cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Importance of Spirituality in Later Life

Abstract As an increasing number of older adults live longer lives, there has been increased interest in including spirituality in the bio-psycho-social model of assessment and treatment of the problems they encounter. What is often lacking in the literature on spirituality is consistency in the use of the various terms that contribute to the conceptual framework of spirituality, including such terms as purpose, meaning, and life themes. This article reviews terms relating to the concept of spirituality and offers a spirituality “mini-assessment” technique that may be used by social service providers who work with older adult clients. Such an assessment can be used to help elders identify their individual sources of spirituality, and that can empower and help them provide meaningful interpretations of their lives.
A High-performance Liquid Chromatography Method for Hemoglobin A1c

Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is a glycosylated derivative of hemoglobin and is one of a family of derivatives whose concentrations are elevated in patients with diabetes mellitus. Published methods for the measurement of HbA1c are relatively tedious and require modest amounts of blood. A high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method for the determination of HbA1c is presented. The method is rapid (20 minutes), precise (coefficient of variation of 5-10 per cent), uses small amounts of sample (3 microliter.), can be automated. A sample preparation technique using filtration was developed that shortened and simplified preparation of venous blood and allowed use of capillary samples. HbA1c was measured by this method in three age-stratified groups of controls and a group of insulin-requiring juvenile diabetics. There was clear separation of HbA1c values between all normals (5.9 +/- 1.3, 5.6 +/- 0.7, 7.1 +/- 0.9 per cent) and the diabetics (12.1 +/- 2.4 per cent). Use of this method can facilitate large-scale clinical investigations and permit biochemical investigations of the metabolism and formation of hemoglobin A1c where small sample sizes are necessary.
Moving from Subjective to Objective Assessments of Your Instruction Program

Assessment of academic programs has become a focus and a priority for many campuses, but assessment of library instruction programs provides unique challenges. Without required courses, major standardized tests, or clear objectives, how does an academic library move from student and faculty feedback forms to broader assessments of the instruction program? The Schurz Library has moved from simple subjective feedback forms for students and faculty, to more indepth questionnaires, to development of a list of library research competencies for students, to the development of an objective test of library research competencies for targeted student groups. In this article, Colborn and Cordell discuss the distinction between student evaluation and program assessment; the development of assessment methods for library instruction; and the various steps taken in the writing, testing, revising, and use of an assessment instrument for the Schurz Library instruction program.
The Social and Emotional Context of Childhood and Adolescent Animal Cruelty: Is There a Link to Adult Interpersonal Crimes?

The link between early animal abuse and later violence toward humans may depend on how acts of animal cruelty are experienced by those whose behavior demonstrates this graduation. Unfortunately, the research investigating the social and emotional context for the youthful commission of animal cruelty as it escalates to adult interpersonal violence is relatively nonexistent. Using 112 cases from a larger sample of 261 inmates surveyed at both medium and maximum security prisons in a southern state, the present study examined the effects of age of onset and frequency of animal cruelty, the covertness of animal cruelty, the commission of animal cruelty within a group or in isolation, and empathy for the abused animals. Inmates who had covered up their childhood and adolescent animal cruelty were more likely to have been convicted of repeated acts of interpersonal violence, demonstrating that the role of empathy and individuals present during acts of animal cruelty were less important than concealing those acts.
The impact of sexual assault on physical health status

This study was conducted to investigate the long-term physical health implications of sexual assault in the rape victim. Fifty-one sexual assault victims, each with 2 or more years of time elapsed since the rape, responded to a self-administered questionnaire composed of demographics items and the Cornell Medical Index-Health Questionnaire (CMI). The victims were matched by age with a control group of 51 nonvictims. The results showed nonsignificant t-test differences between the two groups in demographic factors and in two CMI scores, Past Illness Symptoms and Family Health History. However, significant differences resulted between the groups in perceived current health status (x2 [df=2,N=102]=11.26,p <0.01) and in the CMI scores of Present Illness Symptoms (t=5.51,p ≤0.01), Negative Health Behaviors (t=6.21,p ≤0.01), and Female Reproductive Physiology Illness Symptoms (t=6.21,p ≤0.01).
Comparison of Lubrication Models for Plane Slider Bearings

Accurate models of lubricant films are necessary to predict the performance of bearings under complex operating conditions. This investigation compares load predictions of the Reynolds equation and bulk flow model to that predicted by a three dimensional pseudo-spectral technique which incorporates thermal and inertial effects. Four different operating regimes along with their associated dimensionless parameters are identified. Three of these regimes are discussed, namely: laminar isothermal, turbulent isothermal, and turbulent thermal. The results provide insight into the conditions under which the Reynolds equation and bulk flow model are in good correlation with the pseudo-spectral technique. Presented at the 54th Annual Meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada May 23–27, 1998
The origins of vortex sheets in a simulated supercell thunderstorm

AbstractThis paper investigates the origins of the (cyclonic) vertical vorticity within vortex sheets that develop within a numerically simulated supercell in a nonrotating, horizontally homogeneous environment with a free-slip lower boundary. Vortex sheets are commonly observed along the gust fronts of supercell storms, particularly in the early stages of storm development. The “collapse” of a vortex sheet into a compact vortex is often seen to accompany the intensification of rotation that occasionally leads to tornadogenesis. The vortex sheets predominantly acquire their vertical vorticity from the tilting of horizontal vorticity that has been modified by horizontal buoyancy gradients associated with the supercell’s cool low-level outflow. If the tilting is within an ascending airstream (i.e., the horizontal gradient of vertical velocity responsible for the tilting resides entirely within an updraft), the vertical vorticity of the vortex sheet nearly vanishes at the lowest model level for horizontal wi...
Nodal Combined Blue Nevus and Benign Nevus Cells in Multiple Axillary Sentinel Nodes in a Patient With Breast Carcinoma: Report of a Case

Combined blue nevus and benign nevus cells were identified in the same sentinel lymph node. Blue nevus alone was also present in an additional sentinel lymph node in the same axilla in a patient who underwent needle localization, wide local excision, and sentinel lymph node biopsy for her pT1cN1mi(sn)M(na) invasive duct carcinoma of the breast. Of the 4 sentinel lymph nodes, 1 showed micrometastasis and 2 other lymph nodes showed blue nevus involving the capsule and trabeculae of the nodes. The patient had no significant previous clinical history of any skin tumors and had a negative clinical examination for malignant melanoma or pigmented skin lesions after the diagnosis of nodal blue nevus. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of combined blue nevi involving multiple sentinel lymph nodes in the same axilla. An equally interesting finding is the presence of benign nonpigmented nevus cells in continuation with the blue nevus in the same node.
The Quechua manta pouch: a caretaking practice for buffering the Peruvian infant against the multiple stressors of high altitude.

The manta pouch--a caretaking practice of tightly swaddling and enclosing the infant in a set of cloths and blankets--and other caretaking practices are described for high-altitude resident (> 4,000 m) Quechua mother-infant pairs (N = 14). The manta pouch modifies the microenvironment inside the pouch so that, compared to the ambient environment, the temperature is higher and more stable, the humidity is higher, the partial pressure of O2 is lower, and stimulation levels are reduced. As the infant gets older, the characteristics of the pouch are modified such that the infant is increasingly exposed to ambient conditions. These caretaking practices may benefit the infant by buffering the infant from the multiple ecological stressors of high altitude, but they may also incur costs by exposing the infant to additional microenvironmental stressors (e.g., higher CO2 levels) and by reducing stimulation and limiting infant movement.
Tyrosine uptake in normal and albino hairbulbs

A method for measuring tyrosine uptake by human hairbulbs was developed to further characterize the process of melanin formation in human tissue. Uptake was determined by incubating fresh anagen hairbulbs in 14C-tyrosine in HEPES-Tris buffer containing cycloheximide and catalase. Uptake for 11 normally pigmented subjects with brown, black, blond and red hair ranged from 295 cpm/24h per hairbulb for hairbulbs from a blond subject to 6661 cpm/24h per hairbuld for hairbulbs from a red-haired subject. Hairbulbs from a type IIA (tyrosinase-positive) oculocutaneous albino and an uptake of 2995 cpm/24 h per hairbulb. White hairbulbs had an uptake of 265 cpm/ 24h per hairbulb. There was a good correlation (r=0.86) between the level of uptake and the level of tyrosinase (tyrosine hydroxylase) activity when these values were compared for ten subjects. Uptake was reduced with the inhibition of tyrosinase activity. Uptake was also reduced with low incubation temperatures (4° and 21°C) and with the addition of unlabeled tyrosine to the incubation. From 14% to 19% of the 14C-tyrosine that was taken up could be extracted as 14C-melanin. These results show that the uptake of tyrosine as determined by this experimental method is dependent on the presence of melanocytes and tyrosinase, is quantitatively related to the level of tyrosinase activity, and appears to be a metabolic process. Type IIA albino hairbulb melanocytes appear able, to transport adequate amounts of substrate.
Field star diffusion in globular clusters

A new interaction of globular clusters with galactic field stars, the deceleration (by dynamical friction) of high-velocity field stars diffusing through individual globular clusters, is investigated. This frictional interaction contributes to cluster heating and, in conjunction with disc shocking and other mechanisms, helps to reflate the evolution of globular clusters. Moreover, penetrating field stars of low relative velocity can even be captured by globular clusters. The calculated rate of capture suggests that there is a modest population of stars having an origin external to the clusters in which they now reside
Effects of Microwaves on Egg White. I. Characteristics of Coagulation

SUMMARY— Coagulation proceeded from the center to the outside of the albumen with electronic exposure, and with conventional heat coagulation progressed from the exterior to the interior. Distribution of dye during heating suggested some transfer of heat by convection in both methods, although heating by microwaves is understood to be chiefly a radiation phenomenon. Albumen held in an ice bath appeared to coagulate at a lower temperature when microwaves rather than a thermostatically controlled burner caused the heat. Egg white, heated electronically to 54.9°C, appeared to be more viscous than that heated conventionally to the same temperature. When egg white was diluted with water, there was less increase in tenderness of the gels cooked electronically than in those cooked conventionally. As dilution with water was increased in egg white cooked in the electronic range, the final temperature of the coagula decreased. Conversely, with increased dilution, progressively higher final temperatures were attained in conventionally cooked gels. The electronic method resulted in less evaporation, although within methods amount of dilution did not affect degree of evaporation. Tenderness of gels increased when egg white was adjusted to the acidic pH range regardless of the method of heating. No differences were found in relative viscosity, percent transmittance, and time to reach 59°C between egg whites exposed to microwaves while thermal response was prevented, and those not exposed to microwaves.
Coronaviruses SD and SK share extensive nucleotide homology with murine coronavirus MHV-A59, more than that shared between human and murine coronaviruses

A cDNA probe representing the genome of mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) strain A59 (MHV-A59) was used to measure nucleotide sequence homologies among murine and human coronaviruses and the SD and SK coronaviruses isolated by Burks et al. Since SD and SK were isolated by inoculation of multiple sclerosis (MS) central nervous system (CNS) tissue into mice or cultured mouse cells, it is important to determine their relationships to other murine and human coronavirus isolates. Our results indicate that SD and SK share almost complete nucleotide homology (approximately 90%) with MHV-A59 and generate subgenomic RNAs of the same sizes as MHV-A59. The human coronavirus (HCV) strains tested show less homology with MHV-A59. The immunologically unrelated HCV-229E shows no nucleotide homology with MHV-A59. The immunologically cross-reactive HCV-OC43 shows nucleotide homology with MHV-A59 by blot hybridization but not when hybridized in solution and assayed by S1 nuclease digestion.
The department of justice merger guidelines: The search for empirical support

Abstract This paper examines the Department of Justice Merger Guidelines to determine whether there is any objective support for the critical values they suggest. The conclusion, based on empirical results using Census of Manufacturers data, is that there is nothing to suggest a unique level at which one can suspect collusion will arise that in turn will lead to enhanced profitability of firms within an industry.
National Nutrition Campaigns

Abstract This research examined the influence of national nutrition campaigns on Americans' food purchasing behavior between 1982 and 1993 as exemplified by the total home food dollars spent on certain items. Specifically, did Americans increase purchases of foods lower on the USDA Food Guide Pyramid (grains, fruits and vegetables) and decrease purchases of items higher on the pyramid (meat, poultry, fish, sugary foods and fats)? This research analyzed changes that occurred among age, income, gender and education level of head of household and size of household. Data were obtained from a secondary examination of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Consumer Expenditure Diary Survey data tapes from 1982, 1983, 1992 and 1993. Overall, purchasing trends were not greatly impacted by the national nutrition campaigns and dietary recommendations released between 1982 and 1993. The exceptions to this were beef and shell egg purchases, whose declines were likely impacted by the efforts of the National Cholesterol Education Program. Increasing purchases of low fat grains may have translated to increasing nutrients and fiber from complex carbohydrates. Sluggish fruit and vegetable purchases, however, may have meant a less than desirable intake of nutrients from foods with increasing importance in health promotion and disease prevention. Though high fat dairy products showed a significant decrease in purchases, USDA data indicated declines in whole milk consumption were offset by rapidly rising cheese consumption. Of most concern to public health advocates should be the rising trend in purchase of fats, high fat grain products (cookies, cakes, donuts) and sweets (ice cream, candy, carbonated beverages). These trends likely offset any decrease in total and saturated fat consumption from beef, shell egg and whole milk. With women living increasingly longer, becoming increasingly less physically active and consuming inadequate dietary calcium, osteoporosis may show a significant rise in the future, given the flat trend noted in the purchase of low fat dairy products.
Magnon dispersions in quantum Heisenberg ferrimagnetic chains at zero temperature

Within the Dyson-Maleev boson formalism, we study the zero-temperature magnon dispersions in a family of one-dimensional quantum Heisenberg ferrimagnets composed of two different spins ${(S}_{1}{,S}_{2})$ in the elementary cell. It is shown that the spin-wave theory can produce precise quantitative results for the low-energy excitations. The spin-stiffness constant ${\ensuremath{\rho}}_{s}$ and the optical magnon gap $\ensuremath{\Delta}$ of different ${(S}_{1}{,S}_{2})$ ferrimagnetic systems are calculated, respectively, to second and third order in the quasiparticle interaction. The spin-wave results are compared with available numerical estimates.
Improved Preservation of the Tissue Surrounding Percutaneous Devices by Hyaluronic Acid and Dermatan Sulfate in a Human Skin Explant Model

Cellular apoptosis and proliferation was analyzed in an in vitro culture system of organotypic human skin explants in the presence or absence of external fixator pins. The effect on the tissues of a mixture of hyaluronic acid and dermatan sulfate (HA+DS) delivered at the skin-pin interface was also studied. After 2 weeks in culture, skin specimens interfaced with fixator pins showed increased keratinocyte apoptosis and proliferation compared to specimens without fixator pins. Simultaneously, a relative reduction of apoptosis and proliferation was observed in specimens treated with the HA+DS mixture, regardless of fixation pin presence. In addition, the HA+DS mixture appeared to help in the preservation of the epidermal basal membrane. It is concluded that in this in vitro model, fixator pins induce keratinocyte apoptosis and hyperproliferation, which are reduced in the presence of the HA+DS mixture. These methods may be useful for a better maintenance of the soft tissue surrounding percutaneous devices in vivo.
Clinical predictors of treatment in a population of adolescents with alcohol use disorders

The purpose of this paper is to identify potential predictors of treatment utilization, among both psychiatric and drug and alcohol variables. The subjects were 393 adolescents and young adults, age 12.9 to 18.11 years, who met DSM-IV criteria for a lifetime history of either alcohol abuse or alcohol dependence at baseline assessment. DSM-IV psychiatric and AUD diagnoses were obtained by semi-structure interviews (K-SADS and SCID). Other alcohol and drug variables were obtained by the Alcohol Consumption Questionnaire and other self-reports. The results of these analyses suggest that there are few potential predictors associated with substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. For mental health (MH) treatment, depression in the form of Major Depressive Disorder was relatively strong associated at baseline and follow-up, while Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Conduct Disorder appear to be associated with MH treatment at follow-up. For SUD treatments, there are essentially no variables strongly associated with treatment. The best potential predictors of who enters treatment and how long they stay may not be related to comorbidity or other dimensional variables of clinical severity. Rather, treatment utilization appears to be related to environmental factors, which may include family factors, adolescent and parental motivation, access to treatment, or to the use of appropriate treatment modalities.
Comparative studies of new push-pull methods for pole-top resuscitation

All push-pull pole-top methods of resuscitation, evaluated on five apneic subjects, proved 1½ times as effective for pulmonary ventilation as the standard pole-top method. The double-rock push-pull seems best for several reasons. A discussion by E. W. Oesterreich questions the advisability of adopting this new system unless it can be proved conclusively either that the present method is inadequate or the new method more effective and that it does not sacrifice any advantages now obtained.
Applications of the random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) assay for genetic analysis of livestock species

Abstract Molecular genetic technologies are revolutionizing genetic analyses of livestock species. DNA‐based polymorphisms are being used for marker assisted selection strategies, parentage testing, species identification, and population genetic studies. These polymorphisms also provide the foundation for genetic linkage maps, which are being used to identify loci for economically‐important variation and expedite the rate of improvement in production traits. Traditionally, DNA‐based markers such as restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) and microsatellites have been used for genetic analyses. A relatively new method for detecting polymorphic markers is the random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) assay. This assay, which is based on the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), uses short oligonucleotide primers of arbitrary sequence to amplify discrete regions of the genome. On the basis of numerous successful applications in other species (e.g. plants, microorganisms, and insects) and recently reported...
High temperature poling effects on conducting barium titanate ceramics

Abstract A high temperature NTC resistivity transition (T c2) near 600°C has been found in donor modified barium titanate (BaTiO3). Thermal treatment around this temperature regime plus applied voltage (T c2-Poling) on previously developed PTCR materials significantly affects both electrical behavior and ferroelectric domain structure in samples which have not been annealed after sintering. This type poling results in alignment of the domain structure in a coherent nature in direction of the applied voltage. Samples with a highly suppressed resistivity transition have been developed within direction of the applied voltage, while typical PTCR behavior exists in the anti-poled direction. Properties are dependent on domain structure orientation and grain boundary coherency developed during T c2-poling. Annealed samples are not affected in the same fashion and do not show enhanced domain alignment due to inhomogeneous grain boundaries which pin the domain structure. Results indicate that conductivity and PTCR...
Pituitary Homeobox 1 Activates the Rat FSHβ (rFSHβ) Gene through Both Direct and Indirect Interactions with the rFSHβ Gene Promoter

Molecular mechanisms underlying gonadotrope-specific and hormonal regulation of FSHβ gene expression remain largely unknown. We have studied the role of pituitary homeobox 1 (Ptx1), a transcription factor important for regulation of many pituitary-specific genes, in the regulation of rat FSHβ (rFSHβ) gene transcription. We demonstrate that Ptx1 activates the rFSHβ gene promoter both basally and in synergy with GnRH. The effect of Ptx1 was localized to −140/−50, a region also important for basal activity of the promoter. Two putative Ptx1 binding sites (P1 and P2) homologous to consensus Ptx1 binding elements were identified in this region. We demonstrate specific binding of Ptx1 to the P2 but not to the P1 site. Furthermore, functional studies indicate that the P2 but not the P1 site mediates activation of the promoter by Ptx1. Residual activation of the promoter by Ptx1 was observed independent of the P2 site. However, no additional Ptx1 binding sites were identified in this region, indicating that the r...
Relationships Between Sources of Health Information and Diabetes Knowledge in the U.S. Hispanic Population

Data from the 2007 Hispanic Healthcare Survey were analyzed to examine the relationship between health information use and diabetes knowledge in the U.S. Hispanic population. A nationally representative sample of 4,013 adults self-identified as Hispanics or Latinos was generated through stratified random digit dialing (RDD) and interviewed using Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI). Results showed that receiving health information from health care providers, family and friends, newspapers and magazines, and the Internet was positively associated with diabetes knowledge. Getting health information from churches and community organizations, however, was negatively associated with diabetes knowledge. Use of television as a source of health information showed mixed results. Implications of these findings for diabetes interventions targeting the Hispanic population in the United States are discussed.
Five Years of Strategic Environmental Assessment Efforts at a Research University: A Case Study of an Organizational Innovation.

This study examined the emergence and subsequent five-year history of “environmental scanning” at a large research university. Proponents of strategic approaches to management in organizations usually recommend environmental scanning as a necessary support for effective decision making. The technique seeks to build systematic understanding of the external environment of the organization, via ongoing reconnaissance of relevant developments in technology, the economy, the political and legal arenas, and the larger society. Scanning's fit with educational organizations may be problematic, however. Over time, scanning efforts on the campus studied here became less theory-based and less centralized, and scanning failed to become an institutionalized innovation. The difficulties in institutionalizing scanning are traced to six factors: limitations posed by organizational structure, an absence of powerful champions, constraints from the organizational culture, the existence of a “policy vacuum” surrounding scanning efforts, the daunting demands of such efforts themselves, and questionable articulation with the fundamental goals and mission of the institution. The analysis suggests that the generic scanning model seems unlikely to win acceptance in research universities without substantial modification.
Social support and self-esteem predict changes in bipolar depression but not mania.

Abstract Introduction: Our own and other research has suggested that social support predicts course of bipolar disorder, with particularly strong effects on depressive symptoms. Within this paper, we examine which components of social support appear most powerful. Methods: Thirty-one individuals with Bipolar I disorder were followed longitudinally for 9 months. Participants completed a standardized symptom severity interview monthly, and at a 2-month follow-up, they completed the Interpersonal Support Evaluation List. At a 6-month follow-up, they completed the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Inventory. Results: Self-esteem support appeared to the most important predictor of change in depression across a 6-month follow-up, and multiple regression analyses suggested that social support effects were mediated through self-esteem. Limitations and implications: Although the small sample size suggests a need for replication, current results highlight the importance of psychosocial variables in the course of bipolar depression. Self-esteem may be a particularly important target for clinical interventions.
Truncus arteriosus malformation in a human embryo.

Malformation of the heart and great vessels in a human embryo of 23-mm crown-rump length (Horizon XXII) is described on the basis of reconstruction of serial sections. A type I truncus arteriosus malformation with right aortic arch and absent ductus arteriosus was present. The left ventricle was anterior and lateral to the right. It is postulated that the malposition of the ventricles produced an abnormal relationship of the outflow blood streams which led to the truncus arteriosus malformation.
Review of the application of molecular beam epitaxy for high efficiency solar cell research

Abstract In the last two years, rapid progress has been made in the energy conversion efficiencies of GaAs solar cells fabricated from molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) material. The efficiencies of cells fabricated from MBE material are now comparable with those fabricated from metal-organic chemical vapor deposition material, even for cells of dimensin 2 cm × 4 cm . This paper reviews the progress in MBE cell efficiencies. Also discussed is the role oval defects play in GaAs diode and solar cell performance.
The relation of repair phenomena to mutation induction in bacteria.

Abstract The relation of various processes to mutation induction by radiation and chemicals is discussed for various species of bacteria. A variety of repair processes have been identified at the molecular level that can eliminate many kinds of potentially mutagenic lesions before they can be converted to final mutation. Fixation often but not always occurs at replication. A number of mutagens, including UV light, ionizing radiation, and a number of chemicals, induce an error-prone process, perhaps a modification of the proof-reading system, that allows bacteria to survive after potentially lethal damage at the expense of making errors. Some mutagens, notably monofunctional alkylating agents and base analogues, produce mutations by other processes. Even in these cases, repair processes play an important role. There is some evidence that error-free as well as error-prone repair processes can be induced. A brief discussion is given of the relation of these findings to the practical problems of hazards estimations.
Gestational changes in hamster adrenocortical function.

Abstract Plasma cortisol levels in the hamster increase approximately 100 fold (from 0.3 to 30 μg/ 100ml) towards the end of gestation. Bilateral adrenalectomy shows that the adrenals are the primary source of cortisol during hamster pregnancy. Using endotoxin injections as a stress stimulus and an activator of the hamster hypothalamo-hypophyseal-adrenocortical system, the pregnant hamster exhibits a capacity to produce unusually large quantities of cortisol; cortisol increases following this stress stimulus to well over 100 μg/ 100ml. Destruction of the fetuses with H-1 virus but leaving the placenta intact, does not adversely affect the adrenal function, but increases the cortisol output, probably due to the stress involved. Corticotropin stimulates, and dexamethasone causes a typical suppression of cortisol secretion in the pregnant hamster. This demonstrates that even during the gestational hyperfunction, the adrenal cortex is still under normal physiological control. If placental factors influence cortisol secretion, the negative feedback system acting by way of the hypothalamus and the pituitary, still appears to be in control.
Spectroscopic behavior of fluorescein as a constituent anion in a phosphonium-based ionic liquid material

Abstract A standard halide metathesis reaction between fluorescein and trihexyltetradecylphosphonium chloride resulted in partial exchange (40.8%) of chloride for dianionic fluorescein, thereby creating a photochromic binary ionic liquid (IL) salt. Spectroscopic behavior of fluorescein incorporated into the IL network differed from that observed thus far for fluorescein solvated by pure ILs or mixtures containing IL as a co-solvent. The UV–vis spectrum of the fluorescein-containing IL was characterized by a progression of 3–4 strong absorption bands. The fluorescence excitation spectrum of the material also contained a series of bands, though the positions and relative intensities of the bands differed from that observed with the absorption spectrum, while emission from the material occurred as a single band with a maximum at 555 nm. The observed behavior of the system points toward physical restraint/confinement of fluorescein motion, as well as the significant presence of various aggregated fluorescein microdomains in the IL material.
The structures of small iron-carbon cluster anions. Linear to planar to three-dimensional

Abstract The structures of small mixed iron carbon cluster anions, Fe n C − m ( n =1, 2, 3 and m =2–8) have been studied using gas phase ion chromatography. In the one iron atom case, results show a competition between linear structures and two-dimensional (planar) clusters. The two iron atom clusters, on the other hand, are pure monocyclic rings with the two iron atoms nearest neighbors. The three iron species are three-dimensional, and several possible structures are evaluated. In all cases the carbon atoms maintain a continuous chain and no carbon dimers are observed that would be characteristic of MetCar precursors.
Multiple criteria decision making in the USSR: A survey

A brief historical overview of the development of multiple criteria decision making (MCDM) in the USSR during the last fifteen years is presented. Soviet MCDM research is reviewed. Several applications of MCDM methodology in the USSR are described. Long-term trends in the research and application of MCDM in the Soviet Union are discussed.
Hearing Loss Related to Ototoxicity in Children With Cancer

Children undergoing treatment for cancer often receive agents that put them at risk for ototoxicity. Platinum-based chemotherapy, aminoglycoside antibiotics, loop diuretics, and radiotherapy are all capable of inducing inner ear damage, which may result in significant sensorineural hearing loss. Frequent audiological monitoring is necessary for the early detection of changes in hearing thresholds. Age-appropriate modification of audiological testing is essential to obtain accurate results and provide maximum comfort for pediatric patients. When hearing loss is identified promptly, consideration may be given to treatment modification and/or early intervention with hearing aids and other assistive devices. The consequences of hearing loss differ depending on the developmental stage of the child at the time that hearing loss occurs. Language acquisition may be affected in very young children, whereas educational and psychosocial concerns are paramount for the older child. The pediatric oncology nurse is instrumental in assisting the child and family who are coping with hearing loss related to cancer treatment.
The innervation pattern of the radial nerve at the elbow and in the forearm

Sixty paired cadaver forearms were dissected to examine the distribution of the radial nerve branches to the muscles at the elbow and forearm. Emphasis was placed on the innervation of the extensor carpi radialis brevis and the supinator muscles because of discrepancies in the literature concerning these muscles. The most common branching pattern (from proximal to distal) was to brachioradialis, extensor carpi radialis longus, superficial sensory, extensor carpi radialis brevis, supinator, extensor digitorum/extensor carpi ulnaris, extensor digiti minimi, abductor pollicis longus, extensor pollicis brevis, extensor pollicis longus and extensor indicis. The branch to extensor digitorum and extensor carpi ulnaris came off as a common stem often with the branch to extensor digiti minimi. The branch to the ECRB muscle was noted to arise from the posterior interosseous nerve in 45%, superficial sensory nerve in 25% and at the bifurcation of the posterior interosseous and superficial sensory nerves in 30% of specimens. The supinator had an average of 2.3 branches from the posterior interosseous nerve (range 1-6). The branches to the supinator showed a wide variability proximal to and within the supinator.
Developing essential scientific capability in countries with limited resources.

On-site training in modern molecular technology and capacity-building in less developed countries are essential for the effective prevention and control of emerging, reemerging and endemic infectious diseases.
Endemic diseases of cultured shellfish of Long Island, New York: Adult and juvenile American oysters (Crassostrea virginica) and hard clams (Mercenaria mercenaria)

Abstract The commercial shellfish industry on Long Island has risen to economic importance for New York State. For future management of these shellfish populations endemic diseases were identified from a histologic survey of adult and juvenile oysters ( Crassostrea virginica ) and hard clams ( Mercenaria mercenaria ). At monthly intervals between February, 1975 to October, 1976, oysters were collected from hatchery beds in Oyster and Great South Bays. Similar collections of hard clams were made from two adjacent hatcheries on Great South Bay. Oysters were found with seven types of protozoan parasites; an actinomycete organism; two types of intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies; two types of helminths; a parasitic arthropod; hypertrophied gametocytes; Cowdry type A inclusion bodies; proliferative disorders; hermaphroditism; and idiopathic lesions of unknown significance. No epizootic mortalities were observed in either oyster population, however, the actinomycete and plasmodial organisms resembling Haplosporidium sp. had potential as important pathogens. Hard clams had two types of protozoan parasites; four types of intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies; and mantle papillomas. No mortalities attributable to disease occurred within the population of clams examined, however, intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies had significant prevalences. Certain histologic features were found to vary according to seasonal cycles of gametogenesis in apparently healthy oysters but not in hard clams.
Contrast additivity: an alternative approach.

Abstract Several investigators have demonstrated luminance additivity when subjects are required to detect the presence of abrupt luminance discontinuities (“edges”) in chromatically mixed fields. Experiment I shows that this result occurs for stimuli other than edges. Low and high frequency and contrast sine wave gratings approximate additivity more than homogeneous fields. Experiment II shows that additivity of contrast detection is destroyed when the B-W system is fatigued by a black and white grating. This non-additive result is explained within an opponent process model assuming that contrast detectors pool information from chromatic and B-W systems. The model can also explain additive results during conditions in which the B-W system is not fatigued.
Effects of a 300-metacercarial cyst inoculum on worm recovery and crowding of Echinostoma caproni in Balb/C mice

To test the effects of a large metacercarial cyst inoculum on the recovery of Echinostoma caproni adult worms in Balb/C mice, 4 mice were each exposed to 300 cysts and necropsied 21 days PI. The number and percent recovery of worms in the four hosts were 43 (14.3%), 54 (18.0%), 86 (28.7%), and 102 (34.0%). These recoveries were all higher than those in a previous report of 22 (7.3%) worms recovered from a single Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mouse exposed to 300 cysts 22 days prior to necropsy. Our study showed that a large cyst inoculum (e.g. 300) can be used to obtain approximately 100 patent worms per host within 3 wk PI. We also showed that there was a significant decrease in body area and uterine egg counts in worms from the host that had the greatest number of worms compared to those that were obtained from hosts with lower worm burdens.
Territory acquisition in lizards. I: First encounters

Abstract Abstract. Juvenile Anolis aeneus lizards were added to patches of microhabitat in the field and observed as they established territories. Here, the factors related to the type (fight versus chase) and the outcome (win, loss, draw) of first encounters between dyads during the settlement period are considered. The type of first encounters was influenced by relative body length, in that fights were more likely to occur if opponents were of similar size than if they were of disparate sizes. Another factor affecting the type of first encounters was the order in which individuals met novel opponents: juveniles were more likely to fight when encountering the first few opponents, but switched to chases after meeting several unfamiliar animals. The probability of winning a first encounter was affected by relative body size and relative familiarity, which was measured in terms of the amount of time each member of the dyad previously spent in the immediate vicinity of the first encounter. There was also an interaction between size and familiarity, indicating that juveniles tended to avoid first encounters that they were unlikely to win and conversely, to initiate first encounters when the odds of winning were more favourable.
Albumin leakage into the brain and wireless-communication radiation

A series of reports from Lund, Sweden, based on observed leakages of endogenous serum albumin in blood, suggested that repeated exposure to microwave radiation from GSM cellular telephones could alter the permeability of the blood-brain barrier at SARs that were well below the maximum permissible level for cellular telephones. While an effort to confirm had failed at SARs of 0.3-1.5 W/kg, it had confirmed extravasation of serum albumin at 7.5 W/kg: a level about four times greater than the maximum permissible level for cellular telephones. Currently, there is considerable interest from several laboratories around the world in replicating the reported occurrence of abnormal neurons in the rat brain resulting from leakage of endogenous serum albumin.
Estrogen Controls Vitamin D3-Mediated Resistance to Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis by Controlling Vitamin D3 Metabolism and Receptor Expression

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune, neurodegenerative disease with a rapidly increasing female gender bias. MS prevalence decreases with increasing sunlight exposure, supporting our hypothesis that the sunlight-dependent hormone 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 (1,25-(OH) 2 D 3 ) is a natural inhibitor of autoimmune T cell responses in MS. We found that vitamin D 3 inhibited experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in intact female mice, but not in ovariectomized females or males. To learn whether 17β-estradiol (E 2 ) is essential for vitamin D 3 -mediated protection, ovariectomized female mice were given E 2 or placebo and evaluated for vitamin D 3 -mediated EAE resistance. Diestrus-level E 2 implants alone provided no benefit, but they restored vitamin D 3 -mediated EAE resistance in the ovariectomized females. Synergy between E 2 and vitamin D 3 occurred through vitamin D 3 -mediated enhancement of E 2 synthesis, as well as E 2 -mediated enhancement of vitamin D receptor expression in the inflamed CNS. In males, E 2 implants did not enable vitamin D 3 to inhibit EAE. The finding that vitamin D 3 -mediated protection in EAE is female-specific and E 2 -dependent suggests that declining vitamin D 3 supplies due to sun avoidance might be contributing to the rapidly increasing female gender bias in MS. Moreover, declining E 2 synthesis and vitamin D 3 -mediated protection with increasing age might be contributing to MS disease progression in older women.
Clinical‐scale investigation of stable isotopes in human blood: δ13C and δ15N from 406 patients at the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions

Objective chemical biomarkers are needed in clinical studies of diet-related diseases to supplement subjective self-reporting methods. We report on several critical experiments for the development of clinically legitimate dietary stable isotope biomarkers within human blood. Our examination of human blood revealed the following: (1) Within blood clot and serum from anonymous individuals (201 males, 205 females) we observed: mean serum δ13C = −19.1 ± 0.8‰ (standard deviation, SD); clot, −19.3 ± 0.8‰ (SD); range = −15.8‰ to −23.4‰. Highly statistically significant differences are observed between clot and serum, males and females for both clot and serum. For 15N (n = 206), mean serum = +8.8 ± 0.5‰ (SD); clot +7.4 ± 0.4‰ (SD); range = +6.3‰ to +10.5‰. Blood serum is enriched in 15N relative to blood clot by +1.4‰ on average, which may reflect differing protein amino acid content. Serum nitrogen is statistically significantly different for males and females, however, clot shows no statistical difference. (2) Relative to clot, capillary blood is marginally different for 13C, but not 15N. Clot 13C is not significantly different from serum; however, it is depleted in 15N by 1.5‰ relative to serum. (3) We assessed the effect of blood additives (sodium fluoride and polymerized acrylamide resin) and laboratory process (autoclaving, freeze drying) commonly used to preserve or prepare venous blood. On average, no alteration in δ13C or δ15N is detected compared with unadulterated blood from the same individual. (4) Storage of blood with and without the additives described above for a period of up to 115 days exhibits statistically significant differences for 13C and 15N for sodium fluoride. However, storage for unadulterated blood and blood preserved with polymerized acrylamide resin does not change the δ13C or δ15N isotopic composition of the blood in a significant way. With these experiments, we gain a clinical context for future development of a stable isotope based dietary biomarker. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neonatal retroviral vector-mediated hepatic gene therapy reduces bone, joint, and cartilage disease in mucopolysaccharidosis VII mice and dogs.

Mucopolysaccharidosis VII (MPS VII) is a lysosomal storage disease caused by deficient β-glucuronidase (GUSB) activity. Accumulation of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in bone, cartilage, and synovium likely contributes to reduced mobility in untreated MPS VII individuals. We previously reported that neonatal intravenous injection of a retroviral vector (RV) expressing canine GUSB resulted in hepatocyte transduction in mice and dogs, and secreted GUSB was taken up from blood by other organs. Here we report the effect of this therapy on bone, cartilage, and joint disease. Osteocytes and bone-lining cells from RV-treated MPS VII mice had GUSB activity, resulting in a marked reduction, as compared with untreated MPS VII mice, in lysosomal storage in bone and at the bone:growth plate interface where bone elongation occurs. Although chondrocytes did not have detectable GUSB activity and had little reduction in lysosomal storage, the thickness of the growth plate was reduced toward normal. These pathological changes were likely responsible for improvements in facial morphology and long bone lengths. The synovium had reduced hyperplasia and lysosomal storage, and the thickness of the articular cartilage was reduced. Similarly, RV-treated MPS VII dogs had improved facial morphology and reduced lysosomal storage in osteocytes and synovium, but not chondrocytes. Nevertheless, the internal area of the trachea was increased, and erosions of the femoral head were reduced. We conclude that neonatal gene therapy can improve bone and joint disease in MPS VII mice and dogs. However, better delivery of GUSB to chondrocytes will be necessary to achieve more profound effects in cartilage.
Research in natural language processing

The main objective is to develop robust methods for the understanding and generation of both written and spoken human language, including but not limited to English. Penn is pursuing development of: (1) New mathematical and computational frameworks which are highly constrained, yet adequate to allow a simple, concise description of complex linguistic phenomena. These new frameworks are tested by the explicit encoding within each framework of a wide range of phenomena across a diverse set of human languages. (2) Both statistical and symbolic learning methods which automatically extract and effectively utilize the implicit linguistic knowledge in the Penn Treebank and the corpora of the Linguistic Data Consortium. These techniques have been tested against the performance of the best current methods.
Women’s autonomy in rural India: Need for culture and context

This article reports on the importance of context and culture in designing assessment tools. It does so by examining the concept of women’s autonomy in rural India. And, in exploring this issue, the article opens a dialogue on the need for newer and more grounded concepts in working with women in rural India rather than simply applying those developed in other countries or available through the international literature.