cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Preoperative examination of lung transplant candidates: value of chest CT compared with chest radiography.

The purpose of our study was to determine the usefulness of CT in examining candidates for lung transplantation to detect cancer not visible on plain chest radiographs (a finding that would exclude a patient from transplantation) and to determine which lung is more severely diseased to aid in the decision of which side to transplant.We reviewed the chest radiographs and CT scans of 190 transplant candidates during a 3-year period for findings suggestive of neoplasm, including lung nodules and atelectasis; we also reviewed the symmetry of disease. In the latter category, patients with primary pulmonary hypertension, Eisenmenger's complex (pulmonary vascular, not parenchymal, disease), and cystic fibrosis (for which bilateral transplantation is performed) were excluded. A total of 190 plain chest radiographs, 180 thin-section CT scans, and 31 standard CT scans were reviewed retrospectively.Plain chest radiographs revealed 20 noncalcified nodules; 13 were 8 mm or more in diameter, and 7 were less than 8 mm. ...
A Privacy-Aware Design for the Vehicle-to-Grid Framework

The vehicle-to-grid (V2G) framework proposes integration of battery-powered electric drive vehicles into the grid, enabling them to be recharged as necessary and to act as suppliers in the ancillary service electricity markets. This is expected to create incentives for the production and adoption of electric vehicles in the automotive industry. V2G frameworks require that the utility company or a third party aggregator has access to each vehicle's charging status via a two-way communication network for billing and planning purposes. We establish that there exist consumer privacy risks associated with current concepts for V2G implementation and argue that consumer preferences and behaviors can be inferred from charging information if privacy is not a primary concern from the outset of V2G design. Finally, we outline a privacy-aware architecture for V2G systems.
Glycemic index and glycemic load are not associated with brain lesions in the elderly.

Objective The goal of this study was to determine if brain lesion volume was correlated with dietary glycemic index and glycemic load in elderly individuals.
Absolute cross sections for the 27Al(p, 3pn)24Na reaction at 28 and 0.8 GeV

Abstract Absolute cross sections for the 27 Al(p, 3pn) 24 Na reaction have been determined to be (7.92±0.18) mb at 28 GeV and (10.94 ± 0.24) mb at 0.8 GeV. In this work, proton beam intensities in the AGS fast external beam were measured with current transformer and integrator systems which were calibrated electrically. The 24 Na induced in aluminum foils was assayed by comparing the intensity of its 1368 keV gamma ray with that of the 1332 keV line from calibrated 60 Co standards.
THE ROLE OF INTRODUCED BIVALVE MOLLUSC SPECIES IN MARICULTURE1

Premeditated introductions of non-indigenous molluscan shellfish species have been important in establishing several substantial fisheries. The North American fishery for Crassostrea gigas developed from active introductions that began in the early part of this century and continued until 1978. More recently C. gigas has been introduced to many sites in Europe, South Africa, South America, the Mediterranean, and the Indian and Pacific Oceans. The European flat oyster, Ostrea edulis, has been successfully introduced to the state of Maine. An internationa code of practice for examining and effecting intentional introductions has been developed which recommends a combination of quarantine procedures and hatchery rearing to avoid accidental introduction of associated species and disease organisms. Several nations have developed comprehensive legislation to control movement of non-indigenous species. Active movement of species for culture purposes continues, especially in Europe and the Pacific Islands.
Force spectroscopy of the leukocyte function-associated antigen-1/intercellular adhesion molecule-1 interaction

Abstract Interactions between leukocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) with its cognate ligand, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) play a crucial role in leukocyte adhesion. Because the cell and its adhesive components are subject to external perturbation from the surrounding flow of blood, it is important to understand the binding properties of the LFA-1/ICAM-1 interaction in both steady state and in the presence of an external pulling force. Here we report on atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurements of the unbinding of LFA-1 from ICAM-1. The single molecule measurements revealed the energy landscape corresponding to the dissociation of the LFA-1/ICAM-1 complex and provided the basis for defining the energetic determinants of the complex at equilibrium and under the influence of an external force. The AFM force measurements were performed in an experimental system consisting of an LFA-1-expressing T cell hybridoma, 3A9, attached to the end of the AFM cantilever and an apposing surface expressing ICAM-1. In measurements covering three orders of magnitude change in force loading rate, the LFA-1/ICAM-1 force spectrum (i.e., unbinding force versus loading rate) revealed a fast and a slow loading regime that characterized a steep inner activation barrier and a wide outer activation barrier, respectively. The addition of Mg 2+ , a cofactor that stabilizes the LFA-1/ICAM-1 interaction, elevated the unbinding force of the complex in the slow loading regime. In contrast, the presence of EDTA suppressed the inner barrier of the LFA-1/ICAM-1 complex. These results suggest that the equilibrium dissociation constant of the LFA-1/ICAM-1 interaction is regulated by the energetics of the outer activation barrier of the complex, while the ability of the complex to resist a pulling force is determined by the divalent cation-dependent inner activation barrier.
Determining Appropriate Accommodations for Postsecondary Students with Reading and Written Expression Disorders

One of the most significant barriers facing postsecondary students with reading and written expression disorders who are eligible to receive specific accommodations is the lack of professional knowledge pertaining to issues surrounding accommodations. Though guided by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act, the process by which accommodation decisions are made varies considerably across institutions of higher education. Given the recent rise in litigation surrounding the practice of how accommodations are determined as well as the increasing number of postsecondary students with reading and writing disabilities who are requesting accommodations, it is imperative that accommodation decisions be defensible and supported by empirical research. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of current research on the effectiveness of accommodations for postsecondary students with language-based learning disabilities, discuss important considerations in the accommodation selection process, and offer recommendations for future research.
Why 3D printing is set to change how we live

Having complete control over not just an object's shape but also its properties makes almost anything possible
Prejunctional alpha 2-adrenoceptor mediated inhibitory action of clonidine and B-HT 920, but not urapidil in guinea pig ileum.

Isolated guinea pig ileal longitudinal muscle was stimulated transmurally with a frequency of 0.1 Hz, duration of 0.5 msec, and supramaximal voltage (80-100 V). Transmural stimulation induces ileal contractions via activation of cholinergic neurons. cy2-Adrenergk agonists block the response to transmural stimulation via activation of prejunctional a2 receptors which inhibit release of acetylcholine from cholinergic nerve terminals. Urapidil has been reported to have a,-agonistic actions, and therefore was compared to the prototypic az agonists, clonidine and B-HT 920. Clonidine and B-HT 920 depressed responses to transmural stimulation in the guinea pig ileum. Clonidine was the most potent inhibitor of the contractions, followed closely by B-HT 920. Very high concentrations of urapidil were necessary to suppress nerve-induced contractions of the ileum. The effects of clonidine and B-HT 920, but not urapidil, were antagonized by the selective a, antagonist, yohimbine. In unstimulated preparations, in which exogenous acetylcholine was used to elicit contractions of the ileum, urapidil depressed the response while clonidine and B-HT 920 had no effect. When PGF,, was used to contract the ileum, no inhibitory effects were noted for urapidil, clonidine, or B-HT 920. Therefore urapidil, only in high concentrations, inhibits the contraction to transmural stimulation by depressing the response at a postjunctional cholinergic site. No evidence was found that urapidil can act as an agonist at a prejunctional a,-receptor site. o 1985 Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine.
An asymmetric synthesis of chiral phthalides via chiral lithiated oxazolines

Abstract Chiral aromatic oxazolines were prepared for utilization in asymmetric C-C bonding reactions. Lithiation of aryloxazolines could not be accomplished directly but were efficiently lithiated via halogen metal exchange of the o-bromo derivative 16. The resulting lithio compound 9 reacted smoothly with carbonyls to give adducts 19 but with poor stereoselectivity. Hydrolysis gave the phthalides 4 in poor ee's (20–25%). When the lithio-oxazolines 9 were transformed into21, they now served as chiral electrophiles. Addition of organometallics to 21 gave, particularly with Grignard reagents, useful levels of asymmetric induction which, after hydrolysis, gave phthalides 4 in 40–80% ee.
Optimization of ethanol production from sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) juice using response surface methodology.

Abstract Sweet sorghum juice was fermented into ethanol using Saccharomyces cerevisiae (ATCC 24858). Factorial experimental design, regression analysis and response surface method were used to analyze the effects of the process parameters including juice solid concentration from 6.5 to 26% (by mass), yeast load from 0.5 g L−1 to 2 g L−1 and fermentation temperature from 30 °C to 40 °C on the ethanol yield, final ethanol concentration and fermentation kinetics. The fermentation temperature, which had no significant effect on the ethanol yield and final ethanol concentration, could be set at 35 °C to achieve the maximum fermentation rate. The yeast load, which had no significant effect on the final ethanol concentration and fermentation rate, could be set at 1 g L−1 to achieve the maximum ethanol yield. The juice solid concentration had significant inverse effects on the ethanol yield and final ethanol concentration but a slight effect on the fermentation rate. The raw juice at a solid concentration of 13% (by mass) could be directly used during fermentation. At the fermentation temperature of 35 °C, yeast solid concentration of 1 g L−1 and juice solid concentration of 13%, the predicted ethanol yield was 101.1% and the predicted final ethanol concentration was 49.48 g L−1 after 72 h fermentation. Under this fermentation condition, the modified Gompertz's equation could be used to predict the fermentation kinetics. The predicted maximum ethanol generation rate was 2.37 g L−1 h−1.
A discrete theory of irregular sampling

Abstract We derive algorithms for the iterative reconstruction of discrete band-limited signals from their irregular samples. They converge at a geometric rate, and all constants are computable explicitly. We also treat the related problem of interpolation of trigonometric polynomials and give estimates for the condition number of certain positive definite Toeplitz matrices.
Analysis of cell division using fluorescently labeled actin and myosin in living PtK2 cells

Actin and the light chains of myosin were labeled with fluorescent dyes and injected into interphase PtK2 cells in order to study the changes in distribution of actin and myosin that occurred when the injected cells subsequently entered mitosis and divided. The first changes occurred when stress fibers in prophase cells began to disassemble. During this process, which began in the center of the cell, individual fibers shortened, and in a few fibers, adjacent bands of fluorescent myosin could be seen to move closer together. In most cells, stress fiber disassembly was complete by metaphase, resulting in a diffuse distribution of the fluorescent proteins throughout the cytoplasm with the greatest concentration present in the mitotic spindle. The first evidence of actin and myosin concentration in a cleavage ring occurred at late anaphase, just before furrowing could be detected. Initially, the intensity of fluorescence and the width of the fluorescent ring increased as the ring constricted. In cells with asymmetrically positioned mitotic spindles, both protein concentration and furrowing were first evident in the cortical regions closest to the equator of the mitotic spindle. As cytokinesis progressed in such asymmetrically dividing cells, fluorescent actin and myosin appeared at the opposite side of the cell just before furrowing activity could be seen there. At the end of cytokinesis, myosin and actin were concentrated beneath the membrane of the midbody and subsequently became organized in two rings at either end of the midbody.
Quantifying the perceived risks associated with nuclear energy issues

A mathematical model is presented for quantifying and assessing perceived risks in an empirical manner. The analytical model provides for the identification and assignment of any number of quantifiable risk perception factors that can be incorporated within standard risk methodology. The set of risk perception factors used to demonstrate the model are those that have been identified by social and behavioural scientists as principal factors influencing people in their perception of risks associated with major technical issues. These same risk factors are commonly associated with nuclear energy issues. A rational means is proposed for determining and quantifying these risk factors for a given application. The model should contribute to improved understanding of the basis and logic of public risk perception and provide practical and effective means for addressing perceived risks when they arise over important technical issues and projects.
The Benefits of Women-Only HIV Support Groups

ABSTRACT Women living with HIV often feel isolated. One significant avenue for HIV-positive women to receive the support, information, and affiliation they need is through gender-specific HIV support groups, but research is lacking about how support groups for HIV-positive women can be helpful. This exploratory study examined HIV-positive women's perceptions about their experiences in women-only HIV support groups. Seventy-one women attending nine women-only HIV support groups in Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina were surveyed. Benefits from attendance included: (a) increase in medication compliance, (b) decreased risk behavior for re-exposure to HIV, (c) reduced feelings of shame, and (d) a network of friends to socialize with. Results indicate that even if women-only HIV support groups do not stress behavior or lifestyle changes, these are often by-products of support group attendance.
Linking Low-Income Families to Children's Mental Health Services: An Outcome Study.

An intervention designed to address barriers that interfere with access to children's mental health services for low-income families was implemented in three Oregon counties; four other counties were included as a comparison condition. The intervention involved the use of paraprofessionals called Family Associates who provided families with information, emotional support, and tangible assistance to reduce barriers to services. Families in the intervention group (n = 96) were significantly more likely to initiate children's mental health services than were those in the comparison group (n = 143); however, the groups did not differ in their rates of appointment attendance or discontinuing services prematurely. A modest but significant difference between the groups was found for family and service system empowerment, with the intervention families reporting higher levels of empowerment at post-test. The barriers to children's mental health services experienced by the intervention families and the barriers fo...
The overwintering ofphytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary under long island conditions

Infected aerial shoots were produced by the growth of mycelium from diseased seed pieces both under controlled and field conditions. Infected plants growing in the cull pile also were incriminated as an important source of primary inoculum. The germination of sporangia ofP. infestans was markedly reduced or inhibited in soils obtained from potato fields on Long Island, due probably to the relatively high copper content of these soils. For this reason it is suggested that should overwintering spores be found they also would be unimportant in initiating the disease. No evidence could be obtained for a saprophytic existence of the pathogen in the soil. Solatium Dulcamara was the only wild perennial solanaceous plant of the eleven species inoculated on which the fungus could be induced to sporulate. It has never been found infected in its natural habitat.
Synthesis of L-(4-2H) erythrose, L-(1-13C, 5-2H) arabinose and L-(2-13C, 5-2H) arabinose and identification of the intermediates by 2H and 13C-N.M.R. spectroscopy

Abstract l -(1- 13 C, 5- 2 H)Arabinose ( 6 D) and l -(2- 13 C, 5- 2 H)arabinose ( 8 D) have been synthesized by degradation of 2,3- O -isopropylidene-α- l -rhamnofuranose ( 2 ) to l -(4- 2 H)erythrose ( 5β , 5α D), with subsequent chain elongation to 6 D plus l -(1- 13 C, 5- 2 H)ribose ( 7 D), the latter being converted into 8 D. Intermediates were identified by complete assignment of the 13 C chemical shifts employing carbon-carbon and carbon-deuterium coupling constants, deuteration shifts, differential isotope-shifts, and deuterium spectra. The anomeric carbon atoms of 2 and 2,3- O -isopropylidene- l -(1- 2 H) erythrose ( 4 D) gave only single 13 C resonances, suggesting that these two compounds exists in only one major anomeric configuration, clarifying previously reported work. The synthesis of 2,3- O -isopropylidene- l -(1- 2 H)rhmanitol ( 3 D) facilitated the assignment of the signals in the 13 C spectra of the nondeuterated analog. Specific deuterium-enrichment and the observed carbon-deuterium coupling ( 1 J C,D ∼22 Hz) not only served to identify the deuterated carbon atom unambiguously in 3 but also permitted assignment of closely spaced resonances. The deuterium spectrum of 2,3- O -isopropylidene- l -(1- 2 H)erythrofuranose ( 4 D) showed only a single resonance, indicating preponderance of one anomer, in accord with the observation of a single C-1 resonance in the 13 C spectrum.
ATE assisted test response compaction

A new method for achieving test response compaction is proposed. The method involves testers to achieve additional compaction, without compromising fault coverage, beyond what may be already achieved using on-chip response compactors. The method does not add additional logic or modify the circuit under test or require additional tests and thus can be used with any design including legacy designs. Simple heuristic procedures are used to achieve additional compaction. Experimental results on larger ISCAS-89 circuits show the effectiveness of the method.
Representation at the Margin of Discourse: Desire and Resistance in Joanna Baillie's De Monfort

This article explores Joanna Baillie's play, De Monfort, for the gender and class politics associated with the play's heroine, Jane De Monfort. Although textual evidence exists for characterizing Jane as a careful guardian of convention, morality, and the masculine sublime, and although the play's male characters describe her as an object of desire, this article proposes that Baillie's authorship of the play complicates interpreting Jane too narrowly as a custodian, beauty, or paragon. Instead, by investigating the play's dialogue, iconography, discursive aporiae, and use of representational space, it argues that Baillie restages gender roles to present Jane in a more positive and productive relationship to autonomy and agency than is typical for a Romantic heroine. Moreover, it contends that the use of textual displacements and omissions associated with Jane and her brother, De Monfort, expose the gender dynamics and social hierarchies that subtend the play, drawing attention to their fictional and polit...
Intravenous Thrombolysis for Acute Ischemic Stroke

Intravenous recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (rtPA, alteplase) is the only drug approved for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke. It should be administered within 3 hours of stroke. There is additional evidence, however, that administration at later times, by means of other methods, is effective. Herein, is a broad review of the knowledge gained and insights created from studies in which thrombolytic treatment was used in patients with stroke.
Differential metamorphosis alters the endocrine response in anuran larvae exposed to T3 and atrazine.

Abstract Pesticide chemical contamination is one of the suspected contributors of the amphibian population decline. The herbicide atrazine is one of the major surface water contaminants in the U.S. A previous study has shown that atrazine at concentrations as low as 100 parts per billion (ppb) increased the time to metamorphosis in Xenopus laevis tadpoles. However, questions remain as to the applicability of a study of a non-native species to a native organism. The possible effects of atrazine on developing Bufo americanus were explored. Atrazine at potentially (albeit high) environmental concentrations was found not to delay the metamorphosis of developing B. americanus tadpoles as observed in X. laevis. Several studies have indicated that atrazine affects thyroid hormones. Since thyroid hormones are critical in amphibian metamorphosis, B. americanus and X. laevis tadpoles were exposed to exogenous 3,5,3′-triiodothyronine (T3). X. laevis were found to be more responsive to the effects of exogenous T3 compared to B. americanus, indicating that X. laevis may be more sensitive to endocrine active chemicals than B. americanus. In X. laevis, nuclear heterogeneity has been associated with metamorphosis. Flow cytometric analysis of the nuclei of normal metamorphing B. americanus indicates a decrease in the amount of thyroid mediated chromatin alterations relative to the nuclei of metamorphing X. laevis. Indications are that the differential response to endocrine disruption is due to the differential role of chromatin associated gene expression during metamorphosis of B. americanus versus X. laevis. A second native species, Hyla versicolor, was observed to have the X. laevis nuclear pattern with respect to metamorphosis. As such, sensitivity to endocrine disruption is hypothesized not to be limited to laboratory non-native species.
Gender-related differences in correctional officers' perceptions and attitudes

Abstract Prior research on women correctional officers in institutions housing men inmates in the United States has assessed the impact of the women's presence on men colleagues and inmates. Although these studies disclosed much about male orientations, they revealed little about the adaptation of women to this traditionally masculine occupation. The present study addressed the differences between men and women jail correctional officers' job-related perceptions and attitudes. A broad range of analyses detected few substantive perceptual and attitudinal gender differences. These data suggest that the institutional context may be more important than gender in shaping the perceptions and attitudes of men and women correctional officers.
Phase diagram of unpoled lead-free (1−x)(Bi1/2Na1/2)TiO3–xBaTiO3 ceramics

Abstract A phase diagram for unpoled ceramics in the lead-free ( 1 − x ) ( Bi 1 / 2 Na 1 / 2 ) TiO 3 – x BaTiO 3 binary system is constructed for the first time based on transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dielectric study. In contrast to the reported phase diagram determined using poled ceramics, an additional phase region exhibiting P4bm nanodomains was revealed. A new concept “relaxor antiferroelectric” was proposed to describe the unique short-range antiferroelectric order of this phase. The results suggest that electric field-induced phase transitions must be taken into consideration in optimizing the piezoelectric properties in these lead-free ceramics.
Brachytherapy for prostate cancer: endorectal MR imaging of local treatment-related changes.

PURPOSE: To determine the local treatment-related endorectal magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings after brachytherapy for prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Endorectal MR imaging was performed in 35 consecutive patients at a mean interval of 12 months (range, 1–31 months) after brachytherapy for prostate cancer. Transverse T1-weighted and high-spatial-resolution transverse and coronal T2-weighted images were acquired. Two readers reviewed MR image quality and findings, with discrepancies resolved by consensus. Posttreatment urinary symptoms in patients (n = 24) were documented by using chart review. RESULTS: All studies were of diagnostic quality. On T2-weighted images, prostatic findings consisted of diffuse low signal intensity (n = 35) and indistinct zonal anatomy (n = 34). Intra- and extraprostatic seed locations could be distinguished. The most common extraprostatic site of seed implantation was the neurovascular bundles (n = 35, bilateral in 32). The most common extraprostatic tissue findin...
The HIV/AIDS epidemic : its evolutionary implications for human ecology with special reference to the immune system

Abstract The epidemiology of AIDS in Africa is discussed. Serological and clinical data on virology and population genetics are related to current theories of heterosexual transmission and to cultural practices involving the exchange or transmission of body fluids between individuals, such as female and male genital multilation and indigenous or ‘folk’ medicine, as well as non-Western medical uses of medical syringes. A review of the relationship of autoimmune conditions, graft-vs-host disease and the retrovirus/oncogene involvement is presented. These data place in a new perspective concepts of widespread heterosexual infection and transmission of HIVs as well as their relation to AIDS in the context of the evolution of the human immune system.
The effect of zinc deficiency on the ultrastructure of rat adrenal cortex.

The adrenal cortex of male Sprague-Dawley weanling rats maintained on a zinc-deficient diet was studied by electron microscopy. There was a gradual increase in lipid droplets in the zona fasciculata which was quite marked at 7 weeks, but increased lipid was not observed in the zona glomerulosa or reticularis of zinc-deficient rats. The adrenal cortex of the control animals did not show altered lipid content. A possible explanation for the effect of zinc deficiency on the adrenal cortex is offered.
Transport of ions of one kind through thin membranes V. Admittance for transport by membrane-confined carriers

Summary Using the constant field approximation, the membrane admittance has been calculated for ion transport by membrane-confined carriers at zero applied direct voltage. The resulting equivalent circuit exhibits one relaxation time associated with ion transport in the usual frequency range and with a sufficiently high aqueous concentration of transportable ions. Carrier adsorption and slow interfacial ion transfer affect the numerical values but not the general frequency dependence of the admittance, so that their presence or absence is difficult to ascertain from a.c. or transient measurements.
Microfluidic paper-based analytical devices: from POCKET to paper-based ELISA

Microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (microPADs) began as a simple idea with an ambitious goal. The idea was to make microfluidic devices out of paper instead of plas tic or glass. The goal was to develop low-cost and portable paper-based diagnostic devices to improve healthcare in developing countries. Over the past 6 years, many developments have been made in the emerging field of paper-based microfluidic devices. Reviewing the develop ment of these devices in the Whitesides group at Harvard University (Cambridge, MA, USA) can provide some insight into the future of the field and encourage scientists from a variety of backgrounds to contribute their expertise toward further development of useful microPADs.
Design and simulation of permissible tolerance during fabrication of infrared-induced transmission filters

The design and simulated performance characteristics of narrow band-induced transmission infrared filters in the wavelength range of 2000 to 4500 nm are presented. These dielectric-spacer-metal-spacerdielectric (D-S-M-S-D) filter structures are composed of Si as high index dielectric (D) and Al2O3 as low index dielectric (D) or spacer (S) and Al as the metal (M). Typically, a total of 10, 12, or 13 layers are required with an aluminum layer in the middle of the filter stack. The bandwidth of these filters is in the range of 20 to 25 nm. Rejection of these filters in the long wavelength range is very good. The effect of thickness errors on the performance of filters has been analyzed. Based on the numerical simulation of an actual fabrication process, the permissible tolerance for process monitoring is investigated. Numerical simulations show that a high production yield may be obtained if the reflectance errors are kept within ±0.1% during process monitoring in the manufacture of these filters.
The effects of an educational intervention on calcium intake and bone mineral content in young women with low calcium intake.

Purpose. This study evaluated whether a combined behavioral and dietary intervention would affect young women's calcium intake and bone mineral content (BMC). Design. The design was a two by three mixed design with one between-subjects factor (treatment vs. control) and one within-subjects factor (time—baseline, 3-month, and 6-month). Setting. The study was conducted in a university setting in Memphis, Tennessee. Participants. A total of 80 premenopausal women (ages 18 to 30) with low baseline calcium intake (< 700 mg/d) were included in the analyses. There were 40 women in the treatment group and 40 women in the control group. Measures. Hertzler and Frary's rapid assessment questionnaire was employed to evaluate calcium intake, and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) was employed to assess BMC. Results. Repeated measures analysis of variance (RM ANOVA) was employed to analyze results. Results indicated that women in the treatment group made greater increases in total calcium intake and supplemental c...
Validation of the Employment Hope Scale: Measuring Psychological Self-Sufficiency Among Low-Income Jobseekers

Objectives: The Employment Hope scale (EHS) was designed to measure the empowerment-based self-sufficiency (SS) outcome among low-income job-seeking clients. This measure captures the psychological SS dimension as opposed to the more commonly used economic SS in workforce development and employment support practice. The study validates the EHS and reports its psychometric properties. Method: An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted using an agency data from the Cara Program in Chicago, United States. The principal axis factor extraction process was employed to identify the factor structure. Results: EFA resulted in a 13-item two-factor structure with Factor 1 representing “Psychological Empowerment” and Factor 2 representing “Goal-Oriented Pathways.” Both factors had high internal consistency reliability and construct validity. Conclusions: While findings may be preliminary, this study found the EHS to be a reliable and valid measure, demonstrating its utility in assessing psychological SS as an...
Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase activity in acute leukemia: A study of 100 cases comparing an immunoperoxidase (PAP) vs immunofluorescent method

A comparison between the immunofluorescent (IF) method for terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) activity and the immunoperoxidase (IP) method by peroxidase-anti-peroxidase (PAP) technique was done for 100 cases of acute leukemia. For the acute lymphoblastic leukemias (ALL) there was agreement in 93% of the cases. However, the IP method detected 51/55 (93%) TdT+ cases versus 47/55 (85%) by the IF method. For the acute nonlymphocytic leukemias (ANLL), there was an agreement in 89% of the cases. The IP method detected 8/36 (22%) TdT-positive cases while IF detected 4/36 (11%) positive cases. If a figure of 10% TdT+ cells is considered significant in the marrow of the ANLLs, then the IP method would detect eight additional cases for a total of 16/36 (44%) TdT+ cases. This latter figure questions the ability of the IP TdT assay as a single test adequately to determine the lineage of a cell line. It may be rather that TdT is a marker that is expressed in a stem cell.
The Structural Phase Transition in Individual Vanadium Dioxide Nanoparticles

Vanadium dioxide (VO2) single crystals undergo a structural first-order metal to insulator phase transition at approximately 68°C. This phase transition exhibits a resistivity change of up to 5 orders of magnitude in bulk specimens. We observe a 2-3 order of magnitude change in thin films of VO2. Individual particles with sizes ranging from 50 to 250 nm were studied by means of Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The structural transition for individual particles was observed as a function of temperature. Furthermore, the interface between grains was also studied. We present our current progress in understanding this phase transition for polycrystalline thin films of VO2 from the view of individual particles.
Unresolved Issues in the Application of Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Substance Use Disorders

The current special issue of Substance Use & Misuse on mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) for substance use disorders includes several articles that highlight a growing area of interest among c...
Nanospiral Formation by Droplet Drying: One Molecule at a Time.

We have created nanospirals by self-assembly during droplet evaporation. The nanospirals, 60–70 nm in diameter, formed when solvent mixtures of methanol and m-cresol were used. In contrast, spin coating using only methanol as the solvent produced epitaxial films of stripe nanopatterns and using only m-cresol disordered structure. Due to the disparity in vapor pressure between the two solvents, droplets of m-cresol solution remaining on the substrate serve as templates for the self-assembly of carboxylic acid molecules, which in turn allows the visualization of solution droplet evaporation one molecule at a time.
Energy efficient data dissemination in wireless sensor networks based on natural selection

The goal of this paper is to design and implement an efficient data dissemination algorithm for wireless sensor networks. The proposed approach requires nodes in a network to publish their characteristics to their neighboring nodes. Each node selects its parent node for data forwarding using a method similar to natural selection. Fitness score for selection is locally calculated considering several characteristics of a neighboring node such as: battery level, distance, and hierarchy level. The main goal of this algorithm is to extend the wireless sensor network lifetime by distributing the traffic load among the nodes that have higher probabilities of predicted survival, which is identified by their fitness score. In addition, this approach can provide a framework to study the emergent behaviors of networks when different local rules for node selection are applied.
Nutritional Genomics: Implications for Companion Animals

This is an exciting time for biological scientists as the "omics" era continues to evolve and shape the way science is understood and conducted. As genome sequencing of the human comes to a close, other mammals are in line to be sequenced. Along with pigs and cows, dogs are now on the high priority list for sequencing, and cats may soon follow suit. Until sequence data are available, genetic maps may be used to reveal important physical characteristics of a genome. Genome mapping is important in identifying gene placement, but gives little information regarding function. Therefore, functional genomics, including the global analysis of RNA and protein expression, protein localization and protein-protein interactions will emerge as important areas of study. The major use of the dog and cat genome maps hitherto has been for the study of human and veterinary medicine. These powerful resources also can be applied to the field of nutritional genomics and proteomics, enhancing our understanding of metabolism and optimizing companion animal nutritional and health status. Genomics has begun to be applied to nutritional research, but issues specifically relevant to companion animals have not been elucidated thus far. The study of genomics and proteomics will be crucial in areas such as nutrient requirement determination, disease prevention and treatment, functional ingredient testing and others. Nutritional genomics and proteomics will definitely play a vital role in the future of pet foods.
Extrapleural Pneumonectomy in the Setting of a Multimodality Approach to Malignant Mesothelioma

The use of extrapleural pneumonectomy in a multimodality treatment setting for malignant pleural mesothelioma is described, presenting first the right-sided approach and then the left-sided. This technique used in a multimodality approach with CAP chemotherapy (cyclophosphamide 600 mg/m 2 , doxorubicin 60 mg/m 2 , cisplatin 75 mg/m 2 ) 5 cycles at 3-week intervals, and radiotberapy (55 Gy radiation to sites of previous bulky disease or residual disease) to treat 44 patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma resulted in improved operative mortality and decreased length of hospital stay
American and Asian perspectives in training world-class engineers

The authors argue that the goal of training a world-class engineer should be to utilize the knowledge of the physical world for benefits of the society. Certain specific attitudes are required to meet this goal. The ingenious person, i.e., engineer has to have knowledge, ethicalness and appropriate skills to a high degree. He or she must be willing and acquire skills to determine a course of action in the face of incomplete and often contradictory information. Here, the authors present a comparison of American and Asian methods in providing education and training to meet the demands listed above.
Reducing power dissipation, delay, and area in logic circuits by narrowing transistors

An important aspect of fast CMOS logic-circuit design is transistor sizing. Designers routinely set transistor channel lengths at the minimal values the process permits (unless there is a need to introduce delay). Specification of channel widths, however, requires careful consideration and is based mainly on the capacitive load the circuit must drive and on considerations of energy dissipation and chip area. Experienced designers use heuristic techniques to help with this aspect of circuit design. Sutherland and his associates have developed a powerful systematic method called logical effort. We present a method, based on an analysis at the logic level, enables designers to identify transistors in certain logic elements whose channels can be narrowed to a minimum without incurring penalties. The logical effort method, or some other procedure, can then follow this preliminary step.
Roasted Peanut Flavor Variation Across Germplasm Sources

Abstract Roasted flavor is a critical factor in the acceptance of a peanut cultivar. A three-year study was made on the variation in roasted peanut flavor intensity of U.S. peanut cultivars and advanced breeding lines. An initial set of 83 entries was reduced to 71 by removing samples that showed evidence of extraneous environmental conditions, immaturity, and handling or improper sample preparation effects. All entries for the cv. New Mexico Valenicia C, representing the Valencia market type, were lost because of improper roasting or intense fruity flavor. Florigiant, Florunner, and Pronto were used as comparison standards for roasted peanut attribute values in evaluating the Virginia, runner, and Spanish market types, respectively. The positive estimated difference between control and test germplasm sources was largest within the Virginia type, with a least-square mean difference of +1.4 for roasted peanut attribute intensity. Spanish types were next with a positive estimated difference of +1.3, and run...
Treatment strategy for guided tissue regeneration in combined endodontic-periodontal lesions: case report and review

Abstract Introduction Endodontic-periodontal combined lesion is a clinical dilemma because making a differential diagnosis and deciding a prognosis are difficult. Methods Twenty-six cases from 14 articles involving the successful management of endodontic-periodontal lesions with concurrent regenerative procedures were reviewed. This article also presents successful treatment of an endodontic-periodontal combined lesion involving a grade II mesial furcation of a maxillary molar with root canal treatment and multiple regenerative procedures. Results A treatment algorithm is outlined for the application of the guided tissue regeneration (GTR) in managing endodontic-periodontal combined lesion. This treatment algorithm consists of 4 phases: (1) presurgical phase (determining periodontal/regenerative prognosis), (2) endodontic phase, (3) periodontal surgical phase, and (4) post-GTR reevaluation protocol. Conclusions The proposed 4-phase treatment algorithm might provide a beneficial guideline in managing the endodontic-periodontal combined lesions.
1-3 composites for ultrasonic air transducers

The coupling of ultrasound into air from piezoelectrics is very inefficient because of the great impedance mismatch and the lack of appropriate matching materials. A method to manufacture low impedance materials using 1-3 air composites is presented. This technique also requires the development of an alternative matching technique using a low impedance lambda /8 section and a thin cap. It is shown that this technique works almost as well as standard lambda /4 matching. A transducer is fabricated using this design technique with a one-way loss of 17 dB. >
Discrimination of ethanol-nicotine drug mixtures in mice: dual interactive mechanisms of overshadowing and potentiation.

Rationale One possible basis for the proclivity of ethanol and nicotine co-abuse is an interaction between the discriminative stimulus (SD) effects of each drug.
Eplerenone suppresses aldosterone/salt-induced expression of NOX-4

Introduction: Salt-induced hypertension in the Dahl rat is associated with increases in angiotensin II, aldosterone, free radical generation and endothelial dysfunction. However, little is known ab...
Lipoxygenase Modulation to Reverse Carcinogenesis

New studies of the relationship between polyunsaturated fatty acid metabolism and carcinogenesis have led to novel molecular targets for cancer chemoprevention research. These targets include procarcinogenic lipoxygenases (LOXs), including 5-, 8-, and 12-LOX, and anticarcinogenic LOXs, including 15-LOX-1 and possibly 15-LOX-2. Recent studies indicate that 15-LOX-1 is down-regulated in colorectal cancer cells and that the ability of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, a class of clinically active cancer chemopreventive agents, to induce apoptosis and growth inhibition in these cells was dependent on the induction of 15-LOX-1 and its metabolic product 13-S-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid. Consistent with the colorectal studies, 15-LOX very recently has shown anticarcinogenic activity in esophageal and prostatic carcinogenesis. Inhibitors of other LOXs (e.g., 5-LOX) have preclinical anticarcinogenic activity and are being developed for clinical chemoprevention study. These and other LOX data led us to propose that the various LOX pathways exist in a dynamic balance that shifts during carcinogenesis toward 5-, 8-, and 12-LOX (and cyclooxygenase-2) and away from 15-LOX. A novel approach for cancer chemoprevention would involve LOX modulators, i.e., agents that can induce the anticarcinogenic and/or inhibit the procarcinogenic LOXs, thereby shifting the balance of LOX activities from procarcinogenic to anticarcinogenic metabolism of polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Diffuse excess mucosal collagen in rectal biopsies facilitates differential diagnosis of solitary rectal ulcer syndrome from other inflammatory bowel diseases

Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome (SRUS) is sufficiently uncommon that the clinician or general pathologist may lack familiarity with the disorder and may confuse it with other inflammatory bowel diseases. To evaluate the role of collagen staining in facilitating the differential diagnosis of SRUS, an initial open review was undertaken on 1672 consecutive patients whose 4780 colorectal biopsies were stained with HE in the remaining 19 patients, excess mucosal collagen was focal (seven ischemic colitis, five collagenous colitis, three adenocarcinoma, and four chronic idiopathic ulcerative colitis). Diffuse excess mucosal collagen never was seen in idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease (128 Crohn's colitis and 446 ulcerative colitis). Blinded reviews then were performed on rectal biopsies from 33 patients with a variety of diagnoses (14 SRUS and 19 controls). Diffuse excess collagen by saffron staining was consistently observed in SRUS but was absent in all 19 controls. Additional blinded reviews were carried out because the collagen staining pattern in ischemic colitis, although focal, could potentially be confused with SRUS. It was possible to differentiate these two diseases blindly from one another by using additional histologic criteria (14 SRUS and 12 ischemic colitis). We conclude that the demonstration of a diffuse excess of mucosal collagen in rectal biopsies facilitates the diagnosis of SRUS and differentiates it from idiopathic ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, with which SRUS is often confused, and other inflammatory bowel diseases.
Analysis of Duck Hepatitis B Virus Reverse Transcription Indicates a Common Mechanism for the Two Template Switches during Plus-Strand DNA Synthesis

The synthesis of the hepadnavirus relaxed circular DNA genome requires two template switches, primer translocation and circularization, during plus-strand DNA synthesis. Repeated sequences serve as donor and acceptor templates for these template switches, with direct repeat 1 (DR1) and DR2 for primer translocation and 5′r and 3′r for circularization. These donor and acceptor sequences are at, or near, the ends of the minus-strand DNA. Analysis of plus-strand DNA synthesis of duck hepatitis B virus (DHBV) has indicated that there are at least three other cis-acting sequences that make contributions during the synthesis of relaxed circular DNA. These sequences, 5E, M, and 3E, are located near the 5′ end, the middle, and the 3′ end of minus-strand DNA, respectively. The mechanism by which these sequences contribute to the synthesis of plus-strand DNA was unclear. Our aim was to better understand the mechanism by which 5E and M act. We localized the DHBV 5E element to a short sequence of approximately 30 nucleotides that is 100 nucleotides 3′ of DR2 on minus-strand DNA. We found that the new 5E mutants were partially defective for primer translocation/utilization at DR2. They were also invariably defective for circularization. In addition, examination of several new DHBV M variants indicated that they too were defective for primer translocation/utilization and circularization. Thus, this analysis indicated that 5E and M play roles in both primer translocation/utilization and circularization. In conjunction with earlier findings that 3E functions in both template switches, our findings indicate that the processes of primer translocation and circularization share a common underlying mechanism.