cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The influence of acceptance goals on self‐presentational efforts

The current work examined whether self-presentational efforts are influenced differently when people hold a goal to establish, maintain or repair an interpersonal connection. Results supported the counterintuitive prediction that participants with a repair goal would convey a less favourably oriented persona (e.g. less friendly, less similar and less genuine) compared to those with an establish or maintain goal. The efforts of repair goal participants were also perceived as less effective. The analysis also showed that certain self-presentation dimensions (i.e. friendliness, genuineness and similarity) mediated the relationship between acceptance goals and perceived effectiveness. The findings extend and contribute to the self-presentation and belongingness literatures.
k-connected network partitioning under shared risk link groups

Partitioning a large network into a connected hierarchy is a proven technique for scalability and manageability. Although a significant body of work is devoted to this area of interest, a reference to survivable hierarchical networks where each partition remains k-connected is missing (k ⩾ 2). A k-connected partition ensures functional network organization even after any k − 1 failures occur. In optical networks, a failure of a physical component (e.g., a cable or line-card) disrupts multiple logical links that share the component. Such a shared risk link group (SRLG) failure is more common than a single link or node failure in the logical topology. Hence, we study the significance of a k-SRLG-connected (kSC) partitioning problem for optical networks. For a given network, we show that finding 2-SRLG-connected (2SC) partitioning, the simplest case, is NP-complete. We provide mathematical formulations and propose a distributed-scalable heuristic solution. We also solve 2SC partitioning with flexible mapping onto the physical topology, where lightpaths can be added to guarantee a solution. Simulation results verify that the kSC partitioning scheme performs better than traditional 1-connected partitioning schemes with regard to system survivability, stability, and repartitioning overhead.
Somatostatin desensitization in rat anterior pituitary cells.

Abstract The possibility that desensitization to the inhibitory effects of somatostatin (SS) might develop following chronic exposure to this tetradecapeptide was examined in cultured rat anterior pituitary cells. Pretreatment with 1μM SS for 48 h caused a shift in the IC50 of SS to inhibit 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX) or growth hormone-releasing factor (GRF)-induced growth hormone (GH) and TRH + IBMX-induced thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) release by more than 2 orders of magnitude. Refractoriness developed after 12 h of exposure to doses of SS of 10 nM or more and became maximal at 48 h. Restoration of SS responsiveness followed a similar time-course upon removal of the pep tide. In superfused cells, 10 nM SS lowered GH secretion rates to
Thermodynamics of single-phase one-dimensional fluid flow

Abstract Fluid flow processes in helium within the range 4–10 K and 10–100 N cm −2 pressure are similar to those of ordinary fluids near their critical points. Three thermodynamic parameters, the Gruneisen parameter, isentropic compressibility, and velocity of sound, which are weakly non-catalytic near the critical point, are used to describe fluid flow processes in fluids in the near critical range. It is found that if temperature is not used as a variable in fluid state equation, flow profiles can be easily evaluated in a single-phase fluid region, including close to or transecting the transposed critical line.
Models for planning of the food supply in Sweden under emergency conditions

This study deals with the application of operational research methods to a specific planning problem connected with current Swedish agricultural policy. It is therefore of particular interest to countries where - as in Sweden - an important policy goal is to assure self-sufficiency in the matter of food products in case of a national emergency such as a trade blockade or military aggression. The application of operational research methods to the above-mentioned problem, however, raises some problems of a more theoretical character. A procedure for the analysis of the consequences of certain random variables by a combination of programming and simulation models is thus developed. The study may therefore as well have a certain interest within a wider context.
Local model for charge delocalization in partly substituted cuprate superconductors

Partial substitutions according to YBa{sub 2}(Cu{sub 1{minus}x}M{sub x}){sub 3}O{sub y} with M = Ni etc. in connection with various redox sequencings allow for complex strategies in obtaining novel materials. The authors analyze redox related structural data on selected model compounds with special emphasis on a new local structural approach, derive aspects of their electronic behavior, and gain an expanded understanding of the charge balance function of Cu(1). They elaborate on the conditions for antitypes to conventional behavior such as n type superconductivity at low y and semi-conductivity at high y. The authors show that a localization catastrophe can occur when the population of (1)4 configurations (Cu(1) coordinated by 4 O) is low. In this case (1)3 and (1)2 coordinations dictate the spatial behavior of (1)4 which leads to charge localization. They show that this corresponds to a Mott type transition which has a general implication in degrading superconducting properties on further reoxygenation.
Is there an association between exposure to environmental estrogens and breast cancer

It was initially reported that levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) or p,p'-DDE were elevated in breast cancer patients (serum or tissue) versus controls. These results, coupled with reports that selected environmental estrogens decreased 17beta-estradiol (E2) 2-hydroxylase activity and increased the ratio of 16alpha-hydroxyestrone/2-hydroxyestrone metabolites in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells, have led to the hypothesis that xenoestrogens are a preventable cause of breast cancer. More recent studies and analysis of organochlorine levels in breast cancer patients versus controls show that these contaminants are not elevated in the latter group. Moreover, occupational exposure to relatively high levels of PCBs and DDT/DDE are not associated with an increased incidence of breast cancer. A reexamination of the radiometric E2 2-hydroxylase assay in MCF-7 cells with diverse estrogens, antiestrogens, and carcinogens showed that the mammary carcinogen benzo[a]pyrene induced this response and the antiestrogen ICI 164,384 decreased E2 2-hydroxylase activity. Thus, E2 2-hydroxylase activity and the 16alpha-hydroxyestrone/2-hydroxyestrone metabolite ratio in MCF-7 cells does not predict xenoestrogens or mammary carcinogens.
Psychological Contract, Leader–Member Exchange, and Perceived Organization Support—How Do They Interact?

In “A Social Exchange Model of Psychological Contract Fulfillment: Where Do Promises, Expectations, LMX, and POS Fit In?” Anjali Chaudhry and Amanuel G. Tekleab address outcomes of the employee–emp...
Influence of workspace constraints on directional preferences of 3D arm movements

We previously demonstrated a tendency to perform arm movements by using a trailing joint control pattern during which either the shoulder or elbow is rotated actively and the other (trailing) joint is rotated predominantly passively, by interaction torque during horizontal movements and by interaction and gravitational torque during 3D arm movements. This tendency was established with a free-stroke drawing task that required production of series of strokes in randomly selected directions from the center to the perimeter of a horizontal circle. The studies demonstrated that within a planar workspace, the usage of the trailing pattern depends on movement direction and the most frequently selected directions are those providing the opportunity to use the trailing pattern. Here, we studied whether the opportunity to use the preferred trailing pattern also depends on the orientation of the planar workspace. The free-stroke drawing task was performed with unconstrained arm movements within circles of a left-diagonal (LD) and right-diagonal (RD) orientation. Two pronounced preferred directions were revealed in the LD condition, and they were the directions in which the trailing pattern was used. Directional preferences were less pronounced, and the trailing pattern was not observed in any directions in the RD condition. Also, subjects identified the RD condition as inconvenient. The results reinforce the previous finding of the propensity to use the trailing pattern during arm movements. They also suggest that orientations of the workspaces in manual activities should be designed to support the trailing pattern as a favored type of joint control.
Clinical impact of molecular genetic diagnosis, genetic counseling, and management of hereditary cancer. Part I: Studies of cancer in families.

Hereditary cancer represents approximately 5-10% of the total cancer burden and may account for 60,000 to 120,000 new cancer occurrences this year in the United States. New developments in molecular genetics and the cloning of cancer-prone genes have intensely fueled interest in dealing with hereditary forms of cancer. The authors provide an algorithm that depicts the process for the identification, study, and DNA-based genetic counseling of families being investigated under a research proposal at the Hereditary Cancer Institute of Creighton University School of Medicine. They have studied 56 hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal carcinoma families; in 18 of them, associated genomic mutations have been identified in affected members. DNA-based genetic counseling has been provided for seven of these families. The authors have also evaluated 131 hereditary breast-ovarian carcinoma families. BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation searches have been performed for 76 of these families; BRCA1 mutations were found in 38 families and BRCA2 mutations in 9. The study of cancer-prone families is a powerful approach to cancer control, particularly when the germ-line mutation is identified in the family and individuals at high risk can be tested, once they provide informed consent, and receive DNA-based genetic counseling. Discovery of the germ-line mutation for cancer proneness provides an unparalleled opportunity to predict patients' lifetime risk for cancer of specific anatomic sites, inclusive of a pattern of multiple primaries. Surveillance and management protocols, when melded to the particular syndrome's natural history, can be life-saving.
Limb salvage surgery in spinal cord injury patients.

Advances in the care and rehabilitation of patients with spinal cord injuries (SCI) have resulted in extended survival following injury. Increasingly, we are faced with difficult chronic lower extremity ischemic complications in SCI patients. Recognizing limitations associated with amputation in these nonambulatory patients, we report the preliminary results of a program of selective limb salvage via arterial reconstructive surgery. Retrospective chart review was performed on the records of the Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System SCI unit. Since 1989, 15 revascularization procedures were identified in 10 SCI patients. All patients suffered from ischemic ulceration and/or gangrene. Procedures performed included femorotibial bypass (8), aortofemoral bypass (4), femoro-femoral bypass (2), and axillobifemoral bypass (AXF) (1). All patients were men. The mean age was 56 (range 43–73). Follow-up was available on 10 procedures performed in seven patients since 1992. Mean follow-up was 17 months. One patient died 3 months following distal bypass. The AXF occluded within 1 month. One distal bypass occluded in the immediate postoperative period and could not be salvaged. All other grafts remain patent, and all wounds have healed following successful bypass. One patient developed pressure ulceration following AXF grafting due to postoperative upper extremity limitations. No other complications were encountered. Standard arterial reconstructive procedures can be performed safely and successfully in SCI patients, despite diminished limb blood flow due to inactivity, and atrophic arteries, muscle, and fascia. Axillobifemoral bypass grafting may not be suitable in SCI due to requirements for upper extremity-based mobility. Confirmation of benefit of limb salvage versus amputation awaits comparison between patients eligible for either procedure.
Dietary tryptophan modulation and aggressive behavior in mice

The effects of a tryptophan-free diet on isolation-induced fighting and predatory cricket killing in mice were examined. The results demonstrated that consumption of a tryptophan-free diet for 18-20 days decreased both the number of fighters and duration of isolation-induced fighting; increased the number of cricket-killing mice and decreased the latencies to attack and the latencies to kill crickets; reduced brain serotonin 27%; increased water intake 38%; and decreased body weight 27% without affecting food intake. To determine if these effects were due specifically to the lack of dietary tryptophan, other groups of mice were fed a 5% tryptophan load in the standard chow; a 0.15% tryptophan supplement in the tryptophan-free diet; or a 3 grams/day restricted chow diet. The lack of tryptophan in the diet produced the marked inhibition in isolation-induced fighting, the reduction in brain serotonin, and the large decrease in body weight. The other non-specific effects appeared to be related to general factors such as dietary need for the cricket killing or diet composition (other than the lack of tryptophan) for the water intake.
Acoustical Properties of Interacting and Agglomerated Particles

Abstract Acoustical cross-sections of random homogenous dense systems of interacting and agglomerated Rayleigh particles are studied analytically. Both the interaction among particles within the agglomerate and the interaction among the agglomerates are taken into account. A model for the radial distribution function is proposed. The interaction effect on the attenuation of a plane wave is studied.
Feasibility of quantitative diffuse reflectance spectroscopy for targeted measurement of renal ischemia during laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.

Reduction of warm ischemia time during partial nephrectomy (PN) is critical to minimizing ischemic damage and improving postoperative kidney function, while maintaining tumor resection efficacy. Recently, methods for localizing the effects of warm ischemia to the region of the tumor via selective clamping of higher-order segmental artery branches have been shown to have superior outcomes compared with clamping the main renal artery. However, artery identification can prolong operative time and increase the blood loss and reduce the positive effects of selective ischemia. Quantitative diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) can provide a convenient, real-time means to aid in artery identification during laparoscopic PN. The feasibility of quantitative DRS for real-time longitudinal measurement of tissue perfusion and vascular oxygenation in laparoscopic nephrectomy was investigated in vivo in six Yorkshire swine kidneys (n=three animals). DRS allowed for rapid identification of ischemic areas after selective vessel occlusion. In addition, the rates of ischemia induction and recovery were compared for main renal artery versus tertiary segmental artery occlusion, and it was found that the tertiary segmental artery occlusion trends toward faster recovery after ischemia, which suggests a potential benefit of selective ischemia. Quantitative DRS could provide a convenient and fast tool for artery identification and evaluation of the depth, spatial extent, and duration of selective tissue ischemia in laparoscopic PN.
The effect of base mismatches in the substrate recognition helices of hammerhead ribozymes on binding and catalysis

The ability of the hammerhead ribozyme to distinguish between matched and mismatched substrates was evaluated using two kinetically defined ribozymes that differed in the length and sequence of the substrate recognition helices. A mismatch in the innermost base pair of helix I affected k2, the chemical cleavage step, while more distal mismatches had no such effect. In contrast, mismatches in any of the four innermost base pairs of helix III affected k2. Chase experiments indicated that mismatches also increased the rate of substrate dissociation by at least 20-100-fold, as expected from the stabilities of RNA helices.
Determinants of bidder competition in corporate takeovers

The importance of bidder competition in the corporate takeover process has long been recognized in theoretical models. This paper provides empirical tests of those models. The results indicate that resistance by target management to an initial bid encourages multiple bidders. Competing bidders are less likely to enter in cases where the target is large, but more likely to arise when the initial bidder is highly levered. High initial bids (preemptive bids) are found to discourage entry by additional firms. Surprisingly, targets with high levels of free cash flow tend not to be the recipients of multiple bids.
Ski acts as a co-repressor with Smad2 and Smad3 to regulate the response to type β transforming growth factor

The c-ski protooncogene encodes a transcription factor that binds DNA only in association with other proteins. To identify co-binding proteins, we performed a yeast two-hybrid screen. The results of the screen and subsequent co-immunoprecipitation studies identified Smad2 and Smad3, two transcriptional activators that mediate the type β transforming growth factor (TGF-β) response, as Ski-interacting proteins. In Ski-transformed cells, all of the Ski protein was found in Smad3-containing complexes that accumulated in the nucleus in the absence of added TGF-β. DNA binding assays showed that Ski, Smad2, Smad3, and Smad4 form a complex with the Smad/Ski binding element GTCTAGAC (SBE). Ski repressed TGF-β-induced expression of 3TP-Lux, the natural plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 promoter and of reporter genes driven by the SBE and the related CAGA element. In addition, Ski repressed a TGF-β-inducible promoter containing AP-1 (TRE) elements activated by a combination of Smads, Fos, and/or Jun proteins. Ski also repressed synergistic activation of promoters by combinations of Smad proteins but failed to repress in the absence of Smad4. Thus, Ski acts in opposition to TGF-β-induced transcriptional activation by functioning as a Smad-dependent co-repressor. The biological relevance of this transcriptional repression was established by showing that overexpression of Ski abolished TGF-β-mediated growth inhibition in a prostate-derived epithelial cell line.
Internet access to ionosondes

Abstract Connecting ionosondes to the Internet gives easy access to real-time information on ionospheric conditions. Some of the ionosonde sites provide just the ionogram displays, others give in addition the scaled ionospheric characteristics directly usable for frequency management and HF channel assessment. Some sounders also store days or months of station data, which makes it possible remotely to evaluate the time history of geophysical events. The Internet link is also a convenient means for remote system maintenance and control. The paper addresses various aspects of the Internet ionosonde scenario, including data base support, WWW publishing, user interface, security, and data format. A list of Internet accessible ionosonde stations is provided with a brief description.
Wavelet Like Behavior of Slepian Functions and Their Use in Density Estimation

Abstract Slepian functions (Prolate Spheroidal Wave Functions) are obtained by maximizing the energy of a σ-bandlimited function (normalized with total energy 1) on a prescribed interval [−τ, τ]. The solution to this problem leads to an eigenvalue problem λf(t) = {sinσ(t − x)/π(t − x)}f(x)dx, whose solutions, in turn, form an orthogonal sequence {ϕ n }. This sequence is a basis of the Paley-Wiener space B σ of σ-bandlimited functions. For σ = π, integer translates of the Slepian functions of order 0, {ϕ0(t − n)} form a Riesz basis of the same space. Furthermore, by using ϕ0 as a scaling function we can construct a wavelet theory based on them. Two methods of density estimations thus naturally arise; one based on the orthogonal system {ϕ n } and the other on the scaling functions {ϕ0(t − n)}. The former gives more rapid convergence, while the latter avoids Gibbs phenomenon, is locally positive, and allows the use of thresholding methods. Both approaches exhibit a strong localization property.
Skin Temperature Biofeedback in Children and Adults.

Skin temperature biofeedback performance was studied in 38 children, ages 6 to 10, and 38 of their parents, across two sessions of audio biofeedback segments in which the participants alternately attempted hand-warming and hand-cooling. Skin temperature from each hand was monitored throughout, but only one hand at a time was in the feedback loop. The major finding was that children were superior to adults in controlling skin temperature in the presence of biofeedback (p < .001). Adults showed no skin temperature control. For children, temperature changes were greater for the hand in the feedback loop as compared to the contralateral hand (p < .001). Children were equally successful in increasing and decreasing skin temperature. The results are consistent with earlier studies and suggest that children have considerable potential for neuropsychological self-regulation.
Occurrence of telia of Phakopsora pachyrhizi on kudzu in Texas.

The first discovery of Asian soybean rust (ASR) caused by Phakopsora pachyrhizi H. Sydow & Sydow in the continental United States was in Louisiana in 2004 (3). In Texas, the uredial stage of this fungus was first found on kudzu (Pueraria lobata) in November 2005 and 3 months later on soybean (Glycine max) (2). The telial stage of P. pachyrhizi was first reported in the continental United States on kudzu in central Florida (1). On January 5, 2008, telia of P. pachyrhizi along with uredia were found on living kudzu leaves at two locations in Polk and Liberty counties of East Texas, where only the uredial stage had been found in September of 2007. The kudzu in both locations had died back more than 99% in January. A single telium or a cluster of telia were found along with uredinia on the abaxial leaf surface. Telia and uredinia (n = 20) were similar in size, 136.3 ± 26.3 and 133.1 ± 16.4 μm in diameter, respectively. Telia were dark brown to black compared with tan colored uredinia. Elongated, oval-shaped teliospores (n = 15) were 18.1 ± 1.7 μm long and 10.6 ± 1.0 μm wide. A reexamination of herbarium specimens from previous ASR collections indicated that telia had been present on kudzu leaves from Liberty County collected in December of 2005 and 2006. In contrast, telia were not found on soybean leaves collected in February of 2006 and 2007 and January of 2008 from Hidalgo County in the Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV), an area with a subtropical climate where ASR hosts could survive year round. Kudzu does not occur in the LRGV. Infected kudzu in East Texas can support production of telia over the winter months. However, the hosts that can be infected by basidiospores have not been identified, and so the significance of telia as a source of genetic variation is not known. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the telial stage of P. pachyrhizi in Texas. References: (1) C. L. Harmon et al. Plant Dis. 90:380, 2006. (2) T. Isakeit et al. Plant Dis. 90:971, 2006. (3) R. W. Schneider et al. Plant Dis. 89:774, 2005.
Trends in Prematurity: What do Changes at an Urban Institution Suggest About the Public Health Impact of 17-Alpha Hydroxyprogesterone Caproate?

Despite the introduction of 17-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17P), the national preterm birth (PTB) rate remains unchanged. Our objectives were to determine whether the overall rate of PTB has decreased and whether there has been a shift in the trends of prematurity at our institution since the initiation of 17P use. We performed a cross sectional study of the PTB rate and gestational age distribution at delivery (GA-del) at our institution over two, 2-year time periods: TP1 (pre 17P, 1 Jan 2004–31 Dec 2005) and TP2 (post 17P, 1 Jan 2008–31 Dec 2009). Statistical analyses included χ2 tests for categorical data, t-tests for continuous data, and multivariable logistic regression to control for confounders. Overall (n = 15,421), there was no difference in the rate of PTB from TP1 to TP2 (16.65 vs 16.95%, p = 0.62). Among those with a history of prior PTB (n = 2,141), the mean preterm GA-del was 10 days later in TP2 than in TP1 (33.13 vs 31.64 weeks, p < 0.01) and significantly more preterm infants in TP2 delivered between 34–36 6/7 weeks than in TP1 (65.00 vs 45.63%, p < 0.01). The odds of a preterm infant delivering in the late preterm period was 2.3-fold higher in TP2 than TP1 (95% CI 1.49–3.54) after controlling for confounders. The significant shift in GA-del towards the late preterm period in TP2 may be due to the introduction of 17P use at our institution. Additional studies are needed to determine whether these trends persist on a nationwide level.
Global Wiring by Simulated Annealing

Simulated annealing, a new general-purpose method of multivariate optimization, is applied to global wire routing for both idealized (synthetic) and actual designs of realistic size and complexity. Since the simulated annealing results are better than those obtained by conventional methods we use them as a standard against which to compare several sequential or greedy strategies commonly employed in automatic wiring programs.
Carbon and nitrogen transformations in wastewater during treatment with Hydrocotyle umbellata L.

Abstract The transport of O2 through aerial plant tissue of aquatic plants into the root zone has important ramifications on C and N transformations in wastewater. In this study, O2 transport by pennywort (Hydrocotyle umbellata L.) and its effects on biological oxygen demand (BOD) and nitrification were investigated for primary and secondary treated sewage effluent. The treatments included flasks sealed with a rubber stopper to serve as a control, open flasks to determine the effects of O2 diffusion from the atmosphere, flasks with a plant held by a split-rubber stopper and open flasks with a plant. The 15N-labeled effluents were analyzed at 0, 1, 2, 4 and 8 days for dissolved O2 (DO), BOD, total Kjeldahl N (TKN), NH4-N and NO3-N. The plants were analyzed for TKN. Pennywort was shown to be very effective in reducing BOD in primary sewage effluent. A 42% reduction of BOD in 4 days was attributed to O2 transport by pennywort with an additional 30% due to oxygen diffusion from the atmosphere. Nitrification was difficult to document in either sewage effluent although 22–26% of the added 15N was not accounted for in treatments with plants and was presumably lost through denitrification.
Structural specificity of the pyrimidine transport process of the small intestine.

Abstract To investigate the structure-activity relationship in the active intestinal transfer of pyrimidines, various pyrimidine analogues were tested as inhibitors of the transport of uracil across the rat intestinal wall in vitro . Strong inhibition was seen with simple derivatives of uracil having a substituent replacing a hydrogen atom at carbon number 5 or 6. Changes in almost any other portion of the uracil molecule resulted in compounds of either weak or insignificant inhibitory activity.
Fetal responses to maternal and fetal methamphetamine administration in sheep

Abstract OBJECTIVES: The current study was designed to test the hypothesis that maternally administered methamphetamine decreasesfetal Pao 2 by reducing uterine blood flow and to determine the cardiovascular and blood gas responses to varying doses of methamphetamine given both to the fetus and the mother. STUDY DESIGN: Nine near-term pregnant sheep were surgically instrumented to measure maternal and fetal blood pressure and heart rate and uterine and umbilical blood flow. Fetal blood gases and pH were determined before and after each dose of methamphetamine. Methamphetamine was administered as intravenous bolus injections (30 to 35 minutes separating administration of each dose) into the maternal femoral vein in increasing doses of 0.03, 0.1, 0.3, and 1.0 mg/kg and on a separate days to the fetus into the hind limb vein as doses of 0.03, 0.1, 0.3, 1.0, and 3.0 mg/kg estimated fetal weight. RESULTS: Maternal methamphetamine administration produced a dose-related increase in maternal and fetal blood pressure and uterine vascular resistance, whereas uterine blood flow decreased in a dose-related fashion. Umbilical blood flow tended to increase slightly, but this did not reach significance. Fetal Pao 2 decreased significantly, whereas fetal pH decreased only modestly. Direct fetal administration of methamphetamine produced dose-related increases in fetal blood pressure and umbilical blood flow and a significant decrease in fetal pH but no change in fetal Pao 2 . CONCLUSIONS: The fetal Pao 2 decrease observed after maternal administration of methamphethamine appears to be a result of decreased uteroplacental perfusion, whereas the observed changes in fetal blood pressure and fetal pH appear to be a result of the direct action of methamphetamine on the fetus.
Web-Based Training in Child Maltreatment for Future Mandated Reporters.

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of providing Web-based information about child maltreatment to undergraduate education and graduate counseling students. The goal was to determine, via an objective test, whether students would gain information about abuse signs and symptoms and reporting laws. Methods One hundred and five education and counseling students enrolled in a large, urban, ethnically diverse, university participated in the Web-based training tutorial. Their participation was part of their course requirements. They logged into the Web site using their university identification number and password. The pre and post-tests could only be taken once. Completion of the tutorial took on average 1 hour. Results Findings indicated that students’ post-test scores were significantly higher than pretest scores on an examination measuring knowledge of child maltreatment signs, symptoms, and reporting procedures. Participants rated their knowledge of child maltreatment significantly higher after taking the tutorial and reported enjoying the self-paced learning of the Web format. Conclusion Overall, this study demonstrated the effectiveness of a brief on-line tutorial to disseminate information related to child abuse identification and reporting to future mandated reporters. In approximately 1 hour of on line training, participants gained an increase in knowledge of reporting procedures. Utilization of Web-based training is proposed as an effective and convenient method of instruction particularly for child abuse issues.
Effect of dose and food on the bioavailability of cefuroxime axetil

Cefuroxime axetil is an ester pro-drug which permits the oral administration of cefuroxime. This study was designed to evaluate the dose proportionality of four different doses administered after a meal and to determine the absolute bioavailability of cefuroxime axetil administered with and without food. The study was a six-way randomized crossover trial in 12 normal male volunteers. Subjects received an intravenous dose of cefuroxime (500 mg) and five oral doses of cefuroxime axetil (125, 250, 500-twice, 1000 mg). The intravenous dose and one of the 500 mg doses was administered after an overnight fast. The other four oral doses were administered after a standard meal. Blood samples were collected prior to each dose and serially for 12 h after the dose. Urine was collected for 24 h. Plasma and urine samples were analysed for cefuroxime by high pressure liquid chromatography. There was a linear relationship between the fed dose and both the area under the plasma concentration time curve (r2 = 0.958) and the peak plasma concentration (r2 = 0.943). Based on a comparison of the AUC for the oral and intravenous data, 36 per cent of the fasting and 52 per cent of the fed 500 mg doses were absorbed. The mean peak plasma concentration was 43 per cent greater after the fed dose than the fasting dose. A plot of the mean fraction of unabsorbed drug versus time reveals that absorption is an apparent zero order process from 0.5 to 3 h after dosing.
A unified vectorial approach to difference point methods in stagewise operations

A fundamental unified approach from vectorial considerations is presented from which the usual rectangular and triangular difference point methods are derived as special cases. The approach is then extended to yield other difference point methods including some of higher order. Results are applicable to blending, distillation, extractio, foam fractionation, and other operations.
From cancer genomes to oncogenic drivers, tumour dependencies and therapeutic targets

The analysis of human cancer by genome sequencing and various types of arrays has proved that many tumours harbour hundreds of genes that are mutated or substantially altered by copy number changes. But how many of these changes are meaningful? And how can we exploit these massive data sets to yield new targets for cancer treatment? In this Opinion article, we describe emerging approaches that aim to determine which altered genes are actually contributing to cancer, as well as their potential as therapeutic targets.
A comparison of two-dimensional strain analysis methods using elliptical grains

Abstract Two groups of methods of measuring the strain ellipse from elliptical grains are applied to deformed slates and sandstones, and the results are compared against one another. Group I includes the slope method and the method of means that measures the arithmetic, geometric, and harmonic means of grain axial ratios. Group II includes more sophiticated methods, and includes R f φ , the method of Shimamoto & Ikeda, the Robin method and a numerical version of the polar graph. This study shows that among group I, the harmonic mean method best approximates the strain ratio (Rs) at moderate strain. Among group II, there is a good linear correlation among Rs calculated by the Robin method, Shimamoto & Ikeda, R f φ , and to a lesser extent, the numerical polar graph. A graph incorporating the results of this study permits simple calculation of Rs from the harmonic mean of grain axial ratios for deformed rocks with similar lithologic and deformational characteristics to the samples used.
The value of echocardiographic regional wall motion abnormalities in detecting coronary artery disease in patients with or without a dilated left ventricle

To evaluate the usefulness of echocardiographic regional wall motion abnormalities (RWMA) in detecting coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with left ventricular (LV) dysfunction and a normal-sized or dilated left ventricle, 103 patients were studied by two-dimensional echocardiography (2DE) and cardiac catheterization. In 60 patients (group I) who had LV dysfunction and a dilated left ventricle by echo (patients with dilated cardiomyopathy), RWMA were detected in 44 patients and 38 (86%) of them had significant CAD, usually two- or three-vessel obstruction; of the 16 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and diffuse LV hypokinesis, eight (50%) had evidence of CAD. Thus the presence of RWMA by 2DE had an 83% sensitivity, a 57% specificity, and a 77% predictive accuracy in detecting CAD in patients with DCM and thus in distinguishing ischemic from idiopathic DCM. In 43 patients with LV dysfunction but normal LV size (group II), the sensitivity, specificity, and predictive accuracy of RWMA in detecting significant CAD was 95%, 100%, and 95%, respectively. We conclude that the detection of RWMA by 2DE is highly suggestive of significant CAD in patients with LV dysfunction and normal-sized or dilated left ventricle; the finding, however, of diffuse LV hypokinesis does not exclude CAD in these patients, especially when the left ventricle is dilated.
The impact of apathy on glycemic control in diabetes: A cross-sectional study

Objective: Diabetes mellitus is a major public health problem with a prevalence of 6–7%. Selfcare behaviors play a major role in the control of diabetes. Apathy is characterized by loss of initiative and motivation. Apathy may interfere with self-care behavior and glycemic control. The primary objective was to determine the prevalence of apathy in patients with diabetes. The secondary objective was to determine if there was an association between clinically significant apathy and factors that affect glycemic control. Research design and methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 100 patients with diabetes who were assessed with the Apathy Evaluation Scale-Clinician version (AES-C), the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAM-D), and the Self-Care Inventory (SCI). For this study we defined clinically significant apathy as AES-C score of >30. We excluded patients with a HAM-D score of >14 (n = 19) to avoid confounding from depression. T-tests were used to compare clinical characteristics between subjects with and without apathy. Multiple linear regression modeling was used to investigate the association between clinically significant apathy and factors that affect glycemic control.
Examination of the placenta: Medico-legal implications

Formal examination of the placenta may provide valuable information to the clinicians, family, and court of law in cases of adverse pregnancy outcome when litigation is initiated. Placental examination contributes towards the identification of specific intrinsic or secondary placental lesions, and understanding the nature of the intrauterine environment. This article provides an update of important placental pathologies that may contribute towards neurologic injury of the newborn child, and describes the role of placental findings in the adjudication of cases of adverse neonatal outcome.
Cometabolic biodegradation of trichloroethylene (TCE) in the gas phase

Biofiltration is an effective means of destroying contaminants present in waste gases generated during subsurface remediation. Potentially, biofilters can be used in the cometabolic destruction of chlorinated organics. Biofiltration columns inoculated with Pseudomonas putida F1 removed between 30 and 60% of TCE using toluene as the primary growth substrate. Biofilter performance appeared to be limited by competitive inhibition, product toxicity, and the enzyme activity and NADH levels within the cells. Aqueous-phase batch experiments were used to quantify the extent of competitive inhibition and the effect of toluene and TCE on toluene dioxygenase enzyme activity.
The discursive construction of the separation wall at Abu Dis: graffiti as political discourse

The article analyses the discursive function of graffiti on the separation wall in the contested space of Abu Dis on the boundary between Jerusalem and the Occupied Territories. This study explores the role of graffiti as micro-level, political discourse designed to influence national and international actions concerning the Palestinian-Israeli conflict over national borders, self determination and human rights. The data for this study consisted of photographic documentation of the Abu Dis graffiti. This data was analysed for its linguistic and informational characteristic, its political functions, and discursive construction. The results of the study reveal that the separation wall is constructed in five different ways that directly interact with the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. The graffiti on the wall at Abu Dis is a microcosm of the broader conflict and offers an insight into the different chains of political discourse in action in the discussion of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
The use of Escherichia coli mutants to measure the bioavailability of essential amino acids in foods.

The β-galactosidase-based assay for lysine developed by Tuffnell & Payne was used to measure the bioavailabilities of cyst(e)ine, methionine, threonine and tryptophan in pronase digests of 17 foods. The digests were assayed by estimating the β-galactosidase synthesis responses of fiveEscherichia coli mutants, each requiring one of the respective amino acids for protein synthesis. Deletion mutants were used whenever possible in order to ensure strain stability. Single digests of each food were assayed with 3 or 4 separate cultures of each mutant and the results were compared with those from the corresponding chemical assay. Omitting the anomalously low values for one food, the rank correlation coefficients of the bio- and chemo-assay values were 0.61 (cysteine), 0.91 (lysine), 0.95 (methionine), 0.64 (threonine) and 0.85 (tryptophan). Mean (± S.D.) relative amino acid bioavailabilities (casein = 100%) for the 17 foods were: cysteine, 53±23; lysine, 90±10; methionine, 95±18; threonine, 89±13; and tryptophan, 89±25. The cysteine mutant appeared to give unusually low bioavailability values except for the milk products. These amino acid mutants afford a rapid method for assaying the bioavailabilities of at least four of the five amino acids studied.
The relationship between temporomandibular joint sounds and malocclusion

The relationship between temporomandibular joint (TMJ) sounds and the occlusion was evaluated in a sample of 226 patients before commencement of orthodontic treatment. TMJ sounds were recorded on videotape, using an audiovisual system, for subsequent classification into various categories. The prevalence of joint sounds was 36.3% (N = 82) of which 50% (N = 41) were categorized as reciprocal clicks. The occlusion (static and functional) and skeletal relationships generally did not appear to be significant factors in contributing to TMJ sounds in patients with malocclusions. However, a larger interincisal angle in the sound-present group, and dental wear and increased overbite in the reciprocal-clicking subgroup may be associated factors.
Umbilical cord size and amniotic fluid volume in prolonged pregnancy.

Expectant management of prolonged pregnancy is predicated on reassuring biophysical testing. However, even the combination of a reactive nonstress test and normal amniotic fluid volume may not prevent subsequent morbidity. To test the hypothesis that diminished cord Wharton's jelly incurs risk of peripartum cord compression in addition to decreased amniotic fluid, 68 patients with confirmed gestational age ≥41 weeks were evaluated prospectively with semiweekly nonstress tests and weekly ultrasound examinations. Amniotic fluid volume was assessed, and umbilical cord diameter was measured and then correlated with the quantity of Wharton's jelly at delivery, determined by cord circumference. A significant correlation between cord circumference and umbilical cord diameter was observed, even in those patients with decreased amniotic fluid volume. Either an amniotic fluid volume
Response of the laboratory mouse to selection for resistance to insecticides

Abstract White laboratory mice ( Mus musculus ) were subjected to ip injections of 4 insecticides (carbaryl, dichlorvos, DDT, and dieldrin) at the calculated LD50 doses one time during each generation for 12–14 generations. LD50 studies made at the 5th, 10th, and terminal generations were in general agreement with LD50 levels established prior to the selection experiments. Variables associated with growth and reproduction were unaffected by the selection experiments except that the dieldrin and dichlorvos subcolonies showed slight retardation of weight gains on occasions. The terminal generation was examined (untreated itself but selected for 12–14 generations from ancestors which had been treated once per generation at the calculated LD50 level) for a number of physiological and biochemical variables. No consistent differences were found among the terminal subcolonies with respect to blood cell numbers and types, respiration rate or O 2 consumption, vital organ weight, blood cholinesterase activity, liver dichlorvos hydrolysis, or liver aniline hydroxylase activity. The data appear to support the considerable ability of mice to adapt to stress of insecticide pressure.
Dynamics of Integrated Silicon Micro-heaters

Abstract Micro-cantilevers with integrated heaters serve as powerful tools for investigation and manipulation at the nanometer scale. They can be used to locally heat surfaces. They can also serve as low-cost, highly integrable topography sensors, and find application as position sensors for nanopositioning applications. In this paper we present a tractable feedback model that captures the thermo-electric dynamics of these micro-heaters. A systems approach is preferred over a modeling approach based on the underlying physical mechanisms. Experimental results on the write/read heaters and the thermal position sensors from a probe-based data-storage device are presented.
Information content of chemical structures and some possible biological applications.

The purpose of this paper is to calculate the amount of information contained in a chemical or biological structure, and to estimate the energy needed for obtaining an organization unit. The first problem is solved by applying H. J. Morowitz's reasoning (Bull. Math. Biophysics,17, 81–86, 1955) and, for the second one, calculations based upon bond formation heat are carried out.Information content theoretical physical entropy, real physical entropy, informational entropy or negentropy entropic information or neginformation, heat amount, as well as relationships between these system parameters, are defined and used. The investigation covers 63 chemical substances (inorganic and organic compounds). The numerical results should show that common organized systems happen to be between two extreme kinds of systems: highly disordered systems and ideally organized systems. Some speculative numerical applications are carried out regarding chlorophyllian photosynthesis and information amount accumulated through biological growth. It seems that Information Theory may predict some biocalorimetric results.
Molecular Orientation and Absorbance Determination for Oriented Polymers by Tilting Method with Nonpolarized Infrared Light

A new method of measuring the absorbance corrected for orientation and the orientation of oriented polymer systems is derived. The method using unpolarized light utilizes a linear plotting and extrapolation technique to minimize experimental errors. The method is applied to oriented nlyon 66 samples and the results are compared with the previous methods.
Optical Soliton Perturbation with Bandwidth Limited Amplification and Saturable Amplifiers

The propagation of solitons through an optical fiber, described by the perturbed Nonlinear Schrodinger's equation, is studied in this paper by the method of Multiple Scale Perturbation Expansion. Here, it is shown for the first time that, by introducing a new definition of the phase of soliton, one can obtain corrections to the pulse, in presence of the perturbation terms, where the standard soliton perturbation theory fails. This dynamically stable soliton is a very useful physical model in the optical soliton communication world. A comparison is made with results obtained by other methods along with numerical simulations.