cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Parents socializing sibling relationships in European American and Asian American families of children with Autism in the United States

This study examined how parents in a European American and an Asian American family socialize sibling relationships. We describe parents' beliefs about autism and how these beliefs influence awareness-building of disability in their typically developing children and the expectations that parents have for sibling relationships. The role of parents in socializing sibling relationships is also described. Analyses were based on in-depth interviews with parents. Findings indicate that the two sets of parents differed in their beliefs, expectations, and practices. Sibling relationship outcomes also differed in the two families. Implications for research are described.
The impact of pre-cessation varenicline on behavioral economic indices of smoking reinforcement.

Abstract Background Varenicline was developed to aid smoking cessation by reducing smoking reinforcement. The present study tests this reinforcement–reduction hypothesis among smokers preparing to quit. Method After a one-week baseline, treatment-seeking smokers were randomized to receive three weeks of varenicline or placebo (Weeks 2–4). During each of the four weeks of the study, smokers completed a hypothetical cigarette purchase task (CPT) via handheld devices in their natural environment. Behavioral economic measures of simulated smoking if cigarettes were free (demand intensity), sensitivity of consumption to increasing price (elasticity), and price at which purchases would drop to 0 (breakpoint) were estimated. Results The exponential demand equation fit the purchase task data well across subjects and time. As predicted, demand intensity decreased and sensitivity to price (elasticity) increased over time. However, changes in demand intensity did not differ by treatment group. Contrary to our hypothesis that varenicline would increase sensitivity to price, the placebo group tended to become more elastic in their purchases during Weeks 2 and 3; the groups did not differ in elasticity at Week 4. Breakpoint did not vary by group, time, or their interaction. Conclusion Simulated smoking demand can be validly assessed in the natural environment of treatment-seeking smokers. Simulated demand indices of smoking reinforcement diminished as smokers approached their target quit date. However, there was no evidence that varenicline facilitated these changes over a three‐week period, leaving open the mechanisms by which varenicline reduces smoking rate prior to cessation and improves long-term abstinence.
The antineoplastic effect of Corynebacterium parvum modified by lysozyme treatment

The study was conducted to evaluate the possibility that host factors may modulate the antitumor effect of C. parvum (CP). Heat-killed CP after being subjected to limited digestion by lysozyme (L-CP) produced a superior effect on the inhibition of local growth of murine mammary carcinoma (CD8F1) comparsed to unmodified CP. The median survival time (MST) of tumor-bearing animals that were treated with L-CP was slightly but not significantly increased over that of the immunotherapeutic response to unmodified CP. This modified CP was capable of reducing the incidence of early death in tumor-bearing animals. The modified CP was also more toxic than the unmodified. In contrast, mixed glycosidase had no effect on the antitumor potency of CP. The usefulness of enzymatic modification of whole CP in improving the tumor-therapeutic potency of CP is discussed.
Judd—Ofelt parametrizations for lanthanides: sensitivity analysis of multiple local minima

For most symmetries the standard parametrization of one-photon electric-dipole transitions between crystal-field levels of the 4fN configuration of lanthanide ions gives the same predictions for several quite different parameter sets. An alternative parametrization scheme which provides separate parameters for each of the different polarization directions has been shown to remove this anomaly. A second problem arises due to the fact that multiple local minima may fit the data nearly equally well. Through a detailed re-examination of the previously well-studied lanthanide oxydiacetate (LnODA) systems, where Ln = Nd, Sm, Eu, Dy, Ho and Er, we examine the multiple local minima problem. Parameter robustness is determined by means of an analysis of the sensitivity of the local minima with respect to perturbation of experimental intensities and rotatory strengths. Inclusion of circular dichroism rotatory strengths in the calculation is shown to greatly reduce the total number of local minima which must be consi...
Cytology of Peritoneal Effusion Following Intestinal Anastomosis and Experimental Peritonitis

Diagnostic peritoneal lavage was performed one, two or three days following experimental resection and anastomosis of the distal jejunum in nine dogs. The lavage fluid was evaluated by total and differential cell counts, cell morphology, and bacterial culture. Microscopic examination revealed large numbers of nondegenerate neutrophils and mononuclear cells. Bacteria were not observed. Bacterial cultures yielded no growth. Peritonitis was experimentally induced in four dogs by creating an ischemic segment of jejunum. Peritoneal lavage and fluid analysis were carried out one or two days following surgery. The lavage fluid from these dogs contained large numbers of degenerate neutrophils and bacteria.
Adsorption of fatty acid spin probes on amorphous alumina

Abstract Electron spin resonance (ESR) was used to study the adsorption of spin probe analogs of stearic acid on amorphous alumina. The long-chain molecules were bonded to the alumina surfaces at the carboxylic acid end, with the aliphatic chain undergoing wagging motions in the solvent. Evidence for at least two different degrees of motional restriction of the molecules on alumina is presented. Adsorption of the probe appears to occur by displacement of surface hydroxyls attached to a single Al ion, since gibbsite and other crystalline clay minerals were not capable of retaining the molecule. Rotational correlation times of the nitroxide portion of the adsorbed probes were calculated for different surface conditions.
Variable effects of changes in flow rate through the aortic, pulmonary and mitral valves on valve area and flow velocity: impact on quantitative Doppler flow calculations.

Doppler echocardiographic methods for measuring volumetric flow through the aortic, pulmonary and mitral salves provide the cardiologist with several potentially interchangeable noninvasive methods for determining cardiac output. In addition, comparison of flow differences through individual valves offers the potential to quantitate shunt flow and regurgitant volumes. To date, however, no study has compared the relative accuracies of each of these flow measurements in a controlled experimental setting. Therefore, in this study, Doppler echocardiography was used to measure aortic, pulmonary and mitral valve flows in seven open chest dogs on right atrial bypass where forward cardiac output was precisely controlled with a roller pump. Correlations with roller pump output were better for Doppler measurements of aortic (r = 0.98, SD = 0.3) and mitral (r = 0.97, SD = 0.3) than for pulmonary (r = 0.93, SD = 0.5) valve flow. Interobserver reproducibility was also better for aortic (r = 0.94) and mitral (r = 0.97) than for pulmonary (r = 0.88) valve flow measurements. All valves showed flow-related increases in cross-sectional area, but the slope of this response was variable: 0.05, 0.16 and 0.21 for the aortic, the pulmonary and the mitral valve, respectively. Increased forward flow through the aortic valve, therefore, was manifested primarily by an increase in velocity, whereas increasing flow through the pulmonary and mitral valves produced more significant area changes with correspondingly smaller increases in the velocity component. Recalculation of Doppler-deiermined outputs, assuming a fixed valve area for the entire range of flows, resulted in a decreased correlation with roller pump output. Both velocity and valve area should be measured at each flow rate for greatest accuracy in volumetric flow calculations.
Linking economic status with technology adoption in three emerging economies of Sub-Saharan Africa

Purpose – In this study, the authors aim to understand the antecedents of technology adoption in Sub-Saharan Africa by investigating the relationship between people's economic status, their positive attitudes, and the adoption of communications technology. Design/methodology/approach – The authors used data obtained from the Gallup World Poll that was conducted in 2008. The Gallup World Poll is a survey of residents in more than 150 countries. Based on a sample of 8,787 in Kenya, Ghana and Nigeria, the authors used SEM to test the hypotheses. Findings – Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that economic status significantly predicts both positive attitudes and technology adoption. Further, the authors found that infrastructure development moderates the relationship between economic status and technology adoption. Originality/value – The study attempts to plug the gaps in established theories of technology adoption which typically do not take into consideration factors that are peculiar to LDC contexts.
Inhibition of Proliferation and Modulation of Estradiol Metabolism: Novel Mechanisms for Breast Cancer Prevention by the Phytochemical Indole-3-Carbinol

Aberrant proliferation is an early-occurring intermediate event in carcinogenesis whose inhibition may represent preventive intervention. Indole-3-carbinol (I3C), a glucosinolate metabolite from cruciferous vegetables, inhibits organ site carcinogenesis in rodent models. Clinically relevant biochemical and cellular mechanisms for the anticarcinogenic effects of I3C, however, remain unclear. Experiments were conducted on reduction mammoplasty derived 184-B5 cells initiated with chemical carcinogen (184-B5/BP) or with oncogene (184-B5/HER), and on mammary-carcinoma-derived MDA-MD-231 cells to examine whether (i) I3C inhibits aberrant proliferation in initiated and transformed cells, and (ii) inhibition of aberrant proliferation is associated with altered cell-cycle progression, estradiol (E2) metabolism, and apoptosis. Aberrant proliferation in 184-B5/BP, 184-B5/HER, and MDA-MB-231 cells was evident by a 55%-67% decrease in the ratio of quiescent (Q = G0) to proliferative (P = S + M) phase of the cell cycle, a 72%-90% decrease in apoptosis, and a 76%-106% increase in anchorage-dependent growth. These cells also exhibited a 88%-90% decrease in the ratio of C2 to C16alpha-hydroxylation products of E2. Treatment of 184-B5/BP, 184-B5/HER, and MDA-MB-231 cells to cytostatic dose of 50 microM I3C resulted in an 137%-210% increase in Q/P I3C ratio, a 4- to 18-fold increase in E2 metabolite ratio, a 2-fold increase in cellular apoptosis, and a 54%-61% inhibition of growth. The preventive efficacy of I3C on human mammary carcinogenesis may be due in part to its ability to regulate cell-cycle progression, increase the formation of antiproliferative E2 metabolite, and induce cellular apoptosis.
Nanoparticle-decorated nanocanals for surface-enhanced Raman scattering.

The surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) effect is considered important for fast detection of characteristic ‘‘fingerprint’’ signatures of analytes. In the SERS effect, a substantial Raman enhancement arises on localized spots (‘‘hot spots’’) in metallic nanostructures owing to strong local electromagnetic fields associated with the surface plasmon resonances of metal nanostructures. SERS on colloidal metal aggregates and nanowires and Raman resonances have been utilized for trace detection of explosives, chemical and biological warfare agents, internal mechanical stress, distribution and stress of carbon nanotubes, and toxic environmental pollutants. However, an outstanding challenge of SERS-based detection is the lack of robust and facile fabrication routines for SERS substrates with considerable enhancements. Traditionally, electrochemically roughened metal surfaces, colloids, island films, nanowires, periodic arrays, and self-assembled nanoparticles are employed as SERS substrates (for a recent review, see Reference [27]). However, the long-term stability of aggregated nanoparticles is the main obstacle for assembled structures, and the fabrication of complex surface structures (e.g. with microfabrication) is laborand cost-demanding and sometimes impossible to extend to large dimensions. Moreover, the sensitivity of simple 2D SERS substrates remains modest owing to a limited number of hot spots (usually below 10). To increase the sensitivity of SERS substrates, 3D porous structures have been suggested as active SERS substrates with the advantage of having a large surface area available for the formation of hot spots and the adsorption of target analytes. Consequently, 3D SERS substrates have been fabricated by depositing Au or Ag films on porous silicon, GaN, and filter paper. Alternatively, deposition of metal nanoparticles on the porous aluminum membranes, colloidal crystal templates, or microwires have been exploited. For instance, nanopores in gold films have been proven to show enhanced Raman scattering owing to an intense electromagnetic field generated by the surface plasmons. However, most of these studies have not fully utilized the advantages of 3D structures for SERS effects, mainly because of limited light propagation through porous materials owing to
China's Urban Development: A Case Study of Luoyang and Guiyang

The growth of Chinese cities is often explained by their industrial development. This study relates city growth instead to the 1950s and later government urban directives and the economic policies of the pre-reform era which emphasised heavy industries. These government actions are examined locally, in Guiyang and Luoyang; both cities are ranked low by socio-economic indices. This study reveals that government directives have shaped the functions and land use of the two cities and are the sources of some of the cities' current problems. Indeed, once the economic structure of a city was determined, it was difficult to change. The study also shows that the more rapid population increase of Luoyang is due to its high rate of natural increase as well as its industrial development. A broad approach that considers both common influences and unique local conditions is required in the analysis of Chinese urban development.
The effect of topography on the foraging costs of heteromyid rodents

We investigated variation in perceived foraging costs to kangaroo rats (Dipodomys spp.) along a topographical gradient in the Chihuahuan desert. We used resources left in experimental seed trays to assess these costs. Both the proportion of trays in which Dipodomys foraged and the giving up densities of seeds in the trays decreased with elevation on hillside transects. These results suggest that kangaroo rat foraging activity was greater, with more trays encountered, at the bottom of the hills; however, microhabitat foraging costs (predation risks) were lower, yielding lower giving up densities of seeds in trays, at the tops of the hills.
Clofibrate effect on catecholamine-induced metabolic changes in humans

Abstract Clofibrate administration (25 mg./Kg.) for 7 days decreases the plasma FFA in normal human volunteers. At this dosage, the drug also inhibits the increase in plasma FFA induced by epinephrine (2 μg./min. or 0.15 μg./Kg./min.) infusions, but not by norepinephrine (11.5 μg./Kg./min.) nor isoproterenol (0.03 μg./Kg./min.) infusions. The mechanisms of these effects was not elucidated. Clofibrate had no effect on the plasma glucose or cardiovascular responses induced by the various catecholamines.
Updating the attitudes toward computer usage scale using American undergraduate students

The Attitudes Toward Computer Usage Scale (ATCUS) was first developed in 1986 by [Popovich, P. M., Hyde, K. R., Zakrajsek, T., & Blumer, C. (1987). The development of the attitudes toward computer usage scale. Educational and Psychological Measurement, 47, 261-269.] using American undergraduates and has since been with a variety of populations over the past 20 years. However, many changes in the technological landscape have occurred since its development, thus creating a need for an updated scale. During the course of a three-part study, the ATCUS v. 2.0 was developed with psychometric properties similar to that of the original ATCUS. The addition of more up-to-date items to serves to enhance the usefulness and practicality of this instrument. The ATCUS v. 2.0 was found to have both high internal consistency, alpha=.83 and test-retest reliability, r=.93.
Computational Analysis of Strain Effects on Electrical Transport Properties of Crystalline Nanocomposite Thin Films

In this work, we model the strain effects on the electrical transport properties of Si/Ge nanocomposite thin films. We utilize a two-band k·p theory to calculate the variation of the electronic band structure as a function of externally applied strains. By using the modified electronic band structure, electrical conductivity of the Si/Ge nanocomposites is calculated through a self-consistent electron transport analysis, where a nonequilibrium Green’s function (NEGF) is coupled with the Poisson equation. The results show that both the tensile uniaxial and biaxial strains increase the electrical conductivity of Si/Ge nanocomposite. The effects are more evident in the biaxial strain cases.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Are limiting enactments effective? an experimental test of decision making in a presumptive parole state

Abstract The 1979 New Jersey Parole Act attempted to limit parole discretion through the policy of presumptive parole, mandating release upon first eligibility unless the paroling authority found preponderant evidence of future recidivism. The goal of this study was to determine if decision making complied with the 1979 law, and whether factors such as plea bargaining, aggravation, or type of crime affected these decisions. An experimental design of simulated parole cases was utilized. Four types of cases were randomly assigned to ten parole hearing officers: celltype 1 cases included neither plea nor aggravating factors; celltype 2 included plea bargaining, but no aggravating factors; celltype 3 included both plea bargaining and aggravating factors; while celltype 4 cases included aggravating factors but no plea bargaining. Comparisons across celltypes were made using chi-square and logit techniques. Results indicate that decision behavior has not been modified or “restricted” despite the changed parole law. Type of crime was the most influential factor, with aggravation being significant among the celltype traits. The presence or absence of plea bargaining had no effect. The implications for limiting enactments are discussed.
Measuring segregation: an activity space approach.

While the literature clearly acknowledges that individuals may experience different levels of segregation across their various socio-geographical spaces, most measures of segregation are intended to be used in the residential space. Using spatially aggregated data to evaluate segregation in the residential space has been the norm and thus individual’s segregation experiences in other socio-geographical spaces are often de-emphasized or ignored. This paper attempts to provide a more comprehensive approach in evaluating segregation beyond the residential space. The entire activity spaces of individuals are taken into account with individuals serving as the building blocks of the analysis. The measurement principle is based upon the exposure dimension of segregation. The proposed measure reflects the exposure of individuals of a referenced group in a neighborhood to the populations of other groups that are found within the activity spaces of individuals in the referenced group. Using the travel diary data collected from the tri-county area in southeast Florida and the imputed racial–ethnic data, this paper demonstrates how the proposed segregation measurement approach goes beyond just measuring population distribution patterns in the residential space and can provide a more comprehensive evaluation of segregation by considering various socio-geographical spaces.
How to live with misspecification if you must

Abstract Statistical models are necessarily parsimonious expressions of more complicated and extensive behavioral models. Misspecification of these models is therefore endemic and inevitable. Omission of relevant variables, inclusion of ‘irrelevant variables’, incorrect functional forms, incompleteness of systems of relations, and incorrect distributional assumptions are both common and present simultaneously. This paper looks at the effects of several of these problems on the forecasting equations of econometric systems. It is argued that such systems can be analyzed statistically and in a way that formally admits misspecification as well as the uncertainty that surrounds its precise nature and magnitude. It turns out that the Generic Reduced Form (GRF) model and estimation techniques provide an attractive and natural way of living with this real modelling situation. Results of simulation experiments are reported which compare the proposed method with six traditional techniques.
LIPOPROTEIN LIPASE ASSOCIATION WITH LIPOPROTEINS INVOLVES PROTEIN-PROTEIN INTERACTION WITH APOLIPOPROTEIN B

Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) hydrolyzes chylomicron and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) triglycerides and potentiates the cellular uptake of lipoproteins. These LPL-lipoprotein associations could involve only protein-lipid interaction, or they could be modulated by apolipoproteins (apo). ApoB is the major protein component of chylomicrons, VLDL, and low density lipoprotein (LDL). ApoB100, a large glycoprotein with a molecular mass of 550 kDa, is composed of several functional domains. A carboxyl-terminal region of the protein is the ligand for the LDL receptor. There are several hydrophobic domains that are believed to be important in lipid binding. The relatively hydrophilic amino-terminal region of apoB, however, has no known function. Using solid phase assays we quantified LPL-lipoprotein complex formation. On a molar basis, severalfold greater amounts of LPL bound to LDL and VLDL than to high density lipoprotein at all the concentrations of LPL tested (0.9-55 nM). To assess the roles of LDL protein versus lipid, we performed competition and ligand blotting experiments. LDL and an amino-terminal fragment of apoB competed better for 125I-LPL binding to LDL than did lipid emulsion particles. Delipidation of LDL-coated plates did not alter LPL binding. On ligand blots, LPL bound to amino-terminal fragments of apoB generated by thrombin digestion but not to apoA1, apoE, or carboxyl-terminal fragments of apoB. Further evidence for LPL interaction with the amino-terminal region of apoB was obtained using anti-apoB monoclonal antibodies. Antibodies directed against the amino-terminal regions of apoB blocked LPL interaction with LDL, whereas those against the carboxyl-terminal region of apoB did not inhibit LPL interaction with LDL. Thus, we conclude that a specific interaction between LPL and the amino-terminal region of apoB may facilitate LPL association with circulating lipoproteins.
Isodiametric Problems for Polygons

The maximal area of a polygon with n = 2m edges and unit diameter is not known when m ≥ 5, nor is the maximal perimeter of a convex polygon with n = 2m edges and unit diameter known when m ≥ 4. We construct improved polygons in both problems, and show that the values we obtain cannot be improved for large n by more than c1/n3 in the area problem and c2/n5 in the perimeter problem, for certain constants c1 and c2.
ANOREXIA NERVOSA: CASE REPORT WITH AUTOPSY FINDINGS

THE RELATIVE SCARCITY of case reports with examination of the brain of persons suffering from the condition variously described as anorexia nervosa, pituitary cachexia or endogenous emaciation in young females, prompts us to publish the findings in this case. It resembles others published in the lit-erature, notable that of Osgood (1). The reviews of Silver (2), Richardson (3), and others (4, 5) discuss the clinical and pathological aspects of this condition in detail.
Dissimilarity cumulation theory in smoothly connected spaces

Abstract This is the third paper in the series introducing the Dissimilarity Cumulation theory and its main psychological application, Universal Fechnerian Scaling. The previously developed dissimilarity-based theory of path length is used to construct the notion of a smooth path, defined by the property that the ratio of the dissimilarity between its points to the length of the subtended fragment of the path tends to unity as the points get closer to each other. We consider a class of stimulus spaces in which for every path there is a series of piecewise smooth paths converging to it pointwise and in length; and a subclass of such spaces where any two sufficiently close points can be connected by a smooth “geodesic in the small”. These notions are used to construct a broadly understood Finslerian geometry of stimulus spaces representable by regions of Euclidean n -spaces. With an additional assumption of comeasurability in the small between the canonical psychometric increments of the first and second kind, this establishes a link between Universal Fechnerian Scaling and Multidimensional Fechnerian Scaling in Euclidean n -spaces. The latter was a starting point for our theoretical program generalizing Fechner’s idea that sensation magnitudes can be computed by integration of a local discriminability measure.
Numerical Simulation of Cup-Cone Fracture in a Round Tensile Bar

Cup and cone fracture for a round tensile bar under tension is analyzed numerically using finite element method. Finite strain analysis with general solid elements is performed to simulate the development of necking, flat cracking at the center of the bar, propagation of the flat crack towards the free surface, and then slant 45° cracking leading to the final separation of the tensile bar. The key fracture stages and parameters in the simulation of this entire process include (a) a fracture criterion for the flat cracking at the center of the bar, (b) flat crack propagation using a constant crack-tip-opening-angle and/or displacement (CTOA/CTOD), (c) a criterion for determining the transition from flat cracking to slant cracking, (d) slant crack propagation using a constant shear CTOA/CTOD. Details of the numerical process are provided.Copyright © 2008 by ASME and Washington Savannah River Company LLC
The transport of nitric oxide by the mean circulation and planetary waves

The effects of planetary waves on atmospheric nitric oxide (NO) concentration were investigated using a time-dependent numerical model. The model is used to calculate planetary wave and zonal mean winds, which in turn are used to calculate mean and perturbation NO distribution. The time-dependent model is used to determine equilibrium NO distributions resulting from time-dependent lower boundary planetary wave forcings. The factors which contribute to the zonal mean NO concentration are examined. NO chemistry is modelled using a simplified source sink approach. Changes in the initial NO distribution which result from the addition of planetary-wave winds are described. Planetary waves are found to induce a wavelike structure in the NO distribution which resembles that derived from observational data. These waves affect the NO concentration through wave-induced changes in the mean meridional circulation and through the NO perturbation induuced by the wave winds themselves.
Persistent apex to base gradients of aerosol deposition in rats

Abstract When rats breath small radioactive aerosols (AMAD = 0.7−0.8 μ m), more deposition goes to apical lobes of the lung than to basal lobes. To see whether this due to gravity, we placed five animals in each of three body positions: upright, inverted, or prone. They breathed aerosol in an exposure chamber for 30 min and were then anesthetized, exsanguinated, frozen upright, and cut into slices. The lungs were dissected from the slices, dried, weighed, and assayed for radioactivity. Deposition per gram of lung varied considerably between lobes, but all groups overall had more in the apex and less in the base. To investigate the contribution of airway aerodynamics, we repeated the experiments in 80% He-20% O 2 and in 80% SF 6 -20% O 2 . We calculated the slope of deposition vs. distance from apex to base. This slope was 71% greater in SF 6 compared to He in upright animals, and 58% greater in inverted animals. However there was a 7% decrease (NS) in the prone group. We cannot explain these gradients in deposition.
Unit gravity sedimentation separation of cells comprising the caput epididymidis of the rat.

Cells from the rat caput epididymidis were separated by unit gravity sedimentation. Purest 12-ml fractions contained 88–95% basal cells or 64–76% principal cells. Ultrastructure of separated cells was similar to that of cells in intact tissue. Viability of separated cells was excellent as determined by dye exclusion tests and cellular ATP content. By combining fractions pools containing 4.0±0.9 × 106 cells (86±8% basal cells) and 1.4±0.4 × 106 cells (56±7% principal cells) were obtained. Thus, studies on the function of basal and principal cells from the rat caput epididymidis should be possible.
Research Spotlight: Antarctic and Greenland ice sheet melting accelerating

[1] The Antarctic and Greenland ice sheets are melting at an accelerating pace, a new study shows. Rignot et al. present a record of the mass balance of these polar ice sheets using two methods. One method measures ice sheet mass using gravity data from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellite; the other method calculates ice lost at the ice sheet perimeter using atmospheric climate model data and measurements of ice thickness and ice motion, measured with airborne radio echo sounding and interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) data, respectively, from several satellites. The authors reconciled the two methods and found good agreement. (Geophysical Research Letters, doi:10.1029/2011GL046583, 2011)
Synthesis of 1‐hydroxyxanthines

The synthesis of 1-hydroxy-7-alkylxanthines from the corresponding diethyl 1-alkyl-4,5-imidazoledicarboxylates by means of a modified Lossen rearrangement is described. The products were characterized by their spectra and identified by hydrolysis with concentrated hydrochloric acid at elevated temperatures to the corresponding N-alkyl-substituted glycines.
Circulating microparticles in neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus.

Aim Phosphatidylserine-rich microparticles derived from endothelial cells, platelets and leukocytes have been implicated as surrogate markers of cellular activation in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Because microparticles have also been associated with many primary neurologic diseases, this study investigated whether cellular-derived microparticles are also implicated in neuropsychiatric SLE (NPSLE). Method Plasma microparticles were measured in 51 SLE patients and 22 age- and gender-matched controls. Acute NPSLE was defined as major NPSLE (acute stroke, transient ischemic attack, psychosis, isolated seizures, major cognitive disorder, or acute confusional state) and NPSLE disease activity was measured with the neurologic components of the SLE Disease Activity Index (Neuro-SLEDAI). Results Neuro-SLEDAI levels varied widely in SLE patients, consistent with variable NPSLE activity. When considering all patients with SLE, there was no difference in total microparticles relative to matched controls, 2158/μL (interquartile range [IQR] 1214–3463) versus 2782/μL (IQR 1586–2990; P = 0.57) nor differences in microparticles derived from either platelets (P = 0.40), monocytes (P = 0.15) or endothelial cells (P = 0.32). However, levels of circulating monocyte-derived microparticles significantly and independently correlated with NPSLE (r = −0.28; P = 0.045), corticosteroid dosage (r = −0.38; P = 0.006) and levels of circulating C5a (r = 0.54; P < 0.0001). Non-neurologic SLE disease activity was not associated with microparticles. Conclusion Circulating cell-derived microparticles are reduced in active NPSLE, although the relative contribution of reduced microparticle production, increased consumption or intravascular sequestration, remain uncertain.
Performance of Lanthanum Strontium Manganite Electrodes at High Pressure

Abstract The high-pressure performance of lanthanum strontium manganite (LSM), LSM–zirconia, and LSM/ceria composite electrodes was studied by impedance spectroscopy and dc methods. Electrode resistances decreased in proportion to P(O 2 ) 1/2 for the LSM electrode in both cathodic and anodic directions to at least 10 MPa (∼100 atm), a decrease that was attributed to dissociative oxygen adsorption and related phenomena. For the LSM-20/zirconia composite electrode, resistances decreased in proportion to P(O 2 ) 1/4 across the entire pressure range considered. Two principal features appeared in the impedance spectra, one that showed a P(O 2 ) 1/4 dependence attributed to charge transfer reactions, and a smaller feature that was nearly pressure-independent, possibly due to transport in the zirconia portion of the composite. For the LSM-20/ceria composite electrode, resistances decreased as P(O 2 ) 0.3–0.4 at high pressure, depending on temperature. Two features appeared in the impedance spectra: one at low to intermediate frequency having a ∼P(O 2 ) 1/2 dependence and a second at high frequency having a ∼P(O 2 ) 1/4 dependence. These features are attributed to dissociative oxygen adsorption and to charge transfer reactions, respectively. Results suggest that cathodic losses can be substantially lowered by operation of solid oxide fuel cells at greater than ambient pressure.
Dance duels on New Orleans stages during the nineteenth century

The nineteenth century was marked by various types of struggle of the individual person or individual nation for identification and recognition. Charles Darwin's theory of the “survival of the fitt...
Tough love multilateralism

Proponents need to apply some tough love to multilateralism to develop policies for when, why, who decides, and how to use military force. Otherwise, it will remain weak analytically, vulnerable politically, and unable to gain the mantle of leadership of U.S. foreign policy.
Requirements for the future digital library

La bibliotheque electronique du futur doit constituer des collections de resources importantes pour le monde scientifique, la formation et l'enseignement: des efforts massif de numerisation doivent etre effectues. Elle doit etre accessible a tous les types d'utilisateurs meme des novices. Elle doit etre geree par des profesionnels qui se voient comme des serviteurs des heritages intellectuel et culturel du monde.
Dementia and antipsychotics: a prescription for problems.

Robert Harris was an elderly man who suffered from mild dementia. 1 Before moving into a nursing home, Harris lived with his daughter. 2 Harris often felt lonely when his daughter was away at work ...
Solid-phase tuftsin (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg) synthesis: deprotection and resin cleavage with trifluoromethane sulfonic acid.

Abstract A method is described for the synthesis of the naturally occurring tetrapeptide tuftsin (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg). This stimulates phagocytosis of granulocytes and macrophages. Trifluoromethanesulfonic acid is used to cleave the tetrapeptide from its supporting resin in solid-phase synthesis. This reagent also causes deprotection of several protecting groups in bifunctional residues. The most significant is the complete removal of the tosyl group from NG-tosyl-arginine-resin ester.
Molecular and functional characterization of riboflavin specific transport system in rat brain capillary endothelial cells

Abstract Riboflavin is an important water soluble vitamin (B2) required for metabolic reactions, normal cellular growth, differentiation and function. Mammalian brain cells cannot synthesize riboflavin and must import from systemic circulation. However, the uptake mechanism, cellular translocation and intracellular trafficking of riboflavin in brain capillary endothelial cells are poorly understood. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the existence of a riboflavin-specific transport system and delineate the uptake and intracellular regulation of riboflavin in immortalized rat brain capillary endothelial cells (RBE4). The uptake of [3H]-riboflavin is sodium, temperature and energy dependent but pH independent. [3H]-Riboflavin uptake is saturable with Km and Vmax values of 19 ± 3 μM and 0.235 ± 0.012 pmol/min/mg protein, respectively. The uptake process is inhibited by unlabelled structural analogs (lumiflavin, lumichrome) but not by structurally unrelated vitamins. Ca++/calmodulin and protein kinase A (PKA) pathways are found to play an important role in the intracellular regulation of [3H]-riboflavin. Apical and baso-lateral uptake of [3H]-riboflavin clearly indicates that a riboflavin specific transport system is predominantly localized on the apical side of RBE4 cells. A 628 bp band corresponding to a riboflavin transporter is revealed in RT-PCR analysis. These findings, for the first time report the existence of a specialized and high affinity transport system for riboflavin in RBE4 cells. The blood–brain barrier (BBB) is a major obstacle limiting drug transport inside the brain as it regulates drug permeation from systemic circulation. This transporter can be utilized for targeted delivery in enhancing brain permeation of highly potent drugs on systemic administration.
Erosion and the mechanics of shallow foreland thrusts

A simple model for the effects of erosion on the geometry and mechanics of shallow foreland thrusts allows prediction of maximum stable length of the thrust toe, location of initial failure within the toe, if total thrust displacement exceeds the maximum stable length, and estimates of average pore fluid pressures along the fault during thrust advance. For ‘typical’ rates of erosion and thrust advance, the maximum stable length of the toe may be very large (over 50 km) for relatively low values of fluid overpressure. Application of the theoretical results to the Keystone-Muddy Mountain thrust of southern Nevada predicts: maximum stable length, location and degree of imbrication in agreement with observation; relatively low pore fluid pressures along the fault (λ between 0.5 and 0.6), and a rate of thrust advance between 4 and 8 km Ma−1.
Longitudinal Validation of a Tool for Asthma Self-Monitoring

OBJECTIVES: To establish longitudinal validation of a new tool, the Asthma Symptom Tracker (AST). AST combines weekly use of the Asthma Control Test with a color-coded graph for visual trending. METHODS: Prospective cohort study of children age 2 to 18 years admitted for asthma. Parents or children ( n = 210) completed baseline AST assessments during hospitalization, then over 6 months after discharge. Concurrent with the first 5 AST assessments, the Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ) was administered for comparison. RESULTS: Test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation) was moderate, with a small longitudinal variation of AST measurements within subjects during follow-ups. Internal consistency was strong at baseline (Cronbach’s α 0.70) and during follow-ups (Cronbach’s α 0.82–0.90). Criterion validity demonstrated a significant correlation between AST and ACQ scores at baseline ( r = −0.80, P < .01) and during follow-ups ( r = −0.64, −0.72, −0.63, and −0.69). The AST was responsive to change over time; an increased ACQ score by 1 point was associated with a decreased AST score by 2.65 points ( P < .01) at baseline and 3.11 points ( P < .01) during follow-ups. Discriminant validity demonstrated a strong association between decreased AST scores and increased oral corticosteroid use (odds ratio 1.13, 95% confidence interval, 1.10–1.16, P < .01) and increased unscheduled acute asthma visits (odds ratio 1.23, 95% confidence interval, 1.18–1.28, P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: The AST is reliable, valid, and responsive to change over time, and can facilitate ongoing monitoring of asthma control and proactive medical decision-making in children. * Abbreviations: ACQ — : Asthma Control Questionnaire ACT — : Asthma Control Test AST — : Asthma Symptom Tracker CI — : confidence interval ED — : emergency department ICC — : intraclass correlation OR — : odds ratio PCMC — : Primary Children’s Medical Center PCP — : primary care provider ROC — : receiver operating characteristic
Implant-supported prostheses for treatment of adults with cleft palate

Six adult patients with cleft palate, ranging in age from 47 to 78 years, were treated with self-tapping titanium implants. Twenty-three implants, 7 to 15 mm in length, were placed. Of these, one (4%) was 7 mm, eight (35%) were 10 mm, nine (39%) were 13 mm, and five (22%) were 15 mm. Time between stage I and stage II implant surgeries was 5 to 14 months, averaging 8.3 months. Time from stage II surgery to the present is 1.5 to 5 years, averaging 3 years. Of the 23 implants placed, 21 (91%) achieved osseointegration. One (4%) implant was not used prosthetically. Two (9%) 10 mm implants failed to integrate in one patient. All patients were treated with a maxillary complete denture or overdenture. Five (83%) required the addition of a pharyngeal section for speech enhancement.
Inhibition of diffusion chamber (DC) granulopoiesis by anti-CSF serum.

Diffusion chamber granulopoiesis was studied in irradiated mice injected with anti-colony stimulating factor (CSF)serum. Total cellularity, proliferative and nonproliferative granulocytes were markedly suppressed by 4 days injection of antiserum. Moreover, granulocytic stem cells were markedly decreased. This suggests that CSF is necessary for maintaining the integrity of the granulocytic stem cell and for inducing differentiating granulopoiesis.
Postoperative serum cortisol concentration and adrenal insufficiency in neonates undergoing open-heart surgery.

Background: We sought to determine whether immediate postoperative serum cortisol concentration predicts adrenal insufficiency in neonates after cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. We hypothesized that cortisol <10 µg/dL would be associated with increased catecholamine requirements and fluid resuscitation and would predict hemodynamic responsiveness to exogenous steroids. Methods: Retrospective study of 41 neonates was carried out for the levels of cortisol in the immediate postoperative period; of whom, 15 received steroids due to high levels of inotropic support. Laboratory and clinical outcomes were collected. Results: Median cortisol was 12 µg/dL (interquartile range: 5.2-27.4). Levels of cortisol <10 µg/dL was not associated with any clinical variable indicative of increased illness severity. Peak lactate (9.1 vs 11.8 mmol/L, P = .04) and maximum arteriovenous saturation difference ([Sao2 − Svo2] 28% vs 32%, P = .05) were both lower among patients with levels of cortisol <10 µg/dL. Six (40%)...
Modeling the Choice of Choice Set in Discrete-Choice Random-Utility Models

In conventional random-utility models, such as the multinomial logit model, it is assumed that a decisionmaker's choice set is independent of his or her preferences conditional on the explanatory variables of the models. However, there are many situations in which the decisionmaker chooses the choice set, thereby making the independence assumption implausible. For example, if information about alternatives is costly, an individual may choose to learn in detail about only a small group of them. This paper is concerned with the modeling of discrete choice with endogenous choice sets. It is assumed that costly information forces the decisionmaker to acquire detailed knowledge of only a small group of alternatives that she or he selects. Models are developed for choice-set generation in this context and for choice conditional on endogenous choice sets.
On the assessment of effects of environmental agents on cancer tumor development by a two-stage model of carcinogenesis

Abstract We consider the situation wherein an individual is continuously exposed to an environmental agent and wherein the time interval is divided into k subintervals. Applying Moolgavkar and Venzon's (1979) two-stage model, we derive the probability distribution for the number of tumors and the incidence rates at the end of experiments. Within the context of the initiation and promotion phenomena, some data were generated by computer for analyzing the consequences of the model. The numerical results indicate that all the experimental findings are well interpreted by Moolgavkar's (1983) theory that initiation affects only the mutation rate of the normal cells while promotion affects only the birth rate of intermediate cells. Also, all known results from initiation and promotion experiments can be explained by the theory developed in this paper assuming the two-stage model of Moolgavkar and Venzon.
Carbohydrate transport inMoniliformis dubius (Acanthocephala)

1. The body tissues of 32-day-old femaleMoniliformis dubius contained substantial levels of reserve carbohydrates. Glycogen accounted for approximately 24% of the tissue solids of worms from normally fed hosts; the non-reducing disaccharide trehalose (α-d-glucopyranosyl-{1→1}-α-d-glycopyranoside) was present at a concentration of 34 μmoles/ml tissue H2O, and tissue levels of free glucose averaged 28 μmoles/ml tissue H2O (Table 1). 2. Glycogen was present almost exclusively in the tissues of the body wall (table 2). The ethanol soluble sugars were partitioned between the body wall and the contents of the pseudocoelomic cavity in proportions approximating the percentage of the total body mass associated with each of these compartments (Table 2). 3. Exogenous14C-glucose was rapidly phosphorylated and subsequently incorporated into trehalose following its absorption (Table 3); this indicates that newly absorbed glucose did not enter directly into the endogenous glucose pools of the helminth body wall. Incorporation of radioactivity into glycogen was minimal. 4. Sequential incubation in3H- and14C-labelled glucose effected a partial separation of the metabolism of newly absorbed glucose from that of endogenous sugars (Tables 4 and 5). Ratios of activity from the two species of radioglucose among the major derivatives of absorbed glucose suggested that the tissue glucose pools derive not from free glucose but from the glucosyl moieties of trehalose (Table 5). 5. The data indicate that the glucose pools in the tissues ofM. dubius are physically separated from the tegumental epithelium, and they suggest that the accumulation of hexoses within these pools requires their incorporation into the disaccharide trehalose and its subsequent dismutation into free glucose units. the central role of trehalose in the carbohydrate metabolism ofMoniliformis is discussed, and a possible mechanism for the delivery of glucose moieties from trehalose into the tissue glucose pools by the action of a membrane-traversing “transporting trehalase” is considered.