cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Proliferation markers Ki-67 and p105 in soft-tissue lesions. Correlation with DNA flow cytometric characteristics.

Abstract Frozen tissue immunoreactivity with Ki-67, a monoclonal antibody that recognizes a nuclear antigen in nonresting or proliferating cells, was compared to DNA flow cytometry results (from fresh tissue) in a diverse group of 60 soft-tissue lesions. Both DNA index and Ki-67 score were independently reported to be associated with grade and prognosis in sarcomas, but no direct comparison of these two variables was made. It was attempted to measure proliferative activity in fixed paraffin-embedded tissues immunohistochemically in a subset of lesions using an antibody to another nuclear proliferation antigen, p105. Lesions were given a grade according to lesion category (reactive, 1; benign, 2; low-grade malignant, 3; and high-grade malignant, 4). Ki-67 reactivity correlated relatively well with this grading system (r = 0.59); benign lesions usually exhibited a low Ki-67 score and malignant lesions usually but not always exhibited a high score. For example, some malignant fibrous histiocytomas contained only rare positive cells. Some disparity between Ki-67 score and grade and within histologic types indicates some independence from these features, a fact that may be important when correlation with prognosis is performed. However Ki-67 did not correlate well with flow data such as percentage S phase (r = 0.30), percentage S + G2M phases (r = 0.37), or DNA index (r = 0.39). This probably is due to the fact that Ki-67 also marks cells in the G1 phase, whereas these are excluded in flow data analyses. Anti-p105 highlighted almost all nuclei in all cases tested, including fibromatosis, and did not correlate with Ki-67 score, histologic grade or DNA flow cytometric data. Results with p105 could not be favorably affected by titration experiments. It is reasonable to conclude that the Ki-67 score is a variable related to but independent of histologic grade, histologic type, and DNA flow values. Whether it is prognostically important in human sarcomas, as has been suggested, awaits further clinicopathologic study.
Genetic analysis of the Tn21 mer operator-promoter.

The mercury resistance operon, mer, of the transposon Tn21 is transcribed from two overlapping divergent promoters: PR for the regulatory gene, merR, and PTPCAD for the structural genes, merTPCAD. Transcription of merTPCAD is repressed in the absence of Hg(II) and activated in the presence of Hg(II) by the regulatory protein, MerR. In addition, MerR represses its own expression regardless of the presence of Hg(II). MerR binds as a dimer to a single region of dyad symmetry lying between the -35 and -10 hexamers of PTPCAD. Analysis of the expression of transcriptional fusions to hydroxylamine- and oligonucleotide-generated mutants of this divergent operator-promoter region identified key bases involved in MerR-dependent repression of PTPCAD and of PR and in activation of PTPCAD. Six of the seven mutants affecting the palindromic region were altered in their ability to bind the MerR protein in vitro as measured by fragment retardation assays. These differences in in vitro MerR binding correlated well with the in vivo measurements of repression or of activation. Bases identified as functionally relevant by this genetic analysis coincide extensively with those previously identified as relevant via in vivo footprinting. Four major points emerge from this analysis: (i) transition and transversion mutations within the spacer between the -10 and -35 hexamers of PTPCAD generally have little effect on the MerR-independent (i.e., unregulated) expression of either promoter; (ii) alteration of certain bases in the MerR-binding dyad affects repression of PTPCAD differently than repression of PR; (iii) certain dyad changes can impair activation of PTPCAD more severely than repression of this promoter; and (iv) mutations in the -10 hexamer of PTPCAD which also effect PR expression define one of two potential -10 hexamers in PR as actually functional in vivo.
Seed composition of two chia (Salvia hispanica L.) genotypes which differ in seed color.

The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship of seed color with protein, oil, fiber, amino acids, and antioxidants content composition of two chia (Salvia hispanica L.) genotypes. Study was carried out using chia genotypes known as Tzotzol and Iztac; the first has black-spotted seed, the second white seed. Results: the lack of significant (p<0.05) difference on biochemical compounds between Tzotzol and Iztac genotypes found in this study could be explained by the small genetic difference between these two genotypes. Conclusion: In summary, this paper showed no relationship of the seed coat color for all measured traits, protein, oil, fiber, amino acids, and antioxidants content composition. In addition, during this work it was found secoisolaricresorcinol diglucoside, an antioxidant not previously reported for this species which perhaps contributes to the stability of chia seed oil.
An accelerated system for analysis of neutral sugars in complex carbohydrates.

Abstract An accelerated ion-exchange chromatography system for analysis of neutral sugar components in complex carbohydrates is described. Using DA-4 anion-exchange resin, and gradient elution with sodium borate, only 2.5 hr is required per analysis in this system.
Urban Water Demand Forecasting: Review of Methods and Models

AbstractThis paper reviews the literature on urban water demand forecasting published from 2000 to 2010 to identify methods and models useful for specific water utility decision making problems. Results show that although a wide variety of methods and models have attracted attention, applications of these models differ, depending on the forecast variable, its periodicity and the forecast horizon. Whereas artificial neural networks are more likely to be used for short-term forecasting, econometric models, coupled with simulation or scenario-based forecasting, tend to be used for long-term strategic decisions. Much more attention needs to be given to probabilistic forecasting methods if utilities are to make decisions that reflect the level of uncertainty in future demand forecasts.
PdCl2 CATALYZED OXIDATION OF STYRENE TO ACETOPHENONE UNDER MILD CONDITIONS

ABSTRACT PdCl2 exhibits very high catalytic activity and acetophenone selectivity for liquid-phase oxidation of styrene under mild conditions at 55 °C, H2O2/styrene = 1.15 (mole ratio) and acetone as cosolvent. The effect of cosolvents and phase transfer reagents on the reaction is investigated. The results show that the use of acetone as cosolvent or sodium dodecyl sulfate as phase-transfer reagent can accelerate the reaction. The conversion of styrene is high when the mole ratio of styrene to PdCl2 over the range of 400∼1500. The selectivity for acetophenone decreases significantly by adding some chelating ligands to the catalytic system. The selectivity for benzaldehyde decreases significantly by adding some radical inhibitor to the catalytic system. These results show that that benzaldehyde may be produced through radical auto-oxidation mechanism while acetophenone may be produced through coordination catalysis mechanism.
Effect of needle gauge and lobe laterality on parenchymal liver biopsy outcome: a retrospective analysis

To analyze the effect of lobe selection, needle gauge, and number of passes on procedure outcomes in terms of specimen length and post-procedure complications. In this HIPAA-compliant, IRB-approved retrospective study, the data from 771 ultrasound-guided adult parenchymal liver biopsies were analyzed. Post-procedure complications were assigned a 3-point rating scale. Associations between specimen length and post-procedure complications with lobe laterality, needle gauge, and number of passes were analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to analyze the likelihood for achieving a specimen length of at least 2 cm. Post-procedure complications were not associated with lobe laterality, needle gauge, and number of passes (p > 0.3). Specimen length was associated with the number of passes dichotomized at the study mean (p = 0.007), but not with lobe laterality or needle gauge (p > 0.2). After adjusting for lobe laterality and needle gauge, procedures with 1 or 2 passes were associated with a higher likelihood of obtaining a 2 cm or longer specimen (OR 2.469; CI 1.08–5.63, p = 0.0315) than procedures with 3 or more passes, possibly due to poorer sample quality. After adjusting for lobe laterality, an 18-gauge needle was associated with higher odds of a biopsy procedure with 1 or 2 passes (OR 3.665; CI 1.93–6.95, p < 0.0001) than a 20-gauge needle. Lobe laterality was not associated with specimen length or post-procedure complications. An 18-gauge needle compared to a 20-gauge needle could reduce the need for a procedure with more than 2 passes. There was no difference in post-procedure complications between the two needle sizes.
Reactions of dithiocarbamates of dimolybdenum—II. Reaction of molybdenum acetate with two equivalents of dithiocarbamate

Abstract Reaction of molybdenum acetate with two equivalents of sodium diethyl dithiocarbamate in methanol results in the tetrakis-substituted Mo 2 (dtc) 4 (dtc = dithiocarbamate). Exposure of this product to the atmosphere produces Mo 2 O 3 (dtc) 4 .
Gain saturation in circular-grating distributed-feedback semiconductor lasers

We report numerical results for gain saturation in circular-grating distributed-feedback semiconductor lasers. Our model includes a radially varying nonlinear gain and a uniformly distributed grating loss in the solution of the coupled-mode equations. Our results show that lossy, high-power operation results in an optimum coupling strength for efficient conversion of pump power into useful output power. Our results also show a multimode spectrum for large-coupling strengths, a consequence of mode competition induced by a spatially varying gain distribution. Single-mode selection entails operating at approximately the optimum coupling coefficient determined for efficient pumping.
Episodic Strain Accumulation in Southern California

Reexamination of horizontal geodetic data in the region of recently discovered aseismic uplift has demonstrated that equally unusual horizontal crustal deformation accompanied the development of the uplift. During this time interval compressive strains were oriented roughly normal to the San Andreas fault, suggesting that the uplift produced little shear strain accumulation across this fault. On the other hand, the orientation of the anomalous shear straining is consistent with strain accumulation across northdipping range-front thrusts like the San Fernando fault. Accordingly, the horizontal and vertical crustal deformation disclosed by geodetic observation is interpreted as a short epoch of rapid strain accumulation on these frontal faults. If this interpretation is correct, thrust-type earthquakes will eventually release the accumulated strains, but the geodetic data examined here cannot be used to estimate when these events might occur. However, observation of an unusual sequence of tilts prior to 1971 on a level line lying to the north of the magnitude 6.4 San Fernando earthquake offers some promise for precursor monitoring. The data are adequately explained by a simple model of up-dip aseismic slip propagation toward the 1971 epicentral region. These observations and the simple model that accounts for them suggest a conceptually straightforward monitoring scheme to search for similar uplift and tilt precursors within the uplifted region. Such premonitory effects could be detected by a combination of frequenlty repeated short (30 to 70 km in length) level line measurements, precise gravity traverses, and continuously recording gravimeters sited to the north of the active frontal thrust faults. Once identified, such precursors could be closely followed in space and time, and might then provide effective warnings of impending potentially destructive earth-quakes.
Capillary instabilities in thin films: A model of thermal pitting at grain boundary vertices

Abstract The equation describing surface topographic evolution by surface diffusion is adapted to describe the thermal pitting of a surface in the vicinity of a grain boundary vertex (triple junction of three boundaries) in order to model experimental observations of hole formation in thin films; isotropy of surface properties is assumed. An analytic solution for the evolution of an initially flat surface is obtained for a sector between two intersecting boundaries (of a triple junction) with an included angle ϕ=90°, and numerical solutions are calculated for several other values of ϕ. The results show that the surface shape is time-independent with linear dimensions that are proportional to t 1 4 . For a given angle at the root of the groove, the calculations show that the rate of pit deepening increases as ϕ decreases and show that, typically, pitting is appreciably faster than thermal grooving.
CD28 co-stimulation regulates the effect of transforming growth factor-β1 on the proliferation of naive CD4+ T cells

Abstract Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) is a critical regulator of T cell responses in vivo. In vitro, TGF-β1 can either enhance or inhibit T cell proliferative responses, but the relevant factors that determine the T cell response to TGF-β1 remain obscure. Here, we present evidence that CD28 co-stimulation modifies the effects of TGF-β1 on T cell proliferation. In the absence of CD28 co-stimulation, TGF-β1 potently suppressed TCR-stimulated proliferation of naive T cells. In the presence of CD28 co-stimulation, TGF-β1 potently inhibited T cell apoptosis and enhanced TCR-stimulated proliferation. A similar effect of CD28 co-stimulation was not observed in memory/effector cells, whose proliferation was enhanced by TGF-β1, whether co-stimulated or not. We examined the mechanism by which CD28 modulates naive T cell responses to TGF-β1. Since CD28 co-stimulation classically is a potent enhancer of interleukin (IL)-2 production, we anticipated observing high IL-2 production from naive T cells stimulated with anti-CD3/anti-CD28 and TGF-β1. Surprisingly, however, TGF-β1 strongly inhibited production of IL-2 from naive CD4+ T cells, even when CD28 was engaged. Even though IL-2 levels were strongly suppressed by TGF-β1 to trace levels, antibody neutralization studies showed that IL-2 is still a basic requirement for the proliferation of anti-CD3/anti-CD28/TGF-β1-stimulated naive T cells. These data show that CD28's modulation of T cell responses to TGF-β1 is not via the production of high levels of IL-2, and suggest that engagement of CD28 may activate additional downstream pathways that modulate the responses of naive T cells to TGF-β1.
Lithium determination by the nuclear track technique

On utilise la technique traceur nucleaire pour doser le lithium dans le milieu biologique etalon 1571 (Feuilles vegetales). Pour determiner la concentration en lithium on compte les traces produites dans l'acetate de cellulose par les particules alpha issues du bombardement du lithium par des neutrons thermiques:6Li(n, α)3H.
Monitoring animals’ movements using digitized video images

An animal’s movements can be monitored continuously using video digitization techniques. We outline the differences between video frame-grabbers and column-scan digitizers, and describe two applications using column-scanners: detecting episodes of spontaneous locomotion and tracking the position of a moving appendage. Strategies are discussed for increasing the speed of software and for compressing the information in the video images into an analog motion signal to be displayed and stored for later analysis. Finally, the advantages and limitations of frame-grabbers and column-scan digitizers are assessed.
Retrieval Effectiveness by Semantic and Citation Searching.

Presentation d'une etude pilote sur l'efficacite relative de la pertinence semantique (recherche par terme) et de la pertinence pragmatique (recherche par citation). Une banque de donnees unique a ete construite et interrogee suivant ces deux methodes: pour chaque interrogation a partir d'un ensemble de questions, deux ensembles equivalents etaient retrouves. La pertinence de tous les items ainsi retrouves etait evaluee par des specialistes du domaine. L'utilisation simultanee des deux methodes de recherche pour reunir les reponses en un seul ensemble augmente le taux de rappel; par contre, l'intersection de quelques items communs retrouves aboutit a une plus grande precision. Des propositions sont faites en vue de developper un systeme frontal affichant les items communs et permettant de les classer pour ameliorer encore les resultats. (INTD)
A model of perceptron learning with a hidden layer for engineering design

Abstract A model of machine learning in engineering design, called PERHID, is presented based on the concept of perceptron learning algorithm with a two-layer neural network. PERHID has been constructed by combining the perceptron with a single-layer AND neural net. The problem of structural design is cast in a form that can be described by a two-layer neural network. Some results from PERHID learning model are presented in tabular form. The paper is concluded by a comparison of the learning by the previously developed single-layer perceptron and PERHID.
Newly discovered eclogite in the southern Appalachian orogen, northwestern North Carolina

Abstract Recent detailed geologic mapping in the Blue Ridge belt of northwestern North Carolina has revealed the first reported eclogite (sensu stricto) in the southern Appalachian orogen. The eclogite occurs at the base of the Ashe Metamorphic Suite within a shear zone that separates the Spruce Pine thrust sheet from the underlying Grenville-age basement rocks. This contact juxtaposes rocks of apparent oceanic affinities (predominantly metapelite, metabasite, and meta-ultramafic rocks) with rocks of the ancient North American craton. The primary metamorphic assemblage in the eclogite is garnet + omphacite + quartz + rutile. Hornblende and plagioclase occur only as retrograde amphibolite facies phases in the eclogite. Pressure-temperature estimates for the primary eclogite assemblage are consistent with minimum pressures of 13–17 kbar at 625–790°C, while the retrograde amphibolite facies assemblage suggests conditions of 8.5–12 kbar and 650–730°C. Ultramafic blocks also occur within the shear zone containing the eclogite. The presence of high-pressure metamorphic rocks associated with ultramafic rocks and pelitic schists within a shear zone separating continental rocks from oceanic rocks is strong evidence for an ancient subduction event and indicates that at least part of the Ashe Metamorphic Suite is a subduction-related, accretionary melange.
Granulocyte progenitors (CFU-D) in neutrophilic leukemoid reaction are hyporesponsive to macrophage-induced inhibition.

The responsiveness of marrow granulocyte progenitors (CFU-D) to macrophage-derived stimulatory and inhibitory factors has been studied using diffusion chamber technique in 12 patients with neutrophilic leukemoid reaction (with granulocyte count in the range between 10–40 G/l) and ten healthy subjects. CFU-D from patients with neutrophilic leukemoid reaction (NLR) revealed a normal reactivity to colony-stimulating activity, whereas they were hyporesponsive to macrophage-derived indomethacin-sensitive inhibition. This altered response was correlated both with the concentration of granulocyte progenitors in the S phase and with blood neutrophilic leukocytosis. In patients with higher granulocyte count and increased concentration of CFU-D during active DNA synthesis a more pronounced hyporesponsiveness of granulocyte progenitors to macrophage-induced inhibition has been found.
Construction of Satellite Solar Power Stations from Nonterrestrial Materials

O'Neill has suggested that space manufacturing facilities processing nonterrestrial materials could be used to produce satellite solar power stations which could supply electricity to the Earth in economic competition with current and envisaged energy sources. A recent summer study determined that existing designs for satellite power stations could be largely constructible from lunar materials. Cost estimates based on lift by shuttle-derived vehicles indicates that, for a total investment of approximately $100 billion, rapid production could be established with twenty 10,000 MW power stations on-line some time in the 1990's and with cost-effective exponential growth thereafter. Total transportation costs were found to be less than that for any planned Earth-based launch system. The total investment would be several times less than that planned for capital expansion of electric generating capacity in the United States. Mass driver tugs, using space-shuttle tankage as reaction mass, could serve as low-to-high Earth orbit transportation, reducing front-end cost estimates further. Selected Apollo and Amor asteroids whose velocity intervals are lower than that from the lunar surface could be used as raw materials for space manufacturing at perhaps even lower cost. For example, a mass driver tug assembled from approximately 50 shuttle flights, could retrieve an approximatelymore » 10/sup 7/ ton asteroid for space manufacturing in high orbit within a few years. Such a mission could be automated using portions of the asteroid itself as reaction mass and could provide the materials for approximately 10 satellite power stations.« less
Photoacoustic imaging based on MEMS mirror scanning

A microelectromechanical systems (MEMS)-based photoacoustic imaging system is reported for the first time. In this system, the MEMS-based light scanning subsystem and a ring-shaped polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) transducer are integrated into a miniaturized probe that is capable of three-dimensional (3D) photoacoustic imaging. It is demonstrated that the imaging system is able to image small objects embedded in phantom materials and in chicken and to in vivo visualize blood vessels under the skin of a human hand.
Factors determining waiver in a juvenile court

Abstract Juveniles who committed serious offenses are sometimes waived to the criminal court. Despite the existence of waiver guidelines or statutes, past research has found that the waiver decision has been governed by factors not related to the offense or the juvenile. This study was an attempt to investigate whether the decision to waiver in Maricopa County Juvenile Court was consistent with its philosophy and policy. The results of the analysis showed that juveniles who had been waived in a previous offense were most likely to be waived again in future referrals.
Fabrication and Preliminary Results for LiGA Fabricated Nickel Micro Gas Chromatograph Columns

High aspect ratio nickel microfluidic columns were fabricated using the LiGA technique. The 2-m-long 50-mum-wide high aspect ratio columns will be the separation component of a handheld gas chromatograph device for detecting semivolatile and volatile compounds. As a first step, 600-mum-deep electrodeposited nickel columns were fabricated. The serpentine columns were sealed and pressure-flow rate characteristics compared with the theoretical values. The response of the sealed columns was studied by running methane gas plugs through uncoated columns with a flame ionization detector at the exit. Negligible flow-induced dispersion was observed in the sealed metal columns. Unretained peak widths of ~15 ms were measured, and the experimental pressure and flow rate distributions matched those predicted by established analytical models within plusmn2.5%. Columns were coated with OV-1 stationary phase using static coating methods. A mixture of four hydrocarbons C6, C8, C10, and C12 was separated in a coated 50 mum by 600 mum by 0.5 m column in less than 2 s at 70 degC
Improving Biporous Heat Transfer by Addition of Monoporous Interface Layer

Biporous evaporator wicks, generated by sintering copper particles into semi-uniform clusters, were demonstrated to achieve high flux, heat transfer performance for use in heat pipes by Semenic (2007). The effective thermal conductivity of thick biporous wicks at high heat fluxes was found to be reduced because the region next to the wall dried out prematurely allowing the wall interface temperature to rise well above the saturation temperature. The region above the dried out portion of the wick continued to work with the large pores between the clusters being primarily occupied with vapor and the small pores between the particles being occupied with the liquid. In this work, we report our efforts to reduce the size of the wall-wick interface dry-out region by sintering a thin layer of uniform size particles on the wall as originally suggested in a thesis by Seminic (2007). The boiling curve for this “double layer” wick diverges from a standard “single layer” biporous wick at the point of nucleation by reducing the wall temperature, and concurrently the overall temperature drop across the wick needed to drive a given heat flux. The temperature drop across the wick is reduced because the thin layer of particles between the biporous wick and the wall reduces the wall-wick interface resistance and also provides additional capillary channels underneath the biporous wick. Experimental data supports this hypothesis by showing a clear divergence between measured wall temperatures for the double layer wick from its single layer counterpart. The presumed point of nucleation in both wicks is similar, with the heat flux increasing much more rapidly than the liquid superheat and it is clear that this slope is much steeper for the double layer wick. This finding has great potential to expand the performance capabilities of heat pipes and vapor chambers because the new double layered wick can transfer more heat with less superheat thereby increasing the effective thermal conductivity of the wick and decreasing the wall-wick interface temperature for a given heat flux.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Tendon afferents in autogenetic inhibition in man.

Abstract The range of the changes in the human electromyogram (EMG) with different muscle lengths was investigated for the anterior tibial and gastrocnemius muscles, and the mechanism of the changes was analyzed. In a normal group of men, a maximal voluntary isometric contraction of the anterior tibial when the muscle was in a stretched position gave a recorded EMG amplitude that was on the average 50 per cent below that recorded when the muscle was in a shortened position. For this muscle, the largest decrease of EMG amplitude occurred between the intermediate and long positions. For the gastrocnemius, the EMG amplitude of the stretched muscle was on the average only 31 per cent of that at intermediate length; at short lengths, however, EMG's in this muscle were smaller than those at intermediate length. The hypothesis that the lower EMG of the stretched muscle is due in part to autogenetic inhibitory afferent impulses from tendon organs was tested by infiltrating with procaine the main tendon region of the anterior tibial. This local anesthesia considerably raised the ratios of the response of the stretched muscle to that of the shorter muscle, for the EMG amplitudes and, less clearly, for tensions produced at the foot. Further supporting evidence was obtained from patients with lesions of the large muscle afferents, mostly those with tabes dorsalis, who showed a much smaller effect of stretch on EMG than did the normal subjects. The possible role of autogenetic inhibition in regulating some normal motor functions is also discussed.
The Value of a Rational Expectations Forecast in a Risky Market: A Theoretical and Empirical Approach

The central focus of this paper is to develop an easily computable money metric of an agent's willingness to pay for information under risk, to extend this concept to the market, and to demonstrate its application in a simple twoequation econometric model of the U.S. fed cattle market. The paper draws on previous contributions to the theory of competitive firm under price uncertainty, namely Rothschild and Stiglitz, Sandmo, and more recently Pope (1978, 1980) and Pope, Chavas, and Just. The latter contributions provide insight into the econometric application of the theory and into the validity of producer surplus measures of firm welfare under risk. The conceptual approach presented in this paper facilitates empirical application. For a restricted class of utility functions, it is shown that the money metric of an agent's willingness to pay for additional information can be computed from the firm's risk-averse supply or factor demand function. While other studies (e.g., Hayami and Peterson, Freebairn, DeCanio) have derived welfare estimates of the value of a fore
A randomized, controlled trial of integrated home-school behavioral treatment for ADHD, predominantly inattentive type.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of a behavioral psychosocial treatment integrated across home and school (Child Life and Attention Skills Program) with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) predominantly inattentive type (ADHD-I). Method: Sixty-nine children ages 7 to 11 years were randomized to the Child Life and Attention Skills Program or a control group who did not receive the intervention. We compared groups posttreatment and at 3- to 5-month follow-up on parent and teacher ratings of inattention, sluggish cognitive tempo, and functional impairment. Results: Children randomized to the Child Life and Attention Skills Program were reported to have significantly fewer inattention and sluggish cognitive tempo symptoms, and significantly improved social and organizational skills, relative to the control group. Gains were maintained at follow-up. Conclusions: Behavioral psychosocial treatment, when specifically adapted for ADHD-I and coordinated among parents, teachers, and children, appears efficacious in reducing symptoms and impairment associated with ADHD-I. J. Am. Acad. Child Adolesc. Psychiatry, 2007;46(8):1041Y1050. Key Words: attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, inattentive type, behavioral psychosocial treatment.
PDSS: A programmer's decision support system

Abstract One of the most common tasks performed by programmers is attempting to understand the low-level workings of a program. Large programs require some sort of automated support in order to perform this task effectively. The typical approach is to provide tools such as cross references and structure chart generators which statistically analyze a source program, and present a certain subset of the information they obtain in some fixed manner. We propose an alternate method which involves separating the collection of the information (i.e. the static analysis) and its presentation. This results in a much more flexible tool than most which are currently available.
Cocaine decreases cell survival and inhibits neurite extension of rat locus coeruleus neurons

Cocaine use during pregnancy is affiliated with neurobehavioral abnormalities in offspring that are associated with problems of attention. Given the putative role of the noradrenergic system in attentional processes, impairments in the noradrenergic system may underlie specific attentionally sensitive, neurobehavioral alterations. Recent data using a clinically relevant intravenous (iv) route of administration show that the norepinephrine cell bodies of the locus coeruleus (LC) are a primary target for in utero cocaine exposure. Cell survival and neurite outgrowth of LC neurons were studied using two paradigms: (1) in vitro, using a physiologically relevant concentration of cocaine, and (2) in vivo, using a clinically relevant intravenous rat model. Fetal cocaine exposure significantly decreased neuronal survival (in vitro: P=.0001, n=24; in vivo: P=.0337, n=30), reduced neurite initiation (in vitro: P=.001, n=24; in vivo: P=.0169, n=30), decreased the number of neurites elaborated (in vivo: P=.0031, n=30), and reduced total neurite length (in vivo: P=.0237, n=30). The results of this novel approach toward an understanding of noradrenergic neurons as they respond to cocaine during development suggest that cocaine may affect behavior by negatively regulating neuronal pathfinding and synaptic connectivity.
An algorithm for maximizing target achievement in the stochastic knapsack problem with normal returns

We consider the stochastic linear knapsack problem in which costs are known with certainty but returns are independent, normally distributed random variables. The objective is to maximize the probability that the overall return equals or exceeds a specified target value. A previously proposed preference order dynamic programming-based algorithm has been shown to be potentially suboptimal. We offer an alternative hybrid DP/branch-and-bound algorithm that both guarantees optimality and significantly outperforms generating the set of Pareto optimal returns.© 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Accessibility of herbage allowance and ingestive behavior of beef cattle

Rate of intake may be accelerated when grazing cattle (Bos taurus) are given access to fresh pasture. Two experiments using a balanced change-over design and tethered adult cows of 471±18 kg liveweight were used to measure the effect of accessibility of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) on ingestive behavior. In the first experiment, herbage dry matter (DM) allowances of 10.5 kg were available for 90 min in one, two or three equal portions by area and time. These treatments had little effect on ingestive behavior and cattle ate DM at a mean rate of 2.25 kg h−1 by taking bites of 1.5 g DM at 25 bites min−1. In a second experiment, cows had access to 8.8 kg herbage DM allowances as a whole (T1), in two equal portions (T2) in time and area within the same plot, or in two separate plots (T3). A mean rate of DM intake of 2.2 kg h−1 was attained by forming bites of 1.6 g at 23 bites min−1. Accessibility of allowance had no significant (P<0.05) effect on ingestive behavior. Rates of biting immediately before and after the change-over were 26 and 20, 17 and 33, and 16 and 28 for T1, T2, and T3, respectively. It was apparent that rates of biting accelerated when cows were exposed to fresh swards but the effects were transitory and contributed little to overall rates of DM intake.
Dyspnea: the continuing challenge of palliative management.

The management of dyspnea is a challenge even for the most experienced palliative medicine teams. In the absence of effective treatment for the underlying disease, therapeutic options are limited to the supplementation of oxygen, the use of opioids, and multidisciplinary nonpharmacologic interventio
The Effects of Atropine and 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid on Leaf Alkaloid Accumulation in Certain Members of the Solanaceae*

Toxic concentrations of atropine and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid were administered to Datura stramonium and Lycopersicon esculentum . The atropine in concentrations of 0.25 and 0.1 per cent was administered by addition to the culture media and the 2,4-D (0.01 per cent solution) was sprayed on the leaves. Characteristic growth responses were induced in both plants. Significant increases in the leaf accumulation of alkaloids were also induced in both species by the atropine treatments, and the effects of 2,4-D on this alkaloid accumulation are described.
Increased Release of Serotonin in the Spinal Cord During Low, But Not High, Frequency Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation in Rats With Joint Inflammation

Abstract Sluka KA, Lisi TL, Westlund KN. Increased release of serotonin in the spinal cord during low, but not high, frequency transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation in rats with joint inflammation. Objective To determine the release pattern of serotonin and noradrenaline in the spinal cord in response to transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS) delivered at low or high frequency. Design Prospective randomized allocation of 3 treatments. Setting Research laboratory. Animals Male Sprague-Dawley rats (weight range, 250−350g). Intervention Knee joints of rats were inflamed with a mixture of 3% carrageenan and 3% kaolin for 24 hours prior to placement of push-pull cannulae into the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. Push-pull samples were collected in 10-minute intervals before, during, and after treatment with low-frequency TENS (4Hz), high-frequency TENS (100Hz), or sham TENS. TENS was applied to the inflamed knee joint for 20 minutes at sensory intensity and 100-μs pulse duration. Push-pull samples were analyzed for serotonin and noradrenaline by high performance liquid chromatography with coulemetric detection. Main Outcome Measures Spinal concentrations of serotonin and noradrenaline. Results Low-frequency TENS significantly increased serotonin concentrations during and immediately after treatment. There was no change in serotonin with high-frequency TENS, nor was there a change in noradrenaline with low- or high-frequency TENS. Conclusions Low-frequency TENS releases serotonin in the spinal cord to produce antihyperalgesia by activation of serotonin receptors.
Prevention of Type I Diabetes and Recurrent β-Cell Destruction of Transplanted Islets

I. Introduction II. Disease Pathogenesis III. Disease Prediction A. Genetic prediction B. Immunological prediction C. Metabolic prediction IV. Prevention of Type I Diabetes A. Trial design B. Genetic prevention C. Prevention: preautoimmunity D. Prevention: postautoimmunity/prediabetes E. New onset patients/prevention of further β-cell destruction F. Pancreas and islet cell transplantation/prevention of recurrent diabetes G. Islet cell transplantation/prevention of β-cell destruction V. Conclusion
Glial cells: possible determinants of neuronal uptake of tritiated proline.

Abstract When tritiated proline is injected into various sensory and integrative areas of the brain, it fails to be incorporated into the proteins of neuronal soma located within the injection site. In contrast, such incorporation does occur when [3H]proline is injected into dorsal root ganglia. The basis for this difference is unclear because brain and dorsal root ganglion tissue differ in configurational factors (e.g. synapses, dendrites) as well as in the embryological origin of their respective neuronal and non-neuronal cell populations. To determine if configurational factors might account for [3H]proline's incorporation into somal neuronal proteins in dorsal root ganglia, [3H]proline was injected into autonomie (pelvic and superior cervical) and sensory (dorsal root and nodose) ganglia in the rat. These ganglia differ in synaptic and cellular configurations, but have the same neural origin (neural crest). Virtually all neuronal soma were labeled in autoradiograms of all of these injection sites, suggesting that configurational factors do not account for the labeling of dorsal root ganglion neurons by [3H]proline. To address the issue of embryological origin, cellular labeling patterns after [3H]proline injection into the hypoglossal nucleus, dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus and the ventral horn of spinal cord were compared with those after [3H]proline injections into the adjacent solitary nucleus, gracile nucleus and central cervical nucleus of the spinal cord. The neurons in the former three nuclei (i.e. motoneurons) originate from the neural tube, but their axons are associated primarily with Schwann cells which originate from the neural crest. Although neurons in the latter three regions also originate from the neural tube, their axons are myelinated entirely by neural tube-derived glia (i.e. oligodendrocytes). Whereas motoneuronal soma in the former three areas were labeled with [3H]proline (72, 47 and 93%, respectively), few neuronal soma in the other three areas were labeled (14, 9 and 13%, respectively). These results indicate that the location of neurons or the axonal projections of neurons in the periphery is correlated with the uptake of proline, while containment of the entire neuron and its processes in the CNS is correlated with the lack of proline uptake. The results therefore suggest that the incorporation of proline by neuronal soma depends upon the presence of Schwann cells and/or the absence of oligodendrocytes on some portion of the neuron's axon and implicate neuronal incorporation of proline in regenerative processes of the nervous system.
Evaluating a Drainage Model Using Soil Hydraulic Parameters Derived by Various Methods

Soil hydraulic parameters are often indispensable input in hydrological modeling. The required input parameters can be obtained by measuring soil texture, bulk density, organic matter content, soil water retention and hydraulic conductivity. To minimize soil measurements, information is needed on how well hydrologic models perform with varying levels of soil hydraulic parameters. The objective of this study is to determine which level of soil information would be sufficient to use with DRAINMOD in predicting subsurface drainage volumes. Three groups of parameters were obtained by various methods: 1) determining the soil texture and bulk density (BD) data from the Soil Survey Database, then inputting them into a pedotransfer function model (ROSETTA) to determine soil hydraulic parameters (denoted as SP_1); 2) analyzing the soil texture and organic matter(OM) content in laboratory and deriving the BD, field capacity (e33kPa) and wilting point (e1500kPa) from literature, then inputting them into ROSETTA to determine soil hydraulic parameters (SP_2); and 3) calibrated soil hydraulic parameters based on initial inputs from the Soil Survey Database plus ROSETTA (SP_3). Parameters obtained from these three methods were used with DRAINMOD under the same weather, crop and soil conditions for 14 consecutive years at the subsurface drainage plots located in Pocahontas County, IA. Predicted subsurface drainage based on those three levels of soil hydraulic parameter inputs were compared to the observed ones through four statistical measures: Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Co-efficient of Mass Residual (CRM), Index of Agreement (IoA) and Model Efficiency (EF). The statistical results indicated that output from SP_3 had the best fit with respect to observed values during the calibration period (1990-1993) and that from SP_2 has the best fit when considering all 14 years. However, all methods provided reliable estimates of subsurface drainage. ROSETTA in combination with Soil Survey offers a quick and easy way to derive the soil hydraulic parameters, which were found reliable for DRAINMOD simulations to predict long-term subsurface drainage volumes for the site studied.
Semiconductor Detector X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry Applied to Environmental and Biological Analysis

The effective application of Si(Li) semiconductor X-ray detectors to the elemental analysis of trace impurities in environmental and biological specimens has required the improvement of existing systems. The use of low-background X-ray tubes for fluorescence excitation and the increased counting rate capability of the electronics have reduced counting times necessary for analysis. The presence of radiation-induced low-energy background in conventional detectors has been shown to be a major limiting factor in the detection sensitivity for trace element constituents in organic specimens. The use of guard-ring detector geometries has eliminated the cause of much of this background, and has reduced detection limits by approximately an order of magnitude. The practical detection of 0.1 ppm concentration achieved with these techniques has made energydispersive X-ray fluorescence a potent tool for the analysis of environmental and biological samples. A few examples have been chosen to emphasize particular advantages of the technique relative to alternative analytical methods. Examples include trace element determination in blood, air pollution particulate analysis, and studies of the influence of environment on the trace constituents of biological specimens.
Biotechnological Approaches for Enhancing Phytoremediation of Heavy Metals and Metalloids

Phytoremediation, the use of plants and their associated microbes to accumulate, detoxify and/or stabilise contaminants, is an environment-friendly and sustainable means of remediating contaminated soil and water. Phytoremediation has been an important aspect of constructed wetlands, which have been used successfully to detoxify large volumes of wastewater with dilute concentrations of contaminants. The usefulness of phytoremediation appears to extend to a wide variety of contaminants, and a recent study demonstrated its possible application for selenocyanate. Genetic engineering approaches are currently being used to optimise the metabolic and physiological processes that enable plants to phytoremediate sites contaminated with heavy metals and metalloids. Over-expressing enzymes catalysing rate-limiting steps in the sulphate assimilation and phytochelatin synthesis pathways has been shown to confer increased tolerance to and the ability to accumulate higher concentrations of selenium and cadmium, respectively. Recent research in our laboratory is aimed at determining the regulatory genes involved in heavy metal accumulation and detoxification in hyperaccumulating plants that could then be transferred to fast-growing, high biomass plant species for phytoremediation. Microbes isolated from highly contaminated environments represent another potentially huge reservoir of new genes and unique metabolic capabilities that could be transferred to plants to enhance their phytoremediation potential.
Algorithms for optimal dyadic decision trees

A dynamic programming algorithm for constructing optimal dyadic decision trees was recently introduced, analyzed, and shown to be very effective for low dimensional data sets. This paper enhances and extends this algorithm by: introducing an adaptive grid search for the regularization parameter that guarantees optimal solutions for all relevant trees sizes, replacing the dynamic programming algorithm with a memoized recursive algorithm whose run time is substantially smaller for most regularization parameter values on the grid, and incorporating new data structures and data pre-processing steps that provide significant run time enhancement in practice.
Radiation management of advanced nasopharyngeal cancer

During the period from 1957-1976, 70 patients with advanced malignant tumors of nasopharynx were treated by irradiation in the Department of Radiation Therapy, University of Maryland Hospital. Forty-nine patients were treated with curative intent and 21 patients with palliative purpose. Of 49 patients treated for cure, 22 (45%) survived disease-free for at least 5 years. Local control was achieved best (92%) by combined treatment, external beam and brachytherapy. Factors responsible for local control and disease-free survival, appear to be related to clinical staging (primary and nodal disease), cell types and treatment used. In spite of aggressive radiation treatment for advanced cases (Stages III and IV), distant disease is still a major problem and will necessitate further trial by combined chemotherapeutic treatment with irradiation. This article highlights the results and failures of the technique of the irradiation, both external and brachytherapy. It is suggested that aggressive radiation treatment using a combined approach (external beam and brachytherapy, whenever possible) be done in all cases for cure. Palliative treatment can only offer a short-term symptom-free status in 72% of all cases treated.