrating community and healthcare resources to support the health of underserved patients.
An attempt to extend Taylor-Spence drive theory to vocational choice behavior☆

Abstract Predictions were made from Taylor-Spence drive theory about vocational choice behavior. It was hypothesized that high-anxious subjects would respond slower to competing response tasks and faster to non competing response tasks than low-anxious subjects. Male college students, 38 high- and 38 low-anxious (as measured by the Taylor Manifest Anxiety Scale), were asked to choose between pairs of occupations about which they had information regarding their interest and ability. A Practice x Choice x Anxiety mixed analysis of variance was used to analyze the data. Although the results did not specifically support the predictions made from Taylor-Spence theory, they indicated the potential usefulness of certain concepts in this theory and suggested several lines of inquiry for further research.
Exiting TANF: Individual and Local Factors and Their Differential Influence Across Racial Groups*

Objective. We ask whether individual and local factors known to influence reliance on welfare continue to be important under the TANF program, and if such factors differentially affect exit from TANF for African Americans and whites. Methods. We use monthly administrative data on TANF recipients from October 1996 to July 2004 from the Mississippi Department of Human Services. These data are linked to local economic, social, and spatial characteristics to estimate discrete time hazard models of TANF exit. Results. Personal barriers to work (e.g., low education and children) and limited economic and social opportunities in communities reduce the likelihood of leaving TANF. The results show that African-American exits from TANF are more influenced by human capital and local economic, social, and spatial conditions than are whites' TANF exits. Conclusion. The work-first initiative under TANF is most viable where individual barriers to work are limited and economic opportunities and community support to become self-sufficient exist for all people.
Continuous glucose monitoring in gastroparesis.

Background Delayed gastric emptying can alter glucose levels in diabetic patients; hyperglycemia can delay gastric emptying. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) may be useful to assess the relationship between gastric emptying and blood glucose levels.
Motion planning of optimal throw for whole-body humanoid

This presentation proposes a numerical framework that optimizes the throwing motions and generates the associated dynamic features for a whole-body humanoid. Rigorous dynamic models, such as actuation, biped balance based on Zero-Moment Point (ZMP), and ground reaction loads, are associated with the constraints. The algorithm outputs include the motion, required actuator torques, release parameters, and object projectile. Realistic human-like motions of sidearm and maximum distance throwing are generated as optimized solutions. The sidearm throw shows better optimality than the overarm throw in terms of actuator torques under the proposed mechanical model. The maximum distance throw is associated with active movement of the arm and torso with larger ranges of motion.
Online SERS Detection of the 20 Proteinogenic L-Amino Acids Separated by Capillary Zone Electrophoresis

A sheath-flow surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) detector is demonstrated to provide chemical information enabling identification of the 20 proteinogenic L-amino acids separated by capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE). Amino acids were used to illustrate the chemical specificity of SERS detection from structurally related molecules. Analysis of the SERS electropherograms obtained from the separation and sequential online detection of six groups of structurally related amino acids shows that our sheath-flow SERS detector is able to resolve the characteristic Raman bands attributed to the amine, carboxyl, and side chain constituents. The results demonstrate the chemical information available from our detector and also provide insight into the nature of the analyte interaction with the silver SERS substrate. The spectra extracted from the SERS electropherogram of a mixture containing the 20 proteinogenic L-amino acids show unique signatures characteristic to each amino acid, thus enabling identification. The results presented here demonstrate the potential of this sheath-flow SERS detector as a general purpose method for high throughput characterization and identification following separations of complex biomolecular mixtures.
Identifying quantitative trait loci via group-sparse multitask regression and feature selection

Motivation: Recent advances in high-throughput genotyping and brain imaging techniques enable new approaches to study the influence of genetic variation on brain structures and functions. Traditional association studies typically employ independent and pairwise univariate analysis, which treats single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and quantitative traits (QTs) as isolated units and ignores important underlying interacting relationships between the units. New methods are proposed here to overcome this limitation. Results: Taking into account the interlinked structure within and between SNPs and imaging QTs, we propose a novel Group-Sparse Multi-task Regression and Feature Selection (G-SMuRFS) method to identify quantitative trait loci for multiple disease-relevant QTs and apply it to a study in mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease. Built upon regression analysis, our model uses a new form of regularization, group2,1-norm (G2,1-norm), to incorporate the biological group structures among SNPs induced from their genetic arrangement. The new G2,1-norm considers the regression coefficients of all the SNPs in each group with respect to all the QTs together and enforces sparsity at the group level. In addition, an 2,1-norm regularization is utilized to couple feature selection across multiple tasks to make use of the shared underlying mechanism among different brain regions. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated by both clearly improved prediction performance in empirical evaluations and a compact set of selected SNP predictors relevant to the imaging QTs. Availability: Software is publicly available at: http://ranger.uta.edu/%7eheng/imaging-genetics/ Contact:[email protected]; [email protected] Supplementary information:Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Multistep linear predictors-based blind equalization of FIR/IIR single-input multiple-output channels with common zeros

The problem of blind equalization of single-input multiple-output (SIMO) communications channels is considered using only the second order statistics of the data. Such models arise when a single receiver data is fractionally sampled (assuming that there is excess bandwidth) or when an antenna array is used with or without fractional sampling. We extend the multistep linear prediction approach to infinite impulse response (IIR) channels as well as to the case where the "subchannel" transfer functions have common zeros. In the past, this approach has been confined to finite impulse response (FIR) channels with no common subchannel zeros. We focus on the design of finite-length minimum mean-square error (MMSE) blind equalizers. Knowledge of the nature of the underlying model (FIR or IIR) or the model order is not required. Our approach works when the "subchannel" transfer functions have common zeros as long as the common zeros are minimum-phase zeros. Illustrative simulation examples are provided.