cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hemispherical Spectral Emittance of Selected Rare Earth Oxides

The hemispherical spectral emittances for the sesquioxides of yttrium, samarium, gadolinium, erbium, thulium, and ytterbium are given for five wavelengths in the visible portion of the spectrum over the range of 1400° to 3000°K. A reflectance technique incorporating a carbon arc image furnace and a standard of reflectance was used in the determinations. The emittance of zirconium dioxide was measured to check the validity of the method.
Polynomial Spline Estimation and Inference of Proportional Hazards Regression Models with Flexible Relative Risk Form

The Cox proportional hazards model usually assumes an exponential form for the dependence of the hazard function on covariate variables. However, in practice this assumption may be violated and other relative risk forms may be more appropriate. In this article, we consider the proportional hazards model with an unknown relative risk form. Issues in model interpretation are addressed. We propose a method to estimate the relative risk form and the regression parameters simultaneously by first approximating the logarithm of the relative risk form by a spline, and then employing the maximum partial likelihood estimation. An iterative alternating optimization procedure is developed for efficient implementation. Statistical inference of the regression coefficients and of the relative risk form based on parametric asymptotic theory is discussed. The proposed methods are illustrated using simulation and an application to the Veteran's Administration lung cancer data.
Time to discontinuation of first- and second-generation antipsychotic medications in the treatment of schizophrenia.

Abstract Background Continuous adherence to antipsychotic treatment is critical for individuals with schizophrenia to benefit optimally, yet studies have shown rates of antipsychotic discontinuation to be high with few differences across medications. We investigated discontinuation of selected first- and second-generation antipsychotics among individuals with schizophrenia receiving usual care in a VA healthcare network in the U.S. mid-Atlantic region. Methods We identified 2138 VA patients with schizophrenia who initiated antipsychotic treatment with one of five non-clozapine second-generation antipsychotics or either of the two most commonly prescribed first-generation agents between 1/2004 and 9/2006. The dependent variable was duration of continuous antipsychotic possession from the index prescription until the first gap of more than 45 days between prescriptions. We used the Cox proportional hazards model to compare the hazard of discontinuation among the seven antipsychotics controlling for patient demographic and clinical characteristics. The reference group was olanzapine. Results The majority of patients (84%) discontinued their index antipsychotic during the follow-up period (up to 33 months). In multivariable analysis, only risperidone had a significantly greater hazard of discontinuation compared to olanzapine (Adjusted hazard ratio = 1.15, 95% CI: 1.02–1.30, p = .025). Younger age, non-white race, homelessness, substance use disorder, recent inpatient mental health hospitalization, and prescription of another antipsychotic were also associated with earlier discontinuation. Conclusions Examination of a usual care sample of individuals with schizophrenia revealed short durations of antipsychotic use, with only risperidone having a shorter time to discontinuation than olanzapine. These findings demonstrate that current antipsychotic agents have limited overall acceptability by patients in usual care.
Memory template comparison processes in anhedonia and dysthymia

Anhedonic subjects, potentially at risk for psychopathology because of a deficient ability to experience pleasure, have demonstrated a large N200 component in the event-related brain potential (ERP). The present experiment attempted to determine the psychological significance of this finding in light of Naatanen's (1990) distinction between N2a and N2b subcomponents. Anhedonics were contrasted with controls and dysthymics, an at-risk group reporting depression. Across groups, N2a was larger when a tone mismatched a longer run of preceding identical tones. Thus, an involuntary mismatch process appears to be intact in both at-risk groups. However, the three groups produced distinct N2bs as a function of stimulus sequence. The N2b finding for anhedonics is consistent with Knight's (1984, 1992) model of early stimulus processing deficits in schizophrenia.
Comparison of Safety of Subcutaneous Enoxaparin as Outpatient Anticoagulation Bridging Therapy in Patients With a Mechanical Heart Valve Versus Patients With Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation

Patients with mechanical heart valves (MHVs) are at a higher risk for thromboembolic events than patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). This difference is observed in the higher maintenance international normalized ratio (INR) range for patients with MHV and in the selection for anticoagulation bridge therapy when warfarin is interrupted perioperatively. However, once the decision is made to "bridge," the same therapeutic options, unfractionated heparin and subcutaneous low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH), are applicable to the 2 patient populations. Unfractionated heparin requires extended hospitalization and is often not selected. A paucity of published data exist establishing the efficacy and safety of LMWH as a bridging agent. The aim of this study was to describe a single-center experience and to provide data supporting the use of enoxaparin as a bridging agent. The study assessed whether patients with MHV undergoing bridging for a variety of procedures had higher thromboembolic and hemorrhagic risk compared to patients with nonvalvular AF. We performed a retrospective cohort study of 173 patients (with MHV and AF) who underwent 230 bridging episodes with an LMWH, enoxaparin, from February 2002 through September 2007. Main outcome measurements were the incidence of thromboembolic and hemorrhagic events within 2 months after the procedure. Of total bridging episodes, 130 episodes met the inclusion criteria; 62 episodes occurred in the MHV population and 68 episodes occurred in the AF population. The procedures varied from minor invasive procedures to major surgeries. There were no deaths or thromboembolic events. Major and minor bleeding rates were similar between the MHV and AF groups (3.2% and 2.9%, 14.5% and 13.2% respectively, p = NS). The major bleeding rate was similar to published data on bridging therapy. Most bleeding episodes (73%) occurred within 7 days after the procedure. In conclusion, our study provided actual outpatient anticoagulation clinical data on using LMWH as an option for periprocedural bridging anticoagulation in patients with MHV.
Chronic psychosocial stress impairs early LTP but not late LTP in the dentate gyrus of at-risk rat model of Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract The CA1 and dentate gyrus regions of the hippocampus are physically and functionally closely related but they react differently to insults. This study examined the effect of chronic psychosocial stress on the dentate gyrus of an at-risk (preclinical) rat model of Alzheimer׳s disease (subAβ rats). Chronic psychosocial stress was produced using a rat intruder model. The at-risk rat model of Alzheimer׳s disease was created by osmotic pump infusion of sub-pathological dose of Aβ (160 pmol Aβ1–42/day i.c.v) for 14 days. Electrophysiological methods were used to evoke and record early and late phase LTP in the dentate gyrus of anesthetized rats, and immunoblotting was used to measure levels of memory-related signaling molecules in the same region. Electrophysiological and molecular tests in the dentate gyrus showed that subAβ rats or stressed rats were not different from control rats. However, when the subAβ rats were chronically stressed, the combined treatments severely suppressed early phase LTP without affecting the late phase LTP of dentate gyrus. Additionally, in the chronically stressed subAβ rats the expected elevation of levels of phosphorylated CaMKII did not materialize after expression of early phase LTP suggesting impaired phosphorylation, which may explain the severely blocked early phase LTP.
Endotoxin content of standardized allergen vaccines.

Abstract Background: Endotoxin is a ubiquitous and potent proinflammatory agent. Previous limited studies suggest that it is pres-ent in allergen vaccines and that this could affect the safety and efficacy of allergen immunotherapy. The endotoxin content of standardized allergen vaccines is unknown. Objective: The purpose of this study was to quantify the amount of endotoxin contained in standardized allergen vaccines. Methods: The endotoxin content of 14 allergen vaccines was measured by using the Limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) gel-clot assay. To account for (1,3)-β-d-glucan and protease interference, vaccines were selectively depleted of endotoxin and then retested with the gel-clot assay. Proteases were also heat-inactivated in selected vaccines. Fifty-eight lots of vaccines were tested, including at least two manufacturers per vaccine. Results: The endotoxin content of the 58 vaccines ranged from undetectable to 34,000 EU/mL. Cat pelt (12,735 EU/mL; range, 5177 to 33,805) had significantly more endotoxin activity than cat hair (2883 EU/mL; range, 1 to 16,962), and Dermatophagoides farinae extracts (4619 EU/mL; range, 849 to 8485) had more than Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (11 EU/mL; range, 1 to 34). Grass (160 EU/mL; range, 3 to 1561) and ragweed pollen (341 EU/mL; range, 8 to 1697) vaccines contained less endotoxin. (1,3)-β-d-glucan interference was significant (>10%) only in three ragweed vaccines and two grass vaccines. Heat inactivation had no effect. There were considerable differences in endotoxin content of the same vaccines made by different manufacturers. Conclusions: The endotoxin content of standardized allergen vaccines is extremely variable. Interference by proteases and (1,3)-β-d-glucans is minimal. The effects of the high levels of endotoxin in some vaccines on the immunomodulatory changes associated with allergen immunotherapy require further study.
Matrix construction of subnormal tuples of finite type

Abstract We review Xia's analytic model for subnormal tuples of operators as well as a matricial decomposition of pure subnormal tuples of Eschmeier and Putinar. Based on these developments we create a matricial construction of pure subnormal tuples of finite type from the Xia unitary invariants. In the process we develop necessary and sufficient conditions for sets of operators {C0j,D1j} to be the Xia invariants of a subnormal tuple.
On the Control Over Stereotype Activation and Stereotype Inhibition

Stereotypes are known to influence how we think about (judge, feel, plan, attend to, remember), and act toward, others. Stereotyping is typically described as pervasive in society for a variety of reasons, one of which being that the cognitive processes that initiate stereotyping occur effortlessly, without conscious intent, and without awareness. That is, upon encountering members of stereotyped groups, we ‘uncontrollably’ have stereotypes of those groups retrieved and held accessible in a state of perceptual readiness. This occurs without our knowledge or awareness of the stereotype’s ‘primed’ status, and thus our lacking awareness of its potential to influence how we respond. The current article explores various ways this implicit process of stereotype activation is controlled. Despite the fact that stereotype activation happens with ease, and outside of awareness, control processes also operate with ease, and outside of awareness. The review illustrates a variety of ways in which a stereotype may not be triggered (and thus downstream stereotyping of a person controlled) upon encountering a person. The dominant response to a person, stereotypic or not, is determined by the goals the individual perceiver has upon entering the interpersonal encounter. Many goals relevant to interpersonal interaction promote stereotyping. However, stereotype promotion is a form of stereotype control, and if control can be exhibited in the form of promotion, it should also be demonstrable in the form of prevention. Indeed, goals that are incompatible with stereotyping yield dominant responses to having encountered a member of a stereotyped group that does not involve activation of, and may involve inhibition of, stereotypes.
Intracollisional interference of R lines of HD in mixtures of deuterium hydride and helium gas

Line shapes of the ${R}_{0}(0)$ and ${R}_{0}(1)$ lines in the pure rotational band, and of the ${R}_{1}(0)$ and ${R}_{1}(1)$ lines in the fundamental band of HD are computed from first principles for HD molecules that interact collisionally with He atoms. Interference of the permanent dipole of the HD molecule and the interaction-induced dipole of HD--He supermolecular complex shapes these profiles. We use the close-coupling scheme for the scattering calculations which take into account the anisotropy of the HD--He interaction potential. Thus rotational level mixing is accounted for in a non-perturbative manner. The treatment is fully quantum mechanical and takes into account single binary collisions between HD and He. Spectral absorption profiles and line shape parameters of the R-lines are computed for comparison with existing measurements at 77 K. Agreement between theory and measurements is observed in the low-helium-density limit of the measured absorption as expected.
Policy auditing over incomplete logs: theory, implementation and applications

We present the design, implementation and evaluation of an algorithm that checks audit logs for compliance with privacy and security policies. The algorithm, which we name reduce, addresses two fundamental challenges in compliance checking that arise in practice. First, in order to be applicable to realistic policies, reduce operates on policies expressed in a first-order logic that allows restricted quantification over infinite domains. We build on ideas from logic programming to identify the restricted form of quantified formulas. The logic can, in particular, express all 84 disclosure-related clauses of the HIPAA Privacy Rule, which involve quantification over the infinite set of messages containing personal information. Second, since audit logs are inherently incomplete (they may not contain sufficient information to determine whether a policy is violated or not), reduce proceeds iteratively: in each iteration, it provably checks as much of the policy as possible over the current log and outputs a residual policy that can only be checked when the log is extended with additional information. We prove correctness, termination, time and space complexity results for reduce. We implement reduce and optimize the base implementation using two heuristics for database indexing that are guided by the syntactic structure of policies. The implementation is used to check simulated audit logs for compliance with the HIPAA Privacy Rule. Our experimental results demonstrate that the algorithm is fast enough to be used in practice.
The relationship between justice and attitudes: An examination of justice effects on event and system-related attitudes

Research in organizational justice has always been interested in the relationship between justice and attitudes. This research often examines how different types of justice affect different attitudes, with distributive justice predicted to affect attitudes about specific events (e.g., performance evaluation) and procedural justice predicted to affect attitudes about organizations (e.g., organizational commitment). However, there is mixed support for these predictions. Moreover, this approach generally ignores the relationship between attitudes about the specific event and attitudes toward the organization. In this study we identify three alternative models of justice and attitudes. We use customer responses to complaint handling to test these alternative conceptualizations. Results generally support a mediated model, wherein event attitudes mediate the effect of justice perceptions on system-related attitudes. The implication of these findings for organizations and justice researchers are discussed.
Microwave interferometric measurements of process plasma density

The electron density of a plasma is an important parameter because it governs the rate of production of reactive species and ions. Overall reaction rates in deposition and etching processes depend on the electron density. Microwave interferometry is a rapid and relatively nonperturbing diagnostic method for the measurement of a line-averaged electron density. The practical aspects of microwave interferometry are examined here. Bench top studies of the simulated plasma environment are described addressing the questions of electrode multipassing wall reflection and plasma gradients. Finally actual electron density data taken in a 13. 56 MHz planar -diode reactor for Ar SF6 and Ar + 02 plasma are presented. It was determined that the plasma densities fall in the range of 10 8to 10 cm3 with the Ar plasma being at least an order of magnitude denser than SF6 for the same pressures and powers.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Prognostic impact of Beclin 1, p62/sequestosome 1 and LC3 protein expression in colon carcinomas from patients receiving 5-fluorouracil as adjuvant chemotherapy

Autophagy is a cellular degradation process that can be activated in tumor cells to confer stress tolerance. During autophagy initiation and autophagosome formation, Beclin 1 binds microtubule-associated protein-1 light chain 3 (LC3I) that is converted to its membrane-bound form (LC3II) and interacts with the ubiquitin-binding protein p62/sequestosome 1 (SQSTM1). We determined the association of Beclin 1, LC3 and p62 protein expression with clinical outcome in resected stage II and III colon carcinomas (n = 178) from participants in 5-fluororuacil (5-FU)-based adjuvant therapy trials. The immunopercentage for each marker was determined and dichotomized for analysis with overall survival (OS) using Cox models. We found that autophagy markers localized to the tumor cell cytoplasm and showed increased expression relative to normal epithelial cells. Overexpression of Beclin 1, LC3 and p62 proteins were detected in 69%, 79% and 85% of tumors, respectively. Expression levels were not significantly associated wi...
On monopoly power in a differentiated product industry

This paper develops an increasing monopoly model based on the notion that consumers buying a particular brand have varying preferences for the brand. The model predicts a monopoly-increasing effect in certain types of goods that might be termed “reputation goods”. Examples of “reputation goods” are primary medical care, prescription drugs, and personal legal services. Entry may be accompanied by a rise in price in these types of goods because following entry preferred brands mostly have loyal customers with relatively inelastic demands.
The role of computed tomography in diseases of the musculoskeletal system

Computed tomography has added another dimension to the evaluation of musculoskeletal disease. The ability to discern subtle differences in tissue densities and the capability of viewing structures in the axial plane has greatly aided the resolution between normal and pathologic tissue and the appreciation of the anatomic relation between normal and pathologic structures. This paper deals with the application of CT in the evaluation of neoplastic, inflammatory, traumatic, metabolic, and congenital diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
The epidemiology of secondary amenorrhea

Abstract The frequency rates of secondary amenorrhea when examined epidemiologically appear to be quantitatively related to separation from home and family and to the extent of the threat associated with such separation. In peacetime circumstances the rates are low but increase to 100 per cent in those about to be executed. Such amenorrhea definitely antedates the malnutrition which is associated with many of the situations where high rates occurred. In the large majority of instances, amenorrhea developed immediately after the separation. The prognosis is excellent if the stress can be adapted to or removed. However, when the amenorrhea is preceded by evidence of psychosexual immaturity, neurotic or psychotic, the prognosis is more dubious. There is some evidence that age of menarche and age at separation influence the rates.
Parallel solution of pentadiagonal systems using generalized odd-even elimination

A new method for the solution of pentadiagonal systems of linear equations is presented. The method is a generalization of ordinary odd-even elimination used for tridiagonal systems. Using n processors, an n X n pentadiagonal system can be solved using the new method (generalized odd-even elimination) in time proportional to log2n.
Hormone-binding properties and glycosylation pattern of a recombinant form of the extracellular domain of the luteinizing hormone/chorionic gonadotropin receptor expressed in mammalian cells

The present studies were undertaken to characterize the properties of a recombinant truncated rat LH/CG (rLH/CG) receptor representing the extracellular domain (rLHR-t338) expressed in mammalian cells. Using detergent-soluble extracts of stably transfected cells, we show that the binding of ovine (o) LH to the extracellular domain is different from the binding of oLH to the full-length receptor. Thus, whereas the full-length receptor from either rat corpora lutea or stably transfected 293 cells binds oLH with two apparent affinities, rLHR-t338 binds oLH with only one affinity, which is intermediate between the high and low affinities of the full-length receptors. However, rLHR-t338 as well as the full-length receptor binds hCG and hLH with similar high affinities and by a model assuming the presence of only one binding site. These data are consistent with the possibility that the carboxyl-terminal half of the LH/CG receptor may contribute (either directly or indirectly) to a second low affinity hormone-binding site. The truncated receptor retains normal binding specificity, as it does not bind hFSH, demonstrating that the extracellular domain alone contains all of the necessary elements for conferring specificity among the gonadotropin hormones. Our studies also show that rLHR-t338 is glycosylated and migrates as two proteins of 48 and 44 kilodaltons (kDa) on sodium dodecyl sulfate gels (where the 44-kDa species is probably a partially degraded form of the 48-kDa protein). However, the N-linked oligosaccharides of the truncated receptor do not appear to be fully processed, as they remain in a high mannose form. rLHR-t338 is not secreted from cells, but remains trapped intracellularly. It can be detected, though, in detergent-soluble extracts of cells or in homogenates. Upon centrifugation of homogenates, it was found that about 90% of the recoverable truncated receptor can be obtained in the supernatant fraction. Thus, mammalian cells could provide a source of a water-soluble extracellular domain of the LH/CG receptor.
Recent advances in the development of melanocortin-4 receptor agonists

The melanocortin receptors are an area of intense current research, both in academia and in the pharmaceutical industry. The large body of evidence to support a critical role for the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) in energy homeostasis (as well as indications of involvement in other interesting physiological processes) has prompted research efforts to investigate its pharmacology. This review will focus on recent advances toward the identification of potential therapeutic agents working via activation of MC4R, supplementing the more general review on ‘Ligands to the melanocortins’ published in this journal in 2001 [1]. Several patent applications have been filed in the last year on compounds with MC4R agonist activity for a variety of indications, most notably the treatment of feeding and body weight disorders and sexual dysfunction.
Challenges in the Pharmacologic Management of Obesity and Secondary Dyslipidemia in Children and Adolescents

The rise in childhood obesity has lead to an increased number of children with lipid abnormalities and the predominance of a combined dyslipidemic pattern characterized by a moderate-to-severe elevation in triglycerides, normal-to-mild mild elevation in LDL cholesterol and reduced HDL cholesterol. Although recently published National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) guidelines represent a significant step forward in managing primary dyslipidemias in pediatric patients, there is still no general consensus regarding the pharmacologic treatment of obesity-related lipid abnormalities in children. The use of early pharmacologic intervention to control dyslipidemias and reduce cardiovascular risk in young children is only expected to increase given the steady increase in obesity and emergence of atherosclerotic disease in pre-adolescents. Despite the increasing use of lipid-lowering therapy in children over the last few years, diet and lifestyle modification remain the first line therapy. Given the challenges of instituting and maintaining lifestyle modification in pediatric patients, however, it is likely that institution of drug therapy may be required in many children. Of all the medications currently available, the fibric acid derivatives have a cholesterol lowering profile that is most likely to be effective in obese children with the high TG/low HDL phenotype and data from a recently published study of gemfibrozil in children with metabolic syndrome are promising. However, additional information regarding the short and long-term safety and efficacy of fibrate therapy in children with obesity-related lipid disorders is needed before use of these agents can be recommended.
Recurrent point mutations in the kinetochore gene KNSTRN in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma

Paul Khavari and colleagues identify recurrent mutations concentrated at an ultraviolet signature hotspot in the KNSTRN gene in 19% of cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas. KNSTRN encodes a kinetochore protein.
Health-promotion behaviors and psychological distress in cancer survivors.

Purpose/objectives To determine whether cancer survivors engage in health-promotion behaviors, to evaluate the extent of their experience of psychological distress, and to investigate the relationship between the practice of health-promotion behaviors and psychological distress. Design Cross-sectional secondary data analysis. Setting A national, face-to-face interview conducted by personnel of the U.S. Census Bureau using a random sampling of American adults. Sample 1,784 survey respondents who reported a previous cancer diagnosis. Methods Data from the 2009 National Health Interview Survey were used to examine the prevalence of smoking, physical inactivity, alcohol use, and reports of psychosocial distress. Interviews pertained to the amount and distribution of illness, its effects in terms of disability and chronic impairments, and the kinds of health services people receive. Main research variables Age, current smoking prevalence, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and the experience of feeling hopelessness, sadness, and anxiety. Findings Cancer survivors continue to smoke at a rate similar to the national average. Overall, most respondents reported no symptoms of psychological distress. However, age appears to play a major role, showing significant differences in the prevalence of current smoking, participation in physical activity, alcohol use, and reported level of distress. Conclusions This study provides estimates of the prevalence of health-promotion behaviors and experience of psychological distress among American cancer survivors. The results reveal opportunities for interventions among cancer survivors. Implications for nursing Nurses should be proactive in providing guidance to survivors regarding the adoption of healthy lifestyle behaviors. Those who encounter younger cancer survivors need to be alert to the higher potential for distress in that population, perform appropriate screenings, and be prepared to offer guidance, supportive care, and referrals for psychological care if needed.
Preparation and study of human eyes obtained postmortem with the Miyake posterior photographic technique.

Abstract A modification of the original Miyake technique of posterior photography of human eyes obtained postmortem is presented. A detailed description of globe preparation and equipment is described. Use of modern technology including a high magnification microscope system and video camera permits dynamic or realtime observations of tissue effects of various surgical procedures such as the cataract operation. This technique provides both a research and educational tool that can be used by ophthalmologists to improve the quality of surgery. Most important, it is an instructional tool that should reduce the “learning curve” that is inherent when modifying one's surgical technique.
A Test of the Spirit: The Duquesne University Shootings

In September 2006, five key Duquesne University basketball players were shot on the campus by an outside visitor after a school dance. This case explores how students learned firsthand Crisis Management 101—how to survive and thrive during a crisis. Student learning activities included writing journals, discussions of the university's strategies, and interaction with university administrators. This case examines how the university handled the crisis by implementing a strategic marketing plan. Duquesne's strategies included setting goals, adding new safety measures, increasing advertising, stressing the importance of the mission statement, and managing the media. The involvement of the student body in remarketing its university is highlighted.
Groups Reward Individual Sacrifice: The Status Solution to the Collective Action Problem

One of sociology s classic puzzles is how groups motivate their members to set aside self interest and contribute to collective action. This article presents a solution to the problem based on status as a selective incentive motivating contribution. Contributors to collective action signal their motivation to help the group and consequently earn diverse benefits from group members?in particular, higher status?and these rewards encourage greater giving to the group in the future. In Study 1, high contributors to collective action earned higher status, exercised more interpersonal influence, were cooperated with more, and received gifts of greater value. Studies 2 and 3 replicated these findings while discounting alternative explanations. All three studies show that giving to the group mattered because it signaled an individual s motivation to help the group. Study 4 finds that participants who received status for their contributions subsequently contributed more and viewed the group more positively. These results demonstrate how the allocation of respect to contributors shapes group productivity and solidarity, offering a solution to the collective action problem.
Vitamin A acetate: a behavioral teratology study in rats.

We evaluated the effects of maternal administration of vitamin A acetate on pup development and behavior. Vitamin A acetate was administered by oral gavage to pregnant rats (N = 10/treatment) on gestation days 6-19 at doses of 25,000, 50,000 or 100,000 I.U./kg/day. Male and female pups from dams that received 100,000 I.U./kg/day showed a significantly reduced live birth index but few external abnormalities. Twenty-four and 48 hour survival indices were also significantly reduced. The mean pup body weight gain at 100,000 I.U./kg/day was significantly reduced at days 1-3, 3-7 and 21-42. Pinna detachment and eye opening were significantly delayed in all male pups and in female pups from the 50,000 and 100,000 I.U./kg/day groups. Incisor eruption was significantly delayed in male and female pups from the 25,000 and 50,000 I.U./kg/day groups. The following showed no treatment effects: dam mean weight change, length of gestation, total litter size, surface righting, cliff avoidance, negative geotaxis, swimming development, open field activity and discriminatory learning.
The Leukemias: A Half-Century of Discovery

Studies of the leukemias in the laboratory and in the clinic have generated many new concepts and therapies that will undoubtedly continue to be rapidly applied to the other forms of systemic cancer, particularly the concept of narrowly targeted personalized therapy that has proven so effective in CML. It seems likely that other subtypes of leukemia will eventually approach the success achieved with APL, CML, and pediatric ALL.
Evaluating levels of genotoxic stress in eastern hellbenders ( Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis ) using the erythrocyte micronucleus assay

The micronucleus assay is a count of cells containing fragments of nuclear content (micronuclei, MN) that arise duringerrorsincelldivisionand when animals are exposed to genotoxic agents such as chemicals or radiation. The assay can be performed (via light microscopy) using any nucleated cell type, such as erythrocytes in amphibians, birds, fish, and reptiles. Most prior studies of MN in amphibians have been performed in laboratory settings. The goal of this project was to determine baseline levels of genotoxic stress (i.e., frequency of MN in erythrocytes) in a free-living popu- lation of eastern hellbenders (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis, a species of giant salamander that lives in rocky streams) in northern Georgia, USA. We obtained and examined blood smears from 51 hellbenders from eight streams during a 3-month survey (June-August) in 2012. Counts of erythrocytes with MN were made from stained thin bloodfilmsandexpressedasapercentageoftotalcellscounted (1,000 per animal). Micronuclei were detected in 1.16 % of erythrocytes on average in the hellbenders, and there was a negative relationship between snout-vent length and MN frequency, indicating an age-related increase in clearance of cells with nuclear damage. This relationship with size should
Snake species distributions and temperate grasslands: A case study from the American tallgrass prairie

Abstract Many snake species are declining globally, yet data unavailability in temperate grasslands hinders snake conservation in one of the world’s most endangered biomes. To encourage and inform the conservation of snakes in these regions, I examined snake species diversity and abundance during 2 years of a mark-recapture study at 22 sites located in six American tallgrass prairie preserves in northern Illinois, USA. I emphasized landscape-scale relationships after accounting for covariance with environmental factors at both finer (microhabitat) and broader (regional) scales. A total of 120 snakes representing seven species was captured using drift fence arrays associated with funnel traps and sheet metal cover. The low numbers and diversity of snakes captured, when compared to historic evidence, indicate that since the 1930s Midwestern snake populations have declined. Non-metric multidimensional scaling and Mantel tests demonstrate that differences in snake species composition in remnant and degraded prairies are discernable along gradients of urban and agricultural land cover. However, different patterns of abundance for individual snake species indicate that the relative importance of specific landscape factors differ among species, which has significant conservation implications. Here, I recommend that conservationists use a species-specific approach to manage snake populations. I also stress the need for thorough inventory of snake populations and studies of snake–habitat relationships to advance our understanding of snake ecology and conservation within the little studied temperate grassland habitats of South America and eastern Eurasia.
Light transport in biological tissue based on the simplified spherical harmonics equations

In this work, we demonstrate the validity of the simplified spherical harmonics equations to approximate the more complicated equation of radiative transfer for modeling light propagation in biological tissue. We derive the simplified spherical harmonics equations up to order N=7 for anisotropic scattering and partially reflective boundary conditions. We compare numerical results with diffusion and discrete ordinates transport solutions. We find that the simplified spherical harmonics methods significantly improve the diffusion solution in transport-like domains with high absorption and small geometries, and are computationally less expensive than the discrete ordinates transport method. For example, the simplified P"3 method is approximately two orders of magnitude faster than the discrete ordinates transport method, but only 2.5 times computationally more demanding than the diffusion method. We conclude that the simplified spherical harmonics methods can accurately model light propagation in small tissue geometries at visible and near-infrared wavelengths, yielding transport-like solutions with only a fraction of the computational cost of the transport calculation.
Effects of Implementing the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) With Adults With Developmental Disabilities and Severe Communication Deficits

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) training, using a multiple baseline design on the independent initiations of three adults with developmental disabilities and severe communication deficits. All participants increased their independent initiations, although at different levels of quality and quantity throughout PECS training. Results demonstrate a functional relationship between the teaching of PECS and the increase of independent initiations, and these independent initiations continued to improve after initial training. In addition, problem behaviors (off-task and tantrum behaviors) were monitored to assess the collateral effects of PECS training. Results of data collection on untreated problem behaviors showed marked decreases, especially in the last half of PECS training, and remained below baseline levels during follow-up. The results of this study suggest that participants taught via PECS increased their initiation of requests, thereb...
The response of ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) to selection cutting in a South Carolina bottomland hardwood forest.

We compared the response of ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) to the creation of canopy gaps of different size (0.13, 0.26, and 0.50 ha) and age (1 and 7 years) in a bottomland hardwood forest (South Carolina, USA). Samples were collected four times in 2001 by malaise and pitfall traps placed at the center and edge of each gap, and 50 m into the surrounding forest. Species richness was higher at the center of young gaps than in old gaps or in the forest, but there was no statistical difference in species richness between old gaps and the forests surrounding them. Carabid abundance followed the same trend, but only with the exclusion of Semiardistomis viridis (Say), a very abundant species that differed in its response to gap age compared to most other species. The carabid assemblage at the gap edge was very similar to that of the forest, and there appeared to be no distinct edge community. Species known to occur in open or disturbed habitats were more abundant at the center of young gaps than at any other location. Generalist species were relatively unaffected by the disturbance, but one species (Dicaelus dilatatus Say) was significantly less abundant at the centers of young gaps. Forest inhabiting species were less abundant at the centers of old gaps than in the forest, but not in the centers of young gaps. Comparison of community similarity at various trapping locations showed that communities at the centers of old and young gaps had the lowest similarity (46.5%). The community similarity between young gap centers and nearby forest (49.1%) and old gap centers and nearby forest (50.0%) was similarly low. These results show that while the abundance and richness of carabids in old gaps was similar to that of the surrounding forest, the species composition between the two sites differed greatly.
Microalbuminuria and Kidney Disease: An Evidence-based Perspective

In the early 1960s, microalbuminuria was noted as a predictor of nephropathy and higher cardiovascular risk in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Over the past four decades, however, the epidemiological evidence has become far stronger, implicating it as a cardiovascular risk marker than a risk factor associated with nephropathy. Microalbuminuria is also a marker of endothelial dysfunction, increased vascular leakage of albumin, and a marker of inflammation. In this context, it is also a marker for risk of developing hypertension and making it more difficult to control blood pressure if hypertension is already present. This chapter reviews the role of microalbuminuria as a marker of cardiovascular risk and nephropathy identifier. It also reviews the association of microalbuminuria with other cardiovascular risk factors and the pathophysiological association between microalbuminuria and vascular damage. In addition, the chapter reviews trial data that evaluated microalbuminuria for its prognostic significance on cardiovascular outcomes, as well as existing therapeutic interventions for reducing urinary albumin excretion in patients with high cardiovascular risk.
The Political Survival of Foreign Ministers

The survival of governments ultimately depends on the survival of its components. These components are politicians whose goal is to stay in office. There has been extensive research on the survival of leaders, but not on the survival of other politicians in government; and even less on how the survival of one affects the survival of the others. The purpose of this article is to take the first step in this direction by analyzing and precisely measuring the impact of the tenure of leaders on the tenure of foreign ministers. This article provides a systematic and formal investigation of the variables that affect the duration in office of foreign ministers. The investigation is based on a new data base on the tenure of more than 7,500 foreign ministers spanning three centuries. Although evidence shows that political institutions have significant impact on the tenure of foreign ministers, internal coalition dynamics such as affinity and loyalty toward a leader, uncertainty, and time dependence are better predictors of their political survival.
Diagnosis of Adolescent Pregnancy—1965 vs 1980

This study compares changes in the accuracy of the diagnosis of pregnancy in adolescents between 1965 and 1980. We compared 44 records of adolescents evaluated in 1965 to those of 44 who were evaluated 15 years later in 1980. The following data were examined: (1) reason for consultation, (2) amount of time prior to making the correct diagnosis, and (3) the most common diagnostic errors. The results showed that (1) the initial diagnosis was correct only 75 per cent of the time in 1965 and 86 per cent in 1980, (2) both in 1965 and 1980 most patients initially consulted for "vague complaints," (3) in 1965 and 1980 the most common diagnostic errors were "gastrointestinal disorder" and "functional symptoms," and (4) pregnancy was diagnosed earlier in 1980 than in 1965.Improvement in diagnostic accuracy should be possible if clinicians screen for pregnancy in adolescent girls consulting for vague symptoms such as nausea, weight gain, urticaria, and som nolence.
A programmable 25 MHz to 6 GHz rational-K/L frequency synthesizer with digital K vco compensation

A programmable rational-K / L frequency multiplier that can synthesize any frequency between 25 MHz and 6 GHz from an input clock ranging from 1 GHz to 5.5 GHz is presented. The architecture employs a fractional-N input clock divider followed by a fractional-N PLL. In contrast to conventional architectures, it allows large K and L, whose maximum values are only limited by the word-length of digital SigmaDelta modulators. Additionally, to accommodate large Kvco variation, which is inevitable in wide tuning range VCOs, Kvco compensation is implemented without involving additional circuitry. This is an ideal solution to support a programmable serializer/deserializer on an FPGA.
Pathogenesis of Canine Parvovirus Enteritis: Sequential Virus Distribution and Passive Immunization Studies

After oral inoculation, the sequential distribution of canine parvovirus was studied in 14 nine-week-old seronegative beagle dogs. Two or three dogs were necropsied on days 1 through 6 after inoculation. Tissues were collected for virus isolation, immunofluorescence testing, and light microscopy. Virus was isolated from, and fluorescent cells were seen in the tonsil, retropharyngeal and mesenteric lymph nodes one and two days after inoculation. Virus infection of systemic and intestinal lymphoid tissues occurred as early as three days after inoculation and was associated with viremia. Intestinal epithelial infection was first seen four days after oral inoculation. All dogs were viremic before intestinal epithelial infection was found. Fecal virus excretion first occurred four days after oral virus inoculation. Intestinal virus infection and lesions became progressively more severe between four and six days after inoculation. The severity of intestinal lesions was variable and related to the severity of systemic lymphoid tissue lesions and the magnitude and duration of viremia. Four littermates of virus-infected dogs were passively immunized against canine parvovirus with convalescent canine serum 24 hours after oral virus inoculation. Neither clinical signs, lymphopenia, nor fecal virus excretion occurred in passively immunized dogs. Intestinal epithelial infection was not demonstrable by immunofluorescence testing when passively immunized dogs were necropsied four, five, and six days after virus inoculation.
Stress and childhood asthma risk: overlapping evidence from animal studies and epidemiologic research.

Rapidly expanding evidence increasingly strengthens the evidence linking psychological factors to asthma and allergy expression. Parallel studies in animals and humans demonstrating the influence of prenatal maternal stress and early caregiving experiences on the disrupted regulation of defensive biological systems [eg, sympathetic and adrenomedullary (SAM) system and the hypothalamicpituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis] provide strong proof of concept for this line of research. The consequent altered neuroimmune responses may influence the expression of immune-mediated disorders such as asthma as well as enhance an individual's susceptibility to other environmental factors that may also contribute to asthma risk.
Epidemiology of Bone and Soft Tissue Sarcomas

Bone and soft tissue sarcomas collectively make up 12% of all pediatric malignancies. While there have been significant improvements in treatment for these sarcomas, mortality and morbidity are still high. There is also a substantial heterogeneity in the etiologies and biology of bone and soft tissue sarcomas, making these malignancies difficult to study from an epidemiologic perspective. Our understanding of risk factors for the development of these sarcomas remains limited to a few environmental exposures and well-described hereditary cancer predisposition syndromes. However, these factors are not consistent across all bone and soft tissue sarcomas. In this chapter, we review the epidemiology of bone and soft tissue sarcomas, including a discussion of the roles of environmental risk factors, established predisposing syndromes, and other suspected risk factors.
LOSS OF SUPPRESSOR FUNCTION AS A CAUSE OF LYMPHOID MALIGNANCY

Abstract Different lymphoid-cell populations have been shown to interact in various immunological responses. A lymphoid-cell population that is capable of suppressing humoral and cellular immunity has been demonstrated. It is proposed that suppressor cells normally regulate continued lymphoid hyperplasia in response to various stimuli. In the absence of suppressor function, unregulated proliferation would ultimately lead to lymphoreticular malignancy. According to this mechanism, restoration of suppressor cells might prevent the development of lymphoreticular malignancies.