cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Liver disease in pregnancy

The liver is one of the many organs affected by the physiologic and hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy. Hepatic disorders diagnosed before pregnancy may be unaffected or exacerbated by the pregnant state. Liver disorders that are specific to pregnancy, including hyperemesis gravidarum, intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, acute fatty liver of pregnancy, preeclampsia/ eclampsia, HELLP, and hepatic rupture, may have a profound impact on the morbidity and mortality rates of mother and fetus. Although an unequivocal diagnosis is often difficult to make, it should be attempted in a timely manner so that optimal treatment can be determined. After the diagnosis is made, maximizing the health of the mother and fetus determines future management.
Laparoscopic repair of inguinal hernias using a totally extraperitoneal prosthetic approach

This report describes a laparoscopic procedure for prosthetic repair of inguinal hernias using an extraperitoneal approach. A total of 51 primary direct and indirect hernias were repaired in this series, including 11 recurrent and 12 bilateral hernias. Operative time for this laparoscopic procedure was similar to that of the comparable open surgery and no unusual complications were noted. All patients were discharged the day following surgery and returned to work within 7 days.
The finiteness of compact Boolean algebras

The purpose of this paper is to answer a question posed by Marcel Ern´e in [1], namely “Is it provable inset theory without the axiom of choice that every compact Boolean algebra is ﬁnite?”. We answer thisquestion in the negative by constructing a Fraenkel-Mostowski model of Zermelo-Fraenkel set theorywith atoms (ZFU).
Design and analysis of real-time endmember extraction algorithms for hyperspectral imagery

Endmember extraction has recently received considerable attention in hyperspectral data exploitation since they represent crucial and vital information for hyperspectral data analysis. So far, no work has been reported on how to implement endmember extraction algorithms in real-time. An endmember is defined as an idealized signature and may or may not exist as a data sample or an image pixel. The interest of endmember extraction arises in the use of hundreds of contiguous spectral channels that allows a hyperspectral imaging sensor to uncover many subtle substances in diagnostic bands. However, finding such substances also presents a great challenge to hyperspectral data analysts and becomes imperative when it comes to satellite communication if a hyperspectral imaging sensor is operated in space platform where bandwidths used by satellite links may be very limited and downloading all the data may not be realistic in many practical applications. In order to address this need many endmember extraction algorithms have been developed and designed in the past, but no work has been reported on how to implement endmember extraction algorithms in real-time. This paper investigates this issue in designing algorithms for real time processing of endmember extraction and developed several endmember extraction algorithms derived from the widely used N-finder algorithm (NFINDR) that can be implemented in real time.
Aberrant expression of fibroblast growth factor receptor-1 in prostate epithelial cells allows induction of promatrilysin expression by fibroblast growth factors

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) degrade extracellular matrix proteins, and there is evidence that they play a role in tumor cell growth, invasion and metastasis. Matrilysin (MMP-7) is over-expressed in prostate cancer cells and increases prostate cancer cell invasion. Prostate stromal fibroblasts secrete a factor(s), including fibroblast growth factor-1 (FGF-1), which induces promatrilysin expression in the prostate carcinoma cell line LNCaP but not in normal prostate epithelial cells (PrECs). Since FGF-1 is present in the prostate, an altered sensitivity to FGF-1 might explain the up-regulation of matrilysin expression in prostate cancer cells compared to normal prostate epithelium. FGF receptor-1 (FGFR-1) is not normally expressed by normal prostate epithelial cells; however, aberrant expression of this receptor has been reported in prostate cancer cells, including the LNCaP cell line. We hypothesized that aberrant expression of FGFR-1 in PrECs would render them sensitive to induction of promatrilysin expression by recombinant FGF-1. To test this hypothesis, we transiently transfected PrECs with an FGFR-1 expression vector, which resulted in over-expression of FGFR-1 protein in approximately 40% of cells. FGF-1 increased promatrilysin expression in FGFR-1-transfected PrECs 4-fold over mock-transfected cells, and this induction was inhibited by a specific FGFR-1 inhibitor, SU5402, and by co-expression of a dominant negative FGFR-1 protein. Our results demonstrate that aberrant FGFR-1 expression, an epigenetic phenomenon that has been associated with prostate cancer progression, allows induction of promatrilysin expression by FGF-1 in PrECs.
P04.28. Implementing a mind-body medicine relaxation training program in an urban high school: changes in health behaviors, perceived stress, and anxiety.

Purpose The negative impact of excessive stress on adolescents is linked to increased substance abuse, violence, and depression. The Relaxation Response (RR), a physiologic response opposite to the fight-or-flight response, has been shown to be effective in treating anxiety/depression and reducing stress in high school students. Several studies have demonstrated that RR-based interventions that involve psychoeducation and teaching relaxation strategies are related to decreased anxiety and perceived stress in high school students. These interventions have previously been led by study staff. This study’s objective was to assess the feasibility of having high school teachers implement an RR curriculum with their own students.
Transient solutions of a longitudinally impacted conical shell

Thin conical shell under longitudinal impact, deriving theory for transverse and rotary inertias and transverse shear deformation effects
Bone morphogenetic protein-4 is overexpressed in colonic adenocarcinomas and promotes migration and invasion of HCT116 cells

Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), a member of the TGF-beta superfamily, is involved in development, morphogenesis, cell proliferation and apoptosis. Dysregulation of BMP signaling has been suggested in tumorigenesis. In an analysis of human colon normal mucosa and tumors at different stages by immunohistochemistry, we observed that the intensity of BMP-4 staining in late-adenocarcinomas was stronger than that in normal mucosa and adenomas, while there was no difference in the staining of its receptors (BMPR-IA and BMPR-II) at all stages. The up-regulation of BMP-4 was further validated in another panel of tumor tissues by real-time RT-PCR, showing that BMP-4 mRNA levels in primary colonic carcinomas with liver metastasis were significantly higher than that in the matched normal mucosa. In order to understand the functional relevance of BMP-4 expression in colon cancer progression, BMP-4-overexpressing cell clones were generated from HCT116 cells. Overexpression of BMP-4 did not affect the HCT116 cell growth. The cells overexpressing BMP-4 became resistant to serum-starvation-induced apoptosis and exhibited enhanced migration and invasion characteristics. Overexpression of BMP-4 changed cell morphology to invasive spindle phenotype and induced the expression and activity of urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA). These results indicate that BMP-4 confers invasive phenotype during progression of colon cancer.
The DnaC helicase loader is a dual ATP/ADP switch protein

Helicases are transferred to replication origins by helicase loading factors. The Escherichia coli DnaC and eukaryotic Cdc6/18 helicase loaders contain ATP sites and are both members of the AAA+ family. One might expect that ATP is required for helicase loading; however, this study on DnaC illustrates that ATP is not actually needed for DnaC to load helicase onto single-strand DNA (ssDNA). In fact, it seems to be a paradox that after transfer of helicase to DNA, DnaC-ATP inhibits helicase action. In addition, ATP is required for DnaC function at an early step in oriC replication in which ATP stimulates ssDNA binding by DnaC, leading to expansion of the ssDNA bubble at the origin. Two cofactors, ssDNA and DnaB, trigger hydrolysis of ATP, converting DnaC to the ADP form that no longer inhibits DnaB. These observations have led to the idea that DnaC is a 'dual' switch protein, where both the ATP and the ADP forms are sequentially required for replication. This dual switching process may underlie the sensitivity of DnaB to even small fluctuations in DnaC levels.
Hemodynamic effect of mannitol in a canine model of concomitant increased intracranial pressure and hemorrhagic shock

The use of mannitol in the management of head injury has been considered a threat to hemodynamic stability in hypotensive multiply injured patients. To evaluate this contention, we compared mannitol with normal saline administration in a canine model combining elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) and hemorrhagic shock. Mongrel dogs were bled to and maintained at a mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 60 mm Hg for 30 minutes. Following this, ICP was elevated to and sustained at 25 mm Hg for 45 minutes by inflating an epidural balloon. The dogs were then randomized to resuscitation with 2 g/kg of mannitol in saline (total volume, 20 mL/kg; n = 5) or 20 mL/kg of normal saline alone (n = 5). All dogs were successfully resuscitated, and MAP returned to baseline levels in both groups. ICP was significantly lower and urine output significantly higher in the mannitol group than in saline controls (P less than .01). Moreover, cerebral perfusion pressure, cardiac index, and left ventricular stroke work index were significantly improved in dogs given mannitol versus controls during the first hour of resuscitation (P less than .05). Mannitol ameliorates increases in ICP without compromising hemodynamic resuscitation in a canine model of concomitant increased ICP and shock.
Regulation of oligodendrocyte development in the vertebrate CNS

The vertebrate central nervous system (CNS) contains two major classes of macroglial cells, oligodendrocytes and astrocytes. Oligodendrocytes are responsible for the formation of myelin in the central nervous system, while the functions of astrocytes are more diverse and less well established. Recent studies have provided new insights into when, where and how these different classes of cell arise during CNS development. The founder cells of the oligodendrocyte lineage initially arise in distinct regions of the ventricular zone during early development as the result of local signals including sonic hedgehog. In the spinal cord, oligodendrocyte precursors appear to share a developmental lineage with motor neurons, although they may also develop from restricted glial precursors. Immature oligodendrocyte precursors are highly migratory. They migrate from their site of origin to developing white matter tracts using a variety of guidance cues including diffusible chemorepellents. The majority of oligodendrocyte precursor proliferation occurs in developing white matter as a result of the local expression of mitogenic signals. Oligodendrocyte precursor cell proliferation is regulated by a number of distinct growth factors that act at distinct stages in the lineage and whose activity is modulated by synergy with other molecules including chemokines. The final matching of oligodendrocyte and axon number is accomplished through a combination of local regulation of cell proliferation, differentiation and cell death. Not all oligodendrocyte precursors differentiate during development, and the adult CNS contains a significant population of precursors. Understanding the regulation of oligodendrogenesis will facilitate the use of these endogenous precursors to enhance repair in a variety of pathological conditions.
CORTICAL AFFERENT INPUT TO THE PRINCIPALS REGION OF THE RHESUS MONKEY

Abstract The sources of ipsilateral cortical afferent projections to regions along both banks of the principalis sulcus in the prefrontal cortex were studied with horseradish peroxidase in macaque monkeys. The principalis cortex receives a substantial proportion of its projections from neighboring prefrontal regions. However, differences were noted in the distribution of labeled cells projecting to the various principalis regions. These differences were most marked with respect to the relative proportion of cells originating in visual, auditory, somatosensory, premotor and limbic cortical areas. The findings indicate that the caudal ventral principalis region receives projections from both visual and visuomotor regions, whereas the anterior tip of the principalis appears to be the major target of projections from auditory association regions. The ventral bank at the middle extent of the principalis was the only case with a significant proportion of labeled cells in somatosensory association and premotor regions. There was a consistent increase in the proportion of labeled cells in limbic cortical areas projecting to more rostral principalis sites, irrespective of whether the injection was placed in the dorsal or ventral bank. These findings suggest that the caudal principalis region has a visual-visuomotor and the rostral, an auditory-limbic bias with respect to the long projections they receive.
ARCH: DMUVR – A Working Prototype of a Distributed Collaborative Design System

This paper outlines a working prototype which suggests a distributed Computer-Aided Architectural Design (CAAD) system to promote a new model of collaborative design. Recently, there has been a growing interest in distributed CAAD integration due to the needs of direct collaboration among project participants. The potential for the integration of information is expected to have a tremendous impact on architecture and the construction industry. The aim of this research is to provide a new paradigm for a CAAD system by combining research on integrated CAAD applications with recent collaboration technologies. The proposed system has been designed and a prototype implemented to produce enough guidelines to foster interest in the development of future CAAD systems on the Internet. To this end, two different scopes of implementation are evaluated: first, global architecture and the functionality of a distributed CAAD system; and, second, the association of an architectural application to the system.
The dynamies of rolling disks and sliding disks

The dynamics of disks which move with one point in contact with a fixed horizontal surface are investigated. Two cases are considered: one where the disk rolls without slipping and a second where the disk slides. A two-parameter family of integrable second order differential equations is established for both of these systems by exploiting classical integrability results. Using these families of dynamical systems, complete descriptions of the bifurcations and stability of the steady motions of the disks are presented. One of these families is also used to establish the existence of motions which result in the rolling disk colliding with the horizontal surface. These motions occur for arbitrarily large angular velocities and in the absence of dissipation. The paper closes with some comments on non-integrability.
Comparison of multifetal pregnancies resulting from in vitro fertilization and spontaneous conception: differences in maternal interleukin-1 receptor antagonist genotype distribution

233 234 COMPARISON OF MULTIFETAL PREGNANCIES RESULTING FROM IN VITRO FERTILIZATION AND SPONTANEOUS CONCEPTION: DIFFERENCES IN MATERNAL INTERLEUKIN-1 RECEPTOR ANTAGONIST GENOTYPE DISTRIBUTION ROBIN B. KALISH, SANTOSH VARDHANA, MERUKA GUPTA, SRIRAM C. PERNI, STEVEN WITKIN, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York, NY OBJECTIVE: To determine whether genotype frequencies of polymorphic genes associated with inflammation differed between women who conceived following in vitro fertilization (IVF) and women with spontaneously conceived multifetal pregnancies. STUDY DESIGN: Buccal swabs were obtained from 101 women with twin (98) or triplet (3) pregnancies. DNA was assayed by polymerase chain reaction for a length polymorphism in intron 2 of the IL-1ra gene and polymorphisms at position +3953 in the IL-1b gene, -590 in the IL-4 promoter, -1082 in the IL-10 promoter, and -308 in the TNF-a promoter. Patient charts were reviewed to obtain pregnancy outcomes. RESULTS: Multifetal pregnancies resulting from IVF occurred in 58 women; 43 women had spontaneous conceptions. IL-1ra homozygotes (IL1RN*1/IL1RN*1) were identified in 31.6% of women who underwent IVF as opposed to 52.5% with spontaneous conceptions (P = .06; OR = 0.42, 95% CI = 0.2-1.0). Conversely, the IL1RN*1/IL1RN*2 heterozygote genotype was present in 54.4% of women who underwent IVF as opposed to 27.5% of those with spontaneous conceptions (P = .01; OR = 3.14, 95% CI = 1.2-8.2). The IL-1ra genotype distribution was similar to that found in non-pregnant women only in the women with spontaneous conceptions. There were no differences in IL-1b, IL-4, IL-10, or TNF-a genotypes between the two groups. Similarly, the rate of spontaneous preterm birth was comparable in both groups. Volume 189, Number 6 Am J Obstet Gynecol SMFM Abstracts S127
CRT-727 Percutaneous Balloon Atrial Septostomy for Direct Left Heart Decompression in Patients on Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation

Severe myocardial dysfunction and added afterload from the Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) arterial cannula may lead to significant rise in left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic and left atrial (LA) pressures. This may result in ischemia, lower likelihood of ventricular recovery and hence
Kinetic Modeling for Macromolecule Loading into Crosslinked Polyacrylamide Hydrogel Matrix by Swelling

ABSTRACTA kinetic model was proposed to characterize the swelling phenomenon of polyacrylamide hydro-gel and to quantify and predict the loading of insulin into the hydrogel by swelling. Polyacrylamide hydrogel and porcine insulin were used in the study. During swelling, the insulin concentration in the hydrogel was found to be higher than that in the loading solution, which could be attributed to ionization of the ionic networks, Donnan exclusion, and the possible ionic interactions between the anionic carboxylic pendants and cationic insulin. The experimental results demonstrated that the proposed kinetic model was able to describe the swelling kinetics of polyacrylamide hydrogel and the loading kinetics of insulin by using only two constants [input rate (Kin) and output rate (Kout)]. The experimental values of Kin and Kout were found to highly depend on the concentration of HCl. As medium pH declined (because of the addition of HCl), the degree of swelling decreased and the insulin loading amount in th...
Books Like Me: Engaging the Community in the Intentional Selection of Culturally Relevant Children's Literature

Culturally relevant literacy instruction can be helpful in addressing student achievement gaps in U.S. schools. Research shows that lack of sufficient background knowledge impedes students' comprehension of school texts. This article examines the potential benefits of children's literature that employs culturally congruent themes and images. The authors also encourage use of “community teachers” who would possess the cultural knowledge to establish meaningful connections with the students, families, and communities. Uncovering such knowledge bases within a community may improve teaching and subsequently help mobilize student learning and enhance the relevance of students' school experiences.
Transport of H2, O2 and H2O through single-phase, two-phase and multi-phase mixed proton, oxygen ion, and electron hole conductors

Abstract This manuscript examines the transport of H 2 O, H 2 and O 2 through membranes, which conduct protons (H + ), oxygen ions (O −2 ) and holes ( h ⋅ ). Transport equations are derived under the assumption of steady state and fast surface kinetics. The specific cases considered here include the transport of H 2 O and O 2 through membranes in H 2 O–O 2 gaseous mixtures, and the transport of H 2 O and H 2 in H 2 O–H 2 gaseous mixtures. The transport equations show that Onsager cross coefficients are symmetric, as required. Permeation of H 2 O, H 2 , and O 2 through single phase, two-phase and multiphase composite membranes is discussed. The analysis shows that the transport of neutral species, namely H 2 , O 2 , and H 2 O, can occur up their chemical potential gradients through the existence of cross terms.
Immunochemical Characterization with Monoclonal Antibodies of Three Major Caseins and Alpha-Lactalbumin from Rat Milk

Abstract Rat milk contains at least three major caseins with apparent molecular weights of 41,000 ( α -casein), 25,000 ( β -casein), and 22,000 ( γ -casein) (estimated in 10% sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels). These three caseins and α -lactalbumin, a major whey protein, were purified from rat milk. The purified caseins and α -lactalbumin were used to immunize BALB/c mice, and spleen cells from these mice were hybridized with cells of the mouse myeloma SP-2/0 cell-line. We have isolated a small library of hybridoma cell-lines secreting monoclonal antibodies specific for each of the major caseins and α -lactalbumin from rat milk. Antibodies were tested for immunoreactivity with each of the purified milk proteins and with total rat milk proteins separated by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Some heterogeneity in apparent molecular weight was observed for purified α -casein, γ -casein, and α -lactalbumin. Monoclonal antibodies against α -casein, γ -casein, and α -lactalbumin recognized all of the molecular weight forms of the antigen for which they were specific. Each monoclonal antibody was specific for one of the caseins or α -lactalbumin and did not react with the other caseins or α -lactalbumin, suggesting that there is limited structural homology among these proteins. All of the monoclonal antibodies against the rat caseins reacted with components of mouse milk, and the monoclonal antibodies against rat γ -casein reacted with a component of human milk of apparent molecular weight 27,000. No interspecies reactivity was observed with the antibodies against rat α -lactalbumin. These monoclonal antibodies are being used to develop sensitive assays for each of these major rat milk proteins.
Allocating fuel breaks to optimally protect structures in the wildland-urban interface

Wildland fire is a major concern in the wildland-urban interface (WUI), where human structures intermingle with wildland vegetation. Reducing wildfire risk in the WUI is more complicated than in wildland areas, owing to interactions between spatial patterns of housing and wildland fuels. Fuel treatments are commonly applied in wildlands surrounding WUI communities. Protecting the immediate surroundings of structures and building with fire-resistant materialsmightbemoreeffective,butlimitedresourcesanduncooperativehomeownersoftenmaketheseimpractical.Our questionwashowtoallocatefueltreatmentsintheWUIundertheseconstraints.Wedevelopedanapproachtoallocatefuel breaksaroundindividualorgroupsofstructurestominimisetotaltreatmentarea.Treatmentunitswererankedaccordingto their housing density and fire risk. We tested this method in a Wisconsin landscape containing 3768 structures, and found that our treatment approach required considerably less area than alternatives (588 v. 1050ha required to protect every structure independently). Our method may serve as a baseline for planning fuel treatments in WUI areas where it is impractical to protect every single house, or when fire-proofing is unfeasible. This approach is especially suitable in regions where spotting is a minor cause of home ignitions.
Subsurface drainage effects on soil penetration resistance and water table depth on a clay soil in the Red River of the North Valley, USA

Since 1993, the Red River of the North Valley in North Dakota (ND) and Minnesota (MN), in the USA has experienced increased annual rainfall which has caused localized seasonal soil waterlogging and inhibited crop yield potential in the unique, high water table clay soils of the region. Subsurface (tile) drainage has been increasingly considered by farmers to help reduce excess water in the crop root zone. Producers desire to manage the water table for optimizing yield and trafficability of the field. The objective of this research was to evaluate differences in soil penetration resistance and water table depth between subsurface (drained) and non-subsurface drained treatments (undrained), using water control structures, in fallow, and cropped soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L. emend. Thell.) cultivars on a Fargo-Ryan silty clay soil near Fargo, ND, USA in 2009 and 2010. The experimental design was a randomized complete block in a split-plot arrangement with four replicates. The whole plot treatments were drained and undrained (control structures opened and closed, respectively). Soil penetrometer readings and water table depth were measured weekly. Yields of each crop were not different comparing drained and undrained treatments in 2009 and 2010. The depth averaged drained penetration resistance was 1,211 kPa compared with 1,097 kPa for undrained treatment, averaged across 2009 and 2010. The depth-averaged drained penetration resistance values for fallow, soybean, and wheat were 1,077, 1,137, and 1,420 kPa, respectively. The undrained values for fallow, soybean and wheat were 1,001, 1,021, and 1,267 kPa, respectively, all significantly lower than the drained treatments, indicating that the drained soil is capable of a higher load carrying capacity compared to the undrained soil. The average depth to the water table was greater on drained soil compared to the undrained soil both early and late in the growing season. Forty two percent of the variation in the penetration resistance can be explained by the level of the water table below the surface. Water control structures can be used to manage the water table level and soil penetrations resistance. The ability for land managers to enter drained fields with farm equipment earlier will likely extend the length of the growing season and potentially increase crop yields in this region. Keywords: subsurface water management, penetration resistance, controlled drainage, water table depth, trafficability, USA
A Unified Family of Recursive Algorithms Using Feedback

This paper investigates a family of simple recursive algorithms based on feedback around a weight vector or matrix with a multivariable discrete integrator in the forward path. It is shown that, by using simple changes, estimates of the covariance matrix, inverse-covariance matrix and their corresponding square-root values can be found. As a special vector case of the more general matrix algorithm we show that least mean squares (LMS) can also be derived.
The Role of Academic Failure in Hyperactive Behavior

Numerous empirical studies have demonstrated that stimulant drugs such as Ritalin do not improve the academic performance of hyperactive youngsters, though short-term manageability may be improved. This interesting article reviews and integrates many of the central research papers. In addition, the authors propose a potentially useful means of conceptualizing how stimulant drugs may act to assist the hyperactive youngster and his teacher. Their conceptualization leads directly to a variety of intervention plans as well as suggesting future research. — G.M.S.The model and supporting research presented here propose that academic failure resulting from a variety of etiological factors is sufficient to generate the behavioral patterns observed in many hyperactive children. These responses can be strengthened and may persist because of the inadverlent social responses of teachers and peers or because of their effectiveness in reducing the frustration and anxiety elicited by failure. Treatment predictions confi...
A system for automatically detecting and tracking objects using a visually-guided manipulator

This paper presents a framework for the automatic visual detection of moving objects in robotic servoing tasks. The paper describes a "figure/ground" scheme which is able to perform detection without making many assumptions that would limit the generality of the approach. We describe optimizations which allow for real-time execution of the frame-differencing that is the basis of our framework. Experimentation has demonstrated that the results of the visual detection can provide information helpful in focusing attention on a specific subset of objects. Furthermore, we show how the detection technique can be integrated with existing methods for visual tracking. We mention some details that have been addressed in order to apply these theories to an actual robotic system, including the use of an optimal controller Our paper explains how this framework has been implemented in our experimental robotic system MRVT, and it describes several results obtained from this experimentation.
The effect of growth hormone on the nucleic acid content of the developing chick embryo.

Anumber of investigators (Collip, 1934; Lee, 1936; Evans et al., 1948; Whitney et al., 1948; have observed an increase in body weight of young (sexually immature) animals receiving hypophyseal growth hormone. Similarly, growth hormone given to adult rats results in an increase in the size of all organs, but of muscles particularly (Greenbaum and Young, 1950). Recently, Hsieh et al. (1952), have likewise observed an increase in body weight of newly hatched chicks which had received growth hormone during embryonal development. As Russell (1953) has pointed out, it seems most likely that at least part of the action of this hormone is on some phase of the synthesis of amino acids into protein. The investigations of Brachet (1941, 1950) and of Caspersson (1941) have shown that when there is a state of active protein synthesis, a marked accumulation of pentosenucleic acid (PNA) occurs in all cells. That growth hormone may increase nucleic acid synthesis is indicated by the investigations of DiStefano et al.
Absorption of labeled triethanolamine salicylate in human and canine knee joints. II.

: The transdermal absorption by tissues of salicylate from triethanolamine salicylate (TEA/S) ointment applied to canine and human skin was shown to be consistent, significant, and reproducible. Salicylate levels were measured using thin-layer chromatography, nuclear magnetic resonance, and radiochemistry. Absorption was directly proportional to the concentrations of the active ingredient in the ointment, up to the 10 per cent preparation. Tissue salicylate levels were not influenced by the sex of the canine subjects. In humans, the activity of the patients affected both tissue levels and urinary excretion. Autoradiographic and doubly labeled studies suggest that during transdermal absorption of TEA/S, the salt may disassociate; this could permit the salicylate to have a longer transit time in the area of application.
Substance misuse and comorbid psychopathology in a high-risk group : a study of siblings of cocaine misusers

Vulnerability to drug misuse and psychopathology was explored among 673 siblings of 298 opioid-addicted probands. Disorders were evaluated based on family history information obtained from the proband. Results indicated that (1) siblings of cocaine misusers showed high vulnerability to developing drug misuse, alcoholism, and antisocial personality disorder; (2) siblings of probands with specific comorbid diagnoses were vulnerable to developing a range of disorders (no specificity of aggregation was found); (3) proband major depression was related to a broad spectrum of sibling disorders; (4) the presence of a major psychiatric disorder was strongly associated with substance misuse among siblings; (5) psychopathology appeared to precede drug misuse in terms of age of onset. These findings corroborate those previously obtained with siblings of opioid addicts, and they are discussed in terms of implications for the classification and treatment of substance misuse
Compaction schemes with minimum test application time

Testing embedded cores in a System-On-a-Chip (SoC) necessitates the use of a test access mechanism, which provides for transportation of the test data between the chip and the core I/Os. To relax the requirements on the test access mechanism at the core output side, we outline a space and time compaction scheme which minimizes test application time and required test bandwidth at the same time. We formulate the constraints on a mathematical basis for no aliasing compaction circuitry. The proposed compaction scheme is applicable to both combinational and sequential circuits. The experimental results illustrate that not only test application time is minimized but furthermore the associated area overhead is low as well.
Comparison of Affymetrix GeneChip expression measures

Motivation: In the Affymetrix GeneChip system, preprocessing occurs before one obtains expression level measurements. Because the number of competing preprocessing methods was large and growing we developed a benchmark to help users identify the best method for their application. A webtool was made available for developers to benchmark their procedures. At the time of writing over 50 methods had been submitted. Results: We benchmarked 31 probe set algorithms using a U95A dataset of spike in controls. Using this dataset, we found that background correction, one of the main steps in preprocessing, has the largest effect on performance. In particular, background correction appears to improve accuracy but, in general, worsen precision. The benchmark results put this balance in perspective. Furthermore, we have improved some of the original benchmark metrics to provide more detailed information regarding precision and accuracy. A handful of methods stand out as providing the best balance using spike-in data with the older U95A array, although different experiments on more current arrays may benchmark differently. Availability: The affycomp package, now version 1.5.2, continues to be available as part of the Bioconductor project (http://www.bioconductor.org). The webtool continues to be available at http://affycomp.biostat.jhsph.edu Contact: [email protected] Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
A Bayesian hierarchical method for multiple-event seismic location

SUMMARY We formulate the multiple-event seismic location problem as a Bayesian hierarchical statistical model (BAYHLoc). This statistical model has three distinct components: traveltime predictions, arrival-time measurements, and an a priori statistical model for each aspect of the multiple-event problem. The traveltime model is multifaceted, including both phase-specific adjustments to traveltime curves to improve broad-area prediction, as well as path/phase-specific traveltime adjustments. The arrival-time measurement model is decomposed into station, phase, and event components, allowing flexibility and physically interpretable error parameters. The prior model allows all available information to be brought to bear on the multiple event system. Prior knowledge on the probabilistic accuracy of event locations, traveltime predictions, and arrival-time measurements can be specified. Bayesian methodology merges all three components of the hierarchical model into a joint probability formulation. The joint posterior distribution is, in essence, an inference of all parameters given the prior constraints, self-consistency of the data set, and physics of traveltime calculation. We use the Markov Chain Monte Carlo method to draw realizations from the joint posterior distribution. The resulting samples can be used to estimate marginal distributions, for example epicentres and probability regions, as well as parameter correlations. We demonstrate BAYHLoc using the set of Nevada Test Site nuclear explosions, for which hypocentres are known, and phase measurements and traveltimes are well characterized. We find significant improvement in epicentre accuracy using BAYHLoc. Much of the improvement is attributed to the adaptive arrival-time measurement model, which controls data weighting. Regardless of the initial traveltime model, the use of an adjustment to the traveltime curves produces a level of epicentre accuracy that is generally achieved only through meticulous analysis and data culling. Further, we find that accurate hypocentres (including depth and origin-time) are achieved when either accurate traveltime curves with tight priors are used, or when prior information on a small subset of events is utilized.
Using motor imagery in the rehabilitation of hemiparesis.

Abstract Stevens JA, Phillips Stoykov ME. Using motor imagery in the rehabilitation of hemiparesis. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2003;84:1090-2. Objective: To examine the effectiveness of using motor imagery training in the rehabilitation of hemiparesis. Design: A before-after trial with clinical and behavioral analyses of single cases. Setting: Academic-affiliated rehabilitation hospital. Participants: Two survivors of embolic middle cerebral artery stroke that resulted in chronic hemiparesis. Intervention: A motor imagery training program consisting of imagined wrist movements (extension, pronation-supination) and mental simulations of reaching and object manipulation making use of a mirror box apparatus. Twelve 1-hour experimental sessions were delivered, 3 times a week for 4 consecutive weeks. Main Outcome Measures: Two clinical assessments, grip strength, 4 wrist functionality measurements, and 3 timed performance tests. All outcome measures were recorded before training began, at 3 times during the intervention month, with 2 additional long-term measurements. Results: Performance of the paretic limb improved after the imagery intervention, indicated by increases in assessment scores and functionality and decreases in movement times. The improvements over baseline performance remained stable over a 3-month period. Conclusions: These results demonstrate the potential for using motor imagery as a cognitive strategy for functional recovery from hemiparesis. The intervention targets the cognitive level of action processing while its effects may be realized in overt behavioral performance.
Predicting stress-induced velocity anisotropy in rocks

A simple transformation, using measured isotropic V P and V S versus hydrostatic pressure, is presented for predicting stress-induced seismic velocity anisotropy in rocks. The compliant, crack-like portions of the pore space are characterized by generalized compressional and shear compliances that are estimated from the isotropic V P and V S . The physical assumption that the compliant porosity is crack-like means that the pressure dependence of the generalized compliances is governed primarily by normal tractions resolved across cracks and defects. This allows the measured pressure dependence to be mapped from the hydrostatic stress state to any applied nonhydrostatic stress. Predicted P- and S-wave velocities agree reasonably well with uniaxial stress data for Barre Granite and Massillon Sandstone. While it is mechanically similar to methods based on idealized ellipsoidal cracks, the approach is relatively independent of any assumed crack geometry and is not limited to small crack densities.
A probabilistic framework for memory-based reasoning

Abstract In this paper, we propose a probabilistic framework for memory-based reasoning (MBR). The framework allows us to clarify the technical merits and limitations of several recently published MBR methods and to design new variants. The proposed computational framework consists of three components: a specification language to define an adaptive notion of relevant context for a query; mechanisms for retrieving this context; and local learning procedures that are used to induce the desired action from this context. We primarily focus on actions in the form of a classification. Based on the framework we derive several analytical and empirical results that shed light on MBR algorithms. We introduce the notion of an MBR transform, and discuss its utility for learning algorithms. We also provide several perspectives on memory-based reasoning from a multi-disciplinary point of view.
Electrical conduction in select polymers under shock loading

It is known that polymers become conductive under shock loading, which can be critical to the operation of explosive driven high current/voltage devices. Hence, the propensity of several select polymers to conduct under shock loading was investigated. Four polymers, Nylon, Teflon, Polypropylene, and High Density Polyethylene, were tested under shock pressures up to ∼22 GPa. Shock waves were generated with high explosives, and CTH, a hydrodynamic code developed at Sandia National Laboratories, was utilized to calculate pressure and temporal resolution of the shock waves.
The Influence of Cognitive Conflict on Religious Thinking in Fifth and Sixth Grade Children

This study assessed the impact of an experimental cognitive conflict religious education curriculum on fifth and sixth grade children in Sunday School classes of four Oregon United Methodist Churches. Following deductions from the neo-Piagetian model, the research question became one of determining whether or not the systematic inducement of cognitive conflict into an educational program could accelerate concreteto-abstract movement in childrens' religious thinking. Criterion measures were provided by scores on the two summed scales (Religious Thinking Total Concrete and Religious Thinking Total Abstract) on Peatling's Thinking About the Bible instrument. Analysis of covariance, applied separately to the two scales, revealed a significant interaction effect of program by grade for both scales. Further analysis with t-tests was undertaken to assess the degree of significance between experimental and control group fifth and sixth graders. For fifth graders, no significant differences were revealed on either...
Ultrasound imaging in research and clinical medicine

The use of ultrasound imaging in clinical obstetrics continues to grow at an almost exponential rate. Ultrasound imaging in developmental biology has only begun to be used to enhance the traditional methodologies to study the developing embryo/fetus. The various modalities of ultrasound imaging are reviewed as they apply to current uses in clinical obstetrics and developmental biologic research. New modalities are also discussed in both clinical obstetrics and developmental biologic research as well as the current limitations of ultrasound imaging faced in both of these fields.
Recent Progress at SLAC Extracting High Charge from Highly-Polarized Photocathodes for Future-Collider Applications

Abstract Future colliders such as NLC and JLC will require a highly polarized macropulse with charge that is more than an order of magnitude beyond that which could be produced for the SLC. The maximum charge from the SLC uniformly doped GaAs photocathode was limited by the surface charge limit (SCL). The SCL effect can be overcome by using an extremely high ( ⩾ 10 19 cm - 3 ) surface dopant concentration. When combined with a medium dopant concentration in the majority of the active layer (to avoid depolarization), the surface concentration has been found to degrade during normal heat cleaning (1 h at 600 ∘ C ). The Be dopant as typically used in an MBE-grown superlattice cathode is especially susceptible to this effect compared to Zn or C dopant. Some relief can be found by lowering the cleaning temperature, but the long-term general solution appears to be atomic hydrogen cleaning.
Internet Use and Democratic Demands: A Multinational, Multilevel Model of Internet Use and Citizen Attitudes About Democracy

The success of a democracy depends, in part, on public demand for democratic institutions. How does Internet use shape citizens’ preferences for regime type? Combining individual public opinion data from Africa and Asia with country-level indices, we test a multilevel model examining the relationship between Internet penetration, individual Internet use, and citizen demand for democracy across 28 countries. We find that Internet use, but not national Internet penetration, is associated with greater citizen commitment to democratic governance. Furthermore, greater democratization and Internet penetration moderates the relationship between Internet use and demand for democracy.
Large T antigens of many polyomaviruses are able to form complexes with the retinoblastoma protein

Stable protein complexes between the large T antigens of mouse, monkey, baboon, or human polyomaviruses and the retinoblastoma protein were detected by an in vitro coimmunoprecipitation assay. All of the large T antigens tested were able to bind to both human and mouse retinoblastoma polypeptides, showing that these interactions have been conserved during evolution.
Considering Culture in Physician— Patient Communication During Colorectal Cancer Screening

Racial and ethnic disparities exist in both incidence and stage detection of colorectal cancer (CRC). We hypothesized that cultural practices (i.e., communication norms and expectations) influence patients' and their physicians' understanding and talk about CRC screening. We examined 44 videotaped observations of clinic visits that included a CRC screening recommendation and transcripts from semistructured interviews that doctors and patients separately completed following the visit. We found that interpersonal relationship themes such as power distance, trust, directness/ indirectness, and an ability to listen, as well as personal health beliefs, emerged as affecting patients' definitions of provider—patient effective communication. In addition, we found that in discordant physician—patient interactions (when each is from a different ethnic group), physicians did not solicit or address cultural barriers to CRC screening and patients did not volunteer culture-related concerns regarding CRC screening.
Development of blobs in the visual cortex of macaques.

We have examined the area of the primary visual cortex and the number and size of blobs within it in 10 neonatal and 11 adult rhesus monkeys. The average area of the primary visual cortex (V1) increases from 919 mm2 in newborns to 1,069 mm2 in adult animals (16%). The number of blobs decreases per unit area from an average of 5.2/mm2 at birth to 4.3/mm2 in maturity (18%). As a consequence, the number of blobs remains approximately the same during maturation, at about 4,800/hemisphere. These observations correct a preliminary report on a subset of the animals studied here (Purves and LaMantia: Proc Natl Acad Sci 87:5765, '90), in which it appeared that blob number might increase between birth and maturity. As in other regions of the developing postnatal brain, we found no net loss of modular circuitry. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Infectious Diseases of Fishes in the Salish Sea

ABSTRACT As in marine regions throughout other areas of the world, fishes in the Salish Sea serve as hosts for many pathogens, including nematodes, trematodes, protozoans, protists, bacteria, viruses, and crustaceans. Here, we review some of the better-documented infectious diseases that likely contribute to significant losses among free-ranging fishes in the Salish Sea and discuss the environmental and ecological factors that may affect the population-level impacts of disease. Demonstration of these diseases and their impacts to critical and endangered resources provides justification to expand pathogen surveillance efforts and to incorporate disease forecasting and mitigation tools into ecosystem restoration efforts.