cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Urinary Leukotriene (LT)- E4 in Adolescents with Dysmenorrhea

Background While prostaglandins have been extensively explored in dysmenorrhea, little is known about the leukotriene (LT) pathway in this common gynecologic complaint of adolescents. We measured levels of urinary LT-E 4 as an index of leukotriene production during the menstrual cycle in adolescents. Methods Urine was obtained from adolescents on days 1 and 5 of their menstrual period as well as on day 10 of the cycle. After extraction and HPLC analysis, EIA was used to measure LT-E 4 . Cox Menstrual Scale was used to asses severity of menstrual symptoms. Results Urine samples of six adolescents (mean age 16 ± 1 years, gynecologic age 4 ± 1 years), 3 with dysmenorrhea (Cox score 50 ± 18), and 3 with eumenorrhea (Cox score 6 ± 2) have been evaluated. When compared to urinary LT-E 4 levels in girls with eumenorrhea, urinary LT-E 4 levels in girls with dysmenorrhea were elevated on both day I (412 ± 192 pg/mg creatinine vs 67 ± 10 pg/mg creatinine, p Conclusions Increase in LTs, inflammatory mediators known to cause potent vasoconstriction and uterine contractions, in girls with dysmenorrhea, indicates the possible involvement of these mediators in generating symptoms of dysmenorrhea in adolescents.
Informed consent for blood transfusion as a transfusion medicine educational intervention.

SUMMARY. The aim here was to determine the effectiveness of a transfusion medicine educational intervention in a medicine core clerkship program. Third-year medical students enrolled in their medicine core clerkship rotations at tertiary care hospitals affiliated with our institution underwent a two-part educational intervention that incorporated a transfusion medicine curriculum within the context of the medicolegal, ethical and educational elements of informed consent. Part one was a 1-h didactic session on standards of practice for red blood cell transfusion. Part two was a 90-min multidisciplinary workshop on informed consent. The effectiveness of the educational intervention was analysed by an objective structured clinical evaluation. The student group receiving the educational intervention scored significantly higher than in the comparison group (65.8 ± 9.2 vs. 54.1 ± 10.56, P <0.001). When student scores were used to determine changes in student response patterns over time, the largest change occurred in identifying possible other options to allogeneic blood transfusion. These results suggest that a transfusion medicine curriculum using an informed consent model can be used effectively as an educational intervention in a medicine core clerkship programme.
Lesion contrast and detection using sonoelastographic shear velocity imaging: preliminary results

This paper assesses lesion contrast and detection using sonoelastographic shear velocity imaging. Shear wave interference patterns, termed crawling waves, for a two phase medium were simulated assuming plane wave conditions. Shear velocity estimates were computed using a spatial autocorrelation algorithm that operates in the direction of shear wave propagation for a given kernel size. Contrast was determined by analyzing shear velocity estimate transition between mediums. Experimental results were obtained using heterogeneous phantoms with spherical inclusions (5 or 10 mm in diameter) characterized by elevated shear velocities. Two vibration sources were applied to opposing phantom edges and scanned (orthogonal to shear wave propagation) with an ultrasound scanner equipped for sonoelastography. Demodulated data was saved and transferred to an external computer for processing shear velocity images. Simulation results demonstrate shear velocity transition between contrasting mediums is governed by both estimator kernel size and source vibration frequency. Experimental results from phantoms further indicates that decreasing estimator kernel size produces corresponding decrease in shear velocity estimate transition between background and inclusion material albeit with an increase in estimator noise. Overall, results demonstrate the ability to generate high contrast shear velocity images using sonoelastographic techniques and detect millimeter-sized lesions.
A computational model of ferroelectric domains. Part II: grain boundaries and defect pinning

Domain nucleation, domain switching and the hysteretic behavior of ferroelectric polycrystals or ceramics can differ from those in ferroelectric single crystals. This paper extends the model presented in Part I to polycrytals, and uses it to study domain switching in bicrystals that are chosen to model biaxially textured thin films. The results show that the switching behavior in bicrystals is similar to that in single crystals for small misalignment of grains but becomes quite different at larger misalignment.
Three-dimensional finite element analysis of the magnetic tape slitting process

Abstract The quality of factory-slit tape edges plays an important role in determining the performance of tape drives and is a controlling factor for data track density. A theoretical study of the slitting process and parameters involved could assist greatly in the optimization of the process and development of better quality slit edges. Various finite element studies exist in the area of sheet metal blanking and cutting but a three-dimensional study in the area of polymer slitting is lacking. In this study, a three-dimensional model of the slitting process of the polymeric tape substrate is developed using the finite element method and the effect of various blade and web parameters on the quality of the edge is analyzed. A modification of a two-dimensional model developed earlier is used to compliment the three-dimensional study. The material of a typical substrate has been accurately modeled and a failure criterion incorporated to model the material separation. A criterion for comparison of the quality of slit edge is proposed. Parametric study of the effect of blade and web parameters has been conducted. Vertical engagement, edge radius, blade speed, blade radius, longitudinal tension in the web and web thickness are varied and their effect on edge quality is analyzed. An analytical model is developed to study the effect of blade and web parameters and a damage parameter relating edge quality to these parameters is proposed.
Social Desirability Responses of Young Children: An Interim Report

The present pilot project suggests that direct assessment of SD responses of young children is feasible and indicates, with reasonable likelihood, that even as early as age six this type of judgmen...
Developing Standard Times for Repair Activities for Transit Vehicles: A Systematic Approach

This paper presents a systematic method for determining repair time standards for transit vehicles. Most approaches typically used for time and motion study are designed mainly for manufacturing processes and thus find limited applications in transit environments. The methodology developed in this study is comprehensive and incorporates relevant factors such as maintenance procedures and work bay components and design, which are particular to the transit industry. This methodology has been employed on two systems: brake repair and preventive maintenance on buses. A major component of the methodology pertains to restructuring procedures, not only to improve work flow but also to normalize the operative assignments across transit shops. That focus facilitates productivity control and allows managers to assess training needs better. Outcomes reveal that the proposed methodology serves as a framework to develop valid standards that could have an impact on the efficiency of technicians while reducing total job...
Effect of clenbuterol administration on the healthy murine heart

Clenbuterol has recently been shown to reverse pathologic cardiac remodeling during left ventricular assist device (LVAD) support, leading to restored ventricular function and explantation of LVAD devices. However, others have not been able to support these observations. Our hypothesis is that the beta(2)-adrenergic activity of clenbuterol induces cardiac extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, resulting in increased interstitial fibrillar collagen content and altered diastolic function that may account for these conflicting reports. The intent of this study is to characterize the effect of clenbuterol on healthy murine hearts with transthoracic echo and histology. C57BL/6 female mice were administered 2.4 microg/kg/day of clenbuterol in the drinking water for 7 days and analysis conducted on day 8-24 hours after the last dose of clenbuterol. Histological analysis demonstrated an increase in left ventricular ECM collagen content in a control group compared with the clenbuterol group (density 0.32 +/- 0.16 compared to 2.01 +/- 0.30 RD/mm(2)). The ventricular fibrosis was supported by altered diastolic function measured by transthoracic echo where there was a significant increase in isovolumic relaxation time, and left atrial dimension and a decrease in left ventricular free wall tissue Doppler ratios. Our study showed no significant differences in left ventricular ejection fraction, cardiac output, or heart rate between the clenbuterol and control groups. These data suggest that the beta-2 adrenergic activity of clenbuterol increases ECM fibrillar collagen concentrations in normal hearts, resulting in altered diastolic function.
Composition of the earth's atmosphere by shock-layer radiometry during the PAET entry probe experiment.

A determination of the composition of the earth's atmosphere obtained from onboard radiometer measurements of the spectra emitted from the bow shock layer of a high-speed entry probe is reported. The N2, O2, CO2, and noble gas concentrations in the earth's atmosphere were determined to good accuracy by this technique. The results demonstrate unequivocally the feasibility of determining the composition of an unknown planetary atmosphere by means of a multichannel radiometer viewing optical emission from the heated atmospheric gases in the region between the bow shock wave and the vehicle surface. The spectral locations in this experiment were preselected to enable the observation of CN violet, N2(+) first negative and atomic oxygen emission at 3870, 3910, and 7775 A, respectively. The atmospheric gases were heated and compressed by the shock wave to a peak temperature of about 6100 K and a corresponding pressure of 0.4 atm. Complete descriptions of the data analysis technique and the onboard radiometer and its calibration are given.
Characterization of a Palladium Dihydrogen Complex

The preparation and isolation of the first palladium dihydrogen complex is described. NMR spectroscopy reveals a very short H-H bond length, but the hydrogen molecule is activated toward heterolytic cleavage. An X-ray crystal structure suggests that proton transfer to the (tBu) PCP (κ(3)-2,6-((t)Bu2PCH2)2C6H3) pincer ligand is possible. The basicity of the ipso-carbon atom of the pincer ligand was investigated in a related complex.
Spatial patterns of drought frequency and duration in the contiguous USA based on multiple drought event definitions

This study examines patterns of drought frequency and duration in the contiguous USA based on multiple definitions of drought events. Patterns are examined using data from the three Palmer indices: monthly moisture anomaly index (ZINX), drought severity index (PDSI), and hydrologic drought index (PHDI). The data span a 94-year period and are spatially aggregated to the climatic division level. The stimulus for this study is the lack of systematic examination of the possibility of varying spatial patterns of drought frequency and duration among the drought types represented by these indices. Isoline maps of mean drought frequency indicate that the index used to define a drought has a major impact on the spatial patterns. Patterns identified using the monthly moisture anomaly index are nearly inverse of those for the drought severity and hydrologic drought indices. Patterns of drought duration also vary among the indices, although previous findings of greater drought persistence in the interior regions of the USA were upheld by all three indices. Results also indicate that varying the parameters (intensity, minimum duration) of an index-specific drought event definition has a minor impact only on the spatial patterns.
Limb-darkening of thermal emission from Venus

Abstract The intensity of thermal radiation emitted from a plane-parallel isothermal cloud of particles with arbitrary albedo is considered, both for isotropic and slightly forward scattering. The solution can be given in terms of the solution for scattering alone, without thermal emission. With reasonable values for the particle albedo and the proportion of forward scattering this model is capable of explaining the observed limb-darkening of thermal radiation from Venus.
Josephson current between d-wave superconductors through an interface with finite transmission

We consider an interface with finite transmission between two superconductors. We show that in some cases the general non-linear boundary condition for the quasiclassical Green’s function derived independently by Kieselmann and Zaitsev can be factorized into a linear effective boundary condition. This result is then applied to the josephson current-phase relationships for junctions between two\(d_{x^2 - y^2 } \) super conductors. In particular we study the phase difference χm across a junction where its energy is at a minimum as a function of the temperature and orientations of the superconductors. Experimental implications are discussed.
Determining Object Orientation Using Ellipse Fitting

Many industrial applications of computer vision require fast, accurate, classification and orientation of known objects. For those objects which exhibit circular markings or circular surfaces, it is possible to determine object orientation from a single visual image. In this paper, a technique is presented which uses the parameters of an ellipse fit to points in the image to specify the orientation of the corresponding circular object surface. Location of candidate ellipse points in the image is accomplished by exploiting knowledge about object boundaries and image intensity gradients. A second order ellipse equation is fit to the candidate points using a nonlinear error measure based on the equation of a general conic and an average gradient constraint. The technique presented is applied to the task of estimating the orientation of a discrete transistor against a uniform background, and results are summarized for 138 images.
Divergent effects of calcineurin Aβ on regulatory and conventional T-cell homeostasis.

Calcineurin (CN) is a phosphatase that activates nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT). While the CN inhibitors cyclosporine A (CsA) and tacrolimus (FK506) can prevent graft rejection, they also cause inflammatory diseases. We investigated the role of calcineurin using mice deficient in the CN catalytic subunit Aβ (CNAβ). Cnab−/− mice exhibit defective thymocyte maturation, splenomegaly and hepatomegaly. Further, as Cnab−/− mice age, they exhibit spontaneous T-cell activation and enhanced production of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-6, and IFNγ). FOXP3+ Treg cells were significantly decreased in Cnab−/− mice likely contributing to increased T-cell activation. Interestingly, we found that CNAβ is critical for promotion of BCL-2 expression in FOXP3+ Treg and for permitting TGFβ signaling, as TGFβ induces FOXP3 in control but not in Cnab−/− T-cells. Together, these data suggest that CNAβ is important for the production and maintenance of Treg cells and to ensure mature T-cell quiescence.
The temporal stability of individually tested intelligence

Test-retest reliability data gathered from 79 sources (34 separate studies) were analyzed by a multiple-regression method in an attempt to estimate the effects of several factors on the temporal stability of individually tested intelligence. Five intelligence tests were examined: the Standford-Binet (except the fourth edition), the WISC, the WISC-R, the WAIS, and the WAIS-R. Samples encompassed a wide range of subjects divergent on status, age, and sample size. Subject age and status, gender, and test-retest interval were evaluated, and age and interval were found to be significant predictors of reliability. Subject sex and specific instrument were not found to have a significant effect on reliability. A summary table provides expected reliability coefficients, standard error, and percent of persons with IQ change in excess of 15 points, tabulated for combinations of each of the two predictors.
Segmental and Prosodic Approaches to Accent Management

Purpose This study investigated the relative outcomes of segmental and prosodic training of nonnative speakers of American English. Method The study used a single-subject, alternating treatments, m...
Rupture of pericardial cyst.

A unique case of spontaneous rupture of a pericardial cyst in a 49-year-old woman with aortic stenosis is reported. Thoracotomy revealed a large deflated pericardial cyst. Etiologic, clinical and roentgenographic features of pericardial cysts are reviewed.
Clinician activism and ethical restraints in providing treatment: preventive as opposed to reconstructive approaches.

Abstract There is seldom controversy when faced with treatment decisions for a child born with a birth defect. Occasionally, the situation arises In which a decision to withhold treatment must be made. Under most circumstances the responsibility for making such decisions rests with the child's parents or guardians, since it is generally felt that these individuals are the best advocates br the child's best Interests. In order to make such difficult decisions, the parents are dependent upon the guidance and counseling of health professionals, especially the phy sicians most closely involved in each case. The ultimate decisions made by parents are dependent upon open and unambiguous communication with their children's clinicians as well as open communications among the caregivers themselves. The role of the clinician as an advocate for treatment and nontreat ment of children is dependent upon clear unbiased communication and the desire to do what is in the best interest for each patient.
A discrete-trials PREE in an operant situation *

Three groups of pigeons under different ratio schedules of reinforcement received acquisition and extinction training with a discrete-trials operant procedure. A group with all trials reinforced was less resistant than a 50% reinforcement group. Any increments in resistance to extinction due to variations in number of responses per food presentation were demonstrated to be inadequate to explain this discrete-trials partial-reinforcement extinction effect. It was concluded that discrete-trials resistance to extinction is more sensitive to acquisition variations in reinforcement per trial than in reinforcement per response.
The morality of tube feeding PVS patients: a critique of the view of Kevin O'Rourke, O.P.

This article will examine and critique the influential position of the eminent moral theologian Kevin O’Rourke, O.P. on the morality of tube feeding patients said to be in a “permanent vegetative state” (PVS).1 My criticism will primarily focus on a representative sample of Fr. O’Rourke’s published articles expressing his views over the last twenty years. These writings – sometimes co-authored with his distinguished colleagues Benedict Ashley, O.P. and Jean DeBlois – and the many responses to them show that O’Rourke has consistently maintained that caregivers are not morally obliged to feed PVS patients – whether orally or by tube. I will also draw on material from an April 2005 debate in Detroit that I moderated between O’Rourke and William E. May,2 as well as recent news reports of O’Rourke’s negative reaction to both Pope John Paul II’s March 20, 2004 address on the question of tube feeding PVS patients3 and to the case for tube feeding the severely braindamaged Florida woman Terri Schiavo (whose own alleged PVS was highly disputed). I have chosen to focus primarily on O’Rourke because of his very vocal and public criticism of the Pope’s address. In light of the late Holy Father’s authoritative intervention on the issue and the March 2005 starvation death of Mrs. Schiavo in Florida after her feeding tube was removed, O’Rourke’s position is deserving of renewed moral scrutiny.4 First, I will summarize O’Rourke’s position on the question. This will include analyzing his basic anthropological and moral presuppositions. Second, I will criticize O’Rourke’s position by briefly comparing and contrasting it with the Pope’s address and with other authors who have made the case for tube feeding PVS patients in most cases. Thus, I hope to both substantively contribute to the moral discussion and to be among the first to offer a criticism of O’Rourke’s position that takes into account the Pope’s address and his reaction to it. Needless to say, this article is not a comprehensive treatment of the issue, but rather a more limited critiquing of one very influential theological view supporting the denial of tube feeding to PVS patients. Thus, for example, it does not intend to offer either a full-blown defense
How May We Help You? Online Education Faculty Tell Us What They Need from Libraries and Librarians

ABSTRACT With the rapid rise in distance education and online courses, the need to provide effective library services to the faculty and students involved in online courses is vitally important. Traditional services cannot always be transferred easily to the online environment and may need to be modified, or new services may need to be created to meet the needs of online users. This article examines the needs and wants of faculty involved in offering online courses. A Web-based survey was administered to faculty teaching an online course within the past 2 years at the authors’ organization. Faculty were asked a series of questions including their use of current library services, their emphasis on students using library services, and the services and resources they would like the library to provide in the future. Questions for the survey were inspired by LibQual comments received during our 2005 and 2007 surveys as well as comments received from both faculty and students while teaching and participating in...
Recognition of Pre-Pleistocene Glacial Environments: ABSTRACT

Pleistocene glacial deposits are identified easily; however, the existence of pre-Pleistocene glacial deposits has been challenged for several reasons. Recognition of earlier widespread glacial deposits is associated by many workers with continental drift, a process that complicates paleomagnetic and paleoclimatic reconstruction. In addition, pre-Pleistocene glacial deposits can be interpreted environmentally in several ways. Alleged tillites containing poorly sorted clasts, striated rock fragments, and rock flour are similar to deposits formed by subaerial and subaqueous mass movements. Few criteria alone are decisive; therefore many environmental criteria must be sought. Among the more important physical characteristics of glacial deposits are ultramicroscopic markings on the surfaces of quartz sand grains; massive, nonsorted debris with abundant rock flour, silt, sand, and blocks; striated stones; deflection and penetration of laminae by stones; stone shape; presence of erratics; extraordinarily large boulders; ice-molded structures; striated and polished pavements; and thickness and extent of stratigraphic units. The more important chemical criteria include comparisons of chemical and mineralogical composition of clasts and matrix, differing mineralogy of the stones, and oxygen-isotope ratios of fossil shell material. Biological criteria include fossil invertebrates and vertebrates capable of existing in cold climates; and the identification of fossil floras which may be characteristic of cold climates. End_of_Article - Last_Page 727------------
Identifying Habitat Variables Important to the Rare Columbia Spotted Frog in Utah (U.S.A.): an Information‐Theoretic Approach

: We identified habitat associations of the rare Columbia spotted frog ( Rana luteiventris). We used an information-theoretic approach that encouraged careful consideration of previous studies, demanded a priori formulation of hypotheses and models, and provided interpretable results while avoiding some criticisms of traditional statistical analyses. We formulated hypotheses about habitat associations based on conductivity, emergent vegetation, littoral zone depth, pond hydrology, and water temperature. We modeled hypothesized associations with logistic regression and used Akaike's information criterion to quantify evidence for models, weigh the relative importance of each habitat variable, and select predictive models. Although variable, results suggested that spotted frogs are more likely to occur in ponds that do not shrink in size seasonally, maintain relatively constant seasonal water temperature, and have high emergent vegetation cover. Associations we identified will assist actions in Utah that may be critical to local persistence of spotted frogs. Moreover, this approach for identifying associations has great potential for other rare species. Resumen: Identificamos asociaciones de habitat de Rana luteiventris. Utilizamos un metodo teorico-informatico que requirio de cuidadosa consideracion de estudios previos, demando la formulacion de hipotesis y modelos a priori y proporciono resultados interpretables evitando algunas criticas de los analisis estadisticos tradicionales. Formulamos hipotesis relacionadas con asociaciones de habitat con base en conductividad, vegetacion emergente, profundidad de la zona litoral, hidrologia de charcas y temperatura del agua. Modelamos asociaciones hipoteticas con regresion logistica y utilizamos el criterio de informacion Akaike para cuantificar la evidencia para modelos, evaluar la importancia relativa de cada variable de habitat y seleccionar modelos predictivos. Aunque variables, los resultados sugieren que R. luteiventris ocurre con mayor probabilidad en charcas cuyo tamano no se reduce estacionalmente, que mantienen la temperatura del agua relativamente constante y tienen una cobertura alta de vegetacion emergente. Las asociaciones que identificamos estaran presentes en acciones que pueden ser criticas para la persistencia local de R. luteiventris. Ademas, este metodo para identificar asociaciones tiene un gran potencial para otras especies raras.
REDUCED RANK CLASSIFICATION

Two reduced rank classification procedures, principal components classification and equal weights classification, are described and compared via a simulation study to the standard classification procedure to determine their feasibilities as alternative classification procedures. First, a justification for the development of these two reduced rank procedures is provided. Then, the two reduced rank rules are derived. The simulation design is described in detail. The simulation results demonstrate that the reduced rank procedures are preferable to the standard procedure under certain conditions, i.e., when they appropriately incorporate prior information about population structure into their classification rules. Suggestions for future research are offered.
Hydrogen from coal gasification: An economical pathway to a sustainable energy future

Abstract Although hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe, it does not occur naturally in large quantities or high concentrations on Earth. Hydrogen must be produced from other compounds such as fossil fuels, biomass, or water and is therefore considered an energy carrier like electricity. Gasification of carbonaceous, hydrogen-containing fuels is an effective method of thermal hydrogen production and is considered to be a key technology in the transition to a hydrogen economy. However, for gasification to play a major role during the transition period, capital and operating cost must be reduced and reliability and performance must be improved. Analyses show that hydrogen produced from coal-based gasification can be competitive with production from natural gas provided the cost of natural gas remains above $4/10 6 Btu and the high reliability of gasification-based processes can be demonstrated. But for coal to be considered in a carbon-constrained environment, the cost of natural gas would have to be greater than $5.50/10 6 Btu. The development of advanced technologies, however, offers the potential for significant reductions in capital costs, improved thermal efficiencies, and increased reliability. If these advanced technologies are capable of achieving their goals, the cost of producing hydrogen from coal could be reduced by 25–50%, even with the capture and sequestration of CO 2 . With these reductions, the cost of natural gas would have to be less than $2.50/10 6 Btu to compete, a scenario that is very unlikely to occur in the future. This potential cost reduction provides considerable impetus for continuing research and development in the production of hydrogen from coal.
Marital satisfaction among African Americans and Black Caribbeans: Findings from the National Survey of American Life

This study examines the correlates of marital satisfaction using data from a national probability sample of African Americans (N = 962) and Black Caribbeans (N = 560). Findings reveal differences between African Americans and Black Caribbeans, and men and women within those groups, in the predictors of marital satisfaction. Black Caribbean women reported overall higher levels of marital satisfaction than African American women. The findings amply demonstrate the significance of ethnic diversity within the Black population in the United States. Difficulties with finances (budgeting, credit issues, and debt management) are one of the key issues that generate conflict in marriages; stress generated as a result of financial problems can lower marital satisfaction. Because these issues are salient for couples at any given time in the family life cycle, counseling at critical points in the marriage (birth of children, launching of children from home, and retirement) may be helpful.
Unique organization and involvement of GAGA factors in transcriptional regulation of the Xenopus stromelysin-3 gene

Expression of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) gene stromelysin-3 (ST3) has been shown to be tightly associated with cell migration and apoptosis in mammals and amphibians. This contrasts with most other MMP genes. We demonstrate here that the Xenopus ST3 gene also has a structure distinct from other MMP genes, with its C-terminal half (the hemopexin domain) encoded by 4 instead of 6 exons, as in other MMP genes. Our primer extension analysis reveals the existence of two transcription start sites and at least one is needed for transcription of the promoter in transient transfection assays. Furthermore, our deletion analysis has demonstrated a requirement for at least one GAGA factor binding site for promoter function. In vitro DNA binding and mutational studies have provided strong evidence for the participation of GAGA or GAGA-like factors in transcriptional regulation of the frog ST3 gene. This contrasts with regulation of the human ST3 promoter. These results suggest that the ST3 gene evolved prior to most other metalloproteinase genes and uses distinct regulation pathways to achieve similar expression profiles and serve similar functions in mammals and amphibians.
Effect of vitamin A deficiency on RNA synthesis in isolated rat liver nuclei

Abstract Liver nuclei isolated from rats fed 40 – 50 days with vitamin A-deficient diet showed decreased incorporation of [ 3 H] UTP into RNA as compared with the pair-fed controls. Furthermore, nuclei from rats made vitamin A-deficient by the retinoic acid repletion-depletion method which leads to a complete depletion of retinol while the animals are in good general state of health also showed decreased RNA synthesis when compared to the nuclei from retinol-repleted, pair-fed controls. The depressed RNA synthesis in the deficient nuclei was not due to a higher ribonuclease activity, but rather due to fewer nascent RNA chains elongated at a slower rate. In addition, sucrose gradient analysis of RNA synthesized by nuclei isolated from vitamin A-deficient rats revealed a smaller proportion of high molecular weight RNA species when compared to those synthesized by the nuclei from the controls. The fact that these alterations were observed in the isolated nuclei suggests that one of the actions of vitamin A involves transcription.
Aerosol rebound from viscous coatings in turbulent flow

Abstract Measurements of wall deposition of monodisperse particles (diameter, 12.5–48.5 μm) are reported for turbulent flow through a tube coated with different oil/petroleum jelly mixtures to vary viscosity (1.6–370 poise). As flow rate is increased for a given aerosol, deposition is at first independent of the coating composition, indicating effective particle adherence, but decreases markedly above a well-defined flow rate, which depends on the coating. The conclusion reached is that rebound, not reentrainment, causes diminished deposition. The deposition velocity marking the onset of rebound decreases with increased particle diameter and increased coating viscosity. A qualitative explanation of particle/wall encounter is offered and used to correlate the data semiempirically.
On the analysis of mercuric nitrate in flue gas by GC–MS

Recent research has demonstrated that in a simulated flue gas stream containing NO2 and SO2 elemental mercury is initially captured on a carbon or manganese oxide sorbent. After approximately an hour, however, mercury breaks through relatively rapidly, and the volatile form of mercury emitted is an oxidized species. The volatile mercury species emitted from a granular MnO2 sorbent was trapped in an impinger containing cold acetonitrile. Subsequent evaporation of 95% of the acetonitrile in a Kuderna–Danish apparatus and gas chromatography (GC) of the concentrate resulted in a single mercury-containing GC peak at 5.5 min; the retention time and mass spectrum of this compound matched exactly those of a standard mercury(II) nitrate hydrate, Hg(NO3)2.H2O dissolved in acetonitrile. The volatile mercury component analyzed from injection of this standard solution was shown to be a form of methylmercury that is produced in the GC column by reaction of the highly reactive mercury nitrate with the methylsiloxane GC phase. Because the on-column derivatization reaction seems to be unique to mercury nitrate, the GC–MS (gas chromatography–mass spectroscopic) analysis provides strong evidence for identification of the trapped oxidized mercury species as mercury nitrate although, because the nitrate becomes detached from the mercury atom in the on-column reaction, the identity is not proven.
Variability of Surface Air Temperature over Gently Sloped Terrain

Abstract Temperature and wind data from a rural micronet and nearby site of the Oklahoma Mesonet are analyzed to study the frequency, strength, and formation processes of cold-pool events in a region with gentle terrain. Spatial analyses were performed for a 2-yr-long temperature record from 26 temperature/humidity surface stations, deployed across a 120 m × 320 m micronet located in a region of gently sloped terrain with maximum elevation changes of ∼25 m. Cold pools frequently formed at the base of a gentle slope in a small depression of only ∼6-m depth that is also sheltered by trees. The strength of each cold-pool event was classified according to a cold-pool index based on average nocturnal temperature perturbations within the cold-pool region. Wind data collected with sonic anemometers on a 15-m-tall tower at the micronet for a period of three months (spring 2005) suggest that flow sheltering by vegetation plays an important role in the cold-pool formation. The wind data also show signatures of kata...
Cerebrospinal fluid prolactin: a daily rhythm and response to an acute perturbation.

Abstract The concentration of prolactin in cerebrospinal fluid obtained continously from rhesus monkeys was elevated during the night-time and low during the day-time. The acute administration of haloperidol caused an abrupt and large increase in plasma prolactin, and a smaller, delayed increase in cerebrospinal fluid prolactic.
n-Butane isomerization on sulfated zirconia: How olefins affect surface intermediate concentration

Abstract Isotopic transient kinetic analysis (ITKA) was used to study the effect of various olefin additions (ethylene, propylene, 1-butene, and 1-pentene) on n-butane isomerization on sulfated zirconia (SZ) at 100 °C. Earlier work showed that the activity of this catalyst is enhanced not only by the addition of butene, but also by the addition of ethylene, propylene, and 1-pentene. This reaction activity enhancement observed for olefins other than butene was suggested to be due to the isomerization of n-butane via different oligomeric species. In this work, we show that at the maximum reaction rate after the initial induction period, the activity of the reaction sites appeared to be similar, regardless of whether they were activated by the various added olefins or by butene produced during reaction. The addition of butene was able to lower the average surface residence time of the active intermediates leading to isobutane ( τ isoC 4 ∗ ) at the very beginning of the reaction induction period, reinforcing an early suggestion that butene formation and accumulation of olefinic intermediates are required for the reaction. The improved isobutane formation rate caused by the addition of olefins was due to an increased concentration of surface intermediates leading to isobutane ( N isoC 4 ∗ ). Any type of added olefin led to the formation/utilization of additional active olefin-modified sites (i.e., adsorbed carbenium ions on acid sites). A larger N isoC 4 ∗ was obtained compared with the reaction without olefin addition when the olefins were added only during the initial 2 min of reaction and then terminated. This suggests that most of the olefin-modified sites were probably formed by the addition of olefin at the early stages of the reaction. Those sites were able to integrate themselves into the reaction cycles and to persist for multiple turnovers.
Resolution and sensitivity of electron backscattered diffraction in a cold field emission gun SEM

Abstract The tradeoff between sensitivity and spatial resolution is inherent in all analytical techniques. Electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) in a scanning electron microscope (SEM) is no exception, and determining this tradeoff for EBSD is the focus of this contribution. Because the specimen is tilted in EBSD (typically at 70°), the spatial resolution needs to be defined with respect to three orthogonal directions; as lateral resolution (within the specimen plane but normal to beam direction), longitudinal resolution (within the specimen plane but parallel to beam direction) and depth resolution (extent of depth information). The significance of these different resolution criteria becomes relevant for interface analysis, and is demonstrated using a variety of materials systems and electron-optical parameters. The sensitivity of EBSD is directly related to the ability of backscattered electrons (BSEs) to produce sufficient contrast in the Kikuchi pattern at the recording medium (phosphor in our case). The various parameters which govern the sensitivity of EBSD are discussed with the help of experimental analysis. It is argued that EBSD/OIM is a viable technique even in a cold field emission gun SEM, where there is less absolute current available and stability of current is less than for other electron sources.
Fractional quantum Hall effect at Landau level filling ν = 4/11

We report low-temperature electronic transport results on the fractional quantum Hall effect of composite fermions at Landau level filling $\ensuremath{\nu}=4/11$ in a very high mobility and low density sample. Measurements were carried out at temperatures down to $15\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}\mathrm{mK}$, where an activated magnetoresistance ${R}_{xx}$ and a quantized Hall resistance ${R}_{xy}$, within $1%$ of the expected value of $h/(4/11){e}^{2}$, were observed. The temperature dependence of the ${R}_{xx}$ minimum at $4/11$ yields an activation energy gap of $\ensuremath{\sim}7\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}\mathrm{mK}$. Developing Hall plateaus were also observed at the neighboring states at $\ensuremath{\nu}=3/8\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}\mathrm{and}\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}5/13$.
Performance Characteristics and Accuracy in Perceptual Discrimination of Leather and Synthetic Basketballs

Performance characteristics of leather and synthetic basketballs were examined by measuring the basketballs' rebound heights on five types of playing surfaces (Tartan, asphalt, glass, concrete, hardwood). Comparing the basketballs' performance on the basis of their coefficients of restitution (e = height of rebound/height of drop) analysis of variance showed that the leather basketball rebounded significantly higher than the synthetic basketball on all surfaces. To assess the capability of individuals to discriminate perceptually between the balls 30 male and 30 female undergraduates were asked to determine whether basketballs randomly presented 20 times under four different treatment conditions (visual, tactual-kinesthetic static, tactual-kinesthetic dynamic, auditory) were leather or synthetic. Chi squared analysis of their accuracy across all four perceptual modes showed no significant difference. However, analysis by perceptual mode did produce significant differences, indicating subjects were more ac...
Bards, Poets, and Cliques: Frequency-Dependent Selection and the Evolution of Language Genes

The ability of humans to communicate via language is a complex, adapted phenotype, which undoubtedly has a recently evolved genetic component. However, the evolutionary dynamics of language-associated alleles are poorly understood. To improve our knowledge of such systems, a population-genetics model for language-associated genes is developed. (The model is general and applicable to social interactions other than communication.) When an allele arises that potentially improves the ability of individuals to communicate, it will experience positive frequency-dependent selection because its fitness will depend on how many other individuals communicate the same way. Consequently, new and rare alleles are selected against, posing a problem for the evolutionary origin of language. However, the model shows that if individuals form language-based cliques, then novel language-associated alleles can sweep through a population. Thus, the origin of language ability can be sufficiently explained by Darwinian processes operating on genetic diversity in a finite population of human ancestors.
Abstract 1355: Biospecimen preferences of African-American cancer survivors for cancer genetic research.

Background: Research based on large population-based biobanks has potential to ameliorate health disparities attributed to biological and genetic differences. Study goals were to identify associations of cancer survivors’ sample preferences with sociodemographic characteristics and familiarity with genetic research and testing. Methods: Information was analyzed on a convenience sample of 158 adult African-American breast, colon or prostate cancer survivors who expressed a willingness to provide a biospecimen for cancer genetic research. Information was collected from a self-directed instrument that measured: 1) demographics, 2)familiarity with genetic research and testing, and 3)willingness to provide a variety of sample types. Descriptive statistics and bivariate chi-square analyses were utilized. Results: Sample preference variation (N=158) consisted of: 65%, 62% and 18% willing to donate blood, saliva and tissue, respectively. One third (n= 53) endorsed willingness to provide only one form of biological sample (blood, saliva, or tissue). Significant associations were detected between willingness to provide tissue and individuals Conclusions/Impact: Providing options of acceptable biological sample types may yield increased donation from minorities. Inadvertently, this may introduce quality control challenges in obtaining sufficient or multiple forms of biological samples. Identifying additional predictive factors for samples preferences may lead to improvements in methods used to obtain biospecimens from minority populations. Citation Format: Altovise T. Ewing, Lori AH Erby, Luisel J. Ricks-Santi, Nnenna Kalu, Denise M. Scott. Biospecimen preferences of African-American cancer survivors for cancer genetic research. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1355. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-1355 Note: This abstract was not presented at the AACR Annual Meeting 2013 because the presenter was unable to attend.
Putting Patient and Family Voice Back into Measuring Quality of Care for the Dying

SUMMARYQuality of care and quality of life change substantially for those with a serious chronic illness and nearing the end of their lives. As one dies, life takes on new shape-values change and things once ignored become more important. Existing quality of care measures do not attend to the changes in priorities or to dimensions that acquire new significance (e.g., Spirituality and transcendence). An important impediment to addressing the inadequacies in the evidence base for palliative care, improving shortcomings of care, and holding institutions or health care systems accountable for the quality of care is the lack of valid and reliable measurement tools. In this article, an overview is presented of an ongoing research effort to develop measurement tools which will utilize the patient and family perspective to measure the quality of care. [Article copies available for a fee from The Haworth Document Delivery Service: 1-800-342-9678. E-mail address: getinfo@haworthpressinc.com <Website: http://www.haw...
Sound localisation ability of soldiers wearing infantry ACH and PASGT helmets.

Helmets provide soldiers with ballistic and fragmentation protection but impair auditory spatial processing. Missed auditory information can be fatal for a soldier; therefore, helmet design requires compromise between protection and optimal acoustics. Twelve soldiers localised two sound signals presented from six azimuth angles and three levels of elevation presented at two intensity levels and with three background noises. Each participant completed the task while wearing no helmet and with two U.S. Army infantry helmets – the Personnel Armor System for Ground Troops (PASGT) helmet and the Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH). Results showed a significant effect of helmet type on the size of both azimuth and elevation error. The effects of level, background noise, azimuth and elevation were found to be significant. There was no effect of sound signal type. As hypothesised, localisation accuracy was greatest when soldiers did not wear helmet, followed by the ACH. Performance was worst with the PASGT helmet.
Role of a Peptide Tagging System in Degradation of Proteins Synthesized from Damaged Messenger RNA

Variants of lambda repressor and cytochrome b562 translated from messenger RNAs without stop codons were modified by carboxyl terminal addition of an ssrA-encoded peptide tag and subsequently degraded by carboxyl terminal-specific proteases present in both the cytoplasm and periplasm of Escherichia coli. The tag appears to be added to the carboxyl terminus of the nascent polypeptide chain by cotranslational switching of the ribosome from the damaged messenger RNA to ssrA RNA.