cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CYP3A4 is a human microsomal vitamin D 25-hydroxylase.

The human hepatic microsomal vitamin D 25-hydroxylase protein and gene have not been identified with certainty. Sixteen hepatic recombinant microsomal enzymes were screened for 25-hydroxylase activity; 11 had some 25-hydroxylase activity, but CYP3A4 had the highest activity. In characterized liver microsomes, 25-hydroxylase activity correlated significantly with CYP3A4 testosterone 6β-hydroxylase activity. Activity in pooled liver microsomes was inhibited by known inhibitors of CYP3A4 and by an antibody to CYP3A2. Thus, CYP3A4 is a hepatic microsomal vitamin D 25-hydroxylase. Introduction: Studies were performed to identify human microsomal vitamin D-25 hydroxylase. Materials and Methods: Sixteen major hepatic microsomal recombinant enzymes derived from cytochrome P450 cDNAs expressed in baculovirus-infected insect cells were screened for 25-hydroxylase activity with 1α-hydroxyvitamin D2 [1α(OH)D2], 1α-hydroxyvitamin D3 [1α(OH)D3], vitamin D2, and vitamin D3 as substrates. Activity was correlated with known biological activities of enzymes in a panel of 12 characterized human liver microsomes. The effects of known inhibitors and specific antibodies on activity also were determined. Results: CYP3A4, the most abundant cytochrome P450 enzyme in human liver and intestine, had 7-fold greater activity than that of any of the other enzymes with 1α(OH)D2 as substrate. CYP3A4 25-hydroxylase activity was four times higher with 1α(OH)D2 than with 1α(OH)D3 as substrate, was much less with vitamin D2, and was not detected with vitamin D3. 1α(OH)D2 was the substrate in subsequent experiments. In a panel of characterized human liver microsomes, 25-hydroxylase activity correlated with CYP3A4 testosterone 6β-hydroxylase activity (r = 0.93, p < 0.001) and CYP2C91 diclofenac 4′-hydroxylase activity (r = 0.65, p < 0.05), but not with activity of any of the other enzymes. Activity in recombinant CYP3A4 and pooled liver microsomes was dose-dependently inhibited by ketoconazole, troleandomycin, isoniazid, and α-naphthoflavone, known inhibitors of CYP3A4. Activity in pooled liver microsomes was inhibited by antibodies to CYP3A2 that are known to inhibit CYP3A4 activity. Conclusion: CYP3A4 is a vitamin D 25-hydroxylase for vitamin D2 in human hepatic microsomes and hydroxylates both 1α(OH)D2 and 1α(OH)D3.
New proof of the Hörmander multiplier theorem on compact manifolds without boundary

On compact manifolds (M, g) without boundary, the gradient estimates for unit band spectral projection operators Χλ are proved for a second order elliptic differential operator L. A new proof of the Hormander Multiplier Theorem (first proved by A. Seeger and C.D. Sogge in 1989) is given in this setting by using the gradient estimates and the Calderon-Zygmund argument.
Cytochemical heterogeneity of the C-band in human chromosome 1

The heterogeneity of the C-band of human chromosome 1 has been evaluated using several selective staining methods: C-banding (CBG), distamycin A plus 4-6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DA/DAPI) and Giemsa G-11 pattern following the treatment with the restriction endonucleases AluI and HaeIII. The bands produced by each method are characteristic but not identical. The total C-band is resistant to AluI treatment. The bands induced by HaeIII and the one stained by DA/DAPI are markedly similar but smaller than the C-band. The G-11 technique stains yet smaller regions than those of HaeIII and DA/DAPI. Depending on the expression of staining properties, the C-band of chromosome 1 usually consists of three subdivisions: the proximal, intermediate and distal regions, suggesting an extremely heterogeneous nature. The staining variations between different regions are further substantiated by studies of a reciprocal translocation where the proximal region and the remaining C-band of chromosome 1 are separate.
A Practitioner’s Guide to Prescribing Pregabalin for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities

We developed this pregabalin guideline using drug prescribing information and reviewing the available literature on relevant neuropsychiatric disorders in populations without intellectual disabilities because of the dearth of available literature on the population with intellectual disabilities. This guideline includes indications, contraindications, assessments prior to and during treatment, dosing with particular focus on dosing modifications required by drug–drug interactions or personal characteristics, and adverse drug reactions. The procedures contained in this guideline may not fully account for all of the possible risks of treatment in this population because of the limited studies available; thus, there will be a need to periodically update this guideline as new information becomes available. Nevertheless, we believe that this guideline provides a useful resource for clinicians who treat epilepsy and anxiety in adult individuals with intellectual disabilities. A pregabalin drug utilization review that summarizes this guideline is described.
Functional One‐Dimensional Nanomaterials: Applications in Nanoscale Biosensors

Abstract Nanostructures such as nanotubes (NTs), nanowires (NWs), and nanoparticles present new opportunities as sensing platforms for biological and environmental applications. Having micrometer‐scale lengths and nanometer‐scale diameters, NTs and NWs can be manipulated with current microfabrication, as well as self‐assembly techniques to fabricate nanoscale devices and sensors. Alignment, uniform dispersion, selective growth, and diameter control are parameters that are critical to the successful integration of nanostructures into sensors and devices. Overcoming these challenges should lead to sensors with better selectivity, sensitivity, and longer operational lifetime. This review discusses biosensors based on nanostructured material.
High Mobility Group Box–1 Mediates Hyperoxia-Induced Impairment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Clearance and Inflammatory Lung Injury in Mice

Mechanical ventilation with supraphysiological concentrations of oxygen (hyperoxia) is routinely used to treat patients with respiratory distress. However, a significant number of patients on ventilators exhibit enhanced susceptibility to infections and develop ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) is one of the most common species of bacteria found in these patients. Previously, we demonstrated that prolonged exposure to hyperoxia can compromise the ability of alveolar macrophages (AMs), an essential part of the innate immunity, to phagocytose PA. This study sought to investigate the potential molecular mechanisms underlying hyperoxia-compromised innate immunity against bacterial infection in a murine model of PA pneumonia. Here, we show that exposure to hyperoxia (≥ 99% O2) led to a significant elevation in concentrations of airway high mobility group box–1 (HMGB1) and increased mortality in C57BL/6 mice infected with PA. Treatment of these mice with a neutralizing anti-HMGB...
Noise effects in position measurement using a white light interferometric system linked with different core diameter multimode fibres

Abstract An optical fibre sensing system comprising two Michelson interferometers linked with a multimode fibre has been investigated. The signal to noise ratio of the output, when linking fibres of a range of core diameters were used, was measured and the system analyzed. The signal to noise ratio of the system in the 100 μm fibre case is higher than that with a 50 μm core diameter fibre, these results being obtained while the linking fibre in the system was perturbed to induce noise in a known and reproducible way. The repeatability of the displacement measurement with 50 μm, 100 μm, and 200 μm core diameter linking fibre has been obtained by using the maximum visibility method, this being seen to increase as the core diameter of the linking fibre increases, and for 200 μm core diameter fibre it was measured to be about 22.5 nm (3 standard deviations) under the conditions described.
The phase and magnitude of earth currents near radio transmitting antennas

This paper deals with various electrical magnitudes involved in the process of radiation from an ordinary antenna. The calculations presented are based on the simplified assumptions of a highly conducting earth and a sinusoidal distribution of antenna current. Also, they neglect any components of the near-by field that may be associated with the flat top. The paper is divided into four main parts and an appendix. In the first party the relative magnitudes and phases of earth currents associated with radiation from antennas of four representative proportions are calculated. The results are shown in Figs. 3 and 4. In the second party both the displacement current density and the electric intensity are studied quantitatively. The results are shown in Fig. 5. The third part consists of an experimental verification of the calculated magnetic flux near an antenna. The agreement is evident from Fig. 6. In the last section, the theory is applied to a simple half-wave antenna with a view to localizing the earth losses. These are found to be greatest at a distance from the base of the antenna of 0.35λ. This is indicated by Fig. 7. An appendix points out the magnitude of error in neglecting components of the near-by field associated with the fiat top.
Strain pattern represented by scarps formed during the earthquakes of October 2, 1915, Pleasant Valley, Nevada

(Accepted for publication, June 8, 1978) ABSTRACT: The pattern of scarps developed during the earthquakes of October 2, 1915, in Pleasant Valley, Nevada, may have formed as a result of a modern stress system acting on a set of fractures produced by an earlier stress system which was oriented differently. Four major scarps developed in a right-stepping, en-echelon pattern suggestive of left-lateral slip across the zone and an extension axis oriented approximately S85°W. The trend of the zone is N25°E. However, the orientation of simple dip-slip on most segments trending approximately N20-40° E and a right-lateral component of displacement on several N- and NW-trending segments of the scarps indicate that the axis of regional extension was oriented between N50° and 70° W, normal to the zone. The cumulative length of the scarps is 60 km, average vertical displacement 2 m, and the maximum vertical displacement near the Pearce School site 5.8 m. Almost everywhere the 1915 scarps formed along an older scarp line, and in some places older scarps represent multiple previous events. The most recent displacement event prior to 1915 is interpreted to have occurred more than 6600 years ago, but possibly less than 20,000 years ago. Some faults expressed by older scarps that trend northwest were not reactivated in 1915, possibly because they are oriented at a low angle with respect to the axis of modern regional extension. The 1915 event occurred in an area of overlap of three regional fault trends oriented northwest, north, and northeast and referred to, respectively, as the Oregon—Nevada, Northwest Nevada, and Midas—Battle Moutain trends. Each of these trends may have developed at a different time; the Oregon—Nevada trend was possibly the earliest and developed in Late Miocene time (Stewart et al. 1975). Segments of the 1915 scarps are parallel to each of these trends, suggesting influence by older sets of fractures.
Student Development in an Online Post-Professional Master's Program

SUMMARYStudents' perceptions of personal and professional development in an online post-professional Master's degree program in occupational therapy were investigated. In-class postings, reflection papers, and e-mail surveys completed by 14 occupational therapists throughout the course of an online Master's program were coded and analyzed. Three themes were identified: the developmental process of post-professional education, the value of the online learning community, and the influence of positive and negative characteristics of online pedagogy in creating lifelong learners. Results indicated that the students perceived personal and professional growth that enhanced their clinical practice, and that the online learning community supported and enhanced this growth. Online pedagogy was effective in creating a cooperative learning environment that facilitated personal and professional development at the post-graduate level.
Continuous glucose microsensor with a nanoscale conducting matrix and redox mediator

Abstract A glucose microsensor with a nanoscale conducting matrix and redox mediator has been developed and results of a detailed in vitro and ex vivo study of glucose consumption are presented. This microsensor is a conducting polymeric glucose monitoring device and is based on an enzymatic detection technique. A multilayer multipolymeric fabrication approach using biocompatible materials was investigated to construct such a microsensor device. A novel two-electrode electrochemical sensing cell consisting of a modified platinum working electrode (WE) with selective deposition of a conducting polymer polypyrrole (PPy) and a plain platinum (pseudo-reference/counter) electrode has been used. As a redox mediator, the ferrocene molecule has been successfully immobilized in the nanoscale PPy matrix that is deposited onto the surface of the WE. The ferrocene redox mediator lowers the operational potential of the sensor and helps avoid the introduction of noise and oxidation of interference molecules such as ascorbic acid and uric acid. Good sensitivity (∼20 nA/mM of glucose) and selectivity for glucose were accomplished. Detailed structural, in vitro and ex vivo properties as well as calibration results of the microsensor device are presented.
Bullying and victimization among children

Bullying among children is a significant public health problem world-wide. Bullying is most commonly defined as repeated, intentional aggression, perpetrated by a more powerful individual or group against a less powerful victim. Trends in victimization and moderate to frequent bullying may be decreasing slightly in the United States, but over 20% of children continue to be involved in bullying. Direct bullying consists of physical and verbal aggression, whereas indirect bullying involves relational aggression. Cyber bullying is an emerging problem which may be more difficult to identify and intervene with than traditional bullying. Bullies, victims, and bully-victims are at risk for negative short and long-term consequences such as depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and delinquency. Various individual, parental, and peer factors increase the risk for involvement in bullying. Anti-bullying interventions are predominantly school-based and demonstrate variable results. Healthcare providers can intervene in bullying by identifying potential bullies or victims, screening them for co-morbidities, providing counseling and resources, and advocating for bullying prevention.
Analyst coverage, corporate social responsibility, and firm risk

This article examines the empirical association between analyst coverage and corporate social responsibility (CSR) by investigating their simultaneous and causal effects, and its joint effects of CSR engagement and analyst coverage on firm risk. We find a positive association between the level and change of CSR engagement and the level and change of analyst coverage after considering simultaneity and causality. Based on the first-difference approach, we further find that the change in analyst following from the previous year affects the change in CSR in the current period, whereas the change in CSR from the previous period does not influence the change in analyst following in the current period. Furthermore, we find that the change in CSR engagement as well as the interaction effect of changes in CSR and analyst coverage reduces the change of firm risk. When we examine the CSR strengths and concerns separately, analyst following does not significantly influence firms’ CSR strength but CSR concern activities decreases significantly as firms have more analyst followings. We further find the mediating role of financial analysts between CSR concerns (but not CSR strengths) and firm risk. We maintain that analysts provide indirect but additional social pressure to the firms to eventually reduce their irresponsible activities. Taken together, we interpret these results to support the stakeholder theory-based conflict-resolution explanation that considers CSR engagement as a vehicle to reduce conflicts of interest between managers and noninvesting stakeholders but not the overinvestment hypothesis that views CSR as a waste of valuable resources at the cost of shareholders.
Identification and cloning of a brain autoantigen in neuro-behavioral SLE.

Abstract In murine models of SLE, particular patterns of abnormalities of social interaction and memory collectively known as neurobehavioral dysfunction (NBD) correlate with the occurrence of brain reactive autoantibodies. Study of the immunopathogenic effects of these antibodies has been limited by the absence of isolated autoantibodies and antigens. In order to identify the molecular targets, we isolated autoantibodies highly specific for brain plasma membranes from MRL/lpr mice. After immunoscreening a brain expression library with these brain specific autoantibodies, we identified a single cDNA clone of unique sequence and relevant anatomic distribution. Transcript for this cDNA is wide spread among mammalian species but appears to be present only in the brain. Additional features suggesting this cDNA is pertinent for further study include (1) the expressed protein, called lupus brain antigen 1, reacts with the screening immunoglobulins as well as immunoglobulins from other strains of murine neuro-SLE not used to screen the library, but not with immunoglobulins from normal mice, (2) the transcript distribution within the brain is similar to immunochemical localization of binding of the spontaneous autoantibodies and (3) the localization of transcript within the brain, in the hippocampus, hypothalamus and cingulate gyrus, corresponds to anticipated anatomical regions of clinical dysfunction. Further, the transcript is a large, potentially structural molecule of unique sequence. Antibodies to this molecule may mediate changes in behavior either by direct interactions with the cognate antigen or by indirect influences through neuro-endocrine axes.
Aspergillus sinusitis in cancer patients

Paranasal sinusitis occurred in 52 immunosuppressed cancer patients treated over 5 years at the University of Maryland Cancer Center. Twenty-one patients had aspergillus sinusitis; Aspergillus sp, including flavus and niger were directly recovered from sinus in 19 of the 21 infections. Two other patients with sinus involvement and positive nose cultures for Aspergillus flavus or fumigatus and microbiologically documented pulmonary aspergillosis were considered clinically, although not microbiologically, documented. Predisposing factors for aspergillus sinusitis during the 60 days prior to infection diagnosis were granulocyte count less than 500 microliter (mean duration, 42 days versus 14 days for sinusitis of other etiology; P less than 0.001), prolonged hospitalization (mean duration, 22 days versus 14 days for patients with nonfungal sinusitis; P less than 0.001), and prolonged antibiotic therapy (mean duration, 22 days versus 9 days; P less than 0.001). Treatment with amphotericin B was initially successful for 18 of 21 patients; however, 11 of 18 patients had infection recurrence that always developed at time of tumor exacerbation and reinstitution or intensification of chemotherapy. These findings suggest that aspergillus sinusitis in cancer patients is seen in association with prolonged neutropenia and antibiotic therapy, is amenable to therapy, but tends to recur with relapse of malignancy.
Plane‐layer prestack inversion in the presence of surface reverberation

Experiments with synthetic data have indicated that generalized linear inversion may be used to estimate compressional velocities as a function of depth with high resolution directly from band‐limited, unstacked data. The ocean surface was not included in these experiments. In the presence of strong surface multiples, inversion is expected to take longer and be less accurate, because events from multiple surface reflections overlie primary events and normally have differing moveout. Existing velocity‐analysis techniques rely on the ability of an observer to make the difficult distinction between multiples and primaries. Equations are provided for adding the surface to the inversion procedure. This involves adding the surface effects to the Jacobian matrix as well as to the forward modeling procedure. To speed computation, the addition of the surface effects to the Jacobian matrix is delayed until after the matrix has been multiplied by a vector in the linear‐equation solution. Absorption is added to the i...
Effects of radiofrequency energy on human chondromalacic cartilage: an assessment of insulation material properties

The objective of this study was to establish guidelines for the selection of an insulation material used to surround the electrode of radiofrequency energy (RFE) probes used for thermal chondroplasty. These guidelines were established by identifying which insulation materials resulted in the least amount of chondrocyte death while smoothing the surface of chondromalacic cartilage. RFE causes electrolyte oscillation and molecular friction in the tissue to heat it and subsequently smooth the surface. Material properties investigated included the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), thermal conductivity (TC), and volume resistivity (VR). Fresh human chondromalacic cartilage samples of Outerbridge grades II and III were obtained from patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty. Stiffness measurements were taken pretreatment and posttreatment. RFE was applied to a 1-cm/sup 2/ area for 15 s in a paintbrush treatment pattern. The insulation materials evaluated included Macor/spl reg/ (/spl darr/CTE,/spl darr/TC,?VR; in relation to CTE=10/spl times/10/sup -6///spl deg/ C @ 20/spl deg/C, TC=3 W/mK, VR=1/spl times/10/sup 14/ ohm*cm), zirconia toughened alumina (ZTA) and 99.5% alumina (/spl darr/CTE,?TC,?VR), aluminum nitride (/spl darr/CTE,?TC,/spl darr/VR), Teflon/spl reg/ (PTFE) (?CTE,/spl darr/TC,?VR), partially stabilized zirconia (YTZP) (/spl darr/CTE,/spl darr/TC,/spl darr/VR), and Ultem/spl reg/ (?CTE,/spl darr/TC,/spl darr/VR). There were no significant differences between pretreatment and posttreatment stiffness of the cartilage for any material investigated. Subjectively scored scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images revealed that the surfaces of all samples treated with RFE were relatively smooth with melted fronds. Prototype probes made with Macor/spl reg/, 99.5% alumina, and ZTA had TC/spl les/30 W/mol*K and resulted in a mean of 35% less cell death (176/spl plusmn/56 /spl mu/m, 130/spl plusmn/48 /spl mu/m, and 114/spl plusmn/33/spl mu/m, respectively) than aluminum nitride, PTFE, and YTZP (246/spl plusmn/68 /spl mu/m, 231/spl plusmn/108 /spl mu/m, and 195/spl plusmn/89 /spl mu/m, respectively). Macor/spl reg/, 99.5% alumina, and ZTA prototype probes all had VR/spl ges/1/spl times/10/sup 14/ ohm*cm and resulted in a mean 37% less cell death than aluminum nitride or YTZP. There was no apparent relationship between CTE and the depth of chondrocyte death.
An unusual pediatric case of chronic constipation and rectosigmoid prolapse diagnosed by video defecography

Rectal prolapse is a relatively common, benign condition in the pediatric population. Conservative management usually results in resolution of the problem. Persistent rectal prolapse with chronic constipation suggests more serious underlying pathologic condition that may be challenging to diagnose. We present a case of severe recurrent rectal prolapse with chronic constipation in a 13-year-old boy. Using video defecography, an unusual radiographic modality in children, a functional sigmoid obstruction was observed that was not found on more routine imaging studies. Laparoscopic sigmoidectomy provided an excellent outcome in this patient who previously had a lifestyle-limiting, chronic condition.
A point-subset compression algorithm for fiber-based certificates of authenticity

This paper discusses the certificates of authenticity (COAs) that are digitally signed physical objects with a unique random structure. The random structure of a fiber-based COA relies on the fact that if one end-point of a fiber is exposed to light, the other one illuminates. A COA instance is compressed and then combined with the cryptographic hash. Each COA instance is associated with message recovery using issuer's public key. The key optimization goal in this system is to compress as much of the entropy of COA's random structure. The key parameter of the point-compression problem is: computing the COA model, encoding pixel-to-pixel vectors, and heuristically solving the asymmetric traveling salesman problem. The encoding can be done using arithmetic vector. A heuristic is developed that aims at solving point-compression problem and the compression rate is obtained much better.
Exploring Fathering Roles in Low-Income Families: The Influence of Intergenerational Transmission

This study explores the meaning of fathering among men identified as fathers or father figures of 24-month-old children enrolled in Early Head Start research sites. Fathers were asked open-ended questions about their experiences of being fathers and their relationships with their own fathers. These men spoke of how important “being there” was for them in their relationship with their child as well as how the relationship with their own fathers influenced them as a parent. This study supports the theory of intergenerational parenting and furthers our knowledge and understanding of what some men feel are important aspects of being a good father. A theoretical framework on why men may model their father’s behaviors is offered, as are implications for practitioners.
Non-culpable ignorance and HIV criminalisation

In this essay, I argue that any legal framework that addresses sexual transmission of HIV should be sensitive to the way that culpability can be mitigated by moral and factual ignorance. Though it is wrong to transmit HIV, public officials should be wary of criminalising transmission because people with HIV may be excused if they suffer from blameless moral or factual ignorance. I begin with the widely shared premise that blameless ignorance about one's HIV status is an excuse for sexual transmission of infections. I then extend this premise to other kinds of non-moral ignorance about HIV. Next, I argue that blameless moral ignorance also excuses transmission of HIV. There is some evidence of significant blameless non-moral and moral ignorance about HIV transmission. In these cases, transmission is excused. In light of the presence of moral and non-moral ignorance about HIV, I conclude that public health officials should encourage moral deliberation about HIV transmission and also that criminal penalties for HIV transmission are unwarranted even in some cases of knowing or intentional transmission.
Effect of selected browning inhibitors on phenolic metabolism in stem tissue of harvested lettuce

Wound-induced changes in phenolic metabolism causes stem browning (butt discoloration) in harvested lettuce. Stem tissue near the harvesting cut exhibited increased phenylalanine ammonialyase (PAL) activity and accumulation of caffeic acid derivatives. These o-diphenols can be oxidized by the enzyme polyphenol oxidase (PPO) to produce brown pigments. This browning reaction can readily be followed by measuring a* values. Browning was reduced by washing stem disks with solutions of 0.3 M calcium chloride, 1.0 mM 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), or 0.5 M acetic acid. These browning inhibitors appear to act in different ways. Calcium chloride decreased PAL activity to 60% of the control, but did not substantially affect the accumulation of phenolic compounds. The mechanism of calcium action could be to decrease PPO activity or to preserve membrane structure. PAL activity was inhibited 60% by 2,4-D, and the biosynthesis of phenolic compounds was strongly inhibited but not suppressed. Acetic acid completely inhibited PAL activity and the production of wound-induced phenolics. PAL was irreversibly inhibited by acetic acid, and this may explain its role as a browning inhibitor.
Numerical experiments on turbulent flow using the random vortex method

SUMMARY Chorin's random vortex method is used to predict the growth of a large-scale coherent vortex structure in the early stages of the development of turbulence in a two-dimensional co-flowing shear layer. The numerical algorithm has been simplified to such an extent that the numerical analysis can be performed on a microcomputer. The numerical solution exhibits the same early turbulent instabilities and vorticity pairings as found in recent flow-visualization experiments. Tn addition the results are in reasonable agreement with experimental measurements of mean velocity, root mean square fluctuations and Reynolds stresses. One could thus test the shear layer sensitivity to initial conditions and the upsteam boundary conditions.
Dispersed‐phase holdup in a rotating disk extraction column

A study has been made of the effect of column geometry and flow condition upon the dispersed-phase holdup in an rotating disk type of extraction column. Variables investigated were stator opening, disk diameter, compartment height, rotor speed, and flow rates of the dispersed and continuous phases. The toluene-water system, with the toluene dispersed, was used throughout the study. The radio-isotope technique was used to measure the dispersed-phase holdup. Results of this study as well as those of earlier investigators have been used to expand upon the design equations proposed by Logsdail, Thornton, and Pratt for estimating flooding rates and dispersed-phase holdup in rotating disk columns. Modifications to increase the accuracy of prediction of these equations have also been suggested, while possible limitations in their application have been indicated.
Martyrdom Mythology in Iraq: How Jihadists Frame Suicide Terrorism in Videos and Biographies

The jihadists in Iraq strategically deploy emotional narratives to construct the myth of heroic martyrdom, demonize their intended targets, and appeal to potential recruits from around the Muslim world. These culturally astute jihadists know well the themes that resonate with the wider Muslim public, and have done an extraordinary job in harnessing three narratives to mobilize for martyrdom: humiliation of Muslims at the hands of foreigners, impotence of official Muslim governments in the face of hegemonic powers, and redemption through faithful sacrifice. This study explores how jihadists weave together these three narratives to suggest a deleterious condition that requires an immediate action, offer an explanation of the causes of this persistent condition, and present the necessary solution to overcome the problem.
Breast Cancer With Brain Metastases: Clinicopathologic Features, Survival, and Paired Biomarker Analysis

Background. The aim of this study was to describe clinicopathologic features of patients with breast cancer brain metastasis (BCBM); to evaluate survival after diagnosis of BCBM; and to compare estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and HER2 expression in the paired primary and brain tumors.
Eating disorders in children and adolescents.

Eating disorders have been recognized in younger and more diverse populations, now representing an equal opportunity for disease in individuals regardless of socioeconomic status, ethnicity, or country. The classification of eating disorders is currently being revised for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)-V, with a goal of more specific definitions to cluster similar children, adolescents, and adults to predict better optimal prevention and treatment strategies.1 This article reviews current classification challenges and strategies, the epidemiology of eating disorders in children and adolescents, key aspects of the history and physical examination, tips for prevention, and key features of evidence-based treatment.
Fuel-Burn Impact of Re-Designing Future Aircraft with Changes in Mission Specifications

Over the past few years, pressure to reduce the overall fuel consumption of the commercial aircraft eet has been growing steadily. Expenses related to fuel are now one of the largest contributors to an airline’s direct operating cost. In addition, harmful emissions derived from the engine combustion process (CO2, NOx, and others) must be signicantly reduced in order to meet future targets that the industry has set for itself. The fuel burn impact of varying design mission specications (payload, range, cruise Mach number, and allowable span) of tube and wing aircraft is studied in this paper. Representative aircraft from all groups (Regional Jet - CRJ900, Single Aisle- B737-800, Small Twin Aisle- B767300ER, Large Twin Aisle- B777-200ER, and Large Aircraft - B747-400) are chosen and redesigned for variations in the design cruise Mach number, wing span and R1 range. In addition, the eects of improvements in aerodynamic, structural and propulsion technology expected over the next 20 years are taken into account in the context of technology scenarios for which the baseline aircraft are redesigned. The eectiveness of mission specication changes in reducing the fuel burn of these technologically advanced aircraft is also observed. Results from aircraft redesigns indicate that variations in design mission specications can result in aircraft with improved fuel burn characteristics (up to a 24 percent reduction). Results also indicate that even for aircraft at higher technology levels, mission specication changes can still contribute to signicant improvement in aircraft performance.
Finding Richness in Conflict and Context: The Shimmer and Shadow of Dialectics:

Dialectics provide a framework for deeper understanding of complex constructs and processes and allow for consideration of dynamic range of movement. Context, however, is needed to more deeply understand and use a framework of dialectics. Environment, identity, and developmental processes are suggested as important contextual factors. The metaphor of a river is used to illustrate movement within dialectics and potential consequences. The movement within the dialectic process, like a river, is influenced by multiple forces, often conflicting and sometimes in crisis. Recommendations for research, practice, and training that attend to context, language, and dialectics are discussed.
The Conceptualization and Measurement of Symbolic Racism

The conceptualization and measurement of symbolic racism have been the subjects of a number of critiques, of which we address four: (1) we briefly review the history of its past conceptualization, which has been somewhat loose, and of its past measurement, which has been more consistent than often suggested. We then address three other critiques empirically. In each case the results support the original theory: (2) symbolic racism is an internally consistent belief system; it does have individual and structural variants, but they are highly correlated and have virtually identical effects on whites' racial policy preferences; (3) the effects of symbolic racism on whites' racial policy preferences are not artifacts of shared-item content with policy-attitude items (both conclusions are replicated in quite similar form in two surveys); and (4) symbolic racism is a distinctive belief system in its own right, encompassing a set of attitudes different from those in ideological conservatism, antiegalitarianism, ...
Renormalized oscillator Hamiltonians

Abstract Let pj, qj, denote the self-adjoint operators −i∂ ∂x j and multiplication by xj on L2(Rn), respectively. Let H 0 = ( 1 2 ) ∑ n j = 1 ω j (p 2 j + q 2 j - 1) where ωj > 0, and let P be a polynomial in the q′s that is bounded below. The existence and uniqueness problems are considered for H0 + λP(q) renormalized relative to its own ground state. For example, suppose that P has degree 2d and P(q) ⩾ e(q21 + … + q2n)d − k for some e, k > 0. Then for some λ0 > 0 there exists a unique continuous function u: [0, λ0] → L2(Rn such that u(λ) is the nonnegative normalized ground state of H0 + λ:P(q):u(λ) and 〈u(λ), P(q) u(λ)〉 is bounded on [0, λ0]. If u is continuous only on [0, λ0] uniqueness may fail.
QED effective action in time dependent electric backgrounds

We apply the resolvent technique to the computation of the QED effective action in time dependent electric field backgrounds. The effective action has both real and imaginary parts, and the imaginary part is related to the pair production probability in such a background. The resolvent technique has been applied previously to spatially inhomogeneous magnetic backgrounds, for which the effective action is real. We explain how dispersion relations connect these two cases, the magnetic case which is essentially perturbative in nature, and the electric case where the imaginary part is nonperturbative. Finally, we use a uniform semiclassical approximation to find an expression for very general time dependence for the background field. This expression is remarkably similar in form to Schwinger's classic result for the constant electric background.
Patient Autonomy Naturalized

Traditional informed consent often promotes passive acquiescence rather than active exercise of autonomy. A more natural biologically based model of autonomy is needed, a model that both recognizes the biological roots and therapeutic benefits of active confident choices among real alternatives, and offers substantive guidelines for promoting patient autonomy. A biological model of patient autonomy explains the value of information to patients, outlines the circumstances under which patients make effective choices, and suggests complementary roles for patients and professional caregivers.
Invariant manifolds for dissipative systems

A method is given for a study of a nonlinear evolution equation for finding “slow” invariant manifolds. The method is studied for the evolution problem u˙=Au +Au,u /u,uu, u0=u0, where A is a linear, self-adjoint, possibly unbounded operator in a Hilbert space. Global existence and uniqueness of the solution to this problem are proven. Asymptotic behavior of the solution as t → is studied. Analytic solution of the above nonlinear evolution problem is found. Conditions are given on the spectrum of A and on the initial data u0 for the trajectory ut not to have a strong limit in H as t → and not to stay in any finite-dimensional space. In this sense the motion is chaotic. © 2009 American Institute of Physics. DOI: 10.1063/1.3105924
The impact of diagnostic delay on the course of acute appendicitis

BACKGROUND The diagnosis of acute appendicitis is often delayed, which may complicate the further course of the disease. AIMS To review appendectomy cases in order to determine the incidence of diagnostic delay, the underlying factors, and impact on the course of the disease. METHODS Records of all children who underwent appendectomy from 1994 to 1997 were reviewed. The 129 cases were divided into group A (diagnostic period within 48 hours) and group B (diagnostic period 48 hours or more). RESULTS In the group with diagnostic delay, significantly more children had first been referred to a paediatrician rather than to a surgeon. In almost half of the cases in this group initial diagnosis was not appendicitis but gastroenteritis. The perforation rate in group A was 24%, and in group B, 71%. Children under 5 years of age all presented in the delayed group B and had a perforation rate of 82%. The delayed group showed a higher number of postoperative complications and a longer hospitalisation period. CONCLUSIONS Appendicitis is hard to diagnose when, because of a progressing disease process, the classical clinical picture is absent. The major factor in diagnostic delay is suspected gastroenteritis. Early surgical consultation in a child with deteriorating gastroenteritis is advised. Ultrasonographs can be of major help if abdominal signs and symptoms are non-specific for appendicitis.
“Fracture cleavage” in the Duluth Complex, northeastern Minnesota

An unusual cleavage is developed in troctolitic rocks of the late Precambrian Duluth Complex in northeastern Minnesota. It is localized in a zone −250 m wide, and it is parallel to the axes of gentle folds in rhythmic banding. The rocks show no textural signs of ductile deformation, and the cleavage is defined by fractures that are fairly straight and evenly spaced, but on a fine scale, somewhat irregular, multiple, anastomosing, and locally crosscutting. Textures indicate a purely extensional mode of development. Cleavage refraction across interfaces of bands of different composition is common. Serpentine coats the fracture surfaces and suggests that fluids were present to produce this alteration during formation of cleavage. The geological relationships and serpentinization suggest conditions of cleavage formation of 1.5–1.8 kb and 350 to 500 °C. The presence of extensional fractures indicates that cleavage formation involved crack propagation at high fluid pressures. The absence of shear fractures or ductile deformation features, and the nature of the cleavage refraction indicate that differential stresses were low. Localization of the cleavage seems to be due to the presence of a structure, probably a dike, below the layered intrusive rocks. This could have served to localize stresses and reactive fluids at high pressure during a late stage of continental rifting.
Conditional targeted cell ablation in zebrafish: a new tool for regeneration studies

Conditional targeted cell ablation in zebrafish would greatly expand the utility of this genetic model system in developmental and regeneration studies, given its extensive regenerative capabilities. Here, we show that, by combining chemical and genetic tools, one can ablate cells in a temporal- and spatial-specific manner in zebrafish larvae. For this purpose, we used the bacterial Nitroreductase (NTR) enzyme to convert the prodrug Metronidazole (Mtz) into a cytotoxic DNA cross-linking agent. To investigate the efficiency of this system, we targeted three different cell lineages in the heart, pancreas, and liver. Expression of the fusion protein Cyan Fluorescent Protein-NTR (CFP-NTR) under control of tissue-specific promoters allowed us to induce the death of cardiomyocytes, pancreatic beta-cells, and hepatocytes at specific times. Moreover, we have observed that Mtz can be efficiently washed away and that, upon Mtz withdrawal, the profoundly affected tissue can quickly recover. These findings show that the NTR/Mtz system is effective for temporally and spatially controlled cell ablation in zebrafish, thereby constituting a most promising genetic tool to analyze tissue interactions as well as the mechanisms underlying regeneration.
In search of human proteins and infectious triggers involved in periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis and adenitis syndrome

Periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis and adenitis (PFAPA) syndrome is the most prevalent pediatric autoinflammatory syndrome. For unexplained reasons tonsillectomy induces remission. The etiology of PFAPA is unknown; however, mutations of TNF receptor superfamily 1A (TNFRSF1A) and elevated circulating TNF-a have been described in some patients.
Early childhood administrators’ attitudes and experiences in working with gay- and lesbian-parented families

ABSTRACTThis study examined the attitudes, preparation, and comfort of early childhood administrators in working with gay and lesbian (GL) parented families and the use of GL inclusive practices within centers. Data were gathered from 203 participants in the state of North Carolina using an online survey. Overall, administrators held a positive attitude towards GLs. Specifically, administrators with higher levels of education held a more positive attitude towards lesbians than gay men. Attitudes also correlated highly with administrator’s comfort in working with GL parented families and use of inclusive practices within their center; however, it did not correlate with preparation or training in the field. Participants who identified themselves as very religious had lower scores on all measures used within the study, compared to administrators who were somewhat religious or not religious. Finally, most of the inclusive strategies implemented within centers were perfunctory, which required minimal change an...
Making Progress Toward Individualized Medicine in the Treatment of Psychosis

Current treatment algorithms for the management of psychosis do not take into account the substantial interindividual variability in response to antipsychotic drugs. Clinicians have no alternative but to choose antipsychotics based on trial and error, often resulting in prolonging patients’ suffering. What if a brief brain scan or a blood test prior to starting an antipsychotic were sufficient to provide an accurate measure of how likelyan individual was to respond to a specific medication and could thus guide treatment decisions? Two articles in this issue report on advances toward individualized medicine in the treatment of psychosis. In order to develop a biomarker of treatment response with clinical utility, researchers must first demonstrate a robust association between the biomarker and clinical outcome, and then must replicate these findings in independent cohorts. Based on converging evidence implicating the striatum as critical to antipsychotic response, Sarpal et al. (1) hypothesized that functional connectivity between the striatum and other brain regions could be established as a biomarker indexing the likelihood that an individual will respond to treatment. Functional connectivity leverages the temporal coherence of low-frequency fluctuations in the blood-oxygen-level-dependent signal between remote brain regionsobtainedduringresting-statefunctionalMRItoallow inferences on coordinated brain activity (Figure 1). The authors obtained a 5-minute resting-state scan in a group of first-episode psychosis patients (the “discovery cohort” )a t the initiation of a 12-week randomized trial with either risperidone or aripiprazole and determined the response to treatment at the end of the trial. By regressing treatment response values with baseline functional connectivity, striatal connectivity to 91 brain regions was identified to be predictive of subsequent response to treatment. For each participant, a striatal connectivity index was calculated by summing the strength of the functional connectivity between the striatum and each of these regions. This index was found to be significantly different between treatment responders and nonresponders. To validate this putative biomarker, similar resting-state scans were then obtained in a diagnostically heterogeneous group of patients who were hospitalized for an acute exacerbation of psychosis (“the generalization co