cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Statistical power analysis.

Statistical power is the probability that a statistical test will correctly reject the null hypothesis. This chapter presents the concept of statistical power and several closely related techniques and topics. There have been numerous calls in recent years for the increased use of statistical power analysis and other techniques as alternatives to the traditional practice of null hypothesis significance testing and the use of p values as the principal method of establishing the evidence for an effect. Detailed discussions will be provided on the three main study design factors that determine power, sample size, effect size, and alpha level, as well as on several additional important design factors, including covariates, repeated measures, unequal group sample sizes, the number of groups or predictors in the analysis, and within-group dependency in cluster randomized designs. Very brief coverage along with suggested readings for more information is provided for a number of other issues, including missing data, multiple dependent variables and multivariate analytical techniques, structural equation modeling, meta-analysis, and accuracy in parameter estimation. The problems associated with the use of “rules of thumb” for sample size estimation in multiple regression analysis are discussed as well as the use of power in the interpretation of nonsignificant results, including a critical discussion of the concept of retrospective power analysis. Methods for calculating power are covered, but the primary emphasis is on examining how various aspects of study design can be manipulated to enhance the power of a study. Keywords: statistical power; effect size; sample size; null hypothesis significance testing paradigm; Type I and Type II errors; retrospective power
Integrated diagnosis and prognosis architecture for fleet vehicles using dynamic case-based reasoning

This paper presents a hybrid reasoning architecture for integrated fault diagnosis and health maintenance of fleet vehicles. The aim of this architecture is to research, develop and test advanced diagnostic and decision support tools for maintenance of complex machinery. Artificial intelligence based diagnostic approach has been proposed with particular reference to dynamic case-based reasoning (DCBR). This system refines an asynchronous stream of symptom and repair actions into a compound case structure and efficiently organizes the relevant information into the case memory. Diagnosis is carried out into two steps for fast and efficient solution generation. First the situation is analyzed based on observed symptoms (textual descriptions) to propose initial diagnosis and generate corresponding explanation hypothesis. Next, based on the generated hypothesis relevant sensor data is collected and corresponding data analysis modules are activated for data-driven diagnosis. This approach reduces the computational demands to enable fast experience transfer and more reliable and informed testing. This system also tracks the success rates of all possible hypotheses for a given diagnosis and ranks them based on statistical evaluation criteria to improve the efficiency of future situations. Since the system can interact with multiple vehicles it learns about several operating environments resulting in a rich accumulation of experiences in relatively very short time. A distributed and generic architecture of this system is outlined from technical implementation point of view which can be used for widespread applications where both qualitative and quantitative observations can be gathered. Further, a concept of expanding this architecture for carrying out prognostic tasks is introduced.
Polymerization and instability of a recombinant hemoglobin containing valine beta 7.

Abstract A recombinant hemoglobin containing Val beta 7 (Hb beta E7V) was engineered and expressed in yeast to evaluate amino acid specificity of the Glu beta 6-->Val mutation (Hb beta E6V) in promoting polymer formation of deoxyhemoglobin. The purified CO Hb beta E7V migrated as a single band on electrophoresis with a slightly decreased positive charge compared with CO Hb S. The oxygen affinity of Hb beta E7V was slightly higher than Hb S, while the absorption spectrum of the mutant was similar to Hb S. Critical concentrations for polymerization in 1.8 M phosphate of the deoxy forms of Hb beta E7V and Hb A were 15- and 25-fold, respectively, higher than Hb S. Oversaturated deoxy Hb beta E7V polymerized without a delay time prior to polymerization like deoxy Hb beta E6F and Hb beta E6W. These results demonstrate that Val beta 6 in Hb S is critical for rapid polymerization of deoxyhemoglobin. The oxy form of Hb beta E7V was approximately 2-3-fold more unstable to heat and mechanical agitation than oxy Hb S, suggesting that instability and polymerization of hemoglobin are distinct properties.
Analysis of regional lymph nodes in periprostatic fat following robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.

The most reliable and deﬁnitive means of staging lymph node involvement in prostate cancer remains dissection and removal of the pelvic nodes. Recently, increased attention to extending the limits of obturator node dissection to include the external and internal iliac nodes has been suggested. Although consensus has not been reached regarding when and how to proceed, the current recommendation is that an extended pelvic lymph node dissection is preferred because it provides enhanced staging [1]. However, even with an extended dissection, landing zones for prostate cancer can still be missed.During the anterior dissection of a radical prostatectomy, a shroud of lymphofatty tissue overlying the prostate that extends from the inner surface of the pubic bone towards the bladder is routinely encountered. This tissue is often excised to improve visualization and clearly expose the operative ﬁeld. Robot-assisted laparoscopic pelvic lymph node dissection has been shown to be feasible with lymph node yields comparable to those for open dissection [2]. In addition, the three-dimensional magniﬁcation of the Da Vinci surgical robotic system (Sunnyvale, CA, USA) allows simple dissection of this fat away from the anterior prostate, apex, endopelvic fascia and bladder neck.We commonly perform excision of this tissue with pathological analysis because others have described the occasional presence of lymph nodes [3,4]. We surmised that regional lymph node removal could provide better oncological staging and deﬁne patients at greater risk for disease recurrence. Over a 6-month period we prospectively examined
Public responses to a comprehensive smoking ban

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report public reactions to a total workplace smoking ban, including smoking behavior, attendance at bars and clubs, and attitudes toward a broader ban. Design/methodology/approach – Surveys were conducted in two adjacent jurisdictions, one of which instituted a total workplace smoking ban. Surveys took place before (n=1,609) and after (n=1,600) enactment of the ban in the relevant jurisdiction. Findings – No change in smoking prevalence occurred in the jurisdiction enacting the ban. Strong majorities of non-smokers supported the ban, while strong majorities of smokers expressed opposition. In the jurisdiction that enacted the ban, smokers who appeared to be high-volume consumers at bars and clubs were most likely to report reducing attendance at these establishments and to oppose the ban. Research limitations/implications – Surveys depend on accurate self-reporting of behavior and attitudes. Practical implications – Some bars and clubs may incur financial losses d...
Genetics: Dawkins, redux

Nathaniel Comfort takes issue with the second instalment of the evolutionary biologist's autobiography.
Chemolithotrophic Sulfur-Oxidizing Bacteria from the Galapagos Rift Hydrothermal Vents

Three distinct physiological types of sulfur-oxidizing bacteria were enriched and isolated from samples collected at several deep-sea hydrothermal vents (2,550 m) of the Galapagos Rift ocean floor spreading center. Twelve strains of the obligately chemolithotrophic genus Thiomicrospira were obtained from venting water and from microbial mats covering surfaces in the immediate vicinity of the vents. From these and other sources two types of obligately heterotrophic sulfur oxidizers were repeatedly isolated that presumably oxidized thiosulfate either to sulfate (acid producing; 9 strains) or to polythionates (base producing; 74 strains). The former were thiobacilli-like, exhibiting a thiosulfate-stimulated increase in growth and CO(2) incorporation, whereas the latter were similar to previously encountered pseudomonad-like heterotrophs. The presence of chemolithotrophic sulfur-oxidizing bacteria in the sulfide-containing hydrothermal water supports the hypothesis that chemosynthesis provides a substantial primary food source for the rich populations of invertebrates found in the immediate vicinity of the vents.
Epitope mapping of alpha-transforming growth factor: evidence of an immunodominant region.

Antisera were produced in rabbits and sheep against both full-length synthetic rat alpha-transforming growth factor and peptides corresponding to the carboxy-terminal 17 amino acids. These antisera were used to develop a peptide based radioimmunoassay of alpha-TGF. All antisera reacted only with a restricted region of the alpha-TGF corresponding to the 8 residues (43-50) at the carboxy-terminus: Cyslt. slash43, Glult. slash44, Hislt. slash45, Alalt. slash46, Asplt. slash47, Leult. slash48, Leult. slash49, Alalt. slash50. A series of synthetic peptides presenting deletions or substitutions of amino acids in this carboxy-terminal region were tested for competition with /sup 125/I-alpha-TGF. All changes in the above peptide sequence resulted in a marked reduction in competition. All of the polyclonal antisera demonstrated similar specificity whether they were produced against the 50 amino acid, full-length alpha-TGF, against shorter 17 amino acid and 8 amino acid carboxy-terminal sequences.
Time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence with high-performance liquid chromatography for analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon mixtures

Abstract Time-resolved fluorescence is used to enhance the selectivity for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon mixtures by high-performance liquid chromatography. A pulsed laser is used as the excitation source. Only fluorophores with long fluorescence lifetimes (e.g. fluoranthene) are monitored if the delay between excitation and detection is sufficiently long. Limits of detection are of the order of 1–10 pg (5–50 fmol). The advantages are illustrated with a sample from the condensed steam distillate following a coal gasification experiment.
Psychotropic adjuvant analgesics for cancer pain

The mainstay of pharmacological interventions for cancer pain continues to be the appropriate use of narcotic analgesics. There is, however, growing awareness and acceptance of the benefits derived for cancer pain patients from psychiatric contributions to pain control, including the use of psychotropic adjuvant analgesics. Knowledge of the indications and usefulness of psychotropic drugs in cancer pain will be most rewarding, particularly since these drugs are useful not only in the treatment of psychiatric complications of cancer, but also as adjuvant analgesic agents in the management of cancer pain. This paper reviews the literature on the use of antidepressants, psychostimulants, neuroleptics and anxiolytics in the management of cancer pain. Mechanisms of analgesia, drug selection, recommendations for clinical usage and issues for future research are discussed. The appropriate and timely use of psychotropic adjuvant analgesic drugs represents an opportunity for active psychiatric contribution to the multidisciplinary management of cancer pain.
Vitamin C: A Concentration-Function Approach Yields Pharmacology and Therapeutic Discoveries

A concentration-function approach to vitamin C (ascorbate) has yielded new physiology and pharmacology discoveries. To determine the range of vitamin C concentrations possible in humans, pharmacokinetics studies were conducted. They showed that when vitamin C is ingested by mouth, plasma and tissue concentrations are tightly controlled by at least 3 mechanisms in healthy humans: absorption, tissue accumulation, and renal reabsorption. A 4th mechanism, rate of utilization, may be important in disease. With ingested amounts found in foods, vitamin C plasma concentrations do not exceed 100 μmol/L. Even with supplementation approaching maximally tolerated doses, ascorbate plasma concentrations are always <250 μmol/L and frequently <150 μmol/L. By contrast, when ascorbate is i.v. injected, tight control is bypassed until excess ascorbate is eliminated by glomerular filtration and renal excretion. With i.v. infusion, pharmacologic ascorbate concentrations of 25–30 mmol/L are safely achieved. Pharmacologic ascorbate can act as a pro-drug for hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) formation, which can lead to extracellular fluid at concentrations as high as 200 μmol/L. Pharmacologic ascorbate can elicit cytotoxicity toward cancer cells and slow the growth of tumors in experimental murine models. The effects of pharmacologic ascorbate should be further studied in diseases, such as cancer and infections, which may respond to generation of reactive oxygen species via H2O2.
Unpassivated GaN/AlGaN/GaN power high electron mobility transistors with dispersion controlled by epitaxial layer design

In this paper, a novel GaN/AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) is discussed. The device uses a thick GaN-cap layer (∼250 nm) to reduce the effect of surface potential fluctuations on device performance. Devices without Si3N4 passivation showed no dispersion with 200-ns-pulse-width gate-lag measurements. Saturated output-power density of 3.4 W/mm and peak power-added efficiency (PAE) of 32% at 10 GHz (VDS=+15 V) were achieved from unpassivated devices on sapphire substrates. Large gate-leakage current and low breakdown voltage prevented higher drain-bias operation and are currently under investigation.
A spatial model of legislative voting with perceptual error

This paper presents a unidimensional spatial model of voting in which members of Congress vote based on an imprecise perception of roll-call alternatives. The model is applied to the Senate roll-call votes of 1977 to estimate the ideal points of the senators, and to examine the role of a liberal-conservative dimension in describing votes on economic issues relative to social issues. In light of the spatial model, the paper argues that “standard” models of roll-call voting are not based on a theory of choice, and hence, that it is difficult to interpret their results. Alternatives to standard models, based on the spatial model, are developed and are used to analyze the role of ideology in deciding a specific economic issue: coal strip-mining.
Differential effects of clozapine and haloperidol on interval timing in the supraseconds range

The effects of clozapine (0.6, 1.2, and 2.4 mg/ kg) and haloperidol (0.03, 0.06, and 0.12 mg/kg) on the timing of 10, 30, and 90-s intervals were characterized in rats. Each drug's effect on timing behavior was assessed following intraperitoneal injections using a variant of the peak-interval procedure. Although haloperidol proportio- nately shifted peak times rightward in a manner consistent with a decrease in clock speed, clozapine exerted the op- posite effect and proportionately shifted peak times left- ward in a manner consistent with an increase in clock speed. These results support the proposal that typical an- tipsychotic drugs such as haloperidol and atypical anti- psychotic drugs such as clozapine exert differential effects on dopaminergic, serotonergic, and glutamatergic systems within the cortex and striatum, two brain regions shown to be crucial for interval timing.
Upper bounds for the growth rate of DLA

Abstract We show that the maximal length of the arms in DLA can grow at most at a rate n 2 (d+1) , where n denotes the volume or mass of the aggregate, and d is the dimension. (A logarithmic correction factor is needed if d=3). We also give a lower bound for the number of sites in a sphere which are eventually occupied by the aggregate.
Two-dimensional interface structures of epitaxial Ba,Sr)TiO3 film on miscut (001) MgO

Abstract We report on the effect of substrate miscut on the 2-dimensional interfacial structure and dielectric properties of the epitaxial Ba 0.6 Sr 0.4 TiO 3 /MgO. Epitaxial Ba 0.6 Sr 0.4 TiO 3 films on vicinal (001) MgO grown by pulsed-laser ablation were studied using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Plan-view TEM showed that the films grown on the substrate with miscut angles of 1.2°, 3.5°, and 5.3° have lattice mismatches of − 5.6%, − 6.0% and − 5.7% at the interface, larger than the values (− 5.4%, − 5.7% and − 5.5%, respectively) obtained using cross-section TEM. The films grown on 1.2° and 5.3° miscut substrates consist of commensurate domains with sizes about 30 to 40 nm at the interface, significantly larger than those of 10 to 20 nm obtained for the films grown on the 3.5° miscut substrate. The films with larger commensurate domains at the interface exhibit about 30% higher dielectric constant and dielectric tunability than those with smaller commensurate domains. Initial measurements show that their interfacial differences have a tremendous effect on the dielectric properties of the films.
Role of Experience and Context in Learning To Diagnose Lyme Disease.

AbstractIntroduction:A recent review of research in continuing medical education suggests that scholarship should be integrated with practice so that practical problems can be addressed with theoretically derived yet applicable solutions. This project develops a theory describing how physicians lear
Sol-gel strategies for controlled porosity inorganic materials

The porosity (i.e., pore volume, pore size, and surface area) of ceramic materials prepared by sol-gel processing depends on the size and structure of primary particles or polymers formed by condensation reactions, the organization of these structures, often by aggregation, to form a gel, and the collapse of the gel by drying. This paper reviews these ideas in the context of the formation of thin films suitable for inorganic membranes and introduces a number of specific strategies designed to control pore sizes in the range appropriate for gas separation: ( 1) aggregation of fractals; (2 ) management of capillary pressure, (3) control of condensation rate, and (4) the use of organic or microporous templates in composite thin film structures. These strategies are contrasted with the more traditional particle packing approach to preparing controlled porosity materials.
Effects of human growth hormone on insulin-stimulated glucose metabolism in 3T3-F442A adipocytes.

GH is believed to play a role in promoting insulin resistance in patients with diabetes and with GH excess. The means by which GH produces insulin resistance may be through direct suppression of glucose metabolism in target cells (insulinindependent) or by interfering with the ability of insulin to stimulate glucose metabolism (insulin-dependent). In 3T3- F442A adipocytes, long term incubation (24–72 h) with GH directly inhibits glucose oxidation and lipid synthesis in the absence of insulin. To distinguish the insulin-independent effects of GH on glucose metabolism from the insulin-dependent effects of GH, we examined the effect of GH on insulin-stimulated lipid accumulation in cultured 3T3-F442A adipocytes. Cells were incubated for 48–72 h with GH and then treated with insulin. Insulin stimulated lipid accumulation in GH-pretreated and control cells. Compared to control, GH-treated cells had lower absolute levels of lipid accumulation in the absence of insulin and at each insulin concentration tested. T...
DNA synthesis in the absence of cell reproduction during functional differentiation of mouse mammary gland.

Abstract DNA synthesis, mitotic indices and DNA content of mouse mammary gland at different stages of pregnancy and lactation were determined. 3 H-Thymidine specific activity of mid-pregnancy mammary gland DNA was 3 times higher than the lactating gland at its peak period of DNA replication. But, the frequency of mammary cells incorporating 3 H-Thymidine was equally high in both the pregnant and lactating tissues. Consistent with its low specific activity of the DNA, the average number of silver grains per nucleus of the 6-day lactating gland was nearly 60% less than that of the pregnant mammary tissue. The nucleolus/chromatin grain ratio in the lactating tissue was significantly greater than in the mammary gland of pregnancy. In spite of the consistent rise of the labeling index between the 3rd and 6th days of lactation, the low mitotic index of the lactating gland virtually remained unaltered during this interval, whereas the high mitotic index of the pregnant tissue was proportionate to its labeling index. The total mammary tissue DNA increased significantly from the 15th day of pregnancy to the 6th day of lactation. A rise of nearly 30% per nuclear DNA content was also evident from 3 to 6 days of lactation. The results indicate that DNA synthesis in a high proportion of cells in the lactating gland may not represent premitotic DNA replication and suggest a partial replication of the cellular genome during early lactogenesis. The significance of these results with respect to “gene amplification” has been discussed.
The Kepler end-to-end data pipeline: From photons to far away worlds

Launched by NASA on 6 March 2009, the Kepler Mission has been observing more than 100,000 targets in a single patch of sky between the constellations Cygnus and Lyra almost continuously for the last two years looking for planetary systems using the transit method. As of October 2011, the Kepler spacecraft has collected and returned to Earth just over 290 GB of data, identifying 1235 planet candidates with 25 of these candidates confirmed as planets via ground observation. Extracting the telltale signature of a planetary system from stellar photometry where valid signal transients can be as small as a 40 ppm is a difficult and exacting task. The end-to-end process of determining planetary candidates from noisy, raw photometric measurements is discussed. The Kepler mission is described in overview and the Kepler technique for discovering exoplanets is discussed. The design and implementation of the Kepler spacecraft, tracing the data path from photons entering the telescope aperture through raw observation data transmitted to the ground operations team is described. The technical challenges of operating a large aperture photometer with an unprecedented 95 million pixel detector are addressed as well as the onboard technique for processing and reducing the large volume of data produced by the Kepler photometer. The technique and challenge of day-to-day mission operations that result in a very high percentage of time on target is discussed. This includes the day to day process for monitoring and managing the health of the spacecraft, the annual process for maintaining sun on the solar arrays while still keeping the telescope pointed at the fixed science target, the process for safely but rapidly returning to science operations after a spacecraft initiated safing event and the long term anomaly resolution process. The ground data processing pipeline, from the point that science data is received on the ground to the presentation of preliminary planetary candidates and supporting data to the science team for further evaluation is discussed. Ground management, control, exchange and storage of Kepler's large and growing data set is discussed as well as the process and techniques for removing noise sources and applying calibrations to intermediate data products.
Evaluation of Myocardial Function

In assessing myocardial contractility one may examine isolated heart muscle, the isolated whole heart in controlled circumstances, or the heart in an intact patient. In each situation a number of different indices of contractility may be recorded, each of which has merit but none of which is perfect. Some reflect events occurring during isometric contraction prior to ejection, such as rate of change in intraventricular pressure, maximum velocity of muscle shortening, and velocity of shortening of contractile elements. Others reflect ejection phenomena such as stroke volume, the Starling curve, and the ejection fraction. None of these indices is entirely independent of preload, afterload, and heart rate, and these factors must be controlled. In the whole heart, especially in a clinical setting, this may be difficult. Many clinical studies of myocardial function fail to recognize the need for controlling these variables and therefore are of limited validity.
High‐Capacity Anode Materials for Lithium‐Ion Batteries: Choice of Elements and Structures for Active Particles

Growing market demand for portable energy storage has triggered significant research on high-capacity lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery anodes. Various elements have been utilized in innovative structures to enable these anodes, which can potentially increase the energy density and decrease the cost of Li-ion batteries. In this review, electrode and material parameters are considered in anode fabrication. The periodic table is then used to explore how the choice of anode material affects rate performance, cycle stability, Li-ion insertion/extraction potentials, voltage hysteresis, volumetric and specific capacities, and other critical parameters. Silicon (Si), germanium (Ge), and tin (Sn) anodes receive more attention in literature and in this review, but other elements, such as antimony (Sb), lead (Pb), magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), gallium (Ga), phosphorus (P), arsenic (As), bismuth (Bi), and zinc (Zn) are also discussed. Among conversion anodes focus is placed on oxides, nitrides, phosphides, and hydrides. Nanostructured carbon (C) receives separate consideration. Issues in high- capacity research, such as volume change, insufficient coulombic efficiency, and solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer stability are elucidated. Finally, advanced carbon composites utilizing carbon nanotubes (CNT), graphene, and size preserving external shells are discussed, including high mass loading (thick) electrodes and electrodes capable of providing load-bearing properties.
α-Adrenergic Stimulation by Clonidine Increases Plasma Concentrations of Immunoreactive β-Endorphin in Rats

Peripheral administration of the α-adrenergic agonist clonidine (0.5 mg/kg, sc) evoked a 2- to 3-fold rise (0.22 ± 0.03 to 0.59 ± 0.05 ng/ml) in plasma levels of β-endorphin-like immunoreactivity (β-END-LI) 15–30 min later in intact, but not hypophysectomized, rats. This rise in plasma β-END-LI, which was dose dependent up to 0.5 mg/kg clonidine, appeared to be mediated by activation of α-adrenergic receptors, since pretreatment with the α-adrenergic antagonists yohimbine (1 mg/kg, ip), phentolamine (1, 3, or 10 mg/kg, ip), or phenoxybenzamine (2 and 10 mg/kg, ip) partially or fully blocked clonidine's effect. By contrast, the β-adrenergic antagonist propranolol (1 and 5 mg/ kg, ip) did not modify the clonidine-induced increase in plasma β-END-LI. Given alone, the adrenergic blocking drugs were generally without effect on plasma levels of β-END-LI. Clonidine appeared to be acting on the brain (or pituitary), since the intracerebroventricular injection of phenoxybenzamine (20 μg) blocked the drug-induced r...
Poverty and early childhood parenting: toward a framework for intervention

The relationship between poverty and child rearing has been a persistent source of social concern in the United States. Drawing on available literature, this paper seeks to establish a conceptual approach to the interaction of these two complex variables. Appropriate interventions and strategies for their implementation are considered.
Ultrastructure of the eggs of Reduviidae. III. Eggs of Triatominae and Echtrichodiinae (Insecta-Heteroptera)

Eggs of Triatominae and Echtrichodiinae, though identical, present distinct ultrastructural diversities in respect of collar rim, follicular pattern, position and distribution of the aero-micropylar system and the operculum, facilitating easy identification of the eggs of the species of the subfamilies. Possessing as they do, a continuous endochorionic aerostatic layer for supplying ambient oxygen to the developing embryos, they simulate other reduviid eggs. While the eggs of Triatominae are comparatively simple, being laid in exposed habitats, those of Echtrichodiinae possess additional opercular respiratory structures in view of their oviposition in specialised habitats.
Glabellar and palmomental reflexes in parkinsonian disorders

The authors examined the glabellar reflex and the palmomental reflex in 100 subjects, including patients with Parkinson disease (n = 41), patients with progressive supranuclear palsy (n = 12), patients with multiple system atrophy (n = 7), and healthy, age-matched, controls (n = 40). The study provides evidence that these reflexes, particularly glabellar reflex, are relatively sensitive signs of parkinsonian disorders, but they lack specificity as they do not differentiate among the three most common parkinsonian disorders.
Gravity Compensation and Crown Gall Development

CLINOSTATS provide a means for ground based studies of what happens when plants are subjected to null-gravity conditions1. The incubation period of leaf rust on gravity-compensated bean plants is shorter than on non-compensated controls2. Here we describe the influence of gravity compensation on crown gall development in the carrot (Daucus carota).
In Vivo Modulation of Somatomedin Receptor Sites: Effects of Growth Hormone Treatment of Hypopituitary Children*

We have previously demonstrated that somatomedin (SM) can induce the loss of specific SMC receptors on cultured IM-9 lymphocytes in a time-and concentration-dependent manner. To investigate the acute regulation of SM binding under in vivo conditions, we have evaluated SM receptors on circulating mononuclear cells obtained from 12 hypopituitary dwarfs before and after 4 days of human GH administration (0.1 U/kg·day). Plasma SM glevels, measured by radioreceptor assay, rose from 0.37 ±0.08 U/ml (mean ±SEM) to 1.00 ±0.10 (P < 0.001). Concomitantly, specific binding of [125I]SMC to 50 × 106 mononuclear cells/ml fell from 13.61± 0.97% to 10.40 ± 0.85% (P < 0.02). The decrease in specific binding was predom predominantly secondary to a reduced number of SMC receptor sites per cell, with no alteration in receptor affinity. Overall, a significant inverse correlation was observed between plasma SM levels and mononuclear cellular binding of [125I]SMC (P < 0.001). The data demonstrate that treatment of hypopituitary...
An equilibrium model for absorption of multiple divalent metals by alginate gel under acidic conditions

Abstract An extended Langmuir model was proposed in this work to describe the simultaneous absorption of multiple divalent metal ions and hydrogen ions from acidic metal-containing aqueous media by an absorbent having one kind of active functional group. A viscous Na–alginate solution was directly dispensed dropwise into the acidic aqueous media containing dissolved copper and zinc to form spherical Cu–Zn–H–alginate gels which subsequently absorb these ions until final equilibrium was reached in batch experiments. Initial pH of the aqueous media was in the range of 2.6–5.4. Binding group density and binding stability constants of alginic acid, cupric alginate and zinc alginate were obtained simultaneously by fitting data to the proposed model developed in this work. Application of the constants obtained to the prediction of the extent of absorption of copper and zinc from an aqueous medium having an initial pH in the range of 2.6–5.4 is illustrated and compared with experimental results.
The role of intrapartum fever in identifying asymptomatic term neonates with early-onset neonatal sepsis.

The Role of Intrapartum Fever in Identifying Asymptomatic Term Neonates With Early-Onset Neonatal Sepsis
Risk of childhood germ cell tumors in association with parental smoking and drinking

BACKGROUND The etiology of childhood germ cell tumors (GCT) is not well understood. The Children's Oncology Group conducted the largest case–control study of childhood GCT to investigate whether parental exposures to smoking and alcohol contributed to the disease. METHODS Cases included 274 children with GCT diagnosed between January 1, 1993 and December 31, 2001 who were age < 15 years. Controls (n = 421) were selected by random digit dialing and were frequency matched based on gender, age (±1 year), and geographic area. Exposure information was collected from subjects' parents using independent telephone interviews and self-administrated questionnaires. RESULTS No association was found between parental smoking or drinking alcohol and risk of childhood GCT (for smoking: odds ratio [OR] = 1.0, 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.8–1.3 and OR = 1.2, 95% CI, 0.9–1.5, for mothers and fathers, respectively; for drinking: OR = 0.9, 95% CI, 0.7–1.2 and OR = 1.0, 95% CI, 0.8–1.3, for mothers and fathers, respectively). No significant trend was observed for length of maternal exposure to passive smoking during the index pregnancy and GCT risk (for total subject: P = 0.77; boys: P = 0.52; girls: P = 0.93). CONCLUSIONS The authors found no evidence that childhood GCT was related to prenatal exposure to parental cigarette smoking, alcohol drinking, and maternal passive smoking. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Properties of Granules That Contain Kallikrein and Renin.

Subzellulare Partikel, die Renin und Kallikrein enthalten, wurden durch Differentialzentrifugation aus homogenisierter Submaxillardruse der mannlichen weissen Maus angereichert. Durch Zonenzentrifugation wurde die relative Renin-Konzentration in der oberen Schicht des Rohrzucker-Dichtegradienten erhoht, wahrend sich Kallikrein in der unteren Schicht anhaufte. Vorbehandlung der Partikel (granules) mit Glutaraldehyd und Lauryl-Alkohol stabilisierte sie gegen Lyse bei niedrigen Temperaturen.
Recycling as Altruistic Behavior: Normative and Behavioral Strategies to Expand Participation in a Community Recycling Program

Experimental and survey data were gathered from residents of a large urban neighborhood with a community wide curbside recycling program in order to determine the extent to which recycling could be conceptualized as altruistic behavior. Results confirmed that recycling behavior is consistent with Schwartz's altruism model, according to which behavior is influenced by social norms, personal norms, and awareness of consequences. Data further showed that a block-leader program, in which residents encouraged their neighbors to recycle, influenced altruistic norms and increased recycling behavior. Prompting and information strategies were also introduced into the community recycling program as experimental interventions in order to com- pare their effects with the block-leader approach. Results showed that prompting and information increased recycling behavior but did not affect norms and attitudes. Further- more, all the intervention strategies influenced behavior independently of the measured norms; block le...
Implementing ERP in Manufacturing

Abstract The authors interviewed IT and other personnel at 30 manufacturing firms of various sizes to discover the major issues concerning the implementation of enterprise resource planning (ERP). Among the conclusions reached, the authors were surprised to learn that smaller organizations implementing ERP with a “big-bang” approach proved more successful than larger firms using a gradual rollout.
Editorial: Genetic "markers" for chronic liver disease?

The mechanisms by which chronic active hepatitis (CAH) and primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) are initiated and perpetuated have attracted much interest recently. CAH has been shown to be a sequela of viral hepatitis, Type B, as well as of a growing list of drugs, including the laxative, oxyphenisatin, and the antihypertensive agent, α-methyl-dopa. A picture typical of PBC has been described as a complication of chlorpromazine (Thorazine) administration. These examples may represent environmental or precipitating factors triggering progressive liver disease in susceptible persons. Although CAH as well as PBC may represent common clinicopathological expressions of diverse causes, much indirect evidence . . .
Knowledge, Cultural, and Attitudinal Barriers to Mammography Screening Among Nonadherent Immigrant Chinese Women: Ever Versus Never Screened Status

BACKGROUND: Chinese-American women have much lower mammography screening rates than the general population. This study examined the collective impact of knowledge, cultural views, and health beliefs on intentions to obtain mammography among Chinese women who had not had a mammogram in the previous year. METHODS: Five hundred sixty-six immigrant Chinese women from the Washington, District of Columbia and New York metropolitan areas completed baseline assessments for a longitudinal intervention study. Validated surveys were used to measure variables of interest. The outcomes were 1) past mammography use (ever vs never) and 2) future screening intention. RESULTS: Only 35% of the participants reported intentions to obtain mammograms, with approximately 19% of the never users reporting intentions (vs 44% ever users). Ever users had higher knowledge (odds ratio [OR], 1.13; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03-1.25), less Eastern cultural views (OR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.70-0.87), and perceived fewer barriers (OR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.70-0.87) than never users, controlling for covariates. Never users were more likely to be recent immigrants, have low income, have limited English ability, and lack regular sources of care than ever users (all P < .001). Multivariate models showed that ever users who were employed received physician recommendations, had less Eastern views, perceived higher susceptibility, and were more likely to have intentions. Among never users, being 40-49 years of age and perceiving fewer barriers led to increased intention. CONCLUSIONS: Understanding cultural patterns and health beliefs in Chinese women is critical to changing their screening behaviors. Interventions that address their common beliefs and specific group barriers are optimal for promoting mammography adherence. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Reconstruction of the Chain Length Distribution for Vinyl-Divinyl Copolymerization Using the Numerical Fractionation Technique

A proposed theory for evaluating the chain length distribution (CLD) using the numerical fractionation (NF) technique was extended to the vinyl-divinyl (VDV) copolymerization. The CLD is reconstructed for this system, in which pendant double bond propagation leads to crosslinking and gel formation. The method was earlier developed for a non-linear free-radical polymerization scheme where chain transfer to polymer and termination by combination resulted in gel formation. The VDV study presented indicates that the proposed method of weighted summation (WS) accurately predicts the resulting CLDs evaluated using NF.
Adrenergic Stimulation of Placental Progesterone Production

Cells from term human placentas were maintained in culture, and progesterone production was monitored over 24 h. The beta 1-adrenergic receptor agonist dobutamine (10(-5) M) and the beta 2-adrenergic receptor agonist terbutaline (10(-5) M) increased progesterone production by 36 +/- 19% and 49 +/- 8% (+/- SE), respectively, compared with that in controls (P less than 0.001). Propranolol (10(-5) M) completely blocked the stimulatory effects of both drugs. The cAMP analog 8-bromo-cAMP (0.5 mM) also significantly altered (increased) progesterone production compared with controls (P less than 0.001), but this effect was not blocked to a significant degree by propranolol. The alpha-adrenergic receptor agonist methoxamine (10(-4) - 10(-6) M) did not significantly alter placental progesterone production compared with controls, and the stimulatory effect of terbutaline on progesterone production was not significantly affected by blockade of the alpha-adrenergic receptor with phentolamine. These data indicate that placental progesterone production can be significantly modulated by stimulation of beta-adrenergic, but not by alpha-adrenergic, receptors. This response may be mediated by increased intracellular cAMP. These findings may be important in considering other metabolic functions of the placenta as well as the treatment of preterm labor.
Endogenous cholecystokinin's satiating action increases during estrus in female rats

Food intake and meal size are reduced in female Long-Evans rats during estrus. To investigate the contribution of the satiating action of endogenous cholecystokinin (CCK) to this, rats were injected with 1 mg/kg of the potent, selective CCK(A) receptor antagonist, devazepide, during diestrus, when meal size is maximal, and during estrus, when it is minimal. Devazepide increased spontaneous food intake and meal size during estrus, but not during diestrus. Meal frequency was not affected by devazepide treatment. These results indicate that the potency of the CCK satiety-signaling system increases during estrus.
Cardiovascular Risk Assessment of the Liver Transplant Candidate

Liver transplantation (LT) candidates today are increasingly older, have greater medical acuity, and have more cardiovascular comorbidities than ever before. Steadily rising model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) scores at the time of transplant, resulting from high organ demand, reflect the escalating risk profiles of LT candidates. In addition to advanced age and the presence of comorbidities, there are specific cardiovascular responses in cirrhosis that can be detrimental to the LT candidate. Patients with cirrhosis requiring LT usually demonstrate increased cardiac output and a compromised ventricular response to stress, a condition termed cirrhotic cardiomyopathy. These cardiac disturbances are likely mediated by decreased beta-agonist transduction, increased circulating inflammatory mediators with cardiodepressant properties, and repolarization changes. Low systemic vascular resistance and bradycardia are also commonly seen in cirrhosis and can be aggravated by beta-blocker use. These physiologic changes all contribute to the potential for cardiovascular complications, particularly with the altered hemodynamic stresses that LT patients face in the immediate post-operative period. Post-transplant reperfusion may result in cardiac death due to a multitude of causes, including arrhythmia, acute heart failure, and myocardial infarction. Recognizing the hemodynamic challenges encountered by LT patients in the perioperative period and how these responses can be exacerbated by underlying cardiac pathology is critical in developing recommendations for the pre-operative risk assessment and management of these patients. The following provides a review of the cardiovascular challenges in LT candidates, as well as evidence-based recommendations for their evaluation and management.
Loss of motor habits after cortical lesions

Abstract After damage to discrete regions of association cortex in man, the condition called “apraxia” may ensue. Apraxia is commonly defined as the inability to perform complex, purposeful movements in the absense of primary motor and sensory deficits. In an attempt to develop an animal model of this condition, eight monkeys were trained to open a complex latch-box, and then had bilateral periarcuate, precentral, or parietal cortical removals. Despite rapid return of other motor functions to normal, latch-box opening remained profoundly impaired after periarcuate or precentral lesions, but not after parietal lesions. Disconnection of the precentral motor system from certain other cortical regions may underlie this apraxia- like syndrome of the monkey.
Response suppression induced by afferent stimulation in the superficial and deep layers of the hamster's superior colliculus

Stimulation of the optic chiasm (OX) or visual cortex (VC) elicited a burst of impulses from visual cells in the superficial layers of the hamster's superior colliculus which was followed by a period of response suppression which lasted from 50–200 ms. During this period responses to normally suprathreshold OX and VC shocks, spontaneous activity and even injury discharges were markedly attenuated. For approximately 50% of the visual cells tested VC stimulation also reduced responses to visual stimuli. No correlations between receptive field properties and whether or not VC shocks diminished a given cell's visual responses were noted. Stimulation of either the cervical spinal cord (SC) or somatic sensory cortex (SMCTX) evoked action potentials from somatosensory neurons in the deep tectal laminae. These responses were followed by a period of suppression identical to that seen in the superficial layers after OX or VC shocks. SMCTX stimulation attenuated responses to tactile stimuli for 30% of the cells tested in the deep layers. Again, no correlation was observed between somatosensory response characteristics and whether or not a given cell exhibited response suppression.
International Concerns About Holding Therapy

Holding therapy (HT), an alternative intervention for treatment of childhood mental illness, uses physical restraint as a treatment mode, not just as a safety measure. Although one systematic research synthesis (Craven & Lee, 2006) categorized HT as an effective and supported social work intervention, analysis by other authors (Lilienfeld, 2007; Mercer & Pignotti, 2007; Pignotti & Mercer, 2007) contradicted this view and assessed HT as a potentially harmful treatment as well as one unsupported by evidence of effectiveness. A recent review of research in German as well as English has confirmed the latter conclusion (Mercer, 2013). Documentaries and training videos demonstrating HT have shown children screaming, crying, and physically resisting experiences that appear to be painful and frightening. A personal communication from a young woman who experienced HT as a child noted the dread she experienced as she heard other children scream; as an adult, she was treated for an anxiety disorder that was thought to be related to her HT experience. Robert Zaslow, the originator of HT practices, warned that bruising was to be expected (Zaslow & Menta, 1975), and surrendered his professional license following a serious injury to an adult patient. HT exists in two distinct forms. One, sometimes referred to as Attachment therapy (AT) or by other terms, involves uncomfortable physical restraint by several therapists or by parents, and employs adjuvant methods such as limiting of diet and toilet use. This method, HT/AT, has been associated with a number of child deaths (Mercer, Sarner, & Rosa, 2003). It was once used for treatment of autism (Zaslow & Menta, 1975), but more recently is generally used as a treatment for reactive attachment disorder. The second HT form is carried out by parents with the coaching of therapists, and employs face-toface restraint of children by parents, either with a small child on the parent’s lap or with the parent lying prone on a supine older child. This method may be called HT/WP, as it is based on the techniques of Martha Welch (Welch, 1989; Welch et al., 2006) and Jirina Prekopova (Prekop, 1983 [Prekopova is the feminine form of the name, as used in Czech]). HT/WP is intended for treatment of autism, oppositional behavior, and reactive attachment disorder. It does not appear to have been associated with adjuvant methods or with child deaths. HT in both forms appears to have originated in the United States but has spread internationally as a treatment for autism and for attachment disorders. In response to the spread of HT, concerned individuals from the United States, the United Kingdom, the Czech Republic, and Russia have formed the International Working Group on Abuses in Child Psychotherapy with the goal of public and professional education about HT and prevention of its use. The group met in London on April 20, 2013. The present article summarizes background information and the presentations made at the conference, which without exception argued against the use of HT.