cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Case report 795

We described a case of high-grade surface sarcoma of the radius in a 14-year-old boy. The lesion appeared radiologically benign and was confined to the surface. The tumor was resected. At the time of biopsy both lungs showed diffuse metastases. Following surgery the patient underwent chemotherapy and the lung metastases improved. The pertinent literature was briefly discussed.
Innate Immune Receptors: Key Regulators of Metabolic Disease Progression

The study of the intersection of immunology and metabolism is a growing field fueled by the increased prevalence of obesity-associated pathologies. Importantly, the capacity of the innate immune system to sense metabolic stress induced by nutritional surplus has been linked with the progression of obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and atherosclerosis. Moreover, it is clear that the innate immune system regulates the composition of the intestinal microbiota, which impacts multiple host metabolic processes. Here we review recent studies in this emerging field with an emphasis on how innate immune receptors determine metabolic disease progression.
Diffusion mechanisms in Ir-coated Re for high-temperature, radiation-cooled rocket thrusters

Materials used for radiation-cooled rocket thrusters must be capable of surviving under extreme conditions of high temperatures and oxidizing environments. Thruster chambers were developed using chemical-vapor-deposited (CVD) Re coated with CVD Ir on the inside surface which is exposed to hot combustion gases. Ir serves as an oxidation barrier protecting the Re which maintains structural integrity at high temperatures. In order to predict and extend the performance limits of these Ir-coated Re thrusters, the diffusion kinetics of CVD materials at temperature are studied. Thruster end ring sections were examined using electron microprobe analysis both before and after exposure to high temperature vacuum environments. The resulting elemental maps for Re, Ir, and Mo in the near-surface region allow identification of diffusion mechanisms operating at these temperatures. Line scans for Ir and Re were fit using a diffusion model to extract relevant diffusion constants. The fastest diffusion process is seen to be grain boundary diffusion with Re diffusing down grain boundaries in the Ir overlayer. The measured dependence of the diffusion rate on temperature will allow prediction of operating lifetimes for these thrusters.
Microstructural, Optical, and Electrical Properties of SnO Thin Films Prepared on Quartz via a Two-Step Method

A simple, cost-effective, two-step method was proposed for preparing single-phase SnO polycrystalline thin films on quartz. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis demonstrated that the annealed films were consisted of polycrystalline α-SnO phase without preferred orientation, and chemical composition analysis of the single phase in nature was analyzed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Transmittance spectra in UV−vis−IR range indicated that the average transmittance of both the as-deposited and the annealed SnO thin films was up to 70%. The optical band gap decreased from 3.20 to 2.77 eV after the annealing process, which was attributed to the crystalline size related quantum size effect. Photoluminescence (PL) spectrum of the annealed film showed only a weak peak at 585 nm, and no intrinsic optical transition emission was observed. Moreover, the p-type conductivity of SnO film was confirmed through Hall effect measurement, with Hall mobility of 1.4 cm2 V−1 s−1 and hole concentration of 2.8 × 1016 cm−3.
Impact of stressful life events on the course of panic disorder in adults.

Abstract Background Panic disorder with/without agoraphobia (PD/PDA) is a prevalent anxiety disorder, associated with impairment in quality of life and functionality, as well as increased healthcare utilization. Extant research shows a relationship between stressful life events (SLEs) and the onset of panic attacks in adults who ultimately develop PD/PDA. However, limited attention has been paid to how SLEs might affect the severity of panic symptoms in individuals with PD/PDA. In this study, we examined the relationship between SLEs and panic symptom severity in adults with PD/PDA. Methods Four hundred-eighteen adults with PD/PDA from the Harvard/Brown Anxiety Research Program (HARP), a long-term prospective longitudinal observational multicenter study of adults with a current or past history of anxiety disorders were included in this study. We examined occurrence of SLEs and their impact on panic symptom severity 12-weeks pre- and post-SLE. Results A time-slope effect showed that participants had worsened panic symptoms over the course of the 12-weeks after family/friends/household and work SLEs. That is, their symptoms worsened progressively after the event, rather than immediately thereafter (i.e., significant symptom change within the same week of the event). Limitations The sample may not be representative of the general population. Conclusions These findings provide new insights into how SLEs affect panic symptoms in adults with PD/PDA in that household-related SLEs, such as serious family arguments, and work-related SLEs, such as being fired, put some adults at risk for worsened panic symptoms within 12-weeks of the event.
Colonization of Solidago altissima by the Specialist Aphid Uroleucon nigrotuberculatum : Effects of Genetic Identity and Leaf Chemistry

In dominant old-field plant species, genotypic variation in traits important for herbivorous insects may explain variation in insect species abundance. While the importance of plant genetic identity on arthropod abundance has been demonstrated, specific factors that drive genotype choice by insects remain largely unknown. Sixteen genotypes of the widely distributed plant species Solidago altissima were used to investigate the possible role of nutrients and terpene secondary metabolites in shaping the abundance of a common specialist aphid, Uroleucon nigrotuberculatum. Ramets were propagated in a greenhouse and then transferred to a natural field setting. After 76 days, aphid abundance was quantified and leaf tissue assayed for nutrients and terpenes. Aphids/g plant biomass significantly differed among genotypes, with a 30-fold difference observed among plant genotypes. Leaf nitrogen, C:N ratio and water did not vary among genotypes. Of eight terpenes quantified, five were influenced by plant genotype. Aphid abundance increased marginally with the concentration of the monoterpene β-pinene in leaf tissue (P = 0.056). A partial least squares analysis determined that nutritional chemicals did not explain aphid responses, while 49 % of the variation in aphid colonization among genotypes was explained by terpenes. This study is one of the first to demonstrate that variation in allelochemicals may be related to differences in the abundance of a key herbivore among genotypes of a plant species that exhibits large intraspecific genetic variation.
Students' evaluation of online course materials in Fixed Prosthodontics: a case study

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess a new online course format for dental students. Preclinical Fixed Prosthodontics I is a didactic and laboratory course given in the first year of the dental school curriculum. In the spring semester of 1999, the didactic portion of the course was offered in a web-based format as a supplement to the traditional lecture format. Methods: The study population was 53 first year dental students at one school. The study design was a one group post test without a control group. The online questionnaire consisted of multiple choice questions, Leikert scale questions and open-ended questions. Data were collected using Filemaker Pro and analyzed using EpiInfo. Results: Student response rate was 96% (52/53). All of the students responded that they felt comfortable with their computer skills in utilizing this course format. Most (96%) responded that the online materials were either very helpful or helpful to them. About half, (54%) recommended that the online format be continued as a supplement to traditional lectures, while 28% recommended replacing traditional lectures with the new format in order to provide more laboratory time in the course. The syllabus, lecture materials, bulletin board and handouts were found to be the most helpful online features. The least helpful features were the listserve, decision tree, and e-mail options. Most frequently mentioned strengths of the online material were listed as 1) the ability to view material at their own pace and at a time convenient to them, 2) quality photographs in lecture materials and 3) online quizzes. Weaknesses of the course were ranked by students as 1) problems with access to the materials and the intranet system, 2) taking quizzes online and 3) difficulty in printing the web-based lecture materials. Conclusions: The delivery of web-based material as a course supplement in Fixed Prosthodontics I was determined to be an overall success. Fine tuning of problems with access to the materials took place throughout the course. The student feedback will help direct future development of web-based course materials in the dental school curriculum.
Replication of Helicoverpa zea nuclear polyhedrosis virus in homologous cell lines grown in serum-free media

Abstract A parental cell line, BCIRL-HZ-AM1 (HZAM1) derived from Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) pupae and one of its clones BCIRL-HZAM1-B3 (HZ1B3), were grown as attached cells in two commercial insect serum-free media, EX-CELL 400 and SF-900, and one modified vertebrate serum-free medium, MCM1. A serum-containing medium, TC199MK, in which the cell lines were normally propagated, was used as control. Cell doubling times for HZAM1 in EX-CELL 400, SF-900, and TC199-MK, were 27, 28, and 30 hr, respectively; in contrast, there was negligible growth in MCM1. The shortest cell doubling time for HZ1B3 in serum-free medium was 25 hr, as observed in EX-CELL 400. Other cell doubling times were: 35 hr in TC199-MK, 38 hr in MCM1, and 45 hr in SF-900. Total extracellular virus production of H. zea nuclear polyhedrosis virus (HzSNPV)-infected HZAM1 cells was similar in all media (3.0-6.3 × 10 5 PFU/ml). Extracellular virus titers for HZ1B3 in EX-CELL 400 and SF-900 were similar (3-4 × 10 5 PFU/ml) but less than those produced in HZAM1. For HZ1B3, the lowest extracellular virus titer was recorded in MCM1 (0.8 × 10 5 PFU/ ml) and the highest in TC199-MK (12 × 10 5 PFU/ml). Production of HzSNPV occlusion bodies (OB) by HZAM1 cells differed slightly between the media (2.9-6.2 × 10 7 OB/ml). For HZ1B3 cells, OB production was similar in TC199-MK, EX-CELL 400, and SF-900 (3.6-6.0 × 10 7 OB/ml), but considerably lower in MCM1 (1.0 × 10 7 OB/ml). Occlusion bodies from both infected cell lines grown in serum-free media and in TC199-MK were equally infectious for H. zea larvae.
An unusual hydrogen migration/C-H activation reaction with group 3 metals.

A novel hydrogen migration from the phenyl ring to the pyridine ring of an yttrium pyridyl complex supported by a 1,1′-ferrocene diamide ligand is reported. Density functional theory calculations were instrumental in probing the mechanism for this transformation.
Diabetes mellitus: medical and dental considerations.

SUMMARY Diabetes mellitus is challenging to the clinician, researcher, and patient because of its complex pathogenesis, questionable cause, and often frustrating course of treatment. The two relatively distinct forms, adult-onset and juvenile-onset diabetes, can be considered separately because their cause, clinical course, and treatment is often radically different. Adult-onset diabetes is most commonly seen in middle-aged, overweight individuals and is generally easily managed by diet control and weight reduction. The chronic complications are rare, and patients experience a normal lifespan. Juvenile-onset diabetes affects younger individuals and is associated with the classic triad of diabetes: polydipsia, polyuria, and polyphagia. Its course is more acute and associated with greater swings in blood glucose. Although insulin is the treatment of choice, maintenance of normoglycemia is often difficult. The chronic complications of diabetic neuropathologic, retinopathologic, and angiopathologic conditions, relatively constant features of juvenile-onset diabetes, are somewhat independent of insulin control. The fasting blood glucose and oral glucose tolerance tests are used to diagnose diabetes, and the level of urine sugar is used as a measure of control. Specific oral problems have been noted with higher frequency in the diabetic population. The caries pattern seen in diabetics is related to xerostomia and results in rapidly advancing decay, affecting smooth and interdental surfaces. Periodontal disease is more common in diabetics, especially poorly controlled insulin-dependent diabetics. These patients are more prone to the development of acute periodontal problems such as abscesses and the chronic, often rapidly progressive, destruction of the periodontal support apparatus. Dental treatment is directed toward the prevention of caries and periodontal disease through periodic dental care, daily use of topical fluoride, and meticulous oral hygiene.
Immunologic response to tetanus toxoid in the elderly: One-year follow- up

Abstract Study objective: To determine whether elderly patients documented to have nonprotective titers of anti-tetanus antibodies (ATA) are able to achieve and maintain protective ATA titers for at least 1 year after tetanus immunization. Methods: Thirty-five outpatients aged 65 or older with documented inadequate ATA titers were given 1 tetanus immunization. Repeat titers were obtained 2 months and 12 months after immunization. Titers were measured with an enzyme-linked immunoassay kit (Bindazyme kit). ATA titers in excess of .17 IU were considered protective. The study was conducted at a large urban geriatric center. Results: The mean age of participants was 78.7 years; 86% (24/28) were women. Repeat ATA titers were obtained an average of 122 days and 493 days after immunization. The mean preimmunization ATA titer was .1 IU, (range .04 to .16 IU). After immunization, the 2-month ATA titer rose a mean of .61 (95% confidence interval [CI] .35 to .87) IU, with 86% (30/35) achieving protective titers. After 1 year only 28 of 35 patients were available for follow-up. Protective titers had been present in all 7 patients lost to follow-up. After 1 year, 82% (23/28) patients had protective titers. The mean ATA titer for the 28 patients was .54 (95% CI –.78 to 1.86) IU, a significant increase from preimmunization levels ( P =.002). However, ATA titers changed –.18 (95% CI –.98 to .62) IU between 2 months and 1 year ( P =.02). There was no correlation between gender, country of birth, and medical history with development or maintenance of protective titers. Conclusion: Administration of 1 tetanus toxoid affords protective immunization to a large portion of the elderly population after 1 year. [Alagappan K, Rennie W, Lin D, Auerbach C: Immunologic response to tetanus toxoid in the elderly: One-year follow-up. Ann Emerg Med August 1998;32:155-160.]
The Primary History of Armenia : An Examination of the Validity of an Immemorially Transmitted Historical Tradition

Few peoples of the Middle East have produced as many historical works as the Armenians: their historiography dates back at least to the fifth century A.D. While most medieval Armenian historians have concerned themselves with contemporary history and the immediate past, there have been some who have attempted to trace Armenian history from the earliest times. It is to two o fthese, Pseudo-Sebeos and Pseudo-Moses of Khoren, that we owe the survival of the body of historical memories now generally referred to as the Primary History of Armenia. 1 This Primary History has come to us in two redactions, a long and a short.2 The shorter version is attributed to the earliest known Armenian historian, Agathangelos (fourth century A.D.?) and is presented in the opening section of a seventh-century work ascribed-probably wrongly-to a certain bishop named Sebeos.3 The longer version, much expanded and edited, is contained in Book One of the compilation of Armenian antiquities known as the History of Armenia by Pseudo-Moses of Khoren. While the date of this work has been much disputed, it appears now to be a product of the late eighth or early ninth century.4 According to Pseudo-Sebeos the short redaction of the Primary History was a work originally written by Agathangelos, secretary to Tiridates III (298-330), the first Christian king of Armenia, and was based on information contained in a book written by a certain Marab the Philosopher from Mtsurn, a town in western Armenia. Pseudo-Moses, on the other hand, claims that the parallel material in his history (I. 9-32 and II. 1-9) is an extract by Marabas Katiba from a Greek translation of a Chaldean history of Armenia made by order of Alexander the Great. Neither of these claims will bear critical examination.5 Not only are the two works not identical, but each was clearly set down by different authors, neither of whom was familiar with the work of the other. Actually, what they represent are two independently written accounts based on parallel versions of the same broad historical tradition-a tradition handed down by one means or another over a period of several centuries.6 While in both cases the material supposedly ends with the coming of Alexander the Great in about 330 B.C., it also includes information on sovereigns reigning as late as the second century B.C., that is, some eight hundred years before the date of the version found in Pseudo-Sebeos. On the other hand, the earliest historical personage referred to in the text, Aramu of Urartu, lived in the ninth century B.C., that is, about 1500 years before the time of Pseudo-Sebeos. The exact sources of the various elements contained in the Pn'mary History are not important here.7 What is of concern in the validity of a historical tradition handed down over so long a period of time before being committed to final written form.
Effects of mycotoxins on mixed-function oxidase and adenosine triphosphatase systems in neonatal rats. I. Aflatoxin B1/rubratoxin B.

Abstract The effects of aflatoxin B 1 and/or rubratoxin B on hepatic monooxygenase and hepatic, brain and renal ATPase activities were examined in neonatal rats exposed to a single treatment of one or both toxins. Animals received orally 0·4 mg aflatoxin B 1 /kg, 2 mg rubratoxin B/kg or the same doses of aflatoxin B 1 and rubratoxin B in combination, within 24 hr of birth, and were killed 12 days later. Given alone, rubratoxin B caused a statistically significant decrease in cytochrome P -450 content. Hepatic and renal oligomycin-sensitive ATPase activity was depressed by the aflatoxin B 1 and rubratoxin B combination but this effect appeared to be the result of the aflatoxin treatment. The only interaction observed after exposure of pups to the mycotoxin combination was a tendency towards a decrease in NADPH-dependent dehydrogenase.
The ultraviolet absorption spectrum of hot carbon dioxide

Abstract The vacuum ultraviolet absorption spectrum of CO 2 shifts significantly to longer wavelengths with increasing temperature. We have measured this temperature dependence and present absorption cross sections for 230 to 355 nm at temperatures from 1523 to 2273 K. At 2273 K this red shift extends the absorption above 300 nm and well into the blue end of the solar spectrum. In CO 2 the thermal shift is enhanced because of the relative position and shapes of the excited and ground state potential curves.
Would liberalization lead to epidemic cocaine consumption

This paper uses cross-country data to estimate the potential effect of drastic reductions in the price of cocaine on the share of the population who consumes this drug. In order to identify movements along the cocaine consumption and demand function, the paper instruments for cocaine prices with variables that affect the supply of cocaine. Liberalization of drug policies will produce an increase in the prevalence of cocaine consumption. However, the quantitative evidence presented here suggests that, even if substantial, this increase will not amount to epidemic cocaine use.
Vibration of thermomechanically loaded flat and curved panels taking into account geometric imperfections and tangential edge restraints

Abstract A study of the effects played by tangential edge constraints on the vibrational behavior of single/multilayered doubly-curved shallow panels subjected to complex thermomechanical loading systems acting in the pre/postbuckling regimes is presented. In addition, effects related to the transverse shear and initial geometric imperfections are incorporated and their influence is highlighted. Numerical illustrations based on a higher-order theory underline the strong influence played by the above mentioned effects, in general, and by tangential-edge restrains on the alleviation of the intensity of the snap-through buckling, its delay and suppression, in particular. 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.
Reduction of stale flavor development in low-heat skim milk powder via epicatechin addition.

The influence of epicatechin (EC) on off-flavor development in low-heat skim milk powder samples during processing and storage was investigated. Milk powder samples were prepared from a concentrate...
Photochemical transformation of a cyclic polysilane to a cyclic carbosilane via (η5-C5H5)Fe(CO)2)CH2, FpCH2, substitution

Abstract The complex FpCH2-c-Si5Me9 (1), Fp=(η5-C5H5)Fe(CO)2, was synthesized by the salt-elimination reaction between [Fp]−Na+ and ClCH2-c-Si5Me9. The complex is stable indefinitely at RT, but highly reactive toward UV irradiation to yield the rearranged product FpSi(SiMe3)(c-SiMe2CH2(SiMe2)3) (2) in which the initial exo-cyclic methylene group has been incorporated into a 5-membered ring and an initial ring Me2Si group becomes an exo-cylic Me3Si group. The structure of 2 was confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction.
Dependence of threshold current density on quantum well composition for strained-layer InGaAs-GaAs lasers by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition

A series of separate confinement InxGa1−xAs‐GaAs (0.08<x<0.42) strained‐layer quantum well lasers with 70 A well thickness has been grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition. Data are presented on emission wavelengths and threshold current densities (Jth) as a function of composition. A minimum in Jth of 140 A/cm2 was observed for devices with In0.24Ga0.76As wells. The dependence of Jth on well composition is explained by a balance between strain effects and carrier confinement in the quantum well.
Mi Raíz (My Root)

This poem demonstrates the importance of the Latino/Latina vote in this election year. The reader will be able to find that the Latino experience described in the poem resonates with many other Latino/Latina experiences within our families, communities and society.
Information support for survivors of intimate partner violence: Public librarianship's role

Public libraries have the potential to provide rich information support for survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV). Librarians who understand the complex information gaps and barriers that IPV survivors confront during repeated attempts to achieve safety can create more effective services and policies. This study examines an IPV online support network's postings during ten months. The content analysis of the postings correlates survivors' expressed information needs, barriers, and resource preferences during the three basic stages of crisis. As funding for crisis centers disappears and IPV survivor needs increase, librarians can help to save lives by adjusting services to enhance privacy, safety, and confidentiality.
Comparison of applied dose and image quality in staging CT of neuroendocrine tumor patients using standard filtered back projection and adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction.

Abstract Objective To investigate whether dose reduction via adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR) affects image quality and diagnostic accuracy in neuroendocrine tumor (NET) staging. Methods A total of 28 NET patients were enrolled in the study. Inclusion criteria were histologically proven NET and visible tumor in abdominal computed tomography (CT). In an intraindividual study design, the patients underwent a baseline CT (filtered back projection, FBP) and follow-up CT (ASIR 40%) using matched scan parameters. Image quality was assessed subjectively using a 5-grade scoring system and objectively by determining signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs). Applied volume computed tomography dose index (CTDI vol ) of each scan was taken from the dose report. Results ASIR 40% significantly reduced CTDI vol (10.17±3.06mGy [FBP], 6.34±2.25mGy [ASIR] ( p p p p p p Conclusion In clinical practice ASIR can be used to reduce radiation dose without sacrificing image quality and diagnostic confidence in staging CT of NET patients. This may be beneficial for patients with frequent follow-up and significant cumulative radiation exposure.
Partial Substitution of Milk Protein with Spray-Dried Fish Solubles or Soy Protein Concentrates in Calf Milk Replacers

Abstract Male Holstein calves received at 4 days of age milk replacers as the only nutrients for 6 wk. Percent and source of protein were 1) 13% milk; 2) 19% milk; 3) 19% with 13% from milk and 6% from spray-dried fish solubles; 4) 19% with 13% milk and 6% soy protein concentrate; 5) 19% with 13% milk, 3% spray-dried fish solubles, and 3% soy protein concentrate; 6) 23% milk; 7) 23% with 13% milk and 10% spray-dried fish solubles. This report is to help explain how in a three-location comparison growth and health were poorer from fish solubles than from all milk protein with soy protein intermediate. Amino acids in blood plasma sampled at 3 and 6 wk of age showed higher total essential amino acids for 19 and 23% than for 13% milk protein or milk substitute diets. A xylose absorption test at 6 wk showed no impaired capacity of gut absorption from feeding lower quality protein. Organic matter was less digestible for diets containing fish solubles (75.7%) and soy protein concentrate (78.7%) than for milk protein (90.6%). Nitrogen retention showed similar patterns. Superior performance on milk protein was associated primarily with higher digestibility of organic matter, greater nitrogen retention, and higher concentrations of essential amino acids in plasma.
Subpicosecond time-resolved Raman studies of field-induced electron transport and phonon dynamics in a GaAs-based p-i-n nanostructure

Electron transport and phonon dynamics in a GaAs-based p-i-n nanostructure under the application of an electric field have been studied by time-resoled Raman spectroscopy at T equals 80 K. The time-evolution of electron density, electron distribution, electron drift velocity, and LO phonon population has been directly measured with subpicosecond time resolution. Our experimental results show that, for a photoexcited electron-hole pair density of n approximately equals 10 17 cm -3 , the effects of the drifting of electrons and electron intervalley scattering processes govern electron transport properties as well as the LO phonon dynamics. All of the experimental results are compared with ensemble Monte Carlo simulations and satisfactory agreement is obtained.
Multiple description coding via polyphase transform and selective quantization

In this paper, we present an efficient Multiple Description Coding (MDC) technique to achieve robust communication over unreliable channels such as a lossy packet network. We first model such unreliable channels as erasure channels and then we present a MDC system using polyphase transform and selective quantization to recover channel erasures. Different from previous MDC work, our system explicitly separates description generation and redundancy addition which greatly reduces the implementation complexity specially for systems with more than two descriptions. Our system also realizes a Balanced Multiple Description Coding (BMDC) framework which can generate descriptions of statistically equal rate and importance. This property is well matched to communication systems with no priority mechanisms for data delivery, such as today's Internet. We then study, for a given total coding rate, the problem of optimal bit allocation between source coding and redundancy coding to achieve the minimum average distortion for different channel failure rates. With high resolution quantization assumption, we give optimal redundancy bit rate allocations for both scalar i.i.d sources and vector i.i.d sources for independent channel failures. To evaluate the performance of our system, we provide an image coding application with two descriptions and our simulation results are better than the best MDC image coding results reported to date. We also provide image coding examples with 16 descriptions to illustrate the simplicity and effectiveness of our proposed MDC system.
Localization of Ca2+-binding proteins of rat cortex on two-dimensional gels—II. analysis of Ca2+ binding proteins in ammonium sulfate fractions of rat brain

Abstract A total of seven high-affinity calcium-binding proteins have been detected in rat brain. This was accomplished using a combination of ammonium sulfate fractionation, two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, western blotting and 45 Ca 2+ -autoradiography. Of these seven proteins, three are detectable in a crude tissue punch of rat cortex while four are seen only after protein enrichment with ammonium sulfate. Four of the seven proteins detected in this study have been identified: calmodulin, the B subunit of calcineurin, the intestinal vitamin D-dependent calcium-binding protein and parvalbumin. The identities of the other three proteins visualized by 45 Ca 2+ -autoradiography in this study are unknown.
Theoretical performance-based cost-effectiveness of multicomputers

The CPU cycles that are stolen to relay messages can significantly affect the performance of a multicomputer system. This degradation in performance in turn affects the overall cost-effectiveness of such a system. This paper compares the cost-effectiveness of four multicomputer architectures that have received a great deal of recent attention: the bidirectional straight line, the unidirectional ring, the square mesh, and the binary hypercube. Cost-effectiveness is measured by finding the ratio of the total dollar cost of a multicomputer, based upon the total cost of processors and communication links, to the total potential utilization of the processors making up the system, where the potential utilization is the fraction of time a processor has to do useful processing after subtracting time spent handling messages. The smaller the value of this ratio, the greater the cost-effectiveness of the system.
Comparison of human optimized bacterial luciferase, firefly luciferase, and green fluorescent protein for continuous imaging of cell culture and animal models

Bioluminescent and fluorescent reporter systems have enabled the rapid and continued growth of the optical imaging field over the last two decades. Of particular interest has been noninvasive signal detection from mammalian tissues under both cell culture and whole animal settings. Here we report on the advantages and limitations of imaging using a recently introduced bacterial luciferase (lux) reporter system engineered for increased bioluminescent expression in the mammalian cellular environment. Comparison with the bioluminescent firefly luciferase (Luc) system and green fluorescent protein system under cell culture conditions demonstrated a reduced average radiance, but maintained a more constant level of bioluminescent output without the need for substrate addition or exogenous excitation to elicit the production of signal. Comparison with the Luc system following subcutaneous and intraperitoneal injection into nude mice hosts demonstrated the ability to obtain similar detection patterns with in vitro experiments at cell population sizes above 2.5 × 104 cells but at the cost of increasing overall image integration time.
Preparing Ex-Offenders for Work: Applying the Self-Determination Theory to Social Cognitive Career Counseling.

Ex-offenders, persons with criminal and limited job histories, are being released into communities every year. Social cognitive career theory (SCCT) focuses on several cognitive–person variables and on the interaction effect with the environment. Conceptually, the author views the integration of SCCT and the self-determination theory as a promising model for engaging ex-offenders in behavior change and job counseling. A fictional case study is presented that applies the integrated theory model.
Effects of Gender, Origin, and Age on Transmission of Xylella fastidiosa to Grapevines by Homalodisca vitripennis (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae)

ABSTRACT Homalodisca vitripennis (Germar) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) is an invasive vector of Xylella fastidiosa, the causal agent of Pierce's disease of grapevines (Vitis vinifera L.). Transmission efficiency of X. fastidiosa to grapevines by H. vitripennis originating from two geographically separated populations in California (Riverside and Bakersfield) based on gender and age was evaluated. To evaluate transmission efficiencies among groups, insects were given a 96-h acquisition access period on infected grapevines and caged in groups of five on healthy grapevines for a 72-h inoculation access period. At the conclusion of tests, polymerase chain reaction determined that a mean ± SD of 0.98 ± 1.02 X. fastidiosa-positive H. vitripennis were present on each grapevine and that 29% of test plants were infected. Acquisition and retention of X. fastidiosa was not affected by vector origin, gender, or age. The probability that a grapevine was infected 12 wk after the inoculation access period increased with th...
Progesterone’s effects to reduce anxiety behavior of aged mice do not require actions via intracellular progestin receptors

Aging is associated with reduced secretion of, and down-regulation of receptors for, progesterone (P); yet, P’s effects when administered to younger and older animals have not been systematically investigated. Some of P’s antianxiety effects may be due to its conversion to 3α-hydroxy-5α-pregnan-20-one (3α,5α-THP) and its subsequent actions as a positive modulator at GABAA receptor complexes (GBRs). We investigated whether P administration can decrease anxiety behavior of progestin receptor (PR) knockout (PRKO) or wild-type control mice. P (10 mg/kg) or vehicle (propylene glycol) were administered subcutaneously to intact, female or male wild-type or PRKO mice that were either 9–12 or 18–24 months of age. Behavior in tasks that assess spontaneous activity (activity monitor and roto-rod), free exploration of a novel environment (open field, elevated plus maze, and elevated zero maze), and conflict behavior (mirror chamber, dark–light transition, and punished drinking) were examined 1 h after injection. P significantly decreased anxiety behavior of both PRKO and wild-type mice. P did not alter motor behavior but increased central entries in the open field, time in the open quadrants of the elevated zero maze, time in the mirrored chamber, time in the light compartment of the dark–light transition, and punished drinking in young and old mice. P-administered mice had higher levels of hippocampal 3α,5α-THP and GABA-stimulated chloride flux than did vehicle-administered PRKO or wild-type mice. The effects of P to decrease anxiety behavior of younger and older mice do not require classic PRs and may involve actions of 3α,5α-THP at GBRs.
Family-centered care when abuse or neglect is suspected.

Ask the Expert provides answers to clinical questions for nurses in practice settings. Where possible, evidence from research is used to support the experts' recommendations.
Cultural variations in the play of toddlers

The present study examines differences in the social play of toddlers from four communities. Fourteen children, between the ages of 12 and 24 months, from four cultural communities (San Pedro, Guat...
Group-of-frames/pictures color histogram descriptors for multimedia applications

Joint representation of color-based features for multiple images or a video segment is an important task for visual information management systems. Generally, a key-frame or key-image is selected from such a group, and the color-related features of the entire collection are represented with those of the chosen sample. Such methods are highly dependent on the quality of the representative sample, and may lead to unreliable results. We present a set of histogram-based descriptors that reliably capture the color content of multiple images or video frames. These descriptors are defined for a group-of-frames (GoF) or a group-of-pictures (GoP). A single representation for the entire collection is obtained by combining individual frame or image histograms in various ways. We demonstrate the efficacy of GoF-histograms for video segment retrieval and the GoP-histograms for fast image search. This descriptor has been accepted to the Working Draft of MPEG-7, the evolving ISO standard for multimedia content description.
Profiting from gaizhi: Management buyouts during China’s privatization

Abstract During the late 1990s, China introduced the gaizhi process for privatizing state-owned firms. Under gaizhi , insiders could acquire their firms at a price that was based on recent profitability. This gave the managers of firms an incentive to reduce short run profits. We compared the performance of firms acquired by their managers to performance at matched control firms. Insider controlled firms experienced a significant decrease in profitability immediately prior to privatization and a return to pre-gaizhi profits soon thereafter. The short term reduction in profits was accompanied by a decrease in labor productivity, an increase in overdue accounts receivable, and an increase in R&D investment. We do not observe a similar pattern among firms acquired by outsiders. These findings suggest that insiders intentionally suppressed the performance of their firms so as to acquire them at less than fair value.
Using Communication Patterns in the Design of an Adaptive Organizational Structure for Command and Control

What type of analysis should be used to inform design when both the future organizational structure and the experimental simulation are tenuous? Neither the application of a qualitative process tracing method nor low-level quantitative organizational designs are warranted. We hypothesized the analyses of high-level communication patterns in a role-playing exercise of a future organization structure would yield results that could both inform organizational design and shape iterative experimental designs. This study summarizes the comparison between communication patterns in an envisioned organizational structure and the actual patterns of information exchange of experienced military participants role-playing staff members in a future organizational design. The comparison between the hypothesized and actual communication performance indicated a different distribution of communication interaction from the expected. These results help guide both the future organizational concept as well as next iteration experiments.
Potency beliefs in newly formed project teams: sources of initial group efficacy beliefs

Group efficacy represents a group’s perceived capability to perform. This longitudinal study (involving 193 working adults organised into 47 project teams in MBA courses) examined several potential sources of group efficacy, measured as individual and group potency beliefs, including the procedure used to form groups, prior team experience, and individual attitudes. Results suggest that the group formation procedure is a relevant antecedent of individual’s potency beliefs about their newly formed project teams. A formation procedure designed to help group members understand each other’s potential contribution to the team generated greater potency than forming teams around a topic of interest or by random assignment. At the group level of analysis, however, initial group potency was negatively correlated with team outcome measures (learning behaviours, process effectiveness, satisfaction, team and instructor project evaluation). Results suggest some new considerations for future research and practice regarding forming teams that believe they can succeed.
COMPRESSION OF THE SCIATIC NERVE BY WEAR DEBRIS FOLLOWING TOTAL HIP REPLACEMENT: A REPORT OF THREE CASES

Pain in the distribution of the sciatic nerve is common in the elderly. In the presence of a long-standing joint replacement, consideration should be given as to whether compression might be due to an extraspinal cause. We present three women, in whom a mass of wear debris from a previous total hip replacement caused compression of the sciatic nerve posterior to the hip. The symptoms were relieved immediately following operation.
TRPV1: hot new channels in the brain

TRP channels are a superfamily of ligand-gated ion channels found in organisms from worms to mammals [1,2]. Over the past 10 years, it has become clear that several members of the channel superfamily are activated by multiple endogenous signaling molecules, and also, strikingly, by changes in temperature. The first channel of this type to be cloned was TRPV1, initially identified as a channel opened both by heat above 42°C, and by capsaicin, the pungent ingredient in hot peppers [3]. Since this original observation, several other TRP channels that respond both to temperature changes and to ligands have been identified, including other heat-activated members of the TRPV subgroup, and TRPM8 and TRPA1, which respond both to cool temperatures and to compounds including menthol and mustard oils [2]. In addition to their activation by heat and capsaicin, over the past several years TRPV1 channels have also been found to be activated by a wide array of endogenously produced ligands, including lipoxygenase derivatives of arachidonic acid, such as 12-(S)hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (HPETE), the endocannabinoid anandamide, N-arachidonlydopamine (NADA), bradykinin and also acidic pH levels [3–7]. Furthermore, activation by one ligand can potentiate the response to a second activator. TRP channels are nonselective cation channels, and therefore excite neurons, and like most TRP channels, TRPV1 channels are quite Ca2+-permeable, with a pCa/pNa similar to the NMDAR channel (∼10; [8,9]).
Conventional and surgical endodontic treatment of a maxillary first molar with unusual anatomy--a case report.

Floratos S, Kratchman SI. Conventional and surgical endodontic treatment of a maxillary first molar with unusual anatomy – a case report. International Endodontic Journal. Abstract Aim To describe conventional and surgical endodontic treatment of a maxillary left first molar with two canals on the distobuccal root and to discuss the treatment outcome. Summary According to the literature, the presence of a second canal on the distobuccal root of a maxillary first molar is rare. This anatomical anomaly might lead to an unfavourable outcome if clinicians fail to identify and treat it properly. The following case report describes conventional and surgical endodontic treatment of a maxillary left first molar with two canals on the distobuccal root. Key learning points • Anatomical variations of the root canal system are a challenge for clinicians during root canal retreatment. • The principles and techniques of endodontic microsurgery are of utmost importance in clinical practice, and clinicians should be aware of them.
Simulation of Residual and Intercycle Ice Shapes Using Step Ice and Roughness

Experiments were performed with a laminar flow wing equipped with a full span control surface to evaluate the effect of a range of simulated ice shapes on wing aerodynamic performance. The tests were conducted in the 7-ft by 10-ft wind tunnel facility at Wichita State University at airspeed of 100 mph, geometric angles of attack from -8° to +23°, Mach number of 0.134 and a Reynolds number of 3.80 million based on the mean aerodynamic chord. During the aerodynamic tests, six component force and moment measurements, control surface hinge moments and surface pressures at two spanwise stations were obtained. Simulated ice shapes tested included residual and intercycle ice shapes defined from icing tunnel tests with a mechanical deicing system installed in the wing leading edge. Full span step ice shapes simulated with quarter-rounds with heights of 2 mm and 4 mm were also tested at 1%, 3%, 5% and 8% chord to assess step ice location on aerodynamic performance. In addition, the 4-mm step ice shape was tested with sandpaper roughness of 24-grit, 40-grit and 80-grit upstream and also downstream of the step to help quantify the effect of roughness often observed with residual and intercycle ice shapes. In general, wing aerodynamic performance exhibited considerable sensitivity to ice shape configuration. The reduction in clean wing CL,stall due to the 18 simulated ice shapes tested ranged from 8.9% to 22.9% while the increase in wing CD,min ranged from 0% to 74.3%. The largest reduction in CL,stall was obtained with the 4-mm step ice at 1% chord on the wing upper surface combined with 24-grit roughness from approximately 1% to 20% chord on the upper surface. The largest increase in CD,min occurred with the 4-mm step ice at 1% chord on the wing upper surface with leading edge roughness of 24-grit extending from 1% chord on the upper surface to 1% chord on the lower surface. The simulated residual and intercycle ice shapes tested reduced clean wing CL,stall by 11.5% to 16.6%, increased clean wing CD,min by 35.0% to 49.5% and resulted in more negative pitching moments about the wing aerodynamic center. Their effect on control surface hinge moments was small. Computational fluid dynamic analysis was also performed for the wing model with the 4-mm step ice, combinations of 4mm step ice and roughness, and a simulated intercycle ice shape. The tunnel walls were included in the flow simulations performed. The analysis was performed at a geometric angle of attack of approximately 7° and airspeed of 100 mph. Overall, the agreement between analysis and experiment was good for the clean and iced wing configurations computed.
Toward the Measurement and Prediction of Victim Proneness

Two samples (each of 500 households) were drawn from the data gathered by the National Crime Survey (NCS). Utilizing a nonlinear response model, it was found that the resulting victimizations fit well a theoretical construct of victim proneness. Further it was discovered that some aspects of proneness can be predicted from social characteristics of the households. It was also discovered that for some purposes direct nonlinear regression is more useful. It was concluded that this approach might be fruitful in resolving difficulties arising from assignation of crimes to households or persons; and by providing a simplified parameterization of victimization, it would allow the more graceful testing of alternative hypotheses about the structure of victimization. This has important consequences for the testing of the efficacy of intervention programs.