cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Points of unease with the spiritual formation movement.

This paper offers a critique of certain aspects of the spiritual formation movement as it has been manifested in evangelical churches in the past few decades. My experience with this facet of the s...
Hunting for Treasure Chests in Microbial Defense Islands

Microbes exist in a constant struggle with viruses and have evolved multiple defense mechanisms. Some of these, such as restriction endonucleases and CRISPR-Cas, have revolutionized genome editing methodology. A systematic strategy combining computation and experiment led to discovery of ten new defense systems that remain to be characterized mechanistically.
Epidemiologic Aspects of Down Syndrome

A recent study of more than one million consecutive live births in British Columbia found that 53/1000 had diseases with an important genetic component before approximately 25 years of age (Baird et al., 1988). Down syndrome was only 2.3% of this total (1.22/1000), but studies of severe mental retardation in children over 1 year of age in two Swedish counties found 33% had Down syndrome, out of a prevalence of severe mental retardation at 1 to 16 years of age of 3.5/1000 (Gustavson et al., 1977a,b). Additionally, the prevalence rate of retardation dropped 42% from 1959–1962 to 1967–1970 in these studies, mainly as a result of a 54% decline in births with Down syndrome. More recent reports (Hook, 1983a; Kiely, 1987) supported these results. Baird and Sadovnick (1988a) also showed that the probability of survival of live births with Down syndrome has continued to increase, and that currently 44% survive to age 60. These studies reinforce the substantial contribution births with Down syndrome make to the problem of human health, and the positive result to be obtained from their prevention.
Mental Health Services in Kentucky Nursing Homes: A Survey of Administrators

National surveys have shown that mental health problems are prevalent in long-term care and suggest that these settings are largely underserved by mental health services. Nursing home administrators are gatekeepers for mental health services in nursing homes. Administrators of Kentucky nursing homes were surveyed regarding their perceptions of mental health problems, current and future services use, satisfaction with services, and need for consultation. The response rate was 24%. Administrators appeared to underestimate mental health problems among residents. Most facilities were using at least one type of mental health service, but fewer residents received services than would be expected given the problem prevalence. Psychological services were underused, in spite of the fact that behavior management stood out as a major need. Psychiatry was more frequently used, but with less satisfaction. Results indicate significant financial and logistical barriers to mental health services. Future work is needed on developing, assessing, and disseminating models of effective service provision to long-term care.
Mean, Median and Mode from a Decision Perspective

The classroom activity described here allows mathematically mature students to explore the role of mean, median and mode in a decision-making environment. While students discover the importance of ...
The thinking problem in HIV-science

Other contributors to this collection will be discussing the scientific evidence regarding HIV and AIDS in detail. To avoid duplicating their efforts, and to make a contribution appropriate for a Professor of Law, I will concentrate on the quality of the reasoning employed in AIDS research. I have a healthy respect for scientific methodology in its proper sphere. If I were persuaded that the scientific method had been properly employed to determine what AIDS is, how it is caused, and how many people are at risk for AIDS, I would happily accept the judgement of the scientific profession on such matters. Unfortunately, however, the scientific method has never been properly directed to determining the cause of AIDS or the extent of the claimed epidemic. Instead of real science we have had only HIV-science, which is something very different.
Physics and the Doctrine of Reductionism

The most careful, critical and illuminating logical philosophical analysis of the doctrine of reductionism has been given by Mario Bunge.1 Analysis of several sciences, primarily biology, leads him to accept what he calls moderate reductionism or “the strategy consisting of reducing whatever can be reduced without however either ignoring emergence or persisting in reducing the irreducible.”
Interactions of Hexagonal Boron Nitride with the Insulator-Metal Phase Transition of Vanadium Dioxide

Phonon polaritons in hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) reflect and refract at phase domains in underlying vanadium dioxide (VO2) crystals, a potential reconfigurable metasurface. Also, hBN slows the VO2 phase transition via thermal or strain effects.
Identification of a novel T. cruzi B cell superantigen (INC4P.340)

Catalytic antibodies represent an innate defense mechanism that allows a subset of antibodies to bind and then hydrolyze their targets, making these antibodies up 1000-fold more efficient than conventional immunoglobulins. Pathogens have evolved B-cell superantigens (BC-SAgs) as an immunevasion strategy designed to neutralize catalytic antibody activity. Exposure to BC-SAgs such as the Staphylococcus aureus extracellular fibrinogen binding protein (Efb) and the HIV gp120 glycoprotein decreased catalytic activity to these antigens, respectively. We describe for the first time the identification and characterization of a Trypanosoma cruzi BC-SAg (Tc24). Immunization with Tc24 in the presence of different adjuvants significantly decreased the ability of purified IgM to hydrolyze Tc24 compared hydrolysis rates observed for IgM purified from unimmunized controls. Infection with T. cruzi resulted in a similar decrease in catalytic activity. In both immunization and infection models, the dose (of either Tc24 or the number of T. cruzi used to infect mice) affected Tc24 hydrolysis rates. Analysis of IgMs purified from infected humans also demonstrated reduced hydrolysis of Tc24 compared to hydrolysis rates observed for IgM purified from uninfected individuals. These data suggest that Tc24 is a BC-SAg that may impact the host9s defenses early in the infection process.
Communication-efficient decentralised algorithms for seismic tomography with sensor networks

We consider the decentralised consensus optimisation problem arising from in-situ seismic tomography in large-scale sensor networks. Unlike traditional seismic imaging performed in a centralised lo...
Attenuation in the almost periodic Beverton-Holt equation

ABSTRACTIt is known that the Beverton-Holt equation with periodically varying carrying capacity has a globally attracting solution and the solution exhibits attenuation, i.e. the average of the sol...
Modeling People and Places with Internet Photo Collections: Understanding the world from the sea of online photos

This article describes our work in using online photo collections to reconstruct information about the world and its inhabitants at both global and local scales. This work has been driven by the dramatic growth of social content-sharing Web sites, which have created immense online collections of user-generated visual data. Flickr.com alone currently hosts more than 6 billion images taken by more than 40 million unique users, while Facebook.com has said it grows by nearly 250 million photos every day.
A new era? How the European ESPN covered the 2019 Women’s World Cup online:

This study is a content analysis of Eurosport’s football coverage on its French, English, German and Spanish websites during the 2019 Women’s World Cup. It examines the place given to women’s footb...
The Dynamics of Social Support and Affective Well-being Before and During COVID: An Experience Sampling Study

Abstract Based on the dynamic motivational activation (DMA) theoretical framework, this study examines the dynamic, reciprocal relationship between social support and affective well-being in both face-to-face (F2F) and online channels before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using experience sampling method, 2002 surveys on F2F and online interactions were collected from 64 participants. Dynamic panel modeling results showed that emotional support was associated with lower emotional discomfort toward F2F and online social interactions. Then, the emotional discomfort toward the F2F interactions drove the subsequent pursuit of emotional support, practical support, and informational support on the online channels. Additionally, findings suggested that individuals were more likely to obtain informational support via F2F communication after experiencing stronger emotional discomfort online during the pandemic.
Optimal Rehabilitation of Gas Distribution Pipelines in Liquefiable Soils Considering Seismic Reliability

AbstractContinuous functioning of gas distribution networks (GDNs) is important in the aftermath of an earthquake. Liquefaction has been found to cause a majority of the damages to buried pipeline ...
Predicting Mental Health Treatment Access Among Adolescents With Elevated Depressive Symptoms: Machine Learning Approaches

A large proportion of adolescents experiencing depression never access treatment. To increase access to effective mental health care, it is critical to understand factors associated with increased versus decreased odds of adolescent treatment access. This study used individual depression symptoms and sociodemographic variables to predict whether and where adolescents with depression accessed mental health treatments. We performed a pre-registered, secondary analysis of data from the 2017 National Survey of Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), a nationally representative sample of non-institutionalized civilians in the United States. Using four cross-validated random forest models, we predicted whether adolescents with elevated past-year depressive symptoms (N = 1,671; ages 12–17 years) accessed specific mental health treatments in the previous 12 months (“yes/no” for inpatient, outpatient, school, any). 53.38% of adolescents with elevated depressive symptoms accessed treatment of any kind. Even with depressive symptoms and sociodemographic factors included as predictors, pre-registered random forests explained < 0.00% of pseudo out-of-sample deviance in adolescent access to inpatient, outpatient, school, or overall treatments. Exploratory elastic net models explained 0.80–2.50% of pseudo out-of-sample deviance in adolescent treatment access across all four treatment types. Neither individual depressive symptoms nor any socioeconomic variables meaningfully predicted specific or overall mental health treatment access in adolescents with elevated past-year symptoms. This study highlights substantial limitations in our capacity to predict whether and where adolescents access mental health treatment and underscores the broader need for more accessible, scalable adolescent depression treatments.
Cracking the Skin Barrier: Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation Shines under the Skin

Central to forming and sustaining the skin’s barrier, epidermal keratinocytes (KCs) fluxing to the skin surface undergo a rapid and enigmatic transformation into flat, enucleated squames. At the crux of this transformation are intracellular keratohyalin granules (KGs) that suddenly disappear as terminally differentiating KCs transition to the cornified skin surface. Defects in KGs have long been linked to skin barrier disorders. Through the biophysical lens of liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), these enigmatic KGs recently emerged as liquid-like membraneless organelles whose assembly and subsequent pH-triggered disassembly drive squame formation. To stimulate future efforts toward cracking the complex process of skin barrier formation, in this review, we integrate the key concepts and foundational work spanning the fields of LLPS and epidermal biology. We review the current progress in the skin and discuss implications in the broader context of membraneless organelles across stratifying epithelia. The discovery of environmentally sensitive LLPS dynamics in the skin points to new avenues for dissecting the skin barrier and for addressing skin barrier disorders. We argue that skin and its appendages offer outstanding models to uncover LLPS-driven mechanisms in tissue biology.
Applying blockchain technology for building energy performance measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) and the carbon credit market: A review of the literature

Abstract The threats posed by climate change to Earth's ecosystems, human health, and the global economy are self-evident, and the building sector has contributed significantly to the creation of this problem. For two decades, the construction industry has attempted to mitigate its environmental impact by adopting green building strategies. However, due to a lack of a secure and accurate measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) system, lowering the industry's carbon footprint has not been embraced by building owners. The building industry has not been able to participate in the carbon credit markets as well. Several factors are contributing to this failure. The primary issue is the complicated and insecure accounting system for accurately tracking energy consumption and carbon emissions. Although there are several building energy performance (BEP) audit schemes, these programs do not provide a suitable structure for a secure and accurate carbon emission MRV. Some climate action groups have navigated an overview of Blockchain for climate actions, especially in registries and tracking solutions, digital MRV, decentralized environment of clean energies, and climate finance. Moreover, there are several attempts to adopt blockchain MRV systems in the climate action projects, and blockchain carbon credit markets were already in place since Blockchain technology can offer a transparent, reliable, and affordable MRV system. This research walked through the literature of the BEP audit programs, the carbon credit market for the building sector, the possibility of adopting Blockchain technology to a digital BEP MRV. The study found that the digital MRV system, which climate action projects require, can be applied to the building sector with the adoption of Blockchain technology. Next, because a few blockchain carbon credit markets are already running, a blockchain digital MRV system needs to be developed to help the building sector participate in the carbon credit markets.
Dynamics of cell death across growth stages and the diel cycle in the dinoflagellate Karenia brevis.

Recent evidence suggests that programmed cell death (PCD) can play a role in stress-induced decline and termination of harmful algal blooms. However, components of the PCD cascade, i.e. reactive oxygen species (ROS) and caspase-like activity, have also been observed in the absence of exogenous stress, where their activities and functions remain unclear. Here, we characterized the variability of prevalence of cell death, ROS, and caspase-like activity at different growth phases and diel cycles in cultures of dinoflagellate Karenia brevis. Results show that ROS percentages increased with culture age and fluctuated in a phasing diel pattern, while caspase-like activity was observed throughout growth. In actively growing K. brevis cells, PCD components may be involved in key metabolic processes, while in stationary phase they may relate to stress acclimation. The circadian diel pattern of ROS may be explained by the balance between the metabolic generation of ROS and circadian rhythmicity of antioxidant enzymes. Overall, this work highlights not only the involvement of PCD components in the growth of marine phytoplankton, but the importance of understanding mechanisms controlling their accumulation, which would help to better interpret their presence in the field.
Plant Germ Plasm Now and for Tomorrow

Publisher Summary Modern crop husbandry is based on an exceedingly small segment of the plant kingdom. These efficient crops are the cumulative results of man's research. But in this generation and for the future, plant breeders will be dependent for raw materials on the genetic resources that occur in the “gene centers” of the world. These irreplaceable genetic resources are seriously threatened of being depleted by overgrazing and related malpractices or through the replacement of “land races” by improved varieties. Recognizing that these resources are essential to agriculture in developed and developing countries in the same manner, international organizations such as the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the International Biological Program (IBP), and The Rockefeller Foundation have encouraged the development of national and international programs to attack the problem of dwindling germ plasm reserves. The chapter describes the current activities that have an impact on the future of germ plasm in the United States, and evaluates the origin of germ plasm, its collection, assembling, and the ways it is used.
AnalysEs of Waco Dam Slide

The investigation was performed to study the factors influencing the undrained shear strength of Pepper shale, a stiff-fissured clay, and to apply the results of the study to the analysis of a slide which occurred during construction of Waco Dam, founded on the Pepper shale. Unconsolidated-undrained triaxial compression tests were performed on undisturbed samples of Pepper shale to investigate the influence of anisotropy, sustained loading and specimen size. The study showed that the Pepper shale is highly anisotropic, possessing a much lower strength along a horizontal plane than along other planes. The influence of sustained loading and of specimen size was found to be negligible. Analyses showed that the assumption of isotropic shear strengths, measured on vertical specimens, indicated stable conditions, while the use of anisotropic shear strengths produced results in agreement with the observed failure and pronounced noncircular failure surface.
Crab Gill Intra-Epithelial Carbonic Anhydrase Plays a Major Role in Haemolymph CO2 and Chloride Ion Regulation

The distribution and function of the enzyme carbonic anhydrase in the crab Pachygrapsus crassipes was investigated. Carbonic anhydrase was found in gill epithelial tissue but not in the haemolymph, muscle, heart, hepatopancreas or gonads of male crabs. Enzyme activity was completely inhibited in vitro by 2 × 10−4M sodium acetazolamide (Diamox). Radiolabelled Diamox (2 × 10−4M) in sea water was found to equilibrate with the intact crab's haemolymph within one hour. Haemolymph CO2 content, pH and chloride ion concentration were measured in crabs acclimated to different salinities and exposed to 2 × 10−4M Diamox. Haemolymph CO2 content increased at all salinities, especially low salinities, while pH remained unchanged, except at low salinities where it increased. Diamox impaired the regulation of haemolymph chloride at low salinities, but had no effect on chloride regulation at high salinities. Measurement of O2 uptake (estimating CO2 production) in crabs before and after Diamox exposure confirmed that elevated haemolymph CO2 was not due to increases in tissue CO2 production.
Bent rigid endoscopes: a challenge for accurate distortion correction and 3D reconstruction

No investigation is published so far, describing the distortion correction for bent rigid endoscopes. This work comprises a definition of endoscope bending states and a proof that inhomogeneous (section varying) radial distortion correction achieves enhanced results in comparison to linear distortion correction. Precaution or advanced distortion correction techniques should be taken while using bent or deflected endoscopes in applications of computer assisted diagnosis and therapy.
Proopiomelanocortin and the Immune-Neuroendocrine Connection

This presentation will cover the history, recent developments in, and implications of the ability of both the immune and neuroendocrine systems to produce POMC. The discovery of POMC in immune cells was one of the events that heralded a molecular understanding of neuroimmunomodulation. This, together with the presence of opiate and ACTH receptors on lymphocytes and macrophages, provided the first biochemical circuit for which the same signal molecules and receptors could be used for intrasystem regulation, as well as bidirectional communication between the immune and neuroendocrine systems. Today we have a quite good understanding of the regulation and processing of POMC in immune cells, as well as the interaction of its product peptides with other cytokines. For instance, IL-1 causes POMC production by immune cells, and the POMC product, alpha-MSH, in turn, acts functionally as an IL-1 antagonist. In the past year, the expression of full-length POMC mRNA has been reported and this solved one of the paradoxes with respect to POMC production, processing, and secretion. We provide data on these developments together with quite startling findings on the physiologic function of POMC peptides in the immune system. Among these are the local antinociceptive effects of immune cell-derived beta-endorphin, altered hematopoiesis in opiate receptor-deficient animals, and the diagnosis of ACTH insensitivity by a deficiency of ACTH receptors on lymphocytes.
Joseph E. Davies: The Wisconsin Idea and the Origins of the Federal Trade Commission

In response to an enormous growth of trusts in the late nineteenth century, demands for reform among a wide spectrum of interest groups culminated in the Federal Trade Commission Act of 1915. Playing an influential, though little-recognized role in framing this legislation was Wisconsin progressive Democrat Joseph E. Davies. As Commissioner of Corporations, Davies served in a unique, dual capacity as both politician and regulator, giving him access to President Woodrow Wilson and influence on the antitrust legislation. Davies used his position to promote a vision of administrative regulation based on the nationally recognized “Wisconsin Idea.” In so doing, he intensified conflicts among Wilson's policy advisers that, in turn, had a critical impact on the antitrust legislation and on the potential effectiveness of the first commission. In the long run, however, Davies' approach to regulatory policy, based on the Wisconsin Idea, would become standard operating procedure for successful regulatory commissions of the twentieth century.
Sequential variables and the Kamin effect

Abstract The results of two experiments demonstrated that retention deficits occurred in a within-subjects design only when the intermediate interval test was either the first or second test of the retention of prior aversive conditioning experience; when two relearning tests preceded a 1-hr test, no performance deficits were observed. It was suggested that internal cues may serve as memory attributes of avoidance behavior during early stages of avoidance learning, while other stimuli may facilitate the retrieval of the memory of prior avoidance training with repeated testing.
Toxicology of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate

Depo-Provera (depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate or DMPA), administered either subcutaneously or intramuscularly, has undergone a thorough toxicological evaluation in a number of animal species. DMPA has been tested in short- and long-term toxicity studies in rodents, rabbits, and monkeys. It has been examined for its effects on reproduction in mice, rats, and rabbits, and for carcinogenic potential in rats, mice, beagle dogs, and rhesus monkeys. Genotoxicity tests have been performed in vitro and in vivo. This paper describes the toxicology data submitted to the US FDA in support of the New Drug Application (NDA) for Depo-Provera as well as data published in the literature. When interpreted in the light of the available pharmacokinetic information, these data demonstrate that DMPA is not significantly different from other contraceptive progestogens in its toxic and tumorigenic potential.
Polymers, Fractals, and Ceramic Materials

Concepts borrowed from polymer science have been applied to tailor the properties of inorganic materials, especially those derived from amorphous precursors. Fractal geometry can be used to characterize macromolecular precursors and to relate their structures to kinetic growth processes. Within the silica system, for example, it is possible to manipulate the conditions of solution polymerization to yield a variety of macromolecules from branched chains to smooth colloidal particles.
Effects of cadmium ingestion and food restriction on energy metabolism and tissue metal concentrations in mallard ducks (Anas platyrhynchos).

Abstract The single and combined effects of cadmium ingestion and food restriction were examined in a 42-day experiment with male, juvenile mallard ducks. A 2 × 3 factorial design was employed consisting of two levels of food supply ( ad libitum and 55% of ad libitum intake) and three levels of cadmium in the food (0, 5, or 50 μg Cd/g food). Cadmium ingestion alone had no effect on body or tissue weights, liver glycogen, plasma concentrations of glucose, urea, uric acid, nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), triiodothyronine (T 3 ), thyroxine (T 4 ), or plasma or adrenal concentrations of corticosterone. The food restriction resulted in reduced body weights and reduced weights of livers, kidneys, and testes, increased adrenal weights, reduced liver glycogen, increased plasma NEFA concentrations, reduced plasma T 3 and T 4 concentrations, and increased adrenal corticosterone concentrations. In combination with the food restriction, cadmium ingestion further reduced plasma T 3 concentrations and a similar trend was noted for T 4 . Additionally, the highest plasma NEFA concentrations and highest plasma and adrenal concentrations of corticosterone were observed in food-restricted ducks receiving the highest level of dietary cadmium. These results suggest the ability of cadmium ingestion to enhance food restriction-induced alterations in energy metabolism at levels of dietary cadmium that are by themselves without apparent effect. Also, cadmium ingestion resulted in increased kidney concentrations of copper and zinc; this effect on kidney zinc concentrations was increased in food-restricted ducks.
Fashion consumers and fashion problem recognition style

Consumer spending over the life span of today's 18- to 25-year-old emerging adults will reach into the $10 trillion range. Emerging adults are a powerful force in shaping demand for consumer products. The problem recognition styles associated with emerging adults can help marketers understand this group of consumers and provide insight into what kinds of products, services, and messages will appeal to them as lifelong consumers. The purpose of this study was to examine differences between men and women and among fashion consumer groups in fashion problem recognition style. Participants were a convenience sample of emerging adult consumers from one Midwestern university in the US, 136 men and 158 women who completed the Measure of Fashion Innovativeness and Opinion Leadership, Fashion Problem Recognition Style Scale, and provided demographic information. Both fashion followers and men reflected a need-based approach to problem recognition. Both fashion change agents and women reflected a want-based approach to problem recognition. Male fashion followers differed from all other groups in indicating a need-based approach to problem recognition. This study built on previous work by examining differences in problem recognition style owing to fashion consumer group and gender. The basic premise behind problem recognition style was validated; that is, actual state (need-based) vs. ideal state (want-based) approaches to fashion problem recognition did relate to fashion consumer group membership and gender.
Research on Testing Method of PV Inverter Flicker Based on IEC Standards

The PV system generation changes with insolation rapidly and randomly ,and the change of power-flow increase the flicker severity in grid. The IEC standards 61400-21 provides recommended test method for wind turbines. In this paper, a model including virtual grid and flickermeter is developed. The testing and simulation procedure for PV inverter is proposed and finally, the test result is demonstrated.
Mechanism of demyelination in the guinea pig. Separate sensitization with encephalitogenic myelin basic protein and nonencephalitogenic brain components.

Experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE), accompanied by demyelinating central nervous system (CNS) lesions, can be induced in guinea pigs sensitized with whole guinea pig CNS tissue, but not in animals sensitized with purified myelin basic protein (BP). This type of chronic demyelinating EAE is presumably a result of a combination of a cell-mediated immune response to the encephalitogenic BP and a separate response to other nonencephalitogenic CNS antigens. We report here that demyelinating EAE can be induced when separate sensitizations are used to induce a cell-mediated response to BP and a second immune response to nonencephalitogenic CNS antigens. Animals sensitized in separate sites with guinea pig BP and whole chicken brain develop CNS demyelinating lesions. Animals sensitized only to BP or chicken brain do not develop demyelination. The antigen(s) responsible for demyelination are found in the myelin fraction of chicken brain.
Clinical Pearls in Women's Health

At the 2001 Annual Conference of the American College of Physicians, a new teaching format to aid physician learning, Clinical Pearls, was introduced. Clinical Pearls is designed with the 3 qualities of physician-learners in mind. First, we physicians enjoy learning from cases. Second, we like concise, practical points that we can use in our practice. Finally, we take pleasure in problem solving. In the Clinical Pearls format, speakers present a number of short cases in their specialty to a general internal medicine audience. Each case is followed by a multiple-choice question answered live by attendees using an audience response system. The answer distribution is shown to attendees. The correct answer is then displayed and the speaker discusses teaching points, clarifying why one answer is most appropriate. Each case presentation ends with a Clinical Pearl, defined as a practical teaching point that is supported by the literature but generally not well known to most internists. Clinical Pearls is currently one of the most popular sessions at the American College of Physicians meeting. As a service to its readers, Mayo Clinic Proceedings has invited a selected number of these Clinical Pearl presentations to be published in our Concise Reviews for Clinicians section. “Clinical Pearls in Women's Health” is one of them.
Residual stress measurements on Al-graphite composites using X-ray diffraction

Abstract During the fabrication of an aluminum matrix-graphite fiber composite, a residual stress state is introduced at the matrix-fiber interface because of the different thermal expansion coefficients of aluminum and graphite. These stresses can be different along different directions because of the anisotropy of the graphite fiber. In this study an X-ray diffraction technique was used to measure these residual stresses. It was found that large stresses exist along the fiber direction. Lower stresses were observed in the transverse direction. Some samples were quenched in liquid nitrogen and the residual stress was measured at room temperature. Approximately 30% reduction relative to the residual stress of non-quenched samples was observed. The results can be related to interface structures and transverse properties of the composites.
Sex differences in the expression of depression: A developmental interaction effect

A 1982 study by Kleinke and colleagues indicated sex differences among college students in the expression of depression on the Depression Coping Questionnaire and Beck's Depression Inventory, with females showing a significantly greater tendency to label their feelings and symptomatology. Using the Structured Pediatric Psychosocial Interview (SPPI), we have examined 1015 public-school pupils ranging from 5 through 19 years of age. On the SPPI's depression-related scales of Unhappiness and Resentfulness, developmental age level appears to interact significantly with respondent's gender in determining the extensity of content expressed. Our results with older adolescents replicate the sex differences reported by Kleinke et al. (Sex Roles, 1982, 8, 877–889), but at earlier age levels such differences may not be salient. Therefore, the inclusion of a developmental parameter would appear especially important to the investigation of processes by which sex differences in the expression of affectivity become manifest by late adolescence.
A novel dosing method for drug administration to the airways of the isolated perfused rat lung.

Abstract A novel method is described for the reproducible administration of known liquid quantities to the peripheral airways of the isolated perfused rat lung. The basis of the technique was to use a 250-μL metered dose of fluorocarbon propellant to expel liquid (as a coarse spray) from an intratracheal dosing cartridge into the airways, while simultaneously inflating the lungs with a fixed volume of gas. The methodology is illustrated by administration of 100-μL volumes of aqueous disodium fluorescein solutions to a series of lung preparations. The reproducibility and regional distribution of dosing were determined by dissection, homogenization, and fluorimetric assay. Even though the dye was distributed nonuniformly between the lung lobes, in a series of preparations, 65.9 ± 4.8% of the recovered dose was still deposited in the lung periphery, the site from which absorption is believed to occur. The method will enable the study of airway-to-perfusate transfer kinetics for compounds administered in a variety of different liquid formulations.
EGO-1, a C. elegans RdRP, Modulates Gene Expression via Production of mRNA-Templated Short Antisense RNAs

Summary Background The development of the germline in Caenorhabditis elegans is a complex process involving the regulation of thousands of genes in a coordinated manner. Several genes required for small RNA biogenesis and function are among those required for the proper organization of the germline. EGO-1 is a putative RNA-directed RNA polymerase (RdRP) that is required for multiple aspects of C. elegans germline development and efficient RNA interference (RNAi) of germline-expressed genes. RdRPs have been proposed to act through a variety of mechanisms, including the posttranscriptional targeting of specific mRNAs, as well as through a direct interaction with chromatin. Despite extensive investigation, the molecular role of EGO-1 has remained enigmatic. Results Here we use high-throughput small RNA and messenger RNA sequencing to investigate EGO-1 function. We found that EGO-1 is required to produce a distinct pool of small RNAs antisense to a number of germline-expressed mRNAs through several developmental stages. These potential mRNA targets fall into distinct classes, including genes required for kinetochore and nuclear pore assembly, histone-modifying activities, and centromeric proteins. We also found several RNAi-related genes to be targets of EGO-1. Finally, we show a strong association between the loss of small RNAs and the rise of mRNA levels in ego-1(−) animals. Conclusions Our data support the conclusion that EGO-1 produces triphosphorylated small RNAs derived from mRNA templates and that these small RNAs modulate gene expression through the targeting of their cognate mRNAs.
Analysis of macular edema after cataract surgery in patients with diabetes using optical coherence tomography.

Objective To assess the incidence or progression of macular edema (ME) after cataract surgery in diabetic patients using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and correlating this with degree of diabetic retinopathy or other risk factors. Design Prospective cohort study. Participants Fifty diabetic eyes undergoing cataract surgery. Methods Each eye underwent 7-field fundus photography no more than 3 months before surgery. Optical coherence tomography testing was performed within 4 weeks before surgery and at 1- and 3-month postoperative visits. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was recorded at each visit. Macular edema was defined as an increase of center point thickness on OCT > 30% from preoperative baseline. Main Outcome Measures Changes in foveal thickness and BCVA. Results The incidence of ME on OCT was 22% (95% confidence interval, 13%–35%). The average increase in center point thickness at 1 month for eyes with ME was 202 μm, which resulted in a nearly 1-line loss of vision (0.07 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution [logMAR] units) compared with eyes without ME gaining >2 lines of vision (0.24 logMAR units) ( P >0.001). Eyes with no diabetic retinopathy developed minimal thickening of 18 μm and 14 μm at 1 and 3 months, respectively, associated with approximately 2 and 3 lines of improved vision, respectively (0.22 and 0.26 logMAR units). Eyes with moderate or severe nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy or proliferative diabetic retinopathy developed thickening of 145 μm and 131 μm at 1 and 3 months, respectively, associated with P = 0.05) in thickening (127 μm and 117 μm at 1 and 3 months, respectively) was correlated inversely with visual improvement ( r = −0.662). Both duration of diabetes ≥ 10 years ( P = 0.04) and insulin dependence ( P = 0.007) were associated with reduced visual improvement. Conclusions Diabetic eyes have a high incidence of increased center point thickness on OCT after cataract surgery, associated with a loss of vision at 1 month, with limited visual recovery at 3 months. Treatment to prevent this might improve outcomes in similar individuals after surgery.
Power deposited onto a dielectric surface by multipactor in two regimes

Summary form only given. Modeling multipactor discharges is important for understanding window breakdown and parasitic plasma discharges in high power microwave tubes before valuable experimental equipment is damaged or lost. In an effort to accomplish this, fully self-consistent 1D and 2D simulations were run using the ICEPIC (improved concurrent electromagnetic particle-in-cell) code to study these phenomena. The Vaughn model for secondary electron emission has been incorporated into ICEPIC for these studies. Our results are compared to 1D theory, which takes into account the space charge in the vacuum which oscillates at twice the imposed RF frequencies. Our simulations focus on two parameter regimes: 2.45 GHz and 110 GHz. The focus of this theoretical and computational study is calculating the amount of power absorbed by the dielectric surface due to the multipactoring electrons impacting the surface. When these electrons strike the dielectric surface, they cause surface heating to occur, leading to outgassing from the surface. These gas atoms then undergo ionization, which neutralizes the multipactor discharge. This allows the electron density to increase, increasing the amount of reflected power within the system, thereby decreasing the overall output power
New developments in glow discharge mass spectrometry

Abstract The steady improvement of glow discharge mass spectrometry (GDMS) as a technique for conducting solids analysis has initiated its further exploration in other areas of analytical chemistry. Some recent developments are reported in this article emphasizing novel GDMS instrumentation and applications to various unconventional sample types.
A fast pairwise evaluation of molecular surface area

A fast and general analytical approach was developed for the calculation of the approximate van der Waals and solvent-accessible surface areas. The method is based on three basic ideas: the use of the Lorentz transformation formula, a rigid-geometry approximation, and a single fitting parameter that can be refitted on the fly during a simulation. The Lorentz transformation equation is used for the summation of the areas of an atom buried by its neighboring contacting atoms, and implies that a sum of the buried pairwise areas cannot be larger than the surface area of the isolated spherical atom itself. In a rigid-geometry approximation we numerically calculate and keep constant the surface of each atom buried by the atoms involved in 1-2 and 1-3 interactions. Only the contributions from the nonbonded atoms (1-4 and higher interactions) are considered in terms of the pairwise approximation. The accuracy and speed of the method is competitive with other pairwise algorithms. A major strength of the method is the ease of parametrization.
Predictors of Mortality, Rehospitalization for Syncope, and Cardiac Syncope in 352 Consecutive Elderly Patients With Syncope

Objectives To investigate the etiologies of syncope and predictors of all-cause mortality, rehospitalization, and cardiac syncope in consecutive elderly patients presenting with syncope to our emergency department. Participants Participants were 352 consecutive patients aged 65 years or older with syncope admitted to hospital from the emergency department. Design Observational retrospective study. Measurements Review of medical records for history, physical examination, medications, and tests to determine causes of syncope. Cox stepwise logistic regression analysis was performed to identify significant independent prognostic factors for rehospitalization with syncope, all-cause mortality, and cardiac syncope. Results Of 352 patients, mean age 78 years, the etiology of syncope was diagnosed in 243 patients (69%). Vasovagal syncope was diagnosed in 12%, volume depletion in 14%, orthostatic hypotension in 5%, cardiac syncope in 29%, carotid sinus hypersensitivity in 2%, and drug overdose/others in 7% of patients. During a mean follow-up of 24 months, 10 patients (3%) were readmitted to the hospital for syncope and 39 (11%) died. Stepwise logistic regression analysis identified history of congestive heart failure (OR 5.18; 95% CI 1.23–21.84, P = .0257) and acute coronary syndrome (OR 5.95; 95% CI 1.11–31.79, P = .037) as independent risk factors for rehospitalization. Significant independent prognostic factors for mortality were diabetes mellitus (OR 2.08; 95% CI 1.09–3.99, P = .0263), history of smoking (OR 2.23; 95% CI 1.10–4.49, P = .0255), and use of statins (OR 0.37; 95% CI 0.19–0.72, P = .0036). Independent risk factors for predicting a cardiac cause of syncope were an abnormal electrocardiogram (OR 2.58; 95% CI 1.46–4.57, P = .0012) and reduced ejection fraction (OR 2.92; 95% CI 1.70–5.02, P < .001). The San Francisco Syncope Rule and Osservatorio Epidemiologico sulla Sincope nel Lazio scores did not predict mortality or rehospitalization in our study population. Conclusions Significant independent risk factors for rehospitalization for syncope were congestive heart failure and acute coronary syndrome. Significant independent risk factors for mortality were diabetes mellitus, history of smoking, and use of statins (inverse association).
Dynamics of semidilute solutions of polymers and associating polymers

Abstract A theory of dynamics and transport of polymers and polymer clusters in semidilute solutions is presented based on the coupling theory of the author generalized to include scaling concepts. In this theory the concentration fluctuation correlation function, π(t) = 〈δc q (t)δc −q (t)〉 〈|δc q | 2 〉 where δc q ( t ) is the concentration fluctuation of wave-vector q , is a stretched exponential function of time, exp-( t / τ ( q , c )) 1− n ( c ) . The coupling parameter n ( c ) increases with c and the relaxation time τ ( q , c ) has the q −2 (1−n(c)) dependence on q . These basic predictions are supported by several experimental investigations using dynamic light scattering of different systems including solutions of associating polymers, hydroxypropylcellulose/water solutions, and solutions of polymer cluster. Some of these experimental data will be revisited to bring out the detailed correspondence between theoretical predictions and experimental facts. The theory is further developed here and used to interpret the measured tracer diffusion coefficient ( D ) by Lodge and coworkers of linear and star-branched polystyrenes with molecular weights ( M ) in semidilute solutions of polu(vinyl mehyl ether)/ o -fluorotoluene for different matrix molecular weights ( P ) and concentrations ( c ). The theory is capable of explaining the M dependence of D at fixed P and c ; the stretched exponential c dependence of D at constant M and P ; and also the P dependence of D at constant c and M .
Evidence that instability within the FRA3B region extends four megabases

FRA3B is the most frequently expressed common fragile site localized within human chromosomal band 3p14.2, which is frequently deleted in many different cancers, including cervical cancer. Previous reports indicate aphidicolin-induced FRA3B instability occurs over ∼500 kb which is spanned by the 1.5 Mb fragile histidine triad (FHIT) gene. Recently an HPV16 cervical tumor integration, 2 Mb centromeric to the published FRA3B region, has been identified. FISH-based analysis with a BAC spanning the integration has demonstrated this integration occurs within the FRA3B region of instability. These data suggest that the unstable FRA3B region is much larger than previously reported. FISH-based analysis of aphidicolin-induced metaphase chromosomes allowed for a complete characterization of instability associated with FRA3B. This analysis indicates that fragility extends for 4 Mb. Within this region are a total of five genes, including FHIT. FRA3B gene expression analysis on a panel of cervical tumor-derived cell lines revealed that three of the five genes within FRA3B were aberrantly regulated. A similar analysis of genes outside of FRA3B indicated that the surrounding genes were not aberrantly expressed. These data provide additional support that regions of instability associated with CFSs and the genes contained within them, may play an important role in cancer development.
Effect of inorganic phosphate on erythrocyte pentose phosphate pathway activity

1. 1. Pentose phosphate pathway activity was studied in human erythrocytes during incubation with inorganic phosphate (Pi). The rate of 14CO2 production from labelled glucose was used as an index of pentose phosphate pathway activity and was measured continuously with an ionization chamber and vibrating reed electrometer. 2. 2. In unstimulated erythrocyte suspensions, pentose phosphate pathway activity was unaltered by a Pi concentration which increased the rate of glucose consumption. Red cells incubated with both Pi and methylene blue showed increased CO2 production from [I-14C]glucose and decreased CO2 from [2-14C]glucose compared with controls. 3. 3. Total pentose phosphate pathway activity, as indicated by the sum of CO2 production from [I-14C]glucose and [2-14C]glucose or by CO2 production from uniformly labelled glucose, was unaltered. These results suggests that Pi can reduce the activity of transketolase or transaldolase in intact erythrocytes.
Social phobia subtype and avoidant personality disorder: Effect on severity of social phobia, impairment, and outcome of cognitive behavioral treatment

The relationship between subtypes of social phobia and avoidant personality disorder (APD) and their effects on severity of impairment and outcome of cognitive behavioral treatment were examined. Before treatment, most assessment measures differentiated only between generalized and nongeneralized subtypes of social phobia. Individuals with generalized social phobia were younger when they developed social phobia and achieved higher scores on measures of depression, social anxiety and avoidance, and fear of negative evaluation. During treatment, subjects with generalized social phobia and nongeneralized social phobia improved similarly, but subjects with generalized social phobia remained more impaired after treatment. APD was not predictive of treatment outcome, but several subjects who received a diagnosis of APD before treatment no longer met criteria for APD after treatment.