cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reduction of overweight and eating disorder symptoms via the Internet in adolescents: a randomized controlled trial.

Abstract Purpose Overweight in adolescence is a significant problem which is associated with body dissatisfaction and eating disorder (ED) behaviors. Cost-effective methods for early intervention of obesity and prevention of ED are important because of the refractory nature of both. This multisite RCT evaluated an Internet-delivered program targeting weight loss and ED attitudes/behaviors in adolescents. Methods A total of 80 overweight adolescents 12–17 years of age completed Student Bodies 2 (SB2), a 16-week cognitive–behavioral program, or usual care (UC). Results Body mass index (BMI) z -scores were reduced in the SB2 group compared with the UC group from baseline to post-intervention ( p = .027; η p 2 = .08). The SB2 group maintained this reduction in BMI z -scores at 4-month follow-up, but significant differences were not observed because of improvement in the UC group. The SB2 group evidenced greater increases in dietary restraint post-intervention ( p = .016) and less improvement on shape concerns at follow-up ( p = .044); however these differences were not clinically significant. No other statistically significant differences were noted between groups on ED attitudes or behaviors. The SB2 participants reported using healthy eating–related and physical activity–related skills more frequently than UC participants post-intervention ( p = .001) and follow-up ( p = .012). Conclusions Findings suggest that an Internet-delivered intervention yielded a modest reduction in weight status that continued 4 months after treatment and that ED attitudes/behaviors were not significantly improved. Group differences on weight loss were not sustained at 4-month follow-up because of parallel improvements in the groups. Future studies are needed to improve program adherence and to further explore the efficacy of Internet-delivery of weight control programs for adolescents.
Domperidone for delayed gastric emptying in lung transplant recipients with and without gastroesophageal reflux.

Evidence demonstrates a link between gastroesophageal reflux disease and chronic allograft dysfunction in lung transplant recipients. Delayed gastric emptying plays an important role in the occurrence of gastroesophageal reflux disease, with limited therapeutic options available for treatment. This retrospective observational study reports the use of domperidone in the management of delayed gastric emptying in lung transplant recipients. All patients who underwent lung transplant at our institution from 2007 to 2011 were reviewed and patients who were treated with domperidone were identified. Clinical symptoms and results of gastric emptying studies before and after initiation of domperidone were documented. QTc intervals were compared from before to after domperidone treatment at 3 months and at 1 year. Weight and dose-normalized calcineurin inhibitor troughs were evaluated before and 2 weeks after domperidone treatment was started. Of 82 patients, 24% (n = 20) had documented delayed gastric emptying and...
Children's Perceptions of Interethnic and Interracial Friendships in a Multiethnic School Context

Some literature exists on children's real-life interracial and interethnic friendships. However, a scarcity of research exists on children's perceptions of these relationships. This cross-sectional study investigated children's perceptions of interracial friendships by employing the Perceptions of Intergroup Friendships Questionnaire. A total of 108 children attending an ethnically and racially diverse, urban elementary school in a midsize northeastern city were interviewed employing the questionnaire. Results indicate that Kindergarten/1st- and 4th/5th-graders differ significantly in their perceptions of intergroup friendships. In addition, African American children demonstrated more positive perceptions of intergroup friendships than did European American children.
Application of polynomial array method to discrete-time system stability

The method of polynomial arrays may be effectively utilised in determining stability of polynomials containing literal coefficients. In the paper, the application of the polynomial array method to discrete-time systems is further investigated. Using tabular forms introduced by Bistritz and by Premaratne and Jury, both shift-operator and delta-operator formulated discrete-time systems are addressed. Critical stability constraints for such systems are obtained directly from these tabular forms. An important application of the proposed method is in digitising analogue systems with guaranteed stability.
SIGNAL TRANSDUCTION IN GASTROINTESTINAL SMOOTH MUSCLE

Signal transduction in gastric and intestinal smooth muscle is mediated by receptors coupled via distinct G proteins to various effector enzymes, including PI-specific PLC-beta 1 and PLC-beta 3, and phosphatidylcholine (PC)-specific PLC, PLD and PLA2. Activation of these enzymes is different in circular and longitudinal muscle cells, generating Ca(2+)-mobilizing (IP3, AA, cADPR) and other (DAG) messengers responsible for the initial and sustained phases of contraction, respectively. IP3-dependent Ca2+ release occurs only in circular muscle. Ca2+ mobilization in longitudinal muscle involves a cascade initiated by agonist-induced transient activation of PLA2 and formation of AA, AA-dependent depolarization of the plasma membrane and opening of voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels. The influx of Ca2+ induces Ca2+ release by activating sarcoplasmic ryanodine receptor/Ca2+ channel and stimulates cADPR formation which enhances Ca(2+)-induced Ca2+ release. The initial [Ca2+]i transient in both muscle cell types results in Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent activation of MLC kinase, phosphorylation of MLC20 and interaction of actin and myosin. The sustained phase is mediated by a Ca(2+)-independent isoform of PKC, PKC-epsilon DAG for this process is generated by PLC- and PLD-mediated hydrolysis of PC. Relaxation is mediated by cAMP-and/or cGMP-dependent protein kinase which inhibit the initial [Ca2+]i transient and reduce the sensitivity of MLC kinase to [Ca2+]i. Relaxation induced by the main neurotransmitters, VIP and PACAP, involves two cascades, one of which reflects activation of adenylyl cyclase. A distinct cascade involves G-protein-dependent stimulation of Ca2+ influx leading to Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent activation of a constitutive eNOS in muscle cells; the generation of NO activates soluble guanylyl cyclase. The resultant activation of PKA and PKG is jointly responsible for muscle relaxation.
Effects of low ligand concentration on forms and potentials of linear scan and cyclic voltammograms for the reduction of complexes

Abstract The effects of low total ligand concentration on potential shifts and shapes of linear scan and cyclic voltammograms for reversibly reduced systems were investigated. For systems with one predominant complex at substoichiometric ligand concentration the curves depend strongly on the value of the formation constant, with distorted double peaks observed for β values higher than approximately 1011. The forms of experimental current-potential curves for the Cu(II)-ethylenediamine system (β2≈1020) are shown to conform to curves calculated by digital simulation.
Mme. de Staël's De L'Allemagne: a Misleading lntermediary*

Mme. de Stael's De L'Allemagne, long recognized as a major intermediary between France and Germany, provided much real illumination, but was also in some respects misleading, notably in Mme. de Stael's presentation of the Storm & Stress as German Romanticism. Her treatment of German prose fiction clearly reveals her preference for the Storm & Stress and her disregard of the Romantics. This bias is due not to her ignorance but to a complex of outer and inner factors such as the political intent of De L'Allemagne, Mme. de Stael's working methods, her language problems and her own personality and prejudices. As her view of Germany and German literature was accepted for much of the nineteenth century, her substitution of the Storm & Stress for Romanticism had far-reaching consequences: it led to a longlasting neglect of the Fruhromantiker who were not appreciated in France until the Symbolist period.
Lifestyle intervention to prevent diabetes: intensive and cost effective.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW Type 2 diabetes is a major cause of morbidity and mortality, and despite treatment advances appears to be increasing in incidence. Since individuals at risk for the disease are usually identifiable in the prediabetic phase of impaired glucose tolerance, early intervention might prevent diabetes and hence its complications from developing. Obesity and sedentary living are powerful determinants of diabetes, and thus lifestyle change is a logical approach to prevention of this disease. Recent clinical trials have now tested the effectiveness of this intervention and form the basis for this review. RECENT FINDINGS Three clinical trials have demonstrated that, compared with usual care, lifestyle intervention significantly reduced progression rates to diabetes in prediabetic individuals. Each trial incorporated individualization and repeated long-term contacts with facilitators, in which dietary and physical activity goal setting and behavior modification were central themes. Progression to diabetes was reduced in the Da Qing study by approximately 40%, in the Finnish Diabetes Prevention Study by 58% and in the Diabetes Prevention Program by 58%. The Diabetes Prevention Program included a cost-benefit unit that estimated the per capita costs of the lifestyle intervention to exceed that of the usual care group by Dollars 3540, which translated to a cost of Dollars 15,700 per case of diabetes prevented. Lifetime cost-utility analysis demonstrated an overall cost of Dollars 1100 per quality-adjusted life year. SUMMARY These findings make the case for translation of research findings to healthcare systems. Although there is more to be learned about effective strategies in clinical practice, it seems clear that the intervention needs to incorporate individualization and long-term interaction with trained facilitators.
Nonlinearity and image persistence of P-20 phosphor-based intensified photodiode array detectors used in CARS spectroscopy

Several self-scanning photodiode arrays (IPDA) used for CARS spectroscopy are shown to exhibit a greater image persistence than has generally been realized, and to exhibit a falloff in sensitivity that is logarithmic with decreasing output signal. These effects are attributed to the P-20 phosphor based intensifiers used in the IPDAs and are probably generic to all such detectors. A strategy for minimizing the image persistence in CARS spectroscopy is presented. A prototype detector incorporating a much faster rare earth phosphor is evaluated and shown to be more suited to single pulse CARS measurements in turbulent combustion than the IPDAs incorporating P-20 phosphors.
Exchange Rates and Employment Instability: Evidence from Matched CPS Data

The past two decades have been associated with a rapid increase in the internationalization of production and sales by U.S. producers. These phenomena suggest heightened potential for labor-market participants to be directly affected by dollar movements. When the dollar appreciates, a decline in the competitiveness of U.S. producers may force job loss and churning and lead to reduced worker earnings. Conversely, when the dollar weakens, the demand for workers by exposed sectors may increase, and employment and earnings may expand. Dollar fluctuations may lead to efficiency-enhancing adjustments by producers, but these opportunities and losses by employees may translate into increased job instability for workers. Recent evidence using industry-level data confirms that dollar movements have had implications for labor-market outcomes in some U.S. industries. Within manufacturing, both wages and employment appear to be sensitive to exchange rates, although the employment effects may not be large.' Given these small employment effects, it is reasonable to question whether dollar movements have important consequences for worker displacements and job insecurity. Industry-level data used in prior studies have the disadvantage of understating job turmover to the extent that workers change jobs voluntarily or involuntarily without changing their industry of employment. To better address the importance of dollar movements for worker displacements and job insecurity, we examine the micro data on job-changing and industry-switching of a matched panel of workers drawn from consecutive March Current Population Surveys (CPS), covering 1977 through 1997. We also consider whether dollar appreciations and depreciations have asymmetric effects, and we ask whether these effects change over time and as industries alter their international orientation. We find that dollar appreciations can drive adjustments in job-changing and industryswitching probabilities. These dollar effects are most pronounced for employees in manufacturing-nondurables sector and in nonmanufacturing jobs outside of the service sector. In manufacturing, dollar appreciations can reduce job-changing or industryswitching. In nonmanufacturing overall, the effects of exchange-rate appreciations and depreciations are more mixed. Employment instability falls (rises) with an appreciation (depreciation) of the export exchange rate but rises (falls) with an appreciation (depreciation) of the import exchange rate. The net effect for worker instability differs across nonmanufacturing industries and can vary over time.
Endothelin-1 Inhibits Thick Ascending Limb Transport via Akt-stimulated Nitric Oxide Production

Endothelin-1 inhibits sodium reabsorption in the thick ascending limb (THAL) via stimulation of nitric oxide (NO) production. The mechanism whereby endothelin-1 stimulates THAL NO is unknown. We hypothesized that endothelin-1 stimulates THAL NO production by activating phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), stimulating Akt activity, and phosphorylating NOS3 at Ser1177. This enhances NO production and inhibits sodium transport. We measured 1) NO production by fluorescence microscopy using DAF2-DA, 2) Akt activity using a fluorescence resonance energy transfer-based Akt reporter, 3) phosphorylated NOS3 and Akt by Western blotting, and 4) NKCC2 activity by fluorescence microscopy. In isolated THAL, endothelin-1 (1 nmol/liter) increased NO production from 0.23 +/- 0.24 to 2.81 +/- 0.32 fluorescence units/min (p < 0.001; n = 5) but failed to stimulate NO production in THALs isolated from NOS3-/- mice. Wortmannin (150 nmol/liter), a PI3K inhibitor, reduced endothelin-1-stimulated NO by 83% (0.49 +/- 0.13 versus 3.31 +/- 0.49 fluorescence units/min for endothelin-1 alone; p < 0.006; n = 5). Endothelin-1 stimulated Akt activity by 0.16 +/- 0.02 arbitrary units as measured by fluorescence resonance energy transfer (p < 0.001; n = 5) and increased phosphorylation of Akt at Ser473 by 56 +/- 11% (p < 0.002; n = 7). Dominant-negative Akt blocked endothelin-1-induced NO by 60 +/- 8% (p < 0.001 versus control; n = 6), and an Akt inhibitor had a similar effect. Endothelin-1 increased phosphorylation of NOS3 at Ser1177 by 89 +/- 24% (p < 0.01; n = 7) but had no effect on Ser633. Endothelin-1 inhibited NKCC2 activity, an effect that was blocked by dominant-negative Akt and NOS inhibition. We conclude that endothelin-1 stimulates THAL NO production by activating PI3K, stimulating Akt activity, and phosphorylating NOS3 at Ser1177. This enhances NO production and inhibits sodium transport.
Genome-wide association studies of age at menarche and age at natural menopause

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have been successful in uncovering genetic determinants of age at menarche and age at natural menopause. To date, more than 30 novel genetic loci have been identified in GWAS for age at menarche and 17 for age at natural menopause. These findings have stimulated a plethora of follow-up studies particularly with respect to the functional characterization of these novel loci and how these results can be translated into risk prediction. However, the genetic loci identified so far account for only a small fraction of the overall heritability. This review provides an overview of the current state of our knowledge of the genetic basis of menarche and menopause timing. It emphasizes recent GWAS results and outlines strategies for discovering the missing heritability and strategies to further our understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms of the observed genetic associations.
Glacial cycles: Atmosphere and ocean chemistry

Low atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations during glacial periods must have been accompanied by changes in surface-ocean carbonate chemistry. But it is unclear whether concurrent changes in the deep sea contributed to the glacial carbon dioxide decline.
Sample and population score matrices and sample correlation matrices from an arbitrary population correlation matrix

A method for generating sample and population score matrices and sample correlation matrices from a given population correlation matrix is developed. An example giving the desired matrices for a population Guttman simplex correlation matrix is presented.
Astrocytes from human hippocampal epileptogenic foci exhibit action potential-like responses.

Summary: Purpose: We studied Na+ channel expression and the ability to generate action potential (AP)-like responses in primary cultures of human astrocytes by whole cell patchclamp recording techniques. Methods: Tissue samples from 22 patients with various classifications of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) were plated to form separate astrocyte cultures from three regions; the hippocampus, parahippocampus, and anterolateral temporal neocortex. Results: The resting membrane potential of seizure focus astiocytes (MTLE, mesial TLE) was significantly depolarized (approximately -55 mV) as compared with cortical astrocytes (-80 mV). Hippocampal astrocytes from other substrates for TLE (MaTLE, mass-associated TLE; PTLE, paradoxical TLE) in which the hippocampus is not the seizure focus displayed resting membrane potentials similar to those of neocortical astrocytes (approximately -75 mV). Astrocytes from the seizure focus (MTLE) displayed much larger tetrodotoxin (TTX)- sensitive Na+ currents with -66-fold higher Na+ channel density (113.5 ± 17.41 pA/pf) than that of comparison neocortical astrocytes (1.7 ± 3.7 pA/pf) or than that of the hippocampal and parahippocampal astrocytes of the MaTLE and PTLE groups. As a consequence of this higher channel density, seizure focus astrocytes were capable of generating AP-like responses. However, at the resting potential, most Na+ channels are inactive and no spontaneous firing was observed. In contrast, astrocytes in the comparison neocortex from all groups and the hippocampus and parahippocampus from the MaTLE and PTLE groups could not fire AP-like responses even after large current injections. Conclusions: The function of Na+ channels in these astrocytes is unclear. However, the marked differences in seizure focus astrocytes as compared with cortical and nonseizure focus hippocampal astrocytes suggest a more active role for astrocytes associated with hyperexcitable neurons at a seizures focus.
Intercropping sorghum and pinto bean in a cool semiarid region

Intercropping corn (Zea mays L.) with soybean Glycine max (L.) Merr. has been found to yield a greater harvest of total grain protein than a sole crop of corn in northern temperate regions. Similarly, it may be possible to increase the total grain protein yield in regions of lower precipitation with an intercrop of grain sorghum Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench and a pulse crop. Our objective was to determine if sorghum could successfully be intercropped with dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) to produce a grain for feed. A field experiment was conducted during 1989 and 1990 near Carrington, ND (45°30'N, 99°7'W) (...)
Jeannette Wilkins Award: Can Locally Delivered Gadolinium Be Visualized on MRI? A Pilot Study

Background Management of orthopaedic infections relies on debridement and local delivery of antimicrobials; however, the distribution and concentration of locally delivered antimicrobials in postdebridement surgical sites is unknown. Gadolinium-DTPA (Gd-DTPA) has been proposed as an imaging surrogate for antimicrobials because it is similar in size and diffusion coefficient to gentamicin.
Action potential characteristics of rat cardiac cells do not change with time in culture

Abstract The stability of the fast-response type of cardiac action potential has been determined, as a function of time, in monolayer cultures derived from the neonatal rat ventricle. Over a period of 1 week in culture, no time dependence was observed in any action potential parameter. During this same time period, non-muscle cell contamination of the myocardial cultures increased from less than 5% to at least 50%. The results suggest that these monolayer cultures do not lose the electrophysiological characteristics of the intact neonatal rat ventricle in vitro , either as a result of myocyte dedifferentiation or non-muscle cell proliferation.
Patient knowledge of blood pressure target is associated with improved blood pressure control in chronic kidney disease

Objective To describe patient hypertension knowledge and associations with blood pressure measurements.
Differential effects of Heparitinase I and Heparitinase III on endothelial tube formation in vitro

Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) play vital roles in many steps of angiogenesis under physiological and pathological conditions. HSPGs on endothelial cell surfaces act as co-receptors for a variety of pro-angiogenic growth factors such as FGF and VEGF and anti-angiogenic factors such as endostatin. However, the fine structural requirements of these binding interactions are dependent on the sulfation patterns of HSPGs. Previous studies have shown that Heparitinases, heparin lyases isolated from Flavobacterium heparinum, can cleave heparan sulfate chains. These enzymes have been shown to reduce tumor-derived neovascularization in vivo in mice. However, the results from these experiments could not conclusively pinpoint the origin of the HS fragments. Thus, in this study we utilized an in vitro assay to assess the differential effects of Heparitinase I (Hep I) and Heparitinase III (Hep III) on endothelial tube formation. Hep III was found to be a more potent inhibitor of tube formation than Hep I. In conclusion, differential cleavage of endothelial cell surface bound HS can affect the extent of inhibition of tube formation.
The heme pocket afforded by Gly117 is crucial for proper heme ligation and activity of CooA.

Abstract CooA, a CO-sensing homodimeric transcription activator from Rhodospirillum rubrum, undergoes a conformational change in response to CO binding to its heme prosthetic group that allows it to bind specific DNA sequences. In a recent structural study (Lanzilotta, W. N., Schuller, D. J., Thorsteinsson, M. V., Kerby, R. L., Roberts, G. P., and Poulos, T. L. (2000) Nat. Struct. Biol. 7, 876–880), it was suggested that CO binding to CooA results in a modest repositioning of the C-helices that serve as the dimer interface. Gly117 is one of the residues on the C-helix within 7 A of the heme iron on the Pro2 side of the heme in CooA. Analysis of a series of Gly117 variants revealed altered CO-sensing function and heme ligation states dependent on the size of the substituted amino acid at this position; bulky substitutions perturbed CooA both spectrally and functionally. A combination of spectroscopic and mutagenic studies showed that a representative Gly117 variant, G117I CooA, was specifically perturbed in its Pro2 ligation in both Fe(III) and Fe(II) forms, but comparison with other CooA variants indicated that perturbation of Pro2 ligation is not the basis for the lack of CO response in G117I CooA. These results have led to the hypothesis that (i) the heme and the C-helix region move toward each other following CO binding and the interaction of the heme with the C-helix is crucial for CooA activation, and (ii) this event occurs only when a properly sized heme pocket is afforded.
METABOLISM OF NICOTINE BY TOBACCO-FEEDING INSECTS.

RECENT experiments in this laboratory have indicated that the green peach aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulz.), avoids the nicotine in tobacco plants by selective feeding in the phloem1, whereas the tobacco hornworm, Protoparce sexta (Johan.), excretes nicotine and other ingested alkaloids before a toxic dose can accumulate2. The present communication presents evidence that in addition to the foregoing mechanisms, insects feeding on tobacco may metabolize nicotine to other alkaloids. Such pathways have been previously reported from insects3 that do not feed on tobacco and from mammals4,5. Comparative experiments on an insect which does not feed on tobacco, the house fly (Musca domestica L.), are also included.
Assessing the effects of anthropogenic stressors on Puget Sound flatfish populations

Puget Sound is an estuary in the northwestern United States which serves as the habitat for a number of recreationally and commercially important species of flatfish. Over the past 100 years, there has been substantial urban and industrial development within this region, resulting in heavy inputs of chemical contaminants at selected sites, as well as significant loss or alteration of marine habitat. Studies show that feral flatfish in Puget Sound are experiencing a range of biological effects due to chemical contaminant exposure, including reproductive dysfunction, altered immune competence, and development of toxicopathic diseases, and there is some evidence of reduced survival in fish from urban areas of Puget Sound from increased infectious and toxicopathic disease. Puget Sound sole are also subject to other anthropogenic stressors, such as fishing pressure or alteration of nearshore nursery habitats. The cumulative impact of these stressors on flatfish abundance in Puget Sound, however, is poorly understood. In a series of field and laboratory studies, we determined vital rates and other life history parameters in English sole (Pleuronectes vetulus) subpopulations from urban and non-urban sites in Puget Sound, and are using this information to estimate potential population level impacts of anthropogenic stressors, with age and stage-based Leslie-matrix models. Initial results suggest that declines in the fecundity component of the model, as observed in field studies of fish from contaminated sites, could reduce the size of sub-populations in these areas if the loss of recruits is not offset by density-dependent changes in recruitment, immigration, or other compensating mechanisms. Studies on flatfish species from a variety of sites in Europe and North America suggest that contaminant-related disease and reproductive impairment are widespread in this group of fish, although substantial differences in sensitivity have been observed, even among closely related species. Comparative studies with a variety of Pleuronectid species will enable us to better evaluate the risk posed by anthropogenic stressors to flatfish, and contribute to improved assessment and management of this important fisheries resource.
Cytomegalovirus infections in non-immunocompromised and immunocompromised patients in the intensive care unit

Infection, inflammatory response, activation of coagulation cascade and sepsis are tightly interconnected. In the initial phase, sepsis is characterized by a pro-inflammatory state, while in the late phase, by an anti-inflammatory state which favors cytomegalovirus reactivation. Cytomegalovirus infection would accentuate the sepsis-induced immunologic effects increasing the risk for other infections. The rate of CMV infection is 17% in critically ill nonimmunocompromised patients, up to 30% in hematopoietic stem cell transplant and up to 60% in solid organ transplant recipients. Cytomegalovirus infection in critically ill patients is associated with prolonged ventilator support, nosocomial infections, prolonged hospital and/or ICU stay and increased mortality. In immunocompromised patients, cytomegalovirus causes direct effects (viral syndrome, pneumonia, meningo-encephalitis, and gastro-intestinal tract involvement) and indirect (immunomodulatory) effects. These indirect effects would predispose the patients to secondary infections, delay immune recovery after hematopoietic stem cell transplant, and increase the risk of EBV-related B-cell lymphoproliferative disease and allograft rejection. Cytomegalovirus serology is not useful for the diagnosis of active infections. Cytomegalovirus culture is impractical for clinical purposes. The shell vial assay has low sensitivity. pp65 antigen is a sensitive and specific diagnostic method. Real-time PCR is more sensitive and specific (earlier detection) than pp65 antigen test and it is a more reliable marker to monitor the clearance of viremia. Ganciclovir and valganciclovir are the first-line antiviral therapies for the treatment of immunocompromised patients, while foscarnet and cidofovir are reserved mainly for treatment of ganciclovir-resistant cytomegalovirus infections.
Characterization of TcCl4 and β-TcCl3 by X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy

Technetium tetrachloride and β-TcCl3, synthesized from the reaction of Tc metal and Cl2(g) in sealed tubes, were characterized by X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy. Extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy measurements are in good agreement with the X-ray diffraction structures of the two compounds. For TcCl4, the absorbing Tc atom is surrounded by Cl atoms at 2.34(2) A and Tc atoms at 3.66(4) A. For β-TcCl3, the absorbing Tc atom is surrounded by Cl atoms at 2.40(2) A and Tc atoms at 2.81(3), 3.66(4) and 5.71(6) A. EXAFS spectroscopy indicates that the TcCl4 and β-TcCl3 samples obtained by sealed tube reactions are single phase. The X-ray absorption near edge structure spectra of TcCl4 and β-TcCl3 were recorded; the positions of the Tc K-edges of β-TcCl3 (21,050.5 eV) and TcCl4 (21,053.0 eV) are compared to the ones measured for α-TcCl3 (21,051.0 eV) and TcCl2 (21,048.8 eV). A correlation between the positions of the Tc K-edges and the oxidation state of the Tc atom in technetium binary chlorides was determined.
The impact of questionnaire administration mode on response rate and reporting of consensual and nonconsensual sexual behavior

Computer-administered self-interviewing (CASI) has been advocated as a way of overcoming underreporting of sensitive sexual behaviors. The present study compared reports of consensual and nonconsensual sexual behaviors (including childhood and adulthood sexual victimization) among women using CASI (n = 1014) versus a self-administered questionnaire (SAQ; n = 318). Women, ages 18‐30 years old, were recruited through random-digit dialing in the community. Response rates were significantly higher for the SAQ, which was sent and returned by mail (87.6% of those eligible), than for the CASI, which involved in-person assessment at a central location (61.4%). There were a few modest differences in reports of consensual or nonconsensual sexual behavior according to mode of administration, suggesting greater willingness to report sexual experiences among the SAQ sample. Mailed SAQ following telephone contact and with financial incentive may be a cost-effective way of obtaining data on sexual behavior from a community sample.
The multtregional life table

Mathematical demography traditionally has been concerned with the dynamics of the growth and structure of a population that is undisturbed by migration. Recently, however, increasing attention has been directed at the relationships between interregional migration flows and the growth and structure of multiregional population systems that are open to internal migration. This paper con‐tributes to that emerging body of knowledge by generalizing the notion of a life table to the multi‐regional case and showing how such a generalization leads to a mathematical theory of multiregional population growth that is consistent with the currently accepted single‐region theory.
Serum profiles of PCDDs and PCDFs, in individuals near the Escambia Wood Treating Company Superfund site in Pensacola, FL

The Escambia Wood Treating Company (ETC) Superfund site, Pensacola, FL, is contaminated with polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDD/F), benzo(a)pyrene, lead and arsenic from pentachlorophenol (PCP), creosote, and other compounds used to treat utility poles and foundation pilings. Although ETC's operations ceased in 1982, soils in the areas surrounding the facility continue to exhibit elevated levels of contaminants attributable to ETC operations. In July 2000, individuals who may have been affected by contamination from the ETC site, including current and former residents and former workers and their household members were invited to participate in a study, which included a health and exposure history and routine blood analysis. We also conducted a toxicological health evaluation of a subset of these eligible workers/residents by analyzing serum levels of 17 PCDD/F congeners. Members of the ETC cohort exhibited elevated serum PCDD/F relative to the general population, and congener profiles in members of the cohort reflected patterns commonly observed in persons exposed to PCP. Hypertension prevalence in the cohort was found to correlate with PCDD/F levels, although no other significant relationships were identified with monitored health indices.
The Chemistry of Esters of Leuco Vat Dyes III—The Oxidation of the Mono‐ and Di‐sulphuric Esters of Quinol (Hydroquinone) and of 1:4‐Naphthaquinol with Acidic Hydrogen Peroxide

The mono- and di-sulphuric esters of l:4-naphthaquinol react with acidic hydrogen peroxide in the same way as the di-sulphuric ester of 9:10-anthraquinol-2-sulphonic acid: i.e. removal of most of the sulphate groups by direct oxidation follows removal of some groups by hydrolysis. The catalytic effect of the mono-ester in the oxidation of the di-ester has been directly demonstrated. On the other hand, with the mono- and di-sulphuric esters of quinol, the sulphate groups are not removed by direct oxidation but by hydrolysis only. Oxidation of the resultant quinol then follows as a separate reaction.
Transnational Entrepreneurship: Determinants of Firm Type and Owner Attributions of Success

Building on a typology of transnational firm types, developed by Landolt, Autler, and Baires in 1999, we examine whether immigrant attitudes toward the host country and their degree of embeddedness...
Piesoceramic and nanotube materials for health monitoring

This paper discusses the potential for using Piezoceramic and Nanotube materials to develop an artificial neural system for structural health monitoring. An artificial neural system array was modeled using piezoceramic nerves and electronic components. The neural system was simulated using one hundred dual-output sensor nodes on a four-foot square composite panel. The nodal outputs were combined into twenty neuron firing signals, one row time signal, and one column time signal. This system was able to detect and locate acoustic waves and large strains in the panel. Also discussed, is the potential for using nanotubes for building the artificial neural system. In carbon nanotubes, an electrochemical process can be used to achieve low voltage actuation at high strain, but the process velocity is slow and a structural polymer electrolyte must be used for ion exchange. Carbon and boron nitride nanotubes can be piezoelectric, and piezonanotechnolgy may be useful for building high bandwidth neural systems. The operating temperature of boron nitride is high and the amount of material needed to build artificial nerves is small, but the piezoelectric coefficients appear to be small. Nanotube molecular electronics and the change in conductance of nanotubes might also be used to develop artificial nerves.© (2002) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A High-Bandwidth Multichannel Fiber Optic System For Measuring Gamma Rays

We describe an analog fiber optic gamma-ray diagnostic system that can transmit signals through fiber cables 600 to 700 m long with a system bandwidth exceeding 1 GHz and measure the relative timing between signals to within 0.3 ns. Gamma rays are converted to visible light via the Cerenkov process in a short length of a radiation-resistant optical fiber. A graded-index optical fiber transmits this pulse to a recording station where the broadened pulse is compensated for material dispersion and recorded using a streak camera. The streak camera can simultaneously record 20 to 30 data channels on a single piece of film. The system has been calibrated using electron linear accelerators and fielded on two experiments.
Specialty fibers as optical components nanowave technology

Inline optical components and devices are made with specialty fibers. While these components are similar to bulk optic and microwave components they often have unique features. The fabrication and applications of these specialty fiber components is emerging as a separate discipline which could be designated “Nanowave Technology”.
Traditional and Cyber Aggressors and Victims: A Comparison of Psychosocial Characteristics

To date, relatively little is known about differences between perpetrators and victims of cyber and traditional forms of aggression. Hence, this study investigated differences among traditional and cyber aggressors and victims on psychosocial characteristics typically examined in research on traditional aggression and victimization, specifically effortful control, manipulativeness, remorselessness, proactive and reactive aggression, and anxious/depressive symptoms. Participants (N = 300; 63.2% female; M age = 12.89, SD = .95; 52% Caucasian, 27% African American, 11% Latino, and 10% other) were categorized based on aggressor type (non/low aggressor, traditional-only, cyber-only, and combined traditional and cyber) and victim type (non-victim, traditional-only, cyber-only, and combined traditional and cyber). Cyber aggressors reported lower levels of reactive aggression compared to traditional-only and combined aggressors. Combined aggressors demonstrated the poorest psychosocial profile compared to all other aggressor groups. For victimization, cyber-only and combined victims reported higher levels of reactive aggression and were more likely to be cyber aggressors themselves compared to traditional-only victims and non-victims. Findings suggest that there may be unique aspects about cyber aggression and victimization that warrant further investigation.
Intra-individual Neurocognitive Variability Confers Risk of Dependence in Activities of Daily Living among HIV-Seropositive Individuals without HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorders

Although HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) are the strong predictors of everyday functioning difficulties, approximately half of all functionally impaired individuals are labeled “neurocognitively normal” according to the standard neuropsychological measures, suggesting that novel predictors of functional problems in this prevalent subgroup are needed. The present study hypothesized that increased neurocognitive intra-individual variability as indexed by dispersion would be associated with poor daily functioning among 82 persons with HIV infection who did not meet research criteria for HAND. An intra-individual standard deviation was calculated across the demographically adjusted T-scores of 13 standard neuropsychological tests to represent dispersion, and functional outcomes included self-reported declines in basic and instrumental activities of daily functioning (basic activity of daily living [BADL] and instrumental activity of daily living [IADL], respectively) and medication management. Dispersion was a significant predictor of medication adherence and dependence in both BADL and IADL, even when other known predictors of functional status (i.e., age, affective distress, and indices of disease severity) were included in the models. As a significant and unique predictor of a performance on the range of daily functioning activities, neurocognitive dispersion may be indicative of deficient cognitive control expressed as inefficient regulation of neurocognitive resources in the context of competing functional demands. As such, dispersion may have clinical utility in detecting risk for functional problems among HIV-infected individuals without HAND.
Remarkably high rate of DNA amplification promoted by the mating-type switching mechanism in Schizosaccharomyces pombe

A novel mating-type switching-defective mutant showed a highly unstable rearrangement at the mating-type locus (mat1) in fission yeast. The mutation resulted from local amplification of a 134-bp DNA fragment by the mat1-switching phenomenon. We speculate that the rolling-circle-like replication and homologous recombination might be the general mechanisms for local genome region expansion.
Nerve growth factor is expressed in rat femoral vein.

Abstract Purpose: Entubulization is a well known method of nerve repair for defects too large to be reconstructed by direct suturing without tension. Vein grafts and alloplastic tubes have been used for entubulization in peripheral and cranial nerves, but the mechanism by which they promote healing is poorly understood. The overall hypothesis of this laboratory is that nerve growth factor (NGF) plays an important role in nerve regeneration after entubulization with a vein graft. The purpose of this pilot study was to localize NGF protein expression in the rat femoral vein. Materials and Methods: Sciatic nerves and femoral veins were harvested from adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. Femoral arteries were also collected and used for comparison and validation of the analysis. All specimens were fixed in paraformaldehyde and embedded in paraffin. Specimens were either stained with hematoxylin and eosin or used for immunohistochemical reaction with anti-NGF antibody. Results: Sciatic nerve was used as a positive control to identify the monofasicular architecture with hematoxylin and eosin and to document the positive immunohistochemical reaction. NGF immunoreactivity was present in the tunica intima and tunica adventitia of femoral vein and artery but not in the tunica media. Conclusion: The results of this pilot study indicate that NGF is detectable in both the intimal and adventitial layers of the rat femoral vein and artery but not in the smooth muscle wall. These findings suggest that vein grafts could potentially promote nerve regeneration by supplying NGF to the injured nerve. © 2002 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons J Oral Maxillofac Surg 60:729-733, 2002
Is Open-Space Preservation a Form of Exclusionary Zoning? The Evolution of Municipal Open-Space Policies in New Jersey

This article examines the evolving policy context of municipal open-space acquisition in New Jersey. The authors hypothesize that voters’ interest in open-space protection is sensitive to changes in state policy and that municipal acquisition may have exclusionary effects. The authors examine local acquisition practices using three different approaches: voting behavior, municipal acquisition, and parcel-level characteristics of acquired lands. They find that support for preservation is responsive to growth pressures and changing state policy environments. They also present evidence that municipalities are targeting land able to accommodate higher-density development in their preservation efforts and that municipalities that preserve open space are also active in transferring away their affordable housing obligations.
Age Trends and Age Norms for the NEO Personality Inventory-3 in Adolescents and Adults:

The NEO Personality Inventory-3 (NEO-PI-3) is a modification of the Revised NEO Personality Inventory (NEO-PI-R) designed to be more understandable to adolescents. Data from adults aged 21 to 91 showed that the NEO-PI-3 also functions as well or better than the NEO-PI-R in adults. Age trends from combined adolescent (n = 500) and adult (n = 635) samples confirmed previous cross-sectional findings and demonstrated the importance of studying age changes especially at the facet level and during the decade of the 20s. Normative data for self-report and observer rating forms for adolescents, younger and older adults, and all adults are discussed, as well as for a combined-age group. It is argued that combined-age norms may be most appropriate for depicting the personality scores of individuals, but the utility for some purposes of within-age group scores is also acknowledged.
Resisting colonial education: Zitkala-Sa and Native Feminist archival refusal

This paper examines resistance through a Native Feminist lens, employing the boarding school memoirs of Zitkala-Sa. Within a “story” of appropriation in methodology, it considers protest and parody, and presents archival refusal as modes of resistance to colonial education.
A comparison of letrozole to gonadotropins for ovulation induction, in subjects who failed to conceive with clomiphene citrate

Objective To compare pregnancy rates (PR) for letrozole and gonadotropins in individuals who failed to conceive with clomiphene citrate (CC). Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting University reproductive center. Patient(s) Individuals treated with letrozole or gonadotropins who failed to conceive with CC. Intervention(s) Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH), transvaginal ultrasound, ovulation induction, IUI. Main Outcome Measure(s) Pregnancy rates per cycle. Result(s) Among patients who failed to conceive with at least three cycles of CC, gonadotropins had a higher PR per cycle than letrozole. Among individuals who failed to conceive with less than three cycles of CC and whose medications were changed because of thin uterine lining or intolerable side effects, average PR per cycle for letrozole and gonadotropin treatments were equivalent. All patients conceived within three stimulation cyles with either gonadotropins or letrozole. Conclusion(s) In patients who failed to conceive with CC, gonadotropins have higher PR for ovulation induction than letrozole. However, PR were high enough with letrozole to justify its use in this population of patients. Letrozole and gonadotropins should not be used for more than three cycles without a conception.
Imaging trematode and nematode parasites

Summary Recent advances in molecular genetics and in imaging mean that it is now increasingly feasible to image biological processes within helminth parasites and to visualize interactions between worms and their hosts. Moreover, other innovative imaging approaches that are not dependent on transgenic parasites have been applied to, and or developed for, the study of helminth parasites and have provided novel and important insights into the biology of these important pathogens.
Nonresponse Rates and Nonresponse Bias in Household Surveys

Many surveys of the U.S. household population are experiencing higher refusal rates. Nonresponse can, but need not, induce nonresponse bias in survey estimates. Recent empirical findings illustrate cases when the linkage between nonresponse rates and nonresponse biases is absent. Despite this, professional standards continue to urge high response rates. Statistical expressions of nonresponse bias can be translated into causal models to guide hypotheses about when nonresponse. causes bias. Alternative designs to measure nonresponse bias exist, providing different but incomplete information about the nature of the bias. A synthesis of research studies estimating nonresponse bias shows the bias often present. A logical question at this moment in history is what advantage probability sample surveys have if they suffer from high nonresponse rates. Since postsurvey adjustment for nonresponse requires auxiliary variables, the answer depends on the nature of the design and the quality of the auxiliary variables.