cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Independent and Cumulative Effects of Recent Maltreatment on Suicidal Ideation and Thoughts of Self-harm in a National Sample of Youth.

Abstract Purpose This study examines the impact of several forms of past-year maltreatment on thoughts of self-harm and suicidal ideation and considers how these effects may vary by gender. Methods Analyses are based on telephone interviews with a nationally representative sample of 6,364 youth aged 10–17 years, from three waves (2008, 2011, and 2014) of the National Survey of Children's Exposure to Violence. Suicidal and self-harm ideation were measured with items from the Trauma Symptoms Checklist for Children. Emotional maltreatment, physical maltreatment, neglect, and witnessing family violence were measured using items from the Juvenile Victimization Questionnaire. Results Over 8% of the sample reported suicidal and/or self-harm ideation in the past month, with females more likely to report these outcomes than males. Youth who experienced recent emotional maltreatment, neglect, or witnessing family violence were more likely to report suicidal or self-harm ideation, independent of the other maltreatment types, presence of an internalizing disorder, and demographics. A dose-response relationship between the number of types of maltreatments and these outcomes was also evident. Finally, females were more negatively affected by emotional abuse and by experiencing two forms of past-year maltreatment than their male counterparts. Conclusions Emotional abuse was the type of maltreatment most strongly related to thoughts of self-harm and/or suicidal ideation and was particularly detrimental to females in this sample. Given the especially damaging effects of exposure to multiple forms of maltreatment, our research highlights the importance of including comprehensive maltreatment assessment in youth suicide and self-harm prevention efforts.
Structure, subunit composition, and molecular weight of RD-114 RNA.

The properties and subunit composition of the RNA extracted from RD-114 virions have been studied. The RNA extracted from the virion has a sedimentation coefficient of 52S in a nondenaturing aqueous electrolyte. The estimated molecular weight by sedimentation in nondenaturing and weakly denaturing media is in the range 5.7 X 10^(6) to 7.0 X 10^(6). By electron microscopy, under moderately denaturing conditions, the 52S molecule is seen to be an extended single strand with a contour length of about 4.0 µm corresponding to a molecular weight of 5.74 X 10^(6). It contains two characteristic secondary structure features: (i) a central Y- or T-shaped structure (the rabbit ears) with a molecular weight of 0.3 X 10^(6), (ii) two symmetreically disposed loops on each side of and at equal distance from the center. The 52S molecule consists of two half-size molecules, with molecular weight 2.8 X 10^(6), joined together within the central rabbit ears feature. Melting of the rabbit ears with concomitant dissociation of the 52S molecule into subunits, has been caused by either one of two strongly denaturing treatments: incubation in a mixture of CH3HgOH and glyoxal at room temperature, or thermal dissociation in a urea-formamide solvent. When half-size molecules are quenched from denaturing temperatures, a new off-center secondary structure feature termed the branch-like structure is seen. The dissociation behavior of the 52S complex and the molecular weight of the subunits have been confirmed by gel electrophoresis studies. The loop structures melt at fairly low temperatures; the dissociation of the 52S molecule into its two subunits occurs at a higher temperature corresponding to a base composition of about 63% guanosine plus cytosine. Polyadenylic acid mapping by electron microscopy shows that the 52S molecule contains two polyadenylic acid segments, one at each end. It thus appears that 52S RD-114 RNA consists of two 2.8 X 10^(6) dalton subunits, each with a characteristic secondary structure loop, and joined at the 5' ends to form the rabbit ears secondary structure feature. The observations are consistent with but do not require the conclusion that the two 2.8 X 10^(6) dalton subunits of 52S RD-114 RNA are identical.
IPS Observations of Flare-Generated Disturbances

Dynamical behaviour of a flare-generated disturbance can be followed by IPS observations through a comparison between the IPS observations and a model of the disturbance. The highly turbulent post-shock plasma can be attributed to the contact surface of the disturbance. Two examples of IPS observations of flare-generated disturbances will be discussed.
Job Satisfaction and Turnover Intentions during Technology Transition: The Role of User Involvement, Core Self-Evaluations, and Computer Self-Efficacy

Using data from 52 employees, this study investigated the relations among user involvement, core self-evaluations, computer self-efficacy, employee stress, job satisfaction, and intention to leave the organization during the implementation of a new barcode scanning system. The results revealed that core self-evaluations and user involvement were positively related to computer self-efficacy. In addition, core self-evaluations was negatively related to job stress, but user involvement was not. The results further showed that job stress was negatively related to job satisfaction. Finally, job stress and job satisfaction were each negatively related to intentions to leave the organization. Implications for theory and managers are discussed.
A note on Leslie's cube in the study of radiant heat

(1969). A note on Leslie's cube in the study of radiant heat. Annals of Science: Vol. 25, No. 3, pp. 203-208.
Cell cycle specific changes in the human cyclin B1 gene regulatory region as revealed by response to trichostatin A.

Abstract The human cyclin Bl gene is cell cycle regulated with maximal activity during G2/M. We examined the role of histone deacetylation in cyclin Bl regulation using the histone deacetylase inhibitor trichostatin A (TSA). TSA treatment (100 ng/ml) of NIH3T3 cells containing the luciferase reporter construct pCycB(-287)-LUC caused an increase in promoter activity in G0 and G1 but no significant change in G2. Removal of upstream sequences including an E-box and Sp1 site eliminated the TSA induced increase in G0 and G1, and caused a decrease in promoter activity during S and G2. Promoter activity increased only 2-fold following TSA treatment of G0 cells containing the construct pCycB(MUT-E-Box)-LUC with an E-box mutation, and a decrease in activity was detected during G2. We conclude that histone deacetylation contributes to the repression of cyclin B1 expression in G0 and G1, and that this mechanism requires, in part, the E-box. TSA reduction of cyclin B1 promoter activity in G2, however, involves sequences within the first 119 bp. A working model for cyclin B1 regulation is provided.
Pressure Effects of Homogeneous K Vapor in Absorption

By use of the newly developed corrosion-resistant MgO windows, the K resonance lines in absorption of a homogeneous vapor, were obtained for pressures ranging from 0.001 to 20 mm Hg. The "dispersion" equation was generally adequate to describe the observed contours. The corresponding half-breadths were linear in the density, equal as between components, but of magnitude several times that predicted by the theory of the resonance interaction. The slight asymmetry which appeared at the highest pressure was attributed to van der Waals forces. But it is pointed out that, in contradistinction to the circumstance for Hg, a quantitative verification of the inverse sixth power law is probably not possible. The infrared bands of the ${\mathrm{K}}_{2}$ molecule were also observed.
The Absorption of Mixtures of Air and Perfluoropropane After Pars Plana Vitrectomy

• The duration of mixtures of perfluoropropane and air (0% to 20% C3F8) were analyzed in 206 eyes following pars plana vitrectomy for a variety of vitreoretinal disorders using a noninvasive model for calculating the intraocular gas bubble volume. The accuracy of the noninvasive model was tested by comparing the estimated bubble volume with the actual volume withdrawn from 12 eyes with intraocular gas bubbles undergoing a subsequent vitrectomy. The method for estimating intraocular bubble volume had a mean difference between the actual and estimated bubble volume of 0.1±0.35 mL. The half-life of air (0% C3F8) was 1.3±0.1 days; 5% C3F8, 4.2±0.1 days; 10% C3F8, 6.5±0.2 days; 15% C3F8, 8.0±0.6 days; and 20% C3F8, 12.5±1.1 days. The difference between each half-life was statistically significant (P
The relationship between magnesium and calcium kinetics in 9- to 14- year-old children

Few measurements of magnesium (Mg) kinetics have been performed, especially in children and adolescents. Simultaneous Mg and calcium (Ca) kinetics following intravenous administration of42Ca and25Mg were measured in 22 children (10 boys and 12 girls) 9–14 years of age. Kinetic values, including the body pool masses (MgComp and CaComp for the Mg and Ca compartment masses, respectively) and bone/tissue (hard and soft tissue) Ca and Mg deposition rates (Vo+Ca and Vo+Mg, respectively) were calculated using the Simulation, Analysis, and Modeling (SAAM) program. No significant differences were found between males and females (p > 0.3 for each comparison) for pool masses or deposition rates. Vo+Ca and Vo+Mg were highly correlated (r = 0.78, p < 0.001). Vo+Mg, but not Vo+Ca, was closely correlated with body weight (r = 0.55, p < 0.01 and r = 0.16, p = 0.47, respectively). Similarly, MgComp was more closely correlated with body weight (r = 0.76, p < 0.01) than CaComp (r = 0.37, p = 0.10). Neither Vo+Ca nor CaComp increased significantly over the age range studied. However, Vo+Mg and MgComp were significantly positively correlated with age. These findings demonstrate differences in regulation of Ca versus Mg kinetics by young adolescents. These differences may be related to the greater utilization of Mg for muscle and soft tissue growth. The close relationship between Vo+Mg and body weight suggests that the current practice of relating Mg intake requirements to body weight, as well as age, is appropriate for young adolescents.
Intermolecular Interactions and the Structure of Fatty Acid−Soap Crystals

Single crystals of NaHP2 (sodium hydrogen dipalmitate) have been prepared from mixtures of NaP (sodium palmitate) and HP (palmitic acid) in ethanol. The phase compound crystallizes in the P21/a space group, with a = 9.906 A, b = 7.163 A, c = 45.580 A, β = 92.78°, and 4 molecules per unit cell. The arrangement of the headgroups is unique among known soap and fatty acid structures by accommodating both hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions. Carboxylate and acid-like pairs couple perpendicular to the bilayer to accommodate a “short” hydrogen bond, and the sodium is shared among laterally adjacent carboxylate anions to create a pseudo-six-member ring, which adds to the crystal stability. Molecular dynamic (MD) simulations establish a set of interaction parameters to describe the structure and energetics of acid−carboxylate bonds, which accounts for the solid-state miscibility of HP and NaP. Infrared data, collected by ATR-FTIR on very pure, powdered NaH2P3, Na2H3P5, and NaHP2 acid−soap standards rev...
High-Range Angular Rate Sensor Based on Mechanical Frequency Modulation

We report, for the first time, an angular rate sensor based on mechanical frequency modulation (FM) of the input rotation rate. This approach tracks the resonant frequency split between two X - Y symmetric high-Q mechanical modes of vibration in a microelectromechanical systems Coriolis vibratory gyroscope to produce a frequency-based measurement of the input angular rate. The system is enabled by a combination of a MEMS vibratory high-Q gyroscope and a new signal processing scheme which takes advantage of a previously ignored gyroscope dynamic effect. A real-time implementation of the quasi-digital angular rate sensor was realized using two digital phase-locked loops and experimentally verified using a silicon MEMS quadruple mass gyroscope (QMG). Structural characterization of a vacuum- packaged QMG showed Q factors on the order of one million over a wide temperature range from -40 °C to +100°C with a relative x/y mismatch of Q of 1 %. Temperature characterization of the FM rate sensor exhibited less than 0.2% variation of the angular rate response between 25°C and 70 °C environments, enabled by the self-calibrating differential frequency detection. High-speed rate table characterization of the FM angular rate sensor demonstrated a linear range of 18 000 deg/s (50 r/s, limited by the setup) with a dynamic range of 128 dB. Interchangeable operation of the QMG transducer in conventional amplitude- modulated and new FM regimes provides a 156-dB dynamic range.
Multiple redundant Wnt signaling components function in two processes during C. elegans vulval development.

Abstract In Caenorhabditis elegans , vulval precursor cell (VPC) fate is specified by the action of RTK/Ras, Notch and Wnt signaling pathways. While the identity of signals for the Ras and Notch pathways is known, the source and identity of the Wnt ligand acting on the VPCs are unknown. Single mutations in any of the five Wnt genes ( lin-44 , cwn-1 , cwn-2 , egl-20 and mom-2 ) do not cause strong defects in VPC fate specification, suggesting that functionally redundant Wnts are required. Surprisingly, we found that all five Wnts influence VPC fate. The strongest defects we observed were in the lin-44; cwn-1; egl-20 triple mutant . Anterior VPCs were more strongly affected by loss of Wnt function than posterior VPCs, and expression from Wnt∷GFP transcriptional reporters showed that the Wnts most strongly affecting VPC fate were expressed predominantly in the posterior, suggesting that some of the redundant Wnt ligands act over a distance to affect the VPCs. In addition to ligand redundancy, we found that at least three Wnt receptors, lin-17 , mom-5 and mig-1 , function in the VPCs. We also examined ligand and receptor function in another Wnt-mediated vulval process, the orientation of the P7.p lineage. Here, too, we found that four of five Wnt receptors can influence P7.p orientation, suggesting that a surprising amount of functional redundancy exists in Wnt signaling during C. elegans vulval induction.
Extended depth of focus in tomographic phase microscopy using a propagation algorithm

Tomographic phase microscopy is a laser interferometry technique in which a 3D refractive index map of a biological sample is constructed from quantitative phase images collected at a set of illumination angles. Although the resulting tomographic images provide valuable information, their resolution declines at axial distances beyond about 1 μm from the focal plane. We describe an improved 3D reconstruction algorithm in which the field at the focal plane is numerically propagated to depths throughout the sample. Diffraction is thus incorporated, extending the depth of focus to more than 10 μm. Tomograms with improved focal depth are demonstrated for single HT29 cells.
Mixed norm estimates for a restricted X-ray transform

In this paper, we establish optimal mixed norm inequalities, except for endpoints, for a certain restricted X-ray transform in arbitrary dimensions. In doing so, we demonstrate that a method [2] applied heretofore only to simpler nonmixed norm estimates can also be adapted to the mixed norm case.
Bridging the Divide Interethnic Cooperation; Minority Media Outlets; and the Coverage of Latino, African-American, and Asian-American Members of Congress

Are minority press outlets more likely to provide coverage of minority legislators than white legislators? Does this coverage translate across racial and ethnic lines? This article assesses whether...
Synthesis and characterization of V(V)(3,6-DBSQ)(3,6-DBCat)2, a d(0) metal complex with dioxygenase catalytic activity.

Transition-metal complexes containing redox-active quinoid ligands are of interest because of their catalytic capabilities in multielectron, substrate-activation reactions such as dioxygenase catalysis using O2. The new catecholate complex VV(3,6-DBSQ)(3,6-DBCat)2 (where 3,6-DBSQ = 3,6-di-tert-butylsemiquinone and 3,6-DBCat = 3,6-di-tert-butylcatecholate) was synthesized by combining VO(acac)2 with 1 equiv of 3,6-DBBQ (where 3,6-DBBQ = 3,6-di-tert-butylbenzoquinone) and 2 equiv of H2(3,6-DBCat) in dry methanol under an inert atmosphere. The resultant complex was characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis, near-IR, UV/vis, and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. The crystallography as well as the near-IR and EPR studies suggest that the radical spin is localized on the 3,6-DBSQ ligand at room temperature, making VV(3,6-DBSQ)(3,6-DBCat)2 a type 1 mixed-valence complex. Initial dioxygenase catalysis studies reveal that VV(3,6-DBSQ)(3,6-DBCat)2 is a good dioxygenase ...
Novel strategies in cancer therapeutics: targeting enzymes involved in cell cycle regulation and cellular proliferation.

Tumor development, growth, and progression depend on some combination of altered cell cycle regulation, excessive growth factor pathway activation, and decreased apoptosis. Understanding the complex molecular mechanisms that underlie these processes should therefore lead to the identification of potential targets for therapeutic intervention. The estrogen receptor and HER-2 / neu were among the earliest targets investigated, ultimately leading to the widespread use of tamoxifen and trastuzumab, respectively, in the treatment of breast cancer. Major research advances have since led to other classes of targeted therapies, including cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors, histone deactylase inhibitors, and receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors. The following review provides a discussion of the molecular biology associated with each of these types of therapies as well as a detailed summary of the preclinical and clinical data published on selected compounds from each of these subgroups.
Molecular container compounds

Rigid, hollow organic host compounds have been designed and synthesized with interior cavities large enough to incarcerate organic guest compounds. Some of these hosts are closed-surface spheres whose guest molecules are permanently incarcerated during synthesis. Other hosts contain portals in their shells, shaped to allow the passage only of complementary guest molecules between the inner and bulk phases. The inner phases uniquely constrain guest movements, provide a medium for reactions, and shelter molecules that self-destruct in bulk phases.
Regulation and Modulation of Abnormal Immune Responses in Endometriosis

There is ample evidence demonstrating that endometriosis is accompanied by inflammatory reactions in the peritoneum, resulting in abnormal levels of a variety of cytokines and chemokines in the peritoneal fluid. Among the immunological parameters that have been shown to be altered in the peritoneal cavity of women with endometriosis, an increase in the number of activated nonadherent macrophages that show reduced surface expression of scavenger receptors has been observed. The cause-and-effect relationship between aberrant peritoneal macrophage activity and endometriosis is still unknown. We have demonstrated that steroid hormone receptor agonists and antagonists [e.g., retinoids, antiglucocorticoids, ligands to peroxisome proliferator activated receptors (PPARs)] can regulate macrophage functions in ways that could either suppress or stimulate the growth of ectopic endometrial lesions. Our studies include a number of relevant findings: (1) RU486, acting as an antioxidant, can suppress activation of NFkappaB, a nuclear transcription factor that affects the expression of several inflammatory genes such as those for MCP-1, GM-CSF, CSF-1, and various adhesion molecules; (2) IL-6 secretion from a variety of cell types including endometrial cells is inhibited by retinoic acid; and (3) retinoids and PPARgamma ligands can upregulate the expression of scavenger receptors in cells of the monocyte/macrophage lineage. These observations, combined with the possibility that macrophage activity may play a fundamental role in endometriosis, suggest that pharmacologic manipulation of macrophage function may provide a novel mechanism for treating this disease.
Effect of prolonged exercise on plasma prostaglandin levels

Abstract The effects of a strenuous marathon run of 42.2 kilometers on the presence of prostaglandins in blood was investigated in 24 healthy males and females. Testosterone, FSH, LH, epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine, T4 and T3 were also measured. With the exercise of the marathon run, a significant elevation of plasma PGE2, PGF2α and 6 keto PGFla was observed in the runners following the race. Significant increases were also noted in blood catecholamine, dopamine and testosterone levels while a significant decline in the gonadotropins, FSH and LH was observed. No changes in thyroxine or tri-iodothyronine were noted.
A longitudinal study of the efficacy of a comprehensive pain rehabilitation program with opioid withdrawal: Comparison of treatment outcomes based on opioid use status at admission

Abstract Use of opioids for chronic non-cancer pain is controversial and the efficacy of comprehensive pain rehabilitation programs (CPRPs) that incorporate opioid withdrawal requires further investigation. We test the hypothesis that patients with chronic pain and longstanding opioid use who undergo opioid withdrawal in the course of rehabilitative treatment will experience significant and sustained improvement in pain and functioning similar to patients who were not taking opioids. A longitudinal design study compared 373 consecutive patients admitted to the Mayo Clinic Pain Rehabilitation Center at admission, discharge and six-month posttreatment by opioid status at admission. Measures of pain severity, depression, psychosocial functioning, health status, and pain catastrophizing were used to assess between- and within-group differences. Treatment involved a 3-week interdisciplinary pain rehabilitation program focused on functional restoration. Over one-half of patients (57.1%) were taking opioids daily at admission. The majority of patients (91%) completed rehabilitation and 70% of patients who completed the program returned questionnaires six months posttreatment. On admission, patients taking low- and high-dose opioids reported significantly greater pain severity ( P = .001) and depression ( P = . 001) than the non-opioid group. Significant improvement was found on all outcome variables following treatment ( P P Conclusion: Patients with longstanding CPRP on chronic opioid therapy, who choose to participate in interdisciplinary rehabilitation that incorporates opioid withdrawal, can experience significant and sustained improvement in pain severity and functioning.
A study of education policy research at the Brookings Institution

This paper reports a study of the education policy research efforts at the Brookings Institution, a leading non-profit public policy research organization (think tank) in the United States. The data for this study was derived from on-site interviews, the Brookings Institution library as well as archival materials. The on-site interviews took place during the summer of 1996, and focused on contextual factors, including a review of research efforts in education policy at Brookings. The data from the interviews and those from the library and archival collections were analyzed in conjunction with each other. The findings of this study show that the Brookings Institution has a long history of involvement in education policy research in the United States. The findings also reveal that a number of factors work together in policy research efforts at Brookings, including a progressive trend of involvement in education policy over time, availability of a critical concentration of scholars with some degree of interest in education reform, and an organizational climate conducive to research on innovative education policies. The latter includes a sense of cohesiveness, and mutual understanding and respect between the scholars and administrators. Strong administrative support, as well as technical support for research and dissemination of research findings, are key factors. These findings should help educational researchers, policy makers and administrators gain a clear picture of the role of a leading public policy research organization in education reform, and provide a basis for researching the role of think tanks in education policy.
Low-power, high data rate transceiver system for implantable prostheses

Wireless telemetry is crucial for long-term implantable neural recording systems. RF-encoded neurological signals often require high data-rates to transmit information frommultiple electrodes with a sufficient sampling frequency and resolution. In this work, we quantify the effects of interferers and tissue attenuation on a wireless link for optimal design of future systems. The wireless link consists of an external receiver capable of demodulating FSK/OOK transmission at speeds up to 8 Mbps, with ≤1e-5 bit-error rate (BER) without error correction, and a fully implanted transmitter consuming about 1.05mW. The external receiver is tested with the transmitter in vivo to show demodulation efficacy of the transcutaneous link at high data-rates. Transmitter/Receiver link BER is quantified in typical and controlled RF environments for ex vivo and in vivo performance.
Tuning and Timing in Mammalian Type I Hair Cells and Calyceal Synapses

Afferent nerve fibers in the central zones of vestibular epithelia form calyceal endings around type I hair cells and have phasic response properties that emphasize fast head motions. We investigated how stages from hair-cell transduction to calyceal spiking contribute tuning and timing to central (striolar)-zone afferents of the rat saccular epithelium. In an excised preparation, we deflected individual hair bundles with rigid probes driven with steps and sinusoids (0.5-500 Hz) and recorded whole-cell responses from hair cells and calyces at room temperature and body temperature. In immature hair cells and calyces (postnatal days (P)1-P4), tuning sharpened at each stage. Transducer adaptation and membrane-charging time produced bandpass filtering of the receptor potential with best frequencies of 10-30 Hz and phase leads below 10 Hz. For small stimuli, electrical resonances sharply tuned the hair-cell membrane in the frequency range of 5-40 Hz. The synaptic delay of quantal transmission added a phase lag at frequencies above 10 Hz. The influence of spike thresholds at the calyceal spike initiation stage sharpened tuning and advanced response phase. Two additional mechanisms strongly advanced response phase above 10 Hz when present: (1) maturing (P7-P9) type I hair cells acquired low-voltage-activated channels that shortened the rise time of the receptor potential and (2) some calyces had nonquantal transmission with little synaptic delay. By reducing response time, the identified inner-ear mechanisms (transducer adaptation, low-voltage-activated channels, nonquantal transmission, and spike triggering) may compensate for transmission delays in vestibular reflex pathways and help stabilize posture and gaze during rapid head motions.
Thyroid function in female rats severely depleted of body protein.

The effect of protein depletion on thyroid function was studied in growing female rats fed low iodine diets. Severe protein depletion caused a marked reduction in thyroid growth; this reduction was accompanied by an apparent suppression of thyroidal activity as indicated by thyroid to serum radioiodide concentration ratios (T/S). Upon repletion of protein-starved animals, thyroid size and function returned to normal. Treatment of iodine-deficient, proteindepleted animals with thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) failed to increase thyroidal activity over that observed in iodine-deficient controls. In protein-depleted animals, there was no relative impairment of thyroxine synthesis as indicated by the distribution of radioiodide among the iodinated amino acids of thyroid digests. (Endocrinology 79:1023,1966)
Anti-receptor antibodies inhibit Pseudomonas aeruginosa binding to the cornea and prevent corneal perforation

Anti-receptor antibodies inhibit Pseudomonas aeruginosa binding to the cornea and prevent corneal perforation
Error Comparison and Analysis of Parallel and Constraint Mechanism for 3-TPS Hybrid Machine Tool

This paper establishes position error model based on parallel robot kinematics theory, and analyses position error of the 3-TPS hybrid machine tool. Firstly, to calculate position error of the movable plate caused by the parallel mechanism links, through error model of the parallel mechanism which is established through inverse kinematics of the hybrid machine tool. Then, according to the error model of constraint mechanism established by transformation matrix method, the position error has been simulated and calculated. Finally, this paper compares the effects of both mechanisms. The analysis indicates the link error of constraint mechanism has more influence on movable plate posture than parallel mechanism, and provides help with motion error compensation and kinematic calibration.
MOC observations of four Mars year variations in the south polar residual cap of Mars

Abstract The residual south polar cap of Mars (RSPC) is distinct from the residual north polar cap both in composition and in morphology. CO 2 frost in the RSPC is stabilized by its high albedo during southern spring and summer despite the relatively large insolation during that period. The morphology of the RSPC in summer displays a bewildering variety of depressions that are formed in relatively thin layers of CO 2 . The increase of the size of these depressions between each of the first three years of Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) observations may possibly signal some sort of climate change on the planet. For example, the erosion of the bright plateaus might reduce the RSPC albedo and affect the energy balance. The Mars Orbiter Cameras (MOC) on MGS observed Mars for four consecutive martian years before contact with the spacecraft was lost in late 2006. During this period coverage of the polar regions was particularly dense because MGS flew over them on every orbit. In this paper we report on the four-year behavior of the morphological features in the RSPC and on the large-scale variability in RSPC albedo over the period. The changes in the size of the surface features in the RSPC due to backwasting that were first observed between Mars years (MY) 24 and 25 and subsequently between MY25 and M26 was observed to continue at the same rate through MY 27. The results indicate that on average thicker layers in the RSPC retreat faster than thinner ones, roughly in proportion to their thickness. We argue that a simple difference in porosity between the A and B layers can explain this difference although other factors could be involved. The large-scale albedo of the RSPC decreases as the depressions are uncovered by sublimation of seasonal CO 2 . However, any interannual differences in albedo due to the backwasting process are masked by interannual differences in the summer dust opacity in the RSPC region.
Cross-crystal averaging reveals that the structure of the peptidyl-transferase center is the same in the 70S ribosome and the 50S subunit

Abstract Recently, two crystal structures of the Thermus thermophilus 70S ribosome in the same functional state were determined at 2.8 and 3.7 A resolution but were different throughout. The most functionally significant structural differences are in the conformation of the peptidyl-transferase center (PTC) and the interface between the PTC and the CCA end of the P-site tRNA. Likewise, the 3.7 A PTC differed from the functionally equivalent structure of the Haloarcula marismortui 50S subunit. To ascertain whether the 3.7 A model does indeed differ from the other two, we performed cross-crystal averaging of the two 70S data sets. The unbiased maps suggest that the conformation of the PTC–CCA in the two 70S crystal forms is identical to that of the 2.8 A 70S model as well as that of the H. marismortui 50S subunit. We conclude that the structure of the PTC is the same in the functionally equivalent 70S ribosome and the 50S subunit.
The infra-red spectra of cyclobutane compounds

In an attempt to locate possible characteristic frequencies of the C4-ring, the I.R. spectra of 191 cyclobutane derivatives have been examined. It appears that from the standpoint of spectroscopic analysis, a distinction must be made between compounds in which all the ring carbons are tetrahedrally co-ordinated, and those in which one or more ring carbons are trigonally co-ordinated. The most useful correlations appear to be a band near 1235 cm−1 for cyclobutane compounds with at least one ring methylene group, and a band near 915 cm−1 for mono- and 1,1-disubstituted cyclobutanes; both absorptions are thought to arise from ring methylene motions. Less frequently a band is found close to 750 cm−1, which may reflect an in-plane bending of the ring.
Towards High Temperature Actuation Using Graphite Intercalation Compounds

Electrochemically formed graphite intercalation compounds (GICs) have many intrinsic properties well-suited for compact actuation in applications at high temperatures. GICs using ionic liquids are of interest because of their good thermal stability at elevated temperatures, high ionic conductivity, and low volatility. In this study we observed the potential and strain behavior of highly oriented pyrolytic graphite and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate subjected to a light compressive load and constant current. In situ measurements of the anode during intercalation showed a reversible strain of 2.5% to 4.5% from 100°C up to 250°C.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
A geometric algorithm for approximating semicontinuous function

On decrit un algorithme geometrique qui engendre une suite de fonctions continues a partir d'une fonction majorante arbitraire pour l'approximation d'une fonction semicontinue superieurement
Computation of the multivariate normal integral

This paper presents a direct computation of the multivariate normal integral by the Gauss Quadrature method. An error control method is given. Results are presented for multivariate integrals consisting of up to twelve normal distributions. A computer program in FORTRAN is given.
Towards a Practical Implementation of the MLE Algorithm for Positron Emission Tomography

Recognizing that the quality of images obtained by application of the Maximum Likelihood Estimator (MLE) to Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Single Photon Emission Tomography (SPECT) appears to be substantially better than those obtained by conventional methods, we have started to develop methods that will facilitate the necessary research for a good evaluation of the algorithm and may lead to its practical application for research and routine tomography. We have found that the non-linear MLE algorithm can be used with pixel sizes which are smaller than the sampling distance, without interpolation, obtaining excellent resolution and no noticeable increase in noise. We have studied the role of symmetry in reducing the amount of matrix element storage requirements for full size applications of the algorithm and have used that concept to carry out two reconstructions of the Derenzo phantom with data from the ECAT-III instrument. The results show excellent signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio, particularly for data with low total counts, excellent sharpness, but low contrast at high frequencies when using the Shepp-Vardi model for probability matrices.
Diagnostic blood-flow monitoring during therapeutic interventions using color Doppler optical coherence tomography

A recently developed modality for blood flow measurement holds high promise in the management of bleeding ulcers. Color Doppler optical coherence tomography (CDOCT) uses low- coherence interferometry and digital signal processing to obtain precise localization of tissue microstructure simultaneous with bi-directional quantitation of blood flow. We discuss CDOCT as a diagnostic tool in the management of bleeding gastrointestinal lesions. Common treatments for bleeding ulcers include local injection of a vasoconstrictor, coagulation of blood via thermal contact or laser treatment, and necrosis of surrounding tissue with a sclerosant. We implemented these procedures in a rat dorsal skin flap model, and acquired CDOCT images before and after treatment. In these studies, CDOCT succeeded in identifying cessation of flow before it could be determined visually. Hence, we demonstrate the diagnostic capabilities of CDOCT in the regulation of bleeding in micron-scale vessels.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Gestalt laws of grouping revisited and quantified

The classic Gestalt laws of grouping by proximity and grouping by similarity have never been quantified, nor have their interactions been specified with any degree of precision. I will present a number of experimental and theoretical results from my lab, based on the responses of human observers to repeated brief (approximately 300 ms) presentations of perceptually multi-stable periodic dot patterns. I will show that the distribution of the probability of seeing any one of the possible perceptual interpretations is: (1) scale invariant, (2) changes little with reductions in duration to 100 ms, (3) can be predicted exactly on the assumption that dots are attracted to group with each other by a force that decays exponentially with the distance between them. I will also show that factors such the non-uniformity of lightness of dots in the lattice interact additively with the strength of grouping by proximity. I will also show how the fact that grouping is a hierarchical process expresses itself within the framework of the proposed model.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Evidence for the non-pest status of codling moth on commercial fresh sweet cherries intended for export

Before accepting a systems approach as an alternative to methyl bromide fumigation for U.S. fresh sweet cherries, Prunus avium (L.) L., exported to Japan, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan required additional evidence that sweet cherries are poor or non-hosts for codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). Evidence was collected through field trapping and fruit evaluations in Washington state and California. During the 2006 cherry season, pheromone traps were placed in six commercial cherry orchards within the Yakima Valley in Washington, and in four commercial orchards in the San Joaquin Valley in California. All cherry orchards were adjacent or near to walnuts, apples, or pear orchards. No pest control measures that might affect codling moth were used in the cherry orchards. The maximum weekly trap catch in California was 5.5 codling moth adults per trap, whereas in Washington an organic orchard had the maximum weekly trap catch of 36.5 moths per trap and the highest weekly average catch of 11.0 moths per trap. At least 10,000 harvested cherries from each of three of the commercial Washington orchards, and all four California orchards were examined under a dissecting microscope for the presence of codling moth larvae. A total of 78,701 fruits were examined, yet no codling moth larvae were found. These results suggest that cherries are not preferred hosts for codling moth, even in areas with high adult populations. This information supports the system approach for quarantine security for domestic cherries exported to Japan.
Effect of trimethoprim, paracetamol and cimetidine on trimetrexate metabolism by rat perfused isolated livers

Trimetrexate (TMTX), a non-classical antifolate, is currently in clinical trial as an antineoplastic drug. In the rat perfused isolated liver, it undergoes extensive metabolism to two metabolites, M1 and M2, which are excreted primarily in the bile. The metabolites result from demethylation, and M1 is also glucuronidated. We examined the effects of three commonly used drugs on the elimination of 1 mg of TMTX by the rat perfused isolated liver (perfusate volume was 100 mL). Co-administration of either 1 or 5 mg cimetidine, a well-known inhibitor of microsomal oxidation, caused an increase in TMTX terminal elimination half-life (69 and 100% at 1 and 5 mg, respectively) and a decrease in clearance (40 and 46% at 1 and 5 mg, respectively). Paracetamol (acetaminophen) was chosen for a possible interaction with TMTX because its major metabolic pathway is glucuronidation. Five mg paracetamol resulted in no change in TMTX pharmacokinetics, but M1 concentrations were increased by 72% in bile, and M2 was not present in perfusate. The third drug tested was trimethoprim, which has some structural similarities to TMTX; however, no effects were noted on the levels of TMTX, M1 or M2 after 1 mg trimethoprim. These results indicate that TMTX elimination can be inhibited by cimetidine, probably due to competition for microsomal enzymes, and that paracetamol may alter the metabolite profiles; trimethoprim had no effect on TMTX disposition under the conditions employed.
THE IMPACT OF COMPUTER-ASSISTED PARENTERAL NUTRITION (PN) FOR NEONATES

We developed a computer program (CP) to: 1) automate repetitive calculations required to provide PN tailored to the individual needs of infants in our ICN; 2) reduce the time for the pharmacy to formulate each PN solution by generating a set of PN mixing instructions and bottle labels; 3) reduce housestaff time in ordering PN by utilizing an order sheet designed specifically for the CP where all the PN components are ordered on a per kg. basis daily. We wished to document time savings and possible clinical benefits of our CP use. 24 infants were studied retrospectively -- 13 pre-computerization (Grp. I) and 11 post-computerization (Grp. II). There were no differences in mean birthweight, gestational age, or duration of PN between the 2 groups. Each group's incidence of metabolic complications, such as protein or fat intolerance and fluid or electrolyte imbalance was compared. There was a slightly lower rate of serum phosphorus imbalance (p<.05) in Grp. II. There were no other significant differences in the clinical course of either group as determined by the parameters analyzed -- BUN, SGOT, alk. phos., triglycerides, Na, weight gain/week. However, after computerization housestaff time to write PN orders decreased from T20 min. to <2 min./order and pharmacy time was decreased by T15 min./order. With a mean of 8 orders/day, this represents a savings in pharmacy time alone of $10,950 per year!
Saliva and Plasma Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction–Based Detection and Surveillance of Human Papillomavirus–Related Head and Neck Cancer

Importance Human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV-16) is a major causative factor in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). The detection of primary OPSCC is often delayed owing to the challenging anatomy of the oropharynx. Objective To investigate the feasibility of HPV-16 DNA detection in pretreatment and posttreatment plasma and saliva and its potential role as a marker of prognosis. Design, Setting, and Participants This is a retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected cohort. Among a cohort of patients with oropharyngeal and unknown primary squamous cell carcinoma with known HPV-16 tumor status from the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions and Greater Baltimore Medical Center (from 1999 through 2010), 93 patients were identified with a complete set of pretreatment and posttreatment plasma or saliva samples, of which 81 patients had HPV-16–positive tumors and 12 patients had HPV-16–negative tumors. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to detect HPV-16 E6 and E7 DNA in saliva and plasma samples. Main Outcomes and Measures Main outcomes included sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value of combined saliva and plasma pretreatment HPV-16 DNA status for detecting tumor HPV-16 status, as well as the association of posttreatment HPV DNA status with clinical outcomes, including recurrence-free survival and overall survival. Results The median follow-up time was 49 months (range, 0.9-181.0 months). The sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, and positive predictive value of combined saliva and plasma pretreatment HPV-16 DNA status for detecting tumor HPV-16 status were 76%, 100%, 42%, and 100%, respectively. The sensitivities of pretreatment saliva or plasma alone were 52.8% and 67.3%, respectively. In a multivariable analysis, positive posttreatment saliva HPV status was associated with higher risk of recurrence (hazard ratio [HR], 10.7; 95% CI, 2.36-48.50) ( P = .002). Overall survival was reduced among those with posttreatment HPV-positive status in saliva (HR, 25.9; 95% CI, 3.23-208.00) ( P = .002) and those with HPV-positive status in either saliva or plasma but not among patients with HPV-positive status in plasma alone. The combined saliva and plasma posttreatment HPV-16 DNA status was 90.7% specific and 69.5% sensitive in predicting recurrence within 3 years. Conclusions and Relevance Using a combination of pretreatment plasma and saliva can increase the sensitivity of pretreatment HPV-16 status as a tool for screening patients with HPV-16–positive OPSCC. In addition, analysis of HPV-16 DNA in saliva and plasma after primary treatment may allow for early detection of recurrence in patients with HPV-16–positive OPSCC.
Bisphosphonate inhibition of a Plasmodium farnesyl diphosphate synthase and a general method for predicting cell-based activity from enzyme data.

We screened 26 bisphosphonates against a farnesyl diphosphate synthase from Plasmodium vivax, finding a poor correlation between enzyme and cell growth inhibition (R2 = 0.06). To better predict cell activity data, we then used a combinatorial descriptor search in which pIC50(cell) = a pIC50(enzyme) + bB + cC + d, where B and C are descriptors (such as SlogP), and a−d are coefficients. R2 increased from 0.01 to 0.74 (for a leave-two-out test set of 26 predictions). The method was then further validated using data for nine other systems, including bacterial, viral, and mammalian cell systems. On average, experimental/predicted cell pIC50 correlations increased from R2 = 0.28 (for an enzyme-only test set) to 0.70 (for enzyme plus two descriptor test set predictions), while predictions based on scrambled cell activity had no predictive value (R2 = 0.13). These results are of interest since they represent a general way to predict cell from enzyme inhibition data, with in three cases, R2 values increasing from ...
Guidelines: relevance of infectious diseases for electroencephalogram and other neurophysiology laboratories.

The electroencephalogram (EEG) as well as other neurophysiologic diagnostic tests may be considered an integral part of clinical assessment of patients with various illnesses, and specifically various infectious diseases. In the EEG laboratory, a major concern is to prevent contact and airborne transmission of any infection
Choloroquine inhibition of repair of DNA damage induced in mammalian cells by methyl methanesulfonate

Abstract Chloroquine (ClQ) inhibited the repair of DNA damage produced in cultured rat liver cells by methyl methanesulfonate (MMS). MMS caused fragmentation of single-strand DNA in alkaline sucrose gradients. Repair of the damage was followed by observing the restoration of the normal sedimentation pattern at intervals after treatment. Repair was significant by 7 h and nearly complete at 24 h. Addition of ClQ during the repair peiod markedly reduced the rate of repair. Also, ClQ increased the lethality of MMS, which could be due to the inhibition of repair. ClQ was found to inhibit protein synthesis, but the effect on repair is probably not due entirely to this action since comparable inhibition of protein synthesis by cycloheximide produced a lesser degree of delay in repair.