cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Opportunity costs and financial incentives for Hispanic youth participating in a family-based HIV and substance use preventive intervention.

This paper presents results from a pilot study of the synergies between the opportunity costs incurred by research participants, participant compensation, and program attendance in a family-based substance use and HIV preventive intervention for Hispanic adolescents in Miami-Dade County, Florida. To estimate parent/caretaker cost per session and cost for the duration of the intervention, we administered the Caretaker Drug Abuse Treatment Cost Analysis Program to a random sample of 34 families who participated in a recent clinical trial of Familias Unidas. The total opportunity cost per parent/caretaker was under $40 per group session, under $30 per family session, and just over $570 for the duration of the intervention. Participants were compensated between $40 and $50 per session and attended more than 79 % of family and group sessions. Parents and caretakers incurred a cost of approximately $30–40 per intervention session for which they were adequately compensated. Attendance was very good overall for this group (>79 %) and significantly higher than attendance in a comparable uncompensated study group from another recent Familias Unidas trial that targeted similar youth. Findings suggest that incentives should be considered important for future implementations of Familias Unidas and similar family-based interventions that target minority and low-SES populations.
Predicting juvenile delinquency: A review of correlates and a confirmation by recent research based on an integrated theoretical model

A multi-theory model is used to develop an explanation for juvenile delinquency. Five popular theories (anomie, social control, differential association, labeling and self-esteem) are integrated into a causal model to measure the amount of variance explained. An R2 of .29 was obtained. The integrated model was tested on 532 residents of a county juvenile detention center in a southwest city. The theories of differential association and anomie contributed the most to the model, while social control and self-esteem theories contributed the least. The moderate success of the integrated model of delinquent involvement suggests that more comprehensive delinquent measuring models should be tested by social scientists.
The role of representations in age differences in analogical reasoning.

Age-related declines in the efficiency of a number of cognitive tasks have been postulated to be attributable to decreases with age in the quality of internal representations used to mediate performance on those tasks. This proposal was investigated in a geometric analogies task by manipulating variables (i.e., the number of elements per term and the temporal delay between presentation of pairs of terms) assumed to affect the quality or stability of internal representations. As expected, the performance of older adults was impaired more than that of young adults by these manipulations. Further analyses revealed that these representational deficits may be due to a reduction of approximately 40% in the quantity of some type of processing resource between, approximately, 20 and 70 years of age.
Scheduling workflows by enforcing intertask dependencies

Workflows are composite activities that can be used to support and automate multisystem applications involving humans, heterogeneous databases and legacy systems. The traditional atomic transaction model, successful for centralized and homogeneous applications, is not suitable for supporting such workflows. Intertask dependencies, which are conditions involving events and dependencies among workflow tasks, are used to specify the coordination requirements among the workflow tasks and are a central component of most workflow models. They form a basis for developing a uniform formal framework for workflows, which is a key contribution of this work. In this paper, we formalize intertask dependencies using temporal logic. This involves event attributes, which are needed to determine whether a dependency is enforceable and to properly schedule events. Each dependency is represented internally as a finite state automaton that captures the computations that satisfy the given dependency. Sets of automata are combined into a scheduler that produces global computations satisfying all relevant dependencies, thus enacting the given workflow. This algorithm is rigorously proved correct; it has been implemented.
Implementation of Strain Rate as a Bone Remodeling Stimulus

Strain rate is implemented as a stimulus for surface bone remodeling. Using idealized models for trabecular bone structures, the surface remodeling predictions using the strain rate as the stimulus are compared with the predictions using the peak strain magnitude as the stimulus. For a uniaxially loaded cruciform shape, the comparison shows that the two surface remodeling stimuli predict the same final shape under a periodic compressive load, but the two evolutionary paths to final shapes are different. Two biaxially loaded regular grid models of trabecular structure were considered, one a grid of square diamond shaped elements and the other a brick wall patterned grid. For both of these idealized trabecular structures, the comparison shows that the two surface remodeling stimuli predict the same final shape under a periodic compressive load, even from these distinctly different initial grid patterns, and the evolutionary paths to final shapes are quite different. In general the two stimuli do not predict the same remodeling and the conditions under which they do are derived. The models developed are also applied to the data from the animal experiments reported in Goldstein et al. (1991), and it is shown that the strain rate stimulus predicts bone remodeling similar to what was experimentally observed.
Monogenic autoinflammatory diseases: new insights into clinical aspects and pathogenesis

Purpose of review The genetic and clinical characterizations of monogenic autoinflammatory syndromes have led to ground breaking insights into the regulation of inflammatory responses to endogenous and exogenous inducers or triggers of inflammation and continue to uncover key inflammatory pathways of the innate immune system. This article summarizes recent progress in the clinical aspects and understanding of the pathogenesis of this growing spectrum of diseases. Recent findings The understanding of the spectrum of organ manifestations in autoinflammation was expanded by the discovery of two novel monogenic diseases both caused by the absence of an anti-inflammatory signal and added evidence that increased IL-1 signaling can cause aseptic osteolytic bone lesions and that the absence of IL-10 signaling causes inflammatory enterocolitis in neonates. New knock in animal models for TNF-receptor-associated periodic syndrome, and familial Mediterranean fever and cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes allow insights into the complexity of the dysregulated immune pathways. Exploring 'triggers' of the NLRP3 inflammasome spurred studies of tissue inflammation in diseases including gout and those that previously have not been considered inflammatory in nature such as diabetes, fibrosing lung disease and possibly coronary artery disease. Summary The genetic characterization of a growing number of monogenic autoinflammatory diseases has provided important insights into the phenotypic expression of single gene disorders and the complexity of the dysregulated inflammatory pathways leading to clinical disease. Knowledge obtained from these disorders is pertinent to a number of common disorders and provides new targets for drug development.
The Absorption of High-Degree p-Mode Oscillations in and around Sunspots

The paper presents a technique for directly measuring the effect of local regions on solar p-mode oscillations. It was used to detect and measure p-mode absorption in and around several sunspots. Sunspots are found to absorb an energy flux of the order of about 10 to the 7th ergs/ sq cm s, which is about 0.0001 of the sunspot energy deficit. Thus, p-modes have only a negligible effect on the total sunspot energetics. However, the effect of active regions in dissipating high-degree p-mode energy appears to be very significant.
The Use of Personality and the Five-Factor Model to Predict New Business Ventures: From Outplacement to Start-up☆☆☆

Abstract The increasing number of layoffs among middle- and upper-level executives has made self-employment a more common outcome of outplacement counseling. At this point, however, research that identifies the personal characteristics of new business starters is rare or plagued with methodological problems. This research represents a unique opportunity to study a specific behavior (i.e., starting one's own business) under longitudinal conditions less susceptible to some of those criticisms. We examined personality characteristics of a sample of outplaced executives as predictors of subsequent new-business start-ups. The results are discussed in terms of contributions from a prospective design and in terms of the application of the five-factor model to secondary data sets.
Turn conformations in a metallacyclictripeptide and a metallacyclictetrapeptide induced by tungsten–alkyne coordination

Abstract Tungsten–alkyne coordination was employed for the preparation of a metallacyclictripeptide and a metallacyclictetrapeptide. First, the dialkynyltripeptide 7 and the dialkynyltetrapeptide 9 were prepared using solution phase peptide synthesis. In both 7 and 9 the two alkynes were attached to the peptide at the N- and C-termini. Reaction of 7 with W(CO) 3 (dmtc) 2 yielded the metallacyclictripeptide 10 , while reaction of 9 with W(CO) 3 (dmtc) 2 yielded the metallacyclictetrapeptide 11 . The identities of 10 and 11 were established using 1 H NMR spectroscopy and positive ion electrospray mass spectrometry. The 1 H NMR spectra of 10 and 11 show that these species exist as a complex mixture of isomers that differ in how the ligands are arranged around the tungsten center. Interconversion between these isomers is slow at 23 °C, but the rate of interconversion increases as the temperature is raised. With 10 , all the alkyne hydrogen signals coalesce at 95 °C. However, with 11 the alkyne hydrogen signals do not fully coalesce, even at 105 °C. Related to this is the behavior of 10 and 11 during HPLC analysis; 10 elutes as a single peak, but 11 elutes as two overlapping peaks. The overlapping peaks and the high isomer interconversion temperature of 11 as compared to 10 are attributed to the presence of additional intramolecular hydrogen bonding interactions between the two ends of the peptide in 11 .
Speciation of Molybdenum (VI) In Aqueous and Organic Phases of Selected Extraction Systems

Abstract The extraction study of molybdenum (VI) by 30% tri-n-butyl phosphate in n-dodecane and 0.2 M octyl (phenyl)-N,N-di-isobutylcarbamoylmethylphosphine oxide in 30% tri-n-butyl phosphate extraction systems was performed from aqueous solution containing HCl, HNO3 and acetohydroxamic acid. Depending on extraction conditions, acetohydroxamic acid can significantly affect the speciation of molybdenum and can increase or decrease its distribution ratio. Our investigation confirmed the strong ability of the acetohydroxamic acid to form complexes with Mo even in highly acidic solutions. UV absorption spectra confirmed that a fraction of the Mo(VI)-AHA species can be present in the organic phase after extraction.
Flux Enhancement in Ultrafiltration of Bitumen Emulsions Using Tubular Polyvinyldiene Flouride Membranes

New emulsified bitumen fuels pose an extreme challenge to ultrafiltration (UF) membranes, rapidly depositing and adhering tar solids on membrane surfaces. In this paper, results of pilot tests demonstrating maintenance of permeate flux in such applications are described. Tubular polyvinyldiene fluoride (PVDF) membranes for ultrafiltration were shown to effectively remove Orimulsion®, a bitumen fuel emulsion, from water, resulting in a permeate quality less than 2.0 mg/L as volatile suspended solids, at an average permeate flux on the order of 35–310 Lph/m2 (21–182 gpd/ft2). The use of one part bentonite clay to ten parts Orimulsion® solids, by mass, was found to enhance permeate flux and improve membrane cleaning. Although additives were not necessary to obtain suitable flux rates or restore permeate flux, their use was shown to reduce membrane costs considerably. Practical methods for cleaning membranes fouled with bitumen suspensions in water, with and without the presence of filtration additives, are p...
THE EFFECT OF CERTAIN EXPERIMENTAL CONDITIONS UPON THE THYROTROPIC HORMONE CONTENT OF THE ALBINO RAT1

IN A PREVIOUS PAPER (1) the thyrotropic hormone concentration in the AP of the male rat during growth and of the female during growth, pregnancy and lactation was reported. A higher concentration of hormone in the male was observed during all stages of growth, with the maximum in both sexes being reached during the period of rapid growth. In the estrous female the hormone concentration was low and continued so during the first half of pregnancy. There was evidence of an increase during the latter part of pregnancy and a further 40‰ increase during lactation. At the present time relatively little is known concerning the factors playing a role in the regulation of the rate of secretion of the thyrotropic hormone aside from temperature (2, 3) and thyroidectomy (review, 4). It, therefore, was of interest to determine the relation of the gonadal and thyroid hormones to the thyrotropic content of the AP of both male and female albino rats.
Liquid crystal-based self-aligning 2×2 wavelength routing module

A novel retroreflective polarization insensitive 2x2 fiber optic switch (FOS) using programmable quarter waveplates (QWPs) is introduced. Key features include low polarization sensitivity and a selfaligning module via a compact retroreflective structure. A proof of concept 2 x 2 FOS using ferroelectric liquid crystal (FLC)-based programmable QWPs is demonstrated, providing a response speed of 394 ?s and a low 10.14-mW total electrical power consumption for the worst case. Multiwavelength switch operation in the 1550-nm wavelength region indicates an average optical loss of 6.02 dB with a ±0.18-dB loss fluctuation, and an optical coherent crosstalk of -21.6 dB with a ±0.84 dB variation over a 60-nm bandwidth. The temperature dependence of our switch is investigated over a 17°C range, indicating an average 5.80-dB optical loss with a ±0.13-dB fluctuation, and an average optical coherent crosstalk of -20.5 dB with a fluctuation of ±0.42 dB. An average polarization dependent loss of 0.4 dB is also measured. A time-multiplexed FLC device addressing technique is introduced for FOS to achieve long duration operation.
Reading Vertical Text: Rotated VS. marquee:

There are numerous design situations in which it impossible to present English text in its normal horizontal orientation. There are multiple options available when text must be presented vertically...
Protein Quality of Selected Muscle Foods as Affected by the Exchange of Dietary Wheat Bran for Cellulose

The exchange of 8.4% neutral detergent fiber (NDF) of wheat bran for 8.3% NDF of cellulose in diets containing either beef, chicken, fish or casein as protein sources did not (P>0.05) alter feed consumption, weight gain or energy intake in the protein efficiency ratio (PER) bioassay with weanling rats. Higher (P 0.05) on PER or net protein ratio (NPR) of casein or fish protein or on NPR of chicken protein. However, PER and NPR of beef and PER for chicken were reduced (P<0.05) when the dietary fiber was exchanged.
Conceptualization and measurement of insight

Insight is a complex phenomenon which has been conceptualized variously as a symptom of schizophrenia and as awareness of illness, making comparisons of studies measuring insight difficult. Furthermore, attempts to establish a correlation between insight and successful treatment outcomes are fraught with methodological problems. Specifically, categorical judgments fail to capture important information about the quality of insight; inappropriate inferential statistics have been used; and validity of instruments to measure insight has not been established. In future research, the concept of insight needs to be clarified. Nonparametric statistical analysis should be considered for small, nonnormally distributed samples. Qualitative exploratory research is needed.
Approaches to the synthesis of stable fluorinated organo-metallics

Abstract The direct preparation of stable perfluoroalkenyl organometallic reagents, R F CFCFMX (MCd, Zn, Cu) will be described, and illustrative examples of the application of these reagents in the stereospecific synthesis of polyfunctionalized organofluorine compounds will be presented. In addition, a new and novel approach for the direct conversion of dihalodifluoromethanes to stable trifluoromethyl organometallics will be described and the mechanistic details of this unusual conversion discussed.
Application of SQUID sensors to the investigation of neural activity in the human brain

The unique capabilities of superconducting magnetic field sensors have made the study of weak magnetic fields associated with neural activity in the brain a significant area of research in the laboratory and clinic. To illustrate these applications of superconductivity we give examples of the kinds of results that can be obtained by studying cortical and subcortical sources.
Simulation of the Time-Dependent Wear and Surface Accumulation Behavior of Particle-Filled Polymer Composites

A simulation has been developed to model the transient wear of particle-filled polymer composites as a function of sliding distance. All inputs are parameters of physical significance, including filler bulk volume fraction, specific wear rate (relative to that of the matrix), and contact pressure. Run-in wear behavior is simulated by consideration of the accumulation of wear-resistant filler particles and the formation of a volume fraction profile near the composite sliding surface, facilitated by matrix cold flow. Simulation outputs include time-dependent volume fraction profile, and composite wear rate and wear volume. The simulation may be used for evaluation of candidate materials for applications in which nonsteady-state run-in wear effects are important, as well as a guide for the engineering of composite surfaces with graded volume fraction profiles that may provide resistance to initial transient wear contributions.
New constitutive equation for the volume viscosity of fluids

The traditional volume viscosity, Stokes' hypothesis, and acoustical relaxation are reviewed. The lossy Navier-Stokes Equation is applied to periodic (acoustic) flow, and it is shown that the traditional volume viscosity leads to a result which contradicts that describing acoustical relaxation. It is demonstrated that the addition of a second volume viscosity term to the constitutive equation, to account for pressure relaxation, resolves the conflict, and leads to a direct correspondence between the volume viscosity parameters and the acoustical relaxation parameters. The representation of volume viscosity is formulated for the case of multiple relaxations, as occur in air. Finally, an application of the new constitutive equation to a simple convective compressible flow, namely a linearly accelerating flow, demonstrates the impact of volume viscosity upon the flow and the physical conditions for which it is important.
Effects of hemizygous CD45 expression in the autoimmune Faslgld/gld syndrome

Abstract Mice homozygous for the Fasl gld/gld mutation cannot initiate apoptosis via the Fas/Fasl pathway and develop an autoimmune disease characterized by the accumulation of CD4 − /CD8 − (DN) T cells and a progressive T cell anergy. These DN T cells express a high-molecular-weight isoform of the membrane PTPase CD45 (B220). We have produced a Fasl gld/gld mouse strain with only one functional CD45 allele (CD45 +/− , Fasl gld/gld ) in order to explore the role that CD45 plays in the lymphoaccumulation and proliferative capacity of the DN T cells. In contrast to CD45 +/+ , Fasl gld/gld mice, CD45 +/− , Fasl gld/gld mice display a 10-fold reduction in the DN T cell population and have decreased levels of anti-DNA antibodies and total serum Ig. However, enriched DN T cell populations remain unresponsive to mitogenic stimulation, but do display altered patterns of tyrosine phosphorylation. These data indicate that CD45 is essential to the accumulation of DN T cells in Fasl gld/gld mice and implicate CD45 as a component of the process of deletion that normally governs the composition of the T cell population.
Part One: For the Motion. Young Patients with Good Risk Factors Should be Treated with EVAR

There has been significant improvement in endovascular repair (EVAR) of infrarenal aortic aneurysms over the last 22 years, since Juan Parodi first reported on his historic cases. There are now several commercially available devices approved for EVAR throughout the world. Utilization of this technique for infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair varies worldwide, but has been shown to be up to 80% of all AAA repairs done in the USA. Despite its widespread use in most patients, there are still subgroups in which the benefits of EVAR have not clearly been demonstrated. The subgroup most often debated is the young patient with good risk factors, which serves as the basis for the following debate. While initially thought to be a rare occurrence, this is an important controversy because in the USA more than 5,000 patients a year between the age of 50 and 64 years undergo aneurysm repair. There are substantial reasons why young patients with good anatomic characteristics and low comorbidities are very good candidates for EVAR, and it should be offered to this subgroup.
Evaluation of coproporphyrin in urine from workers exposed to lead.

The average concentration of coproporphyrin in the urine of groups of workers exposed to different concentrations of lead in air increased with the average concentration of lead to which they were exposed. However, the correlation between atmospheric lead and coproporphyrin levels In urine did not appear to follow any simple curvilinear relationship, particularly for workers exposed to excessively high concentrations. No significant relationship was observed between the concentration of urinary coproporphyrin and periods of exposure. It is concluded that, only when the measurement of lead in blood cannot be obtained, the use of the relatively simple determination of coproporphyrin in urine and lead in air, together, but not separately, may provide the basis for reasonable hygienic control in the lead trades, if accompanied by the appropriate medical supervision.
FTIR of polymers: a 15-year perspective

Originally, JR spectra of polymers were measured using a dispersive instrument equipped with an optical element of prisms or gratings to geometrically disperse the infrared radiation'. Using a scanning mechanism, the dispersed radiation is passed over a slit system which isolates the frequency range falling on the detector. In this manner, the spectrum, that is, the energy transmitted through a sample as a function of frequency is obtained. This dispersive JR method is highly limited in sensitivity because most of the available energy is being thrown away , i. e" , it does not fall on the open slits and hence does not reach the detector. To improve the sensitivity of JR, a multiplex optical device was sought which allows the continuous detection of all of the transmitted energy simultaneously. The Michelson interferometer is such an optical device and the JR instrumentation which resulted is termed an Fourier Transform infrared (FT-JR) spectrometer2 The Fourier transform process was well known to Michelson and his peers, but the computational difficulty of making the transformation prevented the application of this powerful technique to spectroscopy. An important advance was made with the discovery of the fast Fourier transform (FFT) algorithm by Cooley and Tukey3 which breathed new life into the field of spectroscopy using interferometers by allowing the calculation of the Fourier transform to be carried out rapidly. As computers have improved, the time required for a Fourier transform has been reduced to such an extent that the spectra can be calculated during the time needed for the moving mirror to return to its starting position. When we acquired our first FT-JR instrument, we were impressed with the performance and depressed by the lack of software to manipulate the spectra. Since the infrared spectral data from FT-JR are recorded in digital form, a variety of digital data processing techniques are available to eliminate spectral distortions. These distortions can arise from such things as sample scattering and reflection or from sampling devices such as ATR, photoacoustic, and diffuse reflection. The digital data processing techniques are also used to isolate spectral features for study and quantification.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A quantitative histologic analysis of the growing long bone metaphysis.

The purpose of this work was to analyze the proximal tibial metaphysis of the 170 g rat in a quantitative histologic fashion which would allow some relation to tissue age to be established. Stained 3 µm thick tissue sections were analyzed with the aid of a Merz grid on an eyepiece reticule and a light microscope. Tissue mass and cell distribution were studied in all areas. The rate of change in tissue mass during aging of the metaphysis was calculated. Two regions of the metaphysis were identified. One, corresponding to the primary spongiosa, less than 4.45 days of age, is a region of high turnover of hard tissue and high numbers of osteoblasts and osteoprogenitor cells. The other, corresponding to the secondary spongiosa, is a region of relatively low net tissue turnover and low numbers of osteoblasts and osteoprogenitor cells. Osteoclasts were found relatively more uniformly distributed through the metaphysis than were osteoblasts and osteoprogenitor cells. The rate of bone formation in the primary spongiosa is 50 times that found in the Haversian bone of the rib of 5-year-old humans and about 500 times that found at the cortical-endosteal surface of ribs of 5-year-old humans. It is argued that both cell distribution and tissue distribution in the metaphysis support the concept that osteoblasts and osteoclasts, rather than osteocytes, are responsible for the maturation of the metaphysis. The inhomogeneous distribution of both cells and tissue in the metaphysis has definite meaning for the interpretation of findings concerning the incorporation of radionuclides into the skeleton.
Angelica gets the spirit out: Improvisation, epiphany and transformation

This article presents excerpts from a case study describing Angelica Dawson, a New York State music educator. Angelica makes improvisation a central part of her curricula in ways that transcend tra...
Analysis of Spatial Temporal Converters for All-Optical Communication Links

We analyze parallel-to-serial transmitters and serial-to-parallel receivers that use ultrashort optical pulses to increase the bandwidth of a fiber-optic communication link. This method relies on real-time holographic material for conversion of information between spatial and temporal frequencies. The analysis reveals that the temporal output of the pulses will consist of chirped pulses, which has been verified experimentally. When the signal pulses are transmitted along with a reference pulse, the distortions of the received signal, caused by dispersion and other factors in the fiber, are canceled because of the phase-conjugation property of the receiver. This self-referencing scheme simplifies the receiver structure and ensures perfect timing for the serial-to-parallel conversion.
Histopathology and Functional Correlations in a Patient with a Mutation in RPE65, the Gene for Retinol Isomerase

Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) comprises a group of genetic disorders in which visual loss or dysfunction is present at birth. Patients typically have hyperopia and nystagmus and reduced electroretinograms (ERGs). The extent of visual loss varies from patient to patient but is usually severe. Mutations have been identified in 15 genes in persons with LCA, each of which is a recessive disorder.1,2 Mutations in the RPE65 gene account for approximately 7% of LCA. RPE65 is uniquely expressed in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), where the protein, an enzyme, binds and converts all-trans retinyl ester to 11-cis retinol.3–5 Retinol isomerization is an essential enzymatic step required for functional vision to occur in rod and cone photoreceptors.6,7 More than 60 mutations in the RPE65 gene have been documented in LCA patients. Mutations have been reported in each of the 14 exons of the RPE65 gene and its boundaries.8–14 Typically, mutations in the RPE65 gene result in impaired vision from birth and typically progress to legal blindness in the third decade of life.9,11,12,15,16 Mutations in RPE65 do not necessarily result in early loss of photoreceptors. For example, studies of dog retinas with a naturally occurring RPE65 mutation and mouse retinas that are missing the RPE65 gene show structurally intact photoreceptors visible by optical coherence tomography that appear nonfunctional because of the inability of the RPE to generate 11-cis retinal. The sparing of photoreceptors has allowed RPE65 gene replacement therapy to restore this critical retinol isomerase activity to the RPE with the accompanying restoration of visual function.17,18 In this report we describe the pathology and clinical findings in a woman with a homozygous mutation (Ala132Thr) in the RPE65 gene.12 Unlike most persons with RPE65 mutations, this patient retained some vision into her early fifties. To our knowledge this is the first study of adult postmortem donor eyes from a patient with a homozygous recessive mutation in the RPE65 gene.
Repeated Dynamic Loading Modulates Cartilage Gene Expression but Does Not Improve Mechanical Properties of MSC-Laden Hydrogels

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a multi-potential cell type that can differentiate toward a variety of tissue-specific phenotypes, including cartilage. Given their chondrogenic potential, MSCs are a promising cell source for cartilage tissue engineering (TE). However, while MSCs readily undergo chondrogenesis in 3D culture and deposit a cartilage-like matrix, the mechanical properties of MSC-seeded constructs are greatly inferior to chondrocyte-seeded constructs similarly maintained [1]. To date, optimization strategies for enhancing functional MSC chondrogenesis, including increasing seeding density and transient application of growth factor, have shown limited success [3]. Using microarray analysis, we have recently demonstrated that mis-expression of certain genes, including lubricin, chondromodulin and RGD-CAP, a collagen associated protein, may underlie this disparity in mechanical function [2]. In this study, we examined dynamic compression as an alternative method to enhance MSC differentiation. Previous work using chondrocyte-based constructs have demonstrated that matrix biosynthesis and mechanical properties were improved with the application of cyclic compression [4]. Furthermore, upregulation of lubricin was observed when surface motion was applied to chondrocyte-seeded porous scaffolds [5]. While significant effort has gone toward optimizing loading parameters to direct tissue growth of chondrocyte-based constructs, few studies have examined the effects of mechanical stimulation on MSC-based constructs. Some have demonstrated positive effects on MSC chondrogenesis with application of compressive loading [6, 7], while others have shown that long-term loading may adversely affect the developing mechanical properties of MSC-seeded constructs [8]. In this study, we examined the effects of repeated dynamic compressive loading on MSC chondrogenesis and showed that mechanical properties and gene expression were modulated by this loading modality.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
A computer program that evaluates patients with hypercalcemia.

A computer program has been developed to assist the physician in managing patients with hypercalcemia. The program requests appropriate information, such as the patient's serum calcium concentration, age and x-ray results. Based on the abnormalities detected, the program asks additional questions needed to suggest the most helpful course of action for evaluating or treating the patient's hypercalcemia. As soon as the data have been entered, the program generates an evaluation note that includes diagnostic possibilities, suggestions for additional laboratory studies, therapeutic recommendations and references to the medical literature. The program can be used from any general purpose teletype-compatible terminal (including cathode ray tube displays) connected to the Bell Telephone System. The time required to enter the data and obtain the evaluation note is approximately 4 minutes with a teletypewriter, and less if a faster terminal is used. The cost for computer time is comparable to that of a laboratory ...
Dynamic sensor planning with stereo for model identification on a mobile platform

This paper presents an approach to sensor planning for simultaneous pose estimation and model identification of a moving object using a stereo camera sensor mounted on a mobile base. For a given database of object models, we consider the problem of identifying an object known to belong to the database and where to move next should the object not be easily identifiable from the initial viewpoint. No constraints on the motion of the object nor the robot itself are assumed, which is an improvement on previous methods. Sensor planning is based on the selection of the control action that optimizes a cost metric based on information gain. Experimental results from the implementation of the method on a two-wheeled nonholonomic robot are presented to illustrate and validate the method.
More hippocampal neurons in adult mice living in an enriched environment

Neurogenesis occurs in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus throughout the life of a rodent, but the function of these new neurons and the mechanisms that regulate their birth are unknown. Here we show that significantly more new neurons exist in the dentate gyrus of mice exposed to an enriched environment compared with littermates housed in standard cages. We also show, using unbiased stereology, that the enriched mice have a larger hippocampal granule cell layer and 15 per cent more granule cell neurons in the dentate gyrus.
Synthesis of (±)-desepoxy-4,5-didehydromethylenomycin A

Abstract An efficient and regiochemically controlled synthesis of (±)-desepoxy-4,5-didehydromethylenomycin A is reported.
Early development of spiny neurons in fish and mouse: Morphometric measures of dendritic spine formation pattern

Positions of spines on apical dendrites were evaluated using 4 pattern analysis techniques: spine counts, variance/mean ratio, Lloyd's patchiness index, and nearest neighbor distance matrix. Spiny tectal interneurons from jewel fish (100, 130, 160 and 1550 days old), and layer V pyramidal cells in layer IV auditory cortex of CBA/J mice (100 and 450 days old) were studied. Fish's spines became more numerous and more clumped on distal dendritic strata during development, while mice lost dendritic spines with age. Both species developed a significantly regular spacing pattern between neighboring spines during development. These changes are explained in the context of spine function and a biophysical model of dendritic spine patterns.
Morphological changes in Daphnia mendotae in the chemical presence of Bythotrephes longimanus

Induction of helmet formation in Daphnia mendotae was demonstrated experimentally through chemical exposure to the predatory cladoceran Bythotrephes longimanus. The degree of helmet formation recorded in two of three clone lines of D. mendotae is comparable to other published studies on D. mendotae and Daphnia ambigua in the chemical presence of Chaoborus. The results are the first demonstration that B. longimanus, a recent invader of North America, elicits chemical induction of helmet formation in daphniids and, importantly, may help explain recent trends in the post-invasion success of D. mendotae in Lake Michigan and Harp Lake, Ontario, following species invasion by B. longimanus.
Pairs of elliptic curves with maximal Galois representations

Abstract Using a multi-dimensional large sieve inequality, we prove that, for almost all pairs (or indeed almost all k -tuples) of elliptic curves, the associated Galois representation on their torsion has maximal image. This generalizes the authorʼs previous work and provides evidence for an affirmative answer to a higher-dimensional analogue of Serreʼs uniformity question for single elliptic curves. Furthermore, as a consequence of our main theorem, one deduces the triviality of the Brauer group of the Kummer surface attached to almost all pairs of elliptic curves.
Heparin-bonded circuits with a reduced anticoagulation protocol in primary CABG: a prospective, randomized study

Background. A substantial proportion of patients undergoing primary coronary revascularization require homologous transfusions. To address this problem, a comprehensive strategy to diminish perioperative blood loss was developed. Methods. A prospective randomized trial was undertaken to test the hypothesis that "tip-to-tip" heparinbonded cardiopulmonary bypass circuits (HBC) can further enhance blood conservation and clinical outcomes in patients undergoing primary coronary artery bypass grafting. Two hundred thirty-four patients were treated with either HBC and lower anticoagulation therapy (activated clotting time > 280 seconds) or with conventional, nonheparin-bonded circuits and full anticoagulation therapy (activated clotting time >480 seconds). Results. Preoperative and intraoperative risk profiles and characteristics were similar in both groups, with 69.7% of the patients undergoing nonelective coronary artery bypass grafting. Compared with the group with nonheparin-bonded circuits, patients treated with HBC had a lower chest tube output in the first 24 hours (561 ± 257 versus 651 ± 403; p = 0.04), were less likely to receive blood products (31.6% versus 47.9%; p = 0.01), and required substantially fewer homologous donor units (1.98 ± 4.8 versus 4.29 ± 10.1; p = 0.029). Patients treated with HBC required a shorter duration of ventilatory support (13.2 ± 16.9 versus 23.4 ± 50.0 hours; p = 0.04), spent less time in the surgical intensive care unit (20.7 ± 17.4 versus 35.5 ± 61.7 hours; p = 0.01), spent fewer days in the hospital (6.0 ± 2.5 versus 7.3 ± 5.2 days; p = 0.02), and had fewer postoperative complications (25.6% versus 39.3%; p = 0.03). The use of HBC with a lower anticoagulation protocol was not associated with any adverse events. Conclusions. This study demonstrates that the use of HBC with a lower anticoagulation protocol in primary coronary artery bypass grafting safely and effectively reduces the incidence and magnitude of homologous transfusion, the duration of ventilation, and surgical intensive care unit and hospital stays.
Mental Illness in a Multicultural Context

How does culture affect the expression and prevalence of mental illness? This question reflects a critical tension in scientific investigations of mental health and illness that is revealed in the history of the development of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). The DSM provides a description of different “accepted” mental disorders and the clinical criteria for assessing each. Since the American Psychiatric Association (APA) first published the DSM in 1952, it has become widely used by clinicians psychiatric researchers, and social scientists for different purposes. As a foundation, DSM assumes that mental disorders are discrete biomedical entities that are explained by biomedical processes. It is often implicitly assumed that psychiatric symptoms or syndromes are universally distributed and uniformly manifested. This assumption is unwarranted, because groups vary in how they define such constructs as “distress,” “normality,” and “abnormality.” These variations affect definitions of mental health and mental illness, expressions of psychopathology, and coping mechanisms (White & Marsella, 1982).
Appendix B—Report of Sub‐Committee on Current‐Investigations of Special Committee on Flood‐Waves

During the year which has elapsed since the presentation of the April, 1938, Report of the Sub-Committee on Current-Investigations on Flood-Waves, the following additional items have been noted with regard to investigations in progress in the United-States. It is not implied that this list is exhaustive. No additional data on foreign investigations have been received. (1) The Division of Research, Soil-Conservation Service, United States Department of Agriculture, in cooperation with the Horton Hydraulic Laboratory, Voorheesville, New York, has brought out a publication written by Robert E. Horton and entitled “Channel-waves subject chiefly to momentum control.” The fact that experiments on such waves were in progress in the Horton Hydraulic Laboratory was mentioned in the Report of our Sub-Committee for last year. The experiments described in the publication were performed in a wooden channel 130 feet long by 6-5/8 inches wide, with typical flow-depths of from one to six inches. The types of waves studied included the instantaneous increase, instantaneous decrease, gradual increase, gradual decrease, triangular, rectangular, and alternating. The velocities of these waves were compared with values computed by several well-known equations applicable to waves in which the effects of friction are negligible, the Koch-Carstanjen equation generally giving the best results. The publication calls attention to the desirability of making additional experiments in a much longer channel in order to study waves more comparable to typical flood-waves in rivers, where the effects of friction are more important than those of momentum.
Obstetric vesicovaginal fistula as an international public-health problem.

Summary Vesicovaginal fistula is a devastating injury in which an abnormal opening forms between a woman's bladder and vagina, resulting in urinary incontinence. This condition is rare in developed countries, but in developing countries it is a common complication of childbirth resulting from prolonged obstructed labour. Estimates suggest that at least 3 million women in poor countries have unrepaired vesicovaginal fistulas, and that 30 000–130 000 new cases develop each year in Africa alone. The general public and the world medical community remain largely unaware of this problem. In this article I review the pathophysiology of vesicovaginal fistula in obstructed labour and describe the effect of this condition on the lives of women in developing countries. Policy recommendations to combat this problem include enhancing public awareness, raising the priority of women's reproductive health for developing countries and aid agencies, expanding access to emergency obstetric services, and creation of fistula repair centres.
Micromachining in Plastics Using X-Ray Lithography for the Fabrication of Micro-Electrophoresis Devices

Micromachining was performed in polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) using X-ray lithography for the fabrication of miniaturized devices ( microchips ) for potential applications in chemical and genetic analyses. The devices were fabricated using two different techniques : transfer mask technology and a Kapton mask. For both processes, the channel topography was transferred (1:1) to the appropriate substrate via the use of an optical mask. In the case of the transfer mask technique, the PMMA substrate was coated with a positive photoresist and a thin Au/Cr plating base. Following UV exposure, the resist was developed and a thick overlayer (∼3 μm) of Au electroplated onto the PMMA substrate only where the resist was removed, which acted as an absorber of the X-rays. In the other technique, a Kapton film was used as the X-ray mask. In this case, the Kapton film was UV exposed using the optical mask to define the channel topography and following development of the resist, a thick Au overlayer (8 μm) was electrodeposited onto the Kapton sheet. The PMMA wafer during X-ray exposure was situated directly underneath the Kapton mask. In both cases, the PMMA wafer was exposed to soft X-rays and developed to remove the exposed PMMA. The resulting channels were found to be 20 μm in width (determined by optical mask) with channel depths of∼50 μm (determined by x-ray exposure time). In order to demonstrate the utility of this micromachining process, several components were fabricated in PMMA including capillary/chip connectors, injectors for fixed-volume sample introduction, separation channels for electrophoresis and integrated fiber optic fluorescence detectors. These components could be integrated into a single device to assemble a system appropriate for the rapid analysis of various targets.
Absence of Btn1p in the yeast model for juvenile Batten disease may cause arginine to become toxic to yeast cells

Lymphoblast cell lines established from individuals with juvenile Batten disease (JNCL) bearing mutations in CLN3 and yeast strains lacking Btn1p (btn1-Delta), the homolog to CLN3, have decreased intracellular levels of arginine and defective lysosomal/vacuolar transport of arginine. It is important to establish the basis for this decrease in arginine levels and whether restoration of arginine levels would be of therapeutic value for Batten disease. Previous studies have suggested that synthesis and degradation of arginine are unaltered in btn1-Delta. Using the yeast model for the Batten disease, we have determined that although btn1-Delta results in decreased intracellular arginine levels, it does not result from altered arginine uptake, arginine efflux or differences in arginine incorporation into peptides. However, expression of BTN1 is dependent on arginine and Gcn4p, the master regulator of amino acid biosynthesis. Moreover, deletion of GCN4 (gcn4-Delta), in combination with btn1-Delta, results in a very specific growth requirement for arginine. In addition, increasing the intracellular levels of arginine through overexpression of Can1p, the plasma membrane basic amino acid permease, results in increased cell volume and a severe growth defect specific to basic amino acid availability for btn1-Delta, but not wild-type cells. Therefore, elevation of intracellular levels of arginine in btn1-Delta cells is detrimental and is suggestive that btn1-Delta and perhaps mutation of CLN3 predispose cells to keep arginine levels lower than normal.