cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cortisone-induced teratogenic effects in mice.

SummaryFour consecutive daily doses of cortisone on days 11 through 14 of pregnancy were injected into several strains of mice and their hybrids and the incidence of cleft palate noted in the offspring. In Strong A mice the incidence of induced cleft palate was 100% compared to 9% of spontaneous cleft palate. In C3H mice, the incidence of induced cleft palate was 36% compared to less than 1% of spontaneous cleft palate. In the BALB/c the incidence of induced cleft palate was 62% and no cases of spontaneous cleft palate were noticed. The incidence varied greatly in the hybrids and backcrossings according to the genetic pattern of the fetuses. Of particular interest is the backcrossing of A × BALB/c females to A males with an incidence of 92% of cortisone-induced cleft palate, which may be useful as a pharmacogenetic tool in studying drug-induced orofacial malformations.
Chain propagation/step propagation polymerization. III. An XPS investigation of poly(oxyethylene)‐b‐poly(pivalolactone) telechelomer

Etude par separation angulaire de telechelomeres poly(oxyethylene)-co-poly(pivalolactone), precurseurs des copolymeres segmentes equivalents, et de composes modeles (acetoxy acide pivalique, poly(ethylene oxyde)) montrant que la surface des telechelomeres est plus riche en poly(oxyethylene)
A rapid one-step multiwell tray test for release of soluble mediators

A simple one-stage bioassay for testing the release of diffusible mediators from cells has been developed in a modified standard 96-well tissue culture tray. The method is based on connecting the adjacent wells containing the producer and the indicator cells, so as to allow free passage of the culture supernatant, but not of the cells, between the connected wells. This method obviates the use of semipermeable membranes, requires minimal numbers of producer cells, and allows the harvesting of replicate cultures by using standard cell harvesting equipment.
On the maximum likelihood ratio method of deciding between the weibull and gamma distributions

The aims of this paper are to develop a procedure for finding the sample size required for deciding between two overlapping families of distributions: Weibull and gamma, and to evaluate the asymptotic behavior of the maximum likelihood estimators of percentiles of these distributions. We base our procedure on the logarithm of the ratio of the maximized likelihoods. An introduction to this statistic was given in Cox (1961, 1962) and it was applied to this problem by Bain and Englehardt (1980). We show how to find the sample size needed for a user specified probability of correct selection using a normal approximation to the distribution of the Cox statistic. The consequences of making an incorrect choice of family could result in erroneous estimates of true percentiles, particularly when using maximum likelihood estimators. We discuss the effects of these errors.
Impact of Material Properties on Cooling COP of Integrated Thermoelectric Microcoolers

Thermoelectric (TE) microcooling is promising for removing hotspots in integrated circuit chips. The cooling coefficient-of-performance (COP) of the on-chip thin film or superlattice micro-cooler (SLC) is a metric for assessing the energy efficiency of the hot spot removal. The COP is key for lowering total power consumption and minimizing heat sinking requirements. Due to the moderate performance compared to vapor compression cycles, researchers have devoted considerable effort to improving the figure-of-merit (ZT) of the material over the past decade. However, the impact of each of the individual thermoelectric properties has not been studied separately. We report our study based on an analytical model and analysis results that show the intrinsic impact of electrical conductivity, the Seebeck coefficient, and thermal conductivity, while the device thickness and the drive current are optimized for maximizing cooling COP. The results show that the power factor of the TE materials is a more important parameter than thermal conductivity reduction for improving the cooling performance of the on chip SLC.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
A general one-dimensional search algorithm for computing approximate solutions of some non-linear optimal control problems

Abstract Barr and Gilbert (1966, 1969 b) have presented computing algorithms for converting a brood class of optimal control problems (including minimum time, and fixed-time minimum fuel, energy and effort problems) to a sequence of optimal regulator problems, using a one dimensional search of the cost variable. These Barr and Gilbert algorithms, which use quadratic programming algorithms by the same authors (1969 a) to solve the resulting optimal regulator problems, are restricted to dynamic equations linear in state by virtue of using the convexity and compactness (Neustadt 1963) and contact function (Gilbert 1966) of the reachable set This paper extends the above approach to a class of terminal cost optimal control problems similar to those considered by Barr and Gilbert (including quite general control constraints, but only allowing initial and final state constraints), having differential equations non-linear instate and control (where the convexity-compactness results do not hold), by converting eac...
The single-site Green’s function and Krein’s theorem

An important step in electronic structure calculations using multiple-scattering theory is obtaining the density of states for the central site from the Green's function for that site. We have found that the Krein's spectral displacement function for the central site contributes significantly to the understanding of these calculations. We argue that these insights can lead to improvements in the robustness of MST electronic structure codes without negatively impacting their performance.
Ultrasonic spray pyrolyzed iron-polypyrrole mesoporous spheres for fuel celloxygen reduction electrocatalysts

Pyrolyzed iron-polypyrrole mesoporous spheres have been synthesized by a template-assisted ultrasonic spray pyrolysis method, and demonstrate that high volumetric surface area is critical for improving the activity of non-noble metal catalysts towards the fuel celloxygen reduction reaction.
Dynamic correlation functions for the one-dimensional XYZ model: New exact results

Abstract It is found that there exist special circumstances for which a rigorous relation between the three dynamic structure factors Sμμ(q, ω), μ=x, y, z, at T=0 of the one-dimensional spin-sXYZ model in a uniform magnetic field can be derived. This relation is used to infer new exact results for Sxx(q, ω) of the s= case1 2 anisotropic XY model.
A Library Adventure: Comparing a Treasure Hunt with a Traditional Freshman Orientation Tour

This study addresses finding the best means of introducing incoming freshmen to the library and the skills and concepts of information literacy. The results of a traditional librarian-led orientation tour are compared with those of a self-guided treasure hunt. As part of an Introduction to College Life course in a multicultural community college, students in classes selected randomly participated in the alternate forms of orientation. Identical questionnaires, completed by all participants, contained both a test of learning objectives and an attitude survey. Statistical analysis of the test results and highly positive feedback indicated an educational advantage in the self-guided tour, supporting active learning theories. The study also demonstrates the need for continuing experimentation, innovation, and creativity in orientation tour design, as well as the value of such introductory tours, enhancing both comfort level and skill in library use.
Protein nature and some enzymatic properties of the lizard Heloderma suspectum suspectum (Gila monster) venom.

Abstract 1. 1. Gila monster venom consists mainly of proteins and the toxic principles are found to be non-dialyzable proteins. 2. 2. The venom showed proteolytic enzyme activities and hydrolyzed the synthetic substrates of arginine esters, dipeptides and tripeptides. 3. 3. Fractionation of whole venom on Sephadex G-75 yielded two major peaks. The fraction with high proteolytic activity was found to be toxic while the fraction with no appreciable proteolytic activity was non-toxic.
Guanine nucleotide activation of adenylate cyclase in saponin permeabilized glioma cells

Abstract We have compared the regulation of adenylate cyclase activity in membrane fractions from C6 glioma cells and in monolayer cultures of C6 cells that had been permeabilized with saponin. Guanine nucleotides (GTP and GTPγS) and isoproterenol increase adenylate cyclase activity in C6 membranes and in permeabilized C6 cells. In C6 membranes, guanine nucleotides activate adenylate cyclase in the presence or absence of isoproterenol; in permeabilized cells, however, guanine nucleotides increase adenylate cyclase activity only in the presence of isoproterenol. We suggest that the properties of the permeabilized cells more closely resemble those of intact cells, and that some component which is present in permeabilized cells but is lost following cell disruption may be important for the normal regulation of adenylate cyclase activity.
Luteinizing hormone secretion in hypophysial stalk-transected gilts given hydrocortisone acetate and pulsatile gonadotropin-releasing hormone.

Abstract The site within the hypothalamic-pituitary axis at which cortisol acts to inhibit luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion was investigated in female pigs. Six ovariectomized, hypophysial stalk-transected (HST) gilts were given 1 μg pulses of gonadotropin releasing-hormone (GnRH) iv every 45 min from day 0 to 12. On days 6–12, each of 3 gilts received either hydrocortisone acetate (HCA; 3.2 mg/kg body weight) or oil vehicle im at 12-hr intervals. Four ovariectomized, pituitary stalk-intact gilts served as controls and received HCA and pulses of 3.5% sodium citrate. Jugular blood was sampled daily and every 15 min for 5 hr on days 5 and 12. Treatment with HCA decreased serum LH concentrations and LH pulse frequency in stalk-intact animals. In contrast, serum LH concentrations, as well as the frequency and amplitude of LH pulses, were unaffected by HCA in HST gilts and were similar to those observed in oil-treated HST gilts. We suggest that chronically elevated concentrations of circulating cortisol inhibit LH secretion in pigs by acting at the level of the hypothalamus.
An Efficient Finite Element Method for Computing Spectra of Photonic and Acoustic Band-Gap Materials

The paper describes an efficient finite element method for computing spectra of photonic and acoustic band-gap materials. In the photonic case only the scalar models are treated. The full vector model will be considered in the next publication.
The effect of psychophysical method on the loudness of continuous and interrupted pure tones.

Using the Bekesy tracking method for loudness judgment tasks such as most comfortable loudness (MCL) and recalled loudness (RL) measurements, normal listeners have tracked continuous (C) tones at l...
Mapping Site-Specific Changes that Affect Stability of the N-Terminal Domain of Calmodulin

Biophysical tools have been invaluable in formulating therapeutic proteins. These tools characterize protein stability rapidly in a variety of solution conditions, but in general, the techniques lack the ability to discern site-specific information to probe how solution environment acts to stabilize or destabilize the protein. NMR spectroscopy can provide site-specific information about subtle structural changes of a protein under different conditions, enabling one to assess the mechanism of protein stabilization. In this study, NMR was employed to detect structural perturbations at individual residues as a result of altering pH and ionic strength. The N-terminal domain of calmodulin (N-CaM) was used as a model system, and the ¹H-¹⁵N heteronuclear single quantum coherence (HSQC) experiment was used to investigate effects of pH and ionic strength on individual residues. NMR analysis revealed that different solution conditions affect individual residues differently, even when the amino acid sequence and structure are highly similar. This study shows that addition of NMR to the formulation toolbox has the ability to extend understanding of the relationship between site-specific changes and overall protein stability.
Cyclosporine-associated hypertension

Widespread availability of the fungal endecapeptide cyclosporine in 1983 ushered in an era of improved success and broader application of organ transplantation. In 1985, a review1 of the clinical results with immunosuppression using cyclosporine identified nephrotoxic reactions as the most serious adverse effect of cyclosporine2; a 50% incidence of hypertension was also recognized and thought to be more frequent than with previous immunosuppressive regimens. The cause was unknown, and further investigation was encouraged. Other autoimmune diseases, such as psoriasis, primary biliary cirrhosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and type I diabetes mellitus, have been treated successfully with cyclosporine but with similar complications.3 The purpose of this report is to alert the practicing physician regarding these issues and to provide guidance in treating patients. In addition to incidence, the characteristics of cyclosporine-associated hypertension (CAH) will be reviewed along with data supporting various speculated mechanisms. Drug management of CAH and further directions will conclude the presentation. INCIDENCE The incidence of CAH varies with the patient population under evaluation. The greatest experience to date has been with patients undergoing organ transplantation,4 with kidney recipients representing the largest single group. Unfortu¬ nately, at least two problems confound interpretation of re¬ ported incidence data concerning CAH in renal transplant recipients. The first is the frequency with which hypertension coexists in patients with end-stage renal disease. The second problem is that many of the studies contrasting azathioprineprednisone immunosuppression with cyclosporine with or without prednisone are sequential trials rather than random¬
Variation in the Late Triassic Canjilon quarry (Upper Chinle Group, New Mexico) phytosaur skulls: a case for sexual dimorphism

The Canjilon quarry, located in north-central New Mexico near Ghost Ranch, contains a death assemblage of phytosaurs located stratigraphically high within the Petrified Forest Formation of the Chinle Group (Revueltian = early-mid Norian). The site has yielded numerous fossils ofPseudopalatus-grade phytosaurs, including at least 10 skulls collected from the locality byCharles Camp in 1928 and 1933 and another collected more recently byAlex Downs, curator of paleontology at Ghost Ranch. A re-examination of these skulls reveals two morphotypes that differ only in the relative lengths and relative robustness of their premaxillae. In these two morphotypes, the premaxillae define the shape and length of the rostral crest, the dimensions of which are independent of skull size. In one morphotype, the premaxillae are long, thin bones that lead to an abrupt, volcano-like narial crest. In the second morphotype, the premaxillae are of approximately the same length, but expand dorsoventrally halfway along their lengths, creating a longer and more robust crest. The most probable explanation of these two variants in rostral crest morphology in a Single, catastrophic death assemblage is thatPseudopalatus-grade phytosaurs are sexually dimorphic. Thus, the larger, more robust crest of the first morphotype is probably a display feature, most likely of the male animal. The more gracile snout anderest characterize the female morph. In the sample of phytosaurs examined, there are three individuals of the more robust (male) morphotype, five individuals of the gracile (female) morphotype, and three individuals (2 adult, 1 juvenile) that cannot be assigned to either morphotype because the skulls are too damaged to make an aecurate assessment. This is the first clear evidence of sexual dimorphism in phytosaurs, and has important implications for phytosaur species-level taxonomy, as well as for understanding aspects of their paleobiology (e.g., population dynamics).
Rethinking the Measurement of Training and Development in the Professions: A Conceptual Model

The 21st century is often called the â€œage of talent.â€ Globalization has influenced both organizational processes and employee training, creating an increased need for educated, skilled, and adaptable employees. Training and development has become an integral part of most organizationsâ€™ efforts to develop and maintain competitive advantage, with an emphasis on creating learning organizations. These changes in the methods, modes and quantity of training have made it challenging to quantify the amount of training occurring across workplaces. This article takes the view that in order to understand the impact of training on organizations, it is important to conceptualize where and through whom training activities occur. We can think of the training and development profession as consisting of a series of four tiers, with the T&D function occurring less centrally within each tier. Tier I members of the training and development profession occupy jobs in which training and development are paramount to their roles and occupy the vast majority, if not all, of their time. Tier II professionals may be the primary person within the organization responsible for training and development, but the training is often limited to a particular focal area. A whole host of supervisory occupations might be considered Tier III jobs because of the close relation supervisors often have with the employees they supervise. Tier IV training and development professionals may come from any occupational background, and this is where much of informal training occurs.
Medical Marijuana: Medical Necessity versus Political Agenda

Marijuana is classified by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) as an illegal Schedule I drug which has no accepted medical use. However, recent studies have shown that medical marijuana is effective in controlling chronic non-cancer pain, alleviating nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy, treating wasting syndrome associated with AIDS, and controlling muscle spasms due to multiple sclerosis. These studies state that the alleviating benefits of marijuana outweigh the negative effects of the drug, and recommend that marijuana be administered to patients who have failed to respond to other therapies. Despite supporting evidence, the DEA refuses to reclassify marijuana as a Schedule II drug, which would allow physicians to prescribe marijuana to suffering patients. The use of medical marijuana has continued to gain support among states, and is currently legal in 16 states and the District of Columbia. This is in stark contrast to the federal government’s stance of zero-tolerance, which has led to a heated legal debate in the United States. After reviewing relevant scientific data and grounding the issue in ethical principles like beneficence and nonmaleficence, there is a strong argument for allowing physicians to prescribe marijuana. Patients have a right to all beneficial treatments and to deny them this right violates their basic human rights.
Estimate of vascular permeability and cerebral blood volume using Gd-DTPA contrast enhancement and dynamic T2*-weighted MRI

Purpose: To develop a numerical approach for estimation of vascular permeability from dynamic T2*-weighted imaging, a technique routinely used to measure cerebral blood volume (CBV) and flow in gliomas. Materials and Methods: This study describes a process for estimating both the gadolinium diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-DTPA) transvascular transfer constant and CBV from dynamic T2*-weighted images. The algorithm was applied to data from the brains of 12 patients with grade IV gliomas. The stability of the method was assessed. Estimates of CBV by this technique were compared to those of the conventional method. Results: The algorithm was found to be insensitive to noise and to generate stable voxel-by-voxel estimates of permeability and CBV. Conclusion: Using a single imaging acquisition, the three most important vascular properties, CBV, cerebral blood flow (CBF), and permeability, can be estimated. This approach may have potential in clinical evaluation of patients with brain tumor or acute ischemic stroke.
Cervical epidural abscess after epidural steroid injection.

Study design This is a case report of a cervical epidural abscess presenting with neurologic deficits after cervical epidural steroid injection. Objective To describe the presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome of a rare complication of cervical epidural steroid injection. Summary of background data Cervical epidural steroid injections are a commonly used modality in the treatment of cervical spine disease. Serious complications from the procedure are rare. There is only one previously reported case of cervical epidural abscess after cervical epidural injection in the literature. Materials and methods A case of cervical epidural abscess after epidural steroid injection is presented and the relevant literature is reviewed. Results The patient had partial recovery of neurologic function within the first 24 hours after decompressive laminectomy, irrigation, and debridement. There were no perioperative complications. Intraoperative cultures permitted positive identification of the infecting organism and appropriate antibiotic selection. At 7-month follow-up, there was no recurrence of infection and the patient had recovered baseline neurologic function and neck pain status. Conclusions Cervical epidural abscess is a rare but potentially devastating complication after epidural steroid injection. Neurologic compromise may occur. Timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment may result in good clinical outcomes.
A Basis for Setting Burn-in Yield Criteria

This simple, useful, and practical approach to assess the cost benefits from using burned-in plastic ICs assumes a simple approximation for early life failure during burn-in and predicts the failure rate of the residual parts on the basis of yield percentage. Because product applications, end-user environment, and device quality vary, the simplicity of this method is obtained at the cost of some rigor. Nonetheless, the results are useful and are consistent with measured data.
Protease-Sensitive Conformers in Broad Spectrum of Distinct PrPSc Structures in Sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Are Indicator of Progression Rate

The origin, range, and structure of prions causing the most common human prion disease, sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (sCJD), are largely unknown. To investigate the molecular mechanism responsible for the broad phenotypic variability of sCJD, we analyzed the conformational characteristics of protease-sensitive and protease-resistant fractions of the pathogenic prion protein (PrPSc) using novel conformational methods derived from a conformation-dependent immunoassay (CDI). In 46 brains of patients homozygous for polymorphisms in the PRNP gene and exhibiting either Type 1 or Type 2 western blot pattern of the PrPSc, we identified an extensive array of PrPSc structures that differ in protease sensitivity, display of critical domains, and conformational stability. Surprisingly, in sCJD cases homozygous for methionine or valine at codon 129 of the PRNP gene, the concentration and stability of protease-sensitive conformers of PrPSc correlated with progression rate of the disease. These data indicate that sCJD brains exhibit a wide spectrum of PrPSc structural states, and accordingly argue for a broad spectrum of prion strains coding for different phenotypes. The link between disease duration, levels, and stability of protease-sensitive conformers of PrPSc suggests that these conformers play an important role in the pathogenesis of sCJD.
Dual organizational identification impacting client satisfaction and word of mouth loyalty

Abstract This research applies social identity theory to the project manager–client relationship in the service sector to examine the impact of dual identification and client co-location on the satisfaction and word of mouth (loyalty) of the client. The research is conducted in the information technology industry with a sample of project manager–client dyadic relationships. The results show that project managers that have identification to their own organization and the client organization have significantly more loyal clients compared to project managers that do not have identification to their organization or the client organization. Project managers that only have client organization identification and not service organization identification have significantly more client loyalty compared to project managers that only have service organization identification. Further, the results show that being co-located with a client results in greater client satisfaction, but does not increase a project manager's identification to the client organization.
New fluoroalkenes and alcohol with pentafluoro-λ6-sulfanyl (SF5) terminal groupings

Abstract The synthesis of new compounds that contain both a terminal pentafluoro-λ 6 -sulfanyl (SF 5 ) group and an alkene or alcohol functional group is reported. Five new SF 5 containing alkenes and one new SF 5 containing alcohol were prepared: SF 5 CH 2 CHBrCH 2 CF CF 5 ( 1 ), SF 5 CF 2 CF 2 CH 2 CHICH 2 CF CF 2 ( 2 ), SF 5 CF 2 CF 2 CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 CF CF 2 ( 3 ), SF 5 CF 2 CF 2 CH CH 2 ( 4 ), SF 5 (CF 2 CF 2 ) 2 CH CH 2 ( 5 ) and SF 5 CF 2 CF 2 CH 2 CH 2 OH ( 6 ). These compounds are useful as monomers or as intermediates in the preparation of polymers, polymer surface coatings, and surfactants.
The role of hypersensitivity in the pathogenesis of vaccinia virus infection in humans.

To evaluate the role of delayed hypersensitivity in the pathogenesis of the primarysmallpox vaccination reaction, 26 previously unvaccinated children were repeatedly inoculated with vaccinia virus at 2 day intervals. Infectious and noninfectious virus were applied simultaneously at different sites each time. The incubation periods of the papules and the vesicles for the second vaccination were significantly shorter than those of the first. Hypersensitivity to vaccinia virus was apparent within the developmental period of the first vaccination. The shortened incubation period of the second vaccination indicated that delayed hypersensitivity participated in the pathogenesis of the primary lesion.
Tissue Penetration and Clinical Efficacy of Enoxacin in Urinary Tract Infections

The fluoroquinolones in general, and particularly enoxacin, show great promise in the treatment of urinary tract infection. Orally administered enoxacin achieves high concentrations in the serum and urine as well as in prostate tissue, kidney and peri renal fat and muscle. These concentrations are generally in excess of the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) for 95% of the common uropathogens, including Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella spp., Proteus spp., Enterobacter spp., Serratia marcescens and Staphylococcus saprophyticus.
Breast and thyroid cancer and malignant melanoma promoted by alcohol-induced pituitary secretion of prolactin, T.S.H. and M.S.H.

Abstract In interview data from the U.S.A.'s Third National Cancer Survey, alcohol ingestion was associated with a higher occurrence of cancers of the breast, thyroid, and malignant melanoma. Data from other studies support the first two associations. A unifying hypothesis to explain these seemingly diverse associations suggests that alcohol stimulates anterior pituitary secretion of prolactin, thyroid-stimulating hormone (T.S.H.), and melanocyte-stimulating hormone (M.S.H.). Under the stimulation of these hormones, the three target tissues exhibit increased mitotic activity and hence an increased susceptibility to the development of a malignancy. A wide variety of findings from other studies indicate plausibility for this hypothesis. The implications could be grave. In addition to alcohol, several common drugs acting in similar manner could be cancer promoters, including: reserpine, methyldopa, phenothiazones, d -amphetamine, tricyclic antidepressants, and antihistamines. Over 20 000 (25%) of all new breast-cancer cases each year in the U.S.A. could be preventable if this hypothesis is correct.
Arctic oscillation response to the 1991 Pinatubo eruption in the SKYHI general circulation model with a realistic quasi-biennial oscillation

[1] Stratospheric aerosol clouds from large tropical volcanic eruptions can be expected to alter the atmospheric radiative balance for a period of up to several years. Observations following several previous major eruptions suggest that one effect of the radiative perturbations is to cause anomalies in the Northern Hemisphere extratropical winter tropospheric circulation that can be broadly characterized as positive excursions of the Arctic Oscillation (AO). We report on a modeling investigation of the radiative and dynamical mechanisms that may account for the observed AO anomalies following eruptions. We focus on the best observed and strongest 20th century eruption, that of Mt. Pinatubo on 15 June 1991. The impact of the Pinatubo eruption on the climate has been the focus of a number of earlier modeling studies, but all of these previous studies used models with no quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) in the tropical stratosphere. The QBO is a very prominent feature of interannual variability of tropical stratospheric circulation and could have a profound effect on the global atmospheric response to volcanic radiative forcing. Thus a complete study of the atmospheric variability following volcanic eruptions should include a realistic representation of the tropical QBO. Here we address, for the first time, this important issue. We employed a version of the SKYHI troposphere-stratosphere-mesosphere model that effectively assimilates observed zonal mean winds in the tropical stratosphere to simulate a very realistic QBO. We performed an ensemble of 24 simulations for the period 1 June 1991 to 31 May 1993. These simulations included a realistic prescription of the stratospheric aerosol layer based on satellite observations. These integrations are compared to control integrations with no volcanic aerosol. The model produced a reasonably realistic representation of the positive AO response in boreal winter that is usually observed after major eruptions. Detailed analysis shows that the aerosol perturbations to the tropospheric winter circulation are affected significantly by the phase of the QBO, with a westerly QBO phase in the lower stratosphere resulting in an enhancement of the aerosol effect on the AO. Improved quantification of the QBO effect on climate sensitivity helps to better understand mechanisms of the stratospheric contribution to natural and externally forced climate variability.
Effect of naloxone on the pulsatile secretion of luteinizing hormone in gonadectomized male and female ferrets before and after oestradiol replacement.

Abstract Intravenous infusions of the opioid receptor antagonist, naloxone, caused a significant rise in luteinizing hormone (LH) pulse frequency in male and female ferrets which had been gonadectomized 10 days earlier while in breeding condition; mean LH concentrations and LH pulse amplitudes were not affected. By contrast, naloxone failed to stimulate LH pulse frequency, or other LH parameters in gonadectomized ferrets of either sex which received daily injections of a low dose of oestradiol. Our results for the ferret, in which the female is an induced ovulator, resemble those previously obtained in another induced ovulator, the rabbit. They contrast, however, with the results of numerous studies using spontaneously ovulating species in which sex steroids, if anything, facilitate the ability of naloxone to stimulate LH secretion.
QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS OF AGGREGATE BASED ON HOUGH TRANSFORM

Deformations in asphalt pavements continue to create problems for pavement agencies. One factor that has been identified as contributing to the potential of asphalt concrete to deform is the angularity of particles in the asphalt and aggregate mix. A new video-based method of measuring angularity based on the properties of the Hough transform, a powerful mathematical tool commonly used to detect long straight lines in video images, is presented. The method detects and measures the length of any straight edge in a two-dimensional image of a particle that is then used to quantify the particle angularity. The technique resolved three different test patterns independent of size and angle of rotation. Seven sands were analyzed with the method. The results were consistent with the known qualities of the sands. Although still limited as an engineering application, shape analysis of aggregate by video imaging has the potential to provide insight into the mechanisms of pavement deformation and may provide a basis for specifications or guidelines for the use of manufactured and natural sands in asphalt concrete.
Multidomain spectral solution of the Euler Gas-dynamics equations

The present interfacial treatments for Euler gasdynamic equation computations via the multidomain Chebyshev spectral collocation method are applicable both at subdomain corners and in overlapping or patched subdomains, for interfaces located in the sub-, super-, or transonic regions of a flow. The results thus obtained are found to be (1) spectrally accurate, (2) both more accurate and more efficient than a single-domain calculation, and (3) potentially more accurate and efficient than a single-domain calculation. Interfacial wave reflection is insignificant.
Exponential probability inequality and convergence results for the median absolute deviation and its modifications

Abstract The median absolute deviation from the median (MAD) is an important robust univariate spread measure. It also plays important roles with multivariate data through statistics based on the univariate projections of the data, in which case a modified sample MAD introduced by Tyler [Tyler, D. E, 1994. Finite sample breakdown points of projection based multivariate location and scatter statistics. Annals of Statistics 22, 1024–1044] and Gather and Hilker [Gather, U., Hilker, T., 1997. A note on Tyler’s modification of the MAD for the Stahel–Donoho estimator. Annals of Statistics 25, 2024–2026] is used to gain increased robustness. Here we establish for the modified sample MAD the same almost sure convergence to the population MAD as was shown by Hall and Welsh [Hall, P., Welsh, A. H., 1985. Limit theorems for the median deviation. Annals of Institute of Statistical Mathematics 37, 27–36] and Welsh [Welsh, A. H., 1986. Bahadur representations for robust scale estimators based on regression residuals. Annals of Statistics 14, 1246–1251] for the usual sample MAD, and at the same time we eliminate the regularity assumptions imposed in the previous results. Our method is to establish for the sample MAD and modified versions an exponential probability inequality which yields the desired almost sure convergence and also carries independent interest. Further, the asymptotic joint normality of the sample median and the sample MAD established by Falk [Falk, M., 1997a. On MAD and COMEDIANS. Annals of Institute of Statistical Mathematics 49, 615–644; Falk, M., 1997b. Asymptotic independence of median and MAD. Statistics and Probability Letters 34, 341–345] is extended to the modified sample MAD. Besides eliminating some regularity conditions, these results provide theoretical validation for use of the more general form of sample MAD.
Routine and Influenza Vaccination Rates in Children with Asthma

Background Children with asthma may be at increased risk for low immunization rates given that they have recurrent illnesses that often result in acute care visits to their pediatrician, visits to the emergency room, admissions to the hospital, and visits to subspecialists, where immunizations are not routinely administered. Objectives To assess immunization rates for routine and influenza vaccines in children with asthma and assess factors that may contribute to delay. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 117 children aged 6 to 48 months with onset of asthma within the first 15 months of life. Subjects were recruited from an allergy and immunology clinic at an urban, tertiary care center. Those judged to have immunization delay did not have the required 4 DTP, 3 OPV, and 1 MMR vaccine by age 24 months (4:3:1 series). Receipt of influenza vaccine was determined for eligible children with moderate to severe asthma. Results Seventy-four (80%) children had up-to-date immunizations at age 24 months. Those with delay had fewer visits to a subspecialist than those who were up-to-date (1 versus 2 visits P = .010). Twenty-two (25%) of 87 eligible subjects received influenza vaccine. Recipients were more likely to have been hospitalized than nonrecipients (77% versus 49%, P = .022). Conclusions Though the majority of young children with asthma were up-to-date for routine immunizations, only 25% of children with moderate to severe asthma received influenza vaccine. Greater efforts must be made by pediatricians and asthma subspecialists to ensure that children with moderate to severe asthma are immunized against influenza virus.
Saccharin Inhibits Tooth Decay in Laboratory Models

This paper examines whether in vitro saccharin inhibition of streptococcal growth has in vivo significance. Bacterial recoveries of Streptococcus mutans and caries activity are examined in an experimental animal caries model that is challenged dietarily and bacteriologically.
Highly accurate classification of postures and activities by a shoe-based monitor through classification with rejection

Monitoring human beings' major daily activities is important for many biomedical studies. Some monitoring applications may require highly reliable identification of certain postures and activities with desired accuracies well above 99% mark. This paper suggests a method for performing highly accurate classification of postures and activities from data collected by a wearable shoe monitor (SmartShoe) through classification with rejection. The classifier used in this study is support vector machines that uses posterior probability based on the distance of an observation to the separating hyperplane to reject unreliable observations. The results show that a significant improvement (from 95.2% ± 3.5% to 99% ± 1%) of the classification accuracy has been reached after the rejection, as compared to the accuracy reported previously. Such an approach will be especially beneficial in application where high accuracy of recognition is desired while not all observations need to be assigned a class label.
The changing classification of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas

Treatments for non-Hodgkin's lymphomas vary widely. Because all treatments are not useful to all patients, the non-Hodgkin's lymphomas must be divided into clinically relevant subgroups. Previous systems used to subdivide the non-Hodgkin's lymphomas were based on morphology. Later systems added immunologic subgrouping. The International Lymphoma Study Group recently has proposed that lymphomas be grouped as clinical-pathologic entities. Diagnoses based on this system were much more accurate than those using previous systems, but much work remains to be done in the classification of these cancers.
The structure of the O-antigenic chain of the lipopolysaccharide of Rhizobium trifolii 4s

Abstract The structure of the O-antigen chain of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of Rhizobium trifolii 4s has been determined by a combination of chemical and spectroscopic methods. The glycosyl components were found to be l -rhamnose, N -acetyl- d -glucosamine, and N -acetyl- d -mannosamine in 3:1:1 molar proportion, as determined by gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry of alditol acetate and persilylated ( R )-2-hydroxybutyl glycoside derivatives. The linkage positions and configurations of the glycosyl residues were obtained by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy. The polymer has a pentasaccharide repeating-unit containing rhammose and N -acetylglucosamine in the main chain and N -acetylmannosamine as the sole-side chain component. This latter residue is linked to a main-chain rhamnose residue. This result was suggested by NMR spectroscopy and confirmed by periodate oxidation. The sequence was deduced by 1D and 2D NMR NOE experiments and by partial hydrolysis studies. The repeating unit of the polysaccharide is shown. This constitutes the first complete structure of an O-antigenic chain of the lipopolysaccharide of any strain of Rhizobium trifolii .
Estimated drug use based on direct questioning and open-ended questions: responses in the 2006 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.

Substance use surveys may use open-ended items to supplement questions about specific drugs and obtain more exhaustive information on illicit drug use. However these questions are likely to underestimate the prevalence of use of specific drugs. Little is known about the extent of such underestimation or the groups most prone to under-reporting. Using data from the 2006 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), a civilian, non-institutionalized population survey of persons aged 12 or older in the United States, we compared drug use estimates based on open-ended questions with estimates from a new set of direct questions that occurred later in the interview. For these drugs, estimates of lifetime drug use based on open-ended questions often were at least seven times lower than those based on direct questions. Among adults identified in direct questions as substance users, lower educational levels were consistently associated with non-reporting of use in the open-ended questions. Given NSDUH's large annual sample size (∼67 000 interviews), combining data across future survey years could increase our understanding of characteristics associated with non-reporting of use in open-ended questions and allow drug use trends to be extrapolated to survey years in which only open-ended question data are available. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Research Note On Successful Criminal Justice Survey Research: A "Personal Touch" Model For Enhancing Rates Of Return:

Survey research is an extremely old and common method of gathering information in our society. Yet many attempts by faculty and graduate students to gather data for scholarly research will fail because the survey component failed to generate an adequate data base. This article provides a total design model for maximizing response rates in survey research, using techniques which have consistently helped to achieve response rates of from 50 to 80 percent. Included are "personal touch" recommendations for questionnaire construction and mailing, and associated cost factors. A matrix is provided of these survey methods, as are caveats for researchers seeking to survey practitioners in "total institutions" where social intercourse may be discouraged and examination difficult.
Modafinil as a cognitive enhancer of spatial working memory in rats.

Abstract The present experiment examined the influence of modafinil on working memory in rats. Control and experimental rats were placed in cages equipped with a running wheel. The study was divided into three periods: 1) habituation, 2) experimental — in which modafinil was orally administered to experimental animals, and 3) withdrawal. Spatial working memory was tested utilizing the Morris Water Maze. Animals were given two trials in each session: 1) a sample trial in which they discovered the location of the platform and 2) a test trial in which they recalled the location of the platform. Platform placement and starting place location of the rats were changed every session. Performance of control animals during sample trials and test trials showed no difference in time to reach the platform; whereas, experimental animals demonstrated faster attainment of the goal during the test trial. In withdrawal, there was no difference in time between the two trials for experimental animals. Wheel running activity of the experimental group was lower than that of the control group during the experimental period. This study supports the hypothesis that modafinil has a positive effect on working memory in rats. It is suggested that benefits of modafinil can extend beyond its prescribed usage; however, these advantages of modafinil use should be addressed in discussions related to ethical concerns associated with neuroenhancers.
Computer simulation of grain growth

Abstract A variety of computer simulation techniques have been developed to described grain growth in polycrystalline materials and the evolution of cellular patterns in other systems. Most techniques have now been developed to the degree that they can be used to analyze idealized microstructural evolution processes, and, in some cases, answer questions which arise from experimental observations or engineering goals. The development of crystallographic texture, the effect of dispersions of second phase particles, and the nature of grain structure evolution in thermally inhomogeneous environments have also attracted considerable interest.
The use of transrectal ultrasonography in the diagnosis of stage a prostatic carcinoma

As with many diseases the best chance for cure comes with early detection but unfortunately, surgically curable carcinoma of the prostate is found in only 5–15% of all patients. Clearly the largest obstacle to increasing survival is the early detection of the disease. Transrectal ultrasound provides another modality by which small lesions of the prostate can be identified. Its major drawbacks are the identification of diffusely involved carcinomas where no tissue interface exists and the inability to clearly separate areas of inflammation, stone and carcinoma. With further experience and inevitable improvement in instrumentation, perhaps these inadequacies will be resolved.
The pharmacokinetics of inhaled 1,1,1-trichloroethane following high milk intake in mice.

ABSTRACTIn the evaluation of lipophilic halocarbons for neurobehavioral toxicity in operant testing, animals often receive large amounts of milk as a behavioral reinforcer over time. If this increase of fat in the diet sufficiently impacted the lipid depots of the animal, the pharmacokinetics of lipophilic test compounds might be significantly affected and thus obscure the accompanying neurobehavioral effects. The effects of milk intake, comparable to what was consumed as behavioral reinforcer during operant behavioral sessions, on the pharmacokinetics of inhaled 1,1,1-trichloroethane (TRI) were therefore examined in the blood and nine organ tissues of mice. Male CD-I mice were food restricted so that their body weights would be reduced to and maintained at 80% of their original, and received a single gavage dose of 1.0 ml evaporated milk daily for three weeks. A control group with similar food restrictions was dosed with the same volume of water. Inhalation exposures to 3500 ppm TRI for 100 minutes were ...
Changes in stockholding behavior: Evidence from household survey data

Abstract This paper investigates the factors that cause households to switch between stockholding and non-stockholding using a household-level data set covering a period of 12 years. We find that there is a surprising amount of turnover; a large number of households switch back and forth between stockholding and non-stockholding several times during the sample period. We show evidence that this is in part a reaction to changes in stock prices over the period.